The escalating heat is fueling a surge in various diseases, with skin ailments alone witnessing a spike of 20-30%.
As global temperatures rise due to climate change, severe heatwaves are gripping several districts, notably Khulna.
Consequently, hospitals are witnessing an influx of children and elderly individuals seeking treatment for skin conditions and gastrointestinal issues.
Doctors attribute the rise in diseases during summer to people's unwitting lifestyle choices. Increased consumption of sugary drinks, indulging in unhygienic practices like roadside beverages, and inadequate clothing expose individuals to mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue.
Moreover, conditions like scabies and fungal skin infections thrive in the summer heat, with sweat and moisture providing ideal breeding grounds for fungi. Common fungal skin infections include ringworm, candidiasis, among others.
Khulna Medical College Hospital (KMCH) and Shaheed Sheikh Abu Naser Specialized Hospital have reported a notable surge in patients visiting the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases, with KMCH also witnessing a rise in skin ailments, marking a 20-30% increase compared to normal periods.
Dr Hussain Safayet, acting director of Khulna Medical College Hospital, highlighted the intensified heat in Khulna and its correlation with the surge in skin diseases.
He added: “It is important to maintain personal hygiene in such conditions, including frequent bathing, sweat management, and cleanliness.”
According to the Department of Dermatology at KMCH, the prevalence of skin diseases is steadily rising not only during summer but also throughout the year, evident from the long queues of patients outside the hospital daily.
Dr Bidhan Chandra Ghosh, former deputy director of Khulna Medical College, said: “Excessive sweating during the heat expels fluids and minerals from the body, leading to dehydration and skin issues like scabies.”
He stressed the significance of staying in cool, well-ventilated spaces and maintaining proper hygiene practices to prevent bacterial and fungal skin infections.
Dr Md Kamruzzaman, supervisor of Khulna Shishu Hospital, cautioned about the health risks faced by children during the heatwave, advising parents, particularly mothers, to ensure children's comfort and hygiene to mitigate the risk of various illnesses.
With many bacterial and fungal drugs becoming less effective, doctors underscored the importance of preventive measures against skin diseases during summer.
Meteorologist Amirul Azad from the Khulna Meteorological Office reported soaring temperatures across the region, with Khulna experiencing consistent highs over the past five days, reaching 40.5 degrees Celsius on April 22. Similar temperatures were recorded in neighbouring areas, indicating a prolonged heatwave.
