What are scabies?

In this video, Dr. Jayanti Singh, Consultant Dermatologist at Apollo Sector 8 Chandigarh, talks about scabies. It is an infection, and mites cause this. These mites are tiny in size and usually stay over skin and clothes. Scientific term for scabies is Sarcoptes scabiei.

What are the common symptoms? 

One may have itching, rash, and infection, and even in a few cases, one may develop a crust on their skin. Itching is the most constant symptom of scabies. And it is more at night. As a result, most patients feel insomnia. One may develop a rash near interdigital areas, around the umbilical cord, in and around thighs, and genital areas. Sometimes the rash can come with itchiness. Due to constant itching, infection or crust over the rash is self-evident. Since it is a contagious disease, it may affect other family members also. It spreads through clothes, bedding, towels, etc.

Where do scabies mites sit in our bodies? 

Mites can be present in the superficial layer of the skin. Scabies mites find their niches in clothes, inner lining, bedding, towels, etc.  

Treatment of scabies 

The most crucial thing in scabies is that we should separate commonly used stuff like clothes, bedding, and towels. Wash your clothes daily in boiling water. In addition, certain oral medicines, like permethrin-containing creams, malathion, and GBHC creams, are available to relieve itching. Also, one can have tablets in combination with creams. Scabies might take 6-8 weeks for complete healing. The treatment of scabies is essential as it is contagious, and one may acquire added infection. Not just a few, millions of mites can rest over your body and may develop Norwegian scabies or crust over the skin. Then they become challenging to treat. To conclude, if you have an itchy rash, especially at night, you must consult a dermatologist or our team.

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Melasma : Causes and treatment 

In this video Dr. Jayanti Singh, Consultant Dermatologist discusses common causes of Melasma and how we can prevent it.

What is melasma?

It is the leading cause of hyperpigmentation and mainly occurs in intensive sun-exposed areas. They may be in light brownish or dark brown or bluish-grey pigmentation on the face. Subsequently, hyperpigmentation may occur on both sides of the face symmetrically but mainly in the cheeks, forehead, mandibles, and nose. Depending upon the layer at which the pigmentation is present, one can categorize it into an epidermal, dermal, or mixed pattern. It is a multifactorial disease. It involves genetics and hormonal levels combined with exposure to UV radiation. 

Why does melasma affect females more?

Most commonly, female hormones are responsible for 50% of this problem. There has been a direct relationship between melasma and female hormones, which is why it is more commonly present in females than males. In addition, 15-50% of hyperpigmentation starts during pregnancy. Therefore, fluctuation in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body plays a vital role.

Other reasons 

Apart from pregnancy, other conditions involving hormonal fluctuations, like the use of oral contraceptives or ovarian dysfunction, can be the cause of hyperpigmentation in females. Apart from hormonal change, those with a family history of hyperpigmentation are 48% more likely to have it than others. In addition, certain cosmetics, photosynthesizing medications, and certain other medications can also be the reason. 

What leads to melanin production?

On exposure to UV irradiation, all these reasons lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species that lead to stimulation in the production of pigment-forming cells or melanocytes. As a result, it increases the production of melanin. Ultimately this excessive melanin starts depositing in the skin and is seen as hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, prolonged and intensive sunlight exposure may precipitate melanin production and worsen it. Last but not least, stress is also one of its most critical factors. It initiates the production of melanocytes stimulating hormones, thereby increasing melanin production.

Treatment 

The most important thing for its treatment is sun protection. One must opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, preferably a physical sunscreen. In addition, one must wear physical sun protection like hats, wear full sleeves clothes and try to stay in shady places. Certain creams are available with kojic acid or hydrocortisone, azelaic acid, vitamin C and arbutin-containing creams. One can combine creams with oral medicines. Oral medication involves. Tranexamic acid (TXA), glutathione vitamin C-containing tablets, and tablets with beneficial antioxidants. There is the production of reactive oxygen species on exposure to UV radiation. Certain antioxidant foods may help reduce it—Vitamin C-enriched foods like lemon, oranges, citrus fruits, Brockley, and sprouts.

Other procedures:

In addition to traditional medication, viz. creams and medicines, specific procedures like chemical peeling, micro-needling or dermabrasion, and platelet-rich plasma therapy can be helpful. It is not cancerous, and neither is it painful. But its treatment lasts long for those patients where pigmentation is deep-seated. So it becomes resistant to the treatment.

For more information, visit the clinic and follow SimpliHealth for more details. Stay healthy, stay happy. 

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Milia: How do I get rid of milia on the Face?

In this video, our SimpliHealth expert Dr. Jayanti Singh, Consultant Dermatologist at Apollo Clinic, talks about measures to get rid of milia on the face. 

What are the milia on the face?

Milia on the face appears like small whitish bumps. They may be present on the nose, cheeks, and especially around the eyes. 

Causes of Milia on the face

When our dead skin doesn’t shed timely, there is the formation of new skin over dead. Then the dead skin beneath the new skin appears as white bumps.

Reasons for improper Skin shedding

Various reasons contribute to improper skin shedding mechanisms. Above all is skin damage. It can occur due to sun exposure. Excessive rubbing or injury can disrupt the shedding process. The second reason is the long-term usage of steroids. Any cosmetic product can also clog skin pores. In addition, overuse may disturb the skin cleaning process. Lastly, it can be genetically related. 

How to prevent Milia on the face?

The first and foremost thing is to follow a good skincare routine. First, one must adequately clean and exfoliate the face. Products with salicylic ingredients give better results. The second is to use good quality sun cream to protect you from the sun. And moisturize skin properly. Proper moisturizer aids in the natural cycle of skin shedding. Also, one must avoid the usage of thick creams on the face or around the eyes.

How to take care of milia at home?

You can use certain products at home if you have milia. First, as I told you, use a salicylic acid-based or alpha-hydroxy-based cleanser. The second thing is you can use any retinol-based cream. And the third is to add any chemical exfoliant to your routine. 

Procedure to extract milia

One can visit a dermatologist. They extract Milia manually with either needle or a comedone extractor. Thank you.

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Heat Rash: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Dr. Jayanti Singh, Consultant Dermatologist at Apollo Clinic, Chandigarh talks about a common problem that affects all ages: heat rash. We  commonly call this Ghamori, prickly heat, or Sweat rash. Such rashes usually occur during warm and humid climates, especially during the rainy season. 

What causes a heat rash ?

There is blockage of sweat glands due to excessive perspiration from the body. This blockage results in inflammation beneath the skin, causing a rash.

Other reasons of rash

Apart from the seasonal, wearing fitting clothes or synthetic wear which prevents sweat drying. In addition, any strenuous physical exercise or a high fever that recedes with sweat may lead to rash. Certain medicines can increase the sweat production in the body. 

Types of Heat rash

Depending upon the level of blockage of sweat glands, it presents itself in three ways: If it appears on superficial skin, then we call this miliaria crystallina. The miliaria crystallina rash looks like water droplets and recedes on its own if you shift to colder environments. 

What is Miliaria rubra?

If the blockage of the sweat gland is at mid-level, then we call this condition miliaria Rubra. Miliaria rubra presents itself as a red colour rash. 

What is Miliaria profunda?

We see miliaria profunda rash when the blockage of sweat glands is at deeper layers. In this, there can be the formation of lumps. 

Which type of rash needs treatment?

We need to take treatment for both miliaria rubra and profunda. Consequently these miliarias may acquire an infection. Hence their treatment is necessary. 

 When can you have a heat rash?

One may have a prickling or itching sensation after staying in a very hot and humid climate. Physical exercise also results in sweat. Additionally few types of fever recedes with sweat. So all these can lead to heat rash in the body.

Can viral infection lead to these ?

Viral heat rash appears after high fever. Subsequently it may also occur as an allergy to medicines.  Additionally, few fungal or bacterial infections may also cause this.

How to prevent it?

Shifting to a colder environment is essential to prevent or treat such skin conditions. Opt for breathable cotton clothes. And try to take a bath with soap after excessive perspiration.

How to treat it?

Applying cold compressors or cold water to the rash helps in receding. Application of calamine lotion or talcum powder to absorb excessive sweat is also helpful.

Bottom line

If the rash on skin is not healing or you had a fever before the rash, you must consult your dermatologist. Not every rash is a heat rash. So if it isn’t healing, you must consult Dermatologist. Thank you.

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