Mobile clinic to spread awareness about skin disease across the state

Vijayawada: About 40 per cent of people with

skin

diseases have fungal infections in the state. The percentage rises to 60 during summer when the hot and humid weather is favourable for the growth of

fungus

, said Dr Deeksha Pillariset, a renowned dermatologist and state secretary of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL).

Though the cause for the rise in fungal diseases is not clearly known, Dr Deeksha said that changes in people’s lifestyles or improved resistance in the fungi may be a reason for this.

“Most of the cases are from students and professionals living in hostels. Many hostels are coming up in the city and the infections are contracted to the hostel inmates who, in turn, spread it to their family members when they visit them during holidays,” said Dr Deeksha.

The fungal infections are seen equally prevalent among both males and females. The common symptoms of the fungal infections are itching and round patches. It needs intensive treatment for two or three months, she said.

“However, the exact reason for the rise in the infections is not yet clearly known. The IADVL is taking up a nation-wide study on the issue and the results will be out by the end of the year,” she said.

Dr Deeksha added other common skin diseases seen among the people of Andhra Pradesh are psoriasis and adult acne, that are mainly caused by increasing levels of stress and can be treated.

The IADVL has launched a Skin Safar Rath, a mobile skin clinic, where dermatologists participate in community awareness programmes.

The vehicle will travel 1,200 km across India and hold awareness camps for about two months.