Common Skin Concerns & Root Causes
Stop guessing what your skin needs. Whether it is persistent itching, stubborn skin tags, or enlarged pores, I help you find the root cause, not just cover it up with more products.
Can you guess what this is? It's a fungal infection that spread because the patient used an over-the-counter steroid cream. Steroids can make fungal infections worse. If you have an itchy rash, please see a dermatologist for the correct antifungal treatment.
The monsoon season is tough on our feet, making them prone to fungal infections like athlete's foot. I recommend wearing open footwear, washing and drying feet thoroughly, and using an antifungal powder as a preventive measure to keep your feet healthy.
Open pores can be caused by oily skin, dehydration, or loss of collagen in mature skin. The solution depends on the cause. Niacinamide helps oily skin, hyaluronic acid helps dry skin, and retinol or peptides are great for mature skin.
If you have small white or black spots on your shoulders, chest, or back, you might have a fungal infection called Pityriasis versicolor. It's caused by a microbiome imbalance and can be treated with an antifungal body wash. It may recur in humid seasons.
Those little "hangy things" on your neck are not warts, they are skin tags. They are often linked to genetics and insulin resistance. Removal is simple with radiofrequency or cryotherapy, but addressing the internal cause is key to preventing them from coming back.
Improving your hydration is a key step in under-eye care. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day is just as important as moisturizing. Sun damage, caffeine, and alcohol can make eyelid problems worse, so it's best to avoid them.
Allergies that cause itchy eyes can lead to microtears, stretching, and wrinkles in the delicate under-eye area. Treating your allergies is an important step in preventing dark circles and maintaining healthy skin around the eyes.
This is my dermatologist's guide to preventing and treating dark circles. From lifestyle changes to targeted treatments, understanding the cause is the first step to achieving brighter, healthier-looking eyes.
I recommend investing in science-backed under-eye creams. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid to moisturize, peptides to strengthen the skin and prevent puffiness, and green tea or caffeine to de-puff by constricting capillaries.
Don't forget to apply sunscreen around your eyes. This delicate area is often missed, but it's crucial for preventing sun damage that leads to wrinkles and pigmentation. I recommend an SPF 50+ with broad-spectrum protection.
About Common Skin Concerns
Please, stop using over-the-counter steroid creams for every itchy rash. I see this daily in my clinic—you think it helps because the itching stops, but the infection is actually spreading deeper underneath. A quick physical exam or even a video consult can give us the right diagnosis, so we can treat the actual culprit, whether it is a fungal imbalance, hormonal issue, or just poor skin barrier health.
Beyond the Surface
Most people come to me because they are frustrated. They have tried the trending serum, the viral mask, or the heavy moisturizer, and their skin is still acting up. My philosophy is simple: skin is not a trend. It is biology. If you have open pores, skin tags, or recurring infections, your body is sending you a signal. We just need to decode it.
The Fungal Trap
I often see patients with fungal infections on their chest or back who have been using steroid creams they picked up at a chemist. Yes, the itching stops for a day or two, but then it comes back worse. This is the 'steroid trap.' These creams feed the fungus, making it spread. If you see white or dark spots, we need to balance your skin's microbiome, not suppress your immune system.
Skin Tags & Internal Health
Those little 'hangy things' on your neck? They are not warts. They are often your body’s way of flagging insulin resistance. Removing them with radiofrequency or cryotherapy is quick, but unless we address your diet and insulin levels, they will keep coming back. I focus on long-term results, which means we look at your lifestyle, not just the physical tag.
Pores and Texture
Open pores are not a disease; they are a reflection of your skin's state. Oily skin, dehydration, and collagen loss in mature skin all look different under a dermoscope. Instead of buying expensive pore-minimizing products that don't work, we identify if you need niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or peptides based on what your skin is actually lacking.
Start Your Journey
Whether you visit me at my Andheri West clinic or book an online consultation from anywhere in India, the process is the same. We chat, we analyze your history, and we build a routine that is effective and non-sticky. No guesswork, just science.
Niketa Sonavane
I am Dr. Niketa. For 15 years, I have helped patients stop chasing skincare trends and start fixing their skin’s root issues. I believe in simple, effective routines that actually work for your specific lifestyle, not just for the camera.
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