Dr Divya's skin & hair solutions

Seven tips for sun protection

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 18:14:00 +0000

As a Dermatologist in Bangalore, I routinely see a rush of patients suffering from sunburn and sun allergy during summer time. Bangalore despite its pleasant weather boasts of a very high UV Index (The strength of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is expressed as a Solar UV Index or Sun Index). No doubt Sun protection is my area of priority when it comes to treating sun allergy and sunburn. I would like to share few tips on sunprotection to be followed daily in Bangalore.

Protect your skin with clothing, and don’t forget to wear a hat with minimum 4 inch brim that protects your face, neck and ears, and a pair of UV protective sunglasses
UV protective sunglasses are a must
Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm when it’s sunny
When choosing a sunscreen look for a high protection SPF (SPF 30 or more) to protect against UVB, and the UVA circle logo and/or 4 or 5 UVA stars to protect against UVA.
Apply plenty of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply every two hours and straight after swimming, towel-drying and strenuous exercise.
Sunscreens should not be used as an alternative to clothing and shade, rather they offer additional protection. No sunscreen will provide 100% protection. Keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight as far as possible.
It may be necessary to take Vitamin D supplement tablets as strictly avoiding sunlight can reduce Vitamin D levels. (You should ask your doctor or dermatologist Dr. Divya Sharma about this)

Dr Divya Sharma is a practicing dermatologist at Whitefield Bangalore. The data shared in this blog is her personal opinion based on her knowledge and experience. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following blog opinion

Diaper Rash: Five questions answered by Dermatologist

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 08:25:00 +0000

As a first time parent, one is perennially busy changing diapers especially during the first year. The bottom involves special care as the skin is delicate and exposed to a lot of irritants and cleansing. We often see lot of parents complaining about the diaper rash in their children.Here are a few commonly asked questions that I encounter in my daily practice. I have shared the answers and some useful tips to avoid diaper rash.

Q-1) How do I clean the diaper area of my baby?

Ans . This is the most important of all the steps to prevent diaper rash. There are a few basic precautions like

Always clean the area from front to back, especially in girls to prevent urinary tract infections from the faecal bacteria near anal canal.
Never try to pull apart the foreskin in boys which is fused for the first two to three years.
Make sure to clean the creases and the folds making sure that there is no hint of moisture left. Moisture is a breeding ground for infections.
Please use a sheet whenever you change the diaper in public places to prevent transmission of infections.
Air drying is better than pat drying. The latter is still preferred over rubbing or not drying at all.
DONOT use wipes which contain alcohol or fragrance. The wipes should be used only when cleaning with water is not available. Minimise their use as much as possible.

Q-2) What causes rash or ‘eczema’ on my baby’s bottom?

Ans- Multiple factors predispose this area to irritant diaper rash. Prolonged contact with faeces, urine and repeated cleaning disturbs the sensitive skin in this area, hence causing rash. Improper cleaning practices or neglect can cause diaper rash.

Q-3) What should I do to treat the diaper rash?

Ans- First and foremost try to adopt proper cleansing practices as outlined above.

Avoid using harsh soaps and hot water. Prefer a gentle cleansing lotion ( pH of around 5.5) to a soap bar.
Prefer washing the area with cleanser and water than a wipe whenever possible.
Apply a skin moisturiser first followed by a barrier cream. The latter which generally contains zinc oxide in higher percentage forms an occlusive film to prevent contact of the skin with faeces.

This should be done at every diaper change.

Q-4) Should I prefer a cloth diaper or disposable ones?

Ans- Actually a disposable diaper is preferable to cloth diaper. The cloth diaper should be promptly changes once soiled. The disposable diaper can be changed every four hours or so. There is no difference in rash if either is used.

Q-5) Will changing the type of diaper help my child?

Ans- The chances of getting a rash are same for all the types whether stick–on type or pant sized diapers. The only type of diaper that is slightly better than others is the one which are superabsorbent as they can be used for a slightly longer duration.

As a Dermatologist and a first time parent, I was bewildered too while making the right choice for my child. I hope this addresses few of those doubts and concerns. Please feel free to ask any queries related to the diaper rash and I shall be happy to help you.

Stay skin healthy and skin wise!!

Dr Divya Sharma is a practicing dermatologist at Bangalore. The data shared in this blog is her personal opinion based on her knowledge and experience. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following blog opinion

Hair to Stay: Dos and Don't for healthy hair

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 03 Oct 2015 09:10:00 +0000

Hair is the most beautiful accessory bestowed by nature. Every morning , the very first thing that we notice is our hair. A good hair day certainly brings freshness not only to our face but mood as well

Read latest column by Dr Divya Sharma in completewellbeing magazine, October edition.

Hair loss treatment not working? Losing hair or losing peace of mind

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 06:56:00 +0000

I see a lot of patients with an agonizing query- I am losing a lot of hair these days, what is wrong with me? I have tried so many things but no hair loss prevention treatment is working? I am losing my peace of mind.

What needs to be understood is that the hair is a mirror of the inner ecosystem of our body.

Q- I am losing lot of hair these days? What is wrong with me? Is it the borewell water?

Ans – Losing hair in bunches does not happen because of the wrong shampoo or using borewell water. In such cases a comprehensive blood profile and thorough physical examination to rule out deficiencies or disturbances in metabolism should be done. Hair loss of this kind is generally referred as ‘Telogen Effluvium’ and is reversible and seldom leads to baldness.

Q- Why I am getting bald at such an early age? My father started balding in late 40’s?

Ans- A rise in sedentary lifestyle and growing obesity especially around the abdomen is becoming increasingly common in the younger population. Male – pattern baldness is seen in younger age groups now. It is also seen as a risk factor for heart problems and Diabetes. Doctors sometimes do not emphasise this important fact. Simple changes in lifestyle like exercise and following with other hair a regimented diet (preferably recommended by a qualified dietician) is mandatory with other mandatory treatment for hair fall. This surely can ARREST the balding process.

Q- Which Diet would you recommend for Hair loss?

Ans- I generally recommend a qualified dietician/nutritionist but in general a diet:

High in protein and
High in essential fatty acids is very helpful.

Tuna , Sardines , olives and avocadoes are a rich source of the latter, oats, lettuce, parsnips, asparagus, strawberry, cabbage, cucumber, celery, cauliflower and green leafy vegetables also prevent hair breakage. A nutritionist should plan these food items depending on your lifestyle ( whether sedentary or active) and metabolic status( diabetic / non diabetic) in conjunction with the Dermatologist.

Q – Are herbal or professional shampoos (the salon ones) better than the regular shampoos to arrest hair loss?

Ans- Natural surfactants ( as claimed by herbal or organic shampoos) come from plants such as sarsaparilla, soapwort, soap bark, and ivy agave. They have excellent lathering capabilities, but are poor cleansers thus must be present at high concentration. Usually, they are combined with other synthetic detergents. The so called ‘organic product’ hence remains as a marketing gimmick.

Then we have these special shampoos designed for use with hair coloring procedures are generally only available to licensed cosmetologists, as they are not appropriate for daily cleansing. Other than for colored hair , I do not recommend professional salon shampoos as they have high concentration of surfactants and hence colored hair specific shampoos are inappropriate for daily use.

Your dermatologist is best placed to help you choose the best shampoo after carefully understanding what works best for you and your hair

Q- Any dos and don’ts to prevent hair loss?

Ans- Like everything else in life- prevention is better than cure.

Dos:

· Start hair fall arrest early, it works best- physically (looks), emotionally and financially. See a qualified dermatologist.
· Maintain good hair hygiene
· Assess your dietary and other habits and make healthy changes.

Don’ts:

· In general you must avoid chemical treatments to hair including the herbal ones which are designed to change the way your hair looks.
· Avoid salon treatments or alternate therapies which have no proven scientific evidence

For hairloss key is to act early and prevention. In the end remember hair is a reflection of inner ecosystem and in most cases hair loss can be arrested.

Angeline Jolie, Vin Diesel look extremely attractive without hair

However, your physical attribute should never be a cause of stress. There are many renowned personalities including in showbiz who have excelled and look extremely handsome/beautiful without hair. Talk to your dermatologist if hairloss is bothering you.

Stay skin healthy and skin wise!!

How to prevent photoageing: premature ageing of skin on exposure to UV rays

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 06:44:00 +0000

Photoaging is premature aging of the skin caused by repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) primarily from the sun, but also from artificial UV sources. Photo means light so photo ageing means ageing of skin caused by light.

Q What is photoageing?

Ans. Changes in the skin caused by years of long, uninterrupted exposure to sunlight or Ultraviolet rays to be precise.

Q How does exactly photoaged skin looks like?

Ans. A photoaged skin looks clinically different from normal ageing skin. Apart from fine and coarse wrinkling, it shows laxity, sagging, prominent blood vessels, mottled pigmentation, leathery feel and increased fragility. The lips lose their color and the entire face is lusterless.

Q What are the causes?

Ans. –

Ultraviolet light (the major source of which is Sun) is absorbed by the skin especially the second layer of dermis. Dermis is formed by a tightly formed network of collagen and elastin fibers. This arrangement which is responsible for the resilience of the skin gets disturbed by chronic sun exposure. The fibers change their composition and abnormal material starts getting deposited leading to age spots and pigmentation.

Chronic sun exposure also leads to accumulation of toxins and free radicals which can even make skin prone to malignancy. UV A is the major culprit as it is absorbed deeper into the skin along with a little contribution from UV B wavelength.

Q How to prevent photoageing?

Ans.

1. The first and most vital step is patient education and awareness about the importance of sun protection.

2. Avoid going out between 11 am to 3 pm.

3. Sun protective clothing, head gears and even UV protected sun glasses are a must have.

4. Sunscreen usage- A particularly daunting challenge is to choose the right sunscreen. Most of the sunscreens do not offer broad spectrum protection because of the unavailability of good UV- A Sunscreen agents. A Good SPF only ensures protection against UVB while there are no accepted standard criteria for UV-A protection.

5. Right usage of sunscreen– The sunscreen has to be applied in generous amounts at-least half an hour before going out in the sun and should be reapplied every three hours.

Minimum SPF of 30 with Adequate UVA protection is must.
Patients who have already started developing changes suggestive of photoageing can opt for glycolic peels or alpha hydroxy acids.

Since sun damage is cumulative it is never too late to start! so start your regimen of preventing photoageing now!

Stay skin healthy and skin wise!!!

8 womanly tips to a beautiful YOU!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 09:02:00 +0000

Woman is one of the most beautiful creation of nature. Her life is a canvas full of shades of love in its vivid forms. A daughter, sister, wife and a mother. Bestowed with the highest honors of motherhood, a woman strongly anchors the household and family together. But in playing multiple roles, sometimes she forgets to feed her very own existence . On this day of celebrating womanhood, I want to encourage all womenfolk to take up charge of their own selves. Here are a few tips to a beautiful and a wonderful ‘You’

1. It all starts with fitness

The real secret to a glowing face is the glory of complete physical and mental fitness. A stroll in the morning for half an hour followed by deep breathing sessions in the garden of your apartment complex can be the most refreshing start to your day. Remember this makes a huge difference in the long run.

2. Cleansing – toning – moisturizing

A good non –comedogenic, fragrance and parabens free cleanser followed by an alcohol free toner followed by a good moisturiser after twenty minutes of application of former is the minimum you can do as a daily routine.

3. Sunscreen every day keeps ageing away

Daily application of sunscreen with minimum SPF of 15 (Ethnic skin ) upto 50 ( fairer skin type) twenty minutes before going out everyday is a must –have on your dressing table. Donot forget to apply it before the lunch trips to your son’s school or bus stop.

4. Hair conditioning

A good hair conditioner containg hydrolysed proteins after head wash at-least once a week.

5. The night cream

A good anti ageing cream with retinol , anti ageing peptides after washing face is a good routine to follow. Remember every woman after achieving 30 years should start the night regime. A good serum containing Vitamin C is an added benefit.

6. Anti – Oxidants

A vitamin supplement containing omega three fatty acids and Calcium -Vitamin D should be on the menu everyday.

7. Genital hygiene

Simple cleaning with hot water and gentle soap at bath is enough for cleaning the intimate area. Addition of antiseptic agents and vaginal douching is a strict no as they destroy the good bacteria which aid in natural cleaning and maintaining vaginal health. Cleaning should be done front to back side. Cotton – Linen undergarments are desirable.

8. Keep a ‘ me – time’

Me time- when you do what you love to do . It could be listening to a beautiful song, paint or dance to your favourite tune. You are more than the roles you play.

A Great thanks to all the women who have been a part of our journey and make this world a better place to live. HAPPY WOMANHOOD TO ALL.

Stay skin healthy and skin wise

Dry skin or Atopic Dermatitis in children

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:31:00 +0000

I see a lot of parents in my practice who are anxious and worried about the recurring dry skin of their children or Atopic Dermatitis. This not only is a cause of concern but can be a distressing condition for the children as well. In this blog post on pediatric dermatology, We shall discuss the causes and care required for alleviating the discomfort associated with this under recognized but important skin condition affecting children. I would be glad to answer your queries and comments.

Q – What is the cause of dry skin of my child?

Ans – Our skin has a ‘brick and mortar’ arrangement where the skin cells are the bricks and they are fused with each other by “Natural Moisturizing Factors’ (NMF). NMF is made up of free fatty acids and Ceramides. It is believed that deficiency in this NMF leads to ‘Dry Skin condition’ or “Atopic Dermatitis”. Atopic dermatitis simply can be put as ‘an itch that rashes’. It includes a tendency to have allergies at places where body is in contact with the external environment like allergic rhinitis, hay fever and eczemas.

Q – What are the risk factors for atopic dermatitis?

Ans- A positive family history of similar dry skin, asthma, hay fever or eczema can predispose the children to this condition. It is more found in urban areas than rural. It is largely believed that a cleaner environment and healthier diets to pregnant mothers exposes the child in utero to very few infections. As a result of which their immunity is hyperactive and shifts to a tendency for allergies. (HYGIENE HYPOTHESIS”).

Q – What can I do to alleviate my child’s discomfort?

Ans – There are a basic set of precautions and special care that I advise my patients to reduce the frequency and severity of dry skin in children.

a) SHORT Bathing time – reduce the shower time to less than five minutes.

b) SOAP USAGE – Minimal application of soap to the entire body and choose a moisturizer containing soap. (For further reading read my blog on this link ).

c) LUKEWARM water – instead of very hot water. Water and soap further dry and reduce the lipid layer of ski , hence they aggravate the condition.

d) MOISTURIZE with a recommended moisturizer within three minutes of bath after gently patting the skin dry. Don’t handle skin in a rough manner at all.

e) CONTACT with woolen garments, fur and dust should be minimized.

f) COTTON or LINEN garments should touch your child’s skin.

g) MINIMIZE things which catch dust like carpets and soft toys around your child.

h) PREFER vacuum cleaning at least once a month.

Q- Which moisturizer should I use for my child‘s skin?

Ans- Moisturizer is the lifeline to prevent this condition as they seal the fissures and improve the disturbed barrier function. They are of different types-

a) Emollients - They are naturally found in palm and coconut oil. They replenish the natural moisturizing factors. Shea cocoa butter containing products belong to this category.

b) Occlusives- They serve to seal the gaps between skin cells and make skin ‘slippery’. They are greasy, messy and have allergic potential. Petroleum jelly is an ideal example. I would rank them lower in my choice of moisturizers.

Q- What is an ideal moisturizer?

Ans - Patients who are confused by media hype often ask this question. The ideal moisturizer should be:

Q – Which type of moisturizer do you recommend?

Ans – The following is a quick guide for choosing a moisturizer

1)Moisturizers designed for the face are typically non-greasy, non-comedogenic emollients, with an emphasis on skin feel and aesthetics with maximal skin benefits.

2) Silicone derivatives in particular are targeted for consumers with oily skin. Kaolin and Talc containing compounds are good for oily skin.

3) Moisturisers marketed as anti ageing should include sun protectants, alpha hydroxy acids (e.g., glycolic acid), and retinol and its derivatives.

4)Prefer lotions for day time use while creams are thicker and should be applied at night.

5)Emollients containing moisturisers like shea butter , squalene should be preferred for very dry skin over body and hands. Avoid them on face as they can trigger ‘acne’ or ‘pimples’.

Q- Which oil should I use for my child?

Ans – Coconut oil has been shown to improve the skin barrier which is deficient in atopic children. Olive oil and other oils are harmful than helpful for skin.It has been proven by studies that the barrier function is best restored with the coconut oil. Coconut milk is equally desirable.

Atopic Dermatitis tends to improve with age. It should not cause unnecessary anxiety and concern. There are simple and effective treatments available which can remit or at-least maintain results. Consult your dermatologist today for daily skin care regimen.

Stay skin healthy and skin wiser!!

Seven things you must know about Baby's skin care

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 08:24:00 +0000

A common worry that bothers all parents is the care of baby's skin. In my new post I try to capture the frequently asked questions on skin and hair care for babies.

I will start by explaining the skin structure in very simple language and then explore how to take care of baby's skin and hair.

Q 1 – How is the skin of my child different? Does it require some extra effort and then so, Why?

Ans -The skin of an infant is different from adults in many ways which is crucial for understanding the skin care regimen for the parents -

Skin Structure of Newborn	Implication for skin care
a) Higher skin surface area to weight ratio (skin surface area of infant is 700 cm2/kg as compared to adult skin which is 250 cm2/kg) .	a) Increased absorption in the blood of topical preparations (applied products)on the skin.
b) Connection between the upper layers of skin (epidermis and dermis) is not very strong	b) Blisters can form easily.
c) The skin barrier is not fully developed	c)More susceptibility to infections and allergic reactions AND Increased water loss from the skin
d) Smaller and inactive sweat glands	d)Decreased sweating , more possibility of heat rash or prickly heat
e) Acidic pH of the skin	e) Any increase of pH can increase bacterial colonization of the skin.

Q2-Doc, which soap should I use for my Baby?

Ans- Most of the soaps contain surfactants ( Read More here) which can have harmful effects on the skin of the newborn-

They deplete the lipid part of the skin barrier hence making it weaker
Increase the pH of the skin hence increasing the risk of skin infection
Denature( destroy) skin proteins further weakening the skin barrier.

Q3- What are the alternative for soap ?

Ans- Cocoyl isethionate,sodium lauryl sulphate, and betaines are examples of synthetic non soap detergents (syndets ) which retain the normal pH of the skin but can be drying. Such syndets with addd moisturisers like mineral oil , paraffin and glycerince are most suitable. Soap free cleansers should be preferred but in smaller quantities. Soaps which produce more foam are HARMFUL for your baby's skin.

Q4 – When should I start applying soap to my baby?

Ans- Minimal use in first few months.

Immediately after birth, skin pH may be >6.0 which falls to 4.95 after birth. This protective “acid” mantle protects against pathogens. Any soap application will raise the skin pH from acid to neutral hence increasing the total number of bacteria and increased moisture loss. Regeneration of skin pH takes at least an hour after washing with alkaline soaps. If at all needed, healthyterm newborns and infants can be washed MINIMALLY using cleansers of neutral or slightly acidic pH, which have a gentle surfactant, be chemically and physically stable, and should contain an emollient. BOTTOMLINE is MINIMAL use of soaps in the first month of age.

Q5 – How should I wash my baby's hair?

Ans - Shampoos should have minimal time of contact with the scalp to avoid irritant dermatitis. The shampoo should be free from fragrance, anti-inflammatory agents and natural products. Most baby shampoos in the market contain anionic surfactant which ensures adequate cleaning. The pH of the shampoo should be close to the a that of tears and should be non-irritating to the baby’s eyes.

Q6- What about the napkin area of my baby?

Ans- The diaper area is probably the most frequently washed area of the baby.

Cleaning the nappy area "Front to back"

Regular nappy/diaper change is a must as baby’s stool and urine can macerate the skin of your baby if in prolonged contact.
“Baby wipes”- they also should be alcohol and preservative free. Consult your Dermatologist for recommendations.
Always clean the area from front to back with soft cotton cloth or towel.
Apply a Bland moisturiser and a barrier cream containig Zinc Oxide for skin protection if prolonged Diaper wear is required.( Use Dermatologist /Pediatrician recommended Diaper rash creams)

Q7- What precautions I should take while washing my Baby’s clothes?

Ans- You should use gentle detergents for washing your baby’s clothes.

Avoid adding antiseptic solutions or cleansers ( e.g Dettol etc.). They are VERY HARSH for your baby’s skin.
The detergent should be fragrance free
Rinse the detergent thoroughly. (MACHINE WASH IS BETTER THAN HAND WASH)
Donot add Fabric Conditioners/Bleaches
Prefer cotton and linen waer for your baby
Wash any new dress before making your child wear that.

I have tried to touch the most commonly asked questions about Baby Cleansing. Please feel free for comments/queries and spread this message across for Better skin care for our children which they truly deserve and desire. This will be followed by How to tackle dry skin in children. Happy Reading!!! Stay skin healthy and skin wiser!!

How do I choose a cleanser for my face? A simple guide to understand cleansers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 22 Sep 2013 02:40:00 +0000

Cleansing is one of the most common and essential regime followed worldwide. It is not only required for purpose of maintaining hygiene but it also plays a significant role in neurosensory and musculoskeletal development of children. We often wonder which cleanser should I choose for myself. in this blog post. I will try to explain the principles of cleansing which should be kept in mind, next time you think of the ideal choice of cleanser for your skin based on your skin type.

Q- How do cleansers work?
Ans- The cleansers are surface active substances that lower the surface tension on the skin and remove dirt, sebum, microbes and dead skin cells in an emulsified form. At the microscopic level, cleansers are made up of a chain of hydrocarbons. One end of this hydrocarbon chain attaches to grease and oils on your skin while the other end of the chain bonds with water. When you rinse with water, the soap and any attached impurities wash away.

Q – What are the various types of cleansers available?
Ans - They include soaps, superfatted soaps, beauty bars, dermatological bars, liquid cleansers, antibacterial washes and foaming solutions.

Q – What is wrong with applying just any other soap available? Is soap harmful to apply on the face?
Ans-Soap is a combination of fats and oils (of animal or vegetable origin) and salt. It is the simplest anionic surfactant, forming soap salts in water that emulsify whatever is on the skin surface while increasing the pH of the skin. Applying just any cleanser may result in swelling of the upper layers of skin and loss of natural moisturizers and water leaving the skin dry and the barrier compromised.

Q- How do I choose the best cleanser for myself?
Ans- In my previous blog post I had put up a simple quiz which will allow you to understand your skin type (here). Based on your skin type you can follow this simple check-list and also the ingredients that I mention in the answers below to choose your cleanser

Q- What about "Beauty Bars"?

Ans- They are similar to the normal soaps but fragrance and few moisturisers are added to enhance their cosmetic appeal. But the efficacy to prevent dry skin is unknown and hence not recommended.

Q- How are the soaps prescribed by doctor different from the regular soap bars?

Ans- These soaps contain weak organic acids to lower the ph of the skin and have moisturisers like glycerin , lanolin, Vitamin E and Natural lipids like Squalene. Colloidal oatmeal containing soaps are much more beneficial.

Q- What about so many Liquid cleansers or face washes?

Ans- Liquid cleansers are composed of non ionic or amphoteric surfactanta with very high rinsibility factor. Their ph is similar to skin and hence they are less drying. One study demonstrated that, following hand cleansing, a liquid cleanser removed 85% of bacteria while a bar soap was able to remove only 65%.

Q – Is a face wash better than a soap if I have pimples or acne?

Ans – Research has shown that use of an acidic liquid cleanser or face wash led to a reduction in inflammatory ( pus filled) acne lesions and the number of bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) on the skin aiding in faster resolution of pimples while maintaining smoothness of texture.

Q- Which type of cleanser is recommended for people with sensitive skin?

Ans- There are certain general recommendations I would like to make when it comes to choosing the right product for sensitive skin. Choose a cleanser with

Non – Ionic surfactants (like polysorbate).

Silicone surfactants ( e.g. Dimethicone) which can penetrate follicles or crevices and hence bring debris to the surface. ( Always check this component in products claiming to be ” DEEP CLEANSERS”).

It should contain moisturisers and humectants ( they prevent water loss when bathing).

Last but not the least , It should have a high rinsibility factor so that it does not leave any skin residue.

Q – What do you recommend for my face if I have conditions like ‘Rosacea’ or ‘Cosmetic Intolerance’?

Ans – Apart from the above said points , One should go for a cleanser which is fragrance and parabens free. Parabens and formaldehyde donors (e.g., diazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin) are the major classes of preservatives which can trigger or worsen eczema in such patients

Let me know how choosing a cleanser works with you. And like always stay skin healthy and skin wiser!!

Know your skin type by Dr. Divya Sharma

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 03 Aug 2013 19:28:00 +0000

Sunscreen while driving: love your skin when you are behind the wheel

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 29 Jun 2013 05:34:00 +0000

Most of us spend a considerable part of our daily lives in travel or driving. According to some recent surveys , this constitutes the largest percentage of total time spent outdoors. This period spent inside vehicle poses the highest risk for intense sun exposure. " Most of us take this plea that we hardly walk in sun to the car park or bus stop which is just few meters and I am in the car or bus only ...Still why do I need to apply sunscreen ?"

Q Why to apply sunscreen when inside the car/bus , " The windows are closed "?

Ans Windshields are made up of laminated glass which blocks upto 90% of UV Rays but sadly the side and rear windows allow them uninhibited. Shoulder , arms and hand closest to the side window receive the highest sun exposure and are always more vulnerable.

In a study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology researchers found that people who had spent most time driving car each week were more likely to develop skin cancers on the side exposed to more sunlight while driving!

Q- Is tinted glass or Films protective?

Ans Clear glass transmits 62%of UVA while dark tinted only 11.4% . UV absorbing films are even better only allowing 0.4% of harmful radiation. Imagine with the latest traffic rules of removing any sort of films how much our sun exposure has multiplied.

Q Okay then I will keep a sunscreen in my car always?

Ans No, never leave your sunscreen in a hot car. On a hot summer day when your car is parked outside, the heat may weaken its potency. Always treat your sunscreen the way you treat a prescription medication- keep it away from extreme heat. Most preservatives in sunscreens are designed and tested in a range of temperatures close to room temperature.

Q Aha..so sunscreen on and i am all protected?

Ans Well almost, one vital area of your face is still uncovered and exposed. Yes you are right its your eyes. Here your sunglasses will protect. A pair of shades goes a long way to protect your eyes. Use a good pair which mentions the UV protection index. It should atleast provide 95% UVB protection and 60% UVA protection.


Keep your skin safe and enjoy your driving with a sun safe skin!..Stay skin healthy and skin wiser!

Dr Divya Sharma is a practicing dermatologist at Bangalore. The data shared in this blog is her personal opinion based on her knowledge and experience. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following blog opinion

Razor Bumps : Five facts you always wanted to know - Pseudofolliculitis Barbae

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 16:18:00 +0000

Pseudofolliculitis Barbae also known as Razor bumps is one of the commonest skin condition seen in my clinical practice. It is a commonly distressing skin condition in men with multiple myths about the condition and treatments. In this blog I try to dispel them and would love if some of you can share your experience with it.

# 1: What are 'Razor Bumps'?
Ans- The rash consisting of red raised lesions and sometimes small pus filled papules or small bumpy lesions in the beard area of the face is known as Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (PFB). It can also present in other shaved areas like pubic region and underarms.

# 2- What is the cause of PFB or Razor Bump?
Ans- When the hair is shaved too close to the skin, it develops a sharp tip that grows and curves downward and re -enters the upper layer of the skin.

# 3-Why only few people get it and what are the causative factors?
Ans- Few factors which cause and hence can be prevented are-

Stretching the skin before shaving causes the sharp edged hair to retract underneath skin.
Use of a double edged razor encourages penetration , The first blade serves to pull the hair out of the follicle while the second blade cuts it and allows for retraction.
Improper shaving technique -Shaving against the direction of hair growth.
Dry Shaving

#4- What can I do to prevent them from coming again? How Do I Shave?Ans -

Washing the beard with warm water and an antibacterial soap for several minutes in circular motion
Avoid very close shave ( as popularized by advertisements these days) especially twin or triple -blade razors. Single blade razors are the best for such patients.
Leave the shaving product for atleast 2 to 3 minutes. The harder the beard, the longer it takes to soften the hairs.
Shave in the direction of hair growth , with short strokes and without using the other hand to tense the skin.
After shaving, rinse the beard area well and dry with a clean towel slowly massaging the beard area in a circular area.
Rinse the blades after every use and change them frequently as well.
Electric razors as there is a protective gap between the blade and the comb hence preventing close shave. Use them at the medium (not the close) shave position.
Shave only when necessary to allow more time for the skin and beard to recover between shaves.
To prevent the area from darkening , the patient should avoid shaving products containing alcohol and apply a sunscreen after shaving.

#5 -What are the treatment options?Ans -

Prevention is the best cure and easiest too.
It is advisable to stop shaving for some time (around 4 weeks) as the hair above the skin acts as a lever and pulls the ingrown hair itself.
Warm water compresses should be applied for 10 to 20 minutes everyday followed by application of topical hydrocortisone 1% cream.
Topical antibiotics , Benzoyl peroxide and AHA agents can be helpful.
Lasers like long pulsed Nd :YAG , Alexandrite and Diode laser is most effective treatment and in terms of patient satisfaction.
Consult your dermatologist before considering any treatment option.

These precautions should help you contain razor bumps and give you a smooth bump free skin. Follow this advice and stay skin healthy and skin wiser!

Hair conditioners explained: Which conditioner is best for my hair?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 03:20:00 +0000

Now that you are aware regarding the shampoos and their components. I will give an overview of the components of a Hair conditioners. This would help you pick the best conditioners suited for your hair.

Let us first understand, how Hair conditioners work?

Our Hair is composed of Keratin which is made up of negatively charged amino acids. Hair conditioners have this positively charged molecules which don't get rinsed completely with the hair wash. On drying the hair are left with a very thin coating which prevents frizzing of the hair and also makes it easier to comb.

Okay, so which conditioning agents are best suited for my hair?

Conditioners are recommended for dry , damaged or treated hair.

The various components that you must watch out while buying a conditioner are:

Moisturizers for hair like – Glycerine , Dimethicone , Simethicone, Polyvinylpyrrolidone , Propylene glycol
Stearalkonim chloride and benzalkonium chloride – Both are antimicrobial, prevent frizzing of the hair too!
Hydrolyzed animal protein- penetrates the hair and strengthen its structure through polymer cross linking. It is the most effective agent for treating split ends.
Essential fatty acids – are also natural moisturizing elements.
Sequestrants – EDTA help in rinsing off with hard water

Hope you choose your shampoo and conditioner wisely from now on...take good care of your skin and hair...stay skin healthy and skin wiser!!

Choose your Shampoo as per your hair type

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 04:51:00 +0000

In the previous post I explained the key components of a shampoo. Now that you know what are the different components of shampoo label, you should try to figure out a shampoo which is most suited for your hair type. In this post I explained the different components you should watch out for depending on your hair type when you purchase shampoo.

Normal Hair – Chose any shampoo with Lauryl Sulfate derivatives as they require good cleansing and minimal conditioning.

Oily-Hair – Excellent cleansing and minimal conditioning properties. Lauryl sulfate or sulfosuccinate surfactants work best . Ph of the shampoo should be between ph 5-6 and should not be too acidic or alkaline. These shampoos should be avoided by people with dry hair.

Dry Hair – mild cleansing and good conditioning is required. This type of hair should not be washed daily . Try to rinse it little more to prevent a build up of conditioning agents.

Damaged Hair Cuticle magnified image

Damaged – Hair shampoos – Avoid excessive washing , hot combs and styling methods. Hydrolyzed animal or soy protein works best for hair repair.

In my next post I will how to choose your hair conditioners. Till then take good care of your hair and skin..stay skin healthy and skin wiser!!

Shampoo label explained: What in a shampoo bottle is good and what is bad for your hair

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 05:45:00 +0000

Shampoo is a gift of the Indian civilization to the world. The British used this term in lieu of Hindi word ‘ Champo’. We have a variety of shampoos available with each one claiming to be the best suited to different types of hair. What exactly they contain, have you ever wondered what do the ingredients in a shampoo mean- what is good what is bad for your hair?

In the series on shampoos, I will write three posts: First one to explain the components of the shampoo, second to help choose the shampoo for your hair and last post to help you choose the best conditioner for your hair.

Let us see what do those fancy ingredients on the label actually consist of. The chief constituent of all is detergent ( surfactant)for sebum and dirt removal . Ironically the cleansing ability of a soap is equated with the foaming ability which may not be the case as they also sometimes overdo the job making our hair look dull and listless. Some of them are_

Sodium lauryl (dodecyl) sulfate – Derived from palm and coconut oils , it works with both hard and soft water , is foamy and is easy to remove. This component is very hard on your hair.
Sodium laureth sulfate- Good cleansing effect and foamy too.
Sarcosines – Very mild cleansers but excellent conditioners.
Sulfosuccinates- very strong in de-greasing action , used for oily hair.
Cocamidopropylbetaine – wonderful for fine and chemically treated hair , used in mild shampoos also.
Polysorbate 20 (PEG20) and Polysorbate 80(PEG80) – help penetration of various agents into the hair and helps in removal of oil from hair.
Citric acid – helps in making hair smooth and shiny ; also prevent hair infections
Quaternium 15 – prevents fungal/bacterial infections.
Methylisothiazolinone – prevents infection
Benzophenone-4 and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate are the two sunscreens most commonly used in hair products.
Midazolidinyl urea, iodopropynyl, isothiazolinone, and sodium benzoate. Preservatives to prevent any moulds etc to grow in your shampoo bottle.

In my next post I will talk about the best shampoos suited for your hair type. Till then take good care of your hair and skin..stay skin healthy and skin wiser!!

Acne Myths Busted: Most common myths surrounding acne and scientific explanation to refute them

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 May 2013 08:52:00 +0000

Acne or popular term like 'pimples'or' zits' affects 80%of people at-least once in a lifetime. Though it is very common but still the information about it is very scarce. In this blog I will share with you the six most common myths around acne and offer a scientific explanation to refute them.

Myth 1 : Adults don't get acne . I never had it when I was in teenage then why now?
Not True. A lot of people (around 14%) develop acne after 25 years ( Acne Tarda or late onset acne). Teenage acne presents mostly with blackheads or whiteheads scattered all over forehead and rest of the face whereas it is more of reddish nodules around mouth and jaw in Acne Tarda.

Myth 2: You get acne when you don't wash your face enough
Not at all. Washing your face more than twice a day is not helpful but can harm one more by disturbing the ph of the skin. It is not build up of dirt that leads to blackheads and the black color is because of oxidized skin debris and melanin and not dirt.

Never squeeze your acne

Myth 3: Eating chocolate and so called 'hot foods' ( Indian concept) provoke acne
The diet controversy still looms large. As a matter of fact , few studies show AGGRAVATION of acne with high glycemic index foods like junk , high carb diet and few dairy items.But they definitely Do not cause acne and may be innocent bystanders in the process.

Myth 4: Acne is just a cosmetic problem, it shall go away on its ownAcne does resolve on its own even without treatment but untreated acne can scat one's face and psyche for a life time. So as soon as you see them appearing, please rush to your dermatologist . Prevention is better than cure which is not so complete for Acne Scarring.

Myth 5 : I get it treated but still it comes back , Will it never go back?Acne is chronic in nature and certain skin has a propensity to have it more but as the oil producing glands shrink with age so does acne too. It is good to start a treatment for control but even better if you continue to apply a maintenance therapy to prevent breakouts.

Myth 6: Clean up or steaming or may be squeezing them out will unclog my pores and helpThis is actually the worst thing you can do. Picking on acne can lead to deep scars. Popular clean ups will only make it worse while steaming only dehydrates the skin further. Making your face sweat more does not affect acne problem at all. You can ask for chemical peels from your Dermatologist which can help a great deal of patients in refractory acne and scarring as well.

Do post your queries and questions as we all delve deep into this common but commonly misunderstood enemy called 'Acne'. I will be dealing with more questions in my next blog on acne and acne scarring.

Dr Divya Sharma is a practicing dermatologist at Bangalore. The data shared in this blog is her personal opinion based on her knowledge and experience. The author is not responsible for any adverse event that arises out of following blog opinion

Seven Do’s and Don’ts for healthy hands

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:27:00 +0000

Dexterity is one of the biggest assets of human evolution. Still we tend to ignore them a various little signals it sends across before it becomes full blown problem. Lot of patients come with skin issues these days and more often it is a result of ignorance and neglect . I share a few tips onto the best skincare for patients already suffering from hand allergies and for prevention.

a) Age is no bar
No age group is resistant to develop hand allergies although it has been more commonly seen in young adults . Start taking care of your hands at the earliest.

b) Sensitive skin -Beware!
People with sensitive skin tend to develop hand allergies too soon with even a little exposure. People who have allergies , asthma and recurrent allergic sinus allergies are more prone.

c) How to wash your hands?
i) Use a mild , fragrance free soap or hand wash and slightly warm water.

ii) Slightly wet your hands before applying soaps. Take off your rings before washing.

iii) Use a soap substitute like shower gel , aqueous cream based or paraffin based hand washes , preferably fragrance free.

iv) The lesser the amount of soap substitute used , the better!

v) Thoroughly rinse your hands and pat dry with focus on skin between fingers.

d) Moisturise! Moisturise! Moisturise!
Follow your hand wash with a fragrance free moisturizer . Consult your Dermatologist for prescribing one suited best for you.

e) Apply moisturising cream at least ten times a day . Keep moisturizer stacked at every location where hands are washed like kitchen , bathroom and laundry room.

f) Sunprotect the most!
Hands age even faster than face as they are not cared much in sun . Do not forget to apply a thick layer of sunscreen to your hands.

g) Keep your nails properly trimmed, clean and filed as they add beauty and a hint of grace to your soft hands. Nicely painted nails add gold to the glitter!!!

Wishing you soft, glowing and healthy hands!!!

Next Section talks about the care of hands and feet in people suffering from eczema s or allergies ....till then keep glowing and take care of your skin to remain Skin healthy and Skin wiser!!

Top 5 food nutrients for skin and hair: Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:48:00 +0000

Here is the second part of the post Top 5 Nutrients for Skin and Hair. Here we talk about Vitamin D and Flavinoids and the major food sources of these nutrients.

Vitamin D

Our skin has been endowed with the capacity to produce Vitamin D from sunlight. This not only delays ageing but also prevents skin cancer. Research has shown a link of this precious Vitamin with hair loss and sleep disturbances.

Sources: Salmon fish, Milk, Cereal, Eggs, orange juice and mushrooms

Doctor what is the recommended dosage for each age group?

The American Academy of Dermatology has recommended a 200 IU/day dose for children (0–14 y), 200 IU for the age population between 14–50 y, 400 IU for the 50–70 y and 600 IU for people over their 71st year of age. Consult your Dermatologist for an appropriate dosage regimen.

Flavinoids and other Polyphenols - The fountain of youth

Of lately Green tea is becoming very popular beverage and offers a variety of benefits not only for skin but other organ systems too. This property is because of he presence of these compounds known as polyphenols. The health benefits offered by them often extend beyond skin .

Sources: Richly found in vegetables , dry legumes , grapes , cherries and cereals, they prevent hair fall , ageing and is natural antioxidant.

What is the ideal cooking practice to retain these nutrients?

Sadly the content of these nutrients get heavily affected by the cooking methods used .

For Example onions, which are a major source of phenolic acids and flavonoids, and tomatoes lose between 75% and 80% of their initial content when boiled over 15 min, 65% when cooked in a microwave oven and 30% when fried. In French fries or freeze-dried mashed potatoes no remaining phenolic acids are found.

keep glowing and take care of your skin to remain Skin healthy and Skin wiser!!

Top 5 food nutrients for skin and hair: Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 11 May 2013 13:16:00 +0000

Skin is the window to general health and well being of a person. It is the largest organ of our body and consequently undergoes not only the external assaults but also internal ageing. Our shelves are decorated with so many latest cosmetics but little do we realize that as the case with the rest of our body , it can be more helped ’inside out’ rather than ’outside in’.

While we live a fast paced life in Bangalore let us try to make a few easy and natural changes in our diet to achieve a flawless complexion.

I plan to take you across the healthier food ingredients which can do wonders along with the basic skin care regimens. I will put across this post in two parts

Vitalife for the skin – Vitamin C

a) This cosmenutrient is an important ingredient of the very backbone of our skin known as collagen. It is shrinkage of this collagen which is responsible for the fine lines and wrinkling with ageing.

b) This nutrient prevents age spots , tones the skin and is preventive against blemishes and dark patches known as melasma.(Remember grandma’s remedy of lime dash on the face for skin glow)

c) Vit C helps in Iron absorption deficiency of which causes hair loss especially in women.

d) Consult your Dermatologist to include a suitable preparation of Topcal Vitamin C serum as a part of your anti ageing regimen. As home based preparations are unlikely to be helpful.

e) Sources: Include more of lemon , amla , guava , black currant , chilli pepper or parsley in your diet as this is not formed inside . It has to be supplemented always.

Vitamin E - The policemen of Skin

Also known as tocopherols , these compounds protect our skin against the main culprit for ageing known as free radicals. It is a naturally occurring antioxidant alongwith Vitamin C and both of them synergistically protects against sun induced damage.
Sources:It is richly available in vegetables, vegetable oils like wheat germ oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil and seeds, corn, soy and some sorts of meat. Various cream formulations are avialable containing Vitamin C and E which can go a log way in sun protection and delay in ageing.

Vitamin A – banes Ageing

Derivatives of this vitamin include Carotene , lycopene , astaxanthin and Retinol all of which are sun protective and also play a role in delaying wrinkles.
Sources: Carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, mangos and papaya are some examples of β-carotene containing fruits and vegetables which can be served as salads or soups. Lycopene is a bright red carotene and carotenoid pigment and phytochemical found in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables, such as red carrots, watermelons and papayas (but not strawberries or cherries). While Astaxanthin is being formulated in creams and lotions which claim to delay ageing.Although supplements containing these Vitamins should not be taken without medical advice , these food items can be given a healthy additive to our diet regimens.

In Part 2 of this post I will talk about the Flavinoids and Vitamin D . Till then keep glowing and take care of your skin to remain Skin healthy and Skin wiser!!

How to keep your skin glowing during summers: Summer care tips for skin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Come summers and we all dread that sweaty and oily look on the face. With Bangalore brewing hot , it becomes all the more important for us to go a little extra in taking care of our skin and hair and how to keep the skin glowing during summers. I share some skin care tips which may be useful in daily care of our skin and hair during Bangalore summers.

a) Stay hydrated!
Our body signals thirst and reacts by producing more oil. Oiliness is nature's way of flushing skin toxins when water intake is less. Drink more water to balance the skin pH.

b) What not to drink?
Aerated drinks and concentrated juices as high sugar content in them predisposes to breakouts and pimples.

c) Which drinks are the best then?
Do not forget to replace your aerated drinks with home made buttermilk and tender coconut water. The latter is a natural source of lot of natural nutrients for the skin. Cooling herbs and spices like mint, cardamom and fennel can be added to our daily cup of tea for their antioxidants content. Green tea should me made a daily ritual. Lime barley water cools the body and mind together.

d) Exfoliate it out!
A light scrub makes a lot of difference as dead skin is more accumulated in summers. Do not forget to do at-least twice a week using cosmetic product or home made ones.

e) Sun protection -Lather sunscreen up!
There is an increased intensity of sun rays in summers for which we should keep our sun protection gear ready. A sunscreen of at-least SPF 30 should be applied generously along with other measures like hats , scarves and sunglasses. Try UV indexed sunglasses ! Avoid stepping out between 10 am and 3 pm as the summer sun is harshest then.

f) Do not forget your lips!
Lips deserve a bland moisturizer to prevent it from drying preferably one with a sunscreen for added benefits of sun protection.

g) Manage your mane
Summertime is bad for our hair too as sweat , dust and grime make our scalp go oily in a crazy way. To add to the woes is the sunlight damaging our hair too. Do not forget to wash your hair everyday or alternate days to prevent dandruff woes which may increase in summers.

h) Your summer make up regime
Replace your liquid and cream based make up with mineral based powders. Use waterproof mascara and gloss instead of sticky lipsticks.

i) Swimming and skin care
As we hit the swimming pool in summers, do not forget to keep a post swim moisturizer at hand. Shower cap has to be donned every time you enter the pool along with a water resistant sunscreen

Keep me posted on queries and comments .I will be happy to answer them! Have a safe day and enjoy the summer glow!!!

Seven most frequently asked questions on Urticaria

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 08:25:00 +0000

Urticaria is one of the most common diagnoses made in my everyday clinical dermatology practice at Bangalore. Most of the patients are distressed and overwhelmed by the very enigmatic nature of this disease. I will be addressing frequently asked questions about this annoying mysterious entity.

Q 1 What is urticaria?

Ans – Spontaneous appearance of pale red to pink skin swellings known as ‘hives’ is called as urticaria. It may last for less than six weeks (acute form) and chronic if lasting for more than six weeks. It may resolve in few minutes to hours only to reappear at a different site.

Q 2– What are the symptoms and signs of this disease?

Ans – Usually these hives itch or have a stinging sensation. It may impart pain if the same swellings occur at a deeper level. Some patients may report dizziness, headache, nausea or diarrhea or even shortness of breath although the numbers are low.

Hives

Q3-What is the cause of Urticaria?

Ans- The’ Mast cell’ is central to the cause of this condition. It is a resident cell near the nerves and small blood vessels of the skin and releases a chemical known as ‘Histamine’ upon activation. In urticaria the number of these cells is believed to be more due to unknown cause or in some patients, It releases more amount of histamine. Histamine dilates the blood vessels in affected areas causing hives.

Q4- What triggers these cells to release histamine –Can I avoid that?

Ans – Mast cells normally get activated in response to foreign stimuli to the body like bacterial, viral or hepatitis infections, certain drugs , food items or in few chronic cases ‘auto-antibodies’. The latter are the immune cells which very weirdly start acting against own body’s cells. The patients who have increased auto-antibodies tend to have a longer course and sometimes it takes long to tailor their drug treatment.

Q5- How do I know whether I have autoimmune chronic urticaria?

Ans- Although this can only be confirmed by few tests like ASST which is available only in higher research centres , certain clues can be elicited in patient’s history . They may also have a personal or family history of other autoimmune diseases like thyroid, Diabetes mellitus type I or Rheumatoid arthritis. Premenstrual flare in women and exacerbation during menses can be commonly seen. A long course with no response to the conventional treatment therapies is another diagnostic clue.

Q6- What are the things I can avoid to prevent an attack?

Ans- Each patient should maintain a diary of events preceding an attack and it should be discussed at each visit to the doctor. It is difficult to generalize trigger food items but few of them are notorious like non vegetarian , seafood, mushrooms , yam , jackfruit , avocadoes , cheese and peanuts. Certain infections like sore throat, diarrhea can also trigger along with long standing but yet undiagnosed conditions like thyroid disorders can also be incriminated. Even stress and intense physical exertion are known to be the triggers. But for most of the patients, despite a detailed investigation, we are not able to find the triggering cause.

Q7- In how much time will I get rid of this disease?

Ans – Urticaria is more of an annoying condition rather than a disease. It is difficult to predict the course of disease in all patients although acute urticaria generally resolves in 3 to 4 weeks in 99% of cases. Chronic cases take some time to resolve sometimes few months to years but adequate control can be achieved hence improving the quality of life. It is very important to keep a diary

8 Things you must know about sweat!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:05:00 +0000

Come summers and most of the people complain of increased sweating and body odor. This goes without saying that it is not only socially embarrassing but an inconvenience too. Here are a few tips from your dermatologist on skin and hair solutions blog to control the sweat mania this summer.

1) HYDRATE !HYDRATE! HYDRATE! Quench the thirst soon!!

Drink lots of water to detoxify and allow easy flushing of our body toxins. Our body produces more sweat if it senses less body fluids to keep our skin wet. Coconut water ,mango panna and lime water should replace aerated and frizzy drinks available in the market as the former are healthier and replenish many a lost vital body salts.

2) Why does it Sweat? Sweat is produced in human body to regulate the body temperature by its cooling effect via evaporation. Also it releases lot of toxic substances from the system.Most of the times it is not noticeable until the rate exceeds the rate of evaporation which can be affected by climate, stress and levels of activity.

3) What is the source of this sick odor?
Moist warm conditions in the underarms promote bacterial overgrowth which break down the fatty acids in the sweat and produce odor causing organisms. This process is accentuated if Hair are not removed as they cause more bacterial overgrowth.

4) Keep yourself squeaky clean!!!
The role of daily shower with a thorough toweling of the sweat prone areas cannot be overemphasized Change your sweaty clothes out of your wardrobe and a fresh pair of fabric will definitely allow your skin to breathe.

5) Deodorants or antiperspirants ? Which one for me? Deodorants only serve to mask the odor while Antiperspirants reduce odor and decrease sweat too. While the former can be applied to any body part and is classified as cosmetic , the latter are mainly used for underarms and are labelled as drugs.Antiperspirants have aluminium compounds which react with the skin salts and form gel plugs the sweat glands. They exert a slight astringent effect causing pores to contract.

6) Are there any side effects? People with kidney problems and known allergy to preservatives should definitely avoid the aluminum containing antiperspirants.There are alcohol free products available for people who get burning on application. These products should be of course used only if necessary and if lifestyle changes don't help as a little amount when used over a long time can definitely get absorbed through the skin into your system. Consult your dermatologist for the best product suited for you.

7) Shall I make any changes in my diet?
Lots of food items especially garlic , onion, pepper and spicy curries along with non vegetarian items like red meat should be completely avoided as they are removed from the body via sweat. A plant based diet is AN INTERNAL DEODORIZER .. Chlorophyll and phytonutrients cleanse you from the inside out. Aromatic herbs like sage , rosemary , thyme ,oregano and parsley , celery and mint are natural treasure of detoxifying agents.

8) TAKE HOME PEARL
Eat a healthy diet made of whole grains , green leafy vegetables , fresh fruits , soy products , raw nuts and plenty of healthy fluids will supercharge your system and body odor shall be a thing of past....

Hair loss approach explained in This week Bangalore

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:24:00 +0000

Dr Divya talks about a scientific approach to dealing with hairloss in the city based tabloid- "This week Bangalore" Sharing a snippet of the interview on skin and hair solutions blog, you can read the entire article by clicking on the following link:

http://www.thisweekbangalore.com/a-scientific-approach-to-dealing-with-hairloss-tackle-hairloss-the-smart-way/

Pityriasis alba- the pale white spots: FAQs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:40:00 +0000

Pityriasis alba:

This condition literally means scaly ( pityriasis) pale ( alba) patches. This condition presents as pale white patches on face, neck and upper arms. It may present initially with slightly red patches and sometimes have very fine scaling present over them. Most of the patients encountered daily in my practice belong to the age group of 2 to 13 years with males slightly outnumbering females. Frequently asked questions are as follows:

Q – Doctor, What is the cause of this condition?

Ans – This is a very mild form of eczema commonly presenting in growing age of children. Although the exact cause remains unknown, this is more apparent in summers when the surrounding skin tans making these white patches prominent.

Pale white spots of Pityriasis alba

Q- Doctor, My child has been suffering from these white patches for quite some time and they seem to migrate as if they disappear at one place only to appear at another?

Ans – These patches have a tendency to recur and hence it is perceived this way.

Q – Is it due to underlying calcium or any other deficiency?

Ans – No it is a form of mild eczema which is not affected by any dietary factors or anything in the external environment.

Q- Will it progress to ‘white patches‘ or leucoderma?

Distinct patches of leucoderma

Ans- Vitiligo or leucoderma is a close differential diagnosis but the patches are totally devoid of pigment or milky white as compared to pale white patches with slightly yellow tinge and mild scaling seen in Pityriasis alba. Also Vitiligo doesn’t disappear without treatment as compared to self healing nature of Pityriasis alba. Consult your dermatologist for confirmation of diagnosis and in case of any confusion.

Q- Will the normal color return to these patches?

Ans- These patches will regain their normal color in some time , sometimes few months to over an year. They are not permanent in nature but take some time to disappear completely.

Dandruff- are the flakes freaking you?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:07:00 +0000

Dandruff is one of the most common complaints encountered daily in our clinical practice. People commonly misinterpret it as increased dryness of the scalp skin or increased flakiness which is not only a cause of social embarrassment but also leads to increased hair loss.

Q What is Dandruff?

Ans It is an inflammatory condition of the skin which presents as erythema and greasy scaling in areas which are rich in Sebum( The ‘oil like ‘ thing appearing on face and hair if not washed. Its purpose is to prevent skin and hair from drying and making their surface waterproof)

Q What is the cause of dandruff?

Ans Excess of sebum in some patients causes overgrowth of fungus known as Malassezia furfur which is a part of the normal flora This fungus leads to breakdown of sebum into byproducts which activate immunity at the local site causing flaking of the skin easily mistaken by folks as dryness of skin which is rather a weird reaction

Q What routine practices should we adopt to keep our scalp healthy ?

Ans a) Keep the scalp degreased and oil free which entails frequent shampooing and keeping the scalp oil free Regular use of Anti fungal shampoos with Ketoconazole 2% at-least twice or thrice a week is helpful

b) Make sure you apply the shampoo on the scalp skin and not on the hair. Keep the shampoo on for about five minutes and then rinse thoroughly.

It is very important to rinse the hair products thoroughly to prevent a build up which may aggravate the condition.

Do not apply hair oil which increases the fat content hence increasing the Fungal colonization and aggravating the condition . This is in contrary to the popular myth that Oiling will bring down the dryness But in reality It is the other way around.

d) Dandruff is more of a tendency rather than a disease as it tends to come back if treatment is stopped midway and maintenance treatment is not followed properly.

e)Use of anti dandruff shampoos may make the hair look dull and frizzy which is of temporary nature. Consult your dermatologist for supportive measures.

f) Consult your Dermatologist before taking up any Hair Spa measures which generally involve hair oil massages . As told above it may not be the best option for long term.

g) Consult your Dermatologist if it still doesn't respond to these measures a or else Dry scaly patches are seen on the face , behind the ears or middle of chest. This could be a severe form of dandruff known as Seborrheic Dermatitis

Images used in this blog have been randomly downloaded from the Web, I own no copyright on them