Frequently Asked Questions

Hair loss could be due to several reasons. For example, about 3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery, you may suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness and is temporary. Hormonal problems like that of the thyroid may cause hair loss. This hair loss usually can be helped by treating the thyroid disease. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Correcting the hormone imbalance may stop the hair loss. Many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they've had a baby. This loss is also related to hormones. Some medicines can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine. Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines used for gout, medicines used in chemotherapy to treat cancer, vitamin A (if too much is taken), birth control pills and antidepressants. Certain infections can cause hair loss. Fungal infections of the scalp can cause hair loss in children. The infection is easily treated with antifungal medicines. Hair loss may also occur as part of an underlying disease, such as lupus or diabetes. Since hair loss may be an early sign of a disease, it is important to find the cause so that it can be treated. Following a proper nutritious diet is extremely important to prevent hair fall. Also, you could try bending your head while shampooing and massage your scalp. This will increase blood circulation to the scalp. Get rid of stress and this is most dangerous for your hair. Get adequate sleep. Like a healthy body, healthy hair too needs adequate nutrition and sleep.

A well-balanced diet is the most important factor to combat hair loss. Apart from this, various external factors like stress, pollution, hard water etc. can also cause hair loss. You could try regular oil massage, in order to improve the blood circulation to your scalp, which would promote hair growth. Also, application of bhringraj, hibiscus, brahmi and amla pastes to your scalp may promote hair growth. I would also suggest that you see a dermatologist to find out if there are any medical problems causing your hair loss.

Stress could lead to all the symptoms that you have mentioned. Are you worried about something? If so, try addressing the issue. Hair loss and premature graying could also be due to several other factors, e.g., if the water in your area is very hard or if you are not getting the right kind of nourishment and adequate physical and mental rest. So, I suggest that you eat healthy food and avoid eating junk food as far as possible. Try eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Another important aspect is to start exercising regularly. Exercise releases endorphins, which can make you feel very good. Always harbor positive thoughts—just like it is said that a sound mind in a sound body, the opposite is also true—a sound body is possible only when the mind is sound!

Dandruff is caused by a fungus known as Malazzesia globosa. This fungus is commonly found floating in the air which is why dandruff can be treated, but not cured. In addition to the scaling which characterizes dandruff, the condition also can lead to hair loss. Dandruff causes itching, and studies have shown that with only 90 min of continuous scratching by the fingernails, it is possible to remove all of the cuticular scale, a protective covering on individual hairs, from the hair shaft. This loss leaves the hair shaft weakened and permanently damaged, making it easily susceptible to breakage and hair loss. It is important to treat dandruff. The most effective dandruff shampoos and conditioners contain zinc pyrithione, which leave behind thin plate-like pieces of medicine on the scalp to prevent regrowth of the fungus, thus acting as a preventive measure for both dandruff and the hair loss associated with scratching. It is important to keep your hair healthy by eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding overprocessing with chemicals and using styling tools that are flexible and easily slip through hair. I would suggest that you visit a dermatologist and get the appropriate treatment.

The chemicals used for perming are harsh and hence, it is important that contact with the skin be minimized. Modern chemicals are less irritating, but measures should still be taken to reduce contact with anything other than hair. A poorly performed perming results in breakage of the disulfide bonds through chemical reduction, because it fails to fix the newly formed bonds. This results in hair that is no longer elastic and flexible, but brittle and fragile. Even combing the hair will result in hair loss. The good news is that in all this, the hair follicle is not damaged and the hair will regrow. So, this is only a temporary phase and your hair will grow back.

You should regularly exercise and eat healthy. Try regular jogging/brisk walking. Also, try and join a gym to get regular work outs. Swimming is also very good. Another important aspect is eating healthy food. Avoid oily, fried foods and also junk food like pizzas and burgers. If you are a rice eater, reduce the quantity of rice. Replace it with chapathis. Eat a lot of vegetables and fruits. Try eating small quantities at frequent intervals. Do not fast or try fad diets, since these adversely affect your health: can even cause cardiovascular problems. In spite of all this, if you do not lose weight, see a doctor to check if you have any medical problems leading to obesity. Hair loss could be due to several reasons. Stress is the major culprit. Are you worried about something? If so, try addressing the issue. Hair loss could also be due to several other factors, for example, if the water in your area is very hard or if you are not getting the right kind of nourishment and adequate physical and mental rest. Always harbor positive thoughts—just like it is said that “a sound mind in a sound body”, the opposite is also true—a sound body is possible only when the mind is sound!

Oily skin is due to overproductive sebaceous glands. The good news is that oily skin is generally slower to show fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. The flipside is that there can be more frequent breakouts, large pores and a greasy appearance. You could do the following steps to reduce the negative effects: • Wash your face 2–3 times daily with a good soap and water. Any soap that suits your skin is fine. • Use warm water for bathing, since hot water can strip your skin of needed moisture, while cold water can shock your skin. • Use oil-free sunscreens and moisturizers. • Remember that oil glands are very sensitive. Stimuli such as hormones, heat and fatty food can trigger them. • Remember that beyond all this, some studies indicate that oily skin is hereditary. Dandruff is caused by a fungus known as Malazzesia globosa. This fungus is commonly found floating in the air which is why dandruff can be treated, but not cured. In addition to the scaling which characterizes dandruff, the condition also can lead to hair loss. Dandruff causes itching, and studies have shown that with only 90 min of continuous scratching by the fingernails, it is possible to remove all of the cuticular scale, a protective covering on individual hairs, from the hair shaft. This loss leaves the hair shaft weakened and permanently damaged, making it easily susceptible to breakage and hair loss. Dandruff can usually be controlled. Mild cases may need nothing more than daily shampooing with a gentle cleanser; and stubborn flakes often respond to medicated shampoos. The most effective dandruff shampoos and conditioners contain zinc pyrithione, which leave behind thin plate-like pieces of medicine on the scalp to prevent regrowth of the fungus, thus acting as a preventive measure for both dandruff and the hair loss associated with scratching. It is important to keep your hair healthy by eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding overprocessing with chemicals and using styling tools that are flexible and easily slip through hair. I would suggest that you visit a dermatologist and get the appropriate treatment.

These black marks could be black heads. It could also be an allergic reaction. Sun exposure is another important factor. Uneven tanning due to exposure to sunlight also is majorly responsible for black pigmentation. Stress and an imbalanced diet could also lead to almost any problem, including pigmentation problems. Try using a sunscreen with an SPF of more 15 regularly. Avoid any unwanted exposure to sunlight, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, when the UV radiations are most intense. Also, eat a healthy diet, try techniques like yoga to relax yourself. I would also suggest that you meet a dermatologist since he/she can evaluate the exact cause of your problem, and treat you accordingly.

Brittle fingernail is a frequently encountered problem, especially in women. This may be caused by trauma, such as repeated wetting and drying, repeated exposure to detergents and water, and excessive exposure to harsh solvents, such as those found in nail polish remover. If your nails are regularly exposed to any of these, try protective gloves when washing dishes and doing other chores. In the case of nail polish remover, use gentler, less toxic brands. I would also suggest that eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet. Avoid junk foods. Nail brittleness may also be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as Raynaud’s disease, hypothyroidism or lung conditions. Other possible causes include skin diseases (psoriasis, lichen planus and alopecia areata) as well as endocrine disorders, tuberculosis, Sjogren's syndrome and malnutrition. Selenium poisoning can also cause brittle nails. Because of all these possibilities, it is important that you discuss with your physician and have yourself examined to rule out any underlying illness.

Hair loss is a frequently encountered problem in people with thyroid disorders. But with treatment of the thyroid problem, this loss can be mostly reversed. If you have just started treatment for hyperthyroidism, it is likely that the loss will slow down, and eventually stop, once hormone levels are stabilized and in the normal range. This may take a few months, however. Also, try taking multivitamin supplements. Consume a healthy and nutritious diet and exercise regularly. These should definitely help. I would also suggest that you discuss this problem with your endocrinologist. He would be able to guide you properly regarding managing your hair loss. He might reevaluate if you on the right medication and the right dosage of the medication. Else, he might want to change the dosage of the current drug or add another drug.

You are definitely not alone to worry about stretch marks on your body. Many teenage girls have stretch marks because of the rapid body growth that takes place during this period. Stretch marks usually appear on the breast, thighs, hips and butt. The website could be of great help to gather information about stretch marks and find ways to deal with it. In fact, there is an article on stretch marks addressing various aspects—causes, prevention and tips to reduce stretch marks. You may access the article in this link: http://indianwomenshealth.com/Stretch-Marks-95.aspx. We are positive that the website will give you abundant information about stretch marks and address your need. However, do keep us posted if you need any further help in this regard or you have any specific query to be answered.

Knowing your hair type will help you to choose the right shampoo and conditioner for you. For more details, please check our articles “Know your hair”, “Shampooing tips”, “Conditioning your hair”, etc. on the website under healthy looking section at http://indianwomenshealth.com/Know-Your-Hair-131.aspx. We are positive that the website will give you abundant information and address your need. However, do keep us posted if you need any further help in this regard.

Waxing of underarms usually does not darken underarms as waxing removes hair from the roots, so no hair is left under the skin. Waxing also removes dead cells from your armpits. The main causes of dark underarms are excessive perspiration. Ensure that you are not keeping the hair in your underarms too long. So, you should get your underarms waxed every 15 days. Avoid wearing tight dresses as it may cause excessive sweating and affect the area to some extent. Even friction can cause your underarm area to darken. You can also start off by following a weekly routine of gently exfoliating the skin in your underarms. This will help to remove the top layer of dead skin that is contributing to the darkness. Scrubbing your underarms daily with a pumice stone after applying soap while taking a shower may also help.