Skin and hair care in monsoon by Dr Arun Kumar

Natural immune resistance in the body is decreased during monsoon. Apart from common infections like flu, common cold, dysentery asthma, skin problems like the allergic rash, atopic dermatitis, dry skin eczema, fungal infections, acne, prickly heat are common. Dry scalp, dandruff, itchy scalp, hair fall are common too. Damp and humid weather in monsoon, attracts more microbes and fungi, resulting in skin rashes to ringworm etc. The season tends to infect the air, atmosphere surroundings, foods, and drinks. While skin changes during pregnancy are common, your skin and hair are also affected from the harsh treatment of the moist humid rainy weather. Skin care in monsoon:

• Drink lots of water, 2-3 liters per day, water consumption hydrates your body and flushes out all the unwanted toxins.
  • Use a soap free cleanser for washing your face, wash gently 2-3 times a day.
  • Mild organic face scrubs twice a week.
  • Dap dry the face, body, towel usage roughens the skin.
  • Alcohol-free toner to maintain PH balance.
  • The humidity leads to dry skin, use a nourishing moisturizer to keep your skin soft supple and healthy.
  • Use a water based moisturizer for oily skin.
  • Use a reliable sunscreen with a good SPF, it may be cloudy but that doesn't stop sun's UV rays causing skin damage.
  • The homemade facial pack is preferred.
  • Waterproof light makeups are the better choice.
  • Prevent the lip cracking moisturizing lip balm with SPF.
  • Apply moisturizer twice a day for the entire body.
  • Facial and bleaching should be avoided or at least limited as it makes the skin rough.

Hair care in Monsoon

• Monsoon is the time of humidity which creates itchiness on the scalp. It is recommended to have a warm coconut oil massage which will help to get rid of itchiness. If there is dandruff in the scalp, massage with neem oil.
  • Mild anti dandruff shampoo diluted 1:1 ratio in water weekly once or twice to clean the scalp.
  • Prevent the hair from getting drenched in rain, but if does happen it is best to shampoo the hair as soon as possible and then dry them.
  • Monsoon season demands a conditioner after a mild gentle shampoo.
  • Hair coloring must be avoided during the rainy season.
  • Natural herbal products are better than heavy chemical shampoos in rains as they help to maintain the shine and natural look of the hair.
  • Try the hairstyles that are more natural in look than elaborate ones.
  • Avoid blow dryers and try to dry hair with a towel to retain the moisture.

Some do's and don'ts to tackle fungal infection DO's

• Regular bathing, body cleaning is the must..
• Before wearing clothes, drying out the folds area to prevent excess moisture wearing loose fitting clothes.
• Laundering clothes of an infected person in hot water and washing with the antiseptic agent.
• Drying clothes in sunlight for at least 2 hours wearing clothes after ironing them and placing them separately.
• Washing your hands with anti-septic and water frequently. Keeping hair, nails and scalp clean.
• Wearing well ventilated shoes with cotton socks not sharing comb and other utilities with other family members.

DONT S

• Occasional bathing using towel used by other members of the family wearing clothes immediately after bath washing personal clothes with family members clothes.
• Wearing clothes dried under the fan and without ironing them, wearing tight jeans, leggings, sharing comb and other utilities with family members.
• Scratching on lesions and not washing hands, keeping hair, nails, and scalp filthy walking barefoot in public places.