Sat Sep 13 17:01:07 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Bengaluru is experiencing a surge in fungal infections, particularly tinea or ringworm, exacerbated by humid weather and anti-fungal resistance. Dermatologists attribute this resistance to self-medication, over-the-counter availability of anti-fungal creams, incomplete treatment, and the inappropriate use of steroid-based creams. The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) has issued guidelines, and doctors are urging public awareness, responsible medication use, and preventive measures. Lifestyle factors, such as damp environments and shared spaces, also contribute to the problem.
**News Article:**
**Bengaluru Battles Surge in Resistant Fungal Infections**
**Bengaluru, September 13, 2025 (The Hindu) -** Residents of Bengaluru are facing a growing health concern as a significant rise in fungal infections, particularly ringworm, plagues the city following recent rains and humid conditions. Dermatologists are reporting increased difficulty in treating these infections due to the alarming development of anti-fungal resistance.
“Every fourth patient I see daily has a fungal infection and nearly 30% of these cases do not respond to basic medication,” stated Dr. M.S. Girish, Senior Specialist and Head of Dermatology at ESIC Model Hospital in Rajajinagar. He emphasized the significant impact of fungal infections on his daily outpatient load.
Experts attribute the rise in resistance to several factors, including widespread self-medication, the accessibility of anti-fungal creams over-the-counter, and the incomplete or inappropriate use of these medications, particularly creams containing steroids.
“When used in large quantities or for prolonged durations, the fungus grows resistant. It is similar to anti-microbial resistance,” Dr. Girish explained. He also cautioned against steroid-based creams, which provide temporary relief but ultimately thin the skin and worsen the underlying infection.
Dr. Shireen Furtado, Senior Consultant – Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology at Aster CMI Hospital, echoed these concerns, noting a steady increase in patients with recurring fungal infections. She also emphasized that lifestyle factors like humid conditions, sweating, tight clothing, and shared spaces like gyms contribute to the spread.
In response, the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists, and Leprologists (IADVL) has issued a “Rule of Two,” advising patients to apply antifungal creams twice daily for at least two weeks after visible lesions have resolved, extending the application two centimetres beyond the infected area.
Both doctors are urging public awareness and responsible use of anti-fungal medicines. They strongly advise individuals to consult a dermatologist instead of self-treating, to complete the prescribed course of medication, and to adopt preventive measures such as keeping skin dry, wearing clean clothes, and avoiding the sharing of towels. The escalating situation highlights the urgent need for public health initiatives to combat anti-fungal resistance and promote responsible healthcare practices.
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