STICKY WICKET

The onset of monsoon is a much-awaited break from the sweltering heat. But your skin and hair don8217;t celebrate its arrival with the same zest. The skin, for instance, behaves in a fickle way, becoming dry 8212; despite the humidity and are prone to fungal and bacterial infections. 8220;Increased humidity causes us to perspire more. And though the skin doesn8217;t dry up on the surface, it considerably loses its natural oils,8221; says Dr Rishi Parashar, dermatologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi.

SKIN-DEEP
Rains also brings loads ofnbsp;skin problemsnbsp;such as Intertigo rashes in the folds of the skin, miliria prickly heat, fungal infections in toes, acne and loss of lustre owing to excessive sweating.
But you can ward all of them off with care and discipline. 8220;Clean your skin, keep it dry, specially in the folds, take a shower at least twice a day andnbsp;use anti-fungal creams and dusting powder after bath,8221; says Dr Anil Kumar Malik, dermatologist, GM Modi Hospital, Delhi. Also take care of what you wear. Avoid synthetic fabrics because though they dry up faster, they prevent ventilation. Essentially, your clothes should let your skin breathe. So, try sticking to loose cotton clothes this season.
And don8217;t treat lightly the blister-like formations that the bites of insects that breed in still water cause this season. 8220;In such case, seek immediate medical advice instead of trying home remedies as they may only aggravate the infection8221;, warns Dr Deepak Vohra, dermatologist, Rockland Hospital, Delhi.

HAIR ROW
Folliculitis inflammation of hair follicles, flaking patches of fungal infection, which result in hair loss in the affected area and an itchy scalp along with increased lice infestation are common monsoon complaints. Surprisingly, doctors don8217;t really recommend a particular regimen for hair care this season. 8220;Just wash your hair with a good shampoo followed by a conditioner at least twice a week and make sure to dry it properlynbsp;before you step out. Tienbsp;it and avoid getting wet in the rain,8221; says Dr Simal Soni, dermatologist, Apollo.
It always help to check what you eat in order to maintain healthy skin and hair. 8220;Opt for protein and zinc sources like peanuts, boiled chana, moong sprouts and five soaked almonds in the morning,8221; advises nutritionist, Dr Shikha Sharma.

TUMMY TANTRUMS
Watch what you eat in the monsoons you could suffer from indigestion and acidity. 8220;According to Ayurveda, monsoon is a high pittanbsp;more fire-bearing season, so people should have more alkaline foods like amla, vegetable juice, specially bottle gourd and tomato juice on an empty stomach and steamed salads to balance the weather,8221; says Dr Sharma. So even as you rejoice in the rains, make sure your hair, skin and even your stomach also relish the season in good health.