1 Fungal infection like athlete’s foot and ringworm can be avoided by keeping your skin dry. Bathing regularly using soap, talc after bath and maintaining good hygiene will prevent fungal infection. Timely advice by the doctor can combat fungal infection effectively. Bacterial infection like furuncle, carbuncle and cellulitis can also occur, especially after a superficial injury or after walking through waterlogged streets. Treat these early with local and/or systemic antibiotics.

2 Just because it is raining, don’t reduce consumption of water. Drink your usual 8-10 glasses; your skin is always thirstier than you are! The more hydrated you are, the more your skin will shine and look glossy. Plus, it will flush out toxins from the body and cleanses your skin pores.

3 Clean-tone-moisturise: High humidity helps dust particles stick to our skin even more, blocking your pores. So clean your skin regularly. Try to use a soap-free face wash. Follow up with a toner that will help close the open skin pores and retain pH balance. Stick to non-alcoholic toners. And don’t forget to moisturise just because there is humidity and water all around you!

4 Dead skin cells should be removed from skin through gentle exfoliation. Use a scrub on face once or twice a week to get rid of those dead skin cells and see your skin glow. Home-made scrubs or those available in the market can be used too to gently clean the skin and also moisturise simultaneously.

5 Use sunscreen regularly. Just because it’s cloudy does not mean your skin is protected from the sun. It is very important to guard your skin from the harmful UV rays, so always use a good sunscreen with a high SPF factor.

6 Avoid oily skin products like oil-based moisturisers, cream-based foundations and concealers. Opt for mousse-like products. Calamine lotion is also a good bet.

7 Avoid heavy make-up since it may block pores, causing pimples or rash. Remember that less is more.

8 Keep your hair clean since excess humidity combined with dust and hard water can predispose to dandruff and scaling of scalp (seborrheic dermatitis). Special anti-dandruff shampoos can help cure dandruff.

9 Avoid artificial jewellery since wet jewellery increases the chances of dermatitis. This may be especially relevant for people with sensitive skin or those with past allergies.

10 Green, leafy vegetables and plenty of fruit will keep you happy and healthy.

Sachin Varma is a consultant dermatologist at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Calcutta