Know More About Eczema And Treatment Options- Expert Guide

 

Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition medically known as atopic dermatitis. The concern can affect any part of the body but usually affects the arms, inner elbows, backs of the knees, and head. It is not a contagious condition and, in some cases, becomes less severe with age. 

Dr. Rajat Kandhari, a dermatologist at Dr. Kandhari's Skin and Dental Clinic, the Best Skin Specialist Clinic in Delhi, shares, 'Eczema is defined as itchy, dry, rough, chapped, flakey, inflamed, and irritated skin. Other symptoms may include severe itching, red or brownish-gray patches, small, raised bumps that ooze fluid when scratched, crumbly patches of dried yellowish ooze, which can signal secondary infection, and also causes thickened and scaly skin". Hence, this condition must be addressed immediately with the help of a skin doctor.

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema is considered to be triggered by an overactive immune system that responds aggressively when exposed to irritants. Frequent triggers of eczema flare-ups include chemicals found in cleaners and detergents that dry out the skin, synthetic fabrics, raised body temperature, sweating, temperature changes, sudden drops in humidity, stress, food allergies, and upper respiratory infections.

Types of Eczema:

1. Atopic eczema: Atopic eczema is most commonly seen in children and is also related to allergic asthma. It is characterized by a red, itchy, and sometimes weepy rash. It is a chronic condition that can flare up badly and may also become infected.

2. Seborrhoeic eczema: Seborrhoeic eczema is mainly caused by a naturally occurring yeast, Malassezia, on the skin. On the scalp, seborrhoeic eczema signs include redness, scaling, or dandruff.

3. Contact allergic eczema: Contact allergic eczema is caused by an allergic reaction to a chemical that comes into contact with the skin. The most common cause of these allergies is skin contact with metals like nickel, fragrant perfumes, chemical preservatives in cosmetic products, and medications. 

4. Discoid eczema: Discoid eczema is caused by chronic stress and a reaction to staphylococci bacterial antigen, which is common in adults. It causes very itchy and weepy patches of inflamed skin and affects the entire body.

5. Asteotic eczema: Asteotic eczema is most common in elderly patients with dry skin and a tendency to chap. It is distinguished by superficial red cracks and dry skin.

6. Varicose eczema: Varicose eczema primarily affects the lower legs. It is caused by low blood circulation and leakiness of some of the valves in the lower leg veins.

Dr. Rajat Kandhari is an expert skin doctor in Delhi, and he offers the best eczema treatment using the most advanced approaches. Read on to learn more about the treatment options and lifestyle modifications that help manage eczema.

Treatment For Eczema:

Topical corticosteroidTopical corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that should alleviate

eczema symptoms such as inflammation and itchiness. Cortisone creams and ointments can help to get rid of

itching and scaling. Low-power steroids like hydrocortisone are available without a prescription.

When the skin is less able to protect against irritants and allergens, eczema occurs. Dry, scaly, rough, irritated skin, redness, and itching are some of the common

symptoms of eczema. 

Eczema can be caused by a combination of factors such as dry skin, genes,

and an immune system problem. Corticosteroid solutions, gels,

creams, and ointments made with hydrocortisone steroids can relieve itching and

help reduce inflammation.

Oral medicationsOral medications like systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressants are prescribed.

Immunosuppressants are suggested medications that prevent the immune system from overreacting.

This prevents flare-ups of eczema.

Antibiotics: If eczema occurs alongside a bacterial skin infection, doctors prescribe antibiotics.

Antihistamines:

Oral over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines may relieve itching.

They work by inhibiting histamine, which is the trigger of allergic reactions. 

Topical calcineurin inhibitorTopical calcineurin inhibitors suppress immune system activity.

It helps in relieving inflammation and preventing flares.

Emollients:The emollient acts as a barrier and provides much-needed moisture to the skin,

calming the red, itchy skin. Emollients are available as lotions, ointments, and creams.

PhototherapyPhototherapy, or light therapy, uses ultraviolet light or sunlamps to help prevent immune system responses that trigger eczema.

This procedure can manage moderate dermatitis. A doctor will monitor the skin closely during the treatment.

It needs a sequence of treatments and can help diminish or clear up eczema.

Lifestyle Modifications For Managing Eczema:

Lifestyle modifications such as reducing stress and improving sleep can reduce the possibility of an eczema flare-up.

Avoid annoyances like rough fabrics, harsh soaps, and detergents.

Cool weather can also dry out the skin and activate flare-ups. People with atopic dermatitis must avoid scratching.

To prevent damaging the skin, it can help to rub instead of scratching the areas that are itchy.

Since dry skin can trigger an eczema flare-up, a dermatologist recommends an ointment or cream-based moisturizer that will help soothe the skin.

Steps That Help In Managing Eczema Symptoms To Reduce Skin Irritation Are:

• Avoid scratching the skin. This can make the irritation from atopic dermatitis substandard.

• Wear loose-fitting, cotton-blend clothes that allow air to pass freely to the skin and are the most comfortable for those with atopic dermatitis.

• After bathing or taking a shower, gently pat the skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing the skin.

• Keep fingernails short and smooth to help prevent damage as a consequence of scratching.

• Leftover chlorine or bromine on the skin after swimming in a pool may be annoying.

• After swimming, take a quick shower or bath immediately,

• washing with a mild cleanser all over the entire body, and then putting on an appropriate moisturizer on eczema-affected areas.  

If one is experiencing the symptoms of eczema, they can get this skin concern managed with the advanced treatment options offered by

Dr. Rajat Kandhari at Best Skin Specialist Clinic in Delhi.

Skin Pigmentation Advanced Treatment Solutions-Dr. Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic

 Looking for the best options to get healthy pigmentation free skin? Opt now for advanced cosmetic treatments at Dr. Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic to get spotless and radiant skin provided by Best Skin Specialist Doctor in Delhi, Dr. Rajat Kandhari.

Skin pigmentation refers to the uneven coloring of the skin in spots or patches. Skin discoloration includes either darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation) due to excess melanin or lightening of the skin (hypopigmentation) because of less melanin production in the skin. 

However, generally, skin pigmentation is termed as hyperpigmentation of the body or of the face either as generalized darkening or as dark patchy spots. The various culprits for excessive pigmentation of the skin include sun exposure, pregnancy hormones, previous skin injury or inflammation, aging, laser therapy, chemotherapy medicine, antibiotics, birth control, and certain medical conditions like Addison’s disease. 

Skin pigmentation is a harmless skin concern that results in an unpleasant appearance. People with pigmentation issues wish to get flawless-looking skin. Thankfully, there are many ways to erase the dark patches from the skin. 

Here are the most-recommended, advanced treatments for pigmentation offered by Best Skin Specialist Doctor in Delhi, Dr. Rajat Kandhari at Dr. Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic: 

• Laser Skin Resurfacing- This treatment works most effectively on dark spots caused by acne on the face. It is based on the principle of selective photo-thermolysis. The procedure involves focussing on short pulses of laser light onto the targeted pigmented spots/patches with the help of a medical-grade laser device. There are two kinds of lasers: ablative (intensive) lasers that harm the skin surface and remove the damaged skin cells and non-ablative (less intense) that heats the skin dermis to encourage collagen growth and skin tightening effects without harming the superficial skin. The laser generates heat which gets transferred to deeper layers of the skin, destroys the pigmentation particles (excess melanin) on its way, and internally heals the skin by growing new skin cells. The results of laser treatment are visible in 1-2 weeks and last longer than other alternative cosmetic treatments. However, multiple laser sessions are required to achieve desired results. 

     

• Chemical Peel- In this treatment, the dermatologist applies acidic solutions on the skin to remove the outer damaged layers containing dark pigmented spots and heal the skin cells to reveal a new, refreshing, healthier skin. Depending upon the severity of pigmentation, the strength of the chemical peel (light, medium, or deep) is chosen by the skin expert. This further decides the effectiveness of the treatment. The superficial or less-intensive peels include alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, medium peels include beta-hydroxy acids like salicylic acid, and deep peels include high-strength of trichloroacetic acid. If using superficial or medium peels, repeated sessions are needed to get significant results. However, it is necessary to avoid sunlight or UV exposure post chemical peel treatment.  

• Microneedling-  This is a non-invasive treatment where the skin experts carefully pierce the pigmented areas of the skin with multiple ultra-thin needles. As the doctor punctures the skin and creates micro-injuries, the body interprets them as wounds and provides a natural wound healing response. The natural growth factors, collagen, and elastin rush to the injured area for skin repair and regrowth of skin and tissue. Thus, it does a tremendous job of fading or reversing the darkening of the skin because of collagen growth induction. 

   

• Carbon Laser Peel- In this treatment, the licensed dermatologist applies a charcoal mask (activated liquid carbon) over the entire pigmented areas of the cleansed skin to absorb all the dead skin cells, dirt, and grime that clogs the pores. Next, a 1064nm laser is applied over the dried mask to peel off the mask along with its absorbed materials. This is a skin resurfacing procedure known to even out the skin tone and improve overall skin appearance in less time. It helps reduce hyperpigmentation and provides instant glowing skin without causing pain or requiring downtime.   

To reap the benefits of cutting-edge skin pigmentation removal treatments, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajat Kandhari, the best dermatologist in Delhi, at Dr. Kandhari's Skin and Dental Clinic.

All About Skin Allergy

An allergy is a natural response within the body caused by the triggering of an immune system reaction caused by coming in contact with any foreign substance or allergen. This could be anything from the outside environment that we touch, eat, or inhale. Skin allergy or irritated skin can be caused due to various factors including immune system disorders, infections, and medications. Some common skin allergic conditions include atopic dermatitis, hives (urticaria), and contact dermatitis. Here, at the Dr. Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic, the Best Skin Allergy Specialist in Delhi, Dr. Rajat Kandhari offers a wide range of services to diagnose, prevent, or treat allergies. The comprehensive allergy services are tailored to the needs of the patient. Dr. Rajat Kandhari, best dermatologist in Delhi aims to make the patients understand, avoid, and treat the causative agent of allergy so that they effectively manage their condition. 

A skin allergy can be difficult to manage as the exact cause cannot be easily identified by the dermatologist because there are several possible triggers for an allergy. This condition can have an impact on everyday life and can result in months and years of distress and trouble when the underlying cause remains unknown. It has been reported that most skin allergies and their symptoms are an outcome of common allergens like peanuts, eggs, dust mites, pollen, pet dander, seafood, mold, and latex. The skin professional in Delhi at Dr. Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic specializes in the identification of allergens and allergy treatment. We run a variety of allergy tests including patch tests and specific allergy blood tests to check for the causal factor(s).    

How can one get to know if he/she has an allergy?

When a person is exposed to an allergen, the symptoms of allergy may develop suddenly or after a few hours. The visible signs depend upon the gravity of the allergic condition itself. Severe forms of allergy result in anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening situation. A skin rash is the first common symptom that appears after an allergic skin reaction. Ultimately, a person may develop the following combination of symptoms of skin allergy:

• Rash

• Swelling

• Redness

• Flaking or scaling of the skin

• Dry or cracked skin

• Raised bumps

Other most common symptoms of allergy:

• Vomiting, sickness, or diarrhea

• Blocked or runny nose

• Difficulty breathing (wheezing)

• Itchy eyes, ears, throat, lips, or mouth roof

• Sinus pain

The anaphylaxis symptoms include:

• Fast heartbeat

• Fainting or collapse

• Confusion

• Troubled breathing

• Swelling around the face and mouth.

If the patients have severe allergic reactions or an emergency condition then they must seek prompt medical attention.

Most common skin allergens:

• Household cleaners such as laundry detergent, soap, and disinfectants.

• Clothing materials like wool

• Skincare products and fragrances contain irritants like ascorbic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and paraben preservatives.

• Handling or consuming certain foods.

• Cold or hot temperature

• Poison ivy or oak

• Nickel-based jewelry

• Drugs

• Latex

• Pet dander

• Insect stings

• Sunlight exposure

• Pollen

• Contaminated water

What happens in the initial and follow-up allergy consultations?

In the very first meeting with Dr. Rajat Kandhari, a skin allergy doctor in Delhi a thorough allergy assessment and medical examination are conducted for the patient. This includes a review of medical and allergy history and existing medical concerns suffered by the patient. The patient is also asked to undergo special blood tests to check for the level of sensitivity to different allergens. If the suspect is an allergy caused by skin contact with anything, then a patch test may be carried out. This test involves applying stickers containing allergens such as metals, fragrances, preservatives, hair dye, etc. on the upper back and left undisturbed for 48 hours. The patient is advised for another visit about a week later to collect the test results and discuss the treatment options. In the follow-up appointment, the patient learns about how to avoid allergens, control them, and treat symptoms. 

The treatment of skin allergies includes topical therapies like the use of emollients- that helps to reduce itching and steroids- that helps to reduce swelling and tablets of antihistamine and decongestants. 

Advanced treatments like light therapy and lasers are also recommended when the first line of treatments does not offer promising results.

If you are suffering from any type of skin allergy, and want healthy disease-free skin. Schedule an appointment with the best dermatologist in Delhi/NCR at Dr. Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic, top skin clinic in India.

Is It Eczema or Psoriasis? How to Tell the Difference Between the Two Skin Conditions?

 

Most people suffer from itchy, red, blotchy skin which persistently causes irritation and discomfort. It could be psoriasis or eczema. These are two skin concerns which sometimes exhibit similar symptoms resulting in some confusion while diagnosis. This is why it is always advised to consult an experienced dermatologist who holds expertise in performing skin examinations and additional tests to help confirm the type of skin condition and also recommend suitable effective treatments to get healthy skin.

If the person thinks that psoriasis or eczema could be the problem, then the doctor can make a final call by looking for things that tell them apart. Here is a guide to differentiating between the two skin issues-eczema and psoriasis’ shared by Dr. Rajat Kandhari, Best Doctor for Psoriasis and Eczema Treatment in Delhi.

How does eczema or psoriasis feel different to the patient?

Eczema itching is dreadful. People tend to have an urge of scratching the irritated skin very badly often leading to skin bleed.

In Psoriasis, the skin itches but also feels like stinging or burning. Some people describe the itching as if some fire ants are biting the skin.

What are the differences in skin appearances?

Eczema results in red, inflamed skin which may be crusty, scaly, or oozing pus or fluids. A person might have leathery, rough patches on the skin which sometimes turn dark.

Psoriasis is characterized by silver, scaly, and raised red patches of the skin. With a closer look, one can notice that the skin is thicker and more swollen as compared to eczema.

Where do they appear more often?

Eczema is mostly located on the body part that can bend or fold like behind the knees or inner area of the elbow. People can also have them on the wrist, ankles, and neck. In babies, this may occur on the scalp, chest, back, chin, arms, leg, and cheeks.

Psoriasis is commonly found on the body sites like knees, palms of hands, lower back, elbows, soles of the feet, face, and scalp. Sometimes, it may appear on lips and mouth, ears, toenails and fingernails, eyelids, and skin folds.

What are their different triggering factors?

Usually, eczema is the result of skin-irritating agents such as certain soaps, disinfectants, detergents, and juices from meats or produce. It can also be set off because of some allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, dandruff, mold, and some food. Other triggers include skin infections, excessive sweating, humidity, stress, heat, and hormonal changes.

Psoriasis can be caused due to some common triggers like infections or stress. Otherwise, flare-ups can arise when the skin gets injured or traumatized. Instances include scratching of the skin, vaccination, and sunburn. Certain medications can also lead to Psoriasis like malarial drugs and lithium drugs.

At what age do they first appear?

Eczema symptoms are often common and begin in babies or young children and the condition may improve with increasing age. It is possible that an adult suffers from eczema, but is less common. If adults get eczema, it could mean that they have some underlying medication such as stress, hormone, or thyroid disease.

On the other hand, psoriasis usually shows its symptoms between 15 to 35 years of age but it is possible to have in other age groups. Rarely, a baby could have psoriasis. If one is experiencing similar symptoms, consult Dr. Rajat Kandhari, Psoriasis Specialist in Delhi to know more about the treatment options for managing this concern.

What health conditions they are associated with?

Eczema can be linked to dry and sensitive skin type or may run in families especially if any family member has hay fever or asthma.

Psoriasis is usually linked to serious health issues like depression, heart disease, and obesity.

Treatment options for eczema and psoriasis:

In either case of eczema or psoriasis, the treatment varies based on the skin condition and its severity.

Mild to moderate eczema can be treated using topical corticosteroids and emollients on the skin. For moderate to severe eczema, Dr. Rajat Kandhari, a skin allergy doctor in Delhi may prescribe immunotherapy drugs and biological drugs. The patient may also get relieved by undergoing phototherapy.

Psoriasis can be treated either systemically or topically. Topical steroids or emollients can be used for mild to moderate psoriasis with limited spread on the skin. For severe cases, light therapy in combination with medications affecting the immune system or a biological drug can be used.

To know more treatment options for eczema and psoriasis management in Delhi, consult the best skin doctor in India, Dr. Rajat Kandhari.

Stretch Marks Treatment

 

Stretch marks are permanent scars on the skin that appear immediately after shrinking or stretching the skin due to tearing. These can be observed in the form of coloured streaks or lines, but their appearance does not indicate an underlying health issue. The newly formed stretch marks are often red or purple coloured. But over time, they gradually become white or silver-coloured. The sudden change in the skin firmness leads to the rupture of collagen and elastin fibres. When the skin heals from this wear and tear, most individuals experience stretch marks.

This skin condition is not found among all people but may be present in people that have fluctuation in hormone levels in pregnancy or at the time of puberty (due to growth spurts). It can also develop because of quick weight gain or loss or due to rapid muscle growth during strenuous exercise or gym training.

Dr Rajat Kandhari, the best skin specialist in Delhi, is an expert in lasers and advanced cosmetic treatments to cure any type of skin problem.

A skin doctor can determine the major cause responsible for the formation of stretch marks on the skin.

Dr Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic, Best Skin Clinic in Delhi, provides the best treatment for removing stretch marks.

Stretch marks can be diminished in appearance by certain treatments that are performed by dermatologists. To get desirable results, a combination of procedures may be followed. Some of them are described below:

Microneedling- It is a collagen induction therapy wherein tiny microneedles are administered into the white stretch marks, thereby penetrating deep within the dermis. The dermis is the middle skin layer wherein stretch marks are formed. This results in the puncturing of the superficial skin layer that traumatizes the skin and leaves behind wounded skin. As a result, the body naturally stimulates its wound healing process by producing new collagen and elastin fibres. The treatment causes the formation of new skin with enhanced texture and firmness.

Growth factor injections- In this treatment, growth factors are extracted from the blood-derived by centrifugation of the blood drawn from the patient’s arms. It contains blood-clotting proteins and growth factors. The growth factors are taken in injection and administered into the properly cleansed stretch marks. The injured skin gets healed naturally by stimulating collagen synthesis and producing more healthy skin cells. The micro needling and growth factor treatment are often combined for the best results.

Laser therapy- In this treatment process, the light of a specific wavelength is focused on the target skin area. It successfully removes white/grey stretch marks by causing thermal damage. The method is commonly used to trigger the regeneration of skin cells by activating melanin pigment production. This results in the blending of the stretch marks with the normal skin tone. Fractional lasers are considered first-line treatment for stretch mark reduction. The treatment is well tolerated and has minimal downtime.

Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency technology is also available at Dr Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic that has the ability to penetrate the deeper skin layers and remodel the stretch marks appearance. A combination of TCA peel with laser treatment is also performed at Dr Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic to remove deeper and old stretch marks.

Consult Dr. Rajat Kandhari, the Best Skin Specialist Doctor in Delhi, to get healthy stretch marks-free skin.