A reader asks: I am 16-year old. I am suffering from excessive hair fall and dandruff and have pimples. My hair looks so thin and my face looks bad with pimples. Please suggest some home-made remedies.
Dr Dinesh Kartha, Ministry of Health Approved Naturopathic Medicine Practitioner, Chief Consultant and Managing Partner, Aura Alternative Medicine Center, Sharjah replies: Acne and hair fall are two common issues faced by teenagers. Though many factors are inter-related and I would like to address acne and hair fall separately.
Acne
When hair follicle get blocked by oil and dead skin cells acne is formed. Sometimes bacteria build up in these follicles create pain and discharge. Acne can be classified as inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Non-inflammatory type create the whiteheads and blackheads, which usually respond fast to home remedies. On the other side inflammatory type can be present in many forms like papules, pustules, nodules or cysts. They may need greater attention and care to bring under control.
In teenagers , specially girls and pregnant women hormonal changes can be a cause of acne. Certain medications also can cause acne. Diet rich in carbohydrates and diary products is another reason for acne. Try to follow these guidelines:
- Avoid irritants that can trigger acne like greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, hairstyling and excess sunlight
- Never touch or break acnes
- Avoid heavy foundation make-ups
- Always remove make-ups and wash your face thoroughly before sleep
- Take appropriate treatment for hormonal problems, if you have any
- Take a diet rich in fiber like fruits and vegetables
- Avoid oily foods, red meats, eggs, sweets, carbohydrate rich foods and diary products
- Drink plenty of fresh water
- Try to see that you are not constipated. Ensure regular bowel movements
- Manage your stress though practice of Yoga and Meditation
- Never use over the counter creams for acne without proper medical advice
Try the following herbal remedies:
- Make a paste of Thulasi (Basil) and Neem leaves and apply on acnes if they are of inflammatory type. Basil has antibiotic properties.
- Sandalwood and turmeric also can be mixed and made into a paste to be applied over the face.
- Red sandalwood can be made into a paste with honey for application.
- Washing the face with coconut water or Neem water will help to open up clogged follicles.
- Orange juice and honey is also equally good for application over the face.
Hair Fall
Hair fall can be sudden or gradual, temporary or permanent. Sometimes, it maybe limited to scalp but other times it can cover the whole body. You have not mentioned the pattern of hair loss, which is very important to suggest proper treatments. Your chances of hair fall is more if you have a family history. Hair treatments like hair colouring, straightening etc can lead to hair fall. Excessive hairstyling and tight hairstyles like ponytails also can trigger hair loss. Poor nutrition, specially lack of iron and protein in diet is another reason. Thyroid problems, scalp infections, stress, some drugs used for arthritis, depression and cancer, stress, skin diseases etc also can cause hair fall. If major health conditions are ruled out, the following natural remedies can help you.
- Camphor powder should be mixed with warm coconut oil and applied on the scalp.
- Hibiscus flowers, Curry Leaves, Henna Leaves or Black Cumin Seeds also can be used in the same manner.
- Boil Indian gooseberry and vetiver (Khas Grass root-Ramacham) in water. After cooling the water can be used to wash your hair.
- Boil skin of Kadukka (Terminalia Chebula) fruit in water. After cooling it can be used to wash your hair.
Disclaimer: This blog is a conversation and is not an alternative for treatment. The recommendations and suggestions offered by our panel of doctors are their own and Gulf News will not take any responsibility for the advice they provide.
