Summer skin problems - fungal infections and intertrigo

Summer skin problems are mainly due to hot weather, high humidity and excessive sweating.

Commonly the skin folds – arm pits, inframammary folds, groins, interdigital areas and toe clefts are affected. These sites trap moisture and heat, which favours proliferation of fungi and/or cause skin irritation.

The most common are tinea or ringworm (pls see blog on ringworm) which affects mainly the groins. Intertrigo is an irritant contact dermatitis of the folds due to moisture, heat and tight cloathings. Another common fungal infection is pityriasis versicolor or “khairo dubi”, which affects the neck and upper trunk and present with pale patches with powder like scales.

Tips for prevention

· Rinse sweat with water frequently. Keep the body dry, especially the folds – arm pits, sub mammary folds, groins, finger webs and toe clefts. You can use an antifungal powder in the folds.

· Wear loose, cotton clothings. And do not

share them. Change inner cloathings regularly.

· Excessive use of soap does not help.

· Do not use steroid creams without dermatological consultation.