Monsoon Health Care: Common Foot Infections in Rainy Season Due to Dampness, Know Prevention Tips

Monsoon Health Tips: The Rainy season often brings a wide array of diseases related to dampness and excessive moisture. This can cause several skin concerns, particularly fungal infections in foot. As much as we love rain, constant dampness, increased humidity, and muddy paddles create a fertile breeding ground for various microorganisms, leading to various issues, which can become severe and non-curable if not treated in time. 

Foot Infections in Monsoon

Our feet endure the brunt of our daily activity and are more vulnerable to infection during the monsoon season due to a variety of causes.

• Walking through puddles, wearing wet shoes, and leaving damp socks for extended periods of time offers an excellent moist habitat for fungi and bacteria to thrive.

• The high humidity in the air slows the pace at which sweat evaporates, resulting in increased moisture buildup on the skin.

• Constant moisture softens skin, making it more susceptible to small cuts, blisters, and abrasions, allowing microbes to enter easily.

• Puddles and wet regions frequently contain bacteria, fungi, and parasites, which raises the risk of infection when exposed.

• Wearing closed shoes for extended periods of time without enough ventilation retains moisture and heat, which promotes microbial development.

Common Foot Infections in Monsoon

Here are some of the most prevalent foot infections to look out for during the rainy season.

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)

This fungal infection is perhaps the most frequent. It typically begins between the toes and progresses to itching, redness, scaling, and, in some cases, blisters. The skin may appear white, moist, or flaking. If not treated, it might spread to the soles and toes.

Bacterial Infections (Cellulitis, Erysipelas)

Bacteria, particularly Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, can penetrate the skin via cuts or cracks, resulting in red, swollen, and painful areas. Cellulitis is a deep skin infection, whereas erysipelas attacks the top layers. These can produce fever and chills, necessitating prompt medical care.

Warts

Warts are caused by a virus and can be transmitted more easily when the skin is damaged and exposed to polluted surfaces.

Corns

Corns are small, hardened regions of skin that form on the feet as a result of frequent friction or pressure, most commonly caused by ill-fitting shoes. They are basically calluses with a dense core that can press inward, producing severe agony. During the rainy season, the continual moisture and increasing humidity weaken the skin, making existing corns more susceptible to irritation, cracking, and infection.

Prevention Tips

• Keep your feet dry. Wash your feet every day with antibacterial or antiseptic soap.

• Change your wet socks immediately. Carry an additional pair if possible.

• Choose open footwear that dries fast, such as sandals, Crocs, or waterproof shoes, especially when going outside in the rain.

• Properly wash your feet with soap and water after reaching home and completely dry them, especially between your toes.

• Avoid wearing closed shoes made of moisture-retaining materials (such as leather or canvas) for extended periods of time in damp weather.

• Wear open-toed sandals or floaters that allow your feet to breathe as needed.

• If you want to wear shoes, choose materials that are breathable or have good ventilation.

• Keep your toenails short and clean. Exfoliate frequently to eliminate dead skin cells, which can harbour bacteria.

• While keeping your feet dry is essential, some regions may benefit from a light, breathable moisturizer to avoid cracks, particularly around the heels.  However, avoid using moisturizer between the toes.

• Examine the skin and nails for wounds, blisters, redness, peeling, or any other odd changes in appearance. Early detection helps keep minor concerns from turning into significant difficulties.

• Avoid walking barefoot, especially in public places, puddles, or muddy regions, as this exposes your feet to viruses.

• A good immune system can help combat illnesses. Make sure you eat a balanced diet, remain hydrated, and get adequate rest.

• If your shoes become wet, dry them completely. You can also put antifungal powders inside your shoes to absorb moisture and prevent fungal development.

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