New Delhi, Aug. 26 -- The rains bring with them the smell of wet earth, fresh greenery, and long-awaited relief from the scorching heat. But they also bring a less welcome companion: fungal infections. Every year, dermatologists across cities notice a surge in cases as humidity rises and dampness becomes a part of daily life. What begins as a small itch or a patch of redness can quickly spread if ignored.

Moisture is the perfect breeding ground for fungi. Sweat that lingers on the skin, rainwater seeping into shoes, or clothes that don't dry fully create the kind of environment where infections flourish. Tight footwear, synthetic fabrics, and crowded public spaces only add to the risk. Something as routine as sharing a towel or comb can ...