Dr Safeeya Mohammed
guardian.wemagazine@gmail.com
Compassionate service coupled with innovative research-driven techniques equate the secret to success for any organisation, moreso one in the healthcare field addressing the perturbing challenges of hair loss and skincare.
With hair loss being an all too real challenge among women, yet less talked about, WE decided to change that. National Hair Loss Awareness Month, observed in the month of August each year, highlights the need for us to create more awareness, conversations about optimal skincare and the impact hair loss can have in our lives.
It’s a misconception to think that hair loss is primarily an issue for males, as it can affect many females and children too. While men may be more susceptible to issues like male-pattern baldness and alopecia, thinning hair and alarming levels of hair fall in women and children are also causes for concern these days. There are several factors that can affect hair loss - heredity, acute stress, disease, medical treatments (like chemotherapy), strong medications, dietary restrictions, grooming and styling practices, trauma, and even pregnancy.
Passionate and patient-centric
Dr Chrisma Maharaj, a graduate with distinction in Dermatology from Cardiff University in the United Kingdom said: “My dream has always been to create a dermatology practice where patients of Trinidad and Tobago, even within the region, can access first world innovative treatments in one location. I’ve been in the field of dermatology for 13 years and a specialist for ten of them. During that time I’ve worked at the public health institutions, Port-of -Spain General Hospital for ten years and Scarborough General Hospital for two years and seen a spectrum of patients.”
Now, together with her husband Dr Kevaun Ragoonanan, a hair transplant surgeon, and other purpose driven health care professionals, she recently launched the Valsayn Dermatology Clinic and Medical Spa, a medical, surgical and aesthetic dermatology practice, that provides assessment, diagnosis and treatment of any skin condition in patients of all ages and ethnicities.
“The vision is a premier dermatology clinic providing the latest and most innovative treatments for the hair, skin and nails in a spa-like, relaxing environment. A space, you leave feeling rejuvenated knowing your skincare is optimised.”
Novel stem cell treatment
The skin is the largest organ of the body and a good indicator of our general health.
Dr Maharaj emphasised: “Many patients underestimate the importance of dermatological care and present later when complications arise. Many cases stand out, one in particular a patient who had been misdiagnosed for years. With a comprehensive dermatological review and tweaks in her management, the patient attained the relief she seeked after years of back and forth. This is just one example but, diagnosing and managing complicated cases gives me a special joy!
“Staying up-to-date is important to our team. In 2015, I was the first physician to bring Platelet rich plasma (PRP) to Trinidad and Tobago for skin rejuvenation and to treat hair loss. I partnered with a local distributor to bring in the FDA approved PRP kits and has since been the educator for this company. We have also conducted PRP workshops in Jamaica and for the Caribbean Dermatology Association.
“However, research showed that while PRP is beneficial in many ways, at times, it may not be as effective for all types of hair loss. With the desire of optimising treatment options, we furthered our expertise.
“At the beginning of last year, both Dr Ragoonanan and I ventured to Turkey and Italy to train with two international board-certified hair transplant surgeons. Our training was quite extensive and upon returning, we opened the Hair Restoration Centre of Trinidad and Tobago (HRCTT).
“Exploring the latest innovative techniques, we brought Regenera Activa, a novel stem cell treatment utilising the patient’s own scalp for regeneration of the hair follicles as well as hair transplantation for patients with severe hair loss. Since then, we have conducted multiple hair transplants. Now, HRCTT is part of the Valsayn Dermatology Clinic, providing a full-service hair loss clinic. Your hair loss is diagnosed by a dermatologist with various treatments available from topical solutions all the way to hair transplantation. All of our products and services provided are strictly evidence based and FDA approved.”
Why does one experience hair loss?
Hair loss, known as alopecia, is a common disorder affecting more than 80 million in US and even more globally.
So how do you know if you’re shedding more than normal?
“On average, most people lose about 100 strands of hair a day. And with new strands growing to take place of the ones lost, most won’t notice a difference.
“Many times, hair loss is an indicator that something more serious is going on. Hair loss, particularly shedding, is just a sign that something has happened to the body. The hair follicle is one of the three fastest turning over cell lines in your body. Anything that affects your body and throws it out of balance will affect those systems. So shedding hair is an indicator that something’s wrong.”
You might start seeing more hair loss than normal thanks to the following:
• Genetics.
• Stress.
• Hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause.
• Certain hairstyles.
• Damaging haircare like perms, bleaching or relaxers.
• Medications like chemotherapy.
• Medical conditions like thyroid disease or autoimmune conditions.
• Viral infections such as COVID-19.
Working with a dermatologist, you can begin identifying what might be causing your hair loss. A comprehensive review will include questions on your general health, your medications and your family history.
“I tell the patients to keep track of events that are unusual for them, for instance, a heavy menstrual period,” says Dr Maharaj. “So when we go back to look for triggers, we’ll have some hint at what it could be.”
Skincare starts from day one
Dr Maharaj passionately explained: “Good skincare practices should begin from day one! About 25 per cent of my practice involves treating the paediatric population for various skin conditions. Those are my most fulfilling patients to treat. We always have a little reward or toy in the office to ensure their visit is a pleasant one and they always come back with a smile for ‘Aunty’. Seeing our paediatric patients resolve their disturbing skin conditions is incredibly gratifying.
“My patients’ gratitude when their symptoms improve or they feel as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside, is what drives me to do this every day and to always improve on our services.”
Skin care advice for teens
• Keep your skincare simple!
• A gentle cleanser and sunscreen, with at least SPF30 will keep you looking like a teen for decades.
• For our acne-prone youth: A salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide cleanser can help control simple acne.
• See your dermatologist early for a prescription skincare regimen for severe cases or if these options don’t work for you.
Skin care advice for women as WE age gracefully
The fountain of youth is not as mythical as you may think!
Dr Maharaj’s anti-aging prescription:
• A gentle cleanser, a good sunscreen (SPF 30 and above), a medical grade vitamin C serum and retinol.
• For my melasma prone ladies, SPF 50 and above would be better, make sure our sunscreen is tinted to screen for blue light. (Melasma is caused by an interplay of UV/Blue light, hormones and genetics)
• Prescription treatments and chemical peels for melasma are of course available if simple measures are not effective.
• As we age, loss of collagen and facial volume can be restored with good skincare and if need be, a touch of botox. Morpheus8 Micro needling with Radiofrequency and/or dermal filler can also be considered.
To connect with the Valsayn Dermatology Clinic and Medical Spa:
IG @valsayndermatologyclinic
Email: valsayndermatology@gmail.com
Phone: (868) 492-0706
