Monsoon and fungal growthBACK

With onset of monsoon there is a spurt of patients attending the doctors with fungal infections. This is very natural as the weather is conducive to the growth of fungi. Fungi need:

1. Warm temperature
2. Humidity
3. Medium for growth

which is easily available during the monsoon weather. One has to just see things around and will notice fungi is various forms in the surroundings. Two examples are illustrated here:

Such fungi are very common to see if you leave any food item overnight.

These fungi are commonly seen on the ground or on dead wood which has been lying around.

You shall observe that on our body the�common sites for fungal growth are the groins and the interdigital spaces between the fingers of the legs. The common symptoms of the fungal infection are:

• itching
• redness of the area
• rash

Prevention

To prevent fungal infections it is advised that one should keep the area dry. In case it gets wet then it should be dried at the earliest. One should take steps to prevent sweating and, if possible, to stay in a cool, air-conditioned environment.

Treatment

The treatment of fungal growth is to follow the steps mentioned under prevention. One needs to consult the doctor and start an anti-fungal ointment which needs to be rubbed on the affected area two to three times a day. In interdigital areas one may require anti-fungal powder instead of cream.