Q. How can women and men perform breast self-examinations, and how frequently should they do so?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Performing regular breast self-examinations is an essential part of breast cancer awareness and early detection. Here's a step-by-step guide on how women and men can conduct self-exams and how often they should do them.

Step 1: Choose a Time
Set aside a specific time each month for your self-examination. Many experts recommend doing it a few days after your period when breast tenderness is likely to be less.

Step 2: Visual Inspection
Begin with a visual inspection in front of a mirror. Stand with your arms at your sides and look for any changes in the size, shape, or appearance of your breasts. Pay attention to any dimpling, puckering, or changes in skin texture.

Step 3: Raise Your Arms
Raise your arms over your head and again, check for any changes in your breasts.

Step 4: Check Nipples
Examine your nipples. Look for any unusual discharge, rashes, or changes in direction or shape.

Step 5: Manual Examination (While Lying Down)
Lie down on your back, and place a pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. Use your left hand to feel your right breast in a circular motion. Start from the outside and move toward the center, checking the entire breast. Be sure to cover the entire area, from your collarbone to your ribs, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Repeat this process on your left breast using your right hand.

Step 6: Sit Up
Next, sit up and check your breasts with your hands while in a seated position. This allows you to feel the breast tissue under varying degrees of pressure.

Step 7: Stand and Check Again
Finally, stand up and repeat the circular motion examination in front of the mirror. Observe your breasts from different angles.

How Often Should You Perform a Self-Exam?
It's recommended to perform a breast self-exam once a month. Regular monthly exams help you become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, making it easier to detect any changes.

Remember, self-exams are just one part of breast cancer awareness. Regular clinical breast exams by healthcare professionals and mammograms, as advised by your doctor, are also crucial. If you notice any unusual changes during your self-exam, such as lumps, skin changes, or nipple discharge, consult your healthcare provider promptly. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so stay informed and stay proactive in your breast health.

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Q. Hello Doctor, from past 3 weeks I have too much dandruff problem and it cause hair loss will you suggest any best solution for this?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dealing with excessive dandruff leading to hair loss can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to address this issue. Here's what you can do:

1. Switch to a Gentle Shampoo: Opt for shampoos specifically designed for dandruff, containing ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or selenium sulfide. Use these shampoos regularly to reduce dandruff buildup.

2. Scalp Massage: Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to help remove flakes and improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.

3. Avoid Hot Water: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out your scalp and worsen dandruff.

4. Balanced Diet: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair and scalp, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate dandruff problems. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to help manage stress levels.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Consider using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing. It can help restore the scalp's pH balance and reduce dandruff.

7. Consult a Dermatologist: If the issue persists despite trying home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, seek advice from a dermatologist. They can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific scalp condition.

Remember, consistency is key when dealing with dandruff. Give these remedies some time to work, as immediate results might not always occur. It's essential to find what works best for your scalp, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvements.

Taking care of your scalp health not only addresses dandruff but also aids in reducing hair loss associated with this issue. Feel free to incorporate these tips into your routine and observe how your scalp responds. If the problem persists or worsens, seeking professional guidance is always recommended.

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