44 July 2013 www.womanthismonth.com Q: Are acne pills really safe to use? A: There are very many acne pills which are used to treat acne. The pills vary from low dose term antibiotics and hormone medications to excellent medications like isotretinoin. All these are quite old medications and we have a large body of experience over decades. Antibiotics are first line of treatment. At a low dose certain antibiotics have an antiinflammatory effect which helps in acne. Isotretinoin is a Vitamin A derivative and gives the best results. As we all know, there is no medication which has zero side effects, but we should also remember that everyone does not get side effects. Acne causes scarring and disfigurement of the face, which are difficult to treat. Under guidance of an expert dermatologist, the treatment is quite safe and no young person should suffer from acne and its consequences. Dr Bhartendu Mehta, dermatologist/venereologist at American Mission Hospital Q. What should we watch out for? A: Isotretinoin is a tablet recommended for the treatment of moderate and severe acne. It is very safe, but you must do some investigation before medication like complete blood count and liver enzymes. Checking kidney functions and taking a pregnancy test are mandatory for women. If everything is normal, you can start the medication according to body weight until you have reached to ideal dose. Side effects include dryness of the skin, lips and eyes. It also increases liver enzymes during the course of the medication. Teratogenicity, ability to cause birth defects, are also highly probable. It is vital to take precautions while on these drugs. Use moisturiser regularly for dryness. Monthly pregnancy tests are advised as well. Dr Hala Al-Abetah, specialist dermatology at Bahrain Specialist Hospital Ask the Experts BEAUTY | q&a Q: Why is hydrating between exercises significant? What should gym-goers watch out for during Ramadan? A: The goal of drinking water during exercise is to prevent excessive dehydration (two per cent body weight loss from water deficit) and excessive changes in electrolyte balance to avert compromised exercise performance. Fluid ingestion influences performance by delaying the evolution of core temperature by acting as a ‘heat sink’. An increased central drive and motivation may be experienced by being well hydrated. During Ramadan, eat a balanced diet. This includes proteins that are easy to digest, food rich in fibre and at least 1.5 litres of water. The best time to hit the gym during the Holy Month is either early in the morning (after the first meal of the day), an hour before breaking fast or after the first light meal (Iftar). The approach to sport during Ramadan should be cautious and moderate in order to avoid any health malaise. The key to a healthy body remains in moderation of food as well as of physical exercise. With moderation comes consistency and that is all Ramadan is about. Keep it tight and keep it light! Sheezell Ali, gym instructor-personal/group trainer, Oxygen Gym
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