There’s nothing like the first shower of monsoon to bring things to life. Everybody loves to get drenched and soaked in the drizzle that has been awaited for long. However, with the onset of monsoon comes numerous diseases which prevents you from being at the best of your health. Fungal infection (Tinea) tops the list of diseases in monsoon.
Humidity in air and excessive sweating tends to favor fungus to grow and multiply at a rapid rate. Fungus needs moisture and warmth, and monsoon provides it a conducive atmosphere to thrive and multiply.
As per the statistics from The Fungal Research Trust, fungal infection of the skin, hair or nails affect approximately 25% of the world’s population. It can affect people of any age group – from infants (nappy rash) to adults; males and females equally affected.
Fungal infection tends to affect folds of the skin, moist areas like groins, armpits, mouth, genitals, under the breasts, webs between fingers and toes, etc. Our skin protects us from fungal/yeast attack, but any cut or break in the continuity of the skin can allow penetration of fungus. It gives rise to rash, eruptions, redness, burning, intolerable itching and abnormal discharges at times. Fungal infection tends to last for many years if not treated well.
Homeopathy is effective for chronic fungal infections. However, as the disease gets older, it tends to get more resistant to any form of treatment. Also, once you use anti-fungal cream for many months or years, this infection becomes more resistant and difficult to treat.
Types of fungal infection :
- Tinea Cruris / Ringworm
- Tinea Alba (Pityriasis Alba)
- Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor)
- Pityriiasis Rosea
- Fungal Infection of Nails (Onychomycosis)
- Candidiasis
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Some Useful Tips For You This Monsoon :
- Hygiene is important to keep fungal infection at bay. Take bath twice and change your inner garments too. Keep your private area clean and dry.
- Fungal infection is contagious, one should avoid sharing towels, handkerchief, and inner garments with anybody. Rinse your new clothes before trying them on.
- Keep a spare set of clothes handy just in case you unexpectedly get wet while reaching office or anywhere else.
- Use pure cotton clothes as cotton tends to absorb moisture, keeping you body dry. Synthetic fibers tend to cause fungal infection.
- Wear loose fitting clothes so that air circulation is proper in groin areas and axillae.
- Never keep your skin wet for too long. Take bath with lukewarm water and apply plain talcum powder especially in folds of the skin.
- Avoid sugar rich food and drinks, artificial sweets, etc. Fungus/yeast thrives on sugar.
- If you are diabetic, keep an eye on your blood sugar levels regularly.
- Keep yourself hydrated. Drink 10-12 glasses of water a day.
- Avoid excess of fried food, oily and junk food, as it increases oil secretion making your skin more prone to infections and bacterial growth.
- Dry your clothes well under sun as much as possible.
- Avoid artificial jewelry if your skin is sensitive. Let your skin breathe.
- Avoid going to public pools or water parks in this season.
Fungus is all around us; but if we take these necessary precautions and keep our immunity levels strong, there is no chance fungus can grow on us. Enjoy the season to the fullest.
Wish you happy, healthy and glowing skin this monsoon!
For more details about Fungal Infection, You can give us a call at +91-22-66888888 or drop in an email at info@lifeforce.in or contact us here.
(Blog written by Dr Amrita Utekar)
