Humidity, power outages trigger surge in skin diseases

The combination of intense heat, high humidity, poor hygiene, frequent power outages and non-availability of water has led to a significant spike in skin diseases across the city. Additional Director at the Sindh Institute of Skin Diseases Dr Abdullah Yahya revealed that daily patient visits have surged by 20 per cent during the summer months, reaching a staggering 6,000. This surge is a stark reminder of the impact that seasonal weather conditions, along with certain lifestyle factors, have on the skin health of residents. He shared these insights in an interview with The Express Tribune.

Dr Abdullah explained that common skin issues reported include fungal, bacterial, and parasitic infections, as well as scabies, eczema, heat rashes, and general itching. The highest number of cases are being reported in areas such as Korangi, Nazimabad, North Nazimabad, and Jacob Lines.

He also warned against the overuse of antibiotics and steroids when treating skin diseases, as they can be harmful. For instance, if a patient has scabies with an accompanying infection, the infection should be treated first, rather than directly addressing the scabies. Steroids should only be prescribed when absolutely necessary, especially for patients with diabetes or high blood pressure, and must be used with caution. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to drug resistance, while steroids can have negative effects on sleep, appetite, and mood.

Dr Abdullah advised the public to limit exposure to the sun during peak hours, especially from 10am to 2pm. He recommended men wear caps, and women wear light-coloured scarves when outdoors. Additionally, he stressed the importance of applying sunscreen / sunblock at least 30 minutes before going outside and reapplying it every two-and-a-half hours.

To prevent fungal infections, Dr Abdullah suggested using separate brushes, combs, towels, nail clippers, cotton socks, and leather shoes. He also emphasised the importance of bathing twice a day and thoroughly drying the body with a towel.

On the topic of diet, Dr Abdullah recommended avoiding beef, egg yolks, and spicy foods, which may delay recovery, while suggesting that yogurt, milk, and drinks like lassi could promote faster healing.

To help protect skin and promote recovery from existing conditions, it's important to keep skin moisturised to prevent dryness, which can make it more vulnerable to infections.

By following these precautions, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing skin diseases during the hot and humid summer months.