Dr.Hanish
Babu, MD, dermatologist and venereologist provides the latest info on the causes
and treatment of common skin diseases. There are more than 250 articles on
skin diseases here.
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Skin Care Tips from Dermatologist: Home
Welcome to the Skin Care Tips
from Dermatologist provided by Dr.Hanish Babu, MD dermatologist and venereologist.
You will get latest info on the various causes
and treatment of skin diseases, care of normal skin as well as
diseased skin and also latest techniques in the management of skin
diseases on these pages.
You are also given
access to more than
200 articles on diagnosis and management of common skin diseases
that Dr.Hanish Babu, MD has written on Suite101.com, the popular online magazine
which has a readership of 29 million readers every month.
Palmoplantar pruritus
or itchy palms and soles have multiple causes like
atopy, dry skin, exposure to allergens and certain
systemic and skin diseases.
Causes of itchy scalp are many
and the condition is quite common. Finding the exact
cause of the itchy scalp is essential in deciding
how to treat the scalp itching.
Generalized itching in the absence of visible skin
rashes, called pruritus sine materia, can be
frustrating for both the patient and the treating
physician.
Basic Skin Care Tips for
Healthy, Clear and Beautiful Skin
Skin
is our body's first contact with the environment. Hence, our
surroundings have profound effect on the skin and its appendages
hair and nails. The texture, color and smoothness of the skin
reflect a person's health and beauty. People notice a person first
(the lasting impression!) from the appearance of the skin and
contour of the face. Hence maintaining a healthy, clear and
beautiful skin is not only important from aesthetic reasons, but
also from point of view of maintaining high self esteem, positive
mental attitude and self confidence.
Maintaining a healthy skin does not
depend upon regular usage of costly OTC cosmetic preparations, as
many advertisements would have you believe!
NO!
There is no need for strict,
obsessive-compulsive skin care routines either. In fact, you may
harm the skin due to over-enthusiastic cleansing and grooming!
Obtaining a flawless healthy skin is a
natural outcome of healthy living style!
Let us examine the factors that
contribute to the health of the skin, hair and nails. These will
provide us with a strong base while we consider the Skin Care in
general later on.
Skin Care Tips from Dermatologist:
6 Basic
Internal Skin Care Tips
Balanced Nutrition for a Healthy Skin
A
balanced diet of cereals, pulses, vegetables, meat, chicken, eggs
and fish laced with plenty of fresh salad and fruits will ensure
healthy glowing skin.
Most dermatology text books shy away from
blaming food habits and fads viz a viz skin health and diseases. But
from my experience of treating skin disease for the last 25 years, I
can definitely say that food does affect the skin in more ways than
we would care to admit! For example, it is well known that regular
intake of oily, fried or spicy foods invariably results in flare up
of pimples on acne prone skin. Some of these problem foods that may
cause pimples or breakouts include chocolates, cakes, fried food,
fast foods and fizzy drinks.
Adequate Hydration for a Healthy Skin
Drinking
adequate amount of water and fresh fruit juices will ensure the
suppleness and elasticity of the skin.
For normal, indoor
persons, daily intake of 8-10 glasses of water or fruit juices will
suffice. For those who go out, the intake should be double or triple
depending upon the sun exposure and humidity.
Regular Exercise:
Essential for Skin Health
Regular
exercise - walking, running, bicycling, engaging in sports - will
have a great impact on one's skin complexion. Increased blood flow
will bring in that extra warmth and glow to otherwise dull skin
complexion.
Exercise will not only help you maintain optimum skin
tone and texture, but it will also make you full of energy and
freshness and a general feeling of well being. Exercise is also a
great stress reliever.
Stress Management Necessary to Keep Away Skin Diseases
Stress and
prolonged, uncontrolled tension, anger, anxiety all are the nemesis
of good health in general and healthy skin in particular.
If you are
stressed out, it will reflect on your skin first! Continuous
perspiration will make the skin itchy and irritable; many stress
induced diseases like psoriasis, pruritus, urticaria manifests
themselves to damage the structure and integrity of the skin.
Adequate Sleep for Preserving Health of Skin
7-8 hours of
restful sleep is essential for good healthy skin.
Avoidance of Alcohol and DrugsHelp Keep Skin Healthy
Alcohol in excess may harm the skin by interfering with nutrient
absorption from the gut as well as by interfering with normal sleep
and rest.
Skin Care Tips from Dermatologist:
4 Basic
External Skin Care Tips
Regular Cleansing of the Skin Keeps it Healthy
Cleanse,
exfoliate, tone and moisturize…this daily routine should carry you
on your way toward
a healthier skin. Select a gentle skin cleansing
solution that works for your specific type of skin - dry, oily,
normal. Using your selected product, cleanse face in a circular
motion and rinse with lukewarm water, as hot water zaps skin's
moisture.
Follow the cleansing stage with an
exfoliant. A granular product is specially effective in smoothing
rough areas and releasing dead skin cells, allowing the face to be
better moisturized.
After the exfoliation process
concludes, use a toner or an astringent to tighten skin and remove
any makeup or cleanser residue. A nice alternative to a toner or
astringent would be doing a facial masque at least once a week,
which tackles clogged pores while also firming skin and leaving it
soft and silky.
Warning!
For those with sensitive skin, toners
are best avoided,
as the skin can get
irritated.
Finally, pat skin dry with a soft
towel but do not dry up all the water. Apply a moisturizer (with or
without sunscreen) to help protect skin from dryness. Those who have
oily skin do not have to moisturize as often as those who have dry,
normal or combination skin.
Use Moisturizers to
Keep the Skin Soft and Supple
Moisturizers can
be both water based or oil based. People with oily skin should
use water based moisturizers. Those with dry skin should use
oil based moisturizers. These should be applied immediately
after washing the skin to retain the moisture on the surface.
In winter, the application of moisturizers should be
carried out at
least twice daily without failure.
Use
Sunscreen to Avoid Premature Skin Aging
By using
a moderate strength sunscreen, you will be protecting your skin from
sun damage, skin cancer, aging and premature wrinkles. Too much sun
can blister one's lips, leaving them red, sore and charred.
Sunburned skin will eventually peel most times, leaving skin areas
blotchy and sensitive.
The best approach to preventing sunburn and
other sun-caused skin problems is to monitor how much time one
spends in the sun and to avoid sun exposure by using sunscreen with
SPF 15 or greater depending upon the skin type and the intensity of
the solar radiation.
Treat Skin Blemishes
early
Any skin blemishes should be treated immediately to avoid bigger, deeper scars later on.
Selecting the most effective skin lightener depends upon the depth
and extend of the pigmentation.
Products containing
hydroquinone should be avoided for period more than 3 months at a
stretch. Sunscreens should be used regularly during the treatment
period and afterwards also to prevent recurrences.
Dr.Hanish
Babu, MD is a non resident
Indian Dermatologist & Venereologist practicing in
Ajman, UAE. He is the author of the well known stress
management package
10 Days to Stress Free Life and a
net-entrepreneur. He is also a certified hypnotist, stress
management trainer and personality
development
trainer. He is the web editor of half a dozen web sites on
the above subjects.
Read Full Profile
Information on this site is provided for informational
purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own
dermatologist or other medical professional. You should not use the
information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or
disease, or prescribing any medication. Many skin diseases have similar
morphology and may resemble one another. But their treatment varies. Hence,
self diagnosis and treatment are not advised. In case of doubt always be on
the safer side and consult your dermatologist. Your online dermatologist
will give you special tips to deal with specific skin and cosmetic problems.
Information about each product is taken from the labels of
the products or from the manufacturer's advertising material. Skin Care Tips
From Dermatologist.com or Dr.Hanish Babu are not responsible for any
statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products.
We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product
formulation changes. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you
have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your
health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary
supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and
are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
