Remember, sun screen is your skin guard

I have developed pigmentation and It has been persisting for a while now. Can it be cured? — S Aparna, Triplicane

Pigmentation is a skin problem that occurs due to a number of reasons. Exposure to sun, some kinds of cosmetics, perfumes and some kinds of cream can trigger it. For some women, using birth control pills can cause pigmentation. Thyroid problems can also cause the problem. Some older women get it soon after menopause. The reason I am listing the factors is one needs to know what is actually causing the pigmentation. If it is due to sun exposure, then one needs to go for sun protection and apply it thrice a day at an interval of three hours. Most of us apply it just once in the morning before stepping out and it gets washed off with sweat, leaving the skin exposed to the sun for the rest of the day. In cases of sun exposure, treatment will be effective. It is best for you to find out what’s causing the pigmentation. 

My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Is there a therapy he must follow? — Sarasa, Perumbakkam

There is no one standard therapy to be followed for it. Parkinson’s Disease is caused due to loss of neurons in the brain and it is a combination of several factors that trigger it. These neurons produce dopamine, resulting in abnormal activities triggering the disease. The treatment largely depends on the stage and progression of disease. In some, it could be slowly progressing for years, while in others, it could be very rapid. Mentioning the exact number of years would have been helpful. The disease can progress to an extent it can incapacitate the person. Dopamine substitutes in medication can be effective, while surgeries like deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help him lead a normal life.