Ludhiana, January 4
Cold wave conditions have not only paralysed life in this part of region but have brought with them many skin ailments, which if left untreated can cause severe eruptions, ulcers and gangrene. As a result of the intense cold wave, there has been a sudden increase in the number of patients suffering from various skin problems at hospitals and private nursing homes.
Dr Ritu Gupta, Medical Superintendent, Shri Raghunath Charitable Hospital, said they received three to four patients daily complaining of various skin ailments in the OPD. “Most of these patients complained of chill blain at their hands and feet. Such patients get red eruptions over the toes and fingers. It is a kind of abnormal response to the cold and if left untreated these can grow on to ulcers and gangrene and in serious cases the particular part has to be surgically removed”, said Dr Gupta. She also maintained that 20 per cent to 30 per cent skin problems increased during this season.
Dr Gupta further added that chill blain were common among children and older persons. These were caused due to exposure to sudden cold air and cold water. The hands and feet should be properly covered and if needed person should wear double socks. She said other than skin problems, the patients with inflammation of lungs, chest infections and angina pain were also pouring in the hospital.
Dr Alka Dogra, Head, Dermatology Department, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, said, “Skin becomes dry due to rough weather and chilly winds. Cracks occur on the skin surface and dandruff also increases due to infrequent washing of hair in the winter season. If dandruff is not treated well in time, Seborrhoeic Eczema occur on ears and eyes”.
Dr Dogra said most common problem was of chill blain and fissures in feet. The fingers of hands and feet become swollen which can be ruptured if timely preventive measures are not taken. She added, “Such patients should avoid use of cold water and cold air. They should wear woollen gloves and socks to avoid any complication”.
Dr Y.C. Minocha, another city-based skin specialist, said most of the patients complained of chill blain, dryness and skin eruptions.
Dr Sanjay Chand, Deputy Medical Superintendent, Christian Medical College and Hospital, said though no death was reported in the hospital but there was a definite statistical rise of over 15 per cent in the number of patients suffering from various diseases due to cold wave. “Most of these diseases are caused because of smog. Being an industrial town, the industrial pollution is mixed with thick fog and cause many skin diseases, bronchial diseases and frequent asthmatic attacks. Timely preventive measures can be helpful to some extent”, added Dr Chand.
