Well-being

I have been suffering from severe acne for the past few months. I have used a prescription treatment but it hasn’t helped. Please advise. NAME WITHHELD ON REQUEST Acne occurs when the hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells and are then infected by bacteria. A number of factors including hormones, certain medications and heredity play a role in increased sebum production. This clog may cause the follicle wall to bulge and produce acne. Acne lesions range in severity from black/white heads to cysts.

Try some of the following tips: ● Wash acne-prone areas twice a day. This will remove excess oil and dead skin cells. But too much washing can irritate the skin. Instead of soap, use a paste of Thriphala choornam* or Nimbadi choornam* to clean the acne-prone areas. ● Shower after any strenuous activity as oil and sweat on your skin can trap bacteria. ● Take Nimbadi kashayam* (15ml twice daily mixed with honey and diluted with water). ● Avoid heavy foundation make-up.

Visit an Ayurvedic doctor to identify the cause of your acne problem. My 18-year-old daughter is suffering from excessive hair loss. I amtold that it could be due to hormonal changes. Please advise. NAME WITHHELD ON REQUEST A variety of factors can affect the hair growth cycle and cause temporary or permanent hair loss including exposure to chemicals, hormonal and nutritional factors, thyroid disease, generalised or local skin disease, and stress.

Take your daughter to an Ayurvedic doctor for a prompt diagnosis. She may require internal medication; she could try Kanjunnyadi keram* or Neelibhringadi keram* for external application on her scalp before showering.

*Available at shops selling herbal remedies