Why Fungal Infections Spike During Monsoon & How to Prevent Them
Monsoon is a relief to the hot summer weather, but along with it comes the health drawbacks-particularly fungal infections. Wet clothes, humid conditions, sweating on the skin, and lack of air circulation create the optimal conditions, and fungi start to grow.
Here in this guide, we will tell you the reasons why fungal infections flourish during the rainy season and how you can effectively avoid them through some simple everyday practices.
Why Fungal Infections Surge During Monsoon
The main way in which monsoon promotes the development of fungal infections is due to the humid air. This hot and humid climate is the best place where the growth and multiplication of fungus is easily done.
Humidity and Dampness: The air of the monsoon season is very moist, and the humidity level would most likely break the mark of 80 per cent. This makes the skin, clothes, and shoes survive longer than the dirty ones. Fungal growth is very facilitated under such wet conditions, especially in the warmer regions of the body like the underarms, between the toes and also at the groin.
Poor ventilation: When the windows are kept closed and floors are wet after any rain, the air gets stale and stagnant in the closed rooms. This kind of bad ventilation facilitates the production of fungus on the walls, carpet surface, bath mats, cupboards and also in wardrobes. These events are best in fungal spreading environments without appropriate air circulation.
Rainwater and Dirty Surfaces: When you walk in dirty water or rain or sit in wet clothes, you stand a higher risk of getting infected. The gym, communal washrooms and schools are even worse to attend in the rainy season as a large number of people crowd up at such places and there is a lot of scope for the germs to spread really easily.
Common Fungal Infections During Monsoon
The monsoon season increases the incidence of fungal infection due to the perpetual moisture in the air, wet garments, perspired skin and poor air circulation within a household. The warm and humid condition aids the fast development of fungus, particularly on the skin, nails and even in the folds of the body. These are the most popular fungus diseases you have to know about in this time of year:
Athlete's Foot: This is an infection occurring mainly in the feet, particularly in between the toes. It brings itch, redness, burning and even peeling of skin. The problem is intensified when an individual wears wet socks or closed shoes. It can also be transmitted in public areas such as swimming pools or shared showers.
Ringworm: Ringworm is a fungus infection on the skin, as red spots, which are round-shaped and itch. It may influence various sections of the body, i.e. the arms, legs, scalp or back. It is very contagious and can be easily transmitted by direct contact with the skin or by a person sharing hygienic products such as towels, combs or clothes.
Candidiasis: It is a the Candida fungus caused infection. It tends to develop in warm and humid regions, like under areas, the groin, and skin folds. It gives red rashes, itching, including burning feelings. Individuals with diabetes or low immunity are at high risk of this infection.
Fungal Nail Infections: This infection is on the nails, either toenails or fingernails. The nails can grow thick, brittle, yellow, and crumbly. It usually happens when the feet are kept wet for some time.
How to Prevent Fungal Infections in Monsoon
A. Stay Dry
One of the most significant ideas you might want to avoid getting a fungal infection in the monsoon is to keep your body dry. Always dry your skin after a bath using a towel very gently, more so in places that are usually wet such as the underarms, groin, toes and underneath the breasts. In these regions, the moisture provides the ideal conditions to the fungus.
In case you find yourself wet in the rain, then exchange your clothes with dry ones. When you have damp clothes or socks, do not sit down and wait in them as it might cause skin irritation and infection.
Use an antifungal pack to avoid moisture and fungus formation in the highly sweaty portions such as feet, underarms, and groin so that they are dry and fungus-free all through the day.
B. Choose the Right Clothes
Put on open cotton-made clothes that allow air circulation around the body. This will aid drying of your sweat. In addition, manufactured materials are not that absorbent as cotton.
Don't wear tight pants, leggings, or clothes made of synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, as these will trap heat and sweat and make you more likely to get a fungus infection.
Change your socks daily especially in case your feet are sweaty. The socks should be clean and dry, made of cotton or any other cloth that dries out moisture.
C. Take Care of Your Feet
By the time you are exposed to rain, your feet are under serious threat. If your shoes are wet, don't wear them for long periods of time. Similar to soiled footwear, fungi prefer to be in warm, damp, and dark places.
Dry your shoes completely in the sun or using a fan, then put them on again. Antifungal spray or powder can also be used to treat the shoes to keep them dry and fresh inside.
You can never walk around barefoot, even in public areas such as gym bathrooms, swimming pools, and changing rooms. This is due to the presence of fungal infections since they tend to materialise there.
D. Maintain Clean Indoor Spaces
Not only can fungi take residence at home, but they can also be in your home. In the kitchen and bathroom, open windows or use vent fans when it's not raining to let fresh air in and lower the humidity.
If you have used a floor, a bathroom tile, sink, or any other wet area, make sure you wipe it immediately. In case you find molds or mildew along the walls, curtains, and bed, clean regularly.
Controlling the intensity of wetness in the areas that are hot or appear to be sealed off with the help of a dehumidifier will help reduce the possibility of developing molds.
E. Practice Good Personal Hygiene
Keep yourself clean. Every day, take a bath, and if it rains, take another shower. Clean your body well, focusing on areas that tend to sweat.
To keep dirt and bacteria from growing under your nails, keep them short and clean. It's easy for diseases to spread when people share personal things like towels, combs, socks, or underwear.
Shoes, bags, and hats should be cleaned often, especially if they get wet a lot.
F. Act Early on Symptoms
Put on an antifungal cream right away if you see early signs like a rash, itching, redness, flaking, or flaking skin.
If you scratch the affected area, you could hurt the skin and spread the illness to other parts of your body.
Meet with a doctor if the signs don't get better in a week or if they get worse. People with nail fungus or head diseases should not ignore the fact that they need to take medicine by mouth.
Conclusion
Fungal illnesses are common during summer and are even preventable. The most important stuff is to be dry, clean, dress right, and that as soon as you begin to feel ill, you start to do something about it. Do not walk barefoot in wet places, wash your clothes often, and never ignore rashes that won't go away.
The additional attention in the wet season will allow you not to spend weeks being in pain. Do not wear wet clothes, clean your face, and ensure good air circulation is there. Then it does not matter having the rain.
FAQs
1. Why do fungal infections increase during the monsoon?
High humidity, damp clothes, wet skin, and poor ventilation create ideal conditions for fungus to grow and spread.
2. How do I treat a fungal infection at home?
Start with an over-the-counter antifungal cream or powder. Keep the area clean and dry. If it doesn’t improve in 5–7 days, consult a doctor.
3. Can I use coconut oil to treat fungal rashes?
No. Coconut oil may worsen the condition by trapping moisture. Use a proper antifungal cream recommended by a doctor or pharmacist.
4. Is it safe to wear closed shoes during monsoon?
Only if the shoes are fully dry inside and well-ventilated. Otherwise, open sandals are better to prevent sweat buildup and fungal growth.
5. Can fungal infections spread from one person to another?
Yes. Fungal infections are contagious. They can spread through towels, clothes, shoes, or even skin contact. Always practice personal hygiene.