Teen trouble: How to protect school-going kids from monsoon skin rashes

The monsoon brings welcome relief from scorching summers, but for school-going children, it also invites an unwelcome guest: skin rashes. As a dermatologist, I often see a seasonal spike in cases of fungal infections, prickly heat, and contact dermatitis among teenagers, largely due to prolonged hours in damp school uniforms, synthetic socks, and sweat-trapped footwear.

Children are particularly vulnerable during this season because their skin is still developing, and their activity levels are high. The combination of humidity, friction, and poor ventilation (especially in shoes and uniforms) creates the perfect breeding ground for fungal infections like Tinea corporis (ringworm) and Tinea pedis (athlete’s foot). According to a 2023 IADVL (Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists) surveillance report, fungal infections among schoolchildren rise by nearly 30% during monsoon months in urban India.

Another commonly overlooked condition is miliaria or prickly heat, caused by blocked sweat ducts, especially in children wearing tight polyester-based uniforms. It presents as itchy, red papules on the back, neck, or underarms and can worsen if not managed early.

To prevent these rashes, ensure your child wears loose, breathable cotton clothing. Switch to open sandals or canvas shoes on non-rainy days. Encourage children to change out of damp clothes as soon as they return home. Using an antifungal dusting powder in high-sweat areas like the groin, armpits, and feet can also help reduce friction and moisture.

As a rule, avoid over-the-counter steroid creams, they may worsen the condition. If your child develops a persistent rash, consult a dermatologist early to prevent spread or secondary bacterial infection.

Monsoon may be magical, but with a little skincare awareness, we can keep the season from becoming a dermatological nightmare for our kids.

Inputs by Dr. Vichitra Sharma, Consultant Dermatologist, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad