Sweating and Skin Problems: Itching, rashes, ringworm, and fungal infections between the toes are more common during the summer. Let's explain the causes.

How to avoid fungal infections in summer?

How To Prevent Fungal Infection In Summer: With the arrival of the summer season, not only does the temperature rises but skin related problems also start increasing rapidly. Strong sunlight, sweat, humidity, and moisture remaining on the skin for a long time create the perfect environment for fungal infections. This is the reason why cases of itching, rashes, ringworm, and fungal infections between the toes are more common in summer. This problem has become quite common, especially in hot and humid countries like India. According to NIH, superficial fungal infections are among the most common skin problems seen in tropical countries.

Why do cases of fungal infections increase during the summer season?

Skin expert Dr. Nidhi Rohatgi explains that not only fungal infections but also bacterial and viral infections increase in the summer. She says that fungus prefers warm and humid environments. Just as fungus grows quickly on clothes and food during the rainy season or summer, it also spreads rapidly in areas of the body that sweat more. The underarms, thighs, between the toes, and skin folds are the most vulnerable.

Wearing clothes, tight jeans or synthetic clothes can be harmful.

Sometimes, our daily habits, more than the weather, exacerbate this problem. Wearing sweaty clothes for long periods of time, wearing tight jeans or synthetic fabrics, and wearing shoes and socks for hours can all contribute to the growth of fungus. Dr. Rohatgi advises wearing loose, cotton clothing as much as possible during the summer to keep the skin ventilated.

This is the biggest mistake you make after bathing.

Not drying your body properly after bathing is also considered a major mistake. Often, in a hurry, people leave skin folds wet, which causes moisture to remain there and fungus to thrive. Sharing towels and soap can also spread infection.

Do you apply cream without consulting a medical expert?

Another growing problem these days is the use of over-the-counter creams. The NIH has previously warned that steroid creams can make fungal infections more persistent. While itching and redness may initially subside, the fungus continues to grow. Dr. Rohatgi also advises against using such creams without consulting a doctor.

Experts agree that keeping your skin healthy in the summer doesn't require expensive products. Simple habits like showering daily, changing out of sweaty clothes immediately, wearing sun-dried clothes, and keeping your body dry can go a long way in preventing fungal infections.