MYTHS AND REALITIES IN DERMATOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

Quite often, we read or hear some cosmetic information which we may not always be able to substantiate by restoring to standard textbooks of dermatology. Hence, a compilation of common myths prevalent in our society are discussed here to provide scientific knowledge to those patients seeking cosmetic counseling.

MYTHS RELATED TO SKIN, HAIR AND NAIL CARE :

1)     Soaps or shampoos which produce more lather have better cleansing action.

           Reality : Lather productiom is dependent on addition of foam boosters to soaps or while cleansing is related to their detergent content. Hence, amount of lather produced is not proportional to cleansing activity of either soaps or shampoos, foam baths or bubble baths.

2)     Foreign cosmetics are better than local ones.

Reality : The efficacy of these products depend on their basic contents and vary for individual. The fact that it is produced abroad with multiple additives does not certify any cosmetic to be better than it’s Indian counterpart.  

3)     Household cosmetics are harmless.

       Reality : Home remedies can also irritate or sensitise the skin or have comedogenic potential and should be used with care.

4)      Skin creams and moisturizers with vitamin A, E and other plant extracts prevent aging and skin wrinkling. 

Reality : Most of these substances are not absorbed topically and hence, carry no added advantage over a plain moisturizer. Some of them are humectants and thus act as moisturizers and temporarily improve wrinkles due to their plumping action.  

5)     Oil massage before bath gives a glowing skin.  

       Reality : Although, any massage improves the local circulation, the best results of oil application are obtained when applied on slightly moist skin, as during or after bath especially in those with dry skin. The regular use of oil massage in infants can produce folliculitis, especially if persons with poor hygiene are employed for this purpose.

6)     Cleansing milks, facial packs and facials are more effective ways to clean the deep pores.

       Reality : Soaps are equally effective for facial cleaning and above products, offer no significant advantage except for placebo effect.

7)     Oily foods precipitate or aggravate acne.

Reality : Dietary factors are not involved in pathogenesis of acne and hence, food restrictions are unnecessary.

8)     Regular steaming is good for skin.

       Reality : Although, steaming hydrates the blocked pilosebaceous  ducts so that comedone extraction become easier, it’s regular use in normal people can cause large, open  pores. Even in acne patients, it should be used only for 1 – 2 minutes every 7 – 8 days. More frequent usage can result in damage to elastic fibres in long run causing premature aging.

9)     Regular hair oil application prevents premature canities and prevents hairfall and give luxuriant hair growth.

       Reality : Premature hair greying is genetically determined, it’s expression dependent on environmental factors, other than oil application. The only purposed served is probably improvement in local circulation, if massage is done after application, with improvement in hair growth.

10) Shaving the scalp or cutting hair improves growth in diffuse alopecia.

Reality : The rate of hair growth remains the same after these procedures. Also, no new hair follicles are formed by shaving or cutting the preexisting hair.

11). Shampoos with additives like pro-vitamin B5, keratin etc. are more effective in damaged hair.

       Reality : Damaged hair due to abuse of hair styling techniques and hair products need a mild detergent shampoo with conditioner containing protein like hydrolysed animal protein are beneficial as they penetrates hair shaft and restores damaged hair protein structures. Various other additives only enhance commercial appeal, since they are not absorbed in scalp and hair shaft is dead cutaneous appendage.

12). Application of kajal improves eyesight and eyelashes growth.

Reality : Kajal contains carbon and apart from it’s cosmetic purpose of enhancing eye appeal, it serves no beneficial action. On the  contrary, it’s application can cause contact dermatitis and conjunctivitis.

13).Use of castor oil increases growth of eyelashes and eyebrow hairs.

Reality : Application of any oil does not affect rate of hair growth; except for possible effects of ensuing massage action.

14).Trimming of cuticle is an essential part of nail care. 

        Reality : Cuticle is designed to protect underlying nail matrix from getting invaded by pathogens and irritant and allergen substances. The habit of trimming or pushing it back during manicure can damage the cuticle with resultant complication like acute and chronic paronychia.

15).Medicated soaps are better cleansing agents and good for diseased skin.

Reality : The normal skin flora acts as a defence against the pathogenic species and prevents their inhabitation of skin surface through bacterial interference. Medicated soaps with germ fighters destroy this beneficial flora; thereby allowing pathogenic bacterial invasion of the skin. Usually they also produce excessive dryness/irritation of the skin due to additional contents and hence should not be recommended excepts for recurrent skin infections/acne vulgaris.

16).The regular use of pumice stone and scrubbers cleans the skin better and reduces hyperpigmentation.

       Reality : Bare hands and nails are enough to cleanse the skin along with a soap on daily basis. If pumice stone / scrubber are used vigorously they may  dry the skin excessively. Also, bathing brush dermatitis with bilaterally symmetrical hyperpigmentation on bony prominence can follow years of usage of such products.

17).Costly branded cosmetics are more effective and cannot produce side effects.

Reality : The effectivity /adverse reaction of any cosmetic depends on it’s compounds eg. PPD in hair dyes and hence is present in both cheap and costly OTC products. Sometimes, costly product or branded cosmetics may contain additives like fragrances or preservatives to which side effects can develop.

SUMMARY 

These are certain points which clarify wrong beliefs common in our society so that correct cosmetic usage and adoption of scientific techniques be followed by the patients.

BY:   DR CHETAN LALSETA

                                    M.D.(Skin & V .D)

CONSULTANT DERMATOLOGIST & COSMETOLOGIST

    “C POINT”—A UNIT OF MCSPL

     SHRADDHA HOSPITAL,INDIRA CIRCLE CHOWK,

     RAJKOT-360005

     www.cpoint.in

     www.mcspl.in

     www.drlalseta.blogspot.com

     09825199585