showcase January 2017 35 www.womanthismonth.com Walk for Diabetes The Rotary Club of Sulmaniya held a walkathon to raise awareness for diabetes at the Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park. Lea, HE Alfonso A Ver, Gary, Ruby, Bryan & Gel Metin & Sebahat Wooyoung, Mooza, Zaina, Abdulrahman, Adnan, Zahra & Mariam HE Alfonso A Ver & Rafael Durry Dermatologist Dr Anitta Sara Thampi explains how the top knot trend could be costing women their crowning glory. BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL HAIR IN A BUN – NOT ALWAYS FUN The stars of reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians have made the top knot a major fashion statement around the world, but the reality of it can be harsh. Frequently wearing the hair in particularly tight ponytails, pigtails, braids or buns results in a form of gradual hair loss or alopecia, called tractional alopecia. It is also seen in women who blow dry or use hair irons excessively, have hair extensions or use relaxers and rollers over a prolonged period of time. The traction used to achieve the desired looks leads to this form of alopecia. Tightly worn compressive safety helmets – helmets used for motorcycling, skiing, cycling and snowboarding – constantly rub localised areas of the scalp and hair and can also cause alopecia. This implies that the main cause for this condition is mechanical rather than a physiological or anatomical imbalance. The patient complains of itching, redness, short broken hairs, thinning or loss of the hair, and sometimes even folliculitis – inflammation of the hair follicles. Physical examination shows recession of the hairline due to constant traction. It is mostly seen in the frontal region, but can appear anywhere on the scalp based on the traction. Treatment of traction alopecia mainly constitutes avoiding the triggering factors. So wearing the hair loose, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals and relaxers and avoiding hairdryers or hot irons will help. Medical therapy includes treating any infections with oral or topical antibiotics, topical antifungals or steroids wherever necessary. Hair growth supplements which have biotin and topical minoxidil solutions also provide good responses. Eventually platelet- rich plasma therapy or mesotherapy can also be done. In worst-case scenarios, hair replacement surgery may be recommended. Any further queries can be addressed at the Dermatology Department of Bahrain Specialist Hospital. Call 17 812-000 or email anitta.thampi@ bsh.com.bh Dr Anitta Sara Thampi
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==