Singing in the Rain

THERE8217;S life, unfortunately, beyond soaking sessions and bhajiya binges. The monsoons bring relief from the scorching heat of summer, b...

THERE8217;S life, unfortunately, beyond soaking sessions and bhajiya binges. The monsoons bring relief from the scorching heat of summer, but they also usher in increased susceptibility to season-specific diseases. That, however, shouldn8217;t stop you from romancing in the rain. Just read up our monsoon wellness guide first.

What are the most common monsoon ailments?
In two words, infectious diseases. 8216;8216;Dormant bacteria and viruses get active at this time,8217;8217; says Delhi-based nutritionist Dr Shikha Sharma. Water-borne diseases and gastrointestinal infections, typhoid, diarrhoea and jaundice are common, as are malaria and dengue. Eye and feet infections also occur, as do infections of the skin and hair.

So just what can I do to protect myself?
A weak digestive system and intestinal diseases make one vulnerable to infections. A light diet and skipping spicy and fried food can help, says Dr Sharma. Also:
8226; Banish mosquitoes. Add a few drops of kerosene or phenyl to stagnant water to kill the larvae
8226; Boil and filter drinking water. Drink warm water with meals to facilitate digestion
8226; Keep Oral Rehydration Salts on hand
8226; Avoid exposed food. Cook vegetables well to send the germs packing
8226; Bitter gourd karela juice is a natural antibiotic. Peel, add cucumber and whiz in the blender. Add salt and drink up
8226; Avoid dairy products including raw paneer, uncooked salads, watery foods like musk melon and watermelon
8226; Insist that non-veg be cut in front of you. Decay sets in 10 times faster in the monsoons than in winter
8226; Add more turmeric haldi to food
8226; For those in-between times, snack on dry foods with besan, murmura, and dry-roasted munchies like baked samosas. Skip fried foods, or wash them down with a glass of warm water and lemon
8226; Gorge on pears, cherries, apricots, bananas, bitter gourd and okra. Go for brown rice if you can8217;t do without rice
8226; A daily neem capsule can clear the skin and urinary tract infections

So much for the inside. What about the skin?
Skin infections are a major problem. 8216;8216;High humidity encourages sweating and, consequently, infections,8217;8217; says Dr SC Bharija, senior consultant, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi. 8216;8216;Fungal infections are common in the obese and the hirsute. The body-fold areas are most vulnerable to itching, redness, scaly skin, ringworms, prickly heat and dermatitis. Bacterial infections like pyodermas and boils affect mostly kids or those who don8217;t maintain good hygiene.8217;8217;

How do I prevent icky skin infections?
Dr Bharija suggests:
8226; Bathe regularly and dry properly, especially in the fold areas
8226; Avoid tight, synthetic clothes. Cotton stuff is highly recommended
8226; Do not scratch infections. Use anti-fungal lotions, dust with anti-fungal powders or pop anti-allergic medication if itching increases
8226; If it8217;s a bacterial infection, use antibiotics

How do I look after my hair?
Unwashed hair leads to dandruff and hair loss, says Dr Bharija. 8216;8216;Scratching the scalp as well. Pyodermas affects the scalp too. The only way to prevent these occurrences is to shampoo your hair regularly, daily if necessary.8217;8217; Also:
8226; Go easy on oil
8226; Treat lice immediately
8226; Wear your hair as naturally as possible and pat dry if caught in a sudden shower