Summer is a great time to be outside and enjoy the weather. Although, the rise in temperature along with humid conditions has led to a surge in the number of patients with fungal infections. Fungal infections, ringworm athlete's foot, toenail fungus, yeast infections, and rashes in the genital area can be a growing matter of concern.
Dermatophyte Infections are common occurrences. These contagious fungal infections occur on the feet, or anywhere else on the body where sweat can easily accumulate, like the under your armpits or breasts (tinea corporis). Dermatophyte infections are also seen on fingernails and toenails. These infections led to excessive itching, redness, and swelling in the affected areas.
There is a spike in fungal infections that increase during the summer due to hot, humid weather conditions and excessive sweating. Due to the lack of personal hygiene, the number keeps on going up every year. Skin dryness and prickly heat rashes are also seen more.
To protect oneself from this, wearing loose cotton clothes and staying in relatively cooler rooms in the house is recommended. Use of air conditioning, avoiding stepping out of the house during the afternoon, and applying sunscreen 20 minutes before stepping out of the house, is suggested by experts. Doctors say that sensitive screens can develop skin burns if sunscreen is not applied or proper precautions are not taken.
“We are seeing increased cases of dehydration and heatstroke cases. Ensure your child remains well hydrated with the frequent offering of water to him or her. Also, give juicy fruits like watermelon. Ensure the child is passing adequate urine which indicates good hydration status of the child. We are also seeing a spike in cases of Gastroenteritis. Ensure you give clean water to the child to drink. Avoid water from open taps or unhygienic sources.” said Dr Tushar Parikh, Chief Neonatologist and Paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital, Pune.
“Fungal skin infections can be seen anywhere on your body. A commonly seen Tinea versicolor is a condition causing lighter or darker patches of skin. It's caused by a fungus on the skin that grows out of control. Vaginal Yeast Infection happens due to the fungus Candida albicans causes inflammation irritation around the vagina,” said Dr Pradeep Alate, Paediatrician, Apollo Spectra Pune.
“Use medication, creams or lotions suggested by the doctor, and avoid steroid-containing creams. Complete the treatment course given by the doctor, daily wash clothes and undergarments, maintain good personal hygiene, and use antifungal soap and powder after consulting the doctor. Wash hands to prevent spreading the infection from one area of the body to another. Don’t share towels or clothing as they can spread the fungus. Avoid athlete’s foot by changing the socks every day,” highlighted Dr. Parikh.
“Avoid wearing tight clothes, jeans and shoes, keep nails short, don’t wear sweaty clothes for a longer time, keep yourself dry, wear loose cotton clothes. Try to stay clean and dry during summer. Do not use scented or chemical products on the infected area as they can cause irritation and rashes. Also, avoiding processed foods to prevent fungal infections is very beneficial in terms of health. Besides high sugar levels trigger infections and slow down the healing process. Include garlic in the diet by adding it to the soup or curry as it is anti-fungal in nature. Keeping the skin dry is important, particularly in areas like groin armpits and neck. steroid overuse was the main reason for the increase in the number of mucormycotic patients in the corona period,” concluded Dr. Alate.
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