Ringworm, Eczema and Rosacea – Common monsoon skin rashes and expert cures

Monsoon is synonymous with skin problems High humidity levels during monsoons can cause the skin to retain more moisture than usual Moisture combined with warmth creates a conducive environment for the growth of fungi and bacteria on the skin Consequently the skin develops an itch here and a scratch there leading to skin infections and rashesNext due to waterlogging and accumulation of contaminated water in Mumbairsquos public spaces ndash the incidence of leptospirosis is also rising The bacteria lsquoLeptospirarsquo enters the human body through scratches and open wounds that get exposed to dirty water Additionally continuous dampness makes it challenging to keep the clothes and footwear dry leading to further infectionsWith the threat of skin rashes looming high it becomes imperative to understand its causes and preventive measures Midday Online spoke to Mumbaibased skin expert ndash Dr Rinky Kapoor consultant dermatologist from The Esthetic Clinics to decode common skin problems that develop during monsoonLookout for these common skin rashes that develop during monsoon seasonContact DermatitisContact dermatitis commonly known as monsoon rashes is a skin condition that occurs due to increased exposure to irritants and allergens in rainy weather The combination of high humidity moisture and contact with wet surfaces makes the skin more susceptible to inflammation and allergic reactions People may experience redness itching swelling and even blisters due to prolonged contact with rainwater damp clothes or plants and insects that thrive during this seasonRingworm of the body tinea corporisRingworm of the body also known as tinea corporis is a fungal infection commonly seen during the monsoon season The humid weather is apt for the fungi growth that is responsible for ringworm usually belonging to the dermatophyte family to thrive on the skins surface The fungi feed on dead skin cells and thrive in moist areas leading to the development of red circular and itchy rashes on the body During monsoon people tend to sweat more and damp clothes can further facilitate the spread of the fungus making individuals more susceptible to contracting ringwormEczemaEczema also known as atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry itchy and inflamed skin The increased humidity can lead to excessive sweating which can irritate the skin and worsen eczema symptoms Additionally the damp and moist conditions during monsoon may promote the growth of mold and dust mites which are common allergens that can trigger eczema in susceptible individualsMoreover the fluctuations in temperature and humidity during monsoon can disrupt the skins barrier function making it more susceptible to irritation and inflammation further contributing to eczema outbreaksRosaceaRosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness flushing and the development of small visible blood vessels on the face The increased humidity and heat during monsoon can lead to excessive sweating which is a known trigger for rosacea flareups Additionally the monsoon weather can cause dilation of blood vessels contributing to facial rednessFurthermore exposure to ultraviolet UV rays from the sun can aggravate rosacea symptoms and during monsoons people might overlook sun protection due to the cloudy weather All these factors combined can make individuals with rosacea more susceptible to flareups and exacerbate the condition during the monsoon seasonShingles herpes zosterFluctuations in immunity due to weather changes can contribute to the reactivation of the varicellazoster virus leading to shingles This leads to the development of a painful blistering rash that usually appears on one side of the body The virus may lie dormant in nerve tissues after a person has had chickenpox and the combination of factors during monsoon such as weakened immune responses and environmental conditions can trigger its resurgence resulting in the characteristic painful rashSwimmers itch cercarial dermatitisSwimmers itch can be caused during the monsoon season by certain parasites found in contaminated freshwater bodies Monsoon rains can lead to an increase in water levels and create favorable conditions for these parasites cercariae to thrive The cercariae are released into the water by infected snails and can penetrate the skin of humans when they come into contact with contaminated water leading to itchy rashesTreatments for common monsoon skin rashesPrevention and cure for Contact DermatitisIn most cases the primary goal is to identify and avoid the irritant or allergen that triggered the reaction Once the irritant is removed the skin can begin to heal Additionally Kapoor recommends using topical corticosteroids or other antiinflammatory creams to reduce redness and itching If the reaction is severe or widespread oral corticosteroids or antihistamines might be prescribed to alleviate symptomsKeeping the affected area clean and moisturized can also aid in the healing process In cases of allergic contact dermatitis allergy testing may be performed to determine the specific allergen responsible for the reaction enabling the individual to avoid exposure in the future Regular followups with a dermatologist can help monitor progress and adjust treatment as necessary to effectively manage contact dermatitisCures for ringworm of the bodyTopical antifungal creams or ointments containing ingredients like clotrimazole miconazole or terbinafine should be applied to the affected areas twice daily for at least two weeks even if symptoms improve earlier Additionally keeping the affected skin clean and dry is crucial to prevent further spread of the infectionRegularly changing clothes using separate towels and avoiding tightfitting clothing can aid in this process To expedite the healing process and reduce itching overthecounter antihistamines may be takenPrevention and cure for EczemaTreating eczema during the monsoon involves a comprehensive approach to manage the condition and prevent flareups To begin its crucial to maintain good personal hygiene keeping the skin clean and dry to avoid bacterial or fungal infections Use gentle fragrancefree soaps and moisturizers to prevent further irritation Avoid scratching the affected areas as it can worsen the conditionApplying topical corticosteroid creams or ointments as prescribed by a healthcare professional can help reduce inflammation and itching Antihistamines can be taken to alleviate itching and promote better sleep Additionally wearing loose breathable clothing and avoiding exposure to excessive humidity can be beneficial Implementing a regular skincare routine staying hydrated and using air conditioning or dehumidifiers can also aid in managing eczema during the monsoonPrevention and cure for RosaceaTo cure Rosacea its crucial to avoid triggers that worsen the condition such as spicy foods alcohol and excessive sun exposure During the monsoon staying in a cool and wellventilated environment can help minimize flareups Using gentle nonirritating skincare products and mild cleansers is essential to avoid further aggravationRegular application of broadspectrum sunscreen with high SPF is vital even on cloudy days to protect the skin from harmful UV rays Topical medications containing ingredients like azelaic acid or metronidazole can help reduce redness and inflammationPrevention and cure for ShinglesTo effectively manage this condition antiviral medications such as acyclovir valacyclovir or famciclovir should be administered within 72 hours of the rashs appearance to reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak Keeping the affected area clean and dry is crucial to prevent secondary infections Overthecounter pain relievers or prescription pain medications may be used to alleviate discomfort and pain associated with shingles Cool compresses can also provide relief to the affected areaPrevention and cure for Swimmers itch cercarial dermatitisTo treat this condition its essential to avoid further exposure to the infested water After swimming or coming into contact with such water immediately rinse off with clean fresh water and pat dry with a towel Applying calamine lotion or antiitch creams can help alleviate the itching and discomfort Overthecounter antihistamines may also be taken to reduce itchingSwimmers itch is typically selflimiting and resolves within a few days but seeking medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen is advisable Preventive measures such as avoiding swimming in contaminated waters wearing protective clothing and using waterproof sunscreen can help reduce the risk of contracting swimmers itch during the monsoonAlso Read Mumbai rains IMD predicts drop in rainfall intensityQuick hacks to treat monsoon skin rashesUse warm water to clean the area where there is a skin rash Leave the affected area exposed to the air so that the rash can settle downAre there any home remedies for such skin problemsOne popular option for managing skin rashes is applying a cold compress to the affected area This can help reduce inflammation and itching It is better to seek the help of a doctor instead of trying home remedies that can further aggravate the skin rashes and worsen your condition Do not follow any home remedies blindlyWhat are the medicines and ointments one should keep handy in such scenarios1 Calamine lotion and aloe vera gel for soothing2 Antibacterial cream containing mupirocin or Neosporin3 Antifungal cream and powder containing clotrimazole or terbinafine amorolfine etc