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Journalism of Courage
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.
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
