Follow some easy steps to stay away from fungal infections that come to stay for long during monsoons.

Feet

Fungal infections like candidiasis, tinea, etc. that can be caused to the wetness of skin on different parts of the body. Closed water soaked shoes can make your nails discolored or brittle. One can also develop itchy, circular, reddish, flaking patches on the body, especially on the feet.

Measure: One should not wear closed shoes preferably. Take care that the socks don't get wet and remain wet for too long; washing and scrubbing your feet as they become more prone to the fungal attack.

Body sweat

Concern: Women tend to wear synthetic clothing as they get dried easily; this causes the body to sweat more, which attracts fungal infections

Measure: It is advisable to wear cotton undergarments and apply an anti-fungal powder in areas like the groin, underarms- below the bust-line, etc. that are prone to get sweaty. After coming home, treat your skin to a warm water bath and thoroughly dry the body before wearing clothes.

Hair and scalp

Concern: For women with long hair and men who tie turbans, wet hair in the monsoons can cause eczema and other bacterial and fungal infections of the scalp.

Measure: One must make sure to dry your hair completely during the monsoons. In case, you are not able to dry your hair just after washing, make sure to leave if open in the evening whenever you are back home so that the scalp can breathe easily.

BDST: 1539 HRS, JULY-12, 2014