Do you miss getting dressed up for the day? Do you miss getting compliments for looking good? Not just you, but collectively we all do!
The COVID-19 pandemic has made us change our routines, schedules, and most importantly our outfits. Today masks have become a part of our lives and we cannot step out without them. The rising skin issues caused by the delayed contact with the protective masks is alarming and needs to be taken seriously.
“As the pandemic advances, we’re progressively mindful that COVID-19 affects multiple parts of the body beyond the lungs. That includes the skin as well.
We’ve seen reports of skin side effects ranging from “COVID toes” to hair loss, and various kinds of rashes. Some skin side effects show up not long after contamination, while others emerge later or in more serious ailment. Most improve with time. Researchers are additionally starting to work out what causes these skin conditions, regardless of whether it’s the body’s immune response to infection, or whether hormones are involved”- The Conversation.
Stress not, as we set everything straight for you. 
Meet Dr. Syed Shazia Fatima, a Hyderabad-based cosmetic physician who started her career 7 years prior assisting one of the biggest names in Aesthetic medicine. Over 7 years, Dr. Shazia has worked with several established doctors and soon created a niche for herself. Advanced Digital Presence is required in every sector right now. Adopting the new typical, she regularly holds online consultation for her patients based in various cities in India. She is very steady in posting skincare tips for her Instagram crowd. So on the off chance that you are managing skin issues, you realize where to find her.
Hyderabad Stories connected with her to find out about her recommendations on the best way to manage skin and hair issues amidst a pandemic.
Tell us about your journey in the world of Aesthetic medicine?
I like the word journey, because what a journey undoubtedly it has been for sure! Nonetheless, I feel the destination is still distant. I began my career 7 years ago assisting one of the biggest names in aesthetic medicine, and since, I have gotten the chance to work with great doctors established in this field with at least three times more experience and from all over India! I learned that the prerequisites and demands of the industry are as diverse as our lovely country! Picking this field has made me an eager individual as I need to tune in to every individual’s interests and comprehend what they are accustomed to and how I can help cause them to feel better about themselves.
When did you start online consultation?
I altogether enjoy connecting with my patients and most of them are now my friends. I initially began online consultations for my patients based in various cities of India so they could have approached me about two years ago, with very limited appointments. However, owing to the need of the hour, I started seeing patients exclusively online mid-March with concerns of the spread of the virus springing up, and towards the end of March, we were in lockdown! Online consultations have come as a beneficial turn of events as the stress related to the pandemic and different daily routines have ended up causing flare-ups of various skin conditions, and it was helpful for my patients to have easy access to me, as I was just a video call away!
What are the measures you are taking during the Pandemic?
I unequivocally believe in the motto, that the virus does not spread by itself, but WE spread it. My family and I have taken all necessary precautions to curb unnecessary outgoing, by us, or by any help. I have instructed my patients to not visit the clinic unless it is an emergency that warrants immediate physical attention, wherein, there ought absolutely to be no delay! I have been constantly bringing issues to light towards maintenance tips for various skin and hair issues that can be taken until it is safe to regularly visit the clinics.
Are there any disciplined measures to be taken post-emergency?
We have a long road to go before we can be in a post-crisis phase. However, things are starting to return to normal, even as numbers continue to rise! Various establishments and clinics have set up, guaranteeing great safety measures, ensuring both patient and doctor safety have been put in place! I would simply say, be responsible, if you are showing any symptoms, stay inside and protect yourself, your loved ones, and frontline workers like us, who are always here to help you. Do not visit any place where you may contract the virus and infect others. Be mindful. Maintain your distance at all times and donning protective gear as needed.
‘Wear a Mask’ is a term we as a whole should practice now. Studies recommended that our skin glows when it relaxes. Yet, wearing masks throughout the day is making dead skin cells be caught on the skin surface obstructing the pores to inhale and cause irritation, rashes, and hurts. With the daily struggles of adapting to the pandemic we frequently neglect to deal with our inner well-being and cleanliness. Now it’s an ideal opportunity to discard all the excuses as Dr. Shazia recommends 5 privileged skincare secrets without compromising your safety.
- Hydrate as though your life relies on it – Because it does! Studies have indicated that hydration can help be less vulnerable to the virus, and drinking adequate amounts of water can do wonders for your skin. Remember a straightforward rule, you should drink 3-4% of your body weight as an absolute necessity. For instance, if you weigh 50 kgs, 2 liters a day would be a good quantity!
- Moisturize – With the cooling or the crisp climate happening to us, your skin needs hydration too. So make sure to sensibly saturate two times every day! Particularly your hands as consistent washing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers may even cause painful dermatitis.
- Try not to pick – be it picking at your acne, dry skin, chapped lips, frizzy hair, or even an insect bite! Try to fend your hands off, first from your face, and second from any part of the body as you may aggravate the condition.
- Take your supplements – With regular appropriate supplementation of Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Zinc recommended for prophylaxis of the virus, it would be great to balance sufficient intake of the B-complex and Vitamin A.
- Wash and Condition – This is a great time to take care of your hair, as styling has descended during the pandemic. Always ensure you remove any styling product within 24 hours and wash and condition your hair, in any event, two times every week.
Take it from the master and focus on self-care.
