FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION

Fungal infection of nails (tinea unguium) is common. The infection causes thickened and unsightly nails which sometimes become painful. Medication often works well to clear the infection but you need to take medication for several weeks.

How do you develop a Fungal Nail Infection?

• Spread from a fungal skin infection. For example,Athletes foot(tinea pedis)is a fungal infection of your toes. This may spread to the toenails if the skin infection is not treated early.
• Fingernail infection may occur after a toenail infection has become established. The fungus may spread to a finger if you scratch your itchy toes and toenail.
• Fingernail infections are also more likely to occur if you wash your hands frequently, or have them in water a lot. For example, if you are a cook or a cleaner. Constant washing may damage the protective skin at the base of the nail. This may allow fungi to enter.
• A nail that has recently been damaged is also more likely to become infected.
• You have an increased risk of developing a fungal nail infection if you have various other conditions – for example:
  • Diabetes
  • Psoriasis
  • Poor circulation.
  • A poor immune system (for example, if you haveAIDS or are on Chemotheraphy)
  • A general poor state of health.
• Nail infections are more common in people who live in hot or humid climates.
• Smoking also increases the risk of Fungal Nail Infection.
• In some cases there is no apparent reason. Fungal germs are common and an infection can occur ‘out of the blue’

It is always advisable to get it treated from an expert dermatologist.For appointments call 9004839333.Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.

PIGMENTATION

Normal skin contains cells called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, the substance that gives skin its color.

Skin with too much melanin is called hyperpigmented skin.

Skin with too little melanin is called hypopigmented skin.

Pale  skin areas are due to too little melanin or underactive melanocytes. Darker areas of skin (or an area that tans more easily) occurs when you have more melanin or overactive melanocytes.

Bronzing of the skin may sometimes be mistaken for a suntan. This skin discoloration often develops slowly, starting at the elbows, knuckles, and knees and spreading from there. Bronzing may also be seen on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. The bronze color can range from light to dark (in fair-skinned people) with the degree of darkness due to the underlying cause.

Causes

Causes of hyperpigmentation include:

• Skin inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
• Use of certain drugs (such as minocycline and birth control pills)
• Endocrine diseases
• Hemochromatosis
• Sun exposure
• Pregnancy

 

Causes of hypopigmentation include:

• Skin inflammation
• Certain fungal infections (such as tinea versicolor)
• Pityriasis alba
• Vitiligo
• Certain medicines
• Skin condition called idiopathic guttate hyomelanosis

For appointments call 9004839333.Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.

FRUITS FOR HAIR GROWTH

For a great head of hair, use expensive hair products. But food can also help the growth of healthy, strong and rich hair. Particularly, some fruits loaded with essential vitamins and minerals can give exceptional results. So, what are these fruits for better hair growth?

1.     Citrus Fruits

You need vitamin C to grow healthy hair and the citrus family of fruits contains large amounts of this antioxidant vitamin. Vitamin C is also important in the production of skin collagen.

Eating lemons, oranges, grapefruits and lime regularly will provide you with enough vitamin C for healthier hair and overall health. You can also benefit by rubbing your scalp with lemon juice to get rid of dandruff.

2.     Berries

Berries contain large stores of vitamin C and other hair-supporting nutrients. Vitamin C protects blood vessels, including those supplying blood to the scalp and to the hair follicles. They also contain B vitamins that aid in the oxygen supply, slow graying and reduce hair loss. Try eating gooseberries, strawberries, raspberries, loganberries and boysenberries as often as possible for healthy hair.

3.     Avocado

Avocado is one of the leading fruits for hair growth. It is a rich source of vitamins B, C, E and beta-carotenes. It helps in the growth of healthy hair, supply of oxygen and strength of the blood vessel walls. The result is healthy scalp and shiny, rich hair.

Besides taking avocado internally, you can use it directly on your hair. Use a ripe fruit to make mashed avocado and apply it to your moist hair after shampooing. Wait 15 minutes before rinsing and drying your hair.

4.     Pomegranate

Pomegranates strengthen your hair follicles and prevent hair loss. Pomegranate seed oil stimulates growth of thick, stronger hair and is used extensively as a hair massage oil. It combats dandruff and scalp itching.

5.     Banana

Banana supports hair growth and protects against hair loss. It contains lots of potassium and natural oils, which helps soften hair, give it a shine and maintain its elasticity. You can prepare your own banana paste and use it as a conditioner.

6.     Apple

Apple is well known to improve overall health. It also supports growth of healthy hair. Green apple skin and apple leaves made into a paste are used to improve hair growth and treat dandruff. Apples also balance scalp pH and prevent hair loss.

7.     Papaya

Papaya fruit contains hair growth enhancing nutrients that help protect against hair loss, treat dandruff and strengthen hair growth. Extracts from papaya leaves help to nourish dull hair, making it healthier, stronger, thicker and shinier.

8.     Pineapple

Pineapples are a rich source of beta-carotene from which vitamin A is made. Vitamin A aids in production of scalp conditioning oils which support growth of healthy hair.

9.     Peach

Peach is one of the best fruits for hair growth and regrowth. It contains biotin, a natural hair growth steroid that supports the health of your hair and scalp. The peach provides these benefits with no side effects.

10.     Plum

Plums contain bioflavonoid which helps in the maintenance of connective tissues in the scalp and hair follicles. Eating plums promotes growth of healthy, strong and thick hair without the side effects of some hair care products.

11.     Grape

Grape seed oil is a staple in many hair care preparations for the prevention of hair loss and promotion of scalp health. But grape fruits also have antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that support growth of healthy hair. Besides, grapes have a high water content that helps to detoxify the body.

12.     Guava

Guava fruit is a rich source of vitamin A which supports hair growth. The fruit also promotes scalp health, clears dandruff and protects against hair loss. This makes it one of the important fruits for hair growth.

To make your own hair and scalp conditioner, mash guava fruits, mix with lemon juice and honey, and apply it to your scalp. Repeat every few days and you will be pleased to see the results in a few weeks.For all skin,hair and nail  ailments call 9004839333.Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.

 

MELASMA

Symptoms of Melasma

Melasma causes patches of discoloration. The patches are darker than your typical skin color. It typically occurs on the face and is symmetrical, with matching marks on both sides of your face. Other areas of your body that are often exposed to sun can also develop melasma.

Brownish colored patches usually appear on the:

• cheeks
• forehead
• bridge of the nose
• chin

It can also occur on the neck and forearms. The skin discoloration doesn’t do any physical harm, but you may feel self-conscious about the way it looks.

If you notice these symptoms of melasma, see your dermatologist, who is a doctor that specializes in treating skin disorders.For appointments call 9004839333.Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.

WHAT ARE WRINKLES?

Wrinkles are creases, folds, or ridges in the skin. They normally appear as people get older, but they can also develop after spending a long time in water.

The first wrinkles to appear on a person’s face tend to occur as a result of facial expressions.

Sun damage, smoking, dehydration, some medications, and environmental and genetic factors affect when and where people will develop wrinkles.

Most wrinkles tend to appear in the parts of the body which receive the most sun exposure, especially the face and neck, the back of the hands, and the arms.

Most people do not welcome wrinkles, and billions of dollars are spent globally on treatments to remove or delay them.

The following steps may help slow the process down:

Avoiding excessive sun exposure reduces skin damage, because the sun causes the skin to age faster. Hats, protective clothing, and sun screens can protect the skin from wrinkles by reducing sunlight damage.

Zero exposure to sunlight totally is not recommended, however, because it is a vital source of Vitamin D and vitamin D is essential for bone strength and other aspects of health. Some sunscreens  can protect the skin while allowing vitamin D to be synthesized.

Moisturizers do not prevent wrinkles, but they may help temporarily make tiny lines and creases less evident.

Quitting smoking can prevent the accelerated aging of skin. Even a long-term heavy smoker can slow down the process by giving up.

Avoid alcohol because it dehydrates the body and the skin.

Sleeping at least 7 hours a night, eating healthily and exercising regularly help to maintain overall health, and this may include skin quality.

For all skin,hair and nail treatment call 9004839333.Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.

 

ALL ABOUT CHEMICAL PEELS

Chemical Peel Treatment is ideal for:

• Skin Pigmentation problems-Due to the harmful effects of sun exposure and pollution,drugs,hormonal problems,burns,etc. many people fall victim of skin pigmentation. A chemical peel treatment can be of great help in such cases.
• Complexion lightening-If one’s skin has become darker over time and wants to regain their original complexion, then chemical peel treatment can be of great help.
• Skin Rejuvenation-Due to clogged pores and/or due to prolonged stress one’s skin may start to look dull and lack freshness. By using a light or medium peel the skin glow and health can be improved.Acne and superficial post acne marks and scars 

 

Benefits of Chemical Peels:

• Enhanced skin texture-One of the secondary benefits a person gets from a chemical peel treatment is enhanced skin texture. Hence, apart from removing scars and blemishes chemical peels also bring up a fresh layer of skin which is not only smooth in texture but is radiant too.
• Reduced Fine Lines-Chemical peels are also readily used for the treatment of wrinkles and fine lines. By damaging the outmost skin layer with a chemical solution in a controlled manner it is made to peel off. What is exposed afterwards is a skin that is more firm and free of fine lines.
• Safe –Chemical peel treatment is by far one of the safest among others. . If done appropriately, they are free of side effects and give good results if the patient is selected appropriately.
• Attractive Results-Most people who go for chemical peel treatments are satisfied with the end results. The cost of the treatment is easily affordable, and the recovery time is quite minimal, making it one of the most preferred treatments for multiple skin

For appointments call 9004839333.Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.

 

 

SYMPTOMS OF DANDRUFF

Dandruff is a common scalp disorder. Exact causes of dandruff are still unknown to the medical experts. While oily scalp is a common factor leading to dandruff, people with dry skin experience the same scalp problem at times. Multiple researches conducted on dandruff have yielded the conclusion that there are various types of dandruff. Causes of each type of dandruff are different. The dandruff symptoms are mostly, visible flakes on the scalp and the hair. Some skin disorders like seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis can generate dandruff as well. The common type of dandruff is known as psoriasis, whereas seborrheic dermatitis is a critical type of dandruff that might affect other body parts as well.

Symptoms of dandruff in hair may depend on the type of the disorder. Here are some commonly noticed symptoms of dandruff experienced by many.

Itchy scalp:

 Itchy scalp is the most common symptom of dandruff. If you have dandruff on scalp, itching might be a regular symptom you would experience. The itching is caused due to the loose visible flakes. These visible flakes are the dead cells that are from the scalp. This common type of dandruff is mainly noticed during winter. Dry scalp is the main cause of winter dandruff. You need not worry when having such a disorder, this goes away with time.

Hair Fall

Hair fall is another prime symptoms of dandruff in hair. Irrespective of the type, hair fall is a common experience when you are suffering with this scalp problem. We generally lose 20-50 hair every day. This is the normal range of hair fall. An alarming rate of hair fall is surely a symptom of dandruff.

Dry and Dull Hair:

Is your hair dry and dull? If yes, you might have dandruff. Dandruff tends to extract the existing oil from the scalp, leaving the hair dry and lifeless. Your hair may appear dull and unmanageable even after proper brushing. You will have to treat this with utmost care

 Acne and Pimples:

Although not directly related to scalp or hair, you might notice sudden outbreak of pimples and acne when having dandruff. Acne and pimples caused due to dandruff have a reddish appearance. These pimples can be painful too. Many people with problem of pimples have gotten rid of it only after getting rid of dandruff.

Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Some studies have shown that dandruff may be the cause of chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Although the reasons are still unexplained, it is a common experience felt by many people having dandruff.

For any treatments related to skin,hair and nails call 9004839333 for appointments.linics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.

SUMMER TIPS FOR HAIR

• It is essential you cover your hair with a hat or a scarf during summers. This protects it from the harmful UV rays and it also helps in retaining moisture.
• Keeping your hair in a loose hairstyle works wonders during the summer. It helps air out your locks and prevents the accumulation of sweat.
• Avoid washing your hair too much during this season; it strips your hair of the essential oils that moisturize it naturally.Also use mild shampoos.
• Resort to air-drying your hair as much as possible. That’s because blow-drying makes your hair frizz up.
• Don’t forget to or skip conditioning; it helps de-frizz your hair during the humid season. Also, opt for deep conditioning at least once a week.
• This is a great hack. After applying sunscreen on your body, simply run your fingers through your hair and let the residual sunscreen protect your hair from UV rays.
• Don’t brush your hair, use a wide-tooth comb instead. These tend to be way less harsh when it comes to untangling your locks.
• Summer is the best time to trim your tresses. That’s because the likelihood of splint ends forming is higher in summer.
• Your hair is also a reflection of your lifestyle. Which is why a balanced diet and healthy exercise regimen will add a sheen to your hair.
• Summer makes you sweaty and want to shower a lot. However, ensure you use a shower filter so that any impurities that may be present in the water don’t hurt your hair.
• What with pollution already working its black magic on your hair, the last thing you need is to let stress get to you. That’s because stress causes hair loss; stay calm.
• Another important summer hair care tip is to give heat styling a break. Opt for natural styling instead.Consult a board certified trichologist for hair issues.

For queries and information call 9004839333.Clinics at  Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.

PSORIASIS IN CHILDREN

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that occurs in children and adults. The typical appearance is of red, thickened, scaly patches on the skin (plaques). These plaques can vary in size and distribution from person to person. In some people it may affect small areas of skin while others may have large areas covering their body.

What kinds of psoriasis occur in children?

1.Each of the patterns of psoriasis described in adults can be seen in children. These include:

Flexural psoriasis (red areas between skin folds)
Scalp psoriasis (thick scales found on areas of the scalp)
Nail psoriasis (nail dystrophy related to psoriasis)
Acute guttate psoriasis (small red plaques occurring after an infection)
Chronic plaque psoriasis (red plaques with scaling occurring anywhere on the body)
Erythrodermic psoriasis (severe reddening covering most or all of the body)
Pustular psoriasis (severe pustules that arise acutely)
Photosensitive psoriasis (affecting areas of sun exposure)
Guttate, facial and flexural psoriasis are particularly common in children.

What causes psoriasis?

Psoriasis has a strong genetic component and is due to abnormal processes involved in regulation of the immune system.
Individuals may have flares in psoriasis in response to stress, injury, medications and infections (particularly streptococcal tonsillitis).
Psoriasis is not contagious, therefore, affected children do not need to be isolated from other children.

How is the diagnosis made?

The diagnosis of psoriasis is usually made clinically. This involves a doctor examining the skin and making the diagnosis based on the appearance of the affected areas.
The plaques tend to be distributed symmetrically.
They favour certain sites such as scalp, elbows and knees; or; skin folds such as behind ears, armpits and groin.
They are well circumscribed, red and scaly.
There is often a family history of psoriasis.
Occasionally, a skin biopsy may be necessary to distinguish psoriasis from other skin conditions that may appear similar.For treatment contact 9004839333.Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra.

NAIL CARE

In order to understand both how to keep your nails healthy and how they can act as an indicator of health problems, first you have to know that fingernails are made of layers of a protein called keratin. This protein is also found in your skin and hair But your nails are more than just keratin. Your nails comprise several different components:

• Thenail plate is the part of the nail that you can see.
• The skin around your nails is referred to asnail folds.
• The skin that is covered by your nail is known as anail bed.
• Acuticle is the tissue that covers the bottom of your nail to protect newly formed keratin as your nail grows.
• The white half-moon seen at the base of your nail is called a lunula.

Basic nail care is fairly simple, and contributes greatly to overall nail health. By incorporating nail care into your normal routine, it also allows you to grow familiar enough with your normal nail health to notice when abnormal issues arise.

The first step is to keep your nails clean and dry to prevent bacterial and fungal infections, and never cut or remove your cuticles, as this can cause infections. Improve the strength of your nails by trimming them straight across and rounding them slightly with a nail file. This also helps to prevent ingrown fingernails. File nail snags as soon as possible to prevent them from catching on things such as clothing, which can tear the nail into the nail bed .Prevent damage by rubbing hand lotion into your nails and nail bed. This will help to strengthen your nails and prevent splitting. Also, try to avoid using your nails to pick or pry at things, as this can also cause damage to your nails.

One of the most important things you can do is not bite your nails. As mentioned earlier, nail biting can cause infections not only around your nails, but also in your mouth. Chronic nail biting can lead to abnormal nail growth, and even nail deformities. To prevent nail biting, try applying acrylic nails or use a bitter-tasting polish until you are able to break the habit.

Whether you wear them short and unpolished or use them to express your personality by adorning them with color and jewels, nails — and their health — are important, so don’t neglect them. Not only are they a canvas for self-expression, they also tell us when we might be ill, so be sure to give your fingernails the attention they deserve.For appointments call 9004839333.Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.