Monsoon brings a welcome break from the scorching heat, but along with the refreshing showers comes a hidden threat—skin infections. As the rains create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, our skin becomes more vulnerable to a host of infections. From itchy rashes to more serious conditions like fungal infections and impetigo, the damp and humid weather can wreak havoc on your skin. Here are all the infections you should look out for:

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that affects the superficial layers of the epidermis (outermost layer of skin). It is most commonly caused by gram-positive bacteria. The 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.

To protect yourself during the rainy season, avoid walking through puddles, keep your skin dry, and be vigilant about the cleanliness of your surroundings. If you notice any unusual spots or symptoms on your skin, seek medical advice promptly to prevent these infections from worsening.

If your thumb has developed the muscle tone of a professional gamer and your brain twitches when a notification pops up, you are living the full 21st-century social media experience. Somewhere between the fear of missing out (FOMO) and the joy of missing out (JOMO) lies a vast, unpredictable middle ground that can either boost your mood or fry your mental circuits.

FOMO: Anxiety in a Newsfeed

Dr Ashish Bansal, MD, Consultant Psychiatrist and co-founder of House of Aesthetics in New Delhi, describes FOMO as living in “a comparative world”. It is that creeping dread when your feed is flooded with friends on exotic beach holidays, colleagues posting about career wins, or acquaintances showing off culinary masterpieces you didn’t even know could exist.

“This is not just envy,” Dr Bansal explains. “There is a hidden belief that our life is useless when compared with others.” The consequences are more than emotional discomfort; research links excessive FOMO to high stress levels, poor sleep quality, and even depression.

Counselling psychologist Reshmithaa Nair from Sparsh Hospital in Bangalore adds that FOMO “can push individuals to overcommit socially, compare achievements, and feel inadequate.” That compulsive checking of notifications? It is not harmless. It chips away at focus and self-esteem like a relentless digital woodpecker.

JOMO: Peace in the Offline Lane

Then there is JOMO, the Joy of Missing Out, which is less about Netflix marathons in pyjamas and more about a deliberate retreat from the constant online buzz. “JOMO is about setting boundaries,” says Dr Bansal. “Choosing meaningful, offline experiences over endless online engagement.”

It is not an antisocial media rebellion but a conscious decision to protect mental space. Nair points out that people embracing JOMO often experience “reduced stress, improved sleep, and deeper real-life connections”. It is the art of logging off without the guilt, reclaiming your time like a boss, and refusing to measure your worth in likes or retweets.

The Spectrum: It is Not All or Nothing

While FOMO and JOMO are catchy polar opposites, most of us live somewhere in between. Social media is not inherently evil, nor is it a magical self-care tool. It can be a place of connection, learning, and inspiration, or a breeding ground for burnout, envy, and loneliness.

“The impact depends heavily on usage patterns, self-awareness, and boundaries,” says Nair. It is not just about whether you are online or offline, but how you engage when you are there. Dr Bansal calls this mindful usage, curating feeds to highlight uplifting content, scheduling screen-free hours, and remembering that what you see online is “only a highlight reel, not the full story”.

What is Digital Mindfulness?

Even small shifts, like swapping passive scrolling for purposeful engagement, can turn social media from a mental drain into a growth tool. “When we engage with intention, it can enhance our well-being. When we use it unconsciously, it can amplify stress and comparison,” she says.

From Doomscrolling to Delightscrolling

So what does balance look like in real life?

• Checking updates once or twice a day instead of every 10 minutes.
• Following accounts that inspire you rather than inflame your insecurities.
• Logging off when you feel more anxious than entertained.

It is about catching yourself before you spiral into a 3 am YouTube hole titled “Top 100 Cats Who Look Like Famous Politicians”.

Remember the Offline Reel

Perhaps the most important reminder is that the best moments often do not make it to Instagram. They happen in the middle of unfiltered laughter, over cups of chai with friends, or while watching the sunset without thinking of hashtags. As Dr Bansal says, “Sometimes the best moments are missed while we are just watching a post.”

Nair leaves us with a gentle nudge: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.” That means you, your mind, and your phone have an overheating battery. Whether you thrive in the fast-paced digital current, find serenity in switching off, or navigate somewhere in between, the goal remains the same: keep your mental health at the centre of your online habits.

Historically, people have been slathering its goat milk goodness on their skin thanks to its rich fats and skin-loving nutrients. Lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found in goat milk. It works by breaking the “glue” between dead skin cells, letting them slide off more easily to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath.

Dead skin cells can more easily slide off to reveal the smoother, lighter skin underneath when lactic acid breaks down the bonds holding them together. In higher concentrations (like the 5–12% found in targeted skincare products), lactic acid boosts radiance, hydrates, and softens fine lines. In goat milk, however, the concentration is lower, which means it’s milder but slower to deliver visible results.

The Gentle but Patient Approach

“As goat milk contains less lactic acid than pure lactic acid, it is weaker but still works,” says Dr. Sooriya. “This reduces the possibility of irritation brought on by higher AHAs, making it good for people with dry skin.”

This gentleness is exactly why it’s a safe choice for sensitive skin.

Dr. Katheeja Nasika points out that the fatty acids, antioxidants, and bioactive proteins in goat milk help maintain the skin barrier and suppress inflammation, a bonus you don’t always get from stronger chemical exfoliants.

Manage Your Expectations

Here’s where the bubble bursts for anyone hoping for overnight miracles. Goat milk won’t banish deep wrinkles, stubborn pigmentation, or cystic acne. It’s not meant to.

“You should not rely solely on goat milk to remove large pimples, wrinkles, or dark spots,” advises Dr. Sooriya. “Add active ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide, in moderation, to help in the process.”

Similarly, Dr. Nasika emphasises that while goat milk can enhance hydration and texture, the lactic acid content is low and variable, making results subtle and unpredictable. In other words, it’s more of a maintenance player than a star striker in your skincare squad.

Where Goat Milk Shines

If your skincare goals are about gentle exfoliation, daily nourishment, and barrier support, goat milk ticks the boxes. Used in soaps, cleansers, and lotions, it:

• Softly removes minor discolourations
• Hydrates the skin with its blend of vitamins A and D
• Supports cell turnover without triggering redness
• Adds a touch of radiance over time
• Goat milk is also especially handy for those who can’t tolerate stronger AHAs but still want some exfoliation in their routine.

Gentle, Yes. Overhyped? Not Exactly.

Calling goat milk “overhyped” depends on what hype you have been sold. If you have been promised a miracle in a bar of soap, that’s overselling it. But if you understand it as a slow, steady, and skin-friendly option, it’s a quiet achiever.

“It might not work miracles, but it’s a good way to clean your skin without harming it and gain extra nutrients at the same time,” says Dr. Sooriya.

Dr. Nasika agrees, noting that it’s particularly suited for sensitive skin as a maintenance therapy, just don’t expect it to replace higher-strength exfoliants when dealing with pigmentation or fine lines.

• Good for: Sensitive skin, dry skin, gentle daily exfoliation, hydration
• Not so good for: Deep pigmentation, pronounced wrinkles, active acne
• Best used as: A daily cleanser or lotion, paired with other active ingredients (used carefully) for bigger skincare goals

Waking up during the middle of the night to pee occasionally is okay but when it is a nightly routine, it makes you wonder if it is just age, too much tea at night… or something more severe like prostate cancer.

You’re not alone in asking this question. For many men, frequent nighttime urination especially as they get older raises concerns about prostate health. The truth is, while it can be a symptom of prostate cancer, it’s far more often linked to other, non-cancerous conditions. The challenge is figuring out which is which, and when it’s worth getting checked.

The prostate is a walnut-sized organ sitting below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its primary function is to make fluid that feeds and protects sperm. As men get older, it's common for the prostate to swell a condition referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although BPH isn't cancer, it may produce urinary symptoms by compressing on the urethra and making it more difficult to completely empty the bladder.

Dr. Amit, Senior Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Transplant Surgeon, says, "The prostate is a tiny gland that makes a big difference in urinary function. Because it changes with age, symptoms such as nocturia bedtime trips to the bathroom—may develop, but they don't necessarily imply cancer."

What Counts as “Frequent” Nighttime Urination?

There is no one-size-fits-all rule for how often a night it is "normal" to have to urinate, as it is different for each individual. The majority of men urinate as many as two times during the night without it being a medical issue. During their 60s and 70s, men may need to urinate more often.

If you’re waking up every hour or two, and it’s not related to drinking more fluids, medications like diuretics, or lifestyle habits, it’s worth discussing with a doctor—especially if the change has been sudden or persistent.

When Frequent Urination Might Signal Something More

Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in males globally. It typically grows in silence, with minimal or no symptoms in its early stages. This is why regular screening becomes essential. In others, urinary alterations might be the initial perceptible sign—particularly when the cancer is more developed. These signs can range from:

• Struggling to begin urination
• Weak or interrupted stream of urine
• Sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Blood in urine or semen
• Painful urination or ejaculation
• New pain in the back, hips, or pelvis

The above symptoms may be due to causes other than cancer, but should not be neglected. "Recurring urinary changes—particularly when mixed with blood in the urine, unexplained pain, or a family history of prostate cancer—deserve prompt medical attention," writes Dr. Amit.

Other Typical Reasons for Nocturnal Urination

It is worth noting that frequent urination, particularly at night, has numerous potential reasons, such as:

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): An enlarged prostate compressing the urethra

Overactive bladder: A bladder that is contracting too frequently, even when it is not full

Urinary tract infections: May irritate the bladder and lead to urgency

Medical conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease may affect fluid balance

Lifestyle factors: Consuming alcohol or caffeine in the late evening, or large evening fluid consumption

Medications: particularly diuretics for hypertension or heart disease

Identifying the cause is the first step to effective treatment.

How Doctors Diagnose the Cause of Prostate Cancer?

If you’re experiencing frequent urination—day or night—your doctor will take a detailed history and may recommend:

• Physical examination (including a digital rectal exam to check the prostate)
• Urine tests to rule out infection or blood
• Blood tests, especially a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to look for changes that could indicate cancer
• Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI if necessary

Your physician will also be interested in your fluid intake, medications, and duration of the symptoms. The more specific your data, the better it is to determine the cause.

The PSA test detects the amount of prostate-specific antigen in your bloodstream. A high PSA level can indicate prostate cancer, but can also increase due to BPH, infection, or even recent sex. That's why PSA tests are interpreted along with other results, including prior PSA levels and physical exam findings.

Screening usually begins at age 50 for all men, but those who are at increased risk—men with a family history of prostate cancer, for example—are started earlier.

What Are The Treatment Options if Cancer is Found?

Treatment for prostate cancer varies depending on the cancer's stage and aggressiveness, your age, and overall health. Treatment may include:

• Active surveillance for cancers that grow slowly and might never become a problem
• Surgery, including minimally invasive robotic procedures
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy to slow cancer's growth
• Combination therapies for more advanced disease
• Early detection dramatically improves cure rates.

Why Ignoring Symptoms is Risky?

Prostate cancer frequently has a high cure rate if caught early. But if untreated, it can spread to bones and other organs, making it much more difficult to treat. That's why it's essential not to ignore urinary symptoms as "just aging" without excluding more dangerous causes.

Dr. Amit asserts, "Although most instances of nocturia are caused by non-cancerous factors, it's not worth the risk. A quick consultation can provide you with clarity and peace of mind—or diagnose something early when it's most curable."

Nocturia is very common, particularly as one gets older. It's typically the result of benign conditions, yet in a few instances, it may be an initial indicator of prostate cancer. The most important thing is to pay attention to changes, monitor symptoms, and schedule regular check-ups—especially if you have risk factors.

Don't dismiss what your body is saying. Whether it's an innocent habit or a serious medical problem, you won't know for certain until you get examined. And if it proves to be prostate cancer, catching it in time may mean the difference between life and death.

Dr. Amit Saple is the Executive Director and Senior Consultant Urologist, Andrologist & Transplant Surgeon at Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Vizag in India