I am a 28-year-old woman. I go for aerobic classes regularly and maintain my diet too. I weigh 67 kg and my height is 5'4''. I have still not been able to lose any weight and am very tired of dieting. Please help me.
What do you mean, when you say 'diet'? Are you avoiding food/ restricting certain foods or just going in for substitutions? I would recommend controlling quantity and going in for substitutions. For example, instead of white polished rice, try the red rice (kerala rice) or broken wheat or instead of refined sugar go for jaggery, and instead of white bread or flour, go in for whole wheat, raagi or bajra or jowar. At the same time, make sure you are not over doing the quantity, for example, help yourself to red rice, but keep it to one tablespoon, maximum two tablespoons. If you can discipline yourself in this regard, you will see a drastic difference in your weight, and this kind of an intake in combination with your aerobics will only have an added benefit to your weight and figure. So, do not give up yet, you are getting there, just be a little more patient.
Parul Dube R D
Member, Health Professions Council, UK
I am a 26-year-old girl with normal to dry skin. Usually I don't get pimples but every time my periods are near, my skin breaks out into pimples. Is there any solution or remedy for this?
Hormones act differently and as required during the monthly cycle. An increase in hormones before the menstrual cycle, tends to make acne worse. Hormonal acne is most often influenced by androgens in the body. When the sebaceous glands are over-stimulated by androgens, for example around the time of menstruation, women, both young and old, tend to have acne flare-ups. Acne can be controlled with medication, although results may not be seen for weeks or months. For example, most topical medicines (treatments applied directly to the skin) work within four to eight weeks. Please consult a Dermatologist for appropriate treatment.
I am 30-year-old housewife. I have terrible itching between my fingers and I have noticed that the itch increases whenever I eat my food. Please help me.
 The itching can be due to allergic reaction of the skin, it may be related to food or other external agents coming in contact with your hands and fingers. These can be soaps, detergents, cosmetics, vegetables, fruits, etc. If the allergic reaction is related to any specific food item, that has to be avoided. Please contact a dermatologist, so that the various reasons leading to this itching can be assessed and appropriately managed.
Dr Vandana Jayaprakash
Consulting Dermatologist
YOUR QUESTIONS
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