Dr. Srinivas C

Lybrate | Dr Srinivas C speaks on IMPORTANCE OF TREATING ACNE EARLY 

With changing weather, humidity, fluctuating temperature and  pollution, cold and cough is a common ailment. But we can prevent and manage it with the help of some power foods.

1. Citrus fruits - orange, sweet lime, lemon, amla, grapefruit, pomelo, tangerines are rich source of vitamin c (antioxidant) that is effective in fighting against common cold. Other vitamin c sources include capsicum, green chillies, cabbage, sprouts in raw form.

2. Garlic - garlic has antiseptic properties that help the immune system protect against the cold virus. It contains allicine, a powerful antibacterial anti-oxidant that kills the cold virus. The oil in garlic is a natural expectorant that breaks up mucus to clear congestion. It also contains vitamin c, sulfur, selenium, and various other enzymes and minerals that help the body fight the common cold. 

3. Ginger - it contains chemicals called sesquiterpenes which are specifically used to target rhinoviruses (the most common family of cold viruses. It helps to stimulate perspiration that cleanses the system and brings down body temperature. It contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which help to boost up the immune system. It acts as an antihistamine and decongestant that helps to ease colds symptoms. It is a natural pain and fever reducer and also a mild sedative.

4. Herbs, condiments and spices - basil (tulsi), cinnamon (dalchini), clove (laung), whole black pepper (gota kali mirch) are effective against cold and cough due to their antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

5. Liquids - hot/ warm water (a piece of clove may be added to it), hot/ warm milk, green/ white tea, soup, stew keep body hydrated and warm.
 

6 common skin problems you suffer from in the hot weather and tips to deal with them

Summer season is a hard time for not just the body but even your skin. As the temperature soars, the heat becomes unbearable, for both--body and skin. While you've trained your body to fight the heat, and keep cool; the same is needed for your delicate skin too.

The answer lies in keeping yourself well-hydrated, protecting your skin from sun exposure and reducing conditions open to infection

Multiple factors combine to make your skin irritable during summers. Along with the heat that puts a lot of pressure, is sweating. However, sometimes dirt and dust clog the sweat ducts of the skin, trapping the perspiration. This can result in itchy rashes, blisters or minibumps. Clothes can make them irritable all the more due to friction.

Prevent this condition by keeping yourself squeaky clean, if you sweat. Bath twice a day, particularly so, when you end your day. Use an anti-bacterial soap or bath gel. Keep yourself dry as much as possible. Rubbing the affected skin with ice cubes can help soothe the irritation. If the condition persists, meet a dermatologist.

It is not just your body but also your skin that bears the brunt of dehydration. As we sweat, we continuously lose hydration from the skin. If not sufficiently replenished, this can leave the skin dry, irritated and more prone to sunburn. Your lips may start cracking and dry patches may appear all over it.

The most logical answer is to drink as much water as you can. Carry a water bottle with you all the time, do not go without sipping once every half an hour. Also add a lot of juices and summer fruits to your intake. Fruits like watermelon which are full of water content are particularly good for the body and skin during summers. You can also seek deep hydrating treatments like hydrating electroporation therapy, oxygen therapy or juvederm refine to pamper your skin.

The summer sun is so harsh that it can scorch your skin, causing red patches, rashes that give a burning sensation. This happens more in people who have sensitive skin. In simple language, it is the sun burning up your soft and sensitive skin.

Logically, the only way to protect your skin against this condition is minimise sun exposure. At the same time equally important is to wear a sunscreen religiously. Apply a sunblock cream liberally all over your face, neck and arms 20 minutes before stepping out. Make sure you re-apply the same every four to five hours to ensure continuous protection. It is also advisable for people who have sensitive skin to wear clothes covering as much skin as possible during the day time. Ending your day with an aloe vera gel face pack will cool down the sunburnt skin.

The sweat makes our skin a magnet to the daily dose of dust, grime and pollution floating in the air, particularly if we spend some time outdoors. This combination of heat and dirt is a perfect recipe for acne and pimples to grow. The dust clogs the skin's pores while the heat gives bacteria a perfect environment to thrive.

To minimise acne, regular care should be taken to keep the skin clean. You should carry your facewash with you and give your face a quick wash at least thrice in a day or whenever you think it is needed to clean-up. Use a good facial cleanser every evening so that your skin pores are free of dirt; use anti-bacterial face wash; and end your day with a cooling application of multani mitti or sandalwood face pack to contain inflammation. Often acne might need medical attention. So, if your breakouts do not subside, do visit a dermatologist. You may need hormonal correction.

The hot temperature gives many bacteria and viruses a perfect thriving environment. The bacteria are everywhere, and you cannot even see them. People who use public transport, keep moving in crowded places and are much more prone to come in contact with multiple bacterial infections. Even the bus seat or window you touch with your hand may be carrying bacteria. These hands then touch our face, often resulting in skin infections.

Try to keep your hands clean and washed most of the times. Carry a handwash and keep washing every couple of hours. If this is not possible use a hand sanitiser. And give up the habit of touching your face with your fingers all the time. Folliculitis is a common condition when the damaged hair follicles get infected by bacteria, resulting in inflammation. To prevent this, wear lose clothes, avoid using swimming pools which are not properly disinfected, and prevent cuts while shaving.

When exposed to the sun's uv radiation, the skin's melanin reacts by forming a protective shield. The melanin results in dark pigmentation, either uniformly all over or in patches on the skin. The result is what we call skin darkening, tanning or hyper-pigmentation.

Using a sunscreen of at least 30 spf and reapplying is important, so is wearing sunglasses to prevent dark circles. To undo the effects of tanning, seek procedures like laser skin rejuvenation, chemical peels or microdermabrasion. Your dermatologist will suggest the right procedure for your needs.