Why Lucknow Is a Hotspot for Fungal Infections
Lucknow's hot, humid monsoon season (June–September) and warm pre-monsoon months create ideal conditions for
dermatophyte fungi. Factors that compound the problem:
- Heavy sweating: Especially for those commuting by two-wheelers through Aminabad,
Charbagh, and dense traffic areas
- Tight synthetic clothing: Traps moisture and creates fungal breeding grounds
- Shared living spaces: Hostels, joint families — fungal infections are mildly contagious
via shared towels, clothing, and surfaces
- Self-medication with steroid creams: This is the biggest problem — topical steroids
initially reduce itching and redness, but they suppress the immune response, worsen the infection, and
create "steroid-modified tinea" (tinea incognito)
Common Fungal Infections We Treat
- Tinea corporis (ringworm): Circular, itchy, red patches on trunk and limbs
- Tinea cruris (jock itch): Groin area — extremely common in Lucknow's summer heat
- Tinea pedis (athlete's foot): Between toes, soles
- Tinea capitis: Scalp ringworm — more common in children
- Pityriasis versicolor: White/light brown patches from yeast overgrowth — not the same
as vitiligo
- Fungal folliculitis (fungal acne): Small, itchy bumps that look like acne but don't
respond to acne treatment
The Steroid Cream Problem
We need to address this directly: the most common reason patients visit Gomti Clinic for "resistant" fungal
infections is prior use of over-the-counter combination creams containing steroids. These are easily
available at every medical store in Lucknow. What they do:
- Initially reduce itching and redness (feels like it's working)
- Suppress the skin's local immune response
- Cause the fungal infection to spread wider and deeper
- Create a dependency (symptoms return worse when cream is stopped)
- Result in "steroid-modified tinea" — a more resistant, harder-to-treat form
Our Treatment Approach
- Accurate diagnosis: KOH mount examination to confirm fungal infection and rule out
look-alike conditions
- Stop steroid creams: Gradual withdrawal with proper replacement therapy
- Appropriate antifungal: Topical and/or oral antifungal medication based on severity and
extent
- Complete the course: We prescribe for the full duration needed — not just until
symptoms resolve. Stopping early is the #1 reason for recurrence
- Lifestyle modifications: Cotton clothing, keeping skin folds dry, personal hygiene
measures to prevent reinfection