Be cautious of common skin diseases that often arise after the rainy season and flooding, such as fungal infections, scabies, and skin infections. It is essential to find preventive solutions for yourself.
After the rainy season and flooding, numerous risk factors emerge, particularly for residents in flooded areas, making them susceptible to skin diseases.
The causes include the humid weather and frequently inundated living environments, which create favorable conditions for parasites and bacteria to thrive. When these pathogens invade, the skin can easily become damaged and inflamed, leading to dermatological issues.
Dr. Vu Thi Phuong Thao, Deputy of the General Planning Department at the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital, stated that poor hygiene conditions and polluted water sources after rainfall are rife with disease-causing bacteria, facilitating the development of various skin conditions.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis can be caused by bacterial or fungal infections. Inflamed hair follicles become swollen, red, itchy, and may develop pustules. The lack of clean water for bathing allows bacteria to proliferate in hair follicles such as on the scalp, armpits, genital area, beard, and eyebrows.
Polluted water after rain contains many disease-causing bacteria. (Photo: vanhoaconggiao)
Contact Dermatitis
Floodwaters often contain chemicals from industries or households, including pesticides, heavy metals, and detergents.
This is a non-contagious skin disease characterized by red, inflamed skin that may develop blisters and severe itching. Contact with water containing certain chemicals, toxic gases, and microorganisms can irritate the skin, easily leading to this condition.
Using disinfectants and cleaning agents frequently after flooding also increases the risk of contact dermatitis, especially in individuals with pre-existing allergies.
Dermatophytosis
After rainy weather and flooding, polluted water creates favorable conditions for fungal growth. Common sites of fungal infection include between the toes, in the groin, and on the body.
Interdigital fungal infection occurs in the skin between the toes, often seen between the fourth and fifth toes. The keratin layer of the skin, rich in keratin, is a preferred nutrient source for dermatophyte fungi. These fungi invade and cause inflammation in the keratin layer. During the rainy season, individuals wading through floodwater are more likely to experience fungal infections between the toes.
Groin fungus is a fungal infection in the groin area, presenting as red, itchy, scaly patches that gradually spread. Some individuals, upon noticing symptoms, may worry and purchase topical medications containing corticosteroids, which can worsen the condition. This disease commonly occurs during the rainy season as clothing tends to become damp, leading to an already poorly ventilated groin becoming warmer and more humid, creating a conducive environment for fungal development.
Skin Infections
Symptoms of skin infections include swollen, hot, red skin that may weep, possibly containing pus and skin ulcers. Wounds may develop a yellow or brown crust with surrounding inflammation.
Poor hygiene conditions and laborious cleanup efforts after flooding can lead to skin injuries, providing opportunities for bacterial invasion.
Scabies
This skin disease is caused by a parasitic mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei (commonly referred to as scabies). Scabies manifests on the skin with red bumps and blisters on delicate skin areas, causing intense itching, particularly at night. The erratic fluctuations of temperature and humidity during the rainy season create favorable conditions for scabies to thrive.
Scabies is highly contagious, so multiple family members can become affected. The intense itching can significantly disrupt daily life.
Skin and Soft Tissue Injuries
High floodwaters often require residents and rescue teams to wade through water, making it challenging to see the ground, which can conceal hidden risks from sharp objects (metal, glass), stones, and electrical hazards (downed power lines).
As a result, skin injuries and soft tissue damage are common; if not properly cared for and treated, they can lead to bacterial or parasitic infections that severely impact health, even leading to sepsis and potential death.
“Additionally, psychological stress frequently encountered after floods can contribute to, exacerbate, and trigger outbreaks of pre-existing skin diseases such as allergic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and psoriasis,” emphasized Dr. Nguyen Thi Thao Nhi from the Central Dermatology Hospital.
Dr. Nhi further noted that among the skin diseases mentioned for the rainy season, some conditions may resolve on their own with proper care and hygiene. However, most cases require treatment with appropriate oral and topical medications to ensure complete recovery and prevent transmission.
Preventing Skin Diseases After Floods
According to Dr. Thao, while some skin diseases during the rainy season may resolve with good care and hygiene, most cases need treatment with suitable medications to achieve full recovery and prevent spread.
Once the water recedes, it is vital to clean the environment and seek clean water sources for daily activities. Minimize wading or immersing oneself in dirty, stagnant water. When unavoidable contact with contaminated water occurs, ensure proper footwear, boots, and gloves are worn.
After exposure to dirty water, wash immediately with clean water, dry off thoroughly, especially in areas prone to water accumulation, like between toes and fingers. Avoid wearing damp clothing, which can lead to skin diseases.
It is advisable to have some antiseptic solutions like hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, methylene blue, chlorhexidine, and chloramine B available to clean wounds before applying medications or disinfecting after wading through dirty water.
Individuals who have already contracted a disease should avoid contact with contaminated water and maintain good personal hygiene. Do not share clothing, towels, or wash basins with uninfected individuals to prevent community transmission. Avoid scratching to limit the spread of damage. Those affected should visit a healthcare facility for proper examination and treatment.
