The monsoon season with all its beauty and romanticism brings with it some of the very common and irritating skin issues. Infants are quick to experience these common skin problems due their soft and delicate skin. Due to humidity and dampness in the environment various bacteria, fungi, and viruses get active and tend to cause skin infections especially on sensitive skin types and already erupted skin. Some of the chronic skin disorders may reoccur in this season and worsen the skin condition.

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Common Skin Problems in Rainy Season

The most common skin problems in this season is that of fungal infection which may cause itchiness, reddish patches and flakes on the skin. Fungal infection also affects the feet due to frequent exposure to wet floor or due to walking frequently without footwear. The best way is to keep your skin dried. Especially when you travel make sure to carry a dry towel as well as extra set of dry clothes with you so that in case you get drenched you may change immediately to avoid such infections. You can use medicated anti-fungal talcs on your skin.

Bacterial and fungal infection can cause a common skin problems known as the ‘Athlete’s Foot’ which is caused due to long exposure of the feet in humid and wet conditions. Common symptoms are burning sensation, blisters, foul smell, and patchy skin. To avoid this, try to wash your feet with soap and warm water when you enter the house, and towel-dry them thoroughly. Also use anti-fungal dusting talc or anti-fungal cream over the affected area. Use cotton socks and do not wear them on for too long. Let your feet breathe and dry.

Fungal infection also causes another common skin problems known as ‘Ringworm’. It is a circular — ring like reddish rash, which causes itchiness, and scaly patches. This can spread out to the scalp area as well. Sweat caused by humidity may increase the chances of catching this. Use anti-fungal cream which has clotrimazole or miconazole. Keep your nails short and neat to avoid such problems from spreading.

Prickly heat rashes may also occur in humid conditions due to sweat. Skin pores usually clog and such rashes occur as a result of it. It causes itchiness on the skin. Avoid scratching when you develop such rashes. Wear cotton clothes and keep the skin dry. You may get help by applying calamine lotion, and prickly heat talcs which are available over the counter.

Another common problem is Eczema, wherein the skin tends to become flaky, itchy, scaly and reddish. It may have blood or liquid collection underneath before it erupts out. It can affect the face, neck, elbows, knees, and other such exposed areas. Eczema could occur due to genetic reasons as well as external triggers such as humidity and temperature variations. For the same you may visit your doctor wherein you would be advised some topical cream, or in some worst cases steroidal cream. Keep yourself dry and in fresh clothes.

Scabies is also caused by a mite infestation during this season. The symptoms of the same would be body itching, bumps and rashes on hands, wrists, and pubic areas. One must consult a medical professional immediately on such eruptions.

Verrucae (warts) also might be another problem which gets active due to viral infection on the skin. This has to be reported to the doctor immediately and might be removed with laser as it spreads fast.

Avoiding Common Skin Problems During Monsoon

• Cleansing is very important during monsoons.
• Avoid skin contact with people who are having skin infection.
• Make sure you keep your skin dry at all times.
• Wear soft and light fabric like pure cotton, and change your clothes as and when you experience wetness to avoid accumulation of sweat. Avoid wearing skin hugging attire during this season, as it easily causes allergies to the skin.
• Take a warm water bath when you come back home from outside to get rid of sweat and dirt accumulation. You may want to add some neem leaves or neem oil, or few drops of antibacterial liquid. Make sure you dry up your skin thoroughly post your bathing session.
• Also take care of your hair. Wash your hair with mild shampoo and dry it to avoid scalp issues. Avoid coloring your hair during this time period.
• Keep your surroundings clean and tidy. Insect bites and wasp bites can also be a cause of serious skin problems, as well as increase an infection.
• Keep your nails cut and tidy.
• Do not expose your feet too much to wet and damp floors.

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Easy Skin Care Tips for Rainy Season

Make sure you use good quality products from the market before you choose to go for these home remedies, as well as make sure you are not allergic to either of these components. You might want to have a patch test before you go for these.

• Neem leaves act as good disinfectant and can be used in warm water as well as can be made into a paste with the help of warm water and applied directly on to the skin.
• Multani Mitti can be used to keep the skin dry and absorb the moisture.
• Curd (dahi) and gram flour (besan) mixed with a little bit turmeric (haldi) can be a very good disinfectant.
• Ice cubes can be used on burning skin for relief and then dried out.
• Have Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Omega 3 in your diet. This helps you nourish your body from inside and helps the body build resistance to these infections.
• Have lots of water and keep your body hydrated.
• Wash salads and fruits thoroughly with warm water to clean all the bacteria that may have been accumulated on top of the skin of these fruits and vegetables.
• Keep your immunity high to help your body fight common issues with the help of ginger, pepper, coriander, cumin seeds, etc in your food.