Dr Gurjeet Kaur Sandhu, MD (Dermatology), said unhealthy lifestyles, stress and pollution are leading to a rise in skin and hair problems. She advised people to avoid self-medication and seek timely dermatological care.
In recent years, what are the most common skin conditions you are witnessing today and what lifestyle or environmental factors are contributing to this increase?
In recent years, we are commonly seeing acne, pigmentation, fungal infections, eczema, allergies and excessive hair fall. Modern lifestyle habits such as stress, lack of sleep, unhealthy diet, hormonal imbalance and pollution are major reasons behind this increase. Excessive use of cosmetic and chemical-based skincare products is also damaging the skin barrier. Many people are following social media skincare trends without proper medical guidance, which often worsens skin conditions. Self-medication and misuse of steroid creams are another major concern in dermatology practice today.
Acne and pimples are among the most common concerns faced by teenagers. What are the main causes behind acne and what treatment or preventive measures would you recommend?
Acne mainly occurs due to hormonal changes, excess oil production, clogged pores, stress, unhealthy eating habits and genetic factors. Nowadays, irregular sleep schedules and junk food are also contributing significantly to acne in teenagers. I advise patients not to squeeze or pick pimples, as it can lead to permanent scars and pigmentation. Maintaining proper skin hygiene, hydration and a balanced diet is very important. Early consultation with a dermatologist helps control acne effectively and prevents long-term skin damage.
What are the major causes of excessive hair loss in women and can the condition be effectively treated or reversed?
Hair fall in women is commonly linked to stress, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, anaemia, hormonal imbalance, PCOS and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Post-pregnancy changes, poor sleep, crash dieting and excessive chemical treatments also weaken the hair roots over time. In many cases, women ignore the early signs and seek treatment late. Proper diagnosis and identifying the root cause are very important for successful treatment. With timely medical care, nutritional correction, and lifestyle changes, hair fall can often be effectively controlled and improved.
What advice would you like to give to people suffering from recurring skin problems?
People should avoid self-medication and the use of random creams without proper medical advice, especially steroid-based creams. Healthy skin depends on proper hydration, balanced nutrition, good sleep, stress management and regular skincare. It is important to use products according to one’s skin type rather than blindly following trends. Recurring skin problems should never be ignored, as early treatment helps prevent complications and long-term damage. Regular consultation with a dermatologist is important for maintaining healthy skin.
What could be the possible causes of red, itchy rashes in children and what precautions should parents take?
Red and itchy rashes in children may occur due to eczema, allergies, fungal or bacterial infections, insect bites, heat rash, or skin sensitivity. Children have delicate skin, so even small irritants like harsh soaps, detergents, or fabrics can trigger reactions. Parents should keep the child’s skin clean, moisturised and protected from excessive scratching. Random creams and home remedies should be avoided without medical advice. If the rash spreads, becomes painful, or produces discharge, timely consultation with a dermatologist is important.
What type of sunscreen do you recommend for infants and young children?
For infants below 6 months, direct sun exposure should preferably be avoided and physical protection such as caps, shade and full-sleeved clothing should be used. For older children, I recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen specially designed for sensitive or paediatric skin. Mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally safer for children. Along with sunscreen, hydration and avoiding harsh afternoon sunlight are equally important for protecting children’s skin.
