Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment.

How it spreads

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. Generally, these droplets are too heavy to hang in the air and quickly fall on floors or surfaces. You can be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth.

To know more about COVID-19 and it’s associated clinical features, check out this link: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

COVID-19 and Skin¹

COVID-19 has many effects on our skin, hair and nails. Some of the conditions are directly due to the disease and some of them are due to reduced immunity after the infection and in some situations, even because of the medicines taken for COVID-19. Expertise in recognising these signs could be an opportunity to improve diagnosis and management like the well-described association with loss of smell (anosmia) which prompts suspicion for SARS-CoV-2 infection. In an effort to have an extensive database of skin manifestations, health care workers around the globe have submitted data for possible cutaneous manifestations of confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19.

The most common morphologies of skin rash were:

• Morbilliform (22%)
• Pernio-like (18%)
• Urticarial (16%)
• Macular erythema (13%)
• Vesicular (11%)
• Papulosquamous (9.9%)
• Retiform purpura (6.4%)

A minority of patients presented with multiple morphologies which included two or more patterns of the above in varying combinations.

When does it occur?

• After the symptoms – 64%
• During the symptoms – 15%
• Before the symptoms – 12%
• Asymptomatic – 9%

Lesions generally occurred after the symptoms subsided.

How long will it last?

Skin symptoms and affected body sites varied depending on the morphology. For example, the morbilliform rash was often associated with itching and involved the trunk, whereas pernio-like often caused pain/burning and involved the feet/hands. Retiform purpura was on the extremities and buttocks. The rashes lasted an average of 7 days (3-10 days). Pernio-like has a longer course, with an average of 14 days (8-24 days).

What should I do?

Do not worry if you have skin manifestations as they are generally not life-threatening. If you have developed a skin rash due to COVID-19, then it is important to follow the guidelines and remain in quarantine or the hospital and continue the isolation or treatment as suggested by your physician. That will depend on the severity of the infection and the symptoms of the infection. In addition, if the lesions are symptomatic and causing discomfort then you can consult a skin specialist near you.

Other Skin Manifestations

Herpes Zoster: It is a viral infection that affects the skin and nerves. They may occur after COVID-19 infection or in some cases even after vaccination. It is important to treat the condition early as that can help in full recovery and prevent long term nerve pain.

Other opportunistic infections: Many other fungal and other microbial infections may affect the skin due to reduced immunity during or after COVID-19 infection and sometimes, even due to the medicines taken for the infection.

Skin Necrosis: The patient often requires invasive mechanical ventilation which can cause pressure injury on the nose, cheeks and other parts of the face. Pressure injury on the buttocks due to prolonged hospitalisation is also common.

Skin peeling: This is usually seen in the palms and soles after the patient has recovered from COVID-19 and is also known as acral desquamation. The prevalence of hand dermatitis has also increased due to frequent use of alcohol-based sanitisers.

Hair shedding: Also known as telogen effluvium, it is a self-limiting condition that may occur within 6 months of infection and can take a few months to recover from.

Why does COVID-19 cause skin changes?

Although we have identified various dermatologic manifestations of COVID-19 to improve understanding of SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology, the exact cause remains unknown. Previously, Suchonwanit et al proposed that cutaneous manifestations may present in 2 mechanistic patterns. Although this suggested dichotomy is a loose framework, it may prove a good starting point to consider our findings:

1. Clinical features similar to viral exanthems, an immune response to viral nucleotides
2. Cutaneous lesions are secondary to systemic consequences, especially vasculitis and thrombotic vasculopathy.

Conclusion

The study is limited by the constraints of a case series, which cannot accurately estimate the prevalence or incidence of these findings. The incidence of COVID-19 dermatologic manifestation remains unclear, with studies reporting 0.2% to 20%. There also remains the possibility of bias due to attribution error, given the reliance on providers’ judgment in entering data regarding whether findings were virus related, were from a medication, or were from other causes. Although providers were prompted for case updates, most reports represent a single snapshot, preventing full observation of dermatologic manifestations, disease complications, and follow-up testing.

However, the study goes a long way to show the patterns of skin manifestations due to COVID-19 and can help provide vital information to healthcare providers and patients.

For more information on skin and hair manifestations due to COVID-19, contact a certified dermatologist.

1. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology – Volume 83 Issue 4 Pages 1118-1129 (October 2020) DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.06.1016

FPHL is actually the most common cause of hair loss in females. Usually, FPHL begins when a woman is in her 40s. However, it can begin earlier for some women. FPHL is a progressive condition which means that women tend to continue losing hair. But unlike men, women do not lose all of their hair. Instead, the parting often gets wider. Hair near the temples may also recede in some cases. Without treatment, some women eventually develop widespread thinning.

Treatment can prevent hair loss in females from worsening and help women regrow their hair but the best results happen only when it is started at the first sign of hair loss.

Hair Shedding (also known as Telogen Effluvium) is more rapid wherein there is temporary hair loss due to the excessive shedding of telogen hair (hair in resting phase) after some illness, stress or deficiency. However, there may not be any visible bald spots and the hair tends to regrow in a few month’s time.

How can I tell if I have female pattern hair loss?

It’s best to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing the cause of hair fall and treating hair loss. A dermatologist can tell you whether it’s FPHL or something else that is causing your hair loss. Other causes of hair loss can look like FPHL, so it’s important to rule out those causes.

How can I tell if I have telogen effluvium or diffuse hair fall?

To know more about the most common causes of hair fall, check out Top 10 Causes of Hair Fall.

What causes female pattern hair loss?

FPHL is primarily a genetic condition that causes progressive hair loss in females. Click here to know about the causes of FPHL which is the type of Androgenic Alopecia.

How do dermatologists treat female pattern hair loss?

The most commonly prescribed medicine for FPHL is minoxidil which still remains the gold standard for treating hair loss in females. You can read about this hair growth medicine and how to use it in – All About Minoxidil.

If you want to know all the treatment options available for hair loss in females then check out the treatment of FPHL here.

When will I see results? Hair grows slowly, so it takes time to see results. You’ll need to use minoxidil continuously for at least 6 months to see the results. If this medication works for you, you’ll need to use it every day to continue getting results. When you stop applying minoxidil, the hair that grew because of minoxidil will gradually begin to fall out and your hair loss can continue.

Prescription medications: Your hair specialist can prescribe some medications which have proven to be effective in helping women with FPHL grow hair and prevent FPHL from worsening. These include:

• Spironolactone.
• Finasteride
• Flutamide
• Dutasteride

With any medication, side effects are possible. Ask your dermatologist about possible side effects that you might experience while taking one of these medications.

When will I see results? If your dermatologist prescribes one of these medications, you’ll need to take it for at least 6-12 months to see good results. Like minoxidil, once you stop taking a prescription medication, you may lose the hair which grew. This may happen in about three to four months.

Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should not take prescription hair-loss medicines. Dermatologists recommend that all pre-menopausal women use birth control while taking one of these prescription medications.

Hair transplant: It has been used to treat hair loss in men for a long time and may be an option for some women with FPHL. Today, most hair transplants look completely natural. Not everyone is a good candidate for a hair transplant though. If the hair on your scalp is sparse all over, you may not have enough healthy hair to transplant. Consult your hair specialist to know more about hair transplant.

Are there other treatment options for FPHL? 

Women want innovative treatments for FPHL. To meet this need, researchers continue to look for new ways to stimulate hair growth and stop hair breakage. Other treatments that you may find for FPHL include the following.

Redensyl: This is a newer formulation that acts as regenerative medicine and targets the hair follicle stem cells, called the outer root sheath cells. Hair follicle stem cells play a big role in hair growth and are critical in initiating the anagen phase of the hair cycle (growth phase). And while it triggers the growing phase of hair growth, it also works to prevent the telogen phase (resting phase), meaning your hair has a longer period of growth before that follicle rests again. In this way, it helps your hair follicles favour growth over loss, helping to increase the overall number of hairs on your head, as well as the quality and length of those hairs.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP): This therapy uses your own blood. The blood is drawn and placed into a machine that separates the blood into its different components. The platelets, which are a type of blood cell containing various growth factors, are treated and injected into your scalp. This helps stimulate your cells to grow hair. 

Lasers: The FDA has approved laser combs, helmets, and other devices, which are available without a prescription, to treat hair loss at home. These devices emit a low level of laser light that may help stimulate new hair growth. A few studies show that this can be effective for treating FPHL. 

Stem cells: Using stem cells to treat FPHL is still in the experimental stages. 

Supplements: Many supplements, including biotin and folic acid, are said to help grow and thicken hair. In studying these different supplements, the findings have been mixed. In most studies, the supplements had no effect on hair growth and thickness. In one study, however, 120 healthy women had thicker hair and less hair loss after taking specific omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. They took this combination for six months. If these results can be repeated in other studies, we’ll have some evidence to recommend taking these supplements. 

You will find many supplements that promise to regrow hair. Before taking any of these, it’s best to check with your dermatologist. Some supplements can interact with medications. Your dermatologist can also tell you whether we have any evidence to show that the supplement helps regrow hair. 

Hair loss shampoos/oils/serums: These products tend to do one of the following.

• Help your hair hold moisture, which makes hair look fuller and thicker.
• Lessen breakage, which can reduce thinning.

While commercial hair loss products may do the above, they cannot regrow hair or prevent hair loss from worsening.

A dermatologist’s diagnosis is best before treating hair loss

You can find a dermatologist in your area by going to Find a Dermatologist.

Key points

• See a dermatologist to check if you have FPHL, and to rule out other conditions like diffuse hair fall and telogen effluvium, which may be causing your hair loss.
• Treatment works best when started at the first sign of hair loss.
• Minoxidil is the most recommended treatment for FPHL.

To help prevent skin problems from developing under your mask, skin specialists recommend these 10 tips.

Wear the right mask.

Look for the following when choosing a mask that is right for you.

• A close-fitting, but comfortable fit.
• Soft, natural, and breathable fabric, such as cotton.
• The fabric on the inside should be soft if you have sensitive skin.
• Cotton material inside if you have acne or oily skin.

Wearing a mask that offers a snug fit helps to protect you and others from the coronavirus but it should be comfortable at the same time. You want a snug fit across your nose, on the sides, and under your chin. A mask can irritate your skin if it is too tight or slides around the face. You are also more likely to repeatedly adjust a poorly fitting mask and when you touch your mask, you can transfer germs to your mask and face.

Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, and rayon as they are more likely to irritate your skin and cause breakouts.

Stop behind-the-ear soreness: You can find masks with different types of ties and ear loops or get them separately and wear a different type each day to see what suits you best.

Follow a gentle skin care routine.

Wearing a mask can be hard on your skin. Gentle skincare can prevent your mask from causing skin problems. When washing your face, use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.

Dr. Siddhartha Saikia

Skin care plays a vital role in healing your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology has an excellent guide to – Face washing 101.

Moisturize your face daily.

Dry skin is a common skin problem arising due to face masks. Applying a good moisturizer adds a protective layer that can reduce dryness. You should apply a moisturizer immediately after washing your face. Skin specialists recommend using a moisturizer with one of the following ingredients

• Ceramides
• Hyaluronic acid
• Dimethicone

The type of moisturizer will also depend upon your skin type.

• Oily skin/Acne prone skin (or when the weather is humid/hot): Gel moisturizer – this should be preferred if you have acne or tend to break out after applying normal moisturisers.
• Normal or combination skin: Lotion
• Dry to very dry skin: Cream

Avoid skin care products that can irritate your skin.

When you cover your face with a mask, some skin care products that you’ve used in the past may irritate your skin. You should stop applying skin care products and medications that can irritate your skin for example:

• Acne treatments that containing salicylic acid
• Anti-aging products
• Aftershave
• Peels or scrubs

When you wear a mask, even for a short while, it can make your skin more sensitive. To reduce skin problems, avoid trying harsh products, such as a chemical peel, exfoliants, or retinoids especially if you have sensitive skin.

“If you’re already using a tretinoin gel (or retinol) for acne or anti-ageing, apply it at bedtime and don’t increase the amount that you apply.”

If you need to wear a mask while you have irritated skin, apply a moisturiser beforehand which adds a layer of protection, so your skin feels more comfortable.

Dr. Siddhartha Saikia

Makeup when you have a skin problem.

Makeup can worsen a mask-induced skin problem. Beneath a mask, makeup is more likely to clog your pores and lead to breakouts.

If you have to apply makeup it is advisable to use an “oil-free” and “non-comedogenic” product, such as mineral-based makeup.

Lip care – protect your lips

Dry and cracked or chapped lips are common face-mask skin problems. You can prevent dry lips by applying petroleum jelly to your lips:

• After washing your face.
• Before you put on your mask.
• Before bed.

Be sure to apply the petroleum jelly only to your lips to avoid breakouts.

Wash your cloth face masks.

Sebum and oils are naturally produced by the skin which tends to collect on the mask along with particles which you breathe out. As they build up, they can irritate the skin covered by your mask. You can remove germs, oils, and particles by washing a cloth mask in a washing machine or by hand.

Wash the masks in hot water. Use a fragrance-free detergent. Besides keeping your skin healthy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you wash your cloth face masks after each use to limit the spread of germs.

Take a 15-minute mask break every 4 hours.

Health care workers working during the COVID-19 pandemic have found that this helps their skin.

Only remove your mask when it’s safe to do so and after washing your hands.

Safe places to remove your mask include:

• Inside your car when you’re alone.
• At home.
• At the office, if it is a separate space and disinfected before entering.

Treat your skin.

Acne: There is a new term being used – “maskne” which is acne caused due to the useage of face masks ina person who normally does not develop acne. Sometimes, people who have acne issues can develop flares and breakouts in the mask area especially which falls under the same spectrum. It is recommended that you wash your face after wearing a mask, being sure to use a non-comedogenic moisturizer after washing. If your face mask causes new acne or makes your acne worse, you may need to apply certain anti-acne medications like tretinoin, benzoyl-peroxide, BHAs like salicylic acid gels or washes. Consult a skin specialist near you if that is the case.

Raw, irritated skin: Apply a moisturiser to the irritated spots on your face before bed. This product is designed to protect the skin so that it can heal. The type of moisturiser you need to use depends on the type of your skin (see above).

Sore skin behind your ears: You can change the type of mask you wear, find masks with different types of ties and ear loops. Wear a different type of mask each day. If you need to wear the same type of mask each day, try wearing a ball cap or headband that comes with buttons so that you can wrap the ear loops around the buttons.

Continue the treatment plan that your dermatologist created for you. If you have a skin condition, such as acne or rosacea, it’s especially important to follow your treatment plan recommended by the dermatologist. This can help keep the condition under control.

Continue to wear a mask to protect yourself and others

It’s important to continue wearing a mask for your own safety and the safety of others.

“It is recommended to wear a mask in public settings and when you are around people who don’t live in your household. A growing body of evidence has shown that masks play a vital role in reducing the spread of COVID-19. I encourage people to wear face masks in public, practice social distancing, and frequently wash your hands to help protect yourself, your family and your community.”

Dr. Siddhartha Saikia

Consult a certified dermatologist

Life gets busy. Sometimes, it’s hard to care for your skin as planned. You should follow the recommended tips above to prevent skin problems due to mask use but if a skin problem still occurs under your mask, you may need to consult a certified dermatologist near you. With the right skin care, you should notice an improvement in a few days. During the coronavirus pandemic, some skin specialists are seeing patients through telemedicine and in-clinic appointments. Find a dermatologist.

Tinea is an itchy superficial fungal infection that can involve the skin, hair and nails. It is also termed “dermatophytic infection”, “dermatophytosis” and “ringworm”. “Ringworm” is a misnomer since it is not a worm infection but rather, it is a fungal infection. However, it is still called that as it resembles a worm in the shape of a ring — hence the name.

There are approximately 40 different species of fungi that can cause ringworm. These infections can affect both humans and animals. The infection initially appears as red patches on affected areas of the skin and may later spread to other parts of the body, scalp or nails.

Which areas can be affected?

Areas of the body that can be affected by ringworm include:

• Feet (tinea pedis, commonly called “athlete’s foot”)
• Groin, inner thighs (tinea cruris, commonly called “jock itch”)
• Scalp (tinea capitis)
• Beard (tinea barbae)
• Hands (tinea manuum)
• Toenails or fingernails (tinea unguium, also called “onychomycosis”).
• Other parts of the body such as arms or legs (tinea corporis)

Symptoms of Ringworm Infections

The symptoms of ringworm usually depend on the part of the body which is infected, but they generally include:

• Itchy skin.
• Ring-shaped rash.
• Red, scaly, cracked skin.
• Hair loss in case of scalp involvement.

Symptoms typically appear within 2 weeks after the skin comes in contact with the fungi that cause ringworm.

Depending on the location of ringworm in the body, the site specific symptoms can be as follows:

• Feet (athlete’s foot): Red, swollen, itchy skin between the toes (especially between the little toe and the one next to it) and peeling of the skin in those areas. The sole and heel of the foot may also be affected. In severe cases, the skin on the feet can blister.
• Scalp (tinea capitis): Scaly, itchy, red, circular bald spots that can grow in size and multiple spots might develop if the infection spreads. Ringworm on the scalp is more common in children than it is in adults.
• Groin (jock itch): Scaly, itchy, red circular plaques, usually on the inner sides of the skin folds of the thigh.
• Beard (tinea barbae): Scaly, itchy, red spots on the cheeks, chin, and upper neck. The spots might become crusted over or filled with pus, and the affected hair might fall out.
• Nails (Onychomycosis): If you’re experiencing dermatophytosis in your nails, they may become thicker or discolored (usually yellowish), or they may begin to crack.

How Ringworm Spreads

The fungi that cause ringworm can live on skin as well as the environment. There are three main ways that ringworm can spread:

1. From a person who has ringworm: People can get ringworm after coming in contact with someone who has ringworm.
2. From the environment: The fungi that cause ringworm can live on surfaces, particularly in damp areas like locker rooms and public showers. One should avoid sharing clothes, towels, combs, or other personal items with other people.
3. From an animal that has ringworm: People can get ringworm after coming in contact with an animal that has ringworm e.g. dogs and cats, especially kittens and puppies. Other animals, like cows, goats, pigs, and horses can also spread ringworm to people. Please click here for more information about pets and ringworm.

Risk Factors

• If one shares clothing, bedding or towels with someone who has a fungal infection.
• Those who wear tight or restrictive clothing.
• Those who live in a warm climate.
• Those who have close contact with an infected person or animal.
• Those who participate in sports that feature skin-to-skin contact, such as wrestling.
• Those who have a weak immune system.

Prevention

• Keep your skin clean and dry.
• Wear shoes that allow air to circulate freely around your feet.
• Don’t walk barefoot in areas like locker rooms or public showers.
• Clip your fingernails and toenails short and keep them clean.
• Change your socks and underwear at least once a day.
• Don’t share clothing, towels, sheets, or other personal items with someone who has ringworm.
• If you play close contact sports, shower immediately after your practice session or match, and keep all of your sports gear and uniform clean.
• Don’t share sports gear (helmet, etc.) with other players.
• Avoid people or animals with ringworm if you have a weakened immune system.

My pet has ringworm and I’m worried about ringworm in my house. What should I do?

For people

• Wash your hands with soap and running water after playing with your pet.
• Wear gloves and long sleeves if you must handle animals with ringworm, and always wash your hands after handling the animal.
• Disinfect areas the pet has spent time in, including surfaces and bedding.

Protect your pet’s health

• If you suspect that your pet has ringworm, make sure to visit a specialist so that treatment can be started.
• If one of your pets has ringworm, make sure your other pets also get checked for ringworm infection.

How is ringworm diagnosed?

Your skin specialist can usually diagnose ringworm by looking at the affected skin and asking questions about your symptoms. The skin doctor may also take a small skin scraping to be examined under a microscope or sent to a laboratory for a fungal culture.

If you’re getting a “KOH test”, your doctor will scrape off a small area of infected skin onto a slide and place drops of a liquid called “potassium hydroxide” (KOH) on it. The KOH breaks apart normal skin cells, making the fungal elements easier to see under a microscope.

Stages of Ringworm

You won’t see ringworm right away when the fungus has infected you. It can take up to 2 weeks before you start noticing symptoms. Some of the stages you may see include:

• Initial stage. During this stage, you may notice a pink or red irritated patch of skin. Sometimes, it just appears very dry and scaly — not necessarily like ringworm.
• Second stage. During this stage, you’ll notice the lesion starts to grow in size. The centre of the rash may resemble healthy skin with a surrounding scaly area.

Because ringworm is very contagious, the treatment should be started as soon as the first signs are noticed. If the treatment is delayed, it may spread and grow.

Ringworm v/s Eczema

Ringworm can closely resemble another condition, discoid eczema (also known as nummular eczema or nummular dermatitis). The two conditions are similar because they both cause round or coin-shaped lesions on the skin. The lesions are often itchy and scaly. Discoid eczema usually doesn’t have clearing in the centre, while ringworm does. Ringworm may also have pustules associated with it, while nummular eczema doesn’t. Sometimes the two conditions look so much alike that the only way to tell the difference is to see your skin doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of both these conditions. The doctor can take samples of the skin cells and send them to a laboratory for testing if required.

Doctors treat nummular eczema in a different way to ringworm. They use topical steroids, which, if used for ringworm infections, can mask as well as worsen the infection. Antifungal ointments won’t help nummular eczema.

Ringworm v/s Psoriasis

Psoriasis is another skin condition that can sometimes resemble ringworm. Plaque psoriasis is a disorder due to immune dysfunction that produces inflammatory plaques on the skin. It appears as pink plaques with heavy white scales. Small isolated plaques can sometimes look similar to ringworm. Both ringworm and psoriasis can cause red patches of skin as well as skin itching and scaling. However, ringworm on your trunk or limbs (tinea corporis) will usually have a circular appearance with clearing in the middle. Plaque psoriasis skin lesions are usually larger, involve more areas of the skin, and occur in distinct locations (lower back, elbows, knees). Psoriasis lesions also don’t have clearing (normal-appearing skin) in the middle of their lesions.

Treatment for Ringworm

Lifestyle adjustments

• Washing clothes and bedsheets daily and drying them in the sun.
• Drying the skin, especially areas around the skin folds thoroughly after bathing.
• Wearing loose-fitting, cotton clothes.
• Treating all infected areas (not treating one area can lead to recurrences in other areas)

Medications

• Ringworm can usually be treated with non-prescription antifungal creams, lotions, or powders applied to the skin for around 4 weeks e.g. clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, luliconazole etc.
• Severe ringworm infections usually need to be treated with prescription antifungal medication taken by mouth for 1 to 3 months. Prescription antifungal medications used to treat ringworm on the scalp include griseofulvin, terbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole etc.
• Many people apply steroid creams to ringworm infections. However, that can cause a lot of harm and delay the healing process. Learn more about how steroid creams can make ringworm worse.

What happens in melasma?

Melasma causes patches of discolouration which are darker than your usual skin colour. It typically occurs on the face and the most common areas include:

• The bridge of the nose
• The forehead
• The cheeks
• The upper lip

Melasma may also appear on other areas of the body, especially those exposed to a lot of sunlight like the forearms, neck or even shoulders. Although the skin discolouration doesn’t do any internal harm, one may feel self-conscious about the way it looks.

If you notice such symptoms, consult a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in treating skin disorders.

A glance in the mirror may still show some darkened patches on your skin that seem to be sticking around despite using over the counter products. These brown blotches, typically on the forehead, chin, cheeks, upper lip, or nose, may signal a condition called melasma. It’s not only associated with pregnancy but can affect women in all stages of life. And it may last for many years.

Dr. Siddhartha Saikia

Who gets melasma?

Melasma is more common in women than in men. It typically begins between the ages of 20 and 40 years. It is also more common in people who tan easily or have naturally brown skin. It is less common in people with very fair skin or black skin.

Causes and risk factors of melasma

It isn’t totally clear what causes melasma. And while melasma isn’t painful and doesn’t present any health risks, it can cause significant social and emotional distress. The condition can be difficult to treat, and there’s a lot of misinformation out there about what causes it.

Melasma appears when the melanocytes (pigment-producing cells in the skin) become hyperactive and produce too much pigment in certain areas of the skin. The mechanism is somewhat similar to what causes brown age spots and freckles, but melasma patches tend to be larger.

Melasma has a lot of different causes. Two in particular stand out:

Hormones (including hormonal medications): Fluctuations in certain hormones can cause melasma, which is why it commonly occurs during pregnancy. It may also occur when you either start or stop hormonal contraception, including birth control pills, or when you take hormone replacement therapy.

Sun exposure: The sun is the big culprit in triggering melasma. Underlying factors such as hormonal changes may not manifest until a person goes on vacation to a western location like Goa, or during the summertime when she spends more time in the sun. The sun is the major exacerbating factor, whatever the underlying cause. Melasma can be caused or worsened by not only the sun’s rays but also heat and visible light.

Other factors implicated in the development of melasma include:

• Genetics: 60% of people report affected family members
• Thyroid disorder can be associated with melasma
• Medications: Certain medicines may cause melasma.
• Scented products: Perfumed soaps, toiletries, and cosmetics may cause a phototoxic reaction to trigger melasma.

How is melasma diagnosed?

For a skin specialist, a visual examination of the affected area is often enough to diagnose the condition. To rule out specific causes, your healthcare professional might also perform some tests.

One testing technique is a Wood’s lamp examination. This is a special kind of light that’s held up to your skin which allows your healthcare professional to check and determine how many layers of skin the melasma affects. To check for any serious skin conditions, they might also perform a biopsy but it is usually not performed these days because other non-invasive modalities such as dermatoscopy are available.

Is melasma treatable?

For some women, melasma disappears on its own. This typically occurs when it’s caused by pregnancy or birth control pills.

There are creams your healthcare professional can prescribe that can lighten the skin. If these don’t work, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and microdermabrasion are possible options. These treatments strip away the top layers of skin and may help lighten dark patches.

These procedures don’t guarantee that melasma won’t come back, and in some cases, the pigmentation can’t be completely lightened. You might have to return for follow-up visits and stick to certain skin treatment practices to reduce the risk of the relapse. These include minimizing your sun exposure and wearing sunscreen daily.

Treating melasma

The first step in treatment is confirming with a dermatologist that your darkened skin patches are indeed melasma, and determining what’s causing it. Treating melasma is unlikely to be effective if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.

At Saikia Skin Care (Gandhinagar), we take a thorough medical history to find out what’s causing the melasma. Then adjustments are made. If a hormonal contraceptive is causing the problem, a woman might consider switching to a non-hormonal option, such as a copper intrauterine device.

Beware dangerous skin-lightening scams

Sometimes women who are desperate to improve the appearance of melasma will seek out treatments online. Hyperpigmentation problems have become a huge moneymaking industry. But many of these products are at best ineffective and at worst, unsafe. These include oral or injected glutathione products, which can cause potentially dangerous thyroid and kidney problems. It’s important to verify the safety and efficacy of any treatment with a certified dermatologist or your skin doctor. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved any injectable products for skin lightening or whitening.

Avoiding Sun Exposure

The next step in treating melasma is to prevent the sun from aggravating the condition. This may require extreme diligence and regular sunscreen application. To know more about sunscreens, check out All About Sunscreen.

The sun is stronger than any medicine I can give you. The most important way to clear up melasma is by using a strict sunscreen regimen. But keep in mind that not all sunscreens are created equal. To prevent melasma, you need a sunscreen that blocks not only the sun’s rays but also its light and heat.

Dr. Siddhartha Saikia

There are two main types of sunscreens:

• Sunscreens that use chemicals, such as oxybenzone
• Sunscreens that use physical blockers, such as zinc and titanium dioxide.

You want to choose the non-chemical, blocking sunscreen, because that will stop all the light and different wavelengths from coming through. Chemical sunscreens don’t offer the same protection for melasma, and in some instances, they may even trigger allergic reactions that can make the condition worse.

It is a good idea to wear a hat that can provide sun protection if you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time.

At-home treatments

There’s more you can do on your own to help your skin heal and prevent future damage. In addition to reducing sun exposure, try these steps:

Establish a good cleansing regimen. Environmental pollution can contribute to melasma. Airborne pollutants can bind to the skin and corrode the protective surface, making it weaker and more susceptible to sun damage. Clean your skin every night before bed with a cleanser that can thoroughly remove particulate matter and help protect the skin.

Combat skin stress with antioxidants. Vitamins C and E can help heal damage from sunlight. So, dab on a few drops of a serum that contains these vitamins to improve skin health and ward off the harmful effects of sun exposure.

Moisturize your skin regularly. Use a good moisturizer after the serum to restore the lipid (fat) barrier of the skin, which helps to protect it from damage.

Be patient. Even with treatment, it may take months for the pigmentation to clear up. There’s no overnight fix.

Be diligent. Melasma will be quick to return if you’re not careful about sun protection. So, long-term maintenance requires an ongoing commitment to protecting your skin.

Topical Therapy

• Hydroquinone: This medicine is a common first treatment for melasma. It is applied to the skin and works by lightening the skin. Higher concentrations of hydroquinone can cause white spots to develop on the skin and may even cause a darkening of the skin in some cases so consult a certified dermatologist before you start it.
• Tretinoin and corticosteroids: To enhance skin lightening, your dermatologist may prescribe a second medicine. This medicine may be tretinoin or a corticosteroid. Sometimes a medicine contains three medicines (hydroquinone, tretinoin, and a corticosteroid) in one cream. This is called a triple cream.
• Other topical (applied to the skin) medicines: You may be prescribed other alternatives to help lighten the pigmentation. Many other agents are under investigation.
  • Azelaic acid
  • Kojic acid
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Tranexamic acid
  • Glutathione
  • Soybean extract.

If you notice any of the following after getting treatment for melasma, be sure to call your dermatologist:

• Skin irritation
• Darkening of the skin
• Other problems

Medical procedures

If topical medications do not work, a dermatologist may recommend procedures such as:

• Microdermabrasion
• Chemical peel
• Laser treatment
• Light therapy
• Dermabrasion

Superficial epidermal pigment can be peeled off using alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA), such as glycolic acid, or beta-hydroxy acids (BHA), such as salicylic acid.

Microneedling, intense pulsed light (IPL), and lasers including Q-switched Nd:YAG, ablative and non-ablative fractionated and picosecond lasers carry a high risk for relapse and the disease becoming more resistant to treatment, so require expert use.

New skin problems can occur when the person who gives the treatment does not tailor it to the patient’s skin type. For example, peels can work for some people. “And for some people, it makes it worse. It’s very hard to predict. Ask your dermatologist about possible side effects (health problems that can result from the treatment).

Oral treatment

Tranexamic acid blocks conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, with downstream effects inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandin and other factors involved in melasma. More new oral treatments are being researched.

What is the outcome for melasma?

Melasma can be frustrating to treat. It is slow to respond to treatment, especially if it has been present for a long time. Even in those who get a good result from treatment, pigmentation may reappear on exposure to summer sun. The chronicity and risk for relapse with the need for lifelong sun protection should be emphasised to set realistic goals and outcomes.

Under a dermatologist’s care, many people with pigmentation have a good outcome. Melasma can be stubborn, though and it may take a few months of treatment to see improvement. It is important to follow your dermatologist’s advice. This ensures that you get the most benefit from treatment. It also can help avoid skin irritation and other side effects.

After your melasma clears, you may need to keep treating your skin. This is known as maintenance therapy. Maintenance therapy can prevent melasma from returning.

Formulation of Vitamin C

Vit. C is available in the market as a variety of tablets, creams, serum, powders etc. The bioavailability of Vit. C in the skin is not sufficient when it is taken orally. Therefore, the use of topical Vit. C creams/gels/serum/powder is favoured in the practice of dermatology. The serum contains active Vit. C in an almost colourless form. It is unstable and, on exposure to light, gets oxidized and imparts a yellow colour. It is important to note that the efficacy of the Vit. C serum is proportional to the concentration, but only up to 20%.

When should I apply it?

You can use it in the morning or night time. It depends on your skin care routine.

Apply After Cleansing

Dab vitamin C serum after you wash your face and before you apply sunscreen. It could sting or make your skin red at first, but that should go away if you keep using it. Test any new products on a small area before applying it to your whole face.

Can I use it in the morning before work?

Yes. But make sure to use sunscreen after applying Vit. C serum.

Choose L-ascorbic Acid

This form of topical vitamin C is the most active and the most researched. Skin care products sometimes contain other types that aren’t as effective, like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl palmitate. Check the label before purchasing the product.

Pick a Potent Product

Look for serums with a concentration of vitamin C between 10% and 20%. Lower than that might not bring adequate benefits, and higher could irritate your skin without bringing any additional value.

How long before you see the results

After just a few weeks of starting, you can see visible results.

Make sure to store your vitamin C products correctly.

In topical skin-care products, vitamin C is sensitive to light and air. When exposed to these factors, it becomes oxidized and is converted to a less stable and less effective compound. So these products should be stored in opaque containers that are either air-restrictive or air-tight like a dropper bottle that requires being opened all the way.

Notice if the product has changed colour.

Your Vitamin C serum should be colourless or light straw colour. If it is oxidized, it becomes yellow or brown and is likely going to be less effective. You can still use it if you want, but it won’t be as effective for your skin.

Don’t use vitamin C with certain other ingredients.

Vitamin C is generally pretty safe and well-tolerated, but if you have sensitive skin, it might sting a little bit; especially if you use it in the same part of your routine as exfoliating scrubs or acids.

You should avoid using Vit. C with benzoyl peroxide, which can oxidize the Vit. C and, therefore, make it less potent. You can still use your benzoyl peroxide products, just not in the same part of your routine as the Vit. C. Try using Vit. C in the morning and benzoyl peroxide in the evenings, or use them on different days.

You can use vitamin C with retinol, but be cautious.

In the past, it was thought that you should avoid using vitamin C products with retinoids at all costs. And that is still sort of true. They work best in different skin environments, so using them at the same time may make both less effective. Using them in the same part of your routine can cause irritation, but it’s okay to use them on the same day at different times. Experts generally advise using vitamin C products in the morning and retinoids at night.

Adverse Reactions of Topical Vitamin C

Topical Vit. C is largely safe to use on a daily basis for long durations. It can safely be used in conjunction with other common topical anti-ageing agents such as sunscreens, tretinoin, other antioxidants and alfa hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid.

Minor adverse reactions include:

• Yellowish discolouration of the skin
• Hypo-pigmented hair
• Staining of clothes
• Stinging
• Redness
• Dryness

These can easily be treated using a moisturiser. Care must be taken while applying Vit. C around the eyes.

Should I use vitamin C powder?

Powdered vitamin C is a relatively new product on the market, but it has been gaining popularity recently. It can be mixed with serums or moisturizers to help protect your face and reduce signs of ageing. Taking the correct amount of vitamin C powder is important and it’s easier to apply a serum which is formulated to a specific percentage.

How to know which product to apply?

There are many different formulations and brands of vitamin C available today. You can consult your dermatologist to find out which product will be the most beneficial and suitable for your skin type.

Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables

It’s not all about lotions and serums. The vitamin C in food helps promote healthy skin, too. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, kiwis and strawberries are all packed with the stuff.

The bioavailability of Vit. C in the skin is not sufficient when it is taken orally. Therefore, the use of topical vitamin c creams/gels/serum/powder is favoured in the practice of dermatology.

Vit. C does not absorb UV light but exerts a UV-protective effect by neutralizing free radicals, while this effect is not seen with sunscreens. Although Vit. C alone can provide photoprotection, it works best in conjunction with Vitamin E (Vit. E), which potentiates the action of Vit. C four-fold.

Here we take a look at the top 10 benefits of Vitamin C.

Antioxidant Property

Vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant in your skin. UV rays, pollution, and smoking can all damage your skin by creating free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that pull electrons from your cells and cause damage. Your skin cells store vitamin C to prevent damage from such environmental factors.

Anti-inflammatory Action

Vit. C has a potent anti-inflammatory activity and can be used in conditions like acne vulgaris and rosacea. It can also promote wound healing and prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Collagen Production

Collagen is one of the major components of your skin. Your body needs vitamin C to synthesize this protein. A group of 60 healthy women applied a vitamin C-based solution to their face for 60 days. The researchers found that the vitamin C solution was highly effective at inducing collagen synthesis.

Skin Lightening

Vitamin C inhibits an enzyme called tyrosinase which is required for the production of melanin (the pigment that gives your skin its colour). By reducing tyrosinase, Vit. C can help to make your skin tone lighter.

Evens Skin Tone

Vit. C can help in not only reducing the skin tone but also in making the skin tone uniform by making it even. However, Vit. C is an unstable compound and is often combined with other depigmenting agents such as soy and liquorice for better depigmenting effect.

Replenishes Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another important antioxidant that protects your skin from oxidative damage. After your skin is exposed to sunlight, levels of vitamin E decline. has found that vitamin C helps replenish vitamin E after sun exposure.

Reversing Sun Damage

Sunlight is good for the body but it can also harm the skin. Applying Vit. C to your face helps to reduce sun spots, free radical damage and signs of aging.

Prevents Sagging Skin

Your skin naturally produces less collagen as you get older. A loss in collagen is one factor that causes your skin to sag as you age. Applying Vit. C to your face helps improve your skin’s production of collagen, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun or are low on dietary vitamin C.

Prevents Wrinkles

As you get older, your skin tends to become less elastic and thinner, which can contribute to wrinkles. Although the formation of wrinkles is largely genetically predetermined, repeated exposure to UV rays can break down collagen and elastin and prematurely age your skin.

Gives Your Face a Radiant Glow

Vitamin C is one of the few skincare products for quick & long-lasting, brightened, glowing skin. The power of vitamin C in the face serums gives your skin a radiant glow.

Check out: Things to know before starting Vitamin C

Chapped Lips

During the cold winter temperatures, there isn’t much moisture in the air. This lack of humidity can lead to dry lips. Combine this with lip-licking behaviours or outdoor activities on windy days and you have a high chance of developing dry lips or severe chapping.

While chapped lips annoy and irritate dermatological patients, this issue isn’t usually serious; provided you care for your lips correctly. Let us take a look at ways in which you can have soft, healthy lips throughout the year.

Your lip balm, lipstick, and other products should be non-irritating 

Many people mistake discomfort, such as burning, stinging, or tingling, as a sign that the active ingredients in a product are working. That’s not what’s happening. Avoid irritating ingredients. Don’t add to the chapping with the wrong balm. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends avoiding ingredients such as camphor, eucalyptus, added flavours, added fragrances, menthol, phenol, salicylic acid, and lanolin.

Ingredients to prefer for healing dry lips

As we saw, some ingredients can irritate dry, cracked lips. On the other hand, certain ingredients can help to heal dry lips. When looking for products to use on your dry lips, try to find ones containing one or more of the following:

• Castor seed oil
• Ceramides
• Dimethicone
• Hemp seed oil
• Mineral oil
• Petrolatum
• Shea butter
• Sun-protective ingredients, such as titanium oxide or zinc oxide
• White petroleum jelly

Use products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic

If your lips burn, sting, or feel uncomfortable when you apply a product to your lips, it means you’re irritating your lips, so you want to stop using those products. This is especially true for people with sensitive skin and sensitive lips. In this case, look for a label of “hypoallergenic” and “fragrance-free”.

Apply the lip balm several times a day and before bed

Now that we know which products to use and which products to avoid, you have to make sure that if your lips are very dry and cracked, you will need to apply the lip balm (or lip moisturiser) multiple times in a day and even before bedtime.

Use a lip balm with SPF before going outdoors

Even in the winter, it is important to protect your lips from the sun. The sun can burn chapped, dry lips more easily. To protect dry, chapped lips from the sun, use a lip balm that contains SPF 30 or higher and one (or both) of these sun-protective ingredients:

• Titanium oxide
• Zinc oxide

While outdoors, apply the lip balm every 2 hours

The sun, the wind, the environment and pollution can cause detrimental effects to your lips. So make sure to regularly apply your lip-balm every 2-3 hours while outdoors.

Drink plenty of water

Chapped lips are dry lips, so you have to stay hydrated. Around 70% of our skin is made up of water so it is important to have at least 8 glasses of water a day. More depending on the activity and weather conditions.

Stop licking, biting, and picking at your lips

When lips feel dry, it may feel natural to wet them by licking them, but this can worsen the problem. Saliva evaporates quickly and can dry out your lips. Lip licking can be a hard habit to break. When you notice yourself licking your lips, try applying a lip balm instead. Picking or biting your lips also irritates them, which can prevent healing.

Avoid holding items made of metal with your lips

Paperclips, jewellery, and other everyday products made of metal can irritate your already sensitive lips.

Try using a humidifier at home

A humidifier in your bedroom can be especially helpful, especially if you breathe through your mouth at night.

By following these tips for cracked and dry lips, you should notice an improvement in 2 to 3 weeks. To prevent your lips from cracking again, continue applying lip balm regularly.

When to see a dermatologist?

Most of the times cracked and dry lips do not require a visit to the dermatologist’s office. But if the chapping doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, you may need professional help. Sometimes, there may be an association with atopic dermatitis. Your chapped lips could be caused by something aside from dry weather such as an allergic reaction, yeast infection, or something more serious like actinic cheilitis. A certified dermatologist can diagnose the cause and give the appropriate treatment.

What is Dandruff? 

Dandruff, also known as pityriasis capitis or pityriasis sicca. Pityriasis means flaking (or scaling) of the skin which comes from the Greek word which stands for “bran”. This condition is usually isolated to the scalp with little or no inflammation and it is characterised by flaking from the scalp with or without itching.

The layers of the skin replace themselves constantly. The keratinocytes are pushed outward where they eventually die and flake off. Usually, these flakes very small and not visible. However, if the cell turnover becomes unusually rapid, especially in the scalp, it can lead to abnormal collections. It is thought that for people with dandruff, the keratinocytes may mature and be shed off in around 2–7 days compared to about a month in people without dandruff. This results in dead skin cells being shed in large, oily clumps, which appear as white or grayish flakes on the scalp, hair, skin and clothes. 

Increased secretion of lipases and phospholipases can lead to the formation of oleic acid, which impairs epidermal barrier function and causes desquamation of scalp skin as dandruff in susceptible individuals.

Why does it occur?

• Genetics: Certain individuals are predisposed to developing this condition and the role of genetics is thought to be the predominant factor.
• Environmental Factors: It tends to occur more commonly in the winter months and often improves in the summer.
• Fungus: It is often related to the presence of a lipophilic yeast known as Malassezia ovalis (Pityrosporum ovale). Although M. ovalis may be present abundantly on the scalps of many people, not all of them develop dandruff and the yeast may only be pathogenic (ability to cause dandruff) in predisposed individuals.
• Bacteria: According to a 2016 study, bacteria (mainly Propionibacterium and Staphylococcus) are important to the formation of dandruff. Bacterial presence is in turn influenced by water and sebum amount.
• As a part of another skin condition: It would be advised to consult a skin doctor if it is occurring as a part of another skin condition or concurrent medication.
• Use of inappropriate hair products: Sometimes using the wrong products for your hair can cause increased proliferation of the keratinocytes and lead to flaking from the scalp. If you are unsure about the products you are using then consult with a skin specialist to know which products will suit your hair.
• Stress: Stress can trigger dandruff in some people, so managing it better can reduce the symptoms.

Why consult a dermatologist?

Certain conditions can mimic dandruff, for example, scalp psoriasis or seborrhoeic dermatitis which some people consider to be a severe form of dandruff. To make a proper diagnosis and get the appropriate treatment, it is important to consult a dermatologist.

It can cause self-esteem problems so treating your condition can help in getting back your confidence.

FAQs

• Does dandruff occur due to poor hygiene?

Although washing your hair regularly and using a good shampoo, conditioner and hair serum is important to maintain strong and healthy hair, there is no evidence that having poor hygiene can lead to dandruff.

• Does dandruff occur due to dryness?

The condition is not caused due to dryness. In fact, it can increase if too much oil is applied. Malassezia yeast tends to feed on the excess oil and dead skin cells which can lead to shedding and clumping of the keratinocytes into flakes. 

• Is food related to dandruff and which foods should I take?
  • Zinc: It is an essential mineral when given as oral supplementation can help in decreasing flares. Zinc-rich foods include spinach, peanuts and dark chocolate.
  • Essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids): They are good for the overall health of your skin and hair but studies with respect to the control of dandruff are lacking. Some common sources include salmon, tuna fish, peanut butter, flaxseeds, extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, avocado, walnuts, and fortified eggs.
  • Fruits and vegetables: The standard Indian diet is low in fiber and high in foods with a lot of sugar, salt, and fat. This leads to poor digestion. So it is recommended to eat lots of vegetables and fruits. However, direct studies related to dandruff are not available.
  • Sugar: Diets with a high glycemic index can lead to stimulation of hormone surges that can trigger the output of oil. Restriction in intake of fatty foods, fried foods, refined sugars and processed food may lead to a reduction in flaking.

How to manage dandruff?

Although there is no permanent cure for this condition, it can be easily controlled in some easy ways.

• Hair wash with medicated shampoos (Ketoconazole, Zinc Pyrithione)
• Avoid application of oil.
• Severe Dandruff: May require oral medicines and medicated lotions for overnight application for a few days. If you have severe flaking, then it would require a consultation with a dermatologist.
• Alternative Therapies:
  • Lemon
  • Vinegar
  • Tea Tree Oil

Dandruff doesn’t usually cause hair fall but if it occurs, check out Top 25 tips to prevent hair fall.

“PRP can strengthen the existing hair and thicken them. By thickening them, they take up more space and cover more of the scalp. Additionally, plasma has vitamins, nutrients and proteins which adds to the benefit. And because PRP has growth factors which helps stimulate collagen and generate new collagen to grow, I’ve been using it successfully for hair loss treatment.

It doesn’t work for everybody, but it works for a majority of people. We pick our patients carefully. I don’t recommend it to someone who has end-stage hair loss for example when hair transplant is the go-to option.”

Dr. Siddhartha Saikia

What is PRP therapy?

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy for hair loss is a three-step medical treatment in which a person’s blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp. PRP injections stimulate natural hair growth and maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. This therapy is often combined with other hair loss treatments.

PRP therapy has been in use since the 1980s. It’s been used for problems such as healing injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles as well as dental surgery. To understand how PRP works, it is important to be aware of the role that platelets play in healing.

Platelets are a component of blood, along with red and white blood cells. When a person suffers a cut, the platelets are some of the body’s “first responders” that arrive to stop the bleeding and promote healing. PRP contains a range of growth factors and proteins that speed tissue repair. As some types of hair loss result from damage to hair follicles, researchers began to try PRP for regrowth of hair by reversing the process that occurs in androgenic alopecia (AGA).

Most PRP therapy requires three treatments 4–6 weeks apart. Beyond that, maintenance treatments are often done every 6 months.

Step 1

Blood is drawn, typically from the arm and put into a centrifuge machine (a machine that spins rapidly to separate fluids of different densities).

Step 2

After about 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into in three layers:

• PPP: Platelet-poor plasma
• PRP: Platelet-rich plasma
• RBC: Red blood cells

Step 3

The PRP is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into various areas of the scalp for hair growth. Because PRP therapy involves injecting your own blood into your scalp, and with sterile equipment, you aren’t at risk for getting a reaction or communicable diseases.

However, any therapy that involves injections always carries a risk of side effects such as:

• Mild pain at the injection site
• Scalp tenderness
• Swelling
• Headache
• Itching
• Temporary bleeding at the injection site
• Injury to blood vessels or nerves
• Infection
• Scar tissue
• Negative reaction to the anesthetic used in the therapy. Notify your health care provider if you have any past allergy to anesthesia used.

Risks of PRP for hair loss

Be sure to report all medications you’re on before the procedure including supplements. When you go for your initial consultation, you may be advised against PRP if you:

• Are on blood thinners.
• Are a heavy smoker.
• Have a history of alcohol or drug misuse.
• Have any underlying medical condition which can interfere with the treatment.

Is PRP hair treatment a permanent solution?

PRP is not a cure for conditions that cause hair loss. A person would need to receive multiple PRP treatments to get the benefits of hair growth. It takes a few sittings to see the initial results. And after the results start to appear, you may require maintenance sittings once a year to maintain new hair regrowth.

How much does PRP for hair loss cost?

The price typically ranges from ₹2000-₹5000 per sitting. Pricing depends on a number of factors including:

• Your geographic location
• Quality of equipment
• The addition of nutritive components
• Additional micro-needling

Conclusion

If you’re concerned about hair loss, you have a number of options including medication like minoxidil and finasteride along with hair transplant surgery. Another consideration is PRP therapy. PRP is a safe and effective way of reversing hair loss and stimulating new hair growth.

Talk to your skin specialist to see which treatment or combination of treatments is the best choice for you.

Click here to read some FAQs about AGA and Baldness.