Common Skin Infections To Watch Out For In Monsoons: Dermat Breaks It Down

Similar to how the rainy season helps to cool off the sticky heat of summer, it is also the perfect situation for skin problems to arise. The constant humidity, moisture, and sweat create the ideal environment for fungi, bacteria, and viruses to multiply.

While the rain showers can be soothing, they can also create the perfect breeding grounds for skin infections if we are not careful. Most individuals see the early signs of skin problems, such as an itch or irritation and overlook them as minor annoyances, which can worsen the skin condition if left untreated.

Monsoon skin care guide

One of the most common skin problems during this time is fungal infections. Fungi have the opportunity to moisturize and grow quickly in hot temperatures and moist conditions, especially in areas of perpetual moisture, like folds of skin, groin, armpits, and feet, etc. Symptoms often start with itching, redness, and rash.

Ringworm, athlete's foot, and candidiasis infections are often at their peak during this time of year. Simple habits like drying the skin, changing out wet clothes quickly, and wearing lighter weight fabric may be all that's necessary to avoid a fungal infection.

Another issue is bacterial infections. Continued moistness interferes with the skin's natural protective layer and will allow the bacterial agents to penetrate more easily. Bacterial infections can involve abscesses, folliculitis (hair follicle infection) and impetigo, which commonly looks like red spots or crusty skin.

Children are especially prone as they are more likely to be in standing water or mud. Maintaining good hygiene and avoiding dirty water is the best action of prevention. 

There is also a greater incidence of viral skin infections in the monsoon season. Examples of viral infections are warts and molluscum contagiosum (the pox virus). They spread very easily in wet environments, and by direct contact. People who share towels, clothes and/or shoes are more likely to have these infections.

We can help ourselves from contracting these opportunistic infections by avoiding sharing during this season, and keeping the skin clean and dry.

Fungal nail infection is another frequent complaint during the rains that goes undetected until it hurts. Discoloration, brittleness, and thickening of nails are possible.

Walking in wet footwear or having feet moist for extended periods aggravates it. Keeping feet clean and dry, frequent changes of socks, and having shoes air out are essential preventive measures.

Even a simple thing like prickly heat or sweat rash occurs more often in this climate. Sweating all the time clogs the sweat ducts and results in small red bumps and itching.

Although it doesn't sound critical, scratching can result in secondary infection. Wearing light cotton clothing and avoiding greasy creams can keep the skin comfortable.

Timely treatment for skin issues can prevent complications. Most infections stemming from the monsoon season are easily treatable if recognized early enough. The main point is not to consider the persistent itching, redness or rashes as no big deal.

A little awareness along with the basics of hygiene practices such as bathing regularly, thorough drying and wearing airy and patdry clothes can keep your skin healthy during monsoon.

The monsoon, which is lovely weather, should not be enjoyed at the expense of the health of your skin - so look after it so that monsoon is enjoyable and invigorating, not irritating!

By Dr Shweta Nakhawa, Consultant Dermatologist, KIMS Hospitals, Thane | Views expressed bythe author are their own.