SKIN TAGS

Skin tags are invariably benign - non cancerous - tumors of the skin which cause no symptoms, unless it is repeatedly rubbed or scratched, as may happen with clothing, jewelry, or when shaving. Very large skin tags may burst under pressure.

Skin tags are benign, asymptomatic skin tumors, often raised from the skin on fleshy peduncles.

Skin tags are composed of a core of fibers and ducts, nerve cells, fat cells, and a covering or epidermis.

Some people inherit an increased susceptibility to skin tags, and being obese or overweight also appears to increase the likelihood of developing this skin anomaly. Skin tags affect people of all genders equally, but are more likely to occur in people who are pregnant and/or who have diabetes.

Visit your nearest dermatology clinic.Clinics at Malad,Juhu  and Bandra.Contact no.9004839333

DANDRUFF

Flakes and an itchy, scaly scalp are the main symptoms of dandruff. White, oily flakes typically accumulate in your hair and on your shoulders and often get worse during the fall and winter months air, when the is dry.

Here are a few common culprits:

·       irritated and oily skin, a condition also known as seborrheic dermatitis (a more severe form of dandruff)

·       not shampooing enough, which causes skin cells to accumulate and create flakes and itching

·       yeast called malassezia, which aggravate your scalp and cause excess skin cell growth

·       different personal care products may cause contact dermatitis, which makes your scalp red and itchy

Men develop dandruff more frequently than women. People who tend to have oilier hair or live with certain illnesses (such as Parkinson’s disease or HIV) are also at higher risk. You may have started to notice symptoms around puberty, but dandruff can develop at any age.For all skin,hair and nail ailments visit our clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.Call 9004839333 for appointment. 

SUNTAN

Any time your skin is not protected by sunscreen or clothes and gets too much sun, it can burn or tan. But why do some people get a sunburn and others get a suntan?You have something called melanin in your skin. It's the stuff that gives your skin its color. People who have dark skin have more melanin. People who have light skin have less. Here's how melanin makes your skin burn or tan:

·         Your body normally makes melanin to try to protect the deeper layers of your skin from damage.

·         When your skin gets damaged by the sun's rays, it makes even more melanin to try to protect your skin from being damaged even more. That causes the skin to change color:

• Dark-skinned people usually turn darker brown, or tan, when they go in the sun.
• Light-skinned people usually turn more red, or burn, when they go in the sun.

Besides tanning or burning, a lot of people also get uneven patches of color, or freckles.Even if you have naturally dark skin or never burn and always tan, that still means the sun is damaging your skin. And you can still get skin cancer and wrinkles some day.For all skin,hair and nail ailments visit our clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.Call 9004839333 for appointments.

SKIN REJUVENATION

Sun, skin disorders, aging and even heredity can all contribute to skin irregularities on the face and elsewhere on the body. These include textural irregularities like wrinkles and acne scars, pigmentation changes like freckles and sunspots, or visible blood vessels.

In addition, skin may lose tone, feel less firm, and certain areas of the body may develop cellulite conditions.

Conditions that can be treated with skin rejuvenation and resurfacing include:

• Static wrinkles: These wrinkles are visible at all times and do not change in appearance with facial movements
• Dynamic wrinkles: These are expression lines that may appear as folds when the skin is not moving, and deepen with facial movements or expressions
• Pigmentation: Freckles, sun spots, or other darkened patches of skin result mainly from sun exposure
• Scars: As the result of acne or injury to the skin, scars may be rolling (a wavy appearance to the skin), pitted, discolored, or have raised borders
• Vascular conditions: Blood vessels visible on the surface of the skin, vascular lesions that appear as tiny blood-filled blisters or even a constant flush of facial redness
• Loss of skin tone: Weakening of the supportive skin structures (collagen and elastin fibers) that result in a loss of skin firmness or the development of cellulite.For  appointments and queries call 9004839333.Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra. 

ALLERGY

An allergy is a reaction by your immune system to something that does not bother most other people. People who have allergies often are sensitive to more than one thing. Substances that often cause reactions are

·         Pollen

·         Dust mites

·         Mold spores

·         Pet dander

·         Food

·         Insect stings

·         Medicines

Normally, your immune system fights germs. It is your body's defense system. In most allergic reactions, however, it is responding to a false alarm. Genes and the environment probably both play a role.It is necessary to visit a board certified dermatologist for Allergy treatment.Call 9004839333 for appointments.Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.

CAUSES OF ALOEPECIA

The condition occurs when white blood cells attack the cells in hair follicles, causing them to shrink and dramatically slow down hair production. It is unknown precisely what causes the body's immune system to target hair follicles in this way.

While scientists are unsure why these changes occur, it seems that genetics are involved as alopecia areata is more likely to occur in a person who has a close family member with the disease. One in five people with the disease has a family member who has also developed alopecia areata.

Other research has found that many people with a family history of alopecia areata also have a personal or family history of other autoimmune disorders, such as atopy (a disorder characterized by a tendency to be "hyperallergicThyroiditis,Vitiligo .Despite what many people think, there is very little scientific evidence to support the view that alopecia areata is caused by stress. Extreme cases of stress could potentially trigger the condition, but most recent research points toward a genetic cause. For appointments call 9004839333,Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai

CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS

Women who suffer from androgenetic alopecia may lose large amounts of hair. Though this type of hair loss is more common in older women, it can occur at any age, including the teenage years. Thyroid disorders, anemia and pregnancy can cause young females to lose their hair. Young women may also lose their hair due to skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis. Women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome may also lose their hair at a young age.

Hormonal imbalances due to circumstances such as childbirth can cause temporary hair loss in young females. Autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata, which is a condition that causes the woman's immune system to attack her hair follicles, causes hair loss in young women. Young females may also lose their hair due to ringworm infections on the scalp or conditions such as scarring alopecia.

Medications used to treat cancer, high blood pressure and heart problems may cause hair loss in young women. Some birth control pills could also cause a woman to lose greater amounts of her hair. Radiation therapy to the head, hairstyles that pull the hair tight, hot oil treatments that cause inflammation of hair follicles, and trigger events such as stress, emotional shock and excessive weight loss may cause hair loss in young women.

Young women who suffer from trichotillomania, which is a hair-pulling disorder, often lose large amounts of hair.For more information and appointments call 9004839333 at our clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.

TYPES OF MOLES

Not all moles are created equal. Here’s a quick guide to mole types and what they mean for our skin. It’s good to note that moles are categorized by multiple factors, including when they developed, where they are located in the skin and if they exhibit typical or atypical symptoms. That means moles are often described by multiple classifications. For instance, you can have a common acquired junctional nevus or an atypical congenital nevus.

Common 

A common mole is one that is usually about 5-6 mm in diameter, has distinct edges, a smooth, dome-like surface and even pigmentation. These moles are usually found on skin regularly exposed to the sun and have the potential to turn into skin cancer, but it is a rare occurrence.

Atypical 

Atypical moles, or dysplastic nevi, are moles that exhibit irregular symptoms. They usually have fuzzy or blurry borders, are varied in color, larger than most moles and have both flat and raised components. While dysplastic nevi share a lot of the same signs of pre-cancerous or cancerous moles, most dysplastic nevi are benign. However, a person with many dysplastic nevi is at an increased risk for skin cancer. The more dysplastic nevi a person has, the higher the risk. Regular self-examinations are important to detect changes in these types of moles.

Mole types by time

Congenital 

Congenital moles, also known as congenital nevi, are moles that are present at birth. They are caused by melanocyte cells in the dermis (middle layer of skin), epidermis (outer layer of skin), or both. These types of moles can range in size and are sometimes referred to as birthmarks. Congenital nevi can be at risk of developing into melanoma later in life and should be monitored as you enter adolescence and adulthood.

Acquired 

Acquired moles are moles that appear during childhood and adulthood. Most of these moles are benign and pose no risk, although sometimes they can turn into cancerous moles with age. This is the most common type of mole, and it is usually caused by repeated sun exposure.

Mole types by location

Junctional Melanocytic Nevi 

Junctional melanocytic nevi are moles that occur from an accumulation of melanocytes where the dermis and epidermis meet. These moles are typically slightly raised with regular borders and dark pigmentation, although they can range in color from tan to dark brown. People normally acquire these moles in childhood to early adulthood, because, as we age, it is common for melanocytes to migrate down to deeper layers of the skin.

Intradermal Nevi 

Intradermal nevi are flesh colored moles that often blend in with your surrounding skin. Their pigmentation is not as dark as junctional melanocytic nevi because they are located in the dermis, or the middle layer of your skin. These moles usually develop in late childhood or throughout adulthood and are very common and usually benign.

Compound Nevi 

Compound nevi show signs of both intradermal and junctional nevi, with melanocyte cells located in the dermis and dermo-epidermis junction. These moles usually have a central raised area with flat areas around the edges. They usually have distinct borders and even pigmentation.

Other mole types to note

Halo Nevi 

Halo nevi are raised moles that have a ring of skin around them that has lost pigmentation due to inflammatory infiltrating cells.Visit  our clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai for all skin,hair and nail ailments.Call 9004839333 for appointments.

FUNGAL INFECTION

Onychomycosis, also called tinea unguium, is a fungal infection that affects either the fingernails or toenails. Fungal infections normally develop over time, so any immediate difference in the way your nail looks or feels may be too subtle to notice at first.

Why Does It Develop?

A fungal nail infection occurs from the overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so this type of environment can cause them to naturally overpopulate. The same fungi that cause jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm can cause nail infections.

Fungi that are already present in or on your body can cause nail infections. If you have come in contact with someone else who has a fungal infection, it may have spread to you.Fungal infections affect toenails more commonly than fingernails because your toes are usually confined to your shoes, where they’re in a warm, moist environment.

If you get a manicure or pedicure at a nail salon, be sure to ask how the staff disinfects their tools and how often they do it. Tools, such as emery boards and nail clippers, can spread fungal infections from person-to-person if they’re not sanitized.For all skin,hair and nail ailments visit our clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.

WHY HAIR FALLS IN RAINY SEASON?

Hair falls rapidly in the rainy season due to the high humidity, acid rain or dirty rain water which makes the hair dry and brittle. If you use chemical color or other hair products, these make your hair oily and greasy due to the excess humidity. This in turn causes damage to the hair and scalp. Using gels in rainy season causes dandruff to the hair which also leads to hair fall.

Try some remedy during Rainy Season

·         Keep the hair dry

·         Use mild shampoo

·         Never tie the wet hair, let it dry completely

·         Use separate, clean and wide toothed comb

·         Use oil to the hair for once a week

·         Do not use hair dryer

·         Maintain healthy diet pattern

·         Drink ample of water

·         If problem persists, go to a Trichologist.

Visit our Clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra in Mumbai.Call 9004839333 for appointments.

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 such as Addison disease

·         Hemochromatosis (iron overload)

·         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 at our clinics at Malad,Juhu and Bandra    in Mumbai  for all skin,hair and nail ailments.

ALL ABOUT FINGER NAILS

Your fingernails — composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin — grow from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticle. Healthy fingernails are smooth, without pits or grooves. They're uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration.

Sometimes fingernails develop harmless vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. Vertical ridges tend to become more prominent with age. Fingernails can also develop white lines or spots due to injury, but these eventually grow out with the nail.

Not all nail conditions are normal, however. Consult your dermatologist if you notice:

·         Changes in nail color, such as discoloration of the entire nail or a dark streak under the nail

·         Changes in nail shape, such as curled nails

·         Thinning or thickening of the nails

·         Separation of the nail from the surrounding skin

·         Bleeding around the nails

·         Swelling or pain around the nails

Fingernail care: Do's and don'ts

To keep your fingernails looking their best:

·         Keep fingernails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. Repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute to split fingernails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals.

·         Practice good nail hygiene. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers. Trim your nails straight across, then round the tips in a gentle curve.

·         Use moisturizer. When you use hand lotion, rub the lotion into your fingernails and cuticles, too.

·         Apply a protective layer. Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen nails.

·         Consumption of biotin.  The nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails after consultation from a board certified Dermatologist.

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