Rains may spike fungal infections, warn dermatologists
"Due to incessant rains, the humidity levels increase, creating a perfect environment for fungal infections to flourish," said Dr Shraddha Mahalle Ingole, former general secretary of the Vidarbha Dermatology Society and now Central India Coordinator of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL).
"Wearing wet, half-dried clothes, socks, and undergarments is one of the biggest reasons for the surge in fungal and bacterial infections during rains," she added, advising people to ensure clothes are completely dry before use and to maintain good personal hygiene.
Skin doctors further cautioned about bacterial infections that also become more common during the rains. "We see more cases of skin rashes, boils, folliculitis, and infected cuts and wounds because bacteria thrive in moist conditions," said Dr Bushra Khan.
Commenting on aesthetic trends, Dr Mahalle noted, "There's a fair demand for anti-ageing drips in Nagpur. Even in a tier-2 city like ours, many people are opting for these treatments." However, she warned, "Anti-ageing drips should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified dermatologist and not from any cosmetologist or beautician."
Dr Priyanka Magia, secretary of VDA, highlighted that vitamin deficiencies are common in the region.
"The most common deficiency in people of Nagpur is Vitamin B12, but direct drips are not the ultimate solution for skin anti-ageing," she said.
"One can improve diet, correct Vitamin B12 deficiency, and boost glutathione antioxidants to achieve fresh, healthy skin."
Dermatologists to conduct 800 free camps on July 13
In an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records, over 800 free skin disease screening and treatment camps will be conducted across India on July 13 by members of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL).
Dr Shraddha Mahalle Ingole, Central India Coordinator of IADVL, informed that Nagpur alone will host at least 12 such camps. "I will be in Melghat to conduct two free camps on Sunday," she said.
As part of IADVL's Community Dermatology initiative, camps in Nagpur will be held at Ramna Maroti Mandir (Dr Priyanka Magia), HB Town Pardi Naka (Dr Gaurav Khandait), Jafar Nagar Ring Road (Dr Saba Pathan), Taj Nagar Mankapur, and Raza Town Kamptee Road (Dr Bushra Khan).
Teams from IGGMCH, Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, and Shalinitai Meghe Medical College will also host camps at their institutions and surrounding areas.
A total of 75 camps are planned in Maharashtra. The camps will run from 10 am to 2 pm, allowing walk-in entries. Consultations and medical advice will be offered free of charge, and in many places, medicines may be provided free to needy patients, depending on availability.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
5 effective tips for Indian women to reduce hair fall immediately
Hair fall is quickly becoming a major concern among Indian women that is made worse by pollution, hard water, stress, hormonal imbalances and heat-styling. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Stuti Khare Shukla, MD Dermatologist, Founder of Elements of Aesthetics and Founder of FDA-approved hair growth booster, shared, 'Latter hair shedding is abnormal and it generally requires urgent attention if it is sudden or excessive (50 – 100 daily). Having worked as a dermatologist and helped thousands to fight against hair loss, I am a believer in early intervention with either natural or science based means and can be effective.' A top dermatologist shares the secret to stopping hair loss in Indian women before it is too late.(Image by Freepik) Here's what she suggests you do: 1. Switch to sulphate-free and paraben-free shampoos Use organic products: Opt for sulphate and paraben free products on your hair. Many shampoos in the market contain sodium lauryl sulphate which can make the hair very dry. Be very gentle while massaging the scalp while shampooing since your hair is the weakest when wet.(Unsplash) There are plenty of commercial shampoos that contain harsh chemicals such as sulphates (SLS) and parabens that remove natural oils from your scalp, giving the hair a dry and brittle feel. Select soothing dermatologically tested shampoos that clean but do not strip your scalp barrier. Search for recipes that contain ingredients such as biotin, keratin, or caffeine that help in strengthening and volumising hairs. 2. Nourish from within: Focus on nutrition Nutritional guide for healthy hair: Foods to boost growth and prevent shedding. (Freepik) Lack of essential nutrients is perhaps the most under looked hair fall cause. Indian women including vegetarians may have deficiencies of Vitamin B12, iron and protein. Introduce leafy greens, dairy, lentils, eggs and nuts to your diet in your meals. You can also think about the supplements under doctor's guidance to even out deficiencies and promote hair regrowth. Do blood tests like thyroid profile, vitamin B12, prolactin, dihydrotestosterone, and iron profile on a regular basis. If you experience delayed periods, make sure to get checked for PCOS. Also, include good supplements in your diet, such as a combination of hair nutraceuticals, multivitamins and IRID supplements. 3. Avoid heat styling and restrain harsh hair treatments Frequent heat styling and tight hairstyles can weaken the hair shaft and damage follicles, leading to breakage and traction alopecia. Use heat protectants, loosen your hairstyles, and give your scalp breaks. (Freepik) Hair strands can be seriously destroyed by constant bouts of employing straighteners, curling irons and blow dryers. Likewise, a chemical treatment such as rebonding and colouring weakens the hair shaft. Give your hair consistent time off from styling habits and ensure the use of a heat product when it is necessary. Go natural with your hairs and avoid tight hairstyles that pull on the roots. 4. Manage stress and prioritise sleep A regular sleep pattern contributes to the formation of melatonin required for hair growth. We should fix our sleep pattern and get good 7-8 hours of sleep every day.(Unsplash) With high pressure, the body releases Cortisol, a hormone that causes disruption in the hair growth cycle. Simple things such as deep breathing, yoga, journaling, or moving around with a brisk walk can go a long way in taking care of your mental state and indeed your hair health. Enough sleep (7 to 8 hours) is equally necessary for the scalp and hormonal balance. 5. Stay hydrated for healthy hair roots Drinking enough water can help you detoxify, boost digestion, improve the quality of your skin and hair and help you feel well-balanced. (Shutterstock) Even though many do not appreciate the role of hydration in preventing hair fall, water facilitates circulations of nutrients to the hair follicles. When the body is dehydrated, it factors out other organs and holds water for the vital organs, leaving very little hydration for the scalp. At least 8 – 10 glasses of water consumed each day is helpful for healthy roots of the hair. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
Dermatologists urge regulations against unauthorised aesthetic and hair transplant procedures
The Karnataka branch of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL KN) on Thursday appealed to Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil to introduce urgent regulations curbing the unauthorised conduct of aesthetic dermatology and hair transplant procedures. The association raised concerns over a 2022 public notice issued by the Dental Council of India (DCI), which is allegedly being misinterpreted by some dental professionals — including BDS graduates and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMFS) — as permission to perform invasive skin-related treatments. These include Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, hair transplantation, Botulinum toxin and filler injections, among others, despite their lack of formal training in dermatology or surgery. This practice contradicts the National Medical Commission (NMC) circular dated September 20, 2022, which clearly states that only Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) with structured postgraduate qualifications in dermatology or plastic surgery are authorised to carry out such procedures, said Girish M.S., Senior Specialist and Head of the Department of Dermatology at ESIC Medical College and Model Hospital in Rajajinagar, who was part of the delegation. As a result, a surge in unregulated 'Dental, Skin and Hair' clinics has been observed across Karnataka, with over 1,000 unqualified individuals reportedly operating illegally, he said. Cautioning that such mushrooming of unregulated clinics poses serious risks to patient safety, the association members cited at least five deaths and numerous cases of disfigurement and psychological trauma nationwide. They called for immediate government intervention and public clarification to prevent further misuse and ensure patient safety in the domain of aesthetic medicine.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
42-year-old had severe vitamin B12, Vitamin D deficiency despite diabetes medication: What caused it?
A 42-year-old man, with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, came to us complaining of persistent fatigue, tingling in his hands and feet and trouble walking. This meant that his blood sugar had begun to damage his nerves. Predictably his HbA1c count (average blood sugar of three months) was 9.2 per cent (poorly controlled diabetes). But what surprised me was his vitamin counts: Vitamin B12: 123 pg/mL (severely deficient), Vitamin D3: 8 ng/mL (deficient) and magnesium: 1.5 mg/dL (low). So what was he doing wrong? The man had been taking Metformin for years without B12 supplementation. His diet lacked dairy and fruits due to misconceptions about managing blood sugar. After starting vitamin B12 injections and vitamin D supplementation, along with improved diets and diabetes control, his symptoms of neuropathy significantly improved over four months. This case underlines the importance of looking beyond just blood sugar numbers as vitamin deficiencies can mimic or aggravate diabetic complications. Beyond its direct effects on glucose metabolism, diabetes can also interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to several micronutrient deficiencies. Over time, these deficiencies can worsen diabetic complications such as neuropathy, poor wound healing and cardiovascular issues. Why do people with diabetes develop vitamin deficiencies? This is because of increased urinary losses. High blood sugar levels lead to a condition called osmotic diuresis, where the kidneys excrete more water and, along with it, water-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B12, and Vitamin C. This effect is more pronounced in poorly controlled diabetes. Diabetes can cause gastroparesis, or delayed stomach emptying, which affects digestion and absorption of nutrients. Long-term use of Metformin, a common diabetes medication, is also known to interfere with Vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines. Chronic low-grade inflammation in diabetic patients increases the body's need for antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E and selenium. However, these nutrients are often depleted faster than they can be replenished. Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with obesity and fatty liver, both of which impair fat metabolism. This affects the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Dietary restrictions or poor diet People with diabetes often limit their food choices, sometimes avoiding fruits or certain carbohydrates due to fear of sugar spikes. This can unintentionally lead to insufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Most common deficiencies Vitamin D deficiency is common as it is linked with insulin resistance and immune dysfunction. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common, especially those on Metformin, and can cause fatigue, memory loss, and worsening neuropathy. Thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency can lead to worsening diabetic neuropathy and cardiac issues. Magnesium is an important co-factor for insulin signalling. But this is often lost through urine in diabetics. What can patients and caregivers do? Do not miss your routine screening, especially for B12 and Vitamin D in long-term diabetes patients or those on Metformin. Include nutrient-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, low-sugar fruits, dairy, nuts, and seeds. Under the supervision of a healthcare provider, appropriate supplementation can prevent long-term complications. Also, periodic assessment of the side effects of diabetic medications is essential. Diabetes management is not just about sugar — it's about complete nutritional care. (Dr Chaturvedi is senior endocrinologist, Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi)
