ASK A DERMATOLOGIST


I’ve tried a lot of sunscreens but I still seem to get very tanned. How do I choose the right sunscreen and SPF for myself?

Sunscreen helps guard against harmful UV rays, however it is still possible to get tanned while wearing sunscreen. UV rays are considered the dominant tanning rays. For best protection, you must use a broad spectrum sunscreen – they protect against both UVB and UVA rays. But it's important to note that no sunscreen blocks 100 percent of UV rays, even ultrahigh SPFs are not anymore protective than SPFs of 30 or 50. You also need to cover up with clothing and a hat, seek the shade, and try to avoid sun exposure during peak hours between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

I’ve recently been diagnosed with psoriasis and I have been taking medications but besides medication, what other treatments are available that might help me?

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin, in the form of scaly red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful. This disease has a relapsing and a remitting pattern. It may also affect your scalp, nails and joints. Obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, insulin resistance, and fatty liver have shown a strong association with psoriasis. Stress has shown to aggravate the disease. A low caloric diet, high in calcium and vitamin D should be helpful in keeping the disease in control. Moisturising your skin frequently, avoidance of trauma, scratches, nicks, cuts and bug bites will prevent from new lesions to appear. You can apply a cold compress over swollen/ inflamed lesions.

Apply your medication as per your doctor’s directions until the lesions clear up. For best results, use a lotion during the day, also apply a cream or an ointment before you go to bed. Your dermatologist will prescribe you tar containing products along with steroid preparations. There are many alternatives with lesser side effects and better tolerance. According to the severity, we may prescribe a UV light therapy. The new kid on the block is Biologics. This treatment is showing great results in non responders too. You can discuss about latest treatment options with your dermatologist if your disease is not responding well to conventional treatment options.

Is there a way I can get rid of my ‘panda eyes’?

Dark circles AKA panda eyes may be caused by a lot of factors. Lack of sleep being one of the most common ones in the list. Genetics also play a role here if you have started to have them early or could be due to certain underlying medical conditions. Treatment regime includes four steps.

1. Look for the aggravating factors and make sure you address them.

2. Sun protection.

3. Moisturiser.

4. Depigmenting night cream.

I’ve heard a lot of positive reviews about using mayonnaise for hair health. Your two cents?

Mayonnaise is great for hydration and deep conditioning. It restores the soft and smooth texture and makes dull and luster-less hair shinny, smooth and easy to manage. You can safely use it once a week as a deep conditioning hair mask.

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