A 32-year-old woman shuffled on her feet at the OPD of the National Skin Hospital, Panchkula. She had multiple itchy skin lesions over her abdomen, thighs and face as well as discoloured nails. When she developed them five months ago, she had tried several home remedies but there was no relief. She then used some topical creams containing steroids as advised by a local chemist. She got some respite from itching but her rash got redder and worse, her skin started thinning out and scarring.
“What she had was a routine fungal infection. You should not use steroid medication at all. While steroid creams can temporarily relieve inflammation and itching, they can actually worsen the infection by suppressing the immune system’s ability to fight the fungus. This can lead to the fungus spreading and the infection becoming more severe,” says Dr Vikas Sharma, HOD, Dermatology, National Skin Hospital. He gave routine antifungal medication and the patient’s skin cleared out in 45 days.
“Fungi prefer a warm, moist environment. That’s why everybody becomes more infection-prone during the sweltering summer and monsoon. Increased sweating, combined with the inability to dry off quickly in the humid weather, creates ideal conditions for fungal growth,” he adds.
What are signs of fungal infection?
This infection can manifest in several ways — itchy skin, rashes, discoloured nails and cough. Dr Vikas Bhutani, director, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, says the most common fungal infection is athlete’s foot, where ringworm appears as a circular, red rash on the skin between toes. “We also see jock itch, which affects the groin area, and yeast infection, which occurs in moist areas like the groin, underarms and under the breasts. Fungus doesn’t spare the nails, causing them to thicken and become discoloured,” he explains.
Why skin hygiene is most important during monsoon
Keeping the skin clean is the best form of prevention. “Taking a bath at least twice a day is beneficial. Change into dry clothes and shoes as soon as possible after getting wet. Dry your feet well, especially between the toes, after washing or being exposed to water. Wear loose cotton or linen clothes and avoid synthetic ones. Apply antifungal powders to areas prone to sweating and moisture. Use sunscreens while moving out. That’s because the rainy season washes away pollutants, making the ultraviolet rays more damaging for the skin,” explains Dr Bhutani.
Dr Raghav Mehan, senior consultant, ENT, Paras Health, Panchkula, has seen a 20 per cent increase in fungal ear infections, nasal allergies and upper respiratory tract infections this monsoon. “Damp indoor environment and poor ventilation can aggravate ENT and respiratory issues like nasal blockage, throat irritation and fungal infections,” says Dr Mehan.
Avoid spreading the infection from one family member to another via sharing of clothes, bedsheets and towels. Dr Sharma recommends a diet high in probiotics like yoghurt, fermented foods and kefir that can boost the immune system, while avoiding highly processed and sugary foods.
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Can fungal infection pose a threat to lungs?
Dr Sonal, consultant, Pulmonary Medicine, Livasa Hospital, Mohali, says sustained humidity creates a favourable environment for fungal growth in the respiratory system. “While fungal pneumonia is less commonly diagnosed, conditions like pulmonary aspergillosis, which causes wheezing as an allergic reaction, become more prevalent, especially in individuals with weakened immunity or underlying lung diseases. It’s important to watch for persistent cough, fever, or difficulty breathing, blood in sputum and seek timely medical attention to prevent complications.”
When do you see a doctor?
If you notice any sign of fungal infection, seeking medical advice and proper adherence to the entire anti-fungal treatment regimen is crucial because of the rising incidence of resistance among fungal organisms to conventional antifungal drugs.
Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India.
Professional Profile
Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh.
Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions.
Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025)
Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture:
1. Public Health & PGIMER
"PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx.
"Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare.
"Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area.
2. Education & Institutional Governance
"Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms.
"Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking.
3. Art, Culture & Heritage
"Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status.
"Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful."
Signature Style
Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions.
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