If theres anything that spoils the fun of monsoon rain,it is damp hair and wet feet. While the texture of hair becomes frizzy and limp from the exposure to high levels of moisture and humidity,the feet become dirty and smelly,even leading to fungal infections. With overflowing sewers,floating garbage and debris,dermatologists in the city say the number of complaints of foot infections see a marked rise during monsoons. Common issues are maceration of skin where feet become red,swollen,itchy and sometimes painful,and get fungal or bacterial infections, says Dr Sangeeta Amladi,head,medicine services,Kaya Ltd. Dermatologist and cosmetologist Dilip Shah says that apart from complaints of bad hair days,people also come to him with folliculitis hair root infections and fungal infections of the scalp. Experts say while getting wet in the rain is almost unavoidable,problems often aggravate due to lack of care. People take many precautions so that they dont develop respiratory or gastro problems but dont realise that infections of the feet can also be very potent,they say. Emphasising the need for maintaining proper hygiene and care routine for the feet,Dr Amladi says there are two aspects to foot care. The first is following a daily schedule. The second pertains to what kind of footwear one generally prefers closed shoes or those that are open and airy. Typically those who have to or like to wear closed shoes like schoolchildren and those working in corporate set-ups develop maceration because no matter how hard one tries,water always does seep in and gets the feet soaking wet. It is good for such people to keep a change of shoes and socks at school or office so that the entire day is not spent in wet shoes. They should also wear absorbing material such as cotton socks, says Dr Amladi. She also recommends using a lot of talcum powder and air drying the feet whenever possible. If one already knows that he is susceptible to fungal infections,he should preventively use anti-fungal powder. After getting home. its a must to aerate the feet and use a mild calamine-based soothing lotion to avoid itching, she says. Those who wear open shoes are more prone to infections,say doctors,because they are exposed to all kinds of dirt and muck. Even if there are no visible cuts or wounds,bacteria and fungus can enter the body through what we call microtrauma and even result in high fever. Washing feet and maintaining hygiene is very important. It is also worthwhile to use an antiseptic liquid, says Dr Amladi. Pointing out that being able to maintain good hair through the monsoon can be a great mood-lifter,Dr Shah says people should avoid frequent use of various hair products such as gels,chemicals and even oil during this season. Washing the hair regularly and using a mild conditioner are some basic tips. One can also use serums to smoothen the hair. Chemical treatments should be particularly avoided, he says. Dr Almadi adds that regularly trimming the hair also helps. The frequent shift from air-conditioned dry environment to the humid outdoors also affects the hair. It is important that people make conscious effort to drink plenty of water and continue a healthy diet. It is really the key, she says.
