10-07-2025
Rains may spike fungal infections, warn dermatologists
Nagpur: City is likely to witness a sharp spike in fungal and bacterial skin infections with the heavy long-term rains, warn dermatologists.
"Due to incessant rains, the humidity levels increase, creating a perfect environment for fungal infections to flourish," said Dr Shraddha Mahalle Ingole, former general secretary of the Vidarbha Dermatology Society and now Central India Coordinator of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL).
"Wearing wet, half-dried clothes, socks, and undergarments is one of the biggest reasons for the surge in fungal and bacterial infections during rains," she added, advising people to ensure clothes are completely dry before use and to maintain good personal hygiene.
Skin doctors further cautioned about bacterial infections that also become more common during the rains. "We see more cases of skin rashes, boils, folliculitis, and infected cuts and wounds because bacteria thrive in moist conditions," said Dr Bushra Khan.
Commenting on aesthetic trends, Dr Mahalle noted, "There's a fair demand for anti-ageing drips in Nagpur. Even in a tier-2 city like ours, many people are opting for these treatments." However, she warned, "Anti-ageing drips should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified dermatologist and not from any cosmetologist or beautician."
Dr Priyanka Magia, secretary of VDA, highlighted that vitamin deficiencies are common in the region.
"The most common deficiency in people of Nagpur is Vitamin B12, but direct drips are not the ultimate solution for skin anti-ageing," she said.
"One can improve diet, correct Vitamin B12 deficiency, and boost glutathione antioxidants to achieve fresh, healthy skin."
Dermatologists to conduct 800 free camps on July 13
In an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records, over 800 free skin disease screening and treatment camps will be conducted across India on July 13 by members of the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL).
Dr Shraddha Mahalle Ingole, Central India Coordinator of IADVL, informed that Nagpur alone will host at least 12 such camps. "I will be in Melghat to conduct two free camps on Sunday," she said.
As part of IADVL's Community Dermatology initiative, camps in Nagpur will be held at Ramna Maroti Mandir (Dr Priyanka Magia), HB Town Pardi Naka (Dr Gaurav Khandait), Jafar Nagar Ring Road (Dr Saba Pathan), Taj Nagar Mankapur, and Raza Town Kamptee Road (Dr Bushra Khan).
Teams from IGGMCH, Lata Mangeshkar Hospital, and Shalinitai Meghe Medical College will also host camps at their institutions and surrounding areas.
A total of 75 camps are planned in Maharashtra. The camps will run from 10 am to 2 pm, allowing walk-in entries. Consultations and medical advice will be offered free of charge, and in many places, medicines may be provided free to needy patients, depending on availability.
