Australia is currently battling thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. According to The Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland residents have been warned to brace for more damaging thunderstorms as strong winds, heavy rain and hailstones are forecast. The state, located in the northeast part of Australia, has been battling heavy rains and storms since last months. Amidst all this, health experts have warned the continuous exposure to rainwater can lead to various skin infection. How Is Rainwater Dangerous For Your Skin? Health experts have reiterated that rainwater promotes the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, making our skin more vulnerable to infections. From itchy rashes to more serious conditions like fungal infections and impetigo, the damp and humid weather can wreak havoc on your skin. In case of floods, cutaneous infections, immersion injuries, noninfectious contact exposures, and exacerbation of underlying skin diseases are common. All these aforementioned dermatological infections are well-documented after flood disasters including the 2004 Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the 2010 Pakistan floods. Meanwhile, typhoons, tsunamis, hurricanes, and high precipitation events often lead to spikes in skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Impetigo is highly contagious bacterial skin infection you should be cautious about. It affects the superficial layers of the epidermis (outermost layer of skin). Commonly caused by gram-positive bacteria, this infection spreads through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, including rainwater puddles, making it easy to contract during the monsoon.Ringworm is a highly contagious viral infection, particularly among those with sweaty skin types. It manifests as red, circular spots on areas like the neck, armpits, or foot soles. It spreads through contact with infected surfaces or by scratching affected areas, which can further lead to nail infections.Athlete’s foot is another common fungal infection, caused by the Candida fungus. It leads to cracked or discoloured patches on the feet and is highly contagious. Walking through rainwater puddles increases the risk of contracting this infection.Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that results in red bumps on the skin. This condition is caused by both fungal and bacterial infections, often due to excessive sweating and humidity. The combination of rainwater and these factors makes contracting folliculitis more likely during the monsoon.Eczema is characterized by red, inflamed, and itchy skin with dark, scaly patches. Although non-contagious, this condition can be triggered by external factors such as humidity and genetics. Rainwater can aggravate these symptoms, making it essential to manage exposure during the rainy season.Mould thrives in damp environments, like wet walls and unused corners of homes during the rainy season. These moulds can trigger allergies such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, as well as increase skin allergies. The presence of mould can exacerbate skin issues, leading to further discomfort.ALSO READ: Monsoon Skin Health: How Rainy Weather Can Lead To Infections And Ways To Protect YourselfThe dermatological manifestations of extreme weather events: A comprehensive review of skin disease and vulnerability. The Journal of Climate Change and Health. 2012.