Quick Guide to Monsoon Allergies and How to Prevent Those

Monsoon in India begins late June or in July and following summer it is a season everyone eagerly waits for. Unfortunately, monsoon also brings along a lot of health problems in the form of allergies, skin eruptions, etc.

The rainy season is ridden by dampness and excessive humidity, which increases allergens and the skin infections that they bring with them. Monsoon allergies can be prevented and in this article we will look at the most common allergies and ways to control their spread.

1. Acne

The humid and damp conditions during monsoon makes it an ideal breeding environment for fungi and bacteria. Your facial skin is most exposed and can easily get affected. Even though the allergy is not life-threatening, it can become very severe if left untreated for a long time. Some other fungal infections are eczema, athlete’s foot and nail infections which are contagious. You must visit a dermatologist and start medication at the earliest. It is also important to keep your skin clean, free from oil and dirt, so stay hydrated and skin exfoliation is a must.

2. Mold Allergy

It is a type of fungus that grows inside houses or buildings due to moisture or dampness, particularly in monsoon. The allergy can be of various types, like skin allergies, allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis. The symptoms of mold allergy are similar to that of a cold. In order to avoid this, you must keep your surroundings clean, the area around you well ventilated and dry.

3. Respiratory allergies

These can cause a significant amount of discomfort. It may be triggered due to indoor pollution. Allergic Rhinitis is a chronic respiratory disease which is caused due to irritation and inflammation of the membranes lining the nose, characterized by nasal congestion, sneezing, itching of the nose and/or post-nasal discharge. It also causes fatigue, headache and sleep disturbances. Try to avoid increased exposure to dust and dust mites. In order to manage the symptoms timely treatment is necessary.

4. Facial Folliculitis

Facial Folliculitis or the inflammation of hair follicles leads to hair breakage during the rainy season. Mainly caused by fungal and bacterial infection as a result of excessive humidity, sweating, dehydration, etc. Facial Folliculitis can be controlled by preventing taking regular baths and keeping the skin hydrated at times.

A few tips for monsoon allergy prevention:

• Do not remain in wet clothes, change into dry and clean clothes as soon as possible.
• Eat a balanced diet and increase your fluid intake to maintain the pH balance of the skin.
• Keep your surroundings clean, dry and well ventilated.
• Use medicated soaps and powders for the skin to prevent fungal infections and keep the skin from sweating too much.
• Avoid consumption of oily, spicy and greasy food.
• Exercise regularly and take a shower afterwards.
• Keep your feet clean and dry. If you come in contact with the rainwater, wash your feet as soon as you are home.
• Wash your face every time you come home from outside.
• Skin problems can be communicable, therefore keep your towels and personal use items separate.
• Wear water-resistant sunscreen every time you go out.

Conclusion:
If you are dealing with stubborn allergies in the rainy season, it is time to take the right measures instead of waiting for them to go away.. Allergies and skin problems in monsoon are common but you can keep them at bay while enjoying the season. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, you must take utmost care of your health and immunity levels this monsoon, avoid the risk of catching any form of illnesses, and do not compromise your respiratory health.