Health

Cosmetic Dermatologist Explains 7 Ways to Treat Melasma

Melasma is a common skin condition that results in patches of dark discoloration on the skin, says cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD, noting that it’s typically brought on by hormonal changes and/or sun exposure.

Despite the fact that melasma has no known health risks, the uneven colour has been known to cause self-consciousness. While there is no need to address it, if you would like our assistance, just let us know. In light of this, we’ve compiled a list of the top melasma remedies.

The Cosmelan procedure consists of two chemical peels separated by three weeks. In order to lessen facial melasma, “I perform Cosmelan peels in my office.” The Cosmelan treatment is great because it works on all skin types and is safe to use.

These peels are particularly well-liked for treating melasma because they don’t contain hydroquinone, a common melasma treatment that occasionally results in redness and/or dryness.

Utilise Tri-Luma Cream.

According to skincare experts, retinol and Tri-Luma Cream rejuvenate the skin, change the skin’s cells, and also produce new collagen. You might be able to get away from melasma by using Tri Luma Cream,depending on the severity of your melasma, but if you have persistent dark spots, you should purchase other creams like this A ret gel 0.1 skin lightening cream.

Lift dark spots with dermaplaning.

Is there another way to lessen the melasma’s appearance? Obviously, dermaplaning. Peels and dermaplaning work together to exfoliate the skin, says Benjamin. “Peels and dermaplaning are the ideal exfoliation partners because dermaplaning helps slough off these dead cells more effectively, gradually removing some of the superficial hyperpigmentation and revealing a more even skin tone. Peels speed up cell turnover, causing old cells to shed and flake off ”.

Discuss your contraceptives with your doctor.

Birth control may contribute to your melasma’s worsening because the condition has been associated with hormonal changes and imbalances. If you use hormonal birth control, speak with your doctor or a dermatologist about how your medication may be aggravating your melasma and whether another method of birth control might be more suitable for you.

Cosmetic Dermatologist Explains 7 Ways to Treat Melasma

Improve Your Skincare Routine with Vitamin C

advises using Vitamin C products to lessen this pigmentation and treat the extra melanin because the discoloration of melasma is caused by an overproduction of melanin.

Utilise items that hasten cell turnover.

By promoting cell turnover, which will help to gradually replace pigmented cells, melasma can also be reduced in appearance. “Our EGF Activating Serum contains natural epidermal growth factors that stimulate the skin’s ability to regenerate and heal, gradually brightening and lifting hyperpigmentation over time,” claims Benjamin.

She advises combining microneedling with a turnover-boosting serum for even better results, so that the serum can target deep-seated melasma.

Consult a dermatologist

Consult a dermatologist regarding a prescription for hydroquinone.

Green asserts that hydroquinone-containing products reduce pigmentation.

Garshick elaborates on this, pointing out that different concentrations of the well-known lightening cream hydroquinone—which was once sold without a prescription but is now only available with one—have been used for many years to treat melasma. She emphasizes that despite the fact that it is a successful melasma treatment, it should always be carried out under the guidance and supervision of a board-certified dermatologist due to the risk of ochronosis or paradoxical darkening that may be involved.

Benjamin asserts that sun exposure can exacerbate melasma, making the daily application of sunscreen mandatory. People, this also applies to days when you don’t spend a lot of time outside and days when it’s very cloudy outside. UV rays can still shine through, after all.

Garshick advises using broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB coverage), physical, zinc- or titanium-based sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher. Additionally, some studies indicate that people with melasma or hyperpigmentation may be more vulnerable to deteriorating discoloration from blue or high-energy visible light at people with melasma or hyperpigmentation may be more vulnerable to deteriorating discoloration from blue or high-energy visible light.

When to consult a specialist

Melasma is a skin condition that can come and go with the seasons and different levels of oestrogen, despite the fact that there are many treatments that can help improve it and many people do find success with them. Green adds that although melasma is generally not a cause for concern in terms of overall health, it may be a sign of other underlying conditions like thyroid disease or other endocrine issues.

Because of this, you should seek a derm’s expert opinion on what’s going on with your skin and overall health if the aforementioned treatments don’t seem to be helping you.

conclusion

Dermatologists recommend a combination of seven approaches to effectively treat melasma. These include diligent sun protection, the use of topical hydroquinone, the application of topical retinoids, the prescription of topical corticosteroids, the utilisation of chemical peels, the implementation of laser therapy, and the consideration of combination therapies. Consulting with a dermatologist is crucial to creating a personalised treatment plan based on individual factors and skin type.

Health

Report Causes Pfizer Stock to Climb Approximately $1 Billion Acquired by Starboard

(VOR News) – According to a rumor that activist investor Pfizer Starboard Value has taken a holding in the struggling pharmaceutical business that is expected to be worth around one billion dollars, the stock of Pfizer (PFE) is on the increase in premarket trading on Monday.

This comes after the report was made public. The report was made available to the general public following this. Starboard Value was successful in moving forward with the acquisition of the position.

Starboard is said to have approached Ian Read, a former chief executive officer of Pfizer, and Frank D’Amelio, a former chief financial officer, in order to seek assistance with its goals of boosting the performance of the company, according to the Wall Street Journal. Read and D’Amelio are both former Pfizer executives.

The purpose of this is to facilitate the accomplishment of its objectives, which include enhancing the overall performance of the firm.

In their previous jobs, D’Amelio and Read were chief financial officers.

It is stated in the report that the hedge fund is of the opinion that Pfizer, which is currently being managed by Albert Bourla, who succeeded Read as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2019, does not demonstrate the same level of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) discipline that Read did. Bourla took over for Read in 2019. Read was succeeded by Bourla in the year 2019.

Pfizer, a multinational pharmaceutical conglomerate, has made substantial investments in the acquisition of more companies that are involved in the research and development of cancer medicines.

These businesses have been acquired for billions of dollars. The biotechnology company Seagen, which was acquired by Pfizer in the previous year for a price of $43 billion, is included in this category. One of the businesses that can be classified as belonging to this category is Seagen.

In spite of the fact that the S&P 500 Index experienced a 21% increase in 2024.

No major trading occurred in Pfizer stock that year.

Due to the fact that the demand for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines fell after the firm reached its pandemic peak in 2021, the share price of the corporation has decreased by over fifty percent since that time.

This drop has occurred ever since the company’s shares reached their maximum peak, which was during the time that this decline occurred. Not only have they not changed at all, but they have also remained essentially stable. This is in contrast to the S&P 500, which has gained 21% since the beginning of this year.

Recently, the corporation was forced to take a hit when it decided to recall all of the sickle cell illness medications that it had distributed all over the world.

Fears that the prescription could lead patients to experience severe agony and possibly even death were the impetus for the decision to recall the product. In spite of the fact that Pfizer’s stock is increasing by almost three percent as a result of the news that followed the company’s decision, this is the circumstance that has come about.

SOURCE: IPN

Health

New Study Reveals Drinking Soda Pop Increases the Risk of Stroke

If you drink too much soda, fruit juice and coffee, beware!

A recent report from global research indicates that excessive consumption of coffee or soda pop is associated with an increased risk of stroke, although the intake of black and green tea is correlated with a reduced risk. Excessive consumption of soda pop or coffee warrants caution!

Recent research indicates that it may substantially elevate the risk of stroke.

Consuming four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke, according to studies, although ingesting 3-4 cups of black or green tea daily typically offers protection against stroke. Additionally, consume more coffee; it may reduce your risk of mortality.

Recent findings from global research studies co-led by the University of Galway and McMaster University, alongside an international consortium of stroke researchers, indicate that soda, encompassing both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened variants such as diet or zero sugar, is associated with a 22 percent heightened risk of stroke. The risk escalated significantly with the consumption of two or more of these beverages daily.

Stroke Risk Fizzy Drinks and Soda Pop

The correlation between fizzy drinks consumption and stroke risk was most pronounced in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Women exhibit the most elevated risk of stroke from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage) associated with fruit juice beverages. Consuming over 7 cups of water daily diminishes the likelihood of stroke due to a clot.

Researchers observed that numerous items advertised as fruit juice are derived from concentrates and have added sugars and preservatives, potentially negating the advantages often associated with fresh fruit and instead elevating stroke risk.

Fruit juice beverages were associated with a 37 percent heightened risk of stroke resulting from bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage). Consuming two of these beverages daily increases the risk thrice.

Consuming over four cups of coffee daily elevates the risk of stroke by 37 percent, although lower consumption levels do not correlate with stroke risk. Conversely, tea consumption was associated with an 18-20 percent reduction in stroke risk. Additionally, consuming 3-4 cups daily of black tea, such as Breakfast and Earl Grey varieties, excluding green and herbal teas, was associated with a 29 percent reduced risk of stroke.

Consuming 3-4 cups of green tea daily was associated with a 27 percent reduction in stroke risk. Notably, the addition of milk may diminish or inhibit the advantageous effects of antioxidants present in tea. The lower risk of stroke associated with tea consumption was negated for individuals who added milk.

Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational reasons and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical counsel. Consistently consult your physician regarding any inquiries pertaining to a medical problem.

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Starbucks Faces Sales Decline Amid Price Fatigue and Rising Competition

Health

Following a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer, What Else Should You Know?

(VOR News) – Even though breast cancer affects one in eight American women, receiving a diagnosis can make a woman feel isolated.

Experts in breast cancer from the American College of Physicians (ACS) advise patients on how to manage their disease so that they may better cope with this awful information.

First, the kind and stage of breast cancer dictates the course of your care.

In addition to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, there are various surgical options available for the treatment of breast cancer.

Women of African descent are disproportionately affected by triple-negative breast cancer, an extremely aggressive form of the disease that has never proven easy to treat.

According to the American Cancer Society, pembrolizumab (Keytruda), an immunotherapy, has been shown to be helpful when combined with chemotherapy and is currently the recommended course of treatment for certain combinations of triple-negative breast cancer.

In her presentation, Dr. Katharine Yao said, “It’s really important that the patient and physician discuss the patient’s preferences and values when deciding what type of treatment to pursue and that they have an honest, individualized discussion with their care team.”

She is currently responsible for developing breast cancer treatment recommendations for more than 575 hospitals and institutions nationwide in her role as chair of the American College of Surgeons’ National Accreditation Program for Breast Institutions (NAPBC).

Yao, vice chair of research at Endeavor Health NorthShore Hospitals in New York, pointed out that each decision made about a patient’s treatment plan should take her preferences and diagnosis into consideration.

She ought to think about whether she would prefer a mastectomy—a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire breast with or without reconstruction—or a lumpectomy, which involves a surgical procedure that spares part of the breast tissue.

She stated that “the breast cancer you have may be very different from the breast cancer you hear about in your neighbor, colleague, or friend” in a press release issued by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

“Consider that while discussing breast cancer with others.”

Throughout your journey, it is critical that you look after your emotional health because having breast cancer may have a detrimental impact on your mental health.

“Getting a cancer diagnosis does not mean that everything in your life stops to be normal.” Director of the Fellowship in the Diseases of the Breast program at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas and state head of the American Cancer Society Commission on Cancer for Arkansas, Dr. Daniela Ochoa She thinks adding the burden of a cancer diagnosis and treatment to all the other pressures in life may be taxing.

“Managing stress and emotional health is vital component of a treatment plan.”

Ochoa recommends clinically trained psychologists and social workers who have assisted people in coping with cancer to anyone receiving treatment. Learning coping techniques might also be facilitated by joining cancer support groups or cancer wellness initiatives.

Breast cancer specialists say your care team is crucial.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) defines comprehensive care as having support at every stage of the procedure from surgeons, oncologists, patient navigators, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other specialists.

After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, women should see a surgeon or medical oncologist to explore their options; nevertheless, treatment shouldn’t be discontinued after just one appointment or after surgery is over.

Additionally, you can ask trustworthy friends or family members to accompany you to appointments and aid you with research or notes. They could serve as a network of support for you.

Yao stated in his talk that “one of the most important things is that patients should search out a team they have confidence in, that they trust will have their back when they need it, and a team they feel they can get access to and that will help them when they are in need.”

SOURCE: MP