Heat and humidity can lead to skin infections not normally a problem in cooler climates. Foremost among them are fungal skin infections, medically known as dematophytosis.

Types of Fungal Infections

The site of infection will vary according to the type of fungus involved.

Foot infection (commonly known as athlete’s foot, but also called “Hong Kong foot” locally) is caused by tinea pedis. Symptoms include fissuring, itching and scaling of the toe webs and soles of the feet. As a result of breaks in the skin secondary bacterial infections (cellulitis) can occur. Infections of the hand are similar but much less common than foot involvement.

Infections of scalp (tinea capitis) an beard (tinea barbae) are characterized by patches of hair loss, scaling and itching. Infections of the trunk, arm and legs may be circumscribed in shape (ring worm) or appear as brown or white patches (tinea versicolor).

Finally, fungus commonly infect the toenails (and sometimes fingernails), a condition called onychomycosis. The nails become discoloured, thickened, cracked and chalky.

Fungal infections can often be diagnosed by their characteristic appearance. However, some lesions should be scraped and viewed under a microscope by a professional for confirmation.

Prevention

The best way to prevent fungal infections is to reduce excessive skin moisture. Try to keep your feet and skin fold regions as well as the rest of the body as dry as possible. Powders may be used, but sometimes they can block skin pores. Try to wear only loose-fitting cotton fabrics. It is also advisable to avoid sharing towels and washcloths.

Treatment

Many fungal skin infections are easily treated with antifungal creams. However, extensive skin involvement as well as infection of the nails are best treated with oral medication such as griseofulvin or ketoconozole which require a doctor’s prescription.

Types of Bacterial Infections

Bacterial skin infections are also more common in the tropics and are often the result of excessive sweating and poor hygiene. Type of bacterial skin infections include involvement of the hair and sweat glands (folliculitis), skin and lymph glands (cellulitis and lymphangitis), skin boils and the so-called “tropical ulcer.”

Treatment

These skin infections are usually caused by either staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria. Treatment requires oral antibiotics. After treatment, a recurrence can be prevented by “decolonising” the skin by washing the entire body with an antiseptic soap containing either hexachlorophene, chlorehexidine or triclosan. These soaps leave an inhibitory residue on the skin.

Allergies

Skin allergies can occur after contact with certain tropical fruit, particularly mangoes. Occasionally papaya, pineapple and other citrus fruit can cause skin allergic reaction. Certain tropical woods, particularly rosewood, can also cause skin allergies. Skin patch testing can sometimes be helpful when the cause of recurrent skin rash remains uncertain.