Life after child sex abuse

Life after child sex abuse

In this post, we are going to discuss the treatment options for children who've suffered from child sex abuse.

What sort of therapy is needed for a child who suffers from this? Can a child who suffers it go back to having a normal life?

There are two main goals in sexual abuse treatment – dealing with the effects of sexual abuse, and decreasing risk for future sexual abuse. The treatment plan should explain to the child and the family about what is sexual abuse and its possible causes. It largely caters to reducing the effects of CSA for the child and the family.

Methods that psychologists usually use are individual counselling, group therapy, and family therapy. The child need not undergo all forms of therapy. They are modified according to the needs of the child.

According to researchers, the factors that seem to affect the amount of harm done to the victim include

the age of the child;the duration of the abuse,frequency, and intrusiveness of the abuse;the degree of force used;and the relationship of the abuser to the child.

A child's understanding of the abuse, and timing of disclosure affects the short- and long-term effects. When a child has a trusted adult he/she can confide in and the child's account of abuse is believed, the child experiences less trauma. Also immediacy of the disclosure lessens the trauma for the child. Family support, additional support from non-family members, peers, counselling, child's self-esteem and spirituality have also shown to be beneficial for the victims in their recovery from abuse.

Dealing with the emotional effect of sexual abuse is an important component of the treatment. As stated earlier, children tend to have feelings of guilt due to the abuse and resolution of these feelings; are detrimental to help the child learn to live a normal life. Victims have reported that reading about child sexual abuse, attending workshops on sexual abuse and undergoing counselling have helped them cope with the abuse.

We should not forget the family of the abused child; they also need help to deal with the after effects of the abuse. They require counselling and other support services to have a strong sense of functioning which in turn helps the child's recovery from abuse.

What are the ramifications – physical, psychological or otherwise? 

The child can suffer from psychological and behavioural problems from mild to intense; short-term effects to harmful long-term effects or, those that carry into adulthood. These problems broadly include depression, anxiety, guilt, fear, sexual dysfunction, withdrawal, acting out behaviours, identity confusion, loss of self-esteem and other serious emotional problems. It can also lead to disharmony in relationships in future.

Depending on the circumstance and the child's developmental stage at which the abuse occurs, effects include reverting to earlier developmental behaviour (thumb-sucking, bedwetting), sleep disturbances, eating disorders, behaviour and/or performance problems at school, and disinterest in school and social activities. Some children even report little or no psychological distress from the abuse, which could be due to fear/anxiety or guilt about the abuse or using denial of their emotions and feelings as a coping mechanism.

Severe effects have been reported in cases where perpetrators have been family members or abuse has been extensive and brutal. Depending on the severity of the incident, victims of sexual abuse may also develop fear and anxiety regarding the opposite sex or sexual issues and may display inappropriate sexual behaviour.

Research shows that severe and long term effects of CSA could result in psychiatric disorders like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Sexual Dysfunction disorders. Personality disorders, eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders and behaviours, and anti-social or criminal behaviours also tend to be major effects of CSA.

Children exposed to exhibitionism, pornographic material or sexual intercourse tend to get addicted to substance abuse, pornography and sexually deviant behaviour. Research has shown that many child sexual abuse victims in adulthood tend to become sexual offenders or perpetrators themselves or become victims of rape or involved in abusive relationships. Female child victims in adulthood tend to get into relationships where their partner is abusive. In adulthood, CSA victims have shown problems in establishing and maintaining boundaries in relationships and issues of trust in their relationships. It's true that CSA leads to problems, but they can often be overcome with proper

Also read: 

Is it a safe way to lose weight post pregnancy?

Kim Kardashian's Atkins diet: Is it a safe way to lose weight post pregnancy?
by Nirmalya Dutta
My inches.

Yummy mummy Kim Kardashian has brought the Atkins diet back in the spotlight after revealing she lost about 25 pounds (11.33 kg) of post pregnancy weight thanks to the new Atkins Diet plan. The reality TV star has been eating her vegetables especially broccoli and spinach and is also gorging on lean proteins like chicken and fish and taking in healthy fats from avocado and nuts and even enjoying her fruits.

She tweeted to her followers, 'I've actually been doing the Atkins diet & luv it (sic)'. There was of course some controversy whether she was paid for the endorsement. Colette Heimowitz, the vice president of nutrition for Atkins Nutritionals told the Times, 'Very bright. Very compliant… She was a real pleasure. It was part of her motivation to show people she's capable of getting back to where she was [weight-wise],' Heimowitz told The Times. 'She wanted to show the world she can do it that was her motivation.' (Read: Post-pregnancy health tips by celeb food writer and chef Anjum Anand)

According to reports Heimowitz, a typical breakfast would be an omelette or Greek yoghurt with berries and almonds. Snacks would consist of an ounce (28g) or two of nuts or fresh veggies with a healthy dip. 'Lunch and dinner were similar,' Heimowitz said. 'Lots of vegetables, all sorts of color and varieties, because there's fibre in there to fill you up. And an olive oil dressing.' She also had poultry or fish. 'Our goal was to pace her weight loss,' Heimowitz said.

She was on 1800-2000 calories a day and she made sure to have 50-60 grams of carbs each day. Heimowitz stressed. 'It's a balanced and effective way to lose weight.' The Atkins Diet has come under attack from those who say it puts a dangerous emphasis on meat and fat, but Heimowitz said that is a debunked myth that discourages people from trying a solution that could help them lose the weight for good. 

What is the Atkins diet? Is it for you?

Popularised by Dr Robert Atkins, the Atkins diet is arguably the most popular weight loss diet of all time. It recommends low carbohydrate and high protein intake. It comprises of four phases – Induction, Ongoing Weight Loss, Pre-Maintenance and Lifetime Maintenance, all with a carefully controlled level of carbohydrate intake. Fat and protein foods like meat, cheese and egg are recommended while carbs like pasta, bread and sugar are restricted in Atkins Diet. According to nutritionists Dr Richa Shrivastava, the diet is bad because of the abstinence of carbs. She said, 'Carbohydrates are needed by the body to regulate protein and fat and to maintain adequate functioning of the brain. Lack of carbohydrate put the body in a state of ketosis (accumulation of excessive amounts of ketone bodies in body tissues and fluids due to incomplete metabolism of fat). Much of the weight loss while following this diet comes from fluid loss which puts additional load on the kidney. (Read: Post pregnancy weight loss)

Dietician Neha Chandna adds, 'The side-effect of this diet is, it recommends more than 30% fat intake which is above the recommended allowance and can lead to extreme ketosis which can cause damage to the organs in the long run.'  Also we have to keep in mind the fact that WHO recommends that a mother breastfeed her baby for the first two years. You need a good mix of all healthy nutrients including carbs. Closer home, our own desi yummy mummy Karishma Kapoor had made the case for carbs for a new mother. She wrote in her book My Yummy Mummy Guide, 'Everything has carbs—rice, bread, biscuits, cakes, sugar, dry fruit, crackers, low-fat munchies, jams, pickles, potatoes, lentils, pasta . . . There is no point in giving up carbs, because carbs give us energy. They are lighter on the kidneys than proteins. Good non-fatty sources of carbs are vegetables, oatmeal, brown rice, whole-grain breads, and lentils. If you want to have white rice and pasta, have small bowlfuls rather than giving them up altogether.'

So while the diet may have worked for Kim Kardashian and helped her lose weight, we'd recommend our readers to stick to a regular healthy diet and exercise to lose weight because this period is vital both for the new mum and her baby's development. (Read: 17 post pregnancy diet myths busted by Yummy Mummy Karisma Kapoor)

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Why are youngsters suffering from spinal problems?

Why are youngsters suffering from spinal problems?

by Agencies

October 16 is World Spine Day. 

Sanjay Yadav, a 30-year-old computer professional, was forced to take a month's leave after his backache aggravated so much that he was unable to move his neck. He was later diagnosed with cervical spondylosis and put on analgesic drugs along with physiotherapy sessions.

Yadav is among the growing number of people in the lower-age bracket suffering from cervical spondylosis. Dr Preeti Doshi, in-charge of pain clinic at Jaslok Hospital, said 'Sedentary lifestyle, desk jobs, no exercise and poor posture attribute to spinal problem which is affecting the age group of 35-55 the most. Eighty per cent of patients I see in my clinic are those with low back pain complaints and slip disc.' (Read: Yoga asanas for the spine)

Dr Doshi said eight out of 10 persons will have spine problem once in his lifetime. 

Agreeing to Dr Doshi, Dr Garima Anandani, head of clinical operations at Qi Spine Clinic, Mumbai, said: 'We see very young patients of 16 to 17 years suffering from backache. The most common problem is the disc bulging out. Correcting the posture solves most backache problems.'

Dr Abhay Nene, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at PD Hinduja Hospital, said change in lifestyle, weight gain, not getting enough rest and lack of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, calcium and protein are the major reasons for youngsters complaining about severe neck and back pain. 'Nearly 150 of the 200 patients I see every week have backache and neck problems. Fifty per cent of these patients are in their late 20s or early 30s,' he said.

These ailments have led to more pain management clinics coming up in the city. There are around 20 pain management clinics that experts feel is still less to handle the actual population. (Read: Top 5 bad postures that can affect your health)

Explaining on how sedentary lifestyle is impacting our spine, Dr Nene said: 'Our spine is made up of multiple small bones, inter-vertebral discs that act as shock absorbers. Because of incorrect usage, the discs start drying up in the lower spine which bears the load. This weakens the back. Further pressure may rupture the discs or pinch the spinal cord's nerve. This can cause severe pain shooting down the leg. This can be avoided by making healthy lifestyle changes.'

Mind your spinal column

1. Targeted simple exercises can strengthen your core and joints

2. A healthy diet of lean proteins, healthy fats and lots of fruits and veggies is ideal for building a lean body and muscles that support the spine

3. To improve the condition of your spine, supplement your diet with a multivitamin along with a B-complex and Omega-3s, as they have been shown to help decrease pain in the spine nerves

4. Try to spend 10 to 20 minutes in the sunlight every day

5. Studies suggest that insufficient sleep is associated with neck and back problems. Get between six and eight hours of sleep. Sleep in a position that enables the spine to relax. The ideal position is on your side, as that puts the least amount of pressure on the spine

6. A good posture is defined as ears aligned with the shoulders. In a proper alignment, spinal stress is diminished

7. Neck stretches can improve the health of the cervical spine.

Image Source: Ravi Jadhav/DNA

Source: DNA

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Why are Indians using fewer condoms?

Why are Indians using fewer condoms?

by Nirmalya Dutta

With 1.2 billion people, India's barely a nation that can afford to be lax about contraception but according to the health ministry, condom usage has dropped by 38% – from 2.6 crore in 2007 – to 1.6 crore in 2010-11. Also the statistics should be taken with a pinch of salt because these statistics only reflect the condoms distributed free of charge by the government and doesn't reflect the rise in condom sales produced by private companies. The United Nations Family Planning Association's (UNFPA) India president Sujatha Natarajan told TOI, said the decline could be because of a host of reasons such as preference for permanent methods of contraception and dip in social marketing and distribution of condom. 'In 2006-07, the investments in media campaigns for use of condoms were very high because it was related to combating HIV-AIDS. The investments have subsequently come down,' she said, adding that the people had more contraceptive choices now.'

What is contraception?

Contraception refers to artificial methods to prevent pregnancies. There are various ways this is done – condoms, diaphragms, oral contraceptives, behavioural birth control methods and spermicides. Condoms are the most cost-effective, easily available contraceptives and also help prevent HIV-AIDS and other STDs. Because of cultural barriers, the sex education scenario in our country is abysmal and there's a need to improve it to prevent early pregnancies. Early pregnancies aren't only dangerous for the mothers but have a causal link with poor children's development and infant mortality.

Barrier birth control – condoms and diaphragms

Condoms are without a doubt one of the greatest inventions of mankind. Not only are they the most cost-effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancies but they also stop the transmission of various STDs including the dreaded HIV/AIDS. When used properly, condoms have a 98% success rate!  (How not to use a male condom) Nowadays, female condoms are also widely used. Much like their male counterparts, they work on the same barrier principle. And they're believed to be more pleasurable as well, though costlier.

Diaphragms work on the same barrier principle as condoms and need to be inserted into the vagina at the mouth of the cervix (the opening to the uterus, based at the highest point of the vagina). Remember, that it's a very small opening so there's no fear of the diaphragm going into the uterus. (Read: Condoms: Frequently Asked Questions)

Pros and cons: They are easily available, inexpensive and work effectively when used properly. The con is that there's a certain stigma attached to buying them in many countries (including ours) and might be overlooked in the heat of the moment. The availability of the right size can also be a problem. Some also live under the impression that they decrease pleasure and aren't as good as the real thing.

Birth control pill

Birth control or oral contraceptive pills are a reliable method of contraception and works by suppressing ovulation – the release of an egg from the ovary. Contraceptive pills are classified depending on their composition. In India, there are two types of pills available. 

Combined pills: Contains a combination of oestrogen and progestin. These are the synthetic form of the same hormones present in the female body. These pills are also useful in reducing the intensity of menstrual discomfort. Another type of pill available is the Mini Pill. They contain only progesterone, they are milder in action and have lesser side-effects. If used correctly and consistently, the pill is projected to be about 99.7 to 99.9 % effective in preventing pregnancy. The failure rate of hormonal methods of contraception, including the pill is usually lower than non-hormonal methods such as condoms and intrauterine devices.

Pros and cons: When taken correctly, regular and emergency pills work most of the time. However, they can also cause problems and it's believed they can cause weight gain, decrease libido and cause other problems since they alter a woman's hormonal levels. It's also important to remember that unlike the barrier method, pills do not prevent the transmission of HIV and other STDs. (Read: Prescription Birth Control – The Pill)

Behavioural birth control

Behavioural birth control is an umbrella term for various practices which we perform to prevent pregnancies. It includes the withdrawal method, fertility awareness and complete methods.

The withdrawal method refers to the man 'withdrawing' when he is about to ejaculate. This method is quite unreliable. 4% of accidental births occur because of failure of this method. The fertility awareness method refers to the woman keeping a close track on her ovulation time and avoiding sexual contact during those days. The third method is of course complete abstinence.

Pros and cons: Behavioural methods of birth control might be free of cost, but they are extremely hard to practise and have the highest fail rate of all contraceptives. It's extremely hard to keep a track of the so-called 'safe days' because many women have irregular periods. 

Now that you know about the various contraception methods and their pros and cons, choose the one that best suits you and your partner. Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry! 

For more articles on contraception, visit our Sexual Health section and for videos check out our YouTube Channel. 

Nithyananda Ranjitha,Two More Girls 54 Videos 

The 69 sex position: Half the time, double the fun of oral sex

The 69 sex position: Half the time, double the fun of oral sex

by Editorial Team
My inches. Yesterday,

Are you big fan of oral sex? Does your partner match your excitement when it comes to going down? If your answer is yes, then 69 is a sex position that is tailor-made for you.

How to do it?

69 is a position where both partners are mutually inverted and perform oral sex on each other at the same time. It can be performed both with man on top and woman on top. Some people even do it sideways as it is a more relaxed position than others. Despite its popularity, 69 is not an easy position to master and can take some co-ordination and manoeuvring for both partners to get comfortable.

Pros

Being tough to master, 69 can be a great way to improve coordination and make both partners understand each other really well. This is always a plus in any sex position. 69 can be a great position to spice things up. If things are getting boring and monotonous in the bedroom, 69 will make it fun and challenging again! It also saves time as you don't have to take turns to perform oral sex. Another major benefit is that chance of unwanted pregnancies is nil. The risk of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is also lower than unprotected anal or vaginal sex. However, it can lead to STDs like herpes, throat, Chlamydia and throat gonorrhoea. You should know your partner's sexual history to be safe.

Cons

Oral sex is not for everyone and thus this position won't be too. Also one partner may come before the other and that can take the whole steam out of this sex position.  Both partners need to be compatible in terms of weight and height. Otherwise, this sex position will become too uncomfortable to enjoy. The nature of this sex position is such that some people feel suffocated while performing it.

The 69 or soixante-neuf (to use its proper French name) is kind of like fine wine. Some love it and swear by it, while others, no matter how good the wine, would rather stick to beer. So try it and let us know whether you're a wine connoisseur or a beer guzzler!

Read about the missionary, woman-on-top, spooning, standing, the anvil and  rear entry sex positions.

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Anuradha Mehta hot Beach Spicy Stills

Anuradha Mehta hot Beach Spicy Stills

Self-medication for allergy can be dangerous

Each individual on earth is allergic to something and it should not be ignored, but one should not do self-medication as the problem could further aggravate, experts said.
‘Allergy, if categorized, can be of more than hundred types and every one of them need separate medication to be cured,’ Vandana Boobna, consultant internal medicine at Max Super Specialty Hospital in Shalimar Bagh here, told IANS.

Enjoy Better Longer Orgasm அதிக நேரம் இன்பம் பெற

Enjoy Better n Longer Orgasm 

அதிக நேரம்  இன்பம் பெற

 Women always love foreplay. The main reason is not just romance. Foreplay makes a woman more excited as it is a step to build the mood and turn her on. Women often crave for bigger and better orgasms during foreplay. This is a fantasy which women always tend to develop every time while indulging in foreplay. There are few ways in which a woman can enjoy orgasm in a better way. If you crave for longer orgasms, then here are few tricks to enjoy the pleasure to the fullest. If you want to make your woman happy in bed, then try these ways to make her enjoy foreplay and have an orgasm of a lifetime! Ways to enjoy better orgasm:

Suffering from spondolysis and degenerated disc. Can I exercise?

Suffering from spondolysis and degenerated disc. Can I exercise?

by Dr Smarajit Chakrabarty

My name is Pradeep Chauhan. Age 23, from Lucknow, India. I have a spondolysis and degenerated disc at l4-s1. Since last year, I have too much pain in my back. Doctor said that it will be okay by doing some exercise but still I don't get any relief from pain. Please give some suggestion and also tell me what exercises I should do?

Answered by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Smarajit Chakrabarty

You are only 23, considering that you have experienced these changes fairly early on. Secondly, you say that there is discitis and degeneration spread over the L4 to S1 area, which means that the changes, are there on two sites. This is unusual too. Your condition needs to be investigated thoroughly: an MRI of the LS spine and a haemogram at the basic minimum, plus, since in India we are taught to think of Tuberculosis in the first instance, other tests to rule out the presence of Pott's spine are required. In the mean time, I would advise you not to bend forwards or lift any heavy weight, and to wear a Goldthwaite Belt. Exercises are best avoided till a conclusive diagnosis is made.

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Dr Smarajit Chakrabarty is a renowned Orthopaedic surgeon, currently practicing in Delhi. He is attached to a number of renowned hospitals like Max Super Specialty and Apollo hospitals. He is one of first orthopaedic surgeons in India to receive formal training in the Ilizarov Method. He has been given the distinction of an exclusive Power of Attorney to represent the Ilizarov Institute, Kurgan, Russia in India. He started the Centre with a view of promoting the Ilizarov Technique in India. He attended Silver Jubilee Conference, 'Recent Advances in the use of the Ilizarov Method of Treatment' at the Ilizarov Institute, Kurgan, Russia, in 1996. He was instrumental in organizing a camp in March, 1997 in Delhi in association with the Ilizarov Institute, Kurgan. This was the first time that such a camp was held in India. Prof. V.I. Shevtsov, MD, DSc, Gen Director, Ilizarov Institute, and Dr. N.N. Smeylishev, MD, PhD, Senior Consultant, were among those who participated and the method was used to successfully treat cases of post-polio deformities, non-unions and osteomyelitis.
 For more articles on diseases and conditions, check out our diseases & conditions section and for videos, check out our YouTube Channel. Don't miss out on the latest updates. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus.

Image source: Disabled-World.org

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Quiz: What is your sex quotient?

Quiz: What is your sex quotient?

Health india has been around for almost two years which means that you should have picked up all the valuable information you need about sex, the kind they refuse to teach in schools because apparently, children don't need to know how their bodies work, because it's immoral. Since the site's inception, we've strived to break down the taboos attached to sex for we believe every one deserves knowledge, sexual freedom and information. So why don't we take another quiz to find out if you have really learned your stuff yet? If you fail to get all the questions right, we suggest you re-visit the  sexual health section and brush up what you might have forgotten.

Questions

* The only way to tell if a girl is virgin or not is if she bleeds the first time she has sex. True or false? False True

* If I am talking about G-spot, what exactly am I talking about? A spot where the force of gravity is stronger A kinky, sexual fetish A sensitive erogenous zone inside the vagina

* Which type of lubricant should you never use with latex condoms? Oil-based ones Silicone-based ones Water-based ones

* Which of the following cannot be transmitted through sex? Common cold Gonorrhoea HIV DOMS

* In the world of sex, the term Masters and Johnson refers to which of the following? A kinky sexual act A sexually transmitted disease A sex position A sexual research team

* When should you take off the condom while having sex? Before you ejaculate Immediately after you ejaculate After you ejaculate and lose your erection. Who needs condoms!

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Skin care tips when on your periods

One of the most dreadful things which women go through on their period is the drastic skin changes. There are so many skin problems which a woman faces before and when your period is about to start. You may have probably noticed that your skin goes through some drastic changes whenever that time of the months rolls around, right? Did you also know that there are some special skin care tips for your period that you should keep in mind?

Well, these are some of the things we can do to help make that time easier on our skin. If you read on, you will see that these are some of the skin care tips to take care of your delicate skin during this time of the month.

Here are some of the ways in which you can treat your skin when you are on your period. Take a look at these easy skin care tips which can be made use of at that time of the month.

Hydration

To keep your skin clear, you need to keep your body hydrated right through the first week of your due date. It is at this time that your skin begins to change. Water is the best medicine for your skin before and during your period.

Face packs

This is that time of the month when you need to make use of the best fruit face packs. There are a lot of cooling face packs which you can use when you are on your period. Cucumber face pack is one of the best soothing masks you can try out.

Be gentle

Your skin becomes very gentle and delicate when you are on your period. Therefore, avoid harsh exfoliating ingredients when you are on your period. If you use harsh exfoliation ingredients during this time of the month, your skin will tear.

Get the glow

This is the time of the month when your skin has a dull look. There are many herbal treatments for the skin which is used to make your skin glow. A green tea herbal face mask is made for delicate and sensitive skin to get a glowing look.

These are some of the ways in which you can look after your skin when you are on your period. These simple tips need to be tried out every month when you are due.

How do I get rid of dark underarms? (Beauty query of the day)

How do I get rid of dark underarms? (Beauty query of the day)

by Editorial Team

I am a 27-year-old woman. I have a fair complexion but I have dark underarms which makes me very conscious as I cannot wear sleeveless tops. I have to attend a wedding in a month and I would like to do something to reduce this darkness so that I can wear a sleeveless blouse with sari. Kindly suggest a few options.

Dark underarms can result due to various reasons like friction and wetness in the area or fungal infection. It can also happen if you have a genetic predisposition towards diabetes. In such cases, it shows up as a dark, velvety pigmentation.

In order to reduce the darkness, you can try using home remedies like rubbing the juice of lemon, potato or cucumber as they have a bleaching effect on the skin or even massaging the underarms with coconut oil regularly as it contains vitamin E. Other than these, you can use products which contain alpha-hydroxy acids as they are vitamin A derivatives and help in reducing the darkness. You can even opt for chemical peels and laser therapy which can help reduce the pigmentation and lighten the colour to quite an extent. Visit a skin specialist to get your skin tested before you opt for these treatments.

Make sure you bathe regularly and keep the area clean and dry. Keep a deodorant handy and spray it from some distance after you bathe. Don't let the area be sweaty and itchy as that will only worsen the darkness. As a temporary solution, you can dab some concealer on it to hide the dark spots and make that area look even to your current skintone.  

For more articles on beauty, check out our Beauty section and for videos, check out our YouTube Channel. 

Hair removal methods for women – which is the best one to get rid of unwanted hair?

Hair removal methods for women – which is the best one to get rid of unwanted hair?

by Agencies

Our desire for smooth skin and that 'oh-so-clean!' feel makes us go through the arduous task of hair removal. With new products hitting the market every second day, each promising to be quick, pain-free and efficient, and specialists pitting new methods against the traditional ones to make a buck, it's easy to get confused about what to believe and what to buy. Here, we analyse the good, bad and ugly of each method of removing unwanted hair to help you decide what works best for you.

Wax Works

Pros: This easy to do, inexpensive method removes hair from the roots and lets you stay hair-free longer. The composition of newer options such as chocolate wax makes the experience less painful.

Cons: It can give rise to allergies, acne or infection of hair follicles if your skin is sensitive. It can also cause darkening of underarms In rare cases, hand and leg skin darkens too.

Myth: It removes dead skin and makes skin loose.

Reality: Dead skin sheds on its own, when bathing and even otherwise. Waxing doesn't make skin loose; the most common cause is photo-ageing caused by exposure to sunlight.

Advice: Don't pinch out in -growth; it will harm the skin more. (Read: Waxing: How to avoid unwanted side effects)

At Razor's Edge

Pros: Razors are easy to use, inexpensive, don't require expertise and do not cause reactions or allergies.

Cons: Injuries are common and you may have to shave once a week or more often depending on the pace of hair growth. Shaving can cause in-growth and pseudo folliculitis if done incorrectly.

Myth: Shaving causes hair to thicken and makes skin dark or green.

Reality: The greenish or dark tinge is the colour of hair follicles. It occurs when one has multiple hair stubs. It does not happen with fine hair.

Advice: Always shave in the direction of hair growth. (Read: Waxing or shaving – which hair removal method is a better choice to get rid of unwanted hair?)

Plucked to Perfection

Pros: Epilation is safer than razors. It reduces chances of skin damage and is inexpensive in the long run.

Cons: Unlike waxing, it can't remove small hair, if waxing has a success rate of 98 per cent, epilating has an 88 per cent success rate.

Advice: Don't compromise on the brand.Epilators made of low quality can give you cuts and damage your skin. (Read: Threading, waxing or bleaching? Which is the best way to get rid of unwanted facial hair?)

Cream On

Pros: These are easy to use, inexpensive, easily available and do not require professional help.

Cons: They work superficially, do not remove hair from its roots, and require frequent application (often more than once a week). Chemicals can cause irritation, allergies and darkening of the skin.

Myth: People think it can cause premature aging or wrinkling.

Reality: It's only speculation, with no scientific proof.

Advice: Test products on a small patch of skin before using them. Don't use them on the sensitive skin of the face or genital areas. Creams specifically made for those purposes are available on prescription.

Laser and Light Effects

Pros: They enable permanent reduction of hair, with no chance of in-growth. They don't leave marks or cause infections. They can be used to shape hair. 

Cons: They are expensive, unsuccessful on people with hormonal imbalance, less effective on light hair and won't work on white hair. The procedure can be painful (depending on the machine used) and the risk of burns is higher for people with tanned or dark skin tones. Lights and lasers work the same way, but lights are less efficient and require more sittings.

Myth: It removes hair permanently and can damage internal systems and organs.

Reality: These methods only reduce hair growth. They require multiple sittings at short intervals initially and annual maintenance, subsequently. The treatments only go skin deep; hence there is no organ damage involved.

Advice: As per FDA rules, you can opt for laser hair reduction after the age of 15. You shouldn't do it when your skin has an active infection. (Read: Laser Hair reduction – all you need to know)

Also read: Get rid of unwanted hair naturally

Content source: DNA/Pooja Bhula

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