Dr. Pooja Devi Malipatil

Hyperpigmentation is a medical condition in which there is too much melanin in your skin. Melanin is a pigment that lends color to our skin. It is a natural substance but its concentration in our skin may increase beyond acceptable levels because of many factors like emotional stress, over-exposure to the sun or trauma to the skin. People with darker skin get affected more by hyperpigmentation. While hyperpigmentation is not a medical disease, many people affected by it want to get it treated because of cosmetic reasons. One line of treatment of hyperpigmentation is laser treatment.

History of laser treatment
Laser treatments for skin disorders are not new. They have been in vogue since 1964 for the removal of vascular birthmarks etc. Hyperpigmentation was also treated with lasers but the aftermath of this treatment was a scarred skin area.

Benefits of laser treatment
There are more benefits than risks when it comes to using lasers for treating this medical condition. Today, concentrated bursts of laser energy are used to target the affected areas of your skin. There are lesser chances of the skin getting scarred. An important side-benefit is boosting the growth of collagen production within your skin. Collagen is a protein and forms an important part of the connective tissue that holds the skin together and is also responsible for the skin glow.

Types of laser treatment

1. CW lasers- Also known as Argon and Carbon dioxide lasers are used to treat large areas of the affected skin. Exposure to the laser is long and continuous.
2. Quasi-CW- Unlike the earlier treatment, this one emits short bursts of laser energy. There is little chance of your skin getting scarred which is a significant risk in the case of CW lasers.
3. Pulsed lasers- In this type of laser treatment, there are longer rest periods between bursts of energy. The intention is to give time to the skin to recover and heal from its exposure to the laser energy.

Please consult your dermatologist before undergoing one of these kinds of laser treatments.

Aftercare
Laser hyperpigmentation treatment can take as much as 35-40 minutes, maybe longer if the affected skin area is larger. Post the exposure of your skin to the laser bursts, it may become sensitive and develop a stinging sensation. It may also become swollen. Doctors advise the patients in such cases to avoid exposure to the sun, avoid application of sunscreen of 30 SPF and more and also to stay away from fragranced skin products.
Avoid any further treatment for the next four weeks after the first laser exposure. Generally, treatment for hyperpigmentation calls for multiple exposures to laser and these may last for several months until you have achieved your desired skin complexion.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Dead cells shed from your skin regularly along with the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands may end up blocking the pores, thus causing inflammation. This inflammation which results in multiple pimples and zits are known as acne. When the acne heals, it can do irreparable damage by leaving behind scar tissue which results in acne scars. These scars are unsightly and may cause social anxiety as well as cause issues with self-esteem.

Some of the ways to get rid of ace scars have been mentioned below.

1. Coconut oil – This is another great remedy to help your skin recuperate from scars. Just take a spoonful of coconut oil and rub it gently on your scars. Give it at least 30 minutes to get absorbed within the skin. Then if there is excess oil left on your face, wash it off it a mild face wash.
2. Baking soda – This is a very effective remedy for removing acne scars as it encourages shedding and thus the growth of new skin. Mix two to three teaspoons of baking soda and then mix them into a paste with an equal quantity of water. Apply this paste for two to three minutes before thoroughly washing your face. Ensure it doesn’t stay on your skin for more than 6 to 8 minutes as the chemicals in it may damage your skin.
3. Egg whites – The proteins and amino acids within egg whites can actually encourage the development of new skin and effectively treat your acne scars. Whip up egg whites in a bowl and apply it with your fingers on the problem areas. Let it dry for some time and then wash off with lukewarm water. Doing this two to three times a week will bring effective results in a few weeks’ time.
4. Fenugreek or methi – Methi seeds have been known to be an amazing remedy in treating acne scars since a long time. Methi seeds boiled in water and made into a paste or glue can be very effective in just a few weeks when applied to the affected areas.
5. Aloe Vera – This is one of the wonder herbs in treating not only acne scars but many other skin conditions. Buy aloe leaves and snap one end of the leaf to expose some of the gel within it. Then apply the gel to the affected areas. Wait for 30 minutes or so and then wash your face with a mild face wash and water.
6. Lemon Juice – This home remedy is effective in battling acne scars as well as fighting the growth of new acne. Simply use a few tablespoons of lemon juice and apply it on the scars with a cotton ball. Keep it for a few minutes before washing your face.
7. Potato slices – Cut thin slices of potato and apply it to face by sticking them onto your skin. Keep them there for at least half an hour and then wash it off with warm water. Do this once daily for a few days till you start seeing noticeable results.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Hair-fall is a normal process, if we consider the hair-growth cycle that lasts for two to six weeks. The usual rate of growth is about one centimeter a month. After two to three months, hair which were in their ‘resting phase’ shed to allow new hair to grow back. Deviation from this normal cycle leads to abnormal hair-fall which can then become a matter of concern.

Tips to handle abnormal hair loss

1. Testing hair thinning: Take 20 to 30 hair strands and hold them between your thumb and index finger. Pull firmly and slowly. If more than six hair strands happen to come out at a time, then you might be suffering from abnormal hair loss.
2. Limited use of hair dryers: Consistent heating weakens the hair proteins and leads to brittleness and fragility of hair follicles. Hence, limit the uses of hair dryers, curlers, hair straightness or hot brushes.
3. Avoid Perms: Avoid chemical straightening or curling which breaks the inner bonding of your hair and makes the hair brittle.
4. Avoid bleaching: Bleaching removes the natural pigment and weakens the hair follicles.
5. Avoid pulling the hair strands tightly: Certain hairstyling involves tightly pulling the hair and using clips or elastics, tight braids, plaits, cornrows, tight ponytail. Avoid using heated rollers. ‘Traction alopecia’ is the term coined for tightly pulling of your hair.
6. Use a mild shampoo: Regularly washing your hair cleanses your hair as well as your scalp which prevents any chance of infection and the subsequent hair loss. Instead of shampooing daily, do it on alternate days. Mild shampoo includes sultaines, sulfosuccinates, silicones, and amphoacetate.
7. Right Choice of Shampoo: Use different shampoos for different purposes; dandruff, greasy or normal hair and for dry hair. If the shampoo is rich in protein, it may boost the volume and make it thicker and smoother for a temporary period, but does not repair the damaged hair
8. Use a good hairbrush: Use a soft brush, made of natural fibers. Instead of a brush, use a comb for wet hair.
9. Scalp Massage: Massage your hair with nourishing oils such as rosemary, coconut, almond or lavender oil. It warms your skin and boosts blood circulation and provides nutrients to the follicles.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Eczema is a skin condition which is characterized by rough, cracked, red, itchy and inflamed skin. Sometimes it can also cause blisters. Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis. It is a severe condition which starts during infancy and can go on throughout childhood. While some people may outgrow this condition, the rest might have it till adulthood.

Causes of Eczema:
1. Irritants- Certain irritants found in vegetables, meats, juices extracted from fresh fruits, disinfectants, shampoos, detergents and soaps can cause eczema.
2. Allergens- Dandruff, mold, pollens, pets and dust mites can also contribute to Eczema.
3. Microbes- Certain bacteria such as Staphylococcus Aureus, fungi and viruses can also cause eczema
4. Food products- Many people are allergic to food products such as wheat, soy products, seeds, nuts, eggs and dairy products. This might contribute to Eczema.
5. Stress- This doesn’t cause eczema but can aggravate the symptoms of it.
6. Hormones- Women usually experience worsening of Eczema during certain stages of their menstrual cycle or during pregnancy.

Symptoms of eczema in infants and children:
1. Rashes appearing on the cheeks and scalp
2. Rashes which bubble up before fluid discharge
3. Rashes which cause itchiness and lead to disturbed sleeping; continuous scratching and rubbing can result in skin infections
4. Rashes which can appear behind the creases of the knees and the elbows; these rashes are also common on the legs, creases of the buttocks, ankles, wrists and neck.

Symptoms of Eczema in adults:
1. Rashes on the nape of the neck
2. Rashes on the eyes, face and neck
3. Rashes that can cause extremely dry skin
4. Extreme discomfort caused due to itching
5. Scaly skin caused due to rashes
6. Rashes which can result in skin infections
7. Lichenification, a condition wherein the rashes thicken and develop knots, is also a possibility.

How is Eczema treated?
1. Topical ointments and corticosteroid creams- These are anti-inflammatory medications which relieve symptoms of eczema such as itchiness and skin inflammation.
2. Antibiotics- These are usually prescribed if there is any underlying bacterial skin infection.
3. Antihistamines- These mainly reduce scratching at night. In some cases, it can also cause drowsiness.
4. Topical calcineurin inhibitors- This is a drug that suppresses activities of the immune system. It helps to prevent flare-ups and decrease inflammation.
5. Barrier repair moisturizers- These types of moisturizers repair the skin and reduce water loss from the skin.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!