I am an 18-year-old girl. I have a bad habit of scratching my scalp with nails. Because of this, some wounds have appeared but I still don't stop it. Will this cause damage to my hair? Please help me.

Scratching can damage your hair and due to repeated scratching, there will be wounds and scarring which may lead to loss of hair in those areas. Also there will be damage to your scalp in the form of infections, scarring, etc since you have the habit of scratching your scalp with nails. So please avoid scratching your scalp. Also regularly cut your nails short.

I am a 21-year-old girl with normal to dry skin. I have been suffering from hyper-pigmentation from the past eight years. These pigmentation marks are on my back. I have contacted several skin specialists but nothing has helped me. Please suggest a solution.

Hyperpigmentation has multiple causes and may be focal or diffuse. Most but not all cases are due to an increase in melanin production and deposition. Focal hyperpigmentation is most often post-inflammatory in nature, occurring after injury like in cuts, burns, etc or other causes of inflammation like Acne, Tinea versicolor, etc. It can also be due to drugs like Phenothiazines, Bleomycin, Antimalarials, etc. Please consult a dermatologist so that the various reasons/causes can be analysed and appropriately managed.

I am 17-years-old. My face is very oily, I have tried out many creams. When I apply some cream or makeup my skin turns oily after half an hour or so. Is there any  remedy?

Oily skin needs special cleansing with plenty of hot water and soap to prevent the pores from being clogged. Avoid harsh products that strip your skin of oil and encourage flakiness. Opt for oil-free moisturizers to maintain a shine-free complexion. Keep your skin very clean. Avoid heavy cleansing creams. Avoid the use of harsh soaps or cleansers.

After cleansing, apply a natural oil-free moisturizer to keep the skin supple. When cleansing, massage your face well with your fingertips, using an upward and outward motion. Be careful not to rub soap into the skin; it can clog pores. Choose cosmetic and facial care products specifically designed for oily skin.

Dr Vandana Jayaprakash
Consulting dermatologist

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