Skin signs in people living in flooded areas to pay attention to

(Dan Tri) - Contact dermatitis, skin fungus, skin abscesses or chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis can all become serious if not detected and treated promptly.

After storm No. 10, many mountainous areas in the North and Central regions are suffering from prolonged flooding. Stagnant water for many days carries mud, waste, and chemicals. Not only causing damage to houses and property, floodwater also poses many potential health risks, of which skin diseases are the top concern.

According to Dr. Nguyen Tien Thanh, member of the Vietnam Dermatology Association, the humid environment after floods is an ideal condition for bacteria and mold to grow. When people have to soak in dirty water or come into direct contact with mud, the risk of skin diseases increases.

Common skin conditions during floods (Photo: Doctor provided).

Contact dermatitis

According to Dr. Thanh, the cause of contact dermatitis is due to skin coming into direct contact with flood water containing chemicals from sewers, decomposing waste, and animal feces.

“The signs are red rash, itching, swelling, sometimes blisters or blisters. The patient feels uncomfortable, especially in exposed skin areas such as the legs and arms,” Dr. Thanh shared.

When experiencing this condition, people need to wash the skin with clean water and mild soap, dry it and apply skin recovery cream. If the condition is severe, it may be necessary to use topical corticosteroids or antihistamines as prescribed by a doctor.

Skin fungus

Typical signs of skin fungus (Photo: Getty).

According to Dr. Tien Thanh, high humidity and prolonged soaking of the skin in water is a favorable environment for fungus to grow, especially between the toes, groin, and armpits. Signs of the disease are severe itching, white flakes, small blisters, shallow ulcers, and possibly an unpleasant odor.

The disease is common in the feet (tinea pedis, intertrigo), groin, buttocks, trunk, etc.

“Patients should keep their skin dry, change socks and shoes, and use antifungal ointments (clotrimazole, ketoconazole, etc.) as directed. In severe cases, antifungal medication prescribed by a doctor should be taken,” Dr. Tien Thanh advised.

Folliculitis - skin abscess

Dr. Tien Thanh said that this condition is caused by bacteria entering through hair follicles or skin scratches when exposed to dirty water.

Symptoms include red, swollen, painful skin, and the formation of abscesses. If it spreads, it can cause cellulitis.

Regarding treatment, the patient needs to keep the skin clean and not squeeze the pus. Use a mild antiseptic solution. If the lesion spreads or is accompanied by a fever, the patient needs to go to a medical facility to be treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics.

Skin ulcers and cellulitis

Notably, according to this expert, skin ulcers and cellulitis can occur if the skin wound is not cared for and becomes deeply infected.

“The signs are red, hot, painful, and widespread skin. The ulcer takes a long time to heal, oozes fluid, and even has a foul odor. The patient may have a fever and feel tired.

This is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention. The doctor will prescribe systemic antibiotics, wound care, and surgical intervention may be required if there is necrosis,” Dr. Tien Thanh emphasized.

Chronic relapsing skin diseases (eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis)

Skin is sensitive, when exposed to flood water, chronic skin diseases such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis can easily flare up. According to Dr. Tien Thanh, the signs are dry, thick skin, severe itching, peeling or oozing, which can spread.

“Patients need to maintain hydration and avoid contact with dirty water. They may need special topical medications or oral medications as prescribed by a dermatologist,” said Dr. Tien Thanh.

When to see a doctor?

Dr. Tien Thanh noted that signs such as widespread skin lesions, deep ulcers, pus, fever, and fatigue are warning signs. Patients should not arbitrarily buy floating topical medications but should go to the doctor early for proper diagnosis and treatment.

To prevent skin diseases, people in flood-affected areas should note the following principles:

- Wash immediately with clean water after contact with flood water.

- Dry the body, especially between the fingers, groin, and armpits.

- Change into clean, dry clothes and shoes.

- Use gloves and boots when cleaning mud.

- Do not scratch damaged skin.

- Apply moisturizer to restore the protective barrier.

“Skin diseases may not be immediately dangerous but have a big impact on health and daily life. A small scratch, if not properly cared for, can become a serious infection. People need to pay special attention to skin hygiene and see a doctor immediately if there are any unusual signs,” Dr. Thanh emphasized.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/dau-hieu-tren-da-o-nguoi-song-trong-vung-ngap-lut-can-chu-y-20251006074908880.htm