New Year, New You!

2011 is almost over, and all of those long-forgotten new year's resolutions from the beginning of 2011 have been forgotten. So what's the key to keeping a new year's resolution?

We've got the top Health New Year's Resolutions for 2012, and how you can keep them! Just go through and choose which goals you'd like to achieve!


1. Lose weight: It's the same resolution every year, isn't it? But here are three easy tips that will help you keep fulfill it!

• Control your portions: Learn about portion control and how to portion your plate by either purchasing a diet book or consulting your local Dietitian. (which may cost a little extra but will definitely give you more reliable information than a book). Once you stop overeating losing weight will be a cinch!
• Be active: We know, no one has time to exercise, so here's an easy way to be active; just build it into your routine. Take the stairs, do more chores, don't be afraid to park further from the mall entrance. These little boosts will help you burn extra calories!
• Restaurant control: Oh no! The whole diet goes out the window once you visit a restaurant, but learn to control your environment. Remove the salt shaker, and ask them to take away the bread basket after one piece. Don't be afraid to ask the waiter for dressing on the side for your food.

2. Look better: We'd love for the clock to strike midnight and find our skin clearer, our hair stronger, and our legs smoother, so invest in a visit to the Dermatologist who can help figure out your problems. Want to get rid of excess hair? Your dermatologist will help lead you to the new laser treatments for hair removal, which will provide instant smoothness!

3. Feel better: take advantage of your insurance policy's yearly health check-up. Getting a few tests done is well worth a while. Who knows? You might discover that what you thought was a major physical problem could be solved easily!

4. Know how to incorporate health into your daily life: We've got this one figured out for you! Starting 2012 we'll be providing daily health tips on our Twitter account which provide easy tips for you to follow. If you want more articles, we'll be publishing them on a twice weekly basis on our blog! If you want health offers, like us on Facebook and we'll keep you updated on the latest offers at Royal Bahrain Hospital!

Happy New Year's Everyone!

To book an appointment with one of our doctors or medical specialists, call us on 1724 6800 or visit www.royalbahrainhospital.com

Botox: The Faster Way to Youth

The word Botox is no longer something strange or even new; however, very few people understand what it actually is. Worse even, many wrongly believe that it is dangerous.

Dr. Husain Mahdi, Consultant Dermatologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital, clarifies that this isn’t true. “Botox is very safe and is not harmful to you. The only danger would if you were to attempt to inject yourself or go to an uncertified professional for an injection. Even side-effects are uncommon, limited to rare bruising which disappears or a slight headache that fades away.”

Readers will know that Botox is a non-surgical cosmetic therapy that treats wrinkles, mainly frown lines (on the mid forehead), crow’s feet (side of the eyes or cheeks) and neck folds. “Botox is also used to treat a condition called Hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating in the armpit and hands.”

He explains that Botulinum Toxin (which is shortened to Botox) is a toxin produced by bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. The injection works by decreasing nerve signals to muscles, helping them to relax. Botulinum Toxin is mixed with saline (salt water) and then injected. “You may to receive 5 to 10 injections serially into a group of muscle which controls frowning and wrinkling using a very fine needle attached to a small syringe.”

Dr. Mahdi explains that the procedure only takes a few minutes and is relatively painless. “Like any medical treatment, there are after-care steps you must take. Sit upright for 3 to 4 hours, and try not to rub or move the muscles during this time, so as to give time for the effects to activate.”

Contrary to popular belief, the effects are not instantaneous; they will start to take effect within three to four days after the injection. By the second week, full relaxation of the muscles will take place. The anti-wrinkling effect lasts from 4 to 8 months only, depending on the individual. Gradually the wrinkling muscle function returns and the wrinkles reappear. “In order to maintain desired results, you will need repeat treatment after the effects have worn off.” An alternative to going under the knife, Botox is the perfect swift solution for a younger look.

Dr. HusainAli Mahdi [BSc, MD, CABD] is a Consultant Dermatologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital’s Royal Aesthetic Center. To book your appointment, call 17246939 or visit www.royalbahrainhospital.com

A Spotty Condition

Around 20-30% of population in Bahrain suffer from melasma, 90% are women. According to Dr. Husain Mahdi, Consultant Dermatologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital, “Melasma is a common condition, which presents itself with brown patches on the face, mostly on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, and forehead.  People with darker skin, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean descent are more likely to get melasma.”

Research has yet to conclude what actually causes melisma. The condition occurs when the color-making cells in the skin (melanocytes) produce too much color. Thus, people with dark skin are more prone to melasma because they have more active melanocytes than those with light skin. Additionally, some studies showed some genetic predisposition.

The most common triggers include sun exposure, as the ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun stimulates the melanocytes, making melisma more common in the summer.  Another is a change in hormones, which is why pregnant women often get melasma. Also, contraceptive pills and hormone replacement medicine may trigger melasma too.

Dr. Husain advises wearing sunscreen every day to prevent melisma from getting worse. Applying it year round, every day 20 or 30 minutes before you go out will keep you safe. Remember to reapply after 2 to 4 hours. “Be sure to use sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays) and a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more.” Advises Dr. Mahdi.

“Also, I must warn that you must not use unknown products for whiting or bleaching, because some may have toxic elements like mercury.” Says Dr. Mahdi. “A dermatologist could offer you the right treatment plan starting from medically approved bleaching creams to Fraxel laser depending on the severity.”

Many people will ask what to do in the meantime, and Dr. Mahdi assures people that applying make-up to the area is safe. “As long as you use a clinically tested brand, it should be fine.”

Dr. Husain Ali Mahdi [BSc, MD, CABD] is a Consultant Dermatologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital’s Royal Aesthetic Center. To book your appointment, call 17246939 or visit www.royalbahrainhospital.com

Help! My Hair Is Falling Out!

According to Dr. Husain Mahdi, Consultant Dermatologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital, “Everyone loses hair. It is normal to lose about 70-100 hairs every day. If you see bald patches or lots of thinning, you may be experiencing hair loss.”

He explains that there are many causes of hair loss. Stress is one of the main factors, causing a condition called “telogen effluvim” which causes more hairs than normal to go into resting phase. Also, women might notice hair loss after giving birth. Additionally, some diseases and medical treatments can cause hair loss too.

The most common cause of hair loss is a medical condition called hereditary hair loss. This common condition affects about 13% of premenopausal women and half of men in Bahrain.

“The good news is most causes of hair loss can be stopped or treated. Anyone troubled by hair loss should see a dermatologist, as he or she will be specialized in treating skin, hair and nails.” Says Dr. Mahdi.

“This is a very complex situation.” Says Dr. Mahdi. “Sometimes hair loss does not need treatment, as it will start to re-grow on its own. In some cases, changing what your habits stop the hair loss, allowing your hair to start re-growing. Sometimes treatment can restore hair.”

Dr. Mahdi offers three main solutions for people who suffer from hair loss. The first is to practice good hair care, as hairstyling habits and the way people wash and dry their hair contributes to hair loss. Remember that some conditions are associated with temporary hair loss, like illness, childbirth and stress. Finally, make an appointment to see a dermatologist if you feel that your case is bothering you. A dermatologist can find the cause and tell you what to expect.

“Treatment helps many people, since hair loss lowers self-esteem, especially in women.” Says Dr. Mahdi. “Feeling good about yourself is very important for your general health.”

Dr. Husain Ali Mahdi [BSc, MD, CABD] is a Consultant Dermatologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital’s Royal Aesthetic Center. To book your appointment, call 17246939 or visit www.royalbahrainhospital.com

Save Your Child from Eczema

Atopic Dermatitis is the most common skin disease in children. In Bahrain, between 15% and 20% of children have AD.

According to Dr. Husain Mahdi, Consultant Dermatologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital, children often get atopic dermatitis (AD) during their first year of life. Symptoms are the development dry and scaly red patches appear on the skin, usually affecting the cheeks, scalp, and forehead. “In severe cases the itch is so intense that a child cannot sleep.” Says Dr. Mahdi. “The danger is that scratching may lead to a bacterial skin infection.”

A child’s risk of getting AD is increased if any of the family members have AD, asthma, or hay fever. Therefore, because atopic dermatitis can be long lasting, it is important to learn how to take care of the skin. Treatment and good skin care can alleviate much of the discomfort and complications. “Contrary to popular belief, foods no not cause AD, even though some studies suggest that food allergies make AD worse.” Dr. Mahdi advises parents to speak with a dermatologist before keeping certain foods from their children, since certain foods are needed for growth and natural development.

Researchers continue to study what causes this complex disease, and currently they believe that many things interact to cause AD. These things include our genes, where we live, and the way our immune system works.

Treatment cannot cure AD, but it can control AD. A treatment plan often includes medicine, skin care, moisturizers, mild soaps, and lifestyle changes, which can help prevent flare-ups
“A dermatologist will create a treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs.” States Dr. Mahdi. “Medicine and other therapies will be prescribed as needed to control itching, reduce skin inflammation, treat infection and reduce new lesions.”

However, parents must know that if a child has skin lesions, you must take him or her to see a dermatologist. This is because some skin conditions can look like AD, but without the right diagnosis, the treatment may not work.” 

Dr. Husain Ali Mahdi [BSc, MD, CABD] is a Consultant Dermatologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital’s Royal Aesthetic Center. To book your appointment, call 17246939 or visit www.royalbahrainhospital.com

Bye Bye Acne!

Acne is the most common skin disorder in the world. In Bahrain, almost 85% of the people had acne at some point in their lives, most often on the face, chest and back.

Generally, acne starts at puberty, however it is not restricted to teenagers. Adults in their 20s, 30s and even their 40s can develop acne. By mid-teens, more than 40% of adolescents have acne or acne scarring, which requires treatment by a dermatologist.

Medically speaking, acne is caused by four factors: Overproduction of oil by enlarged oil glands in the skin, blockage of the hair follicles that release oil, genetic predisposition and growth of a type of bacteria called P. acnes.

According to Dr. Husain Mahdi, Consultant Dermatologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital, to prevent scars and other complications, do not pop, squeeze or pick at acne. “Gently wash the affected areas no more than twice a day with mild soap and warm water.” advises Dr. Mahdi, “Vigorous washing may irritate your skin and make acne flare."

Dr. Mahdi also recommends the use of non-comedogenic oil free cosmetics and sunscreens, and avoiding alcohol-based astringents, which “strip your skin of natural moisture”.

“Use medication as directed by your doctor and allow enough time for acne products to take effect, which might be few weeks to months” adds Dr. Mahdi. “Occasionally, the doctor may need to add more medications depending on the severity of your acne. Seeing a professional is the best way to get rid of acne and acne scars.”

Treatments patients will encounter start from local antibiotics, systematic antibiotics to isotreteinoin, which is a Vitamin A derivative used for severe cases to prevent scarring. Please note that all of the previous treatments should be taken under supervision of a dermatologist.

Dr. Mahdi asks all patients to remain hopeful. “Scientific researchers are still trying to discover new acne therapies and changes in existing treatment options for optimum therapy and to prevent scarring. Many share your problem, and better treatments come out every day.”

Dr. Husain Ali Mahdi [BSc, MD, CABD] is a Consultant Dermatologist at Royal Bahrain Hospital’s Royal Aesthetic Center. To book your appointment, call 17246939 or visit www.royalbahrainhospital.com