5 Diseases to Watch Out for During Floods: Which Symptoms Can You Manage Yourself, and When Should You See a Doctor?

Floods do not only expose us to disease risks while wading through the water. Some conditions occur shortly after the skin has been submerged, while others may take days to show symptoms—even after you have returned to a dry, clean home.

The main concern is that many flood-related diseases share similar early symptoms but differ significantly in severity and treatment. Here are 5 diseases and health issues to watch out for, along with how to observe symptoms to help you decide whether to self-treat or see a doctor.

1. Water-Macerated Skin: Soggy feet do not always mean a fungal infection After wading through floodwaters, many people notice the skin between their toes turning pale white, soggy, or peeling. They often rush to apply antifungal creams, assuming they have athlete’s foot. In reality, these symptoms can result simply from the skin being soaked in water for too long, without any fungal infection present.

Normally, the outer layer of skin acts as a protective barrier against foreign substances. When soaked for an extended period, the skin absorbs water and becomes macerated, compromising this barrier and making it prone to irritation and tiny cracks. The problem is not just peeling or itching; macerated skin also provides an easy entry point for fungi and bacteria.

How to care for it: If you only have soggy skin from moisture, the most important step is to reduce the time your skin is exposed to water. After wading, wash your feet with clean water and mild soap, then pat them completely dry, especially between the toes. Change out of wet shoes or socks immediately. Do not pour alcohol or harsh antiseptics on macerated skin, as this can cause further irritation. If the skin becomes red, swollen, highly painful, or develops pus, you should see a doctor to check for secondary infections.

2. Fungal Foot Infection (Athlete’s Foot): Sometimes the root cause is not the floodwater itself While fungal foot infections are common during floods, many people do not realize that the floodwater itself is not always the direct cause. The dampness from wearing wet shoes and socks for extended periods creates an ideal environment for naturally occurring fungi to thrive. Additionally, fungi can spread through direct contact with infected skin or shared items like shoes and towels.

Common symptoms include itching between the toes, flaking, peeling, or cracked skin. Some individuals may develop a peeling rash on the soles of their feet or experience blisters.

How to tell the difference between a fungal infection and regular macerated skin: If your skin is soggy after soaking but gradually improves once your feet are kept dry, it is likely just a moisture issue. However, if the itching and peeling persist after your feet are dry, or if the rash spreads to the soles, suspect a fungal infection. Both conditions can occur simultaneously, making it hard to distinguish based on symptoms alone. If you suspect a fungal infection, consult a doctor or pharmacist for the appropriate antifungal medication and use it for the recommended duration. Do not buy steroid-blended creams without a proper diagnosis, as they can cause the fungus to spread or mask the disease’s symptoms.

3. Bacterial Skin Infections: Small wounds after wading can be more dangerous than you think Many people worry about large wounds but overlook small scrapes or cracks on their feet, even though these can act as entryways for bacteria—especially when the wounds come into contact with floodwaters contaminated with sewage and pathogens.

The bacteria that cause infections after water exposure are not limited to common skin pathogens. For instance, Aeromonas, found in freshwater, can infect wounds after water contact. Exposure to seawater or brackish water containing Vibrio can cause severe infections in some people, particularly those with underlying health conditions.

When should you not wait to see a doctor? If a wound starts becoming red, swollen, hot, or increasingly painful, see a doctor. If you experience abnormal severe pain, rapidly expanding redness, skin turning dark purple, or the appearance of blisters, go to the emergency room immediately, as these could be signs of a severe soft tissue infection. Always inform your doctor if the wound was exposed to floodwater or seawater, as this history affects the assessment of the bacteria type and the choice of antibiotics. If you are cut or punctured by a sharp object while wading, have a doctor evaluate the wound and your tetanus vaccination status.

4. Leptospirosis: You can get infected even without seeing rats or having open wounds The common name “rat urine disease” leads many to believe they must come into direct contact with rats or their urine to get infected. In reality, Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria excreted in the urine of infected animals, which includes not only rats but also dogs, cattle, and pigs.

When contaminated urine mixes with water or soil, the bacteria can enter the body through cuts, scratches, or even mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, and mouth. Therefore, even without visible wounds, you can still get infected—especially if contaminated water splashes into your face.

Leptospirosis does not make you sick immediately after wading through water. The incubation period is typically 2–30 days, with symptoms most commonly appearing within 5–14 days. Patients may experience fever, headache, muscle pain (especially in the calves or back), nausea, vomiting, and sometimes red eyes. Early symptoms mimic other infections like the flu or dengue fever. You do not need to have all the symptoms, and you should not wait for jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) before suspecting Leptospirosis, as this indicates the disease is already severe.

What to do if you develop a fever after wading: If you develop a fever within 30 days of being exposed to floodwater or potentially contaminated mud, see a doctor and mention your water exposure history, especially if accompanied by severe muscle pain. If you experience decreased urination, jaundice, shortness of breath, or abnormal bleeding, seek immediate hospital treatment, as the disease can lead to kidney failure, liver dysfunction, or pulmonary hemorrhage. Furthermore, early blood tests might not yet show antibodies, so an initial negative result does not rule out the disease. If you waded through water but have no symptoms, do not take prophylactic antibiotics on your own; a doctor must assess the risk on a case-by-case basis.

5. Irritant Contact Dermatitis: The water has receded, but skin problems might just be beginning After the floodwaters recede, people often spend hours cleaning their homes—scrubbing mud and applying disinfectants. This frequently leads to dry, stinging, red, itchy, or cracked skin, particularly on the hands, caused by Irritant Contact Dermatitis.

This condition does not necessarily mean you are allergic to the cleaning agents. Even without a history of allergies, rashes can develop if the skin repeatedly comes into contact with water, detergents, or cleaners, stripping away its protective barrier. Even clean water can irritate the skin if your hands are constantly getting wet and drying out throughout the day.

How to clean safely: Wear gloves suitable for the chemicals you are using and avoid letting water pool inside the gloves for long periods. After cleaning, wash your hands with a gentle product, pat them dry, and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer. If a red or stinging rash develops, reduce contact with the suspected irritant. If symptoms do not improve or if your skin cracks into wounds, see a doctor. Additionally, never mix bleach with other cleaning agents, as this can create a toxic gas harmful to the respiratory system.

What symptoms should you observe particularly closely after wading through floods? Flood-related diseases do not all present the same way. Noting when symptoms occur and their specific characteristics will help you know how quickly to seek medical attention.

If the skin on your feet is soggy or peeling right after soaking, keep it clean and dry. However, if itching and peeling persist, you may need an evaluation for a fungal infection. If any wound becomes red, swollen, or more painful after floodwater exposure, see a doctor to check for infection—do not wait at home if it spreads rapidly. Finally, a fever occurring days after wading should never be ignored, even if your foot wounds have completely healed, because Leptospirosis has a long incubation period.

Most importantly, when you see a doctor, always mention your history of wading in floodwaters, touching mud, or exposing wounds to water, even if it happened several days ago. This information is crucial for the doctor to make an accurate diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment.