Ques.1 Dear Doctor,

I am suffering from severe hairfall since 2 months. No kindof hair oil is helping me.Please help I do not want to go bald. Thanks.Mr.Thomas, Gurgaon, 38.

Ans.1 Dear Mr.Thomas,

As, you have not detailed me if you have shifted newly togurgaon there is a possibility that change of water consistency being a causeof your hair fall also, dandruff can increase it and a myth by all that oilinghelps we Dermatologists generally do not believe so. Also if you suffered fromtyphoid fever/ any illness in last few months then it can exaggerate thishairfall. Please stay calm as loosing up to 100hairs/day is counted normal bydoctors and there is a normal catagen phase also every 5-6 monthly when we sheda little more hair than usual. Please do not massage your hair or be vigorousto them and also, increase proteins in your diet. Start using a broad toothedcomb, mild shampoos routinely along with an anti dandruff shampoo once a weekand be gentle to your hair. Also, get your hemoglobin levels checked and show aphysician nearby to you first and then visit an expert Dermatologist nearby tryto find the cause of hairfall and hence the exact treatment shall then follow.

Ques. 2 Hi Doctor,

I am having a funny problem that I get one pimple each monthduring my periods and rest of my face stays clear and that one pimple takes atleast 3 weeks to disappear and then by end of month it comes again. Please help.

Shaishta, Delhi 

Ans. 2 Hi Shaishta,You have not mentioned your age dear but, it looks likeroutine hormonal acne as per how you described it. I would recommend that youinhibit it from coming and start using a face wash  containing salicylic acid daily night timespecially before menses also, using an antibacterial soap or a cleanser duringday will be a good idea. Stick to using anti bacterial agents like clindamycinsulphate in the morning and nadifloxacin gel in the evenings with a keratolyticat night like tretinoin to ensure that your pimple settles down faster. Also,avoid hair oiling and if you have dandruff then please use an anti dandruffshampoo on a regular basis and visit a dermatologist for the same nearby to youfor a session of chemical peel which will wade it off faster.Only visit adermatologist with good experience on same.

Ques. 3 Hello Doctor,

I am Keerti(name changed) and have been suffering fromvitiligo since age of 21 now I am 40 and have learnt to live with it. Only,problem is that it has come up with a new patch on my face which is disturbingme a lot and also making me conscious of going into the public. Please help andsuggest me a remedy atleast for my face as my husband and even children arebehaving odd now. 

Thanks. Keerti, Faridabad.

 Ans. 3 Hello Keerti, As you know you have vitiligo you must know it is anauto-immune condition, which means that your own body cells are going to fightagainst the pigmentation containing cells and keep on increasing these whitepatches. Common triggering factors known to increase this process are: stress,infections,pregnancy, diabetes,pain killers, fragrances, etc and since you havehad a new patch recently it’s an unstable form of vitiligo and I cannot suggestsurgery either for you. You must visit a dermatologist nearby to you who canprescribe good anti oxidant supplements and also give you maybe pulse steroidsto control this spread along with good ideal topical creams and ointments.Also, for face I suggest you must learn how to camouflage it as in the marketgood products like dermacolor which is the only medically prescribed camouflageof the world available at chemists which will definitely boost your confidence.

Ques. 4 Hello Doctor,

I am a television artist and problem is that due to regularlyputting make up my skin is very dry in the winters, and also the make-up lookspatchy on the face during winter season. Please advise me. 

Thanks Anonymous.

Ans.4 Hello!The problemthat you are facing is very common in people who use make up regularly andhence, I would suggest that you use a base of sunscreen in cream form below themake-up why I say sunscreen is because I am sure that you face the camera andlights a lot and that is also known to increase the pigmentation and producephotodamage and dryness of skin so a sunscreen is needed for you. Also, as soonas your shoot is over you must remove the make up with a cotton wool and amoisturizing cleanser or baby oil instead of toner. Please do not be harsh onyour skin to remove the make-up. Also, drinking a lot of water and keeping yourskin well hydrated at night will help. Using an ideal moisturizer at nightwhich contains vitamin e, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and oat meal according toyour skin type will definitely help.

Ques. 5 DearDoctor, 

I am a 31 years old male and use sunscreen of SPF30plus regularly butmy colour is dark and my wife is fairer. Also, I get regular facials but do notfind them very useful and also I have been avoiding getting out much in the sunbut no use. Please help. 

Thanks. Rajneesh.

Ans. 5 DearMr. Rajneesh, I am glad to hear you are using a sunscreen of good SPF. But Ihope you are using it 15 mins before going in the sun and reapplying every 3hours if sun exposure is present to reduce sun damage and further pigmentationfrom coming up. Also, for the skin color you need to use night creamscontaining lightening agents like arbutin,kojic acids,mulberry extractsaccording to your skin. Also, I would like to tell you that facials cannot makeanyone fairer however costly they are or of whatever brand and quality. Afacial can only give you a glow on face which is very temporary and makes theface looks clearer but, instead chemical peels which is done by a dermatologistwill help you get rid of the superficial skin layers that is stratum corneumevenly and hence, even out the pigment. Also, using an umbrella especially whenyou step out in the sun between 9-11am and 2-4pm will be a good idea as the UV Brays are very harsh at that time.MYTH OF THEMONTHI do not needa sunscreen in winters as there is no sun.Sunrays arealways penetrating the sky and evenly getting distributed on us. In fact, dueto global warming UVA and UVB rays are getting harsher and leading to moreincreased pigmentations, wrinkling, etc on us. So, wearing a sunscreen allthrough the year is important with minimum SPF of 20 plus. It should be applied10-15minutes before stepping out in the sun and reapplied after 3 hours and ifthere is make up on then either re-apply it on top or else pick up the newmake-up powders with a SPF of 20 at least to touch up so as to maintain theever youthful glow on your skin which you deserve.