Common Derma Problems In Monsoon You Should Be Worry About
Every season has two facets like every coin has two sides. Monsoon season brings respite from the blistering heat of the preceding season but it also opens its own Pandora’s Box of diseases- some serious and some near-fatal. High humidity coupled with heat leads to a horde of skin infections which can be irritating and troublesome in the long run if not addressed and nipped in the bud. Although none of these dermatological problems are fatal, they can become aggravated and cause you a bit of concern. These are:
1. Eczema
(Affected Group: Infants, Children & Adults)
Eczema is a type of skin inflammation affecting mostly children. Also referred to as dermatitis, it can cause rashes, skin itchiness and dryness on body parts such as behind the knees, inside the elbows, on the feet and hands. Although eczema is not contagious, it can become serious, if the inflamed body parts are repeatedly scratched. This will cause the skin to become red and further aggravate itchiness. Environmental, as well as genetic factors, can cause eczema. Eczema if neglected can develop asthma and hay fever in the affected individual. Eczema is also referred to as atopic dermatitis.
Treatment:
There is no cure for eczema so treatment involves targeting the affected regions to heal the skin and prevent aggravation of symptoms.
- Home remedies: Take lukewarm baths, wear cotton clothes, use a mild soap or cleanser for washing, use medicated creams and soaps, don’t overheat your body (avoid high humidity), pat dry your skin after your bath/shower, abstain from scratching and keep fingernails short
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications such as topical ointments and cream, antihistamines, antibiotics (if there is a bacterial infection), topical calcineurin inhibitors (decreases inflammation, prevents flares) and phototherapy (exposure to UVA/UVB rays)
2. Scabies
(Affected Groups: Infants, Children, Adults & Pets)
Scabies is a skin rash caused by the infestation of the burrowing mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The bugs make small tunnels under the skin which can be identified by small bumps and extremely severe itching, so severe that it can interfere with your sleep at night. Scabies is highly contagious and if one family member develops it, physical contact is not advised. Even sharing bed sheets, clothes and other kinds of garments should be strictly prohibited. Some symptoms of scabies include rash, bumps and intense itching. Pets can get scabies as well.
Treatment:
Your dermatologist will recommend an ointment called permethrin to treat the scabies mites. This cream is applied to the skin before going to bed and left for eight to fourteen hours and then washed off in the morning. Ivermectin, an antiparasitic pill, is another medication prescribed to patients. Antihistamines (involving topical medications and those taken by mouth) can also be suggested.
3. Dermatitis
(Affected Groups: Children and Adults)
Dermatitis is not a contagious skin condition and is a common term used for skin inflammation. Dermatitis can be of various types such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and nummular dermatitis, dermatitis neglecta and neurodermatitis. The general symptoms of dermatitis are itchiness, dry cracked skin, rashes, swelling, blisters, skin discolouration and a burning sensation. Aside from environmental factors, dermatitis can also be triggered by irritants, hormonal changes and stress.
Treatment:
The treatment for dermatitis whether home remedies or prescription drugs will be similar to that advised for eczema. The only other factor you need to keep in mind for recovering from dermatitis is to keep your stress levels low since stress is also a major factor in the development of dermatitis.
Apart from the three conditions which require urgent dermatological consultation, other conditions which are also troubling and will require treatment are fungal Infections, acne and allergies
Conclusion:
If you are facing any kind of skin issues this season, book a consultation with one of the top dermatologists in the country today on Medibuddy and get a quick and effective remedy for your condition.
Sources:
www.gigadocs.com/blog/skin-allergy-and-itchy-skin-this-rainy-season
www.lybrate.com/topic/common-skin-problems-during-the-monsoon
www.indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/
www.apolloclinic.com/blog/276-2/
www.medlineplus.gov/eczema.html
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14417#treatments
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4567-scabies
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4567-scabies