|
PRECAUTIONS
- One should wear woollen socks and gloves in this biting chill
- Avoid bathing with very hot water
- Apply oil on wet skin to avoid dryness on the body
- Maintain proper hygiene and take regular bath
- Dip your feet and hands in mild hot salty water to avoid chill-blain
|
Ludhiana, January 8
The biting chill in recent days has brought with it many skin infections. Dermatologists are finding it difficult to treat the increasing number of patients, pouring in at hospital OPDs and clinics these days. Dryness on hands and feet, dandruff, and chill blain are the common ailments.
Dr Alka Dogra, Head of the Dermatology Department of the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) confirmed that skin infections, if not timely treated, could become very problematic. She said more than 10 patients visited the hospital OPD with one or the other skin infection every day. Chill blain, a skin infection characterised by the redness and swelling of the skin, was the commonest among people. “Chill-blain occurs due to cold air and cold water on hands and feet. The symptoms include swelling of hands and feet, redness and burning sensation and itching. It is basically abnormal reaction to cold and if the infection is not treated, cracks and finally erosion can occur, which can lead to the ulceration of skin”, said Dr Dogra. She suggested that people should wear woollen socks and gloves all the time and try to avoid exposure to the biting chill. “In luke warm water, one tablespoon of salt should be added and hands and feet should be dipped in it. People will definitely get relief from chill-blain”, said Dr Dogra.
The other common problem is of dryness of hands and feet and even of the body. The itching sensation occurs due to dryness, which can be very problematic and finally leads to fissuring of skin. This can be very painful, stressed Dr Dogra. “One should use a good moisturiser or after bath, any oil except for mustard oil should be applied on wet skin. The other important thing is that people should not bathe with very hot water”, added Dr Dogra.
“Dandruff is another problem which is commonly found these days. Normally people take it lightly, but this infection can be very dangerous and can turn into
seborrheic dermatitis. The untreated dandruff can come on the eyelashes, eyebrows, eyes and even behind the ears”, warned Dr Dogra. For dandruff, one should use a good quality anti-dandruff shampoo.
Dr Dogra also pointed out that scabies (the disease occurring due to the infestation of mites and commonly seen in people from lower socio-economic strata) could also occur as due to the biting cold, people were reluctant to bathe for days. The skin infection is highly contagious and spreads easily. Scabies is transmitted to the individuals very easily from animals, including dogs, pigs, goats and cattle. She said one should maintain proper hygiene, bathe regularly and wash clothes properly.
