Latest news with #Tinea
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Monsoon and skin health: Understanding fungal and bacterial infections
While Monsoon season brings relief from sultry days but it also brings new set of challenges for our skin. This humid period fosters the growth of microbes. During Monsoon, several microbes such as fungi and bacteria multiply rapidly due to the humidity and dampness in the air. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This often leads to rise in skin infections which is reflected in the increased dermatology outpatient visits in hospitals and clinics across the country. Risk groups Anyone, irrespective of age, can be victims of fungal and bacterial infections during the wet season. However, individual with diabetes, obesity, and weakened immunity are among the high-risk groups. Those who have hyperhidrosis (Sweating Excessively) are also vulnerable. Another high-risk group include athletes and gym-goers and they are prone to skin infections due to shared equipment and shared locker rooms. Similarly, individuals wearing tight synthetic clothing or closed footwear could also get infected. Those with thinner and sensitive skin such as children and elderly can also be considered among high-risk groups and should take extra care. Why does monsoon make our skin vulnerable? Infections are primarily due to deadly combination of humidity and heat which is ideal condition for microbial growth. In the body, there are several vulnerable parts where sweat and moisture tends to accumulate such as areas where the skin folds (underarms, groin or beneath breasts). Wearing damp clothes particularly those made with nylon and polyester traps moisture and makes the skin susceptible to such infections. Types of fungal and bacterial infections During Monsoon, we find Tinea infections on the rise and they are highly contagious and worsened by sweat. These infections mainly include ringworm, jock itch (affects groin), athlete's foot (affects feet). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In body folds, Candidiasis is a frequent fungal infection and this is also known as yeast infections. Another painful infection is fungal folliculitis, it is itchy, inflamed hair follicles. Prolonged dampness causes Onychomycosis also known as fungal nail infections. How to effectively ward off fungal infections during the monsoon season It is not only fungal but bacterial skin infections are equally concerning for skin health. In children, Impetigo, known as superficial skin infection is very common during these months. People with underlying health conditions are always vulnerable. During Monsoon season, Erythrasma – chronic bacterial infection mimicking fungal rash is often seen in diabetics. Folliculitis and boils (furuncles) and Cellulitis – deeper skin infection are other two bacterial infections. Warning signs There are number of warning signs and people need to go for specialist consultation if they notice or observe symptoms which include continuous itching, redness, scaling, or burning sensation. The appearance of circular rings, blisters, or oozing lesions should not be ignored especially if there is foul-smelling discharge from affected areas, and worsening symptoms despite home care. Prevention is the key It is widely admitted and advised that prevention is the key. First of all, people should prioritize personal hygiene. Keeping skin dry, opting breathable cotton and linen fabric, use of antifungal powders or creams in susceptible areas, bathe with mild antiseptic soaps are very basic preventive measures. If someone suffers or affected with any of fungal and bacterial infections, it is advisable not to go for self-medication, consulting a dermatologist for timely medical intervention is advisable. We must remember that these skin infections are treatable with topical antifungal creams and often oral medicines are required only for severe cases. Bacterial infections also respond well to antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics. Regular follow-up with a dermatologist ensures proper healing and prevents recurrence.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Teen trouble: How to protect school-going kids from monsoon skin rashes
The monsoon brings welcome relief from scorching summers, but for school-going children, it also invites an unwelcome guest: skin rashes. As a dermatologist, I often see a seasonal spike in cases of fungal infections, prickly heat, and contact dermatitis among teenagers, largely due to prolonged hours in damp school uniforms, synthetic socks, and sweat-trapped footwear. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Children are particularly vulnerable during this season because their skin is still developing, and their activity levels are high. The combination of humidity, friction, and poor ventilation (especially in shoes and uniforms) creates the perfect breeding ground for fungal infections like Tinea corporis (ringworm) and Tinea pedis (athlete's foot). According to a 2023 IADVL (Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists) surveillance report, fungal infections among schoolchildren rise by nearly 30% during monsoon months in urban India. Another commonly overlooked condition is miliaria or prickly heat, caused by blocked sweat ducts, especially in children wearing tight polyester-based uniforms. It presents as itchy, red papules on the back, neck, or underarms and can worsen if not managed early. To prevent these rashes, ensure your child wears loose, breathable cotton clothing. Switch to open sandals or canvas shoes on non-rainy days. Encourage children to change out of damp clothes as soon as they return home. Using an antifungal dusting powder in high-sweat areas like the groin, armpits, and feet can also help reduce friction and moisture. As a rule, avoid over-the-counter steroid creams, they may worsen the condition. If your child develops a persistent rash, consult a dermatologist early to prevent spread or secondary bacterial infection. Monsoon may be magical, but with a little skincare awareness, we can keep the season from becoming a dermatological nightmare for our kids. Inputs by Dr. Vichitra Sharma, Consultant Dermatologist, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad
The Independent
09-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The gym can be full of germs – here's how to protect yourself
Exercise is good for you – but the gym might not be. Dumbbells, barbells and every machine in between can act as reservoirs for a wide variety of transmissible bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens – such as impegito, flu and athlete's foot. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to lower your risk of encountering these germs during your next workout. By far, the most germ-rich areas in any gym are places that are warm and wet – such as saunas, showers, swimming pools or hot tubs. But many other parts of the gym are also riddled with germs – including on the equipment you might use every time you go. Basically anywhere there's sweat, there are probably germs. Sweat is a complex mixture of various substances – including vitamins, mineral salts, lactic acid, amino acids and lipids. This makes it an excellent nutrient source for bacteria and fungi – even after it dries. This means any sweat that drips off of you (or other gymgoers) can be used by bacteria and germs to help them grow. Disease-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses have been found everywhere – from gym floors and door handles, weights and barbells, cardio machines, bicycle and treadmill handlebars, benches, chairs and exercise mats. The most common disease-causing bacteria found in gym germ profiling studies were those that cause skin infections – such as Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria which can cause MRSA. Stomach infections are also a risk, as pathogens such as Salmonella (which cause sickness, diarrhoea and vomiting) have been found on gym equipment. Germs can also be spread when we cough or breathe – and we tend to breathe a lot more heavily than normal while working out. This means any viruses living in our saliva and respiratory tract can be expelled into the air and onto the surfaces around us. Research shows that a range of common viral infections, including rhinovirus (the common cold), influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, can all persist in the air of an enclosed gym for hours. They can also remain on hard surfaces for up to several days. The clothes you wear to the gym may also increase your risk of getting sick. Many of us workout with our skin uncovered so we don't overheat. But this leaves us at risk of picking up a range of different skin infections after visiting the gym. Some of the most common infections include Tinea fungal infections (such as ringworm and athlete's foot), Human papillomavirus (which causes Plantar warts), as well as impetigo and other skin rashes caused by Staphylococcus. These infections might be contracted from the locker room, shower or hot tub. While the gym may be full of germs, thankfully there are a lot you can do to protect yourself from infections. Ideally, all exercise equipment should be sanitised frequently. Although gym managers are supposed to clean exercise equipment on a regular basis, this equipment should ideally be sanitised after every user as germs can persist in an infectable state on plastic, steel and other polymer hard surfaces for hours to weeks – and even months. It's a good idea to use an antiseptic wipe to disinfect the surface of any equipment you're going to use before and after your touch it. This will protect other users as well. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after visiting the gym is a must as hands are a vector for acquiring germs. If this isn't possible, you can use a hand sanitiser containing at least 70% alcohol before and during your work out and after leaving the gym. Bacteria thrive on damp towels and locker room and shower floors, so never share towels, combs or razors. Never walk barefoot in a gym either to avoid the germs living on gym or shower room floors. To protect yourself against airborne viruses that might be found in the gym, get vaccinated and wash your hands before and after your work out. It would also help to wear a face mask and distance yourself from other gym users where possible. For preventing skin infections, always cover any cuts or scratches with a dressing. Also, showering after your workout and putting on clean clothes is both refreshing and an effective way of removing any skin germs picked up during exercising. Finally, don't forget to think about the hygiene of your gym kit bag, as it holds all our germ-heavy towels and exercise clothes. To reduce germ build up and smells, it will need to be sanitised every use or two.
