FAST FACTS ON PSORIASIS

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaling and inflammation (pain, swelling, heat, and redness). Skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. This process is called cell turnover, and it takes about a month. With psoriasis, it can happen in just a few days because the cells rise too fast and pile up on the surface.

Most psoriasis causes patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. These patches can itch or feel sore. They are often found on the elbows, knees, other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. But they can show up other places such as fingernails, toenails, genitals, and inside the mouth.

• ·         Who gets Psoriasis?
• ·         What  causes Psoriasis?
• ·         How is Psoriasis diagnosed?
• ·         How is Psoriasis treated?

 

Who Gets Psoriasis?

Anyone can get psoriasis, but it occurs more often in adults. In many cases, there is a family history of psoriasis. Certain genes have been linked to the disease. Men and women get psoriasis at about the same rate.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis begins in the immune system, mainly with a type of white blood cell called a T cell. T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. With psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake. They become so active that they set off other immune responses. This leads to swelling and fast turnover of skin cells. People with psoriasis may notice that sometimes the skin gets better and sometimes it gets worse. Things that can cause the skin to get worse include:

• ·         Infections
• ·         Stress
• ·         Changes in weather that dry the skin
• ·         Certain medicines.

How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

Psoriasis can be hard to diagnose because it can look like other skin diseases. The doctor might need to look at a small skin sample under a microscope.

How Is Psoriasis Treated?

Treatment depends on:

• ·         How serious the disease is
• ·         The size of the psoriasis patches
• ·         The type of psoriasis
• ·         How the patient reacts to certain treatments.

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

HEALTH BENEFITS OF WATER MELON

Heart health

Watermelon's high levels of lycopene are very effective at protecting cells from damage and may help lower the risk of heart diseases. Also, the fruit's concentrations of citrulline and arginine are good for your heart. Arginine can help improve blood flow and may help reduce the accumulation of excess fat. It is found that watermelon extracts helped reduce  hypertension and lower blood pressure in obese adults.

Anti-inflammatory properties

 The lycopene in watermelon makes it an anti-inflammatory fruit Lycopene is an inhibitor for various inflammatory processes and also works as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals. Additionally, the watermelon contains choline, which helps keep chronic inflammation  down.Reducing inflammation isn't just good for people suffering from arthritis. "When you're sick, you have cellular damage, which can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, smoking, pollution, disease, and your body becomes inflamed It's called 'systemic inflammation. In this way, anti-inflammatory foods can help with overall immunity and general health. 

Hydration

Watermelons are the perfect example of a food that can help you stay hydrated i. Their water content can help keep you hydrated, and their juice is full of good electrolytes. This can even help prevent heat stroke.

Digestion

The watermelon contains fiber, which encourages a healthy digestive tract and helps keep you regular. 

Skin and hair benefits

Vitamin A is stellar for your skin, and just a cup of watermelon contains nearly one-quarter of your daily recommended intake of it. Vitamin A helps keep skin and hair moisturized, and it also encourages healthy growth of new collagen and elastic cell.

Muscle soreness

Watermelon-loving athletes are in luck drinking watermelon juice before an intense workout helps reduce next-day muscle soreness and heart rate. This can be attributed to watermelon's amino acids citrulline and arginine, which help improve circulation.

Cancer prevention

Like other fruits and vegetables, watermelons may be helpful in reducing the risk of cancer through their antioxidant properties. Lycopene in particular has been linked to reducing prostate cancer cell proliferation.

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

FACTS ABOUT HAIR

It's the perennial question of the hair it is a fact that cutting back is a good thing - and washing every day is a mistake, no matter how much you might crave clean-feeling locks.Your hair's natural oils are designed to condition and protect your tresses, so when you shampoo daily, it strips these vital oils away.It creates a vicious cycle of over-production of oils and a need to shampoo very often. Ideally, to keep your hair healthy, you only need to wash two to three times a week, max.

Don't overwash coloured hair

This is especially true for coloured hair, which can lose its sheen quickly with too much washing.The biggest mistake people make is over-washing coloured hair.Buy a good-quality shampoo– and wash it every few days using styling products in between to keep it looking fresh.Don't shampoo daily. Simply rinse and condition the hair every other day as shampoo can wash out the colour.

Take into account your hair type and lifestyle choices

Of course, how often you need to wash your locks also depends on the type of hair you have.You may not be able to imagine not washing your hair after a workout ,you can can always rinse out sweat without shampooing.A water-only rinse will remove salt and sweat without stripping hair oils.

Invest in some good dry shampoo

And finally if you're aiming to scale back the amount of times you wash your hair per week, remember dry shampoo is your friend.Use dry shampoo instead of washing your hair every day. It will help reduce the oil build up in your hair and gives amazing texture You can also leave dry shampoo in (instead of brushing it out) to give volume.As opposed to washing your hair every day, dry shampoo will help to refresh your hair at the roots and the tips whilst helping you to retain all the essential moisture your hair needs.Avoid hot showers and shampoo your scalp, not your ends.

Amount of Shampoo

Come shampoo time, many of us reach for a large dollop of the good stuff to scrunch into our hair; but there's a technique to good hair washing and overdoing things on the product front will do more harm than good.Healthy, beautiful, shiny hair starts in the shower so make sure to use the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and level of damage. The volume of shampoo you should use depends on the length and thickness of your hair, but a blob the size of a small 1 rupee coin is a good start.Longer hair needs a 2 rupee coin.

Aim for the scalp not the ends

It's not just how much shampoo you use, but where you apply it that counts.Use shampoo on the scalp only - not on the ends of your hair. The shampoo will rinse down in the shower, but you don’t want to scrub the ends.

Massage your scalp to encourage circulation

Giving your head an invigorating massage as you shampoo is a good way to encourage blood circulation and helps to detoxify the scalp.Having strong, healthy hair is the best way to make any hair look expensive. A lot of it is about properly shampooing and conditioning and taking care of your scalp - massage it well while washing to get circulation going.

Avoid hot water

Cool off in the shower. Blasting your scalp with extremely hot water will dry out your hair and create tangles that could result in breakage.Towel-dry your hair before applying conditioner.

What conditioner you use and how you use it is

 If anything, more important than the shampoo stage. Make sure you invest in a few good quality conditioners and leave-in treatments or hair masks, especially if you have coloured hair.

Good conditioner is also crucial when it comes to thick, curly hair.

For curly, highly textured hair, always deep condition .No two minute conditioners here. Deep conditioning involves a conditioner that will add moisture and strength (protein) back to hair. I believe it’s important to use leave-in conditioners and also not to shampoo it so often. Rinse it if you want to but don’t necessarily shampoo it.

Gently towel-dry the hair before applying conditioner

Make sure you towel-dry hair after shampooing and before you apply conditioner: excess water in your hair means the conditioner won't be able to penetrate the hair shaft and deliver the necessary moisture to keep hair looking healthy and shiny.If you're short on time, at least squeeze out excess water - hair that’s saturated with water doesn’t have room to absorb anything else.

Avoid the roots and concentrate on the ends

Try not to put the conditioner on the roots, because that can cause your scalp to get greasy faster.It's also a good idea to think ahead and anticipate situations where your hair might dry out.While you exercise, you perspire, which means that your hair gets damp with sweat that can actually make it dry.Before you hit the gym (especially during the summer, but this works year-round too) wet your hair and add in some conditioner from the mid-lengths to the ends. Rinse out the conditioner post-workout and you’ll be left with shiny, hydrated hair.Avoiding too much sun helps too.Brush your hair twice a day, from the bottom up

Comb wet hair, don't brush it

When your hair is soaking wet, it is weaker, fragile and more susceptible to breakage.Try not to rough-dry hair with a towel, and instead gently press the water out. Also, do not brush your hair while it is wet. Use a wide-tooth comb, working from the ends of your hair on up.

Brush from the bottom up

Brushing from the roots causes damage – always brush from the bottom and work up

Use different brushes for blow-dying and styling

At home, you should have a round brush for blow-drying, for styling and a tail comb to move hair around a little

Keep your brushes clean

Filthy hair brushes that are covered in hair, oil and product build-up are breeding grounds for bacteria. Clean them at least once a month with a mixture of baking soda and lukewarm water. A toothbrush will help you to get into all those tiny bristles.

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

STEPS TO PREVENT SUN TAN

Here are 4 ways to deal with that stubborn sun tan:

1.     Make sunscreen your best friend:  Sunscreen is your knight in shining armour against the harsh sun. Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher prior to going out. Re-apply the sunscreen every two hours. And yes! You are exposed to UV rays on cloudy days too.

2.     Go chemical: In case of severe sun tanning which results in hyper-pigmentation, treatments such as chemical peels can work wonders.  The fundamental mechanism of the action of chemical peels is the elimination of unnecessary melanin by causing a controlled chemical burn to the skin. 

3.     Prevention better than cure: To avoid getting tanned, opt for scarves and hats to cover up and stay protected. Wear full sleeved clothing when going out, especially during noon time when the sun rays are very strong. 

4.     Avoid sun bathing and tanning beds: While getting a tan may appear fashionable, sun bathing for hours can lead to age spots and cause skin wrinkles.

For appointments for any skin,hair and nail disorders call 9004839333.Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.

CAUSES OF FOREHEAD PIMPLES

1. Clogged Pores:

The main and universal cause of acne! As the forehead lies in the T-Zone, which is known for its excess oil production quality, the pores tends to get clogged, leading to acne. Clogged pores can easily be dealt with a good CTM (Cleansing, Toning, Moisturising) routine, with a monthly session with the steamer. Please don’t overdo the steaming session, however relaxing or effective it is, as excessive steaming is not advisable for acne-prone skin.

2. Dandruff In Hair:

Dandruff in the hair can trigger acne in the forehead. Try to get rid of the dandruff using a good anti-dandruff shampoo. Your acne will vanish like magic.

3. Oily Scalp:

If you have an oily scalp, the oil tends to seep in and results in clogged pores and acne on your forehead. Make sure you wash your hair on alternate days to ensure an oil-free scalp.

4. Certain Medications:

Certain medications like birth control pills have a tendency to trigger forehead acne in certain people. Consult/question your doctor every time he prescribes you any medication relating to hormonal issues.

5. Digestive Problems:

Digestive problem is probably the main cause of forehead acne, if you do not have the issues mentioned above. It needs to be tackled with a balanced diet. Drink lots of water and include green, leafy vegetables and fruits in your diet. Avoid fried foods and artificial tasters and almost anything that disrupts your tummy’s happiness. Exercising regularly helps too.

6. Excess Stress:

Stress is one thing that has to contribute to most of our illnesses in some way or the other. So, beat it by having a healthy lifestyle. Yoga and meditation help in reducing stress to a great extent. No time for yoga? Indulge yourself in a relaxing spa for an instant stress release. However hard you work, taking some “me” time definitely has its own merits, right?

7. Certain Hair Products:

Certain hair styling products like hair spray, heat protectant, serum etc have a tendency to trigger acne when they come into contact with your forehead. Ladies with bangs, beware!

8. Over Exfoliating:

There is an ancient south Indian proverb that says “if used excessively, even elixir will transform into poison”. Though exfoliating helps in removing the dead cells and keeping the skin fresh, overdoing it could result in skin irritation and acne. Exfoliation is best when not done more than twice a week.

9. Wearing Helmets And Caps:

If you are someone who drives two-wheelers, then a helmet becomes the most important need. And, we cannot clean our helmets like makeup brushes once in two days to keep them dirt-free. Hence, it is always advisable to cover your head and forehead with a clean cotton cloth or a dupatta before wearing a helmet so that your precious forehead is kept away from dirt and possible acne break out. Forgoing a helmet is highly dangerous.

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

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 have AIDS 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.

PAPAYA

Why is papaya a great food?

·         High In Fiber – Papaya is a great source of dietary fiber . This nutrient absorbs toxins in the colon that can cause cancer and eliminates them from the body through bowel movement. Due to its rich fiber content, papaya aids digestion and imparts a beautiful glow to your skin.

·         Rich In Vitamins And Minerals – Papaya contains abundant amounts of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant . It also aids wound healing, reduces the risk of cancer due to oxidative stress, and boosts your immunity to fight common ailments such as cold and cough. This fruit is also replete with vitamin A and minerals like phosphorus, iron, potassium, copper, manganese, calcium, and magnesium. Vitamin A is required to maintain healthy vision while phosphorus is needed for good heart health.

·         Rich In Antioxidants – The antioxidants present in dried papaya help to strengthen immunity and eliminate free radicals that are hazardous to your health. This fruit contains more amount of beta-carotene than in carrots.

·         Abundant In Bioflavonoids – Also known as vitamin P, bioflavonoids are semi-essential nutrients that work as nature’s modifiers and respond to biological changes in the body. The bioflavonoids in papaya modify the reaction of the body to viruses, carcinogens, and allergens, thereby protecting it from harmful and life-threatening diseases.

Skin Benefits of Papaya

1.     Moisturises the Skin

2.    Clears Pigmentation

3.    Reduces Wrinkles

4.    Reduces under eye dark circles

5.    Cures Eczema and Psoriasis

6.   Treats Melasma

7.    Removes Tan

8.    Controls Acne Breakout      

 

Hair Benefits of Papaya

1.Stimulates Hair Growth

2.Controls Dandruff

3.Conditions Hair

For any skin,hair and nail problems visit our clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.For appointments call 9004839333.

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?

Fruits for 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.