Monsoon Archives

July 17, 2019 By Trishala Chopra 5 Comments

Tips to protect yourself from allergic conjunctivitis this monsoon

I guess I am late! Rains are already here and we can’t just ignore getting drenched in heavy rains. But, getting drenched in the rains might not be a good thing for your body. Monsoon not only brings with it rains but it brings along with it an army of infections. Viral infections are the most common ones. They are at its peak during monsoon season because of the sudden increase in the moisture levels in the climate. Among all infection, eyes are the worst affected part of the human body.

You might have suffered from itchy eyes which turns red the moment you rub it? Do not ignore it as it could be conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis in literal terms means inflammation of conjunctiva (thin protective membrane of the eyes) Conjunctivitis is of two types: – acute allergic conjunctivitis and chronic acute conjunctivitis. Acute allergic conjunctivitis includes the seasonal allergy which turns up during monsoons. Conjunctivitis spreads through direct contact. Hand to eye touch can cause conjunctivitis, as this disease is highly contagious. It can last for minimum 3 days up to 7 days.

Redness always doesn’t mean conjunctivitis, there are various other reasons that can cause redness or itchy eyes. It might be dust or too much strain on the eyes or insomnia which might cause redness of the eyes. Do not confuse yourself between these reasons and conjunctivitis. It is always advisable that if you face redness, itchiness, watery eyes, swelling, difficulty in blinking, dry eyes for more than 2 days then visit your ophthalmologists as soon as possible. It might be allergic conjunctivitis or some other disease, it is always better to get it checked from the expert.

Here are few tips to protect yourself from conjunctivitis this monsoon!

Maintaining personal hygiene is most important precaution which one needs to take.
Avoid touching your eyes without washing your hands properly.
Wash your eyes with cold water whenever you come from outside.
If you feel that there is slightest pain in your eyes or you have been in contact with the person who has conjunctivitis, give your eyes cold compressions immediately after you come home. It is always better if you visit a doctor before the diseases aggravate.
If someone at home is down with conjunctivitis make sure that whenever you are putting drops in their eyes or giving them cold water compressions, you wash your hands thoroughly before and after you get in contact with the person.
Put 2 drops of rose water every time before you go to bed.
If you wear contact lenses, avoid using them during monsoons as the chances of infection is higher with lenses.
Do not share cosmetics. Risk of infection doubles when you share them.
Avoid swimming, visiting water parks during monsoon, not only conjunctivitis, body gets prone to other diseases too!
Avoid touching public taps, handles and if you get in contact with them, always keep a sanitizer and use them frequently.
Wear glasses to keep your eyes protected.
Avoid self-medication. You do not know about the action of drugs.
Never use steroid eye drops. Always consult your doctor.
If in case doctor is not available, choose antibiotic drops over steroid eye drops.

Conjunctivitis is not a one-time disease, chances of getting conjunctivitis is endless. So as it is rightly said, Prevention is better than cure!

December 13, 2018 By Dr Darshana Salve 7 Comments

Nail matters!

Every second person is eagerly waiting for rains so that we get relief from this scorching heat. But, as we welcome monsoon, it brings along with it hub of infections too. Monsoons play a perfect breeding ground for all vector- borne, viruses, fungus and parasites.

Humidity in air and excessive sweating tends to favor fungus to grow and multiply at a rapid rate. Fungus needs moisture and warmth, and monsoon provides it a conducive atmosphere to thrive and multiply.

Types of fungal infection:

Tinea Cruris / Ringworm
Candidiasis
Fungal Infection of Nails (Onychomycosis)
Tinea Alba (Pityriasis Alba)
Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor)
Pityriiasis Rosea

Out of the above list, fungal infection of nails aka Onychomycosisis the most neglected one.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails that causes discoloration, thickening, and separation from the nail bed with/without foul smell. Onychomycosis occurs in 10% of the general population, 20% of persons older than 60 years. It is caused by a variety of organisms, but most cases are caused by dermatophytes. The risk of onychomycosis is 1.9 to 2.8 times higher in persons with diabetes compared with the general population. Onychomycosis affects toenails more often than fingernails because of their slower growth, reduced blood supply, and frequent confinement in dark, moist environments (eg- shoes).

Treatment:

Antifungals medicines are widely used for the treatment of onychomycosis. Treatment of Onychomycosis is widely believed to be only a cosmetic problem, but it can be uncomfortable and can lead to cellulitis (bacterial infection involving the inner layers of the skin) in older adults and foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. Eradication of the infection is a key to improving appearance and avoiding these complications, but it is not easily accomplished because nails are made of keratin, which is nonvascular and impermeable to many agents. Because of poor drug delivery to nails, results of treatment may not be apparent for a year.

Tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant, possessing fungicidal and anti-bacterial properties that make it popular in treating toenail fungus. 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil + 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil. Apply this mixture with the help of the cotton ball to the affected nail 2 times daily or add 4-5 drops of tea tree oil in enough water to soak your feet for 15-20 minutes.

Rub Coconut oil onto the area and let it absorb and dry naturally. Repeat 2-3 times daily. Wear gloves or wash your hands between applications (if you have more than one affected nail.

Topical Mentholated ointment (Vicks Vaporub) is also used to treat onychomycosis. Apply it regularly to the affected nail at night.

But all said and done, Prevention is better than cure!

The best way to avoid fungal infections is to maintain a high level of hygiene.

Always keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed. Cut them straight and file down the thickened areas. Also make sure that they are dry and clean. After having bath, dry the toenails and even the area between the toes.
Avoid putting your hands or feet in water constantly.
Watch out for your manicures and pedicures. If the manicure or pedicure is done in a wrong way or with using contaminated instruments then you are at risk for developing onychomycosis.
Too much nail polish and or wearing artificial nails tends to trap moisture, which will allow the fungi to thrive.
Do not tear the skin around the nails or trim it. The slightest injury or cut allows the fungi to enter the nail.
Wear clean dry cotton socks, which will absorb the moisture and keep your feet dry. It is a good habit to remove your shoes occasionally especially after exercising.

7) Always wash your legs with soap and water after coming from out especially during the rainy season where we tend to step into dirty puddles.

Happy Feet = Happy Monsoon…..Enjoy!

July 25, 2014 By Neha Morche 6 Comments

7 preventive measures to avoid Diarrhea during Monsoons

Come Monsoons and our happiness see no bounds. There are lots of activities that one can indulge in during the monsoons such as walking in the rain, running, cycling and trekking. All of these activities give us extreme happiness. Monsoons also entice you and increase your cravings for some street food such as bhajiya, vada pav, bhel, pani puri, chat and the likes. Few days back, I went for a trek in the Shaydari ranges of Maharashtra. After the trek I gorged on some tasty piping hot Bhajias and Vada Pav. The next day however, I got diarrhea and suffered for the next few days. It was all thanks to the bhajias and the vada pav.
During monsoons, food and water are the two main things that get contaminated easily. This eventually leads to water borne diseases as monsoons is the time for germs and bacteria to breed in large numbers. We need to be extra careful for ourselves and for our children as well.

Preventive measures to be taken during Monsoons

1. Drink boiled water.

2. Wash your hands before you eat.

3. Avoid outside food and go for homemade hygenic food.

4. If you are eating in a restaurant avoid leafy vegetables. One is not sure if it’s cleaned properly or not ?

5. Eat well cleaned and washed vegetables.. Avoid left over food

6. Do not eat fish as it is breeding time and there are chances that you might get a stomach upset or an infection.

7. Do take shower if you get wet to protect from bacteria.

As our body is susceptible to infections taking precaution is good …however if you

do get diarrhea. Here are few things you must follow

1. Boil water and drink throughout day as diarrhea dehydrates body.

2. Do not have solid food. Have clear liquid diet initially.

3. In case of less severe diarrhea cooked rice, curd can be included which can be incorporated gradually after liquid diet.

4. Drink lots of warm herbal teas, especially with antibacterial properties such as basil leaves, ginger, pepper and honey.

5. Digestion process is slow during monsoon because of the humidity in atmosphere so eat moderately only when you are hungry.

6. Include antioxident rich food (green tea,fresh fruits,nuts ) to fight against infection.

To sum it up

Be healthy to enjoy the monsoon thoroughly ..