Surge in Skin Disease Cases: Heat Wave Blamed for 20% Increase

May 31, 2024May 31, 2024 Anusha Aggarwal

Skin Conditions on the Rise due to Summer Heat

Over the past month, there has been a significant increase in cases of skin diseases such as scabies, eczema, sunburn, fungal infections, and others. As a result, the daily outpatient department (OPD) visits have increased to 350 to 400 cases per day. Skin disease cases are expected to continue for the next two months.

This year, residents have experienced severe heat, leading to a rise in skin diseases. Skin conditions have been exacerbated by the intense heat. The cases of skin diseases, which are typically seen on regular days, have also increased during the summer. Additionally, the rising temperatures have led to a 10% increase in such cases. Severe heat has also led to a 20% increase in sunburn cases. The most effective treatment to prevent skin diseases due to heat is to take two showers a day.

Elderly citizens are particularly affected by herpes, a disease that causes red dermatitis due to sweating caused by intense heat. This condition is characterized by red patches and intense itching. Due to the heat, cases of skin diseases are expected to continue for the next two months, as indicated by doctors in the dermatology department of the Civil Hospital.

Precautions to Take During Severe Heat

With the increasing prevalence of skin diseases caused by the scorching summer heat, doctors from the dermatology department have provided the following guidelines:

Avoid going out unnecessarily.
If you must go out, wear loose and light-colored clothing.
Avoid wearing tight clothes and jeans.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Take showers twice a day.
Avoid using talcum powder.

Cases of various diseases have increased due to the rising temperatures. Over the past month, cases of heatstroke, bacterial infections, and skin diseases such as dermatitis, scabies, eczema, sunburn, and autoimmune diseases (like SLE) have increased. The prevalence of these diseases is higher in children and senior citizens, as indicated by doctors in the screening department of the Civil Hospital.