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Obesity is a condition with an excessive accumulation of fat in the body. Body Mass Index or BMI is a rough guide to ascertain whether a person is obese or not. BMI is the ratio of a person’s weight (in kilograms) to the square of his or her height (in meters). A person with BMI of 30 or above is considered as obese whereas one with a BMI between 25 to 30 is considered to be overweight
Microneedling is the name of a procedure that is carried out to stimulate remodeling of skin layers with the use of a device known as Dermapen. The procedure involves insertion of automatically controlled multiple vibrating needles into the skin to induce natural regeneration of skin components for wrinkle improvement, skin tightening, reduction in pore size, and improvement of stretch marks. Therefore, this basically is a technique by which body’s innate ability to repair skin through the production of collagen is utilized.
Finding the right doctor for oneself or one’s family can be a daunting task especially when the need arise suddenly. Nevertheless, it is an exercise that pays rich dividends in the form of confidence, appropriate attention, and good health. Therefore, our first suggestion to readers is to engage in this exercise at the earliest. There is no single formula that can help achieve this objective for everyone as people have different needs, options, and priorities based upon myriad factors.
Boils (Other names: Abscess; Carbuncle when multiple boils fuse; Furuncle when hair root is involved; Sty when eyelids are involved) A boil is a bacterial infection of the skin of any area(s) showing stages of a reddish area at first, then a hardened lump, and finally changing into a lump filled with pus that often shows through the top. The lesions may be single or multiple and generally surround a hair root or skin gland. Boils occur as a result of an infection with germs called Staphylococcus aureus popularly known as Staph. The bacteria reach deeper layers of skin following cuts, alongside hairs, insect bites, or a preexisting skin disease. These germs tend to build a wall around their colonies which makes penetration of killing agents difficult. Certain conditions help bacteria breach body’s natural disease fighting capacity to let the bacteria attack. Such conditions include poor personal hygiene/ a close contact with an infected person, diabetes, use of resistance lowering medications like chemotherapy or steroids. Symptoms of boil may additionally include swelling of lymph glands, fever, and weakness. Boils is a common condition and runs the risk of taking serious turn if not handled properly. The germs can spread to blood, bones, brain or heart. Several varieties of germs have become unresponsive to commonly used antibacterial agents. Emerging drug resistance in bacteria in Staph has become a major concern due to difficulty in treatment and risk of spread in communities. Infections like boils are one of the commonest causes for abstention from work, discomfort, and financial loss. A considerable burden due to boils can be reduced with proper handling of this condition.
It is an infective condition of the groins that is caused by fungi with a tendency to grow rapidly in hot, humid areas of the body especially the ones that are prone to repeated friction
Sunscreening Agents Sunscreens are protective skin applications that keep your skin protected from harmful ultraviolet rays present in the sunlight and other sources
Dandruff is a common problem that can be controlled while its complete elimination is not possible. Aim of various measures for dandruff control is to minimize likelihood of development of unpleasant symptoms and effects (like soreness, hair fall). It is reported that nearly half of the population has symptoms of this malady.
The information pertaining to the use of special light rays is useful for Vitiligo and Psoriasis as well
Excessive hair loss from the scalp is an extremely common condition. We either experience it ourselves or hear about this condition someone who is close to us. This happens to be the case far more frequently than any other hair problem.
Whatever begins has to come to an end some day. This applies equally well to the menstrual cycle or periods of women.
Scabies is an itchy condition of the skin, seen in human beings, caused by a small organism with itching of various grades getting more intense in the late evenings and night. It infectious and close contact is the commonest mode by which it spreads from one person to another.
With every passing year, the skin continues to get thinner and less elastic which shows up as increased the lines and furrows on its surface known as wrinkles. Eventually every one of us is going to get wrinkles. However it is possible to prevent and treat wrinkles using modalities that are much less cumbersome, safe, effective, and are research based
The cause of pimples is a hormone-based blockage of skin pores and tiny pipes leading to them through which skin secretions escape on to the surface. This blockage causes swelling of target skin glands with bacterial growth and pus formation.
Alzheimer’s disease is a slowly progressive set of behavioural and clinical features that include dementia and may or may not include forgetfulness, difficulty in problem solving, declining decision making capability, change in mood or behaviour, and ability to reason. Though Alzheimer’s is a disease of the elderly, but an early onset variant too is known to occur.
Hypertension is one of the commonest diseases in which there is an excess pressure exerted by the flowing blood against the walls of vessels which exceeds desirable levels. Hypertension can have no symptoms for long periods of time thereby silently damaging susceptible organs
The chemicals used in peeling depend upon various factors. Generally speaking, stronger chemicals are needed when a peel is required to reach deeper layers of the skin. The risks associated with deep peels obviously are more as they penetrate as deep as dermis which increases the down time and slows down healing process.
Head lice (lice is the plural of louse) is one of the commonest parasitic infestations involving infection of hairy areas (usually scalp) with the adult mites and their eggs leading to varying degrees of skin and hair changes
CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) CPR is an emergency combination akin to making available an artificial heart and lungs to a person so desperately in need of them that he or she may lose life for want of it. CPR comprises of techniques designed to be carried out by a person without any healthcare background as you never know when you may be called upon to save a life.
Diabetes or “sugar” manifests itself in myriad presentations. Surprisingly enough, it is one of those diseases that happen to be diagnosed accidentally as the affected individual is more likely to have approached healthcare provider for a seemingly different reason. Since our skin is highly sensitive to changes in blood sugar levels, it very often gets involved in diabetes. There is research based evidence to prove that 30-70% of diabetics develop skin problems. That explains why it is so important to pay attention to the skin for diabetics or those at risk. The sensitivity of skin ranges from subtle to established changes which can precede or accompany raised blood sugar levels.
Alcohol is one of the commonest substances that cause dependence that is in use in vast geographical regions of the world. Apart from its intoxicating and dependence causing effects, alcohol is directly responsible for adverse events related to health, marital discord, social interactions, crime, road safety, and longevity
A common condition of blood insufficient oxygenation that affects millions worldwide, sometimes without their knowledge
Urticaria (Common name: Hives) It is skin condition in which usually there is sudden outbreak of pinkish bumps of various shapes and sizes in one or more areas.
Breastfeeding of infants and young children is a moral, natural, and unique function that women engage with their infants and young children with unparalleled advantages for themselves, their recipients, communities, and the humanity.
Ageing is a natural and physiological set of processes characterized by a gradual decline in the structural and functional capabilities of an individual with the passage of time
Patchy hair loss or Alopecia Areata (AA) is a common hair condition in which one or more bald (hairless) patches develop in the hairy regions of the body. The body areas commonly affected by AA are the scalp, eyebrows, beard, moustache, and limbs but any other areas might be affected.
Tobacco smoking has been, and still is, a major cause for disease and death among human beings. It is responsible for every fifth death in America. The number of deaths caused collectively by drugs, HIV, motor vehicles accidents, alcohol, and firearm accidents, all combined, are still less as compared to the number of deaths due to tobacco smoking. No human organ is immune to the adverse impacts of tobacco smoke. It is indeed shocking that the menace of tobacco smoking is on the rise. According to 2012 data, nearly one billion people were daily smokers as against just 721million in 1980. Nearly 6 million deaths due to tobacco smoking are reported every year and this figure is rising every year. It is estimated that in the next 15 years tobacco smoking related deaths could touch the 8 million mark.
Fractional Laser is a method of using Lasers in such a way wherein very small columns of area are treated leaving gaps between them instead of treating the whole area. The gaps are controlled by computer generated settings and it reduces healing time to yield results superior to other methods.
Psoriasis is an incurable long-running disease primarily affecting skin, and sometimes joints and nails in addition or in isolation that results in red scaly patches wherein skin is involved. Some patients have localized lesions confined to palms and soles, or only nails and or joints
Millions of people are unhappy with their skin tones. Most of them have a wheatish, tanned, and darker complexion. Most such people have a self- perceived or subjective notion about their skin complexion whereas the concerns of some are genuine. These subjects tend to spend a lot of money and effort to lighten their complexion but the outcome is rarely commensurate with their expectations.
Influenza is a viral disease with global distribution and is characterized by sudden onset of fever, malaise, joint pains, running nose, and infection of the throat, nasal passages, respiratory passages, and the lungs
The problem of under eye dark circles is one of the commonest cosmetic concerns due to which patients get anxious, psychological stress, and frustration. Most patients fail to understand its reasons and remedies and tend to waste resources on promises and advertised products but are disappointed with alternative measures.
Pityriasis Versicolor (Other Name: Tinea Versicolor) Pityriasis Versicolor is one of the commonest fungal skin infections which causes light or dark different colored patches on skin that stand out against the background of surrounding normal skin. The patches may be scaly and it usually affects adults
Adolescents are the individuals between the ages of 10 and 19. This period of one’s life is a transitional phase with a strong bearing upon one’s current and future health.
We recommend use of Tretinoin as it is an established and effective treatment option for pimples and certain other disorders. The drug is approved by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) of the USA. It is widely used for the treatment of wrinkles, pimples, enlarged skin pores, and skin blemishes across the globe.
Pityriasis Alba is one of the commonest skin conditions affecting children of either sex belonging to 3-16 years age group. The oval and light colored skin patches numbering one to many with slow recovery but having considerable size of few centimeters are usually a major cause of worry for parents due to their presence mainly over face, shoulders, arms, and upper trunk areas
Herpes Zoster (Common Name: Shingles, In Latin, Shingles means a band) Herpes Zoster is an acute viral condition involving skin and nerves that manifests as painful bunches of blisters over a reddish base arranged in a band like fashion along the distribution of one or more nerves over one side of the body Herpes Zoster (HZ) shows wide variation in its features. The range of variation may vary from being so mild as to be barely noticeable to so severe that might result in disfigurement, paralysis, and brain infection. The classical picture shows bunches of blisters over reddish skin areas that are arranged like a band or stripe. The pain accompanying blisters and persisting after healing, known as Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) can be extremely severe and unbearable.. A lack of awareness about the disease is known to result in errors in diagnosis and management. An accurate knowledge about how to deal with Herpes Zoster can save a lot of physical and financial burden.
This is an infective condition of the skin that is caused by fungus which has tendency to grow fast in the hot, humid regions of the body.
Leucoderma (White Spot Disease) Medical name: Vitiligo Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by total loss of skin color in affected patches.
Healthy nails not only look beautiful and contribute to one’s personality but are also a reliable indicator of overall health of an individual Nail health tends to be neglected by a majority of the people because of lack of awareness. It is desirable that the nails should receive good attention. Let us explore various measures to keep nails in good looking and healthy and stay away from behaviors that deform or infect them
Self-medication Self-medication is an individual behavior that refers to the consumption of a pharmaceutical agent in violation of relevant guidelines in order to influence health status Self-medication is a rampant and global phenomenon. It is a controversial behavior that can has some benefits but might also lead to serious adverse impact. The final outcome of such a practice depends upon the manner in which it is carried out. As of now, there is a considerable ambiguity surrounding this practice. On the positive side, self-medication is known to offer an alternative to the problems of inadequate access to healthcare whereas on the other side, it is fraught with the risks of inducing toxicity and dependence. This article touches upon the reasons, consequences, and measures to how the best it can be put to a beneficial use.
Eczema is a broad term used to describe redness, swelling, pain, and increased warmth of superficial layers of skin. Usually eczemas are itchy but these may or may not be dry. Discoid or Nummular eczema is a long duration variety of eczema in which initial lesions are coin or disc shaped having alternate cycles of healing and activity. Discoid Eczema is distinct as it arises without a known cause, runs a prolonged course, and has no permanent cure. However, it responds favorably to simple measures and most patients can help themselves to a great extent with adequate knowledge and support.
The property of certain lasers to target pigment and destroy structures carrying pigment like hair follicles forms the basic principle of laser mediated hair reduction. The hair follicles thus treated either become weak or get completely destroyed which adversely affects their growth and they tend to shed off.
Air pollution is becoming a major concern for skin related ailments. We hereby offer you practical suggestions to protect your skin, the natural protector of our bodies, from the harmful effect of air pollution that we encounter in our daily routines.
Trichoscopy in Hair & Scalp Disorders Trichoscopy is an examination based on magnification process to visualize detailed structure of scalp and hairs with a digital magnifier recordable, comparable, and convenient analysis. Scalp and hairs have unique characteristics that are peculiar to respective conditions. However, such characteristics are barely visible to naked eye. Not until long ago, there was a paucity of methods to study such characteristics in sufficient detail to be useful for clinical applications. Trichoscopy offers advantages like assessing the status of normal and affected scalp and hairs, diagnosing or ruling out certain conditions, measuring progress in a case, localizing areas for procedures like a biopsy, as well as in maintaining visual records. Additionally, this procedure offers convenience, low cost, no down time, capability to capture video, and plan effective treatment strategies. With the use of Trichoscopy, both the patients and healthcare service providers stand to gain in terms of speed, accuracy, and costs connected with scalp and hair conditions.
Lichen Planus is a condition in which the defect lies in the body’s defense mechanism, causing damage to the inner lining of mouth. This condition can be precipitated by an allergy to dental materials, oral products, bad oral hygiene, certain medicines (Aspirin type compounds, Sulfonamides, antimalarial drugs, Beta Blockers, or ACE inhibitors that are use for the control of high blood pressure).
Cold Sores (Alternative Names: Herpes Labialis, Fever Blisters, Non Genital Herpes Simplex) Cold sores are a blistering viral condition occurring most commonly in groups on the lips or skin around them, and rarely elsewhere on the body, that heal in about a week undergoing through stages of oozing, crusting, and new skin formation. More than nine out of every ten people get cold sores at least once in their lifetime. Though generally a mild infection, the cold sores may turn serious in certain conditions in which body’s natural disease fighting capacity is compromised and rarely the infection may spread beyond its original site of infection to distant locations on the self or contacts. The worldwide distribution, recurring physical discomfort, and potential to transform into life threatening situations coupled with inadequate mass awareness justify bringing relevant knowledge and prevention measures into public domain.
Paronychia (Alternative Names: Nail Infection) Paronychia is an infection of the skin and soft tissue around one or several toenails or fingernails. A rapidly developing infection of less than six weeks duration is called an acute infection, while other cases are called chronic paronychia. Acute cases are generally due to bacterial infection whereas chronic cases have infection with mixed types of germs. Most cases of paronychia can be controlled by early detection and appropriate simple measures. A basic knowledge of preventive and self help measures can help reduce patient burden.
Hot climate challenges a majority of the world population as the most populous regions of earth are prone to high temperatures for varying duration in any given year. The climate change and global warming have further compounded a common interest in issues faced by people. The outside temperatures can go up by more than 10 degrees Celsius beyond our body temperature (37 degrees C), and stay stuck high for days to weeks at a stretch. This puts a strain on our body systems which sometimes exceeds our capacities to cope.
Access to healthcare is not easy for everyone. Such an access can be readily available for some while for others it may be difficult to extremely difficult or sometimes even unavailable due to several factors
Herpes Genitalis (Alternative Names: Genital Herpes, Herpes Progenitalis, Anogenital Herpes Viral infection) Herpes Genitalis (HG) is a sexually transmitted blistering viral condition occurring most commonly in groups on the surface lining of genitals or areas around them, that break down quickly to form sores healing in few days to a couple of weeks with a tendency to recur Some cases might have no visible features. It is reported that nearly 10 million cases of HG arise annually in India alone whereas more than 15% population between 14-49 years age group in the US have evidence of a past or current HG. Though generally a mild infection, HG may turn serious in certain conditions including those associated with a weak body defense mechanism, pregnancy, spread to other organs, and a simultaneous infection with HIV/AIDS. The worldwide distribution, absence of a complete cure, high risk of transmission, recurrences, spread to other body organs, and potential to adversely impact pregnancy outcomes increase the significance of HG infection as community issue. We believe that awareness about infection and measures to deal with it can help save burden for both patients and the healthcare delivery system.
Rainy season make it easier for us to catch several skin conditions. These may range from prickly heat, boils, fungal infections, nail infections, insect bites, eczemas and allergies
Physical activity is movement of body muscles accompanied by burning of calories. Physical activity is so important for normal health that a modest regular physical activity has the potential to check overweight, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, fractures, cancers, and depression.
Hair graying is a part of natural aging process. Individuals presenting with graying of hairs by a decade or more than the usual norm for their racial characteristics are labeled as having premature graying. Premature graying of hairs may cause significant concern, embarrassment, and social anxiety in some individuals and among their close circle which might interfere with their normal routine as also burden them with botheration and expenditure for seeking opinions and trying different remedies. Through this article, we have made an attempt to clarify certain myths around this condition and place facts before our readers so that they stay well informed and thus are better equipped to handle the situation.
The term LASER is short form of a light that has unique characteristics which make it suitable for medical and surgical applications. Some of these characteristics include ability of these rays to modify body constituents without affecting surrounding structures.
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