Is the weather outside putting a damper on the activities that you usually do? With the humidity giving a free pass to microorganisms to grow rapidly and spread faster than usual, your health might be at stake. Think infections, cuts, wounds, and insect bites. The good news is that there is a solution to every issue. Here is the antiseptic guide for unhindered frolic in the rain.
Cuts and wounds
Waterlogged streets, slippery pavements and steps of public transport, foggy roads are all an open invitation for cuts. If left untreated, some might not only take time to heal but can further get contaminated by germs from unclean surfaces, unwashed hands or dirt.
How to address it? – Before you do anything, wash the wound with clean water thoroughly to ensure that there is no dirt residue left. Post which, you will need an antiseptic liquid or/and band-aid to protect it better.
Antiseptic liquid
Why you will need it – Antiseptic liquid is antimicrobial in nature and can destroy most of the disease-causing germs or bacteria.
How it will help – Since an open cut is a breeding ground for microbes, applying antiseptic can kill them and prevent further complications.
How to use it – Before you touch the wound, wash your hands with an antibacterial soap. You can then clean the area with water and apply the diluted antiseptic liquid with a soft cotton swab. Let the skin surrounding the wound dry. Cover the area with sterile gauze and use an adhesive tape to hold it in place. Remove the gauze periodically if it gets wet and apply a fresh one. A bandage won’t be necessary after the wound forms a scab.
Precautions – If applying the antiseptic liquid causes any prolonged irritation or allergic skin reaction, see a doctor. Also, remember to wash your hands with an antibacterial wash before and after dressing the wound. In case you notice any pus, tenderness, redness, swelling or warmth, contact your doctor.
Antiseptic liquids like Dettol and Savlon can kill illness-causing microbes and are safe on your skin. A few drops of these liquids can be added to bathwater to clean your skin thoroughly, kill the bacteria in the water, and reduce body odour. You can also put some drops to the water used for washing clothes to ensure maximum protection during monsoons.
Band-aid
Why you will need it – A band-aid is an adhesive bandage with a gauze pad that protects a wound or cut from bacterial invasion, friction and dirt.
How it will help – Since a band-aid covers a wound effectively and cuts off any contact with airborne germs or germs from dirt, unwashed hands or unclean surfaces, it hastens the healing. Further, it has antiseptic properties and can get rid of germs that were not destroyed by antiseptic liquid.
How to use it – Before touching a cut or wound, wash your hands with an antibacterial soap. Then, clean the wound with water and apply diluted antiseptic liquid with soft cotton swab or ball. Dry the skin around the wound naturally. Stick on a band-aid on the area in such a way that the antiseptic gauze pad covers the cut. Replace an old one with a new one if it gets wet. You won’t need a band-aid after the wound forms a scab.
Precautions – Remember to wash hands with an antibacterial hand wash before and after cleaning a wound and applying a band-aid. If possible, wear latex gloves. If the wound continues to be tender, red, swollen or warm, see your doctor.
Hansaplast and Johnson & Johnson band-aids are widely used for their effectiveness and waterproof nature. They promote quick wound healing and are easy to apply.
Insect bites and skin irritations
While many insects hibernate during summers, once the rains set in, they come out and can cause bites that are painful, itchy, blistery, and can cause swelling too. Mosquitoes, bed bugs, ticks, centipedes, and flies are among the common insects that can cause various infections. Dirty water in potholes is often the perfect breeding ground for anopheles mosquito that causes malaria. Hence, monsoon is that time of the year when your chances of getting insect bites rises.
How to address it? – Avoid scratching the bite area and if there is any tick, hair or sting left behind, remove it first. Applying ice immediately can reduce any redness, pain or swelling to some extent. The area can be further treated with the following.
Antiseptic liquid
Why you will need it – A bite from any insect can cause your skin to break and allow the bacteria that live outside to enter deeper layers and lead to an infection. Hence, you will need antiseptic liquid as it is antimicrobial, and can kill a variety of disease-causing germs or bacteria or fungi.
How it will help – When you apply diluted or pure antiseptic liquid (depending on the concentration), on an insect bite, it will seep into the cut and destroy almost all microbes. This will prevent the condition from worsening.
How to use it – Keep the affected area elevated so as to reduce the swelling. Clean your hands with antibacterial soap first and then wash the bite area with soap and water. Then apply some antiseptic liquid with soft cotton wad or ball. Let the area dry and the symptoms should subside in a few hours.
Dettol and Savlon are popular antiseptic liquids that are capable of killing most of the illness-causing germs and can be safely used on the skin. You can add a few drops to your bath water to reduce itchiness and pain from an insect bite and for overall cleanliness.
Precautions – Avoid using the antiseptic liquid if it causes skin allergies.
See a doctor:
- Before taking any pain relief medications or applying pain relief creams.
- If symptoms don’t improve or worsen after a few days.
- If your bite is near the mouth or eyes, see a doctor.
- In case of fever or swollen glands.
Eucalyptus oil
Why you will need it – This oil has antimicrobial, antibacterial and antiseptic properties and is effective against insect bites and resulting irritation.
How it will help – The wonder will seep into any tiny cut caused by the bite of an insect and will kill any disease-causing bacteria present in the area. It also has cooling effect.
How to use it – Elevate the affected area to reduce the swelling. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and wash the bite area with soap and water. Then, mix equal quantities of eucalyptus oil and apple cider vinegar and apply on the affected part with a cotton swab or ball. Let the area dry and wait for the symptoms to subside in a few hours or days.
Sri Swastik eucalyptus oil is a high-quality solution for treating insect bites in case of both adults and children. It can be used on rashes too.
See a doctor:
- If the bite is accompanied with fever.
- In case of any allergic reaction or increased irritation, wash away the oil and call a doctor.
- If the bite becomes itchier, more swollen, red, or pus oozes out.
Basic hygiene
During monsoons, it is easy for your hands to come in contact with different kinds of germs and microbes that cause bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Touching something in a public place, shaking hands with someone who is suffering from cold or getting splashed with muddy water by a passing car can be some common culprits. Touching your mouth, eyes, ears or even skin with unclean hands can lead to various ailments and especially gastrointestinal diseases if you eat with dirty hands.
How to address it? – Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap and clean water before touching any part of your body or eating. Avoid touching anything that looks dirty and keep a distance from someone who is suffering from an infection. The following products can ensure better care.
Antiseptic handwash
Why you will need it – An antiseptic handwash can kill common germs that cause diseases.
How it will help – By washing your hands thoroughly with antiseptic handwash, you can get rid of germs that have come from any unclean surface, dirty clothes, other people or animals, and from air and dirt.
How to use it – Buy one in bottles with pumps so that the liquid stays uncontaminated by touch. Take a small amount in your hands and scrub well till a rich lather is formed. Then rinse with clean water till all suds disappear.
Precautions – Antiseptic handwash is safe for both adults and kids. Just remember to wash between your fingers and under your nails to get all the dirt and germs out.
Lifebuoy or Dettol antiseptic handwash can give great results every time you use it. They can destroy harmful microorganisms that attack your hands after you come in contact with something dirty or infectious.
Hand sanitizer
Why you will need it – A hand sanitizer is useful while travelling when you have no access to water or soap. It is also good to use after you shake hands with someone suffering from a cold or allergy.
How it will help – These have antiseptic and antibacterial properties and can clean your hands thoroughly, whether you have come in contact with germs from air, muddy water, unclean public surfaces or other people or animals.
How to use it – Take a little in your hands and rub all over your hands and palms. Wait for it to dry on its own. You won’t need a towel or tissue to wipe it off and hence the chances of recontamination will be reduced.
Precautions – Always use a little amount of sanitizer and rub your hands till they are completely dry. Though keep in mind overuse can kill good bacteria and make you prone to infections.
Dettol and Lifebuoy hand sanitizers are highly effective and dry up quickly. The Himalaya Wellness hand sanitizer is infused with the goodness of neem and lemon, and smells refreshing too.
Essential skincare
Many people think that using a cream or lotion during the rainy season doesn’t make sense as the humidity in the air makes you feel greasy or sticky. However, a moisturiser is always necessary (no matter what the season) to lock in your essential oils and protect your skin against the weather. For instance, getting wet in the rain can make your skin dehydrated, dry and itchy. Not having a barrier between your skin and harmful microorganisms in the air, muddy water, or on unclean surfaces, clothes or other people can also make you susceptible to infections.
How to address it? – Using antiseptic skincare products is mandatory during the monsoon season as they not only kill most disease-causing germs, but also hydrate your skin to the right extent so that it doesn’t feel oily but is nourished.
Antiseptic lotion
Why you will need it – Without an antiseptic lotion, the skin on your body or face will be exposed to different kinds of disease-causing germs and pollution. It will get irritated or itchy too, in case you get splashed by rain or muddy water.
How it will help – An antiseptic lotion protects against a variety of harmful bacteria and fungi, and also soothes and nourishes your skin from deep inside.
How to use it – After bathing, apply antiseptic lotion all over your body and massage gently. Choose a light formulation so that your pores can breathe in the humid atmosphere.
Precautions – Don’t allow the lotion to come in contact with your eyes and avoid applying on broken skin. In case of any burning sensation or allergic reaction, see a doctor without delay.
Boroplus antiseptic lotion treats dry, dull, itchy and flaky skin effectively and will soften it as well. It is fragrant and suitable for daily usage.
Antiseptic cream
Why you will need it – Your facial skin is gentler than the skin on your body and needs extra care during monsoon, when you are prone to contract infectious germs from dirty surfaces, pools of water on the streets and other people or animals. Without protection, your facial skin can fall prey to bacterial or fungal infections.
How it will help – This type of cream is antimicrobial in nature and can kill many harmful microorganisms that are invisible to the naked eye. It can nourish your skin too and make it smooth and supple, locking in essential oils. It is good for minor cuts, scratches or rashes.
How to use it – Make sure your face is free from all makeup and is washed thoroughly with a face wash or gentle soap before applying the cream. Take a little cream and massage it onto your face using circular motions. You can apply some cream on cracked heels after washing your feet well.
Precautions – Check the ingredients mention on the pack of cream carefully and make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients. Get medical help if you feel any burning sensation.
Boroplus antiseptic cream is widely used to keep skin smooth and healthy during monsoon. It also heals small cuts, sunburns and common rashes speedily. The cream is lightly fragrant and safe for all.
All in all, the right antiseptic products can help you deal with some of the most common concerns that crop up during monsoons. Maintaining good hygiene routine and taking care of cuts, wounds and insect bites at the earliest can help prevent many infections and diseases.
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