Doctors warn contagious fungal infections are on the rise due to the summer heat

Pune: As the temperature is set to increase further in the coming days, fungal infections will also start to shoot up. The rise in temperature, along with humid conditions, has led to a surge in the number of patients with fungal infections. Fungal infections, ringworm, athlete's foot, toenail fungus, yeast infections, and rashes in the genital area can be a growing matter of concern. Dermatophyte infections are common occurrences, inform doctors

The experts also warn that the contagious fungal infections occur on the feet (tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot), or anywhere else on the body where sweat can easily accumulate, like under your armpits or breasts (tinea corporis). Dermatophyte infections are also seen on fingernails and toenails. These infections can lead to excessive itching, redness, and swelling in the affected areas.

"We are seeing increased cases of dehydration and heatstroke. Ensure your child remains well hydrated with the frequent offering of water to him or her. Also, give juicy fruits like watermelon. Ensure the child is passing adequate urine, which indicates a good hydration status of the child. We are also seeing a spike in cases of gastroenteritis, or loose motions. Ensure you give the child clean water to drink. Avoid water from open taps or unhygienic sources" said Tushar Parikh, Chief Neonatologist and Paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital, Pune.
There is a spike in fungal infections that increase during the summer due to hot and humid weather conditions and excessive sweating. A hot environment will encourage fungal growth. Due to the lack of personal hygiene, the number keeps on going up every year. Skin dryness and prickly heat rashes are what we are seeing more of.

"Fungal skin infections can be seen anywhere on your body. A commonly seen tinnitus, Versicolor, is a condition causing lighter or darker patches of skin. It's caused by a fungus on the skin that grows out of control. Vaginal yeast infection happens due to the fungus Candida albicans causing inflammation and irritation around the vagina" said Pradeep Alate, Paediatrician, Apollo Spectra, Pune.