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How to manage Psoriasis

How to Manage Psoriasis?

Aug 25th, 2023

Archive for August, 2023

How to Manage Psoriasis?

Friday, August 25th, 2023

Psoriasis is a significant health concern in India, affecting millions of people. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in your skin. According to data from the Global Psoriasis Atlas (GPA), an estimated 3.59 million people in India are impacted by this skin condition. The prevalence of psoriasis among adults in India varies from 0.44% to 2.8%.

Understanding Psoriasis

Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches of skin, can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally distressing. Understanding the condition and exploring various treatment options, however, can empower individuals to manage their symptoms effectively. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks healthy skin cells, causing them to multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. This results in bumpy red patches covered with white scales, typically appearing on the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back.

Medical Treatments

Medical treatments for psoriasis aim to slow skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation. These include:

  • Topical creams
    Corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, and retinoids can help reduce inflammation and skin cell growth.
  • Light therapy
    This involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light under medical supervision to slow skin cell growth].
  • Oral medications
    These are usually reserved for severe cases or those resistant to other treatments due to potential side effects.

Living with Psoriasis

Psoriasis can impact your life in many ways. It has a great impact on your quality of life, your self-esteem, clothing preferences, method of symptom management, and general health maintenance. Psoriasis is a chronic condition, but you can keep it under control by following common guidelines and scheduling regular visits with the dermatologist. These include:

  • Moisturize
    Moisturizing is a first line of defense. Choose the moisturiser that feels the greatest on your skin after experimenting with a few different ones. Keeping your skin moisturised reduces the symptoms of psoriasis. After a bath or shower, you should always apply ointments, creams, or lotions to seal in the moisture.
  • Take a soothing bath
    You could notice that your everyday routine is altered by psoriasis. You might wish to run a warm bath at night in addition to a cool shower in the morning. To soothe red, inflamed skin, try applying coconut oil or Epsom salt and using a mild soap.
  • Avoid sunburns
    Sunburns aren’t healthy for anyone, however they are especially problematic if you have psoriasis. A sunburn can worsen your psoriasis, making you end up with new patches of dry skin on your body. Choose to protect your skin and invest in clothing pieces such as tunics, leggings, hats, and more.
  • Relieve stress
    Stress can contribute to psoriasis and worsen your symptoms. Your first outbreak may have occurred during a stressful time in your life. Research your options to relieve your stress. Take up activities you enjoy, start journaling or spend more time with your loved ones. You can also try deep breathing exercises to cope better with stress.

Psoraisis Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Timely diagnosis and appropriate care under a trained dermatologist can help manage your condition. In case you see any new symptoms, you must check with your doctor urgently. While there is currently no cure for psoriasis, a combination of medical treatments, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Remember, each person’s experience with psoriasis is unique, so it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to find a treatment plan that works best for you. Consult highly experienced skin specialists at our Department of Dermatology for further assistance. Please find below our website link: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/dermatology.html

The Importance of Organ Donation

Thursday, August 17th, 2023

India has one of the world’s lowest organ donation rates compared to the rest of the world. The urgent need for organ donation is highlighted by the fact that the demand for organ donation in India greatly outweighs the supply, and the ratio of deceased organ donors to the population is less than one donor per million. Around 5 lakh people die every year in India due to the unavailability of organs. Behind these numbers lie stories of hope, despair, and the incredible impact a single donor can have on multiple lives. Organ donation is not just a medical procedure; it is a gift that brings renewed hope and a second chance at life to those in need.

Organs and Tissue Donation

While organs are vital, tissue donation is equally significant. A single organ donor has the potential to donate life-saving organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines. Tissue donation helps restore lives in many ways and can impact the lives of up to 75 people. From bone, tendons, and cartilage to corneas, skin, and heart valves, these generous donations improve the quality of life for numerous individuals. Tissue donation provides an opportunity for healing, restores mobility, and enables recipients to regain their independence.

Common Myths about Organ Donation

Myth: Doctors won’t try as hard to save my life if I am an organ donor
Facts: It important to note that the decision to donate does not impact the level of medical care one receives. Organ donation is a separate process handled with utmost respect and professionalism by healthcare professionals.

Myth: Age matters when it comes to organ donation
Fact: There is no defined cut-off age for donating organs. The decision to use your for a transplant is based on strict medical criteria. Let the medical professionals decide whether your organs and tissues are fit for transplantation at the time of your death.

Myth: My medical illness will prevent me from becoming an organ donor.
Fact: There are very few medical conditions that automatically disqualify a person from donating organs. Let medical experts determine whether your organs are suitable for transplantation or not after your death.

Myth: My family will have to pay for the organ donation.
Fact: The organ donation cost is borne by the recipient’s healthcare system and not the donor’s family. Only the medical expenses incurred during all final attempts to save the donor’s life are passed along to the donor’s family; yet, these expenses are sometimes mistaken for expenditures associated with organ donation.

In India, a huge gap still exists between those requiring transplants and the actual number of organs available for transplant, resulting in the demise of many patients who require donated organs to stay alive. Organ donation is a powerful act of compassion and selflessness that holds the potential to save and transform lives. By dispelling misconceptions and spreading awareness, we can encourage more individuals to become organ donors, making a significant difference in countless lives. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is proud to support the Times Donation Drive and help make a difference. Registering to be an organ donor, discussing your decision with loved ones, and raising awareness within your community are steps we can all take to ensure that the gift of life continues to be shared, offering hope to those in need. Together, we can make a profound impact and give the ultimate gift – the gift of life. To sign up as an organ donor, give a missed call on 7862991122 or visit organdonationday.com

Stress and Fertility

Thursday, August 10th, 2023

Statistics suggest that about 17.5% of the adult population, roughly 1 in 6 worldwide experience infertility. Infertility is a condition where pregnancy is difficult even after one year of unprotected sex. Causes of infertility can include ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, low sperm count, low testosterone and in some cases high stress levels. The risk of infertility is known to  increase as you age. While many treatment options are available for people with infertility, timely diagnosis and a comprehensive care plan is beneficial to patients. Here are some insights by our health expert Dr. Hitesha Ramnani Rohira, Consultant – IVF at KDAH Mumbai on “Stress and Fertility.”

Does Stress cause difficulty in conceiving?

Infertility is often a silent struggle. Patients who are struggling to conceive often complain of feelings of depression, frustration, anxiety and isolation. There has long been discussion regarding the connection between stress and infertility. Women with infertility report elevated levels of anxiety and depression (psychogenic infertility), hence it is clear that infertility causes stress. What is less clear, however, is whether or not stress causes infertility so “It’s the chicken and egg question.” 

Stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine surge in difficult circumstances and may have a negative impact on a person’s fertility. Reducing stress may be a great way to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, and thereby increase the supply of nutrients in those regions. The possibility that psychological factors may have an impact on pregnancy rates is one of the most contentious topics in the field of reproductive medicine. The idea that stress impairs reproduction function is supported by a variety of old wives’ tales, although it has been difficult to prove medically.

It is definitive that infertility leads to significant distress and most recent research has documented the efficacy of psychological interventions in lowering psychological distress as well as being associated with significant increase in pregnancy rates. Here are some highly recommended stress-reduction techniques; used to help fertility patients and complement their medical treatment:

  • Acupuncture 
  • Collaboration with experts in stress reduction
  • Journaling
  • Listening to music
  • Massage therapy
  • Meditation
  • Mind-body groups
  • Mindfulness
  • Progressive muscle relaxation
  • Psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Self-help books
  • Support/educational groups
  • Walking/hiking
  • Yoga

Fertility care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

The Department for Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility (CREF) at KDAH Mumbai provides specialized and expert health care for the management of endocrine disorders and infertility. At CREF, we provide complete services to women with endocrine issues, infertile couples, and people who need to preserve their fertility for medical reasons. We are dedicated to assisting couples who are having trouble getting pregnant by offering cutting edge and modern diagnostic tools and treatment. At CREF, we support and provide Integrative Medicine as a special option alongside conventional medical therapies like Medical Acupuncture and Mind-Body Medicine. Our team is staffed by a full-time consultant Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility specialist, IVF coordinator, embryologist, nurses trained in caring for patients with endocrine and infertility issues and a healthcare assistant. Our CREF team is located on the 7th floor of the hospital and has a dedicated space for out-patient care and day-care patients. Please visit our website for more details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/reproductiveendocrinologyfertility.html

Overcoming Breastfeeding Challenges

Thursday, August 3rd, 2023

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way for mothers to nourish their babies, fostering a unique bond between them. However, this journey isn’t always smooth sailing. Many new moms encounter challenges that can make breastfeeding seem daunting and frustrating. A survey conducted in India in 2022 revealed that breastfeeding presents major challenges for over 83% Indian mothers. Most new moms either solicited advice from family or friends (66%) or from online videos (33%) while only 7% consulted a trained lactation expert for advice or support.

Breastfeeding is the healthiest and best way to feed your baby, however it doesn’t always come naturally to everyone. There are many problems related to breastfeeding that end in an early cessation of breastfeeding. That is why it is of great importance to seek timely medical advice in the initial nursing stage if you are struggling.

Breastfeeding is not only a healthy way to supplement your baby’s nutrition, but it can also lower the risk of some short- and long-term health problems. It contains precious antibodies that fight various diseases and infections. Additionally, it also fosters a strong bond between the mother and child, promoting brain development and emotional resiliency.

Breastfeeding Challenges and How to Deal with Them

Alongside the lack of sleep and exhaustion of having a new baby, breastfeeding has its own set of challenges. Let us explore some common challenges of breastfeeding and discuss strategies to overcome them, empowering mothers to experience the joys of successful breastfeeding.

  • Latching Difficulties
    One of the most common challenges new mothers face is achieving a proper latch. A poor latch can lead to sore nipples, inadequate milk transfer, and a frustrated baby. It’s crucial to ensure that the baby latches onto the breast effectively to stimulate milk production and avoid discomfort. If required, consult a lactation consultant for further assistance.
  • Low Milk Supply
    Many mothers worry about having a low milk supply, which can be caused by various factors, such as stress, inadequate breastfeeding frequency, or medical issues. Building and maintaining a sufficient milk supply requires commitment and persistence. Techniques like frequent nursing, skin-to-skin contact, health supplements and pumping can help stimulate milk production.
  • Blocked Milk Duct
    Clogged milk ducts feel sore and painful. If the breasts are not fully drained out, they become hard, tender with a swelling in one area of the breast. You can treat it with a warm compress, gentle massage, frequent nursing, and soaking the nipples with a saline solution.
  • Engorgement and Mastitis
    Breast engorgement, a condition where breasts become painfully swollen with milk, and mastitis, an infection that causes redness and tenderness in the breast, are common challenges faced by breastfeeding moms. Engorgement can often be managed by frequent feeding and expressing milk. Mastitis requires prompt medical attention, including antibiotics, and rest.
  • Nipple Pain and Soreness
    Nipple pain is another common complaint among breastfeeding mothers. In most cases, this discomfort is temporary and related to improper latching. Applying lanolin cream or breast milk to sore nipples can help alleviate the pain. Using different breastfeeding positions and seeking guidance from a lactation consultant can also make a significant difference in reducing nipple soreness.

Breastfeeding Support at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Breastfeeding is an invaluable experience that fosters a deep connection between a mother and her child. It is a rewarding experience, so don’t let any challenges discourage you from continuing to nurse your baby. While it may come with its challenges, overcoming them is possible with determination, patience, and support. Remember, each breastfeeding journey is unique, and seeking help from lactation consultants, support groups, and experienced mothers can make all the difference in making this experience a rewarding and fulfilling one. Meet highly experienced lactation consultants at our Centre for Mother & Child for guidance online and offline. Please find below link for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_motherchild.html