Doan Van Loi Em, head of the outpatient department at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermato-Venereology, said the number of patients seeking treatment for insect-related skin conditions had risen significantly over the past two weeks.
The hospital has recorded dozens of rove beetle dermatitis cases a day, while scabies, fungal infections and other skin conditions linked to contaminated floodwater have risen to two to three times dry-season levels.
Doctors warned that many patients mistake rove beetle dermatitis for shingles, leading to inappropriate self-treatment that can result in infection, ulceration and scarring.
Rove beetles become more active during the rainy season due to higher humidity and are attracted to artificial light, often entering homes and landing on clothing, bedding and towels.
Symptoms typically begin with itching, burning or redness before progressing to streak-like lesions, blisters and pustules within a few days. In more severe cases, patients may develop fever, swollen lymph nodes and significant discomfort.
Loi Em said the condition was not life-threatening but could worsen if treated incorrectly.
Most cases leave temporary dark marks that gradually fade, but scratching, applying traditional remedies or using inappropriate medications can lead to permanent scarring.
Health authorities advised residents to wash thoroughly with soap after contact with floodwater and take precautions to prevent insects from entering their homes, particularly during the rainy season.
People who develop symptoms were advised not to scratch affected areas or self-medicate and to seek medical attention if conditions worsen.