Korean Dermatologist Debunks UAE Tap Water Myth

Meet Dr Yoonseok Oh, specialist dermatologist at Awazen Medical Center in Abu Dhabi. As of February 2019, Dr. Oh is the only full-time South Korean dermatologist practicing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

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Dr. Yoonseok Oh

Specialist Dermatology

Tap water in the UAE may cause hair thinning, but not hair loss!

Says Dr Yoonseok Oh. Many expatriates who move to the UAE complain that the water they shower with is the main cause for their hair loss. However, contrary to this misconception, Dr. Oh clearly explains that hair growth is a cycle. After the hair growth and stoppage phase, the Telogen or “hair shedding” phase is a natural occurrence right before the hair growth cycle restarts. The Telogen phase can sometimes be extended due to environmental changes, stress, child birth and medications.

Patients may feel their hair is falling more than usual

Dr Oh further explains that tap water contains chlorine. In some instances, water is kept in tanks with older piping and fittings. As water flows through the older and rustier pipes, the chlorine in water, combined with micro-rusting from these pipes, can cause hair shaft keratin damage. Keratin being the protein mainly responsible for the composition of hair fibers. Many patients have experienced their hair thinning in the UAE, however they shouldn’t confuse it with actual hair loss.  

Common skin issues should be treated by laser first

 When it comes to common skin issues such as melasma, freckles, lentigines on the face, Dr. Oh is a firm believer in tackling them by laser treatments first. Additional treatments such as Mesotherapy, Chemical Peeling and Hydrolifting should be used to supplement and enhance the results obtained after laser treatments.