I am a 30-year-old woman. My hair is falling rapidly and is becoming scanty, specially in front of the head. Please suggest me any multivitamin tablet by which my hair will grow back.

Normal hair loss per day is 50-120 strands per day. Whatever hair you have lost will grow over a period of time. For effective hair growth here are few natural remedies: Soak ½ cup fenugreek seeds for 4 hours and then grind. For ¼ cup neem juice, take neem leaves, a little water and grind in a mixer, then strain. Mix the ingredients to a paste and apply to the hair and scalp and leave for sometime and wash the hair. This improves hair texture and stimulates the scalp to effect good growth. Also look to coconut oil to plump up hair texture and quality. What we eat reflects on our hair. Hair needs proteins, vitamins and minerals, so incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables and milk in your diet. The hair is comprised mostly of protein, therefore to encourage hair growth, adhere to a diet rich in protein, like sprouts, pulses, beans, cereals, eggs, milk and milk products. As vitamin E is important for healthy hair growth, eat green leafy vegetables, nuts, avocados, etc on a regular basis. Drink atleast eight glasses of water, herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juice. Go easy on tea and coffee, as they increase the drainage of water and important nutrients and hamper the absorption of minerals crucial for hair health. Stress causes the hair cells to slow reproduction. Try to avoid stress and do yoga or relaxation exercise. You can take a course of multivitamin tablets with Zinc after consultation. As vitamin E is important for healthy hair growth, eat green leafy vegetables, nuts, avocados, etc on a regular basis. You can use either Shikakai soap or any herbal shampoo.

I'm Kiran, working with iGATE global solutions. I'm 22 years old. Some time back I had pimples on my face and instead of applying any lotion/creams, I just left it like that. But often I used to squeeze or prick it with my hand, as result of which, I have pigmented marks and scars on my face. Could you please suggest me how to get rid of these scars.

Acne or pimples is an inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands of the skin and the condition results in part from excessive stimulation of the skin by androgens (male hormones). Avoiding picking and squeezing pimples is the best way to prevent and reduce the severity of Acne Scarring. There are a number of techniques which can help to reduce the visible signs of scarring. Specific dermatological procedures to minimise acne scars will be determined based on age, severity of scar, type of scar, etc. Although proper treatment for acne may help minimise scarring, several dermatological procedures may help to further minimise any acne scars, including the following: Dermabrasion may be used to minimise acne scars. As the name implies, Dermabrasion involves removing the top layers of skin with an electrical machine that abrades the skin. As the skin heals from the procedure, the surface appears smoother and fresher. Chemical peels are often used to superficial scars. The top layer of skin is removed with a chemical application to the skin. By removing the top layer, the skin regenerates, often improving its appearance. Other methods are laser resurfacing, punch grafts - Punch grafts can help treat deep acne scars.

Dr Vandana Jayaprakash, Consulting Dermatologist

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