Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Monsoon Humidity Fuels Ringworm, Athlete's Foot and Jock Itch
During the rainy season, the air is very damp.
When our skin stays wet for a long time, tiny germs called fungi can grow on it.
These fungi can make our skin itchy, red, and flaky.
Some common problems are ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch.
They are not caused by worms, even though ringworm sounds like it.
Fungi love warm, wet places like sweaty shoes and tight clothes.
We can stop them by changing out of wet clothes quickly and drying our skin well.
Wearing loose cotton clothes and letting our feet breathe also helps.
If a rash does not go away, we should see a doctor who can give the right cream.
Monsoon humidity and constant dampness make fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot and jock itch much more common.
The fungi responsible are often already present on the skin, but wet clothes, poor ventilation and excessive sweating let them grow rapidly.
Dr Suma K R of Aster Whitefield Hospitals, Bangalore says areas where skin folds trap moisture are especially vulnerable.
Prevention tips include changing out of wet clothes within 10-30 minutes, wearing loose cotton clothing, drying skin thoroughly and removing shoes to let feet breathe.
Experts advise against self-medicating with over-the-counter steroid creams, which can hide redness while fungi spread, and recommend seeing a dermatologist if symptoms persist.
- Who
- People who sweat heavily, wear shoes all day or stay in wet clothes, along with athletes and those with weaker immunity; expert advice comes from Dr Suma K R of Aster Whitefield Hospitals, Bangalore.
- What
- Fungal skin infections such as ringworm, athlete's foot and jock itch surge during the monsoon as humidity and dampness allow skin fungi to multiply.
- When
- During the monsoon/rainy season when humidity is high.
- Where
- Monsoon-affected regions with high humidity, including Bangalore.
- Why
- Rain, sweat and humidity keep skin damp, weakening its natural barrier and allowing fungi already present on the skin to grow rapidly and spread.
- Conditions
- Ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch
- Cause
- Fungal infection; not caused by worms
- Trigger
- Monsoon humidity, sweat, wet clothes, poor ventilation
- High-risk groups
- Heavy sweaters, athletes in synthetic sportswear, all-day shoe wearers, people with poor hygiene or weaker immunity
- Prevention
- Change wet clothes within 10-30 minutes, wear loose cotton, dry skin well, air out feet
- Treatment
- Antifungal creams; oral medication for severe or widespread cases
- Expert advice
- Dr Suma K R, Specialist in Dermatology, Aster Whitefield Hospitals, Bangalore
- Warning
- Avoid self-medicating with steroid creams; consult a dermatologist if symptoms persist