Vitamin C was discovered in 1912, isolated in 1928, and in 1933, was the first vitamin to be chemically produced. It is on the WHO's list of essential medicines, the safest and most effective medicines needed in a health system. Foods containing Vitamin C include Citrus fruits, Kiwi, Guava, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers and Strawberries. Vitamin C is available as an inexpensive generic and over-the-counter medication. 

Benefits of Vitamin C: 

IMMUNE BOOSTER
Vitamin C claims to improve your immunity, it can help in fighting infections like colds and the flu.
 
POTENT ANTIOXIDANT DRUG
Vitamin C protects your cells from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreases oxidative damage that leads to photoageing and disease.
 
COLLAGEN SYNTHESIS
Vitamin C is essential for collagen biosynthesis. Influences both the quality and quantity of collagen produced. Collagen makes your skin more youthful and firm.
 
GLOWING AND HEALTHY SKIN
Reduces signs of ageing like wrinkles, discolouration and sagging skin.
Topical Vitamin C decreases melanin formation its used as depigmentation agent and it also gives good glow to your skin.
 
HEALTHY HEART
Lowers “bad” cholesterol (LDL cholesterol levels). Daily supplement can protect you from fatal heart conditions.
 
PREVENTS ANEMIA
Anemia is a condition in which there is deceased red blood cells in the blood stream, most common is iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin C improves iron absorption almost 70 percent. If you are anemic make sure you take vitamin C.
 
EASES GOUT OUT
May prevent gout and gout flare ups by breaking down the build-ups of uric acid.  
 
PROTECTS AND SUPPORTS MEMORY
Scientists believe oxidative damage is one of the factor that leads to memory loss disorders. Vitamin C may help to reduce age related cognitive diseases and could even improve memory and cognitive function in those with dementia.
 
WOUND HEALING
Vitamin C has good anti-inflammatory activity; it may help in wound healing making it a popular ingredient in natural cleansing solutions. Vitamin C is also used in skin condition such as acne and rosacea for its anti-inflammatory properties. 

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT recommends Vitamin C, Zinc and herbal powder (Nilavembu and Kabasura Kudineer) supplementation as an important measure to improve your  immunity  against COVID infection (especially for the front-line staff and others in COVID-19 duty). 

What is eczema or dermatitis?
The term “eczema” and “dermatitis” is used interchangeably, it refers to inflammation of the skin.
Eczema is one of the most common causes of dry, sensitive skin. This is an itchy and inflamed rash that the affected person scratches persistently.

Atopic Eczema: It is the most common type of eczema. There are many other type of eczema as well. Almost everyone who has eczema experience similar symptoms. The following are some of the other types of eczema.

Contact Dermatitis: There are two main types of Contact dermatitis – allergic and irritant type. Allergic contact dermatitis is caused by a specific hypersensitivity to a material such as rubber, fragrance, cement, parthenium (plant), nickel, glue, etc. Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by exposure to irritating substances such as soap, detergent, bleach, insect secretion, etc. Avoidance of the allergen or irritant is the first step required in the treatment.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis: This is the most commonly seen in babies and young adults. It is seen on oily areas of body like the scalp, face, upper chest, and back. It appears as yellow scaly rash on the affected areas, on scalp it appears as dandruff.

Discoid Eczema: It presents with coin shaped, itchy and scaly patches which tends to ooze.

Asteototic eczema: It appears in the form of extreme dryness of the skin. The rash looks like “cracked titles on the floor”, especially seen over the forearm and legs of elderly individuals.
Stasis eczema: It is commonly seen in elderly and people with varicose veins on the legs. The pooling of blood in the leg veins due to gravity leads to formation of this type of eczema.

How do I care for the skin?

• Moisturise the skin frequently. The best time to moisturise is immediately after bath.
• Avoid scratching, rubbing and picking the skin. These may lead to aggravation of the eczema and may also cause wound, pigmentation and scars over the affected area.
• Avoid using harsh soaps, detergents and antiseptic solutions over the affected area. These may irritate the affected area.
• Use comfortable cotton clothing. Certain material such as wool may irritate the skin.
• Consult a dermatologist, your dermatologist may prescribe you topical and oral medication depending on the severity of your eczema.
  

 

Dark circles/ periorbital melanosis is a common condition and an ill defined entity. It appears as brownish-black pigmentation around the eyelids. It not only gives a tired look to the patient but also gives a negative impact on their quality of life. 

The causes of dark circles includes:

1. Genetic factors
   
2. Pigment deposition
   
3. Post inflammatory pigmentation
   
4. Aging
   
5. Tear troughs
   
6. Extension of pigmentory demarcation lines
   
7. Certain medications
   
8. Ultraviolet radiation
   
9. Lack of sleep
   
10. Stress
    
11. Alcohol overuse
    
12. Smoking, etc. 

Wide range of topical creams and serums, chemical peeling, LASER treatment, fillers, PRP, are available as treatment options depending on the cause of the dark circles. 

Additionally your dermatologist may suggest sun protection and lifestyle modifications such as adequate sleep, hydration, and diet to achieve an optimal result. 

What causes psoriasis?
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown. However, it is understood that the immune system, environmental factors and family history can play critical roles in its development. The immune system is somehow triggered, which causes a series of events such as inflammation, acceleration of skin cell growth, etc. It is important to understand that psoriasis is not contagious. A person cannot “catch” it by touching the affected individual.

How widespread is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common inflammatory condition that affects about 2% of the world population. Prevalence in India varies between 0.8% to 2.8%.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of psoriasis is usually made by a dermatologist examining the affected skin for typical signs of the disease and obtaining an appropriate patient history. In some cases, to aid in the diagnosis, your dermatologist may obtain a small sample of skin and examine it under a microscope.

What triggers psoriasis to flare?
Certain things may cause exacerbation of pre-existing psoriasis or may trigger psoriasis. Among these are stress, skin injuries, throat infections, and reactions to certain medications. Weather can also worsen psoriasis, especially in cold and dry climates.

Is psoriasis curable?
At present, there is no known cure for psoriasis. However, there are certain medications which can control and help to treat psoriasis. It is important for patients to speak with their dermatologists about appropriate treatment(s) that may effectively manage their psoriasis. Treatment may include medications applied to the skin, phototherapy, medications taken orally or given by injection.

​Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory, multisystem disease of the skin and joints. Scalp is the first site of involvement in up to 25% of the patients of psoriasis. Up to 79% of patients of chronic plaque psoriasis may have scalp involvement. It can be mild to severe, and often itchy, cosmetically embarrassing and affects the quality of life adversely.

Scalp psoriasis can be very mild, with slight scaling. It can also be very severe with thick, crusted lesions covering the entire scalp. Psoriasis can extend beyond the hairline onto the forehead or the back of the neck. 
Other skin disorders, such as seborrheic dermatitis, may look similar to psoriasis.

How to differentiate between scalp psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp?

• Scalp psoriasis appears as red lesions with powdery/flaky silvery scales. Psoriasis lesion is more defined and can extend beyond the hairline or appear on the other parts of the body.
• Seborrheic dermatitis appears yellowish and greasy. Patchy scales or crust on the scalp that may be easily removed.
• Scalp psoriasis is often persistent and difficult to treat when compared to seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

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A combination of treatment (shampoo, lotion, UV light) will be advised to a person with scalp psoriasis, sometimes the treatment will be rotated since it becomes less responsive to medications after repeated use. Systemic medication may be used if psoriasis is present elsewhere on the body and/or the scalp psoriasis is moderate to severe.

Toasted skin syndrome is characterized as localized areas of reticulated (net-like) reddness and dark pigmentation due to chronic and repeated exposure to infrared radiation. Main cause is repeated exposures to heat at a lower level than that which causes a thermal burn. Other terms used to describe toasted skin syndrome include erythema ab igne, ephelis ignealis, erythema ab calore and fire stains.

Who can develop this syndrome?

• Individuals with medical conditions in which pain is relieved by heating (i.e malignancy, musculoskeletal disorders, etc).
• Occupations/working environments in close proximity to a heat source (ie, cooks, bakers, silversmiths).
• Practice of resting laptops and other electronic devices directly on unprotected skin.

Can it be treated?

• Yes, cessation of heat exposure is first adviced by your dermatologist. Skin lightening creams may be beneficial or laser/ photodyanamic therapy may be suggested by your dermatologist.

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