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Dermatologist shares 5 common skin conditions during monsoon, recommends dos and don'ts to prevent seasonal rashes
Dermatologist shares 5 common skin conditions during monsoon, recommends dos and don'ts to prevent seasonal rashes

Hindustan Times

time5 days ago

  • Health
  • Hindustan Times

Dermatologist shares 5 common skin conditions during monsoon, recommends dos and don'ts to prevent seasonal rashes

Monsoon increases the likelihood of rashes and skin conditions due to the weather conditions. Soggy shoes, soaked clothes, and intense sweating are common during this season. They may all have a hand in causing skin-related issues in the monsoon. Dr Pranjal Joshi, Dermatologist at Varsity Skin & Wellness Clinic in Malviya Nagar, shared with HT Lifestyle how monsoon season's weather conditions particularly cause even more rashes and seasonal skin conditions. In the monsoon, rashes are common.(Shutterstock) He highlighted the risk factor because of weather conditions and said, "High humidity, constant dampness and reduced sun exposure often sharply flare the skin issues at this time of year. Rashes, infections, and flare-ups of chronic skin conditions are very common during the monsoons." Dr Joshi shared with us a guide, covering common skin conditions, along with essential dos and don'ts to reduce risks: Common skin conditions in monsoon: Monsoon worsens skin conditions and increases risk of fungal infections.(Shutterstock) Fungal infections: Problems such as Tinea Cruris (Jock Itch), Tinea Corporis (Ringworm) and Candidal infections, particularly in the skin folds. Folliculitis: An infection of the follicles, folliculitis appears as tender, small, red bumps. Contact dermatitis: Occurs with wet clothes, rain, or even artificial jewellery after excess exposure, causing the skin to react. Miliaria: More commonly heat rash or prickly heat, it is the result of sweat gland blockage. Eczema flares: Patients with pre- or co-existing eczema or atopic dermatitis may experience exacerbation of symptoms due to hot and humid environments. DOs: 1. Wear loose and breathable clothes: Opt for natural fabrics like cotton. It helps absorb sweat and allows the skin to breathe. Steer clear of tight babysitting clothes made from polyester or nylon as they trap moisture and heat. 2. Dry body thoroughly: Make sure to pat dry the skin folds to remove sweat and rain. 3. Foot care: Wear sandals instead of shoes and socks when possible. If shoes and socks are unavoidable, ensure that you change them twice daily. Apply antifungal powder twice a day. 4. Bath after sweating: Take a Hypo warm shower to remove sweat and dirt effectively. 5. Moisturise daily: While the weather may feel humid, the skin still needs weightless moisturisers which are gel and light-infused. Apply after bathing on damp skin. DON'Ts: 1. Persistent itching and rashes: Dermatologic symptoms such as scratching can lead to further inflammation and infection. 2. Overuse of harsh soaps or scrubs: Using these products too frequently increases one's chances of infection. 3. Self-medicate with steroids: Using Betamethasone or Clobetasol. Steroid creams bought without a prescription may provide fast relief. However, these can lead to fungal infections and skin atrophy with subsequent flare on withdrawal. 4. Personal item sharing: Sharing towels, razors, undergarments and even shoes and footwear is discouraged. When to see a dermatologist? Even if monsoon-related skin issues are somewhat manageable with basic hygiene and general care at home, not all signs and symptoms should be ignored. Dr Pranjal Joshi elaborated on when one should visit a doctor. He said, 'Most monsoon skin rashes can be managed with simple home care. However, the care of a dermatologist should be sought when a rash persists for more than 3-5 days without improvement, or when there are signs of increasing redness, purulent material, or swelling." He further highlighted the importance of timely medical attention in certain cases, and added, "Medical intervention is necessary when there is recurrent fungal infection in the same area. For those who used a steroid cream and the area is worsening (showing signs of skin thinning, burning, or flare), consultation with a dermatologist is required. It is best to prevent skin problems, especially those troublesome during monsoons. However, if your skin is trying to communicate something, it is best to heed its warning.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Too little, too late – lifesaving chemotherapy drugs for kids finally arrive at Eastern Cape hospitals
Too little, too late – lifesaving chemotherapy drugs for kids finally arrive at Eastern Cape hospitals

Daily Maverick

time12-06-2025

  • Health
  • Daily Maverick

Too little, too late – lifesaving chemotherapy drugs for kids finally arrive at Eastern Cape hospitals

A month after the Eastern Cape Department of Health promised that they had paid the overdue bills that delayed the delivery of chemotherapy drugs to Nelson Mandela Bay hospitals and that the issue would be solved, crucial chemotherapy drugs finally started arriving at Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital. But it was too late for some children, who have missed a cycle of treatment, leaving them at high risk. A month ago, the Eastern Cape Department of Health assured the public that it had paid the overdue bills for pediatric chemotherapy drugs and that the problem was solved. Only it wasn't. And medical teams were thrown into a race against time to prevent their little patients from defaulting on their treatment. Crucial chemotherapy drugs needed to treat five children, who have already missed a full cycle of treatment, only arrived at Port Elizabeth's Provincial Hospital on Thursday, 12 June. The five children were just the most serious of cases – many others also missed a day or two of treatment and newly diagnosed patients could not receive their initial treatment. The additional month's waiting could have devastating consequences for the patients. One pediatric oncologist, who works in another province, said they have seen cancer returning if a child misses a cycle of chemotherapy, and sometimes the returned disease will be resistant to first-line drugs. On 19 May, the department indicated that overdue bills, which were the reason for the outage, were paid and that drugs will be delivered. Documents from senior officials in the department that have been confirmed with three sources as authentic, however, show that on 21 May, doctors were warned that 11 types of chemotherapy were not available, and in four of these cases it was due to 'closed accounts'. It is understood that companies wanted a bigger part of their overdue bills paid after an initial payment was made. Carboplatin, one of the crucial chemotherapy drugs, was, however, reported to be out of stock with a contracted supplier and needed to be sourced from another supplier. On 2 June, outages were still not addressed and the hospital had no Betamethasone, no Carboplatin, no Dacarbazine, no Methotrexate, no Leucovorin, no Polygam – either 6 grams or 12 grams – no Melphalan and no Spironolactone. Pharmacies had received Vinblastine (two months of stock) and Vincristine (commonly given as an IV injection – six months of stock). For the next 10 days, patients needing chemotherapy drugs that were out of stock were sent away. Yesterday, on 11 June, an entire contingent of patients were again sent away – five of them have by now missed an entire cycle of chemotherapy or three weeks of treatment. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has launched an investigation into the repeated interruptions of cancer treatment for public healthcare patients in the Eastern Cape. Dr Eileen Carter from the SAHRC said the Democratic Alliance (DA) had laid a complaint with them about the matter. The oncology units in Gqeberha previously ran out of chemotherapy medication in January after the Eastern Cape Department of Health's account with a supplier was suspended due to a delayed payment. At the time, the medicines that were in short supply were Docetaxel injection vials and Anastrozole tablets. On Sunday, Sizwe Kupelo, the spokesperson for the Eastern Cape MEC for Health Ntandokazi Capa, said the department 'wishes to reassure members of the public that drug availability in our facilities is one of the top priorities'. 'An amount of R284-million has been made available to pay pharmaceutical companies and order medicines. As of the past two weeks, R60-million was disbursed and various suppliers have already started deliveries. This week, orders and payments will continue to be made. To monitor progress, the head of the department, Dr Rolene Wagner, has established a task team led by a chief director to coordinate the whole ordering and delivery of medicines, with oncology being a priority. 'Pharmacists from all oncology departments in all three of our major hospitals also had a meeting with the HOD and pharmaceutical services in Bhisho to discuss their stock levels. We wish to re-emphasise that payment of service providers is no longer an issue at this stage and medicines are being delivered. 'However, we have been made aware that some companies that are on the national contracts do not have certain products available, due to global supply chain issues. 'To address this, the task team and relevant managers are liaising with the national department to seek permission to procure outside the contracted companies,' he said. This process appears to only have been started two weeks after the out-of-stock chemotherapy drugs crisis was confirmed. 'Once again, this is a priority to both the MEC and the HOD, and both offices will continue to monitor and provide support to colleagues on the ground,' Kupelo said. DM

Naturally Controlling Inflammation: Betamethasone Alternatives in Ayurveda
Naturally Controlling Inflammation: Betamethasone Alternatives in Ayurveda

Time Business News

time10-06-2025

  • Health
  • Time Business News

Naturally Controlling Inflammation: Betamethasone Alternatives in Ayurveda

You may be aware of how quickly steroids like Betamethasone or other steroid medicines work to calm inflammation symptoms if they have been prescribed to you. Steroids, however, when taken over the long term, bring in unwanted consequences like thinning of skin, hormonal imbalance, or weakness in immunity. Luckily, Indian traditional medicine, Ayurveda, offers alternatives to manage inflammation without using powerful chemicals. In this article, we will see how Ayurveda handles inflammation from the inside out and how you can safely move away from steroids with natural healing and lifestyle changes. You can also learn about betamethasone sodium phosphate tablet uses in this article, so keep in touch with us. In Ayurveda, inflammation is typically linked to an imbalance in the Pitta dosha—the body's energy of heat and change. If Pitta gets out of balance, it can lead to redness, swelling, burning, and irritation, especially in the skin or joints. The Ayurvedic answer isn't a question of suppressing surface symptoms. It's a question of cleansing the body, calming internal heat, and getting back into balance. Ayurveda has a variety of natural herbs and oils that reduce the inflammation without any ill effects: An antibacterial herb with cooling properties, Neem stops the blood from infection and cools the inflamed skin. It is consumed in the form of a supplement or applied in oil. Also known as a great blood purifier, Manjistha reduces heat in the body and is employed for rashes, skin allergies, or acne. An ever-popular anti-inflammatory, turmeric fights off redness and inflammation. Use it with warm milk or topically using coconut oil for convenience. This herb fortifies immunity and helps in detoxification. It is ideal for people who experience flare-ups in the context of autoimmune diseases. This herb is traditionally used on eczema and skin allergies. It purifies the blood and helps in skin coloration. Your diet plays an important role in how your body responds to inflammation. Ayurveda suggests following these changes: Avoid spicy, oily, fried, and processed food. Decrease sugar and dairy consumption. Include cooling foods like cucumbers, melons, coconut water, and leafy greens. Include ground flaxseeds or chia seeds as sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Drink plenty of water and herbal teas like fennel, coriander, or cumin tea. Chronic inflammation is typically aggravated by stress and lack of sleep. Basic Ayurvedic lifestyle modifications can: Do yoga, pranayama (breath exercises), or meditation on a daily basis. Sleep a minimum of 7–8 hours daily. Adopt a routine in harmony with the natural cycles (rising early, regular eating). Tapering off Betamethasone Safely If you have been on Betamethasone for a period of time, it is very important to taper off slowly rather than stopping cold turkey. Sudden stopping can cause rebound inflammation. Here's how you can assist the process: Slowly taper the dose as recommended by your doctor. Begin adding Ayurvedic herbs and topical treatments as described above. Use natural anti-inflammatory creams during tapering. Improve your immunity with Ashwagandha and Guduchi. Although these remedies are natural, everybody is different. For the best results, consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner who will prescribe a customized healing regimen according to your body type (dosha), medical history, and present symptoms. Inflammation is a cry from your body for balance and care, not a band-aid solution. Betamethasone may provide temporary relief, but Ayurveda guides you in healing the root of the problem with herbs, food, and mindful living. With patience and time, natural healing is not only possible, it's sustainable. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Ex-champ Mauricio Lara given 2-year boxing ban after failed drug test, ending drawn-out saga
Ex-champ Mauricio Lara given 2-year boxing ban after failed drug test, ending drawn-out saga

Yahoo

time12-03-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Ex-champ Mauricio Lara given 2-year boxing ban after failed drug test, ending drawn-out saga

Former WBA featherweight world champion Mauricio Lara has been given a two-year ban from boxing after failing a post-fight doping test, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirmed Wednesday. Lara (26-3-2, 19 KOs) tested positive for the banned substance Betamethasone in a sample collected just one hour after his May 27, 2023 rematch loss against Leigh Wood in Manchester, U.K. Mexico's Lara had won the championship three months earlier, knocking out Wood in the seventh round in Nottingham. Lara weighed in three-and-a-half pounds over the 126-pound featherweight limit for his rematch with Wood. That lack of fitness translated to the ring, with Wood easily outboxing Lara over the 12-round distance and regaining his belt. Lara claimed the adverse finding was due to a dexamethasone injection administered on May 12 to treat a shoulder injury that Lara had sustained during sparring, but UKAD denied that the injection was a reasonable explanation for the presence of Betamethasone in his system. UKAD said a more likely explanation for the presence of Betamethasone in Lara's system is an 8mg injection administered on the day of his fight with Wood. The ban has been backdated to March 7, 2024 — when Lara was provisionally suspended. The suspension from boxing and all WADA-compliant sports will end on March 6, 2026. Bizarrely, the process took almost two years to reach a conclusion. In the interim, Lara has been allowed to fight and has done so on three separate occasions in Mexico, winning twice and also fighting to a majority draw. Despite UKAD being aware of Lara's positive test, it did not stop him from competing.

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