Ranchi: Hospitals in the city are witnessing a rise in fungal and other skin infections this monsoon, with Sadar Hospital recording 60 to 70 cases daily.Doctors have attributed the surge to prolonged humidity, excessive sweating and exposure to damp conditions. The dermatology OPD at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) is receiving more than 30 patients with fungal and other skin ailments every day.Ranchi civil surgeon Dr Amarendra Prasad said patients at Sadar Hospital were being prescribed antifungal drugs, including oral medication where necessary, along with anti-allergic medicines based on symptoms.Rims dermatologist Dr Prabhat Kumar said vesicular and tinea-related fungal infections were among the commonly reported ailments. “Around 15 to 30 patients with such skin problems came to the OPD on Monday alone,” he said.Kumar said rural women working in agricultural fields are particularly vulnerable as they often remain in wet clothes for long periods. He advised them to bathe twice daily, where possible, wear loose cotton clothes and change out of wet garments immediately.“People should use separate towels and personal toiletries and keep their skin dry. They should avoid self-medication and consult a doctor, as applying medicines without identifying the infection can worsen it,” Kumar said.Orchid Hospital dermatologist Dr Purva said fungal infections commonly develop in body folds, including the groin and underarms, and between the toes during the rainy season. “The skin should be dried thoroughly after bathing or getting wet,” she said, adding that the scalp and nails should be kept clean.
