What are Stretch Marks? - Stretch marks are the off-coloured stripes or streaks formed on the skin as a result of swift stretching of skin or weight changes. They mainly appear on abdomen due to pregnancy or obesity. They are formed due to hormonal changes related to pregnancy, puberty, hormone replacement therapy, etc. Stretch marks can be commonly seen on waist, thighs, lower backs, hips, breasts, arms, and buttocks.

How are these stretch marks formed? - The skin of the human body consists of three main layers ? 1) Epidermis (the outer layer), 2) Dermis (the middle layer), and 3) Hypodermic (the deepest and third layer)

When the connective tissue is stretched due to the expansion and contraction of skin, the stretch marks starts developing on the dermis or the middle layer of the skin. With the stretch in skin, the collagen gets weak, and the elastin fibres start tearing. Due to this, its normal production cycle gets damaged or interrupted. This results in the formation of fine scars under the epidermis or the top layer of the skin. Initially, they appear red or pink, but gradually, they turned into thin silvery line.

Causes - Stretch marks are not a disease, which infects the human body, but are the scars formed due to contraction and expansion of skin. They are basically caused by stretching of the skin. Their appearance depends on the type of skin. These ugly stretch marks are caused due to:

- The physical stretching of the skin at the end of pregnancy.
- Extraordinary weight gain, specially on arms, thighs, etc.
- Use of certain medications, including lotions, pills, Corticosteroid creams, and steroids.
- Genetic disorders
- Muscle building
- Hormonal changes during puberty
- Heredity 

Symptoms - What are the signs of stretch marks? No one would ever like to have stretch marks on their skin. They commonly appear on the places where a large amount of fats is deposited. Some of the symptoms which help to recognize the development of stretch marks are as follows:

- The skin becomes pink, flattened and thin before the development of stretch marks.
- Development of red, pink, or purple lines on the skin.
- Affected area becomes soft in touch.
- At the initial phase, these lines appear wrinkly and somewhat raised.
- With the passage of time, these lines convert into silver or white in colour.
- They may also appear in patches of parallel lines.
- They appear as scar. 

Home Remedies for Stretch Marks - It is natural that every woman will develop stretch marks at some point of time in her life. Although they are natural, but have truly ugly looks. Here are some quick home remedies for stretch marks, which will undoubtedly reduce or remove the scars from the affected area.

1) Honey - Honey is the best natural moisturizer. Skin gets extra hydrated and supple when honey is used as a lotion.

2) Lemon Juice - Lemon juice is other easy treatment for stretch marks. The acid present in lemon juice helps in reducing stretch marks, acne, skin injuries, and scars. Take out juice from some lemons. Massage it gently for 10 minutes in a circular motion on the stretch marks. Clean the affected area with warm water.

3) Carrot Puree - Mash some soft steamed carrots and make a paste, apply to stretch marks and let it sit for as long as possible then rinse with lukewarm water. (Caution: In lighter skin tones it may temporarily turn you orange)

4) Aloe Vera - Aloe vera is considered to be the most effective homeopathic remedy for stretch marks and various other skin problems. It is known for its healing and soothing properties. Apply aloe vera directly on the stretch marks. After a few minutes, clean it with lukewarm water.

5) Egg Whites - To get rid of stretch marks, egg whites are beneficial as they are rich in proteins and amino acid. Extract whites of two eggs. Whip it with the help of a fork. After washing the affected area with clean water, apply a thick layer of egg whites with the help of a brush. Let it dry completely and wash it off with cold water. After this, apply some olive oil to moisturize the skin. For two weeks, continue the process daily for better results.

6) Essential Oils - They contain moisturizing properties because of their viscosity. Oregano oil, grape seed oil, and sage oil have amazing antioxidant properties. Castor oil and jojoba oil can lighten dark spots.

If you have any more questions on this topic, click on consult privately to ask me.

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6 Most Effective Home Remedies To Fight Stretch Marks

An often persistent and long-lasting condition, psoriasis interferes with the life cycle of skin cells and causes them to increase rapidly on the surface of the skin. These generally appear as dry, itchy and red patches of skin having thick, silvery scales.

Psoriasis can be subdivided into the following:

    Plaque psoriasis: The most common form, characterized by dry, red skin lesions covered with silvery scales and can be seen anywhere on the body.
    Scalp psoriasis: These appear on the scalp and may extend beyond the hairline.
    Nail psoriasis: These affect the toenails and fingernails.
    Guttate psoriasis: Characterized by blister-like appearances and are stimulated by bacterial infections.
    Inverse psoriasis: Caused by fungal infections.
    Erythrodermic psoriasis: Can cover the entire body with a reddish rash that may peel.
    Pustular psoriasis: Capable of causing chills, fever and diarrhea.

The usual signs and symptoms of psoriasis include:

    Red, sensitive patches of skin
    A silvery, scaly cover
    Dry and cracked skin that may bleed when scratched or agitated
    Tiny scaling spots (witnessed in children)
    Persistent itching, soreness or burning sensation
    Ridged, thickened or pitted nails
    Stiff and swollen joints

Possible causes of psoriasis may include:

    Skin infections or strep throat infections
    Stress
    Skin injuries, like cuts, bites or sunburns
    Smoking
    Cold weather
    Chronic alcoholism
    Certain medications such as high blood pressure medications

Risk factors

The following factors may further increase the risk of developing the disease:

    Fungal and bacterial infections
    Family history
    Obesity
    Stress
    Smoking

Ayurveda and Psoriasis

Although the root cause of the disease is yet to be identified, according to traditional Ayurveda, the vitiation of Vata and Kapha causes psoriasis. As per ayurvedic principles, Vata and Kapha are the two basic energies that uphold the balance of our body equilibrium. Strong genetic predisposition, sun deprivation, and intense streptococcal infection on the upper respiratory tract can badly aggravate psoriasis. As per ayurveda, these conditions are strong enough to create several visible pathological changes that take place are mainly due to the accumulation of dooshi vishas or low potency poisons.

Uneven and unhealthy food habits, consumption of foodstuffs in the wrong combination (Example: dairy products with fish or chicken), too much intake of yogurt, black gram, seafood, sour or salted food stuffs, etc. can trigger the psoriasis inducing pathogenesis. Other catalysts that cause psoriasis includes stress, alcohol, and tobacco consumption

Psoriasis can be effectively treated through panchakarma therapies, which include ayurvedic treatment methods for the complete detoxification of the body, and successful elimination of harmful toxins from the body fluids.

A few health tips for psoriasis patients:

    Maintain safer distance from the possible variables that cause or aggravate psoriasis
    Practice yoga regularly. Yoga can lessen the intensity of psoriasis.
    Avoid pricking, peeling or scratching your skin.
    Make sure to pat your skin dry after washing, and avoid rubbing vigorously with towel or any rough cloth.
    Avoid artificial cleansers and use gram flour (besan flour) instead.
    Use cotton clothes
    Avoid cold water bath or immediate cleaning up right after heavy work-out, long walks, or travel.
    Avoid food stuffs that can cause indigestion.
    Avoid excessive salty and acidic food stuffs, radish, urad dal, sesame, jaggery (gur), curds, fish and other sour food stuffs that can trigger psoriasis.

Psoriasis - How it Effects Your Skin?

Immediately after hair transplantation, you need to exercise little extra care to derive the best benefits. This includes immediate postoperative care, some common with most other surgeries and some very specific to hair transplantation. 

The following things will happen immediately after transplant, throughout the first week: 

Immediately after surgery, like any other surgery requiring anesthesia, there will be slight drowsiness and so it is advisable to arrange for a drive.

Expect some mild swelling and soreness that can be managed with rest and anti-inflammatories.

There will also be a tight and itchy feeling in areas where transplant has been done.

Spray water or saline every half an hour to keep the scalp moist in both the recipient and the donor sites. This promotes healing and also reduces the itchy feeling in these sites.

Thermal shock would be applied to areas to damage the existing follicles and new stem cells would be transplanted. This can also produce a warm feeling, sometimes referred to as 'thermal shock'.

In some people, there could be scab formation which occurs due to fall of the topmost transplanted hair follicles.

If you have undergone a micrograft, then you will have a compression bandage around your head. This should be in place for a day and will cause a tight feeling.

Sleep with your head elevated with a couple of pillows.

The first day after surgery, hair needs to be washed under the supervision of a physician or a nurse. Use a shampoo, which contains tea tree oil.

It is recommended to shampoo your hair regularly from day 2, as it is required to remove the dirt, blood, and oil that often accumulates at the recipient's site. This also helps to controlling infection, which is common post surgery.
Wait for at least 14 days before you resume coloring your hair, use of hair sprays, gels, and other hair care products.

All transplant surgeries require stitches. If the suture material is absorbable, there is no need to follow-up for removal. If it is not of absorbable material, they need to be removed after 2 weeks' time.

Please do not get into a regular exercise routine for up to 6 weeks. Cycling, gymming, swimming, golfing, etc., are to be avoided until the scalp is completely dry and to avoid stretching of the scar.

Everyone's body is unique and responds differently to hair transplantation. Go for periodic review with your doctor to understand how your body is responding.


What To Expect After Your Hair Transplant Session?

5 home remedies to bid goodbye to stretch marks!

Stretch marks occur when extreme amount of pressure is exerted on your skin which is beyond its elastic limit. They can be caused due to various factors such as rapid weight loss, pregnancy, or sudden growth during puberty. Whatever be the reason, stretch marks are difficult to get rid of and totally spoil the appearance of your body. Here are 5 effective remedies to help you get rid of these annoying marks:

1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera contains collagen and is known for effectively treating a large number of skin problems. It not only helps in repairing your skin and removing stretch marks but also provides a deep soothing effect. All you have to do is apply the gel on the affected area and wash with lukewarm water after 15-20 minutes.

2. Potato juice
Potato juice contains certain essential vitamins and minerals that play an important role in promoting the growth as well as restoration of your skin cells. As a result, the stretch marks become considerably lighter and less apparent.

3. Natural oils
Natural oils such as olive oil are rich sources of nutrients and are packed with a number of beneficial antioxidant properties. Other oils which you can apply in order to lighten and eventually remove stretch marks are lavender oil, chamomile oil, geranium oil and rose oil.

4. Lemon juice
Lemon juice is acidic in nature and as a result proves extremely effective in having a fading effect on stretch marks and also bleaching them. You can also mix lemon juice with cucumber juice and apply on the affected area for getting faster results.

5. Egg white
Egg whites are abundant sources of both vitamin a and collagen and thus are always preferred for the treatment of all sorts of scars, burns or marks. Combine the application of egg white to your skin with olive oil in order to keep it moisturized.

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on consult.

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Bid Goodbye to Stretch Marks With These 5 Home Remedies

Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as Nose-Job, is a cosmetic procedure designed to change the shape and size of the nose. 

A Rhinoplasty can effectively change the size and shape of the nose to complement the facial balance. It also helps improve nasal symmetry efficiently enhancing your facial features.

How is the surgery performed?

We prefer General Anaesthesia for the surgery to make patient pain free and most comfortable. It s a Day-care procedure or may need overnight stay.

The operation involves an incision which is made for easy access to the cartilage and bones of the nose. These incisions are generally placed inside the nose, so that they do not appear as scar marks after the surgery is done. Moulding, removal or replacement of the bone or cartilage depends on the demands of the restructuring of the nose. Once the reshaping of the nose is done, the nose tissue is put back into place and a splint is temporarily placed to support the new structure of the nose. The splint is removed at 5-7 days. 

Precautions to take after a nose surgery

After a nose surgery, the area around your nose will stay swollen and bruised for around 10-15 days. Thus you have to ensure that-

You get adequate period of rest.

Use cold compresses over the swollen face, this will reduce the swelling and ease the pain.

Do not indulge in relatively vigorous physical activity for 15 days. 

Take you medicines regularly.

Risks of nose surgery

Every surgery or medical procedure involves certain risks, and so does Rhinoplasty. Along with some puffiness and bruising around the eye and nose region, you may also experience-

Some amount of bleeding 

Injury to the septum area

Irritation of the skin and skin problems 

Infections 

Nasal blockage due to swelling in the inner nasal area 

Complications resulting from anaesthesia 

Although there are certain risks to Rhinoplasty, the surgery is considerably safe if done by a qualified expert plastic surgeon and the results are quite permanent.

Rhinoplasty - Things You Must Know!! 

Cellulitis is a common contagious bacterial skin infection marked by redness and swelling of the skin that feels tender and hot. It usually occurs when bacteria penetrate through a crack or a cut on the skin s surface. Although cellulitis can develop anywhere over the face or the body, it is your lower legs that are affected the most. It damages the tissues beneath the skin, spreading to the bloodstream and the lymph nodes. If left untreated, the infection might get aggravated and turn fatal.  


Prevention:
In case of a recurrence, preventive antibiotics may be recommended by the doctor. Adopting the below mentioned precautionary measures can help: 
1. Gently rinse the wound with soap and water on a daily basis, whenever you go in for a shower.
2. Apply an antibiotic ointment or a cream over the wound to get adequate protection.
3. Use a bandage to dress your wound and change it daily.
4. Watch out for signs of infections such as pain and redness and accordingly go for medical help.
5. People with diabetes often suffer from poor blood circulation. They require extra precautions in order to prevent any skin injury:
Minutely check for signs of injury, failing which you might be even more susceptible to infections. 
Moisturize and lubricate your skin daily to prevent peeling and cracking.
Trim your toenails and fingernails carefully so that they do not injure the ambient skin.
Wear appropriate gloves and footwear to protect your feet and hands.
Treat any infection developing on the skin surface at the right time because they might be contagious.


5 Tips to Prevent Cellulitis

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