Stepping outside during the current floods in Thailand requires careful consideration. Besides the dangers posed by rising water levels, another hidden threat comes from various fungi, bacteria, and common ailments like foot sores, which can affect our physical health.
Thairath Online shares a survival guide to protect your skin from the moment you step into floodwaters through to the steps for safe self-care upon returning home to avoid diseases brought by floodwater.
Wear protective armor before stepping into the water.
A secret essential to carry before leaving home is "Vaseline" or petroleum jelly. It is recommended to apply a thick layer around the toes, heels, and small wounds to create a water-repellent film and prevent bacterial infiltration.
If wearing boots, try a simple but effective trick: wear plastic bags over your feet and loosely secure them with rubber bands before putting on the boots. This prevents dirty water from splashing inside the boots. The most important rule is never to walk barefoot in floodwaters, as this risks infection, tetanus from hidden sharp objects, and unseen dangerous animals.
. After wading through water, clear up immediately upon returning home.
After exposure to dirty floodwater, the crucial rule is to wash your feet with antiseptic soap and clean water within 30 minutes, focusing on cleaning between the toes, which harbor bacteria. Then, thoroughly dry your feet with a clean towel or use a cool air hairdryer between the toes. Never let your feet dry naturally, as remaining moisture is an ideal breeding ground for fungi.
Common medical supplies to fight fungi and bacteria.
Essential home remedies during this time include antifungal ointments like Clotrimazole cream for treating foot sores. It is important to apply continuously even after symptoms improve to eradicate the infection completely. Also recommended is antibacterial powder to sprinkle on feet before wearing socks or inside dried shoes to absorb moisture and reduce odor. Lastly, povidone-iodine antiseptic ointment is vital for treating fresh wounds. If injured by freshwater snails or glass shards while wading, clean the wound with water, dry it, and apply antiseptic immediately to prevent leptospirosis.
Items to eliminate fungi in underwear thoroughly.
Clothing soaked in floodwater is an excellent breeding ground for microbes. Never leave wet clothes in baskets. Wash immediately using detergent mixed with disinfectant. When weather is unfavorable for drying outside, iron clothes and underwear thoroughly. The heat from the iron kills residual fungal spores, effectively preventing itching and fungal infections in intimate areas.