FAQ

1. What is Lymphoedema? Lymphoedema is a collection of lymph fluid in the body tissues; the normal flow of lymph is obstructed creating a collection of lymph, typically, in the extremities.
2. What is Lymphatic Filariasis? Lymphatic Filariasis is a parasitic, infectious disease that is caused by thread-like filarial nematode worms (the larval forms are known as ‘microfilariae’) Wuchereriabancrofti, Brugiamalayi and Brugiatimori. These worms occupy the lymphatic system, damage the lymph nodes or cause dilatation of the lymphatic vessels and impair flow of lymph.
3. What is the life span of a filarial worm? Life span of a filarial worm is 7 to 10 Years
4. Is Lymphatic Filariasis a hereditary disease? Lymphoedema is classified as primary and secondary. In Primary cases the hereditary form of lymphedema is present and it is caused by mutation in genes. Two genes have been identified in the causation of hereditary lymphedema – FLT4 and FOXC2. Hereditary lymphedema is rare. In India, the most common cause is Lymphatic Filariasis. During the treatment we have come across other causes like cancer surgeries, trauma etc.
5. Are females affected more than males? This disease equally affects males and females.
6. Is the disease completely curable? Lymphoedema occurs due to damage of the lymphatic vessels. In Filariasis, there is dilatation of lymph vessels and normal contractibility is lost (lymphatic vessels carry lymph; its damage causes improper drainage that results in oedema/swelling). Our treatment procedures result in the drainage of lymph, possibly through collateral circulation. As is the case in heart diseases and DIABETES, lymphedema is not completely curable but we have observed that, following treatment, control of infection and a significant reduction in swelling occurs due to which the patient can return to normal activities. For best results, Lymphoedema/Filariasis patients have to be on long term and life long treatment.
7. Does Filariasis spread from person to person? Only mosquitoes can spread the disease from an infected person (active infection stage).
8. Can a patient suffering from Filariasis donate blood? Patients can donate blood except during transmission stage of the disease or when there is an inflammatory episode. If patients have taken several courses of the DEC tablet it is unlikely that microfilariae is circulating in the blood stream. Generally, it is advisable for patients to avoid donating blood between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m.
9. Can a woman suffering from Filariasis conceive and give birth to a child? If yes, is there a chance of the child being affected by the disease? Yes, a woman with filariasis can conceive and give birth to a child. Only in the hereditary forms of the disease may it transmit to the child.
10. For how long must a patient with Filariasis use DEC? In general, the course of treatment is 2 to 21 days. It is recommended to take a combination of Ivermectin, Albandazole and DEC once a year for five years. The government distributes these medicines once a year.
11. Does continuing DEC have any beneficial effects? There is no additional benefit with continuing the DEC.
12. Do we need to take precautions with the unaffected limb? One must take care of the unaffected limb and avoid getting injured in that limb. No precautionary treatment is required.

1. What kind of treatment do you provide? We follow a self-care, home-based integrated treatment protocol for Lymphoedema patients and this protocol is exclusively developed by the IAD. It involves the participation of different health systems such as Ayurveda, Allopathy, Yoga and Homeopathy as is required.
2. What is the duration of the entire treatment? Generally, it is a life-long treatment procedure. Depending on the recovery of the skin condition the doctors may advise a reduction in the treatment duration.
3. How long does the treatment procedure last on a day? Supervised treatment procedure at IAD takes about 3 hours a day and the duration will be reduced to one and a half hours a day after discharge.
4. Can you treat both limbs together? Yes
5. Do we get treatment immediately? Yes, except in cases of complicated limbs with recent infections or Filarial. The doctors will decide the need for immediate treatment, after counseling and examination.
6. Is the treatment surgical? No
7. What investigations do you perform to diagnose if the disease is Filariasis? Routinely there is no need for a confirmatory test. Filariasis is a clinical diagnosis. A test may be used to confirm the type of worm causing the disease.
8. How long will it take for an affected part to return to normal size? The time depends on the grade of disease progression and patients’ compliance. You have to follow the procedures for a long duration; a near-normal size of the affected part can be expected over a period.
9. How much reduction can be obtained after treatment? It depends on the skin condition and the stage of Lymphoedema at the time of admission.
10. Will the frequencies of fever reduce after treatment? Yes, our treatment protocol aims at reducing entry points (factor causing fever). Analysis has shown that post-treatment fever episodes reduced by 16%.What else do we have to bring during our treatment visit? Bring along your daily wear clothing. Also bring a pair of foot wear that will fit your feet after bandaging. Please do not forget to
11. bring along your previous medical records, if any.
12. What is the course of the medicine? A minimum of 3 months of oral medication and self-care treatment has to be continued until the doctor further advises.
13. Can the treatment be done on one’s own? Yes, it is a home-based self-care procedure.
14. Does the treatment have any side effects? Our treatment mainly focuses on patient education regarding Yoga, Manual lymph drainage and Compression bandaging and care of entry points. Short-term antibiotic courses may be prescribed to prevent fever episodes. Minor side effects with the oils used or the antibiotics (in sensitive patients) are rarely seen. Only 4/1000 patients have been found to have intolerance to oral ayurvedic medications.
15. Is there any food restriction? Yes, we recommend a diet chart that has to be followed after discharge.
16. Is by-stander a must? It is useful to have the support of a family member for at least 5 days of treatment at the centre. Lymphoedema treatment is a home-based care procedure that has to be continued after the patient returns back home. It becomes helpful if the family member also learns the simple home care techniques. In those cases where support is not available we teach self-care methods.
17. Can you provide a home-nurse? The patients are allowed to arrange their own nurse. If it is difficult to arrange for a by-stander, we will teach you self-care/self-help procedures.
18. What happens if we stop the compression, massage and yoga? The disease is likely to recur if treatment is stopped as in the case of DIABETES where if you stop medications your blood sugar levels will increase again. So it is advisable to not stop any of the procedures if you want to see results.
19. What is the need of a follow-up? At each follow-up, we check to see if all procedures are being followed and correct any errors that may exist. Doctors will make changes in medication if required. Follow-up counseling is necessary for best results.
20. After completion of 6 months when is the next visit? Our treatment protocol suggests a compulsory follow-up schedule up to 6 months. After the completion of 6 months, you may visit any time for advice or consultation. Try to visit regularly once every 4-6 months.
21. Do we need to stay back on the day of follow-up? Not needed
22. What is the approximate treatment cost? The treatment costs depends on the size and circumference of the affected limb, duration of treatment, time needed to manage your condition, materials and medicines needed. For Lymphoedema (including Lymphatic Filariasis) it ranges from Rs.25,000 to Rs.80,000 excluding the food and accommodations
23. How many patients have you treated so far? We have treated about 8000 patients.
24. Could you give us the contact numbers of treated patients? There are patients willing to share their experiences; so on request we could you give their numbers. Read our Service section for more details. We have published news letters about patients’ experiences.
25. Why didn’t we get the expected results? It is possible to achieve best results only if you promptly follow and perform all procedures as instructed and demonstrated during training. Also remember, results vary depending on skin condition, grade of limb and your compliance to treatment.
26. Is food/ accommodation available at/around the center? Treatment is on an outpatient basis so the patient will have to stay at hotels in Kasaragod town, which is at a distance of 5 km from IAD.
27. Do you have published articles? Yes, we have published scientific articles in National and International journals like ‘Lymphology’ published in USA, ‘Journal of Lymphoedema’ in UK, ‘Wounds UK’ in UK, and ‘Journal of Alternative and Contemporary Medicine’ in USA.
28. Will you publish our photos? We take photographs of only the affected parts (eg., limbs) of patients on the first day of treatment and training, on the last day of the supervised training and again at the time of follow-ups (each appointment). This is done for comparison of results during the treatment period. No face identification is possible. Also, without your consent we do not publish any photographs.

1. What is lichen planus ? Lichen planus is a benign (not cancer) condition that affects either the skin or the lining of the mouth. Occasionally both areas will be affected. Rarely painful oral ulcerative lichen planus lesions have turned malignant. There is no specific and safe treatment for it in modern medicine.
2. Is LP Contagious? LP is not contagious and not inherited.
3. What does lichen planus look like? On the skin, lichen planus appears as small, itchy, red-purple, flat-topped bumps that occur in clusters on the forearms and thighs primarily. Lichen planus can develop in oral mucosa.
4. Who gets lichen planus? Lichen planus is seen commonly among children.
5. How Long Will I have Lichen Planus? The duration or severity of the disease is not predictable. Some patients have lichen planus for many years and other patients find the disease willdisappearing after a few months but many reoccur.
6. What are the signs & symptoms of LP? It  is an itchy disease with Violaceous colored lesions that can involve all over the body .However extremities are commonly involved.
7. Is LP lesions always Painful? The lesions are not painful. Sometime oral lesion become ulcerated and cause pain.
8. Will stress increase LP lesions? Stress influence any disease.
9. What other effects due to LP? The skin, nails and scalp may be affected.
10. Does LP lesions/symptom increase by consuming any food item? Itching many increase after taking certain vegetables like brinjal, pineapple and by seafood like crab, prawn etc.
11. How will the diagnosis conformed? A biopsy is usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis. However, clinical diagnosis is possible in the absence of precipitating factors.
12. If LP lesion does not reduce after treatment should biopsy repeated. If LP lesion does not respond to treatment within one year then biopsy should be repeated
13. What will happen is LP is not treated ?It is generally self-limiting after several years
14. Is there any bad effect of Smoking or Drinking in LP conditions ?Any disease can worsen with this habits
15. Is LP curable? How much time it takes? Lesion will disappears within 6month of treatment IADs integrative treatment but dark pigmentation may persist, and may reoccur
16. Any diet should be followed during treatment. Yes, patient has to follow strict diet restrictions. A list of restricted and allowed dietary constituents is provided at the time of consultation. This is decided on patients condition.
17. Do I need follow-ups? Follow up for every 2 months is advised to find out the status of the disease and change the medication as per the condition
18. Should any change in lesion should be informed? If the lesion turn red, painful with pus formation, severe itching then it should be informed to the concerned.

1. What is psoriasis? Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the immune system that varies from person to person, both in severity and its response to treatment.
2. Is psoriasis contagious? Psoriasis is not contagious.
3. What causes psoriasis? While the exact causes of psoriasis have yet to be discovered, the immune system and genetics play major roles in its development. The immune system is mistakenly triggered, which speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells among other immune reactions.
4. How is psoriasis diagnosed? No special blood tests or diagnostic tools exist to diagnose psoriasis. A dermatologist or other health care provider usually examines the affected skin and determines if it is psoriasis. Skin biopsy is not routinely necessary.
5. Is there a CURE FOR PSORIASIS cure for psoriasis? Reoccurrence can be reduced by medication, maintaining a proper diet and reducing stress.
6. Is psoriasis hereditary? Often the person with psoriasis has a parent or grandparents with same condition, If any member in family has psoriasis, it doesn’t mean other individual will have psoriasis.
7. Can psoriasis affect all parts of the body? Psoriasis most commonly appear on the scalp, knees, elbows and toes. But psoriasis can develop anywhere, including the nails, palms, soles, genitals, and very infrequently on the face.
8. Can psoriasis occur at any age? Psoriasis often appears between the ages of 15 and 35, but it can develop at any age.
9. Is psoriasis more prevalent in men or women? Psoriasis is equally seen in men and women.
10. Will PSORIASIS CAUSE my hair to fall out? According to Allopathy psoriasis, itself will not cause the hair to fall out. The very thick scales in the scalp (psoriatic lesion) can entrap hair and as you attempt to remove the scales, you can lose hair in the process. However, it is common to observe hair loss in Indian psoriatic patients.
11. Will there be any change in lesion according to the climate? During the winter months, the humidity is generally lower; the skin will be dry and itchy. Scratching the affected skin will worsen the psoriasis and can even cause new lesions to form. Thus, it is important not to scratch, pick, or scrub psoriasis lesions.
12. Can psoriatic lesion develop after skin damage? Psoriasis patients can develop lesions at the site of significant skin trauma, especially during a period of active disease. Psoriasis worsens in areas of skin scrapes, scratches, and cuts (such as surgical wounds) it is also important not to pick, scratch, or scrub the lesions and scales.

1. How it is treated in IAD? We treat psoriasis in an integrative approach. Initially the patient will be asked to spend time with the counselor and they will explain about the disease, current treatment available and modality of our treatment procedure. Then he/she will be evaluated by Ayurvedic, Allopathy and Homoeopathy doctors separately based on individual science. Doctors will discuss among themselves and prepare a treatment protocol for the condition. Later a detailed prescription will be generated and given to the patient
2. What will be the medications? Usually there will be oral medications from three systems either singly or in combination, local applications and procedure-based therapies. The treatment will be selected after patient consultation.
3. Is there any side effects by taking all the systems together? Patient safety is main aim while treating the patients. We will consider utmost safety while prescribing the medicine to the patients. There are prescribed guidelines to estimate the possible drug reactions and interactions. IAD follow all guidelines strictly..
4. Is there any investigations done? Apart from routine blood and urine investigations sometimes Thyroid, liver and kidney function tests are done. Photo acquisition is done in all patients .We compare baseline photo with follow up photos, to know the reduction in disease condition

1. How it is treated in IAD?In IAD we treat Vitiligo with an integrative approach. Initially Nurse Counsellor will explain the details and ways of integrative treatment for Vitiligo. The counselor will explain in detail about the disease, current treatment available and modality of our treatment procedure. This may take over half an hour to make the patient understand the need to adhere to long-term treatment. If patient decides to continue treatment at IAD the next step is evaluation by Ayurvedic, Allopathy and homeopathy doctors and dietician separately. Clinical notes and impression of doctors, nurses, counsellors and dietitian will be reviewed in a team meeting on the same day or on the following day. This discussion will follow a detailed prescription to the patient.
2. What will be the medications? The treatment will be selected after patient consultation. Usually there will be oral medications from all the three systems either singly or in combination along with local applications and sometimes additional treatment procedure could be done.
3. Is there any side effects by taking all the systems together? Patient safety is main concern while treating the patients. We often conduct a thorough search of scientific publications and books and constantly in look out for such unfortunate events. In our experience such sides effects are rate and when occurs it can be managed. We don’t use any medicines that harm patients more than they benefit. We don’t use steroids or immunosuppressive therapies or mineral based (known as rasoushadha ) drugs of Ayurveda. IAD follows available guidelines to monitor the possible drug reactions and interactions.
4. Is there any investigations done?We are suggesting woods lamp examination for identifying hidden patches along with routine blood and urine investigations. Photo acquisition is done in all patients to compare baseline photo with follow up photos. In selected patients patch test and other investigations may be necessary. These investigations are repeated during every follow up visit to monitor side effects.
5. Is there any diet restrictions? Yes, patient has to follow diet restrictions. The dietician provides a list of restricted and allowed dietary constituents after a detailed diet evaluation at the time of consultation.
6. Whether I have to stay in Kasaragod for the treatment? Hospitalization is not necessary for usual cases of Vitiligo.. One full day is required for the consultation. In many occasions, the evaluation may extend the entire day and patients may have to stay for the next day for discussions and prescriptions. We insist consultation on prior appointments to avoid undue delay in the process.
7. What is the duration of treatment? Duration of treatment in Vitiligo is generally long Patients have to commit for at least two years of treatment.
8. Is it completely curable?The aim of our treatment is to arrest the progress of the disease and to promote re pigmentation at least in exposed areas. It depends on patient condition. However Vitiligo of prolonged duration is difficult to cure although exposed areas could regenerate the lost pigments.
9. What is the cost of treatment? The cost of treatment and medicine will vary from patient to patient. The first consultation of Vitiligo may cost each patient INR 3,500 to 4,500. Subsequently approximate cost is INR 2,500-4,500 for a month.
10. What determines skin color? Melanin is the substance that normally determines the color of skin, hair, and eyes. This pigment is produced in cells called melanocytes. If melanocytes failed to produce melanin or if their number decreases, skin color will become lighter or completely white as in Vitiligo.
11. What are the types of Vitiligo? The commonest manifestation of Vitiligo are: Acrofacial Vitiligo: depigmentation occurs in face and extremities. § Lip and tip Vitiligo: the lesions appear in lip, tip of the finger and tip of the penis, genital organs.

Vitiligo lesions can appear in hairy and non hairy areas or both. Depigmentation also occurs after wounds, scars and burns

12. What is the cause of Vitiligo? The cause of Vitiligo is not known. Many people report pigment loss shortly after an injury. Others relate the onset of Vitiligo to emotional trauma associated with an accident, death in the family, divorce etc.
13. How does Vitiligo develop? The beginning of Vitiligo and the severity of pigment loss differs with each patient. People with dark skin may observe the onset of Vitiligo at any time.
14. Can Vitiligo develop at any age?Vitiligo is most commonly seen in the age group of 10-30 years of which 50% of these patients are between 10-20 years old. The incidence of Vitiligo in children is increasing.
15. Will Vitiligo spread? For some people, it will not spread for years or will only spread very slowly, for others it will spread rapidly. However we developed a chart to determine the possibility and we assess this during the patient examination on each follow up visits .
16. Is depigmentation ever accompanied by itching?Some, though not all patients, do experience itching of the skin prior to or while depigmentation is occurring. Our research has documented this event in many patients. Ayurveda consider this as kaphadosha. It offers treatment for reducing kapha imbalance.
17. Is Vitiligo at all contagious? Vitiligo is NOT contagious.
18. Is it true that exposure to certain chemicals can cause Vitiligo? Some chemicals, particularly Phenols can trigger Vitiligo in those who are susceptible. Phenols can also be found in many types of hair colorings, household stains, and similar products. There are other industrial chemicals and substances which may also trigger the onset of Vitiligo. Rubber is a common cause for depigmentation. We do patch testing for such individuals.
19. Are there any other symptoms? Other than the white patches of skin and itching, there are no other specific physical symptoms of Vitiligo. As a secondary effect, Vitiligo patches will tend to sunburn more easily, and sunscreen is often recommended in fair individuals.
20. How is Vitiligo diagnosed? Vitiligo can be diagnosed by clinical examination .In doubtful cases woods lamp can be used. Skin biopsy is also used but it is seldom useful.
21. Is it true that Vitiligo could not be treated ?Vitiligo is a difficult to treat skin disease; but Vitiligo can be treated, though the results can take longer time. It is true that results of treatment can’t be guaranteed in spite of the best efforts.
22. Is sunscreen recommended? Yes in those patients who have burning in lips, facial skin etc following sun exposure.

1. Which are the medicines you will prescribe? It is integrative treatment and includes Ayurvedic, allopathy, homeopathy and yoga as decided by doctors.
2. Are there any side effects by taking all the systems together? Patient safety is main aim while treating the patients. We will consider utmost safety while prescribing the medicine to the patients.
3. Which are the diseases treated at your institute by integrative treatment? Lymphoedema, Lymphatic filariasis, lichen Planus, vitiligo, Psoriasis, chronic wounds and other chronic skin diseases using integrative treatment methods.
4. Whether you have treatment for other diseases in your institution? Yes, we are providing treatment for all type of chronic skin diseases especially vitiligo lichen planus, psoriasis, urticaria and others in an integrative way. However, our dermatologists give allopathy treatment for all skin disease. Ayurveda doctors treat other common non infectious diseases and homeopathy doctors have expertise in treating sexual dysfunction, wart etc..
5. How long is the stay for treatment? In case of Lymphoedema, lymphatic filariasis patient who comes for treatment have to stay for 14 to 21 days , in case of Lichen planus,psoriasis and Vitiligo one day is sufficient
6. Where is IAD situated in Kasaragod? Please click the contact details in the website
7. How to contact? Contact Ph: 09895588735 (WhatsApp and Online consultations only) Contact Ph: 08590125313 / 08547934863 between 9.00 am- 5.30 pm. You may please e-mail to iadorg@gmail.com , for more details.
8. How to reach there? Train/ bus; nearest airport is Mangalore (IXE) situated 1 ½ hour drive from Kasaragod for more details please click the contact details in the website
9. What are the working hours in IAD? 9 AM-5.30PM including Sundays and all government holidays.
10. Is there any holiday for the institution? No, except during political unrest such as bandh, shut down and harthal (frequent in Kerala). Therefore please call at front office before you depart from your place. If you want to come on Sundays and national holidays please confirm your appointment twice. On these days only limited appointments are given.
11. Do you have any branches anywhere? No we don’t have any branches outside Kasaragod, Kerala
12. Can we meet doctors from all three systems: allopathy, ayurveda & homeopathy? Yes, by taking prior appointment.
13. What is counseling? Explaining about the integrative treatment procedures followed at the Institute of Applied Dermatology
14. Do we need to stay back on the day of counseling? Not needed
15. Is there any registration fee? Yes, depends on the disease.
16. Is there free treatment slots? Yes. Only for patients in need of financial assistance.
17. Is there any fee for follow up? It depends on the time spent with the patient
18. Do we need to stay back on the day of follow up? Not needed
19. Can we get medicine by post/courier? Yes, provided you make advance payment
20. Do you provide treatment to any other diseases? Yes ,we treat Lichen Planus, Vitiligo, Psoriasis, and chronic wounds using integrative treatment methods.
21. Whether this institution is private or government? Our institute is a Not to profit organization. We run on income from patients who receive treatment services from us.
22. Mediclaim policy? Patients must ensure that all insurance requirements are met. They must inform the receptionist about their insurance and provide all necessary documents during the registration process. IAD is not responsible for failing to obtain/consider insurance claims for any reason.
23. What are all the keywords people commonly use to search the treatment for Filariasis in the website? Commonly used key words: Filariasis, Lymphatic Filariasis, Filarial Lymphoedema, Lymphoedema, Primary Lymphoedema, Filariasis Treatment, Treatment for Filariasis, Elephantiasis, Mosquito borne disease, Lymphatic block, Leg swelling, Swelling in leg, Leg oedema, Filaria, Filaria fever, Ulcer, Filarial Parasite, Wuchereria Bancrofti, Culex, varicose vain, Oedema in leg, Scrotal edema, Manth, Massage, Hydrocele, Ayurveda treatment for filaria, Skin disease, LF