Keep skin diseases away this monsoon

As the humidity level goes up during the monsoon season, skin infections become common. Try to stay clean and use anti-fungal cosmetics to fight them, says an expert.

Capital-based dermatologist Navin Taneja shares how to stay away from skin diseases:

* Heat rash: Heat rash is a red pimply eruption. It is caused by sweating that leads skin pores to choke.

Remedies:

The prickly heat will go in a couple of days unless the rash gets infected by scratching it.

Wear loose cotton and linen clothing.

Calamine lotion may help to ease the itching.

* Nail infection: Nails are at a risk of fungal infections during monsoon season. They become discoloured, brittle and dull. Try not to keep long nails during the rainy season as long nails attract muck, thereby leading to fungal infection.

Remedies:

Use anti-fungal cream or powder.

* Psoriasis: A condition in which red patches start appearing on the skin.

Remedies:

Aloe vera is beneficial for skin diseases caused by rain.

Opt for some home remedy like a mixture of gram flour, rose water and milk.

Use anti-bacterial soaps, talcum powder and face wash.

* Athlete's foot: Painful fungal infection generally caused by ill-fitting and wet shoes.

Remedies:

One should not wear plastic shoes, leather or canvas ones and instead wear slippers and flip-flops as they let your feet breathe.

Wear washed cotton socks and keep feet clean and dry.