What Are Pigmentation Disorders?

Pigmentation disorders are conditions that affect the color (pigment) of your skin, hair, or eyes, primarily caused by an imbalance of melanin — the natural pigment produced by specialized skin cells called melanocytes.

These disorders result in either too much melanin (hyperpigmentation) or too little (hypopigmentation or depigmentation), leading to uneven skin tone or discolored patches.

Causes of Pigmentation Disorders

Common Pigmentation Disorders

1. Hyperpigmentation (Too Much Pigment)

This results in dark spots or patches on the skin.

Melasma

• Brown or gray-brown patches
• Common on cheeks, forehead, upper lip
• Triggered by hormones and sunlight

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

• Dark spots after acne, burns, cuts, or rashes
• More common in darker skin tones

Sunspots (Solar Lentigines)

• Also called age spots or liver spots
• Caused by years of UV exposure

2. Hypopigmentation (Too Little Pigment)

This leads to light or white patches of skin.

Vitiligo

• Autoimmune disorder where melanocytes are destroyed
• Appears as white patches that can spread
• Can affect skin, hair, and mucous membranes

Albinism

• Genetic condition — complete or partial lack of melanin
• Affects skin, hair, and eyes
• Increased risk of sunburn and vision problems

Tinea Versicolor

• Fungal infection that disrupts pigment
• Causes light or dark patches, often on back or chest

Pityriasis Alba

• Affects children and teens
• Light, scaly patches on face, arms, neck
• Usually resolves on its own

Diagnosis

A dermatologist may:

• Use a Wood’s lamp (UV light tool) to examine skin changes
• Conduct a biopsy if needed
• Review medical history and medication use
• Perform blood tests (for autoimmune diseases or hormone imbalances)

Treatment Options by Condition

A. Treatments for Hyperpigmentation

Avoid skin-lightening products with mercury or illegal steroids — especially common in unregulated creams.

B. Treatments for Hypopigmentation

Importance of Sun Protection in All Cases

UV radiation worsens both hyper- and hypopigmentation. Regardless of your skin condition:

• Always wear SPF 30 or higher
• Choose mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
• Reapply every 2–3 hours, especially outdoors
• Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing

Natural Remedies: Are They Effective?

Natural ingredients like licorice root, green tea extract, aloe vera, and turmeric may have mild pigment-regulating effects — but they work slowly and results vary.

Use only dermatologist-approved natural products to avoid irritation or worsening pigmentation.

Psychological Impact and Support

Pigmentation disorders — especially vitiligo, melasma, and albinism — can affect self-esteem and mental health.

What Helps:

• Support groups and counseling
• Camouflage cosmetics (color-correcting makeup)
• Talking to a dermatologist about realistic treatment goals

Summary Table: Common Conditions & Treatments

Final Tips for Managing Pigmentation

1. Consistency is key — even the best creams take 8–12 weeks.
2. Sun protection is non-negotiable.
3. See a dermatologist early — avoid self-medication.
4. Track your triggers (sun, stress, hormones).
5. Focus on skin health over perfection.

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The best anti-aging treatment for you will depend on your individual needs and concerns. However, some of the most effective anti-aging treatments include:

• Sunscreen: Sunscreen is the most important anti-aging product you can use. It protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging such as wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer.
• Retinoids: Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. They can also help to improve skin texture and tone.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants help to protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to premature aging. Some good sources of antioxidants for the skin include vitamin C, vitamin E, and green tea.
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): AHAs are a type of acid that can help to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This can help to improve skin texture and tone, and can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs): BHAs are another type of acid that can help to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. They can also help to unclog pores and reduce breakouts.

In addition to these topical treatments, there are also a number of in-office anti-aging treatments available. These treatments can be more expensive than topical treatments, but they can also be more effective. Some popular in-office anti-aging treatments include:

• Botox: Botox is a neurotoxin that is injected into the muscles to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
• Dermal fillers: Dermal fillers are injected into the skin to add volume and reduce wrinkles.
• Laser skin resurfacing: Laser skin resurfacing uses lasers to remove the top layer of the skin, revealing new, younger-looking skin underneath.
• Chemical peels: Chemical peels use acids to remove the top layer of the skin, revealing new, younger-looking skin underneath.

Here are some of the most notable anti-aging treatments:

1. Retinoids (including Retinol):
   • What it does: Promotes collagen production, speeds up cell turnover, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
   • Application: Available in over-the-counter products and stronger, prescription-strength formulations like tretinoin.
2. Sunscreen:
   • What it does: Protects the skin from the aging effects of UV radiation.
   • Application: Should be broad-spectrum, with at least SPF 30, and applied daily.
3. Chemical Peels:
   • What it does: Removes the top layer of skin to reveal fresher, younger-looking skin underneath.
   • Application: Strength varies, from mild over-the-counter options to deep peels administered by professionals.
4. Laser Treatments (e.g., Fraxel, IPL):
   • What it does: Promotes collagen production, reduces pigmentation, and can treat a variety of skin issues.
   • Application: Administered by professionals; may require multiple sessions.
5. Botox and Dysport:
   • What it does: Temporarily paralyzes muscles, smoothing out wrinkles and preventing the formation of new ones.
   • Application: Injections administered by trained professionals; effects last several months.
6. Dermal Fillers (e.g., Juvederm, Restylane):
   • What it does: Adds volume to the face, smoothing out wrinkles and restoring a youthful appearance.
   • Application: Injections administered by professionals; results can last several months to a couple of years, depending on the product.
7. Microneedling:
   • What it does: Creates micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
   • Application: Can be done at home with derma rollers (caution advised) or professionally with devices like the Dermapen.
8. Hyaluronic Acid:
   • What it does: Hydrates and plumps the skin.
   • Application: Available in serums, creams, and injectable fillers.
9. Antioxidants (e.g., Vitamin C, E, Ferulic acid):
   • What it does: Protects skin from damage by free radicals and UV radiation.
   • Application: Available in various skincare products.
10. Radiofrequency Treatments:
    • What it does: Heats the deeper layers of skin to promote collagen production.
    • Application: Administered by professionals; devices like Thermage are popular.

Best Anti-Aging Treatment Foods

The following foods are some of the best anti-aging treatment foods:

• Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can contribute to premature aging. Some good sources of antioxidants for the skin include berries, tomatoes, leafy green vegetables, and sweet potatoes.
• Whole grains: Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which can help to keep your skin hydrated and plump. Fiber can also help to regulate your blood sugar levels, which can improve your overall health and well-being.
• Lean protein: Lean protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, including your skin. Good sources of lean protein include chicken, fish, beans, and lentils.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation and improve skin hydration. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, mackerel, and walnuts.
• Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They are also a good source of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can help to protect your skin from damage.
• Water: Water is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and plump. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

Best Anti-Aging Treatment Herbs

Various herbs have been traditionally used for their anti-aging properties. While some have undergone scientific studies supporting their benefits, others have been passed down through generations in various cultures. Here are some herbs commonly hailed for their potential anti-aging benefits:

1. Ginseng:
   • Benefits: Known to boost energy, strengthen the immune system, and reduce stress. Korean red ginseng, in particular, has been studied for its potential anti-wrinkle benefits.
2. Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica):
   • Benefits: Used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, it’s believed to promote collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
3. Ginkgo Biloba:
   • Benefits: Possesses strong antioxidant properties which can protect the skin from free radicals and reduce signs of aging.
4. Turmeric (Curcuma longa):
   • Benefits: Contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. It helps in reducing damage from free radicals and inflammation, both of which can cause premature aging.
5. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis):
   • Benefits: Rich in polyphenols and catechins, green tea has potent antioxidant properties which help prevent oxidative stress in cells, reducing the aging process.
6. Aloe Vera:
   • Benefits: Besides its soothing properties, aloe vera is also believed to stimulate collagen production, leading to more youthful skin.
7. Ashwagandha:
   • Benefits: An adaptogen that helps the body manage stress and balance hormones. Chronic stress can accelerate the aging process, making ashwagandha beneficial in anti-aging regimens.
8. Holy Basil (Tulsi):
   • Benefits: Another adaptogen that helps combat stress, inflammation, and balances hormones.
9. Rosemary:
   • Benefits: Contains antioxidants that combat free radicals. It’s also believed to support brain health and improve circulation.
10. Licorice Root:
    • Benefits: Known to brighten the skin, it can also reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
11. Rhodiola:
    • Benefits: An adaptogenic herb that supports the body’s stress response, potentially helping to slow the aging process.

Good Daily Habits for Anti-Aging

• Get enough sleep: When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can break down collagen, which is a protein that helps to keep your skin firm and elastic. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
• Manage stress: Stress can also contribute to premature aging. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage your skin and lead to premature aging.
• Protect your skin from the sun: Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature aging. Wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days.

Best Anti-Aging Treatment Excercise

The best anti-aging exercise is one that is regular and consistent, and that challenges your body in a variety of ways. Some good anti-aging exercises include:

• Cardio: Cardio exercise helps to improve your cardiovascular health, which is important for overall health and well-being. It can also help to reduce inflammation, which can contribute to premature aging. Good examples of cardio exercise include running, biking, swimming, and dancing.
• Strength training: Strength training helps to build and maintain muscle mass. Muscle mass is important for maintaining a healthy weight and for reducing the risk of chronic diseases. It can also help to improve skin tone and texture. Good examples of strength training exercises include lifting weights, using resistance bands, and doing bodyweight exercises such as push-ups and pull-ups.
• Flexibility exercises: Flexibility exercises help to improve your range of motion and reduce the risk of injuries. Good examples of flexibility exercises include yoga, Pilates, and stretching.

In addition to these specific exercises, it is also important to get regular physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Here is a sample anti-aging workout plan:

• Warm-up: Start with a 5-10 minute warm-up, such as walking or jogging.
• Cardio: Do 20-30 minutes of cardio exercise, such as running, biking, swimming, or dancing.
• Strength training: Do 2-3 sets of 10-12 repetitions of each strength training exercise.
• Cool-down: Finish with a 5-10 minute cool-down, such as stretching.

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Remote patient monitoring, cloud-based platform services and mobile, AI-enabled ultrasound diagnostics to support improved access to care and better outcomes in fertility treatment

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced a multi-year partnership with Merck, a leading science and technology company, to develop clinical-grade digital solutions for highly personalized fertility treatment. Leveraging digital health technologies, advanced informatics and mobile, AI-enabled ultrasound diagnostics, these solutions will aim to better inform patients and clinicians about the choice and timing of fertility treatment to maximize the chances of conception.

“At Philips we are leading digital transformation in healthcare, with a portfolio that includes solutions for both professionals and consumers to support parents-to-be through pregnancy and the first years of their baby’s life,” said Jeroen Tas, Chief Innovation & Strategy Officer, Royal Philips. “The journey for aspiring parents is sometimes a difficult one, and by collaborating with Merck, a world leader in fertility treatment, we aim to develop integrated digital solutions that improve the patient experience and can ultimately have a positive impact on health outcomes. This partnership builds on our expertise in maternal and fetal monitoring, our Pregnancy+ and Baby+ consumer engagement apps, our leading ultrasound solutions and our HealthSuite Cloud/AI platform.”

“We believe that the future of IVF will be unlocked through digital health technologies that empower professionals and patients to be better connected,” said Michelangelo Canzoneri, Global Head of Digital and Data, Healthcare at Merck. “With Philips, we have a partner that shares our belief in the potential of digital health to improve the patient experience, bringing a wealth of experience in connected care to our offering. Together, this collaboration will push our two companies to think beyond tomorrow and discover new solutions that can empower people to realize their dreams of parenthood,” added Jan Kirsten, Head of Global Business Franchise for Fertility at Merck.

Digital health and virtual care technologies have proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic in keeping patients and their care teams in virtual contact, accelerating digital transformation in healthcare. Digital technologies including remote patient monitoring, cloud-based services and AI are playing an ever more important part in achieving better patient outcomes, better patient and staff experiences, and low cost of care – the quadruple aim of healthcare.

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2019 sales of EUR 19.5 billion and employs approximately 81,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

About Merck

Merck KGaA, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 57,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2019, Merck generated sales of €16.2 billion in 66 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Performance Materials.

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SCOTLAND leads the UK in NHS-funded IVF treatment and it is a frustration that there is “no willingness” by the UK Government to achieve the same level of service south of the Border, a London-based fertility expert has said.

Sarah Norcross, director of the Progress Educational Trust, which campaigns to improve access to treatment, praised the Scottish Government for the gradual, sustained improvements that she said had led to the country providing a “gold standard” service.

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• The teenager is being assisted in his fight for action by The Good Law Project
• It says the NHS has ‘legal obligation’ to provide specialist care within 18 weeks
• But the average waiting time for a first appointment is 18 months, group says
• NHS England insists an independent review into the service is already underway

A transgender teenage boy is launching legal against against NHS England over delays to gender reassignment treatment, having waited more than a year for a referral to the specialist clinic.

The 14-year-old is being assisted in his fight by The Good Law Project, which says the NHS has ‘a legal obligation’ to provide specialist care, or an alternative, within 18 weeks.

However, the average waiting time for a first appointment with the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), based at London’s Tavistock Centre, is 18 months, the organisation says, with some even waiting up to four years.

This is not even to actually get what the NHS describes as fully reversible puberty blockers, but just to begin the process of being assessed for eligibility.

Some 10,000 more young people have been referred to the already over-subscribed GIDS, according to figures obtained by the BBC.

NHS England says an independent review into the service has been launched, and insists any legal action ‘will only cost taxpayers’ money and not help the actions already under way’.

The service, which is run by the Tavistock and Portland NHS Foundation Trust, provides support to people under the age of 18 who experience difficulties related to their gender identity.

Reece, who came out to friends and family in primary school, told the BBC he would not want to bring such action ideally, but felt he didn’t have a choice as ‘nobody else is sticking up for trans young people’.

He added: ‘I know more than 30 trans people, from school and LGBT groups. Everybody’s been waiting for months, or even years, but nobody’s been able to get in yet.

‘It’s scary because it shows the service isn’t available to the people who need it.’

In a statement he added: ‘The length of the NHS waiting list means the treatments which are essential for my wellbeing are not available to me.

‘By the time I get to the top of the list it will be too late, and in the meantime I suffer the fear and terror that gender dysphoria causes, every day.’ 

Gender dysphoria is when a person feels a sense of unease because of a mismatch between their biological sex and their gender identity.

The NHS announced in September that an independent review into GIDS would be carried out.

An NHS England spokesman said it would include ‘how and when’ young people are referred to specialist services.

Jolyon Maugham QC, director of the Good Law Project said: ‘Whatever your views about the right treatment regime for young people with gender dysphoria, it can’t be right that they face lengthy waiting lists – on some reports up to four years – for a first appointment.

‘Children are losing the opportunity to be seen within a window in which they can secure effective treatment and so are, in practice, being denied access to that treatment.’

The Good Law Project said the case was not about the treatment GIDS should provide, but the ‘lengthy delays’ in accessing it.

The GIDS’ website says it is aware that young people are having to wait a ‘long’ time for their first appointment. 

An NHS England spokesperson said: ‘There has been more than a 500% rise in the number of children and young people being referred to the Tavistock’s gender identity service since 2013 as more people come forward for support and treatment.

‘The NHS has already asked Dr Hilary Cass to carry out an independent review including how and when children and young people are referred to specialist services, so legal action against the NHS will only cost taxpayers’ money and not help the actions already under way.’

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A 67-year-old man showed two scars on each side of his chest. Both were left by lung cancer surgeries, which also shows the development of medical technology and theories, doctors said on Tuesday, the International Lung Cancer Day.

The left side, which received a traditional lung cancer surgery eight years ago, left the man a 25-centimeter scar and poor memory due to complications left by anesthesia and surgery.

The man surnamed Mei said he had planned to forgo a second surgery after another suspicious nodule was found on his right side in 2018. “I was so afraid of the sickness and suffering from the previous surgery and I would rather die than receive another one,” he said.

But under the guidance of doctors, Mei went to Shanghai Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, which conducted a minimally invasive surgery with acupuncture anesthesia early this year.

The procedure left only a 3-centimeter scar without any complication, as acupuncture and medicine were combined with anesthesia without tracheal intubation developed by the hospital, which is the nation’s largest medical center for carrying out acupuncture anesthesia, to help patients better endure surgery. They also suffer less trauma and potential complications from anesthesia and enjoy a quicker recovery.

Dr Chen Tongyu, director of Yueyang’s cardiothoracic surgery department, said acupuncture anesthesia is a special anesthetic measure supporting surgery, as it can sedate, control pain, stabilize circulation and protect organs. No intubation is used in the surgery and the use of anesthesia medicine is reduced under the effects of acupuncture.

“About 60 to 70 percent of our patients adopt such anesthesia,” he said. “They can wake up quickly and eat and drink soon after the surgery. The hospitalization time is only three day, compared to the traditional five days, and the medical bill is one third less due to reduced use of medicines and quicker recovery.”

With the prevalence of CT scans and people’s rising awareness of lung cancer, more and more lung cancer cases are detected in early stage. “We are adopting a theory called Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, or ERAS, for patients’ smaller trauma and quicker recovery,” he said. “Acupuncture anesthesia is an important tool to help achieve ERAS. Through acupuncture anesthesia and minimally invasive technology, we have entered an ear of super minimally invasive surgery.”

Officials urge caution with cold-storage, imported food

Local health authorities are calling on the public to be cautious of cold-storage foods, especially imported foods, after confirmed cases of coronavirus contamination involving such items.

Shoppers are recommended to go to official supermarkets and wet markets, and pay attention to the origins of their food, as well as inspection information on imported food.

Avoiding direct hand contact with frozen food and wearing disposable gloves and masks is suggested. Using separate packages for food and keeping raw and cooked food in different parts of the refrigerator are also useful to prevent the spread of the virus, said Shanghai Health Promotion Center.

Officials also warn residents of receiving goods from high-risk regions. Using disposable gloves, disinfecting packages and hand washing are important.

Proper hand washing is the most effective measure for infectious disease prevention and control and self awareness is important, officials said.

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The leading cause of snoring in infants is a stuffy nose, but there are other reasons that could cause your child to snore. Here they are.

Parenthood, especially for first-time parents, can be tough with a lot of endless things to worry about. There’s already a ton of things that you find yourself anxious over, from the right diapers to buy, to whether your baby is well-fed, to how to fix sleepless nights and constant crying, to whether your little one is achieving their milestones or whether you’re doing enough as a parent while still meeting your own personal goals. Another thing that you may find yourself worrying about is baby snoring. On the surface, these noises may sound unanticipated or even troublesome. So, you’ll often wonder, are these noises normal? Should you rush your baby to the hospital? Continue reading to find out more about baby snoring.

You may be surprised by how something so small can produce such loud, unexpected sounds. However, these snores won’t sound like those of a grown-up. It won’t be that low, grumbly, rough kind of snore. It will sound more like a soft sound. So, it may sound musical, like whistling, bubbling, snorting, or snuffing. These sounds may increase if your baby has nasal allergies or a cold-just like it does for you.

Is Baby Snoring Normal?

For newborns, snoring is completely normal. Newborns have small nasal passages and excessive mucus build-up, which can make them snore. The good thing is that they eventually grow out of it. Usually, babies will breathe noisily, but mainly so when asleep. This breathing usually sounds like a snore and may actually be a snore. No need to worry as these noises are just an indication of a typical benchmark for growth. Snoring in babies is the sound produced when the soft tissues of your little one’s airways vibrate, and it is normally nothing that you need to stress over. There are, however, other factors that may lead to baby snoring.

A Stuffy Nose

The leading cause of snoring is a stuffy nose. Saline drops can quickly clear up nasal blockage. However, this should subside with time, as their nostrils get bigger. Still, there are other reasons why your baby’s nose may be stuffed.

RELATED: A White Noise Machine Could Solve Your Baby’s Sleeping Problems

Other Reasons For Your Baby’s Snoring

Loud baby snoring can be caused by a couple of other factors, including:

• Allergies or upper-respiratory infections. Occasional snoring occurs when your baby has the flu, cold, or seasonal allergies. This is because the little one’s nose gets stuffy, forcing him or her to breathe through their mouth, increasing snoring chances.
• A deviated septum. This may be a significantly prevalent occurrence during the first days after the baby is born, occurring in up to 20% of newborns, according to this study. Most newborns will show no symptoms from a deviated septum, and it should go away with time.
• Sleep Apnea. Sleep apnea, otherwise known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS), is a more serious condition. It is caused by your infant’s airways being narrower than usual, or they get partly closed, mostly because of swollen tonsils or adenoids causing your baby to literally stop breathing for a couple of seconds or longer. An alarm is sounded in the brain, telling her body to begin breathing again. So, she will gag or snort, wake up for a while and begin to breathe again. Such cycles of disruptions in sleep can prevent your baby from getting adequate sleep.
• Inflated adenoids or tonsils. These structures are intended to protect your baby from infection. They do this by trapping inhaled bacteria and viruses. However, in the process of doing so, they could get infected and swell, blocking airflow as the baby sleeps.

What Are The Remedies For Baby Snoring?

1. Nasal Aspirator – You can use an aspirator to suction the excess mucus out. While it may seem gross, it will easily clear your baby’s breathing.
2. Nasal Spray – Once your pediatrician gives the go-ahead, you can get a nasal spray to open up your little one’s nasal passages, helping her breathe easier. Alternatively, you can purchase an over-the-counter spray approved for infants in most pharmacies.
3. A Humidifier – Humidifying the air in your baby’s room using a humidifier or warm mist vaporizer will help reduce the snoring. Identically, you can loosen the secretions by giving your baby a warm shower or bath, allowing your little one to sleep better.
4. Sleeping Position – The position in which your baby sleeps may cause snoring. Sleeping on the back or stomach will most likely cause snoring. However, sleeping on the side can be dangerous for babies. Not unless they can sleep on the side naturally. So, you can elevate her head using a pillow, depending on their age. Alternatively, you can wait it out! Just let your toddler sleep on her back even though it causes a little snoring.

When Should I Visit A Doctor?

There’s no need to visit a doctor if your baby snores for a couple of days when sick and experiencing a stuffy nose or congestion. However, if your baby snores excessively, to the point where they cannot sleep, it’s advisable that you visit their pediatrician. However, most cases of baby snoring just go away on their own.

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The European Medicines Agency has approved an injection of AIDS treatment, which sets a precedent for changing the lives of millions of people with HIV, or those known as “seropositive”.The treatment mixes two antiretrovirals, and it can be given to the patient once every month or two, instead of taking daily pills to contain the disease, the agency said in a statement.

The Foundation indicated that these two antagonists are the “first” that are found to have a “long-term” effect through injection.She stated that “patients will receive intramuscular injections once every month or two instead of daily medication pills,” according to “France Press”.

The agency’s recommendation to allow this treatment to be marketed must obtain approval from the European Commission, in order for it to be put on the market in the EU’s 27 countries.

The agency indicated that the combination of the two anti-retroviral drugs “Rilpivirin” and “Capotegravir”, which will be sold under the names of “Recampase” and “Vocabria”, helps in “preventing the ability of the virus to reproduce.”

The number of people living with AIDS in the world reached 38 million in 2019, including 2.3 million in Europe, according to the World Health Organization.This disease has no cure yet, but antiretrovirals can control virus progression and contribute to avoiding transmission.

These were the details of the news A new treatment for AIDS by injection for this day. We hope that we have succeeded by giving you the full details and information. To follow all our news, you can subscribe to the alerts system or to one of our different systems to provide you with all that is new.

It is also worth noting that the original news has been published and is available at saudi24news and the editorial team at AlKhaleej Today has confirmed it and it has been modified, and it may have been completely transferred or quoted from it and you can read and follow this news from its main source.

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TOKYO

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Surgery or ART? A dearth of strong evidence reported at Campus meeting to favour specific infertility treatments in cases of endometriosis.

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HIV patients who self-identify as religious or spiritual, pray daily, attend religious services regularly and say they feel God’s presence, tend to have better emotional and physical well-being, according to a new study published online in the journal Psychology of Religion and Spirituality.

In contrast, “privately religious” HIV patients — potentially turning away from organized religion due to fears about being stigmatized or ostracized — had the lowest levels of quality of life and more mental health challenges.

“These findings are significant because they point to the untapped potential of encouraging patients living with HIV who are already religious to attend religious services regularly,” says Maureen E. Lyon, Ph.D., FABPP, a clinical health psychologist at Children’s National Hospital, and senior study author.

“Scientific evidence suggests that religions that present God as all-powerful, personal, responsive, loving, just and forgiving make a difference in health-related quality of life,” Lyon said. “By contrast, belief systems and religions that see God as punishing, angry, vengeful and distant and isolate members from their families and the larger community do not have health benefits or contribute to health-related quality of life. People who identify as spiritual also benefit from improved overall health-related quality of life.”

In general, patients living with HIV have reported that they wished their health care providers acknowledged their religious beliefs and spiritual struggles. Additional research is needed to gauge whether developing faith-based interventions or routine referrals to faith-based programs that welcome racial and sexual minorities improve satisfaction with treatment and health outcomes.”

More than 1 million people in the U.S. live with HIV, and in 2018, 37,832 people received an HIV diagnosis in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2017, the Washington, D.C. region was recorded as one of the nation’s highest rates of new cases of HIV: 46.3 diagnoses per 100,000 people, according to the CDC.

For the study, the researchers wanted to better understand the degree of religiousness and spirituality reported by people living with HIV and the interplay between religion and health-related quality of life. The research team recruited HIV patients in Washington, D.C., to participate in a clinical trial about family-centered advance care planning and enrolled 223 patient/family pairs in this study.

Of the participants, 56 percent were male; 86 percent were African-American; 75 percent Christian; and the mean age was 50.8 years.

The researchers identified three distinct classes of religious beliefs:

• Class 1 (35 percent of the patients) had the highest level of religiousness/spirituality. These were more likely to attend religious services in person each week, to pray daily, to “feel God’s presence” and to self-identify as religious and spiritual. They tended to be older than 40.
• Class 2 (47 percent of patients) applied to privately religious people who engaged in religious activities at home, like praying, and did not attend services regularly.
• Class 3 (18 percent of patients) self-identified as spiritual but were not involved in organized religion. They had the lowest overall level of religiousness/spirituality.

Class 1 religiousness/spirituality was linked to increased quality of life, mental health and improved health status.

“Being committed to a welcoming religious group provides social support, a sense of identity and a way to cope with stress experienced by people living with HIV,” Lyon said.

“We encourage clinicians to capitalize on patients’ spiritual beliefs that improve health — such as prayer, meditation, reading spiritual texts and attending community events — by including them in holistic treatment programs in a non-judgmental way.”

In addition, the researchers encourage clinicians to appoint a member of the team who is responsible for handling religiousness/spirituality screening and providing referrals to welcoming hospital-based chaplaincy programs or community-based religious groups.

“This is particularly challenging for HIV-positive African-American men who have sex with men, as this group faces discrimination related to race and sexual orientation. Because HIV infection rates are increasing for this group, this additional outreach is all the more important,” she added.

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Young people with innovative ideas to reduce HIV infections among adolescents will receive cash incentives to showcase best practices to fight the deadly virus during an international conference in Kisumu.

At least 600 youthful delegates from Eastern and Southern Africa are expected to submit proposals at the conference dubbed ‘30 Under 30 Awards.’

This comes at a time when most new HIV infections occur among adolescents and young people aged between 15and 24 years.

HIV PREVENTION

The young people will present their practices and innovation in HIV prevention, care and treatment during the first ever international Conference of reducing HIV in adolescents and youth set to be held on June 14-19 in the Lakeside City.

The youth, whose presentation will win, will receive a seed funding of Sh500,000.

The conference is the brain child of Impact Research and Development Organisation (IRDO), the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) and Nyanza Initiatives for Girls Education and Empowerment (Nigee).

Speaking to the Nation IRDO Director Kawango Agot said half of the presenters at the Kisumu conference will be adolescents and young people under 30 years.

INNOVATIVE IDEAS

“Youth under 30 years with innovative ideas on reducing HIV, especially among adolescent girls and young women, will receive seed funding and mentorship to implement their projects,” said Dr Agot.

She urged young people to submit proposals and share their work with other youth from Kenya and Eastern and Southern Africa to reduce the burden of the disease among their peers.

However, she said youth above 30 years can also submit their abstracts which must be based on data from adolescents and young people of the age bracket of 10-24 years.

At the same time, Dr Agot announced that youth whose abstracts and proposals will be selected, will not pay registration fee.

 “We are also encouraging organisations with youth led best practices on HIV and reproductive health programmes to apply before February 28 deadline,” said Dr Agot.

Dr Agot, who has been in the frontline in the fight against HIV in Nyanza region, appealed to well-wishers including county governments, managers of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) to sponsor young people from their respective regions  to attend the conference.

“The fight against HIV among the youth must not be left to government and non-governmental organisations alone. All the actors from the grassroots must join hands to reduce the burden that is still a threat to the future and prosperity of this country,” said Dr Agot.

NASCOP

A recent report by national Aids and Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Programme revealed that at least eight counties account for 50 per cent of all new HIV infections.

Six of the counties that experts have raised red flag over the increasing new infections are in Western and Nyanza. Other cases have been reported in Nairobi and Rift Valley.

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Up to 150,000 Irish blood pressure patients may not need additional drug treatment despite new guidelines suggesting they do, according to new research.

The study by the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health (NIPC) in Galway and the National University of Ireland Galway calls into question the validity of recent changes to treatment recommendations for up to a quarter of the 600,000 Irish people who are being treated for high blood pressure.

US and European guidelines for treating hypertension were recently changed in that high blood pressure was redefined as 130/80, instead of the previous level of 140/90.

As a result, as many as 150,000 patients with a bottom blood pressure number of over 80, but a normal top blood pressure number below 130, are potentially at risk of being overtreated, according to the US-Irish research.

This is because the study found that this specific type of blood pressure pattern does not appear to be adversely affecting their health.

Blood pressure levels are denoted by two numbers, with the top number known as the systolic, and the bottom number as the diastolic reading. The top number records blood pressure when the pressure is at its highest, ie when the heart muscle squeezes out the blood. The bottom number is when the heart relaxes and allows the blood to flow back into the heart.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found the recommendation to lower the diastolic threshold for hypertension from 90 to 80 was based on expert opinion – a relatively weak type of evidence – not on results from clinical trials.

Target

Prof J William McEvoy, medical and research director of the NIPC, said despite differences between them in the definition of high blood pressure, US and European guidelines both recommend the target of 130/80 be achieved for those receiving treatment to lower their blood pressure.

As a result, their doctors could be aiming to get the diastolic (lower) number to less than 80 despite the patient having a normal systolic (top) blood pressure of below 130.

“This is a concern, because our team found no adverse health outcomes from a diagnosis of isolated diastolic hypertension [normal top number but higher bottom number] when the new guideline criteria are used.

“The absence of negative health outcomes in this group challenges the need to intensify the blood pressure treatment of these adults with higher diastolic blood pressure. Instead the main focus should be on getting the top number [systolic blood pressure] under control.”

High blood pressure, which usually has no symptoms, is regarded as a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

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BEIJING (BLOOMBERG) – China is using AbbVie Inc’s HIV drugs as an ad-hoc treatment for pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus while the global search for a cure continues.

The Beijing branch of China’s National Health Commission (NHC) said that a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir, sold under the brand name Kaletra by AbbVie, is part of its latest treatment plan for patients infected by the virus, which has killed at least 56 people in China and sickened more than 2,000 worldwide.

The NHC said that while there is not yet any effective anti-viral drug, it recommends patients are given two lopinavir and ritonavir tablets twice a day and a dose of alpha-interpheron through nebulisation twice daily.

Medical journal Lancet said on Friday that a clinical trial is under way using ritonavir and lopinavir to treat cases of the new coronavirus. Meanwhile, China’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention will start developing a vaccine, according to the Global Times.

Wang Guangfa, a respiratory expert at Peking University First Hospital in Beijing who was infected by the virus after visiting Wuhan to inspect to coronavirus patients, told China News Week earlier this week that his doctor recommended he take the HIV drugs to fight the new virus and they worked on him.

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