[Protecting Health During the Rainy Season②] Sweaty and Damp, Take Care of Your Skin Health Too

Fungal Infection Thrives in Hot, Humid, and Sealed Environments
Also Beware of 'Ganchaljin' in Skin Fold Areas

Photo by Asia Economy DB

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] One of the vulnerable body parts during the rainy season is the skin. High humidity makes it easy for fungi to thrive, and the skin is more likely to be damaged by various substances and impurities mixed in rain and sweat. Representative conditions include athlete's foot, tinea cruris in the groin area, and intertrigo.

Athlete's foot is the most common dermatophytosis in Korea, accounting for 30-40% of all dermatophytoses. It is caused by dermatophytes. Among the approximately 40 known species of dermatophytes worldwide, the most common cause is 'T. rubrum (Trichophyton rubrum)'.

The athlete's foot fungus thrives in hot, humid, and occluded skin conditions. During the rainy season, it is recommended to prepare 2-3 pairs of shoes and alternate wearing them. Wet shoes should be thoroughly dried before wearing.

Tinea cruris, a type of athlete's foot occurring on both sides of the groin, is mostly caused by the transfer of the fungus from the feet to the groin. Managing the affected areas to keep them dry is important for both foot athlete's foot and tinea cruris. Applying an appropriate antifungal ointment for about a month can cure the condition.

Intertrigo, an inflammatory dermatitis occurring where two skin surfaces touch, also commonly develops in the hot and humid summer. It can appear anywhere skin touches skin, including neck folds, behind the knees, between fingers, buttocks, groin, and between toes.

Especially if the skin is exposed to rainwater and left unwashed for a long time, various chemicals mixed in the rainwater can irritate the skin. This leads to an inflammatory reaction, causing symptoms of contact dermatitis such as red spots. Areas where skin folds should be kept dry and maintained in a cool environment. If symptoms are mild, applying mild steroid or antibiotic ointments can improve the condition. (Consultation: Professor Lee Woo-jin, Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, Seoul)