Hair & nails – Hello Doctor

How to prevent and treat ingrown toenails

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

An ingrown toenail is a common, painful condition that happens when the side edge of your toenail grows into your skin. As the nail grows in further and further, it digs in and causes pain. The nail breaking through the skin can create inflammation and over time, your toe could become infected.

The big toe is most commonly affected and common signs include pain, redness and swelling. You may have an infected ingrown toenail if there’s a foul odour, it’s hot to the touch, and if there is swelling and oozing.

What causes it? 

An ingrown toenail develops from everyday activities. Common ones include improper trimming of the toenail or a shoe that doesn’t fit properly. An injury from nail picking or pedicures could also be to blame.

Athletes often have ingrown toenails as they sweat more than most people. Sweat can make your nails and skin soft. When this happens, the thin nail can eventually split and pierce the softened skin.

Other reasons include poor foot hygiene, repeated pressure on your toes, being overweight and a fungal infection.

Treatment and prevention

Avoid cutting your toenails too short or unevenly at the corners. Cut them straight across.
Make sure your socks and shoes fit properly, you should be able to wiggle your toes easily.
If you’re an athlete or do physical activities often, try going barefoot for an hour or two afterwards.
If there’s an infection, soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salts or a mild detergent. Later, apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage the infected area.
If there’s no infection, soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salts. Once the skin is soft and the inflammation has decreased, use a clean nail-cutter and clip the affected area. Apply an antibiotic ointment afterwards.
If you experience a lot of pain and can’t treat it yourself, see a podiatrist immediately to remove the ingrown toenail.
Try tucking a small piece of cotton or waxed dental floss under the edge of the ingrown toenail to help with proper nail growth. Soak the cotton or dental floss in medicinal alcohol beforehand. Talk to your doctor before trying this.

Good to know

If your ingrown toenail doesn’t heal after a week or is infected, see your doctor immediately.
A toe protector can help with ingrown toenails. Toe protectors are rings that fit around the affected area or cover the entire toe. It helps cushion your ingrown toenail to lessen or prevent pain. Some kinds come with a medicated gel that helps soften your nails to make trimming them easier.

References:

The best vitamins for hair growth

October 8th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Your hair is your crowning glory. If you want long, thick hair, but struggle with thin hair, and slow growth, these vitamins can help stimulate luscious locks.

Vitamins are essential nutrients that help your body perform different duties. This is what allows you to function properly. Vitamins can help heal wounds, keep your bones strong and boost your immune system.

Vitamin A

All the cells in your body need Vitamin A for growth, including your hair. If you lack this vitamin, you may notice you’re losing hair. Vitamin A helps your skin glands make an oily substance called sebum. Sebum is important because it moisturises your scalp and keeps your hair healthy. Talk to your doctor about how much more Vitamin A you should be taking – it’s a balancing act because too much can also lead to hair loss!

Find it in: Sweet potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, spinach, kale, milk, eggs and yoghurt.

B-vitamins

B-vitamins help create red blood cells in your body. These cells carry oxygen and nutrients to your scalp and hair follicles. This process helps with hair growth.

Find it in: Dark, leafy greens, wholegrains, almonds, seafood, almonds, meat and fish. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products, so if you’re a vegetarian, you may need a supplement.

Vitamin C

This powerful vitamin protects you from colds and flu and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between dangerous free radicals and healthy antioxidants in your body. This is important because damaged free radicals can interfere with the growth of your hair. Vitamin C also helps your body create collagen, a part of your hair’s structure and helps your body absorb iron, another important ingredient for hair growth.

Find it in: Strawberries, guavas, citrus fruit (oranges, limes etc.) and peppers.

Vitamin E

Research has shown that people with hair loss have a 34% increase in hair growth after using a Vitamin E supplement for eight months. Just like Vitamin C, Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps prevent oxidative stress.

Find it in: Almonds, spinach, avocados, sunflower seeds, whole wheat bread and swiss chard.

Iron

Iron helps red blood cells transport oxygen to your cells. This is important for hair growth. Iron deficiency conditions like anaemia cause major hair loss, so it’s important to keep your iron levels in check.

Find it in: Eggs, spinach, lentils, oysters and clams.

Zinc

Zinc keeps the oil glands around your hair follicles working properly. It also plays an important role in growth and repair. As with Vitamin A, a balance is important, so check your zinc levels with your doctor before stocking up on any supplements.

Find it in: Spinach, oysters, beef, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds and lentils.

References:

Get strong and healthy nails

August 3rd, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Your hands are always on display and can be exposed to a number of infections and diseases. So, give them extra attention to help them stay in the best shape.

The ultimate guide to nail care

You may chew on your nails or put your fingers in your mouth without even thinking about it. But this puts you at risk of spreading germs and bacteria to your mouth.

Moisturise

Keep your nail bed and cuticles moisturised. This will help prevent breakage from dryness, chipping, cracking and splitting. Dab oil around the cuticle to help moisturise the entire nail.

Treat your cuticles with care

It’s not always necessary to cut your cuticles. Push them back gently at a 45-degree angle. You don’t want to damage and weaken your entire nail.

Take supplements

Biotin, a member of the Vitamin B family may increase nail thickness and prevent splitting and breaking. Biotin helps your body convert essential fats and proteins so that nutrients can be absorbed into your body more efficiently.

Load up on healthy food

A well-balanced and vitamin-rich diet could be the cure to growing healthy hair and nails. Vitamin deficiencies weaken your nails and make them brittle.

Trim your nails regularly

Broken nails can be painful. The only solution to prevent this is to prevent them from breaking by keeping them well-trimmed and filed correctly.

Polish them

A clear coat of nail polish can protect your nails. If you prefer colour, use a base coat, two thin coats of colour, and a top coat. Your colour should last for at least a week. Be sure to remove it after 10 days.

Minimise manicures

Go easy on the acrylic nails or don’t do them often. They can lead to more infections with a small risk of skin cancer from the UV light that glues the nails. Wear sunscreen on your hands if you’re going to be putting them under the light.

Avoid acetone-based polish removers

Avoid nail polish removers with acetone. They’re terribly drying on your nails and may cause them to become brittle. Use acetate-based removers instead.

Put on your gloves

Minimise the effects of harsh chemicals on your hands and nails when working around your home by wearing rubber gloves.

Don’t forget your toenails!

Wash your feet in warm water every day. Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails. This is particularly important if you have diabetes.

Some fun facts about your nails:

Your fingernails and toenails are made of keratin. Keratin is a protein; also the main protein found in your hair.
Ever wondered why it doesn’t hurt when you clip your hair and nails? That’s because they are dead. Fingernails have no feeling.
A known fact is that your fingernails grow quicker than toenails. However, men’s nails tend to grow more quickly than a woman’s. Thanks to hormones, female nails will grow faster during pregnancy.

References

Bring back the good hair days!

May 11th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

You’re dressed to the nines and your skin is glowing, but your hair looks like a bird’s nest.

No thanks!

From split ends to coarse hair and an unruly mop, we all have bad hair days. Could it be your conditioner?

The problem with conditioners

Store-bought conditioners often contain synthetic chemicals and oils which may appear to improve your hair – for a little while.

Josh Rosebrook, an American hair care professional reveals that over time, these shelf conditioners make your hair look shiny and healthy, but they may leave you with an unhealthy scalp and hair. Many of them contain silicone, a manmade oil which helps your hair appear sleeker and smoother. In reality, though, silicone smothers your hair strands after one shampoo too many, making it impossible for them to absorb enough moisture.

And just like your skin dries out without enough moisture, your hair becomes dehydrated and eventually, coarse. What ’s more, harsh foaming agents like sulfates strip your hair of its natural oils.

Conditioner recipes to revive your hair:

If you want to save your crowning glory from these hair wreckers, put away your wallet. Instead, check your cupboards for a hair miracle that will last.

Vinegar, olive oil, and egg conditioner

Vinegar adds a zesty punch to salads, and makes a mean hair potion too. It helps detangle your hair, remove residue and prevents an itchy scalp. Along with egg and olive oil, which moisturise, this conditioner can be used often.

Ingredients

Two to three eggs.
One tablespoon of vinegar.
Two teaspoons of lemon juice.
Half a teaspoon of olive oil.
One tablespoon of honey.

Method

Whisk the eggs with the vinegar and lemon juice.
Add the olive oil and honey. Use a blender to make it into a thick paste.
Apply the paste to your hair tips and leave on for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with water.

Coconut oil and honey conditioner

Coconut oil has been lauded for its many uses, including cooking and skin care, but it also helps with hair health. Randy Schueller, an American cosmetic chemist says that coconut oil is just the right size and structure to penetrate your hair from the inside out. It prevents water from leaving your hair and therefore, locks in moisture. It also contains fatty acids which help nourish your scalp and makes your hair smooth and soft.

Ingredients

One tablespoon of coconut oil.
One tablespoon of honey.
One tablespoon of lemon juice.
Two tablespoons of curd.
One teaspoon of rose water.

Method

Add all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
Apply the mixture to shampooed hair.
Leave on for 10-15 minutes.
Rinse off with water.

Banana hair mask

It makes a tasty topping as a breakfast treat and is a nourishing food for your hair as well. If you struggle with frizzy or rough hair, then banana is your one-stop conditioning miracle. It’s rich in potassium and natural oils which moisturise your scalp, soften your hair and prevent split ends.

Ingredients

One banana.
Three tablespoons of honey.
Three tablespoons of milk.
Three tablespoons of olive oil.
One egg.

Method

Mix all the ingredients to make a paste.
Apply the paste to your hair.
Leave on for 10-15 minutes and then wash off.

References:

How to wear your ‘fro like a pro

October 24th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Whether you’re in the hairstylist’s hot seat or facing yourself in the mirror with that dreaded comb, untangling knots isn’t something you look forward to, but it must be done.

According to market intelligence agency, Mintel, fewer Africans are buying hair-relaxer than before. It seems that natural hair is here to stay!

A natural movement

Due to the coarse texture and tightly coiled or curly pattern, African hair can be fragile and prone to damage. But don’t be fooled into thinking that natural hair is messy! Your natural hair can be transformed into a lot of different hairstyles, whether long or short. It may not be easy but it’s certainly worth the effort.

Take care of your crown

African hair can grow just like any other hair type. It’s naturally drier so you must use the right products that feed and nourish your hair – and stimulate growth.

Good hair days

Wash your hair once a week or every other week. This helps prevent hair product build-up which can dry your hair.
Use conditioner each time you wash your hair. The ends are the most fragile part of your hair. Coat them well with a nourishing conditioner.
Before styling your hair, use a heat protectant product. This will help minimise heat damage. Apply to wet hair.
Go easy on the relaxers. And always go to a professional stylist to make sure the relaxer is applied correctly and safely.
Use ceramic combs or flat irons. Flat irons are an inexpensive way to get the straight look. Use the lowest temperature setting as much as possible, and try not to flat-iron your hair every day.
Make sure your protective hairstyles aren’t too tight. All that pulling can damage your hair. If it hurts while your hair is being styled, ask the stylist to stop, redo it or make it looser.

Twist, curl and braid

Look at trying a protective hairstyle for your natural or unprocessed hair:

Cornrows: The hair is braided very close to the scalp, in a three-part strand pattern similar to a French braid.
Twists or box braids: Individual plaits, braided in small divided sections of your hair.
Faux locks: Your natural hair is wrapped with synthetic, human hair or yarn to create a dreadlocked look.
Dreadlocks: A Rastafarian hairstyle that consists of matted or braided ropes of hair, and left to grow naturally.
Afro: A common natural hairstyle; tightly curled hair that sticks out all over your head.
Weave: Sewing in pieces of real or artificial hair into your existing hair. A weave can also be attached on the hair near the scalp using hair bonding glue.

References:

Your most common hair issues, sorted!

October 24th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Long or short, the road to healthy hair is paved with a good diet, quality products, and tricks and tips from your stylist. Left to its own devices, we know hair problems can ruin your whole day!

We have a few simple ways you can sort out those common hair issues.

1. Lack of volume

Your hair may be tired, fine and damaged. The lack of texture may weigh it down and make it greasy.

Solution: Dry your hair in an upside-down motion (with the hairdryer) to create instant volume. Use a back brush method (teasing) to whip up some soft volume. Hot rollers are great for flat hair too.

2. Dry hair

Essential oils are the answer to your problem. Your hair could be lacking moisture thanks to blow-drying once too often, and strong shampoos that have left it dry and brittle. Nutritional deficiencies also play a role, so bulk up on foods that are rich in Vitamins A, E and B7.

Solutions:

Rosemary oil stimulates the scalp, increases circulation and improves hair growth.
Moroccan Argan oil provides antioxidants, nourishes and moisturises hair.
Lavender oil helps control dandruff, keeps your hair shiny, increases hair growth and deep-conditions your mane.
Jojoba oil is packed with Vitamin E, Omega-3 and fatty acids, making it ideal to nourish the hair and scalp.
Coconut oil has been used for years in many cultures, thanks to its benefits in boosting growth. It’s said to make hair follicles healthy, and keep your hair soft and shiny.
Chamomile oil soothes the scalp, adds shine and softens hair.

3. Dandruff

These white flakes are caused by a fungus which feeds on oil of the hair follicle. The build-up of dead skin causes redness and itchiness in the scalp and flakes appear on the surface of the hair and scalp.

Solution: Look for anti-dandruff shampoos that have active antifungal ingredients. Minerals and vitamins like Vitamin A, B, C, and zinc can help keep your scalp healthy. Add healthy oils to your diet to prevent dry hair and a dry scalp.

4. Hair loss on the edges of your hairline

Excessive hair loss can leave you with bald patches. This type of hair loss happens over time, but it’s controllable. It comes from certain hairstyles that put a strain on the outer corners of your hairline (edges). Tight hairstyles could thin out your hair or pull out the hair roots completely.

Solution: Give tight ponytails and plaits a miss. Try Black Jamaican oil, castor oil and coconut oil, which are known for stimulating hair growth.

5. Oily/greasy hair

Excessive sebum (natural oil) production is the culprit of oily hair. Glands in your hair roots secrete oil that lubricates the skin and hair. You will always produce sebum; the trick is to keep it under control.

Solution: Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties that can help minimise oil from the roots. Add a few drops to your shampoo and lather up. Dry shampoo can also help absorb excess oil. Wash your hair more frequently to remove oils as they build up. When it comes to conditioning, apply the product only to the ends of your hair. Try not to touch your hair frequently as your fingertips produce oil that you’re easily transferring to your hair.

References:

The real cause for grey hair and baldness

September 28th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Whether grey hair is a sign of wisdom, or a just a sign of stress, it may not be possible to prevent it. And the same goes for losing your hair. So what are the root causes cause of these pesky problems? And, how can we prevent the toupee and the hair-dye as we age?

The roots of the problem

While studying a rare genetic disease, researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center accidently came across the cells that cause greying and hair loss in mice – a big step in developing a potential treatment for grey hair and baldness in humans.

“Although this project was started in an effort to understand how certain kinds of tumours form, we ended up learning why hair turns grey and discovering the identity of the cell that directly gives rise to hair,” said lead researcher Lu Le.

They found that a protein called KROX20, which is more commonly associated with nerve development, is activated in skin cells that form hair shafts, known as hair progenitor cells. These hair cells then produce another protein, called stem cell factor (SCF).

The two proteins turned out to be important factors in both baldness and greying.

When they deleted the cells that produce KROX20, the mice stopped growing hair and eventually went bald. When they deleted the SCF gene in the hair progenitor cells, the animal’s hair turned white.

The takeaway: KROX20 is crucial for healthy hair growth and SCF for hair pigmentation.

So does this mean there’s a cure?

Before we get too excited, keep in mind that this study was done with mice. Even though we share biological similarities, more research is needed to understand if the process works the same in humans. And, Le and his team are planning to do more research in people to confirm their results.

Still, Le believes that the findings show promise for the development of new therapies for greying and baldness. “With this knowledge, we hope in the future to create a topical compound or to safely deliver the necessary gene to hair follicles to correct these cosmetic problems.”

The findings could one day also provide answers about why humans age in general, as hair greying and hair loss are among the first signs of ageing. This could lead to treatments beyond just hair to help us look younger for longer.

So there’s hope for your grey hair – coming soon!

Quick fixes

Change your do. Comb your hair in a different direction. A new style can trick the eye into not seeing grey roots and bald patches.
Powder up. Use a root cover-up powder to conceal those greys or try a hair thickening powder to hide hair loss.
Fill up on protein. Hair is a protein fibre, which means you need to eat protein to grow healthy strands and keep the existing ones strong. Good sources of protein include salmon, chicken, eggs, Greek yoghurt, and legumes.
Massage your scalp. Gentle massaging of the scalp can boost blood flow to the hair follicle. Good blood circulation ensures that all the necessary nutrients reach your scalp and hair. This is essential for preventing grey hair. According to a study published in ePlasty, a scalp massage of just four minutes a day can increase hair growth and thickness in a matter of weeks.
Shave it off. If you can’t beat them, join them! Wear your clean-shaven head with confidence, and it won’t matter what would’ve happened to your hair. (Ask Jason Statham).

References:

How to get rid of dandruff

September 28th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Uh oh… it’s those telltale white and grey flakes, making it look like your head is snowing! Dandruff can be embarrassing, and no matter how many times you wash your hair, the problem keeps coming back.

There is good news, though: dandruff is perfectly treatable.

Dandruff, decoded

You are not alone! Half of the people in the world are affected by dandruff. It’s a chronic scalp condition that causes the flakes of the skin to appear on the surface of the scalp and hair; sometimes ending up in your ears too. The noticeable flakes may vary in colour from white, yellow to grey. This condition may start from the ages of 10-20, and can still be present as you get older.

What are the causes for the flakes?

Dandruff is caused by a fungus called Malassezia, which feeds on oil of the hair follicle. The fungus is normally found in the natural skin flora. The dandruff happens when the protective barrier of the skin weakens, resulting in overgrowth of fungus and excessive shedding of dead skin on the scalp.

Dandruff can also be caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis (oily skin); a form of eczema linked to an overgrowth of yeast, which can be triggered by stress, the weather, or genetics.

Other culprits of flakes are hair dyes, or not shampooing properly. It’s easy to confuse dandruff with a dry scalp, psoriasis and product residue, since the symptoms are the same:

Itchiness
Dry scalp
Redness on the scalp

How can it be treated?

Treatment to stop dandruff will aim to slow the reproduction of skin cells that cause dandruff and neutralise the fungus too. Dandruff doesn’t go away on its own; an anti-dandruff shampoo will help. An antimicrobial (an agent that kills microorganisms or stops their growth) called Zinc Pyrithione, is an active ingredient in most anti-dandruff shampoos and is effective in getting rid of flakes.

Look for these anti-dandruff ingredients in products:

Climbazole
Coal tar
Ketoconazole
Piroctone olamine
Pyrithione zinc
Salicylic acid
Selenium sulphide or sulfur.

These compounds have antifungal agents that are effective in treating skin conditions.

Just because you’re susceptible to dandruff doesn’t mean you have to suffer from it. Certain minerals and vitamins can keep the skin and scalp healthy and help with factors that contribute to it.

Vitamin A: Supports and maintains the function of skin cells. Get your fill from dark leafy greens, tropical fruits, sweet potatoes and carrots.

Good oils: Lack of oil in your diet means dry hair. Add olive, peanut, safflower, or sunflower oil when preparing food.

Vitamin C: Foods that are packed with Vitamin C can help prevent conditions that can be triggered by weakened immunity (dandruff). Get your dose from citrus fruits, strawberries and leafy greens.

Zinc: This mineral is necessary for new cell growth and development; which is essential in the maintenance of healthy skin, nails and scalp. Foods high in zinc include chicken, mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, beef, dark chocolate and garlic.

Vitamin B: The vitamin is responsible for growth and creation of new cells. Eggs, salmon, beef liver, whole grains, avocado, legumes and nuts are helpful.

References

5 natural ingredients for healthy hair

September 26th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Are you struggling to find the right product for your hair, or simply looking for a cheaper option? We’ve scoped out some natural remedies that make good alternatives to expensive products. Bonus: they can also help heal pesky hair problems.

Remember: As with any other natural oil, it’s important to do a patch test first: rub it on a small part of your skin, such as your arm or hand, and give it a few hours to make sure it doesn’t irritate your skin.

1. The problem: hair breakage and split ends.

The solution: coconut oil.

Coconut oil is the only oil in hair products that can minimise protein loss, says a study in the Journal of Cosmetic Science. This means it’s effective in preventing hair breakage, which is great news if you’re regularly shedding hair. This fragrant substance has been used since ancient times in India for hair grooming, thanks to its moisturising properties.

How does it do this? The molecules in the oil get into the hair shaft, and repairs damaged, dry hair. They then seal the outside part of each hair, (the cuticle), that keeps it from breaking. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, capric acid and Vitamin E to increase and retain hair strength.

How to use it

Rinse your hair before shampooing and apply a tablespoon of coconut oil from the ends of the hair up to the scalp. If you have an oily scalp, only use coconut oil from the middle down toward the ends, as it can be too heavy for people with oily scalps. Cover with a shower cap and leave on for at least 10 minutes, or preferably overnight. Shampoo and condition as normal.

2. The problem: slow-growing hair.

The solution: castor oil.

Although there’s no clinical evidence claiming that castor oil is a remedy for alopecia (hair loss), the oil has been used for centuries. Castor oil can kill viruses and bacteria, making it a popular treatment for dry scalp and scalp fungus, which are indirectly linked to slower hair growth. Castor oil also contains Omega-6 and 9 beneficial fatty acid, which condition your scalp.

The reason why castor oil could possible help stimulate hair growth, is because it contains ricinoleic acid which increases circulation to the scalp. The increase in circulation is what could help with hair growth.

How to use it

Apply castor oil to damp hair and the scalp and let it soak in for a few hours, preferably overnight if possible. Wash the oil out of the hair with your normal shampoo and condition afterwards. If you find the smell a bit strong, add a few drops of an essential oil like lavender to mask the smell.

3. The problem: dull hair colour

The solution: a tea rinse

Tea’s not just for drinking; it’s great for your hair too. Say thanks to its medicinal, rejuvenating properties. Rinsing your hair with tea can make it shinier, and add a new lease of life to colour-treated hair. Tea contains antioxidants which can help fight sun damage that dries out the hair. Use chamomile tea for blonde hair, Rooibos for red hair, and black tea for brunette or black hair.

How to use it

Use the tea as your final rinse after a wash. Simply brew a pot of your preferred tea, let it cool and rinse your hair after shampooing and conditioning. Do not rinse again.

4. The problem: chemically damaged hair

The solution: Argan oil

Argan oil comes from the unroasted kernels of the Argania Spinosa fruit, and has become the latest star of hair and skincare products. There’s good reason for the popularity, though, as its therapeutic benefits have been claimed by Moroccans for more than eight centuries. In a study done on chemically treated and coloured hair, it’s been shown that Argan oil contains oleic and linoleic acids, which reduce breakage and upward bending of the hair cuticle, leading to a damaged, dull appearance. The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology also mentions that Argan oil’s high content of monounsaturated fatty acids can benefit the overall condition of the scalp and hair.

How to use it

Use pure oil as a leave-in treatment after your wash. Rub a few drops of oil between your palms and massage through towel-dried or damp hair before styling.

5. The problem: dandruff

The solution: tea tree oil

Dandruff can have several causes, like dry scalp or a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis or a yeast fungus called Malassezia. Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties and is said to be an effective solution to dandruff. A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has shown that only five percent of tea tree oil in shampoo can significantly provide relief for dandruff. If you do consider using tea tree oil, be careful of inhaling or swallowing it as the concentrated form can cause irritation or digestive problems.

How to use it

Simply add a couple of drops of tea tree oil to your regular shampoo before applying to your hair. If you suspect that your current shampoo might cause scalp irritation, switch to a shampoo with a gentler formula first.

References

How to identify and treat a lice infestation

February 23rd, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

What are head lice?

Head lice are wingless, parasitic insects that live and feed on blood from the human scalp. They are white to grey-brown and about the size of a sesame seed. These tiny insects infest in human hair, and sometimes in the eyebrows and eyelashes.

Head-to-head contact spreads head lice. These little critters climb from the hair of an infected person to the hair of another. An infestation of head lice most often affects children. However, it is possible for people of any age to become infested with these pesky creatures.

Why is it a common occurrence in children?
Children have frequent head-to-head contact with other children, usually from interacting at sports activities, games, sleepovers and camping. The playground and childcare centres also provide prime breeding and sharing ground for lice. Children also tend to be lax with their personal space. They are more likely to share personal items (clothing and hairbrushes), which make it easy for head lice to travel.

Signs and symptoms

Itching of the scalp, neck and ears.
A ticklish feeling or crawling sensation on the scalp or neck.
Red, irritated skin on the scalp and neck as a result of excessive scratching.
Lice or lice eggs on the scalp or shafts of hair.

Ditch the itch

Comb the hair section-by-section with a special comb (you can buy one at the pharmacy) to remove lice and nits.
Use olive oil to loosen and suffocate lice and nits. Apply before bedtime for the best results.
A hair dryer is effective to get rid of nits due to the heat, but not for live lice.
Check at the pharmacy for over-the-counter medication that may help.
Once the lice and its eggs have been cleared, and treatment is complete, thoroughly clean all bedding, furniture, carpets and clothing.
Hairbrushes and other hair accessories should also be cleaned properly.

What else could it be?
Lice spread easily but your itchy scalp could be caused by other reasons.

Dandruff
Your body reacts in different ways to the overgrowth of yeast, and sometimes these responses cause itching and flaking on your scalp.
Allergic reactions
Hair dyes (allergies to chemicals), eczema and atopic dermatitis are other less common causes of itchy scalp.
Psoriasis
This is a chronic disease that causes reddish, scaly patches on the skin or scalp. You can’t get psoriasis from other people. It is not clear what causes psoriasis but talk to your dermatologist about medication and shampoos that might help.

Good to know

Don’t share head-touching items like brushes, combs, scarfs and coats.
Regularly check household objects like towels, bedding and mats for lice or nits.
If you have children explain about lice and how to prevent them.
Minimise head-to-head contact.

References

Cheap tricks for bad hair days

September 30th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Switching your hair day from bad to good can boost both your appearance and your mood.

Continue reading “Cheap tricks for bad hair days”

How much hair loss is normal for a man?

July 17th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

If you’re watching your hair go down the drain, or looking at yourself in the mirror and seeing more of your forehead, you may be worried. As we age, we lose hair. That’s normal. But how much hair loss is normal for a man?

What is androgenic alopecia?

It’s the fancy medical term for male or female pattern hair loss, which causes thinning of hair, and possibly, baldness. It’s related to androgen hormones and genetics with genes being inherited from both parents.

It can start from as early as age 15-25 in men, and age 25-30 in women

In androgenetic alopecia, there’s sensitivity to an androgen hormone, called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), in certain areas of the scalp.

DHT shortens the growth phase of the hair cycle from the usual 3-6 years, to weeks or months
DHT also leads to miniaturisation of hair follicles

What does male pattern hair loss look like?

Gradual hair thinning, most commonly involving the crown and front of the scalp
Regression of the temple hairline, resulting in the typical “M” shape forehead
Hair in affected areas may be of different lengths, thickness and texture

What is meant by “hair miniaturisation”?

Hairs on the scalp grow in tufts, or so-called “follicular units” containing 1-4 full thickness hairs (this differs from other areas of the body). In androgenetic alopecia, the tufts progressively lose hairs: individual hairs produced by these follicles decrease in size (in diameter and length) and eventually disappear altogether, causing balding

Well, how much hair loss is normal then?

A standardised “60 second hair count” is regarded as a reliable method of assessing hair shedding How to do the hair count:

wash your hair over 3 days
on the 4^th day, comb your hair forwards for 60 seconds over a contrasting colour towel or pillowcase before shampooing
then count the hair loss for three consecutive days
usually only about 10 hairs on average are lost per day in normal healthy males, regardless of whether you’re young or middle-aged
the test can be repeated on a monthly basis to keep a check on your hair health

What can be done about male pattern hair loss?

Minoxidil liquid or foam

it promotes hair growth by lengthening the growth phase of hair follicles and causing more hair follicles to produce hair
hairs that are produced tend to be larger and thicker
the scalp is treated, not the hair
it must be used for at least 6 months to see a difference, and if effective, must be continued indefinitely, otherwise the beneficial effect will be lost
it works best in men where baldness has been present for less than 5 years, when it affects the crown of the head and where the hair loss area is less than 10cm in diameter

Finasteride pills

it decreases the production of one of the hormones associated with androgenetic alopecia, resulting in an increased amount of hair covering the scalp
it cannot be used in women and should not be handled by any woman who is, or may become pregnant

Surgical techniques

Hair transplantation: healthy follicles from other parts of the scalp (often the back and sides) are transplanted to areas affected by baldness
Scalp reduction: bald patches of scalp are removed and remaining skin is sewn together
FUT (follicular unit transplantation): the surgeon harvests a strip of scalp and cuts it into groups of 3-4 hairs
FUE (follicular unit extraction): this involves robotically harvesting individual follicles from the back of the head
Hair pieces/wigs, tattoo techniques (micro-pigmentation to resemble a shaven scalp).