Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 13 2009:
As an offshoot of the raising temperature during summer months in Manipur in the last five years, there has been phenomenal increase in the number of infections by skin diseases.
However, the number of cases of skin cancer is still low.
Speaking to this reporter today, Head of Dermatology Department in RIMS, Prof Guite Zamjachin said that because of the hot climatic conditions which is becoming hotter every year, cases of skin diseases have also been increasing.
High content of dust particles in the atmosphere and higher degree of Ultra Violet Ray penetration to the atmosphere were primarily responsible for rising symptoms of skin diseases such as burning sensation, itching, red coloration, pox etc.
Extensive use of medicines and pills and change in the food habit have also been contributing in the increased number of infection by skin diseases as such practices help the body to absorb UV ray, Prof Guite observed.
However, the rate of skin cancer was considerably low at 0.5 percent (approximately), he observed.
Of the various cases of skin diseases examined at the OPD of Dermatology Dept, RIMS, almost 10 percent were related to those caused by exposure to sun.
This figure was considerably high and the percentage of skin diseases caused by summer heat was also raising, Prof Guite noted.
As the summer season is also a breeding period for many insects and flies, many other skin diseases caused by insect bites are also recorded.
To protect from these skin diseases during the summer months, the Professor advised people to use summer cream, umbrella, hats etc, to drink at least 5 litres of water a day and not to expose oneself to sun during noon.