Why Does the Monsoon Affect Your Skin?
In the Monsoon season, there is a rise in moisture content of the atmosphere. Because of the high amount of air moisture, sweat that leaves our skin does the job of evaporation really slowly. Sweat, sebum along with perspiration are the ones that get trapped underneath the skin in areas like underarms, groin, skin folds, and feet.
Rainwater also traps pollutants and irritating things, especially in big cities. For a person who already suffers from sensitive skin issues, exposure like this on a daily basis could be a reason for skin irritation, itching, or contact dermatitis.
Common Skin Problems During Monsoon
1. Fungal Infections and Ringworm
Damp and high humidity weather conditions often lead to the flourishing of fungal infections. If there is prolonged dampness, fungal infections, ringworm, athlete’s foot and fungal infections of the skin folds will occur.
Ringworm rash may start as a red, itchy circle and gradually spread. A common symptom is athlete’s foot which tends to happen between the toes and can lead to symptoms like itching, peeling skin, cracked skin, and sometimes a burning sensation.
Management steps:
Drying the affected region is a best way of helping the infection go and it also prevents the spread of the microbe from one person to another. Some antifungal creams are effective for mild cases of fungal infections.
It is essential to visit a dermatologist if the infected area becomes larger or recurs again and again for accurate examination and the right kind of medication.
2. Acne and Breakouts
The weather with high humidity might cause sweating and more oil secretion. If this overproduction combines with the dead skin cells and the pollutants, then the pores can get stuck and form blackheads, whiteheads, and inflamed pimples.
When you live with acne-prone skin, the breakouts may happen even more in the rainy season.
Management steps:
Cleanse your face only twice a day with a mild cleanser, and apply non-comedogenic moisturizers without weight.
A person affected with oily/acne-prone skin can use an acne-salicylic acid cleanser as a suitable one, but the stronger acne treatment should be chosen based on the individual skin type and severity level.
3. Folliculitis and Bacterial Skin Infections
Folliculitis usually happens due to the inflammation of hair follicles. The symptoms can include tiny red pimples, or pus blisters on the skin where hair is growing.
The chances of getting folliculitis increase after long-time exposure to monsoon sweat and being in wet clothes. In addition, uncleaned garments and tight-wearing garments that you haven’t washed for some time provoke the follicles to be inflamed.
Management steps:
As soon as your clothes get wet, it’s time to change and clean and dry the affected area. Never squeeze or scratch pimples. A lesion that has not healed, or one that seems more painful, may need to be treated by a doctor, especially if it’s bacterial infection.
4. Contact Dermatitis and Itchy Rashes
Red, itchy or burning skin with bumps may develop due to coming in contact with rainwater, pollutants, soaps and detergents or other irritating agents.
Moisture and friction can lead to irritation in skin folds; hence, they are highly prone areas for such infections.
Management steps:
Bathing with clean water and air drying is suggested. Stay away from products causing irritation. In few cases, a soothing moisturizer or calamine lotion could work wonders for the symptoms. Nevertheless, if the rash is constant, widespread or itchy, a skin specialist can help prescribing the proper treatment.
Final Thoughts
Monsoons can be very pleasant at times but they tend to bring skin issues too. Fortunately, many are avoidable with basic cleanliness and skin care. It really helps if you keep the skin dry, immediately wash or dry off any wet clothes, wear light fabrics, and refrain from trying different medicines by own without medical support. These are all measures to prevent skin-related problems to a great extent.
Sarvesh Health City treats and diagnoses skin infections, rashes and other problems through a complete range of dermatological services on the premises. In cases where a skin problem keeps resurfacing and the cause remains hidden, a skin specialist at this best skin care hospital in Hisar can help with thorough investigation to prevent any serious issues or recurrence.