Proactively prevent skin diseases during prolonged flooding

Prolonged flooding is becoming a concern in many localities as the rainy season enters its peak, especially in Ca Mau - where high tides have continuously risen in recent days, causing flooding on many roads, residential areas and schools. The stagnant water, mixed with mud, waste and sources of domestic pollution, has seriously affected people's living environment. In this context, skin diseases tend to increase and pose a risk of outbreaks if people are not equipped with knowledge to prevent them.

Sở Y tế tỉnh Cà Mau•01/12/2025

Records in some wards and communes of Ca Mau show that many areas are deeply flooded, dirty water flows into houses, making daily life difficult. People often have to wade through water to travel, shop or work. This is a favorable condition for skin diseases such as contact dermatitis, skin fungus, impetigo, intertrigo, scabies... to develop strongly due to contact with flooded water for a long time.

Floodwater during high tides in Ca Mau often contains bacteria, fungi, grease, animal feces, heavy metals and untreated waste. When in direct contact with the skin, these agents can easily cause infections. In particular, children – who are active and often exposed to water – are the most susceptible to the disease. People with allergies, people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, or people who have to work outdoors for many hours are also at high risk of skin damage.

In fact, in areas frequently flooded in Ca Mau, contact dermatitis is a disease with a high rate. Common symptoms include itching, redness, rash or blisters. Fungal skin and intertrigo appear frequently between the toes, because people have to wade in water frequently and wear wet shoes for many hours. Children are susceptible to impetigo - a type of bacterial infection that causes blisters and yellow crusts. In addition, cramped living conditions when water floods into the house cause scabies to spread quickly if not treated properly.

In the face of high tides and prolonged flooding, the health sector recommends that people take serious measures to prevent skin diseases. Limiting wading is the top priority; in case of forced movement, wear rubber boots, gloves or other appropriate protective equipment. After contact with water, people must wash their bodies with antibacterial soap, dry all skin and change clothes immediately. Shoes and damp clothes must be dried in the sun or dried before reuse.

Domestic water supply is also a concern during high tides. In some low-lying areas of Ca Mau, well water and tap water are at risk of contamination when floodwaters threaten to overflow into the water supply system. Therefore, people should boil water before drinking; do not use water that is cloudy, has a strange smell or is suspected of being contaminated. People with sensitive skin can apply skin protection cream or use anti-irritant products as directed by health workers .

When detecting abnormal signs such as prolonged itching, rash, swelling, oozing, skin ulcers or burning pain, people need to go to the nearest medical facility for examination. Arbitrary use of topical medications, especially those containing corticosteroids, can easily make the disease worse or cause complications. Children, pregnant women and people with underlying diseases need to be closely monitored and given priority for early examination when there are suspicious signs.

With high tides likely to continue in Ca Mau, local authorities’ communication efforts are crucial. Information on environmental sanitation, garbage collection, disinfection of flooded areas, animal carcasses disposal and water flow clearance are needed to limit pollution.

High tides causing flooding in Ca Mau not only affect daily life and the economy but also bring many health risks. However, if each person takes the initiative to prevent, maintain personal hygiene and follow the instructions of the health sector, the community can completely minimize the harmful effects of skin diseases during the flood season.

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