Skin Treatment Tips

Acanthosis nigricans is a pigmentation disorder, which leads to velvety, black patch formations on the skin. In some cases, the patch of skin may also give off a foul odour while itching is also a normal symptom of the condition. It can appear at several spots of the body, including the knees, elbows, palms, knuckles and neck. Here is a look at the diagnostic procedure for the condition as well as the treatment prescribed to patients.

Diagnosis of Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is more common in males than it is in females. Additionally, being overweight, having darker skin or diabetes are some of the risk factors. Here is how the disease is diagnosed-

1. Diagnosis of the condition is easy since examination with the naked eyes reveals the patchy black areas of skin on the patient.
2. Doctors will perform tests to understand what is causing the condition. There can be two primary causes, namely, insulin resistance or diabetes. Usually, a test to measure the blood glucose levels in the blood is conducted.
3. Doctors will also check if any medication is acting as a contributing factor for causing the problem.
4. The doctor may also order a biopsy test if he/she feels that the issue is being caused by something other than Acanthosis nigricans. However, such a test is rarely performed during the diagnosis of the skin condition.

Treatment for Acanthosis nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans is not a disease by itself but a symptom caused by an underlying condition affecting the patient. This is why treatment of the skin condition involves dealing with the underlying ailment.

1. If your excess body weight is causing the appearance of the black patches on the skin, doctors will advise you to lose weight and get back in shape.
2. The help of certain medications may also be taken in such a case to keep the blood glucose levels under check.
3. Cosmetic treatments such as chemical peels, Laser, etc are used to treat the condition.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the only long-term solution for the disorder. If you suffer from the same, make sure that you eat healthily and exercise regularly, if you want to stay free from the symptoms of the condition.

Blessed are the people who enjoy a healthy, flawless and glowing skin with minimum effort, throughout their life. Of late, dermatological problems like acne, pruritus, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema have been affecting all and sundry. People, irrespective of their age, sex and occupation suffer from skin diseases. While some of the ailments are minor problems, others might be grave enough for one to seek an expert opinion. A number of factors, both internal as well as external, contribute to the skin ailments.

The dermatological problems, if not treated timely, can leave a person physically, mentally and emotionally drained out. In such cases, a person's self confidence is the worst affected. A lot of conventional and Allopathic options are available to treat skin diseases. Ointments, antihistamine tablets and antibacterial medications, though effective, often provide temporary relief. In many cases, it has been observed that in due course of time, the problems tend to relapse. The disease, thus, never really leaves the body, piling on the agony. 

In this regard, Homeopathy has been took the medical world by storm. It works effectively to completely eliminate the dermatological problem out of your system, providing permanent relief. Homeopathy adopts a holistic approach in treating a disease. It lays great emphasis towards identifying and treating the underlying cause. Homeopathic treatment can be a little time consuming, but the time is worth waiting for. Over the past few decades, homeopathy has been the most sought after and reliable medication to deal with dermatological problems. Problems as grave as psoriasis and herpes can be completely cured, all thanks to the goodness of homeopathy.

Some of the homeopathic medications that have effectively dealt with skin diseases include:

1. Natrum Muriaticum and Rhus Toxicodendron: Both the medications, Rhus Toxicodendron in particular, are very effective against eczema. Natrum Muriaticum has been found to soothe a person suffering from mental depression greatly.
2. Thuja Occidentalis: Acne problems, warts, freckles, dry and itchy skin, ulcers (anogenital region) can throw life in jeopardy. Embrace the goodness of Thuja Occidentalis and the mentioned skin problems will be a thing of the past.
3. Arsenicum: If psoriasis and chronic urticaria are giving you sleepless nights, Arsenicum is what you need. Arsenicum is equally effective against chronic eczema.
4. Sepia: Herpes can make life miserable. Sepia is a powerful medication that gives one a lot to cheer about. People with psoriasis and dry skin can greatly benefit from Sepia.
5. Cantharis: It provides great relief from blisters, skin eruptions and burns(second and third degree).     

To enjoy the everlasting benefits, one needs to be a little patient with the treatment.

Dry skin is a condition caused by the lack of moisture in skin. Fine lines and wrinkles are just some of the conditions, which may be caused due to dry skin. Dry skin can also be very uncomfortable. The condition is mostly caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harsh weather conditions or getting soaked in hot water.

People at risk:

1. Age: People who are older than 40 years of age tend to be more at risk of dry skin than people who are younger than 40 years.
2. Climate: As mentioned earlier, weather conditions play a pivotal role in causing dry skin. Therefore, people who live in areas where the climate is either very hot or very cold tend to get dry skin more often than people who live in temperate climates. Low humidity is another factor which causes dry skin.
3. Profession: Some professions, such as nursing or hairstyling requires frequent usage of hot water all through the day, which can also lead to dry skin.
4. Swimming: Swimming is one of the major causes of dry skin. This is especially true in pools, which have chlorine. This is because chlorine increases the itchiness on your skin.

Treatments:

1. Lifestyle changes: Usually, lifestyle changes such as avoiding long, hot showers and putting moisturizers are good enough to make sure that dry skin goes away.
2. Lactic acid: Creams with lactic acid and urea can be prescribed by your doctor, if the dryness of your skin does not go away with moisturizers. These creams are usually over-the-counter medications.
3. Prescription creams: Prescription creams are given, only when conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis or ichthyosis are present.
4. Wet dressing: Wet dressing is given only when dermatitis has set in, as it mostly help in preventing the infection.
5. Oiling: Oiling your body, especially with fish or flaxseed oil, ensures that your body does not succumb to dry skin.
6. Hand sanitizer: Normal hand sanitizers tend to make your hands dry. Thus, dermatologists recommend hydrating hand sanitizers that allow your hands to maintain their moisture. Therefore, whenever you are using a hand sanitizer, use a hydrating one.

If you see continual and long-term white patches of depigmentation on your skin, it could be vitiligo. Vitiligo is a condition that appears when melanocytes in your skin are no more alive. This bunch of cells is responsible for producing the melanin pigment that endows the skin with its colour as well as protects it from the harmful UV rays. The area which may be affected by this dermatological disease varies from person to person, and it can also affect the hair, mouth and eyes as well. In most cases, the vitiligo affected area stays discoloured for the rest of the patient’s life.

Various types of vitiligo and their symptoms

Scientists have classified vitiligo into two types: segmental and non-segmental. The non-segmental vitiligo is the most common variant and 90 percent of vitiligo affected patients suffer from this kind of disorder. In this disease, the patches take place with little symmetry on both sides of the body. It can be further broken down into 5 sub-divisions.

1. Generalised vitiligo: It can occur at any part of the body without any rules, and this is by far the most common type.
2. Acrofacial vitiligo: It is mostly seen on the toes and fingers.
3. Mucosal vitiligo: In this condition, the discolouration normally takes place around the lips and mucous membranes.
4. Universal vitiligo: This is the rarest type of vitiligo where the whole body is covered in white patches.
5. Focal vitiligo: This is most commonly found in children. The children have white and scattered patches across the body.

Possible treatments for vitiligo

Though there are no treatments possible that will re-pigment your skin to its original colour, there are several remedies that aid in decreasing the visibility of white patches on the affected areas of the skin. Some of them include:

1. Phototherapy with UVB radiation: This is a common form of treatment where the affected area is exposed to UVB radiation and can be performed at home too. If you have large white spots across the body, it is important to have the treatment performed by an expert at any healthcare centre.
2. Phototherapy with UVA radiation: In this treatment, a drug is first administered for increasing skin’s sensitivity to this radiation. Then the affected area of the skin is exposed to high doses of UVA radiation.
3. Skin camouflage: In mild cases of vitiligo, cosmetic creams and make-up can be used to camouflage the affected area. It can last for about 12- 18 hours when applied in proper techniques.

In case you are suffering from vitiligo, it is crucial to speak with an expert and opt for the best means to curb down the impact of vitiligo.

Photodynamic therapy or PDT is a relatively new and non-invasive treatment for non melanomaskin cancer. It is mostly used in cases where the cancer is superficial and has not spread too deep. PDT is used mostly to treat Actinic Keratoses on the face and scalp, Basal cell carcinomas, Bowen’s disease, as well as other conditions such as head and neck, mouth, lung and gullet cancer.

How does it work?

This treatment involves the use of a drug known as photosensitize or a photosensitizing agent with a specific type of light. When the photosensitizing agents get exposed to a light of a specific wavelength, a form of oxygen is produced, which eliminates nearby cancer cells. Every photosensitizer gets activated by the special light. The wavelength of the light determines how much it can penetrate into the body.

Process of Photodynamic therapy

Skin cancer is cured by PDT in several steps. The first step involves the injection of a photosensitizer into the patient’s bloodstream. The blood cells absorb the agent all over the body, but in the cancer cells, it stays for a longer duration. Within 72 hours after the injection is given, the skin is exposed to light. The photosensitizer agent present in the cancer affected cells absorbs the light. An active oxygen form gets produced, which kills the cancer cells.

Other than killing the cancer cells directly, PDT uses two other ways to destroy cancerous tumors. The blood vessels in the tumor are affected, which leads to its death. The immune system also gets charged up and activated for fighting the cancer cells.

The light used for PDT is usually in the form of a laser. LEDs are also used to treat tumors present on the surface of the skin. The primary photosensitizing agent used in PDT is called porfimer sodium or Photofrin.

PDT can be undertaken in the outpatient department in a hospital. After taking the treatment, you have to keep the cancer affected area of the skin dry and covered for 36 hours. The area should be treated with care while showering. In case of thick skin lesions, repeat treatments are required within 4 weeks.

When is PDT used for skin cancer?

PDT can be undertaken instead of surgery for treating basal cell cancer, Bowen’s disease and actinic keratosis. PDT is used in cases where surgeries are required. It is used to treat large skin cancers, which are not very deep and in the case when several cancers develop in an area. For many skin conditions, PDT is a better remedy than undergoing a surgery.

Advantages of PDT

1. There are no long term side effects.
2. The process is less invasive compared to surgery.
3. A very short time is taken for this therapy to be undertaken.
4. The process can be repeated several times in the same area.
5. Very less scarring takes place in the affected area.
6. The cost of this procedure is lesser than surgery.

Dry skin is a condition caused by the lack of moisture in skin. Fine lines and wrinkles are just some of the conditions, which may be caused due to dry skin. Dry skin can also be very uncomfortable. The condition is mostly caused by environmental factors such as exposure to harsh weather conditions or getting soaked in hot water.

People at risk:

1. Age: People who are older than 40 years of age tend to be more at risk of dry skin than people who are younger than 40 years.
2. Climate: As mentioned earlier, weather conditions play a pivotal role in causing dry skin. Therefore, people who live in areas, where the climate is either very hot or very cold, tend to get dry skin more often than people who live in temperate climates. Low humidity is another factor which causes dry skin.
3. Profession: Some professions, such as nursing or hairstyling, requires frequent usage of hot water all through the day, which can also lead to dry skin.
4. Swimming: Swimming is one of the major causes of dry skin. This is especially true in pools, which have chlorine mixed in the water. This is because chlorine increases the itchiness on your skin.

Treatments:

1. Lifestyle changes: Usually, lifestyle changes such as avoiding long, hot showers and putting moisturizers are good enough to make sure that dry skin goes away.
2. Lactic acid: Creams with lactic acid and urea can be prescribed by your doctor if the dryness of your skin does not go away with moisturizers. These creams are usually over-the-counter medications.
3. Prescription creams: Prescription creams are given, only when conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis or ichthyosis are present.
4. Wet dressing: Wet dressing is given only when dermatitis has set in, as it mostly helps in preventing the infection.
5. Oiling: Oiling your body, especially with fish or flaxseed oil, ensures that your body does not succumb to dry skin.
6. Hand sanitizer: Normal hand sanitizers tend to make your hands dry. Thus, dermatologists recommend hydrating hand sanitizers that allow your hands to maintain their moisture. Therefore, whenever you are using a hand sanitizer, use a hydrating one.

Skin lesions are painful growths on the skin that may be caused due to a number of reasons. These lesions may be caused as a side effect of more serious ailments as well as other infections, and even allergic reactions. These lesions lead to an abnormal appearance on the skin and the area around it. These can be two types, namely primary skin lesions and secondary skin lesions, while primary skin lesions are the birthmarks or moles that one may be born with, secondary skin lesions are of various types. These include ulcers, blisters, nodules, macules, pustules, papules, wheals, rashes, crusts and even more. These may be caused due to a number of factors, including sunburn, infections, hereditary ailments like freckles and moles, and other conditions such as biological responses to environment factors. Let us find out how one can treat skin lesions.

Treatment: The method of treatment will usually depend on a variety of factors, including the medical history of the patient as well as family history of the particular type of lesion that the patient may have developed. Also, the doctor will take any previous treatment methods into account before prescribing a way forward.

1. Medication: One of the first methods of treatment for these lesions includes medication. The doctor may prescribe topical creams and ointments that can help in soothing the appearance and the redness as well as any accompanying pain. This kind of medication can also help in soothing the burning and itching sensation that the patient may be experiencing due to the growth of the lesions. Oral medication may also be given by the doctor in case the lesions have appeared due to an infection or any other kind of ailments like chickenpox. In case the lesions have appeared due to an infection, the patient will be given antibiotics.
2. Surgery: Long term lesions that have an infection can end up becoming a long-term health hazard with serious repercussions. In such cases, the doctors will usually prescribe surgical methods for the removal of the same before they spread to other parts of the body. Lesions that have formed as a result of malformed blood tissues and other suspicious looking birthmarks and moles may also be surgically removed by the doctor.
3. Home remedies: One can also turn to a number of home remedies to deal with these lesions. Yet, it is important to speak with a doctor before adopting such methods. You can use protective balms and absorbent powders in order to soothe the area. Also, you may want to avoid wearing tight clothing. Further, you must keep the area covered with loose clothing, especially when you are stepping out. You must prevent too much of friction between the skin and the clothes.

1.ICE- ice can be effective in removing pimples. Applying ice can helps in improving blood circulation to the affected area and in freezing the pores. Ice helps reduce inflammation or swelling cause by pimples

2.LEMON- lemon juice is citric which is rich in vitamin C . Lemon juice has many benefits for skin. It help pimples dry up faster and reduce it's redness. All you need to do is dip a clean cotton swab in fesh lemon juice and apply it to the pimples.

3HONEY- honey is a natural antiseptic that can prevent the growth of bacteria and speed up the healing process. honey also has anti infammatory properties that can prevent the swelling and redness caused by pimples. just dip a clean cotton swab in honey, pit it directly on the affected area and leave it on for half an hour. wash the skin well with luke warm water.

4.STEAM- steaming is very good for your skin at any time. steaming your face can open your pores and helps to remove oils, dirt and bacteria trapped in the pores which can cause infection or inflammation. fill a large container with steaming water and place your face close enough to allow the steam to come in contact with your face a few minutes. rinse your face with lukewarm water. after drying, apply an oil- free moisturizer. this treatment will also leave your skin clean flushed and glowing.

6.PEPPERMINT- peppermint is a magical herb that can help remove pimples very fast. peppermint can help balance the productionof excessive oils of the skin by balancing it's PH levels. the cooling effect of the menthol present in peppermint helps prevent the bacterial growth and reduce irritation caused by pimples. crush some peppermint leaves to extract the juice and apply it on pimples and leave it for 10 minutes. wash your skin with cold water. you can also use peppermint oil, which contains many vitamins and essential fatty acids. you can directly apply it on pimples and massage for few minutes.

7. CUCUMBER- cucumber is known for its cooling and soothing effect on the skin. it is also rich source of potassium and vitamins such as A, C & E. grind one cucumber to make a face mask and apply it on your face. keep it for 15minutes. wash your skin with warm water.

Do you ever wish you could start all over and take better care of your skin? A chemical peel could give you that chance. Peels can dramatically reduce lines, wrinkles, acne scars, dark spots, and roughness caused by years of sun.

A chemical peel is a solution applied to the face to remove the outermost layer or layers of skin. It's a technique used to improve the appearance of the skin on the face, neck or hands. A chemical solution is applied to the skin that causes it to exfoliate and eventually peel off. The new skin that grows in its place is softer, smoother and has fewer imperfections. The new skin is also temporarily more sensitive to the sun.

There are three basic types of chemical peels:

Superficial or Lunchtime Peel: Alpha-hydroxy acid or another mild acid is used to penetrate only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it. The treatment is used to improve the appearance of mild skin discoloration and rough skin as well as to refresh the face, neck, chest or hands.

Medium Peel: Glycolic or trichloroacetic acid is applied to penetrate the outer and middle layers of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment is used to improve age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, freckles and moderate skin discoloration.

Deep Peel: Trichloroacetic acid or phenol is applied to deeply penetrate the middle layer of skin to remove damaged skin cells. The treatment removes moderate lines, age spots, freckles and shallow scars. A thorough evaluation by a dermatologic surgeon is imperative before embarking upon a chemical peel.

When is a chemical peel appropriate?

Chemical peels are used to treat a number of conditions including:

1. Pigmentation on face or body

2. Tanning

3. Dyschromias

4. Fine Wrinkles

5. Acne

6. Acne marks and scars

7. Dullness

8. Aging skin

9. Crow's feet

10. Sagging skin

Who should not opt for chemical peels?

Generally, light-haired and fair skinned people are the best candidates for chemical peel. The procedure does not work as well on dark skinned patients. The procedure is not recommended for individuals with infections, active skin disease, cut or broken skin, or sunburns. Other contraindications include patients who are:

1. Nursing or pregnant.

2. Have taken Accutane in last six months.

3. Have psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis or rosacea.

Possible complications

Temporary change in skin color, particularly for women on birth control pills, who subsequently become pregnant or have a history of brownish facial discoloration.

Changes are transient and easy to take care of if taken care properly.

1. Scarring

2. Reactivation of cold sores

3. A variety of chemical treatments can be used to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin.

Depending on the depth of treatment required, your surgeon may choose one of the following peels:

1. Alpha-hydroxy acid peel (AHA)

2. Trichloroacetic acid peel (TCA)

3. Phenol peel

4. Croton oil peel

Aftercare and recovery

Your dermatologist will discuss how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. After surgery, you and your caregiver will receive detailed instructions about your postsurgical care, including information about:

1. Normal symptoms you will experience

2. Potential signs of complications 

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR ALL TYPE SKIN PROBLEM

SKIN ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA....

Types of Pittadosha and skin

1) Bhrajaka 2) Ranjaka 3) Aalochaka 4) Pachaka 5) Sadhaka are the five types of pitta dosha.

1)Bhrajakapitta : Resides in the skin texture of the skin. Protection from cold, wind, dust or other such things and strength of the skin, suppleness of the skin, protection against harmful things is also maintained by this type. Digestion of the substances entered through and into the skin is also done by this very Pitta.
2)Ranjakapitta : This is not directly related to the skin. This is the creater of Raktadhatu and Raktadhatu is responsible for colour of the skin and immunityof the skin.
3)Aalochakapitta : This type is mainly related to eyes. But colour of the eye is luminated by skin of mucous membrane, at the same time sense organ 'skin' is covering the eyeball. (we can think further, if required)
4)Pachakapitta : This is connected with all the other types of pitta as the main resource of nourishment to them. This is also very much related to Agni (digestive power) and Aaharpachanakriya (digestion in the digestive canal). In our Vishwavallabh ayurvedic skin clinic all type ayurvedic panchakarma treatment available for all skin