The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Chandigarh Stories

HEALTH

Watch out for skin infections
Monica Sharma

Chandigarh, August 7
Rise in health-related problems, especially skin infections, is a common feature during monsoon.

The Head of Dermatology Department, Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Dr G.P. Thami says: “Everyday around 30 to 40 patients walk into the hospital complaining of skin infections with ringworm and boils, besides prickly heat.”

Another doctor adds: “The numbers, however, provide little indication to the extent of the problem. A large number of residents consider it to be ‘seasonal’ and do not visit doctors at all. Others indulge in self-medication. They apply creams and lotions advertised on the television.”

Giving details, the doctor says: “Our skin acts as a natural barrier. But it becomes vulnerable to infections during the rainy season due to high humidity level in the atmosphere. Humidity prevents evaporation of sweat. Consequently, the skin becomes prone to fungal and bacterial infection.”

The most common skin infections during the season are fungal. “Fungal infections thrive in moist and warm environment. The folds of the skin are most susceptible to the infection,” the doctor adds. “Ringworm infections can also affect different parts of the body. When the infection strikes the feet, it is known as athlete’s foot. Another common problem is that of boils growing into abscess.”

Prickly heat is caused because of blocked sweat pores. “Our dead skin cells are removed normally, but because of high humidity, the dead cells do not fall, clogging the sweat pores and forcing perspiration to remain trapped leading to prickly heat,” the doctor explains.

“In case you suffer from prickly heat, avoid scratching,” he adds. One should apply mild prickly heat powder.

The boils, on the other hand, should be kept clean and dry. For temporary relief, consume a pain-killer. Local application of an anti-bacterial lotion is also helpful. Sharing of clothes, even soaps, should be avoided as the boils are contagious.

In case self-medication fails to help, see a doctor after two or three days. “A boil may grow inside resulting in redness of skin, swelling and intense pain. In severe cases, untreated abscess may eventually cause septicemia, which may even prove fatal.”

Personal hygiene should be maintained. Sweat-soaked garments should be instantly removed. Clothes should be changed daily. “You should also dry yourself nicely after bathing. Tight synthetic clothes should be avoided. Go in for cotton or other light fabrics. Loosely fit garments should be preferred. Also ensure that the clothes are not damp,” he adds.

Dr Thami concludes: “Do not walk barefoot in this weather. Also keep the feet dry. Before slipping on the socks just make sure that the area between the toes is not moist.”

SPORTS

Sector 42 school win soccer final
Our Sports Reporter

Chandigarh, August 7
Government Model High School, Sector 42, today qualified for the Pre-Subroto Soccer tournament to be held in Delhi later this year. GMHS-42 trounced St Stephen’s School, Sector 45, by seven goals to nil in the under-14 section. In the under-17 section, Sanjay Public School, Sector 44, will take on Guru Nanak Public School, Sector 36, in the final. The matches were played at Sector 42 Sports Complex.

In the under-14 final, GMHS-42 boys gave initial thrust to the game when Gurjot struck with continuous two goals in the eighth and 22nd minute. Rinku Masih scored the third goal in the 29th minute and Manoj in the 36th minute. Then it was Rakesh who went on goal-scoring spree in the 47th, 49th and 50th minutes, scoring a hat-trick.

In the under-17 semi-final, Sanjay Public school got the better of DAV Senior Secondary school, Sector 8, by six goals to one. The goals were scored by Ajay, Karan, Sushil, Baksh, Sushil and Sunil. Hanish Patial scored the lone goal for DAV School.

In the second semi-final, GN-36 beat St John’s High School, Sector 26, by two goals to one. Mandeep and Manoj scored one goal each while Abhinav scored for the losers. Interestingly, St John’s School is the only institution in the city where a Sports Authority of India football coach has been posted , but still they could not make it to the final.

B’ minton teams

The District Badminton Association, Panchkula, has selected the players for participation in the Haryana State Junior Badminton Championship to be held at Yamunanagar from tomorrow to August 10. According to Mr T.R. Tuli, the senior team for the Haryana state badminton championship to be held at Gurgaon from August 21 to 24 was also selected.

The junior team is: boys under-10: Mohit, Prabal, Deepanshu and Anchit. Girls under-10: Jisha and Palak.

Boys under-13: Akshit, Dhruv, Rythem, Gaurav, Priyank and Raghav.

Girls under-13: Mohini, Parul, Surbhi and Muskan.

Boys under-16: Saurav, Adhiraj, Prateek, Rasik, Anshul and Prerak.

Girls under-10: Kannupriya, Pallavi.

Senior team: Boys under-19: Saurav, Sachin Garg, Prateek Sharma, Gaurav Kapoor, Ashish and Adhiraj.

Men: Saurav, Sachin, Gaurav, Prateek, Ashish and Bharat.

Girls under-19: Kannupriya, Gauri, Suchi and Geetu.

Women: Kannupriya and Gauri.

Swimming

The District Swimming Association, Panchkula, has invited the local swimmers to get the registration done for the Haryana state swimming championship to be held at Rai, Sonepat, from August 17 to 19. Interested swimmers contact Phone Nos. 582021 or 572259 by August 9. This was stated by Raj Singh, Secretary of the association.

Cricket tourney

The United India Insurance Company will play with City Employees XI while the Food Corporation of India, Chandigarh, will take on the Punjab Financial Corporation in the league mach of the United Insurance Cup Institutional Cricket Tournament on August 9 at the PEC cricket grounds.