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7 sunscreen mistakes that could harm the skin

7 sunscreen mistakes that could harm the skin

Taking a day off and heading to the beach might be a great way to unwind. But before grabbing your swimsuits and running towards the car, there’s one thing to do first – apply sunscreen. Although it may seem like a minor prerequisite to skincare, many people make common mistakes when applying sunscreen lotion. From not buying the correct SPF to using other products and sunscreen, here are some mistakes to avoid before stepping outdoors.

Waiting to apply sunscreen
Topical lotions are absorbed by the skin slowly. So, applying sunscreen at the beach or when traveling outdoors is pointless. Skin experts advise applying the lotion at least 20 to 30 minutes before leaving the house to allow the lotion to be absorbed properly and protect the skin. Also, the concentration of the lotion will determine its efficacy.

Not buying the proper SPF
Skin experts advise using a higher SPF sunscreen that lasts longer as well. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreens with SPF 30 or 50 at tropical locations. The harsh UV rays get reflected from the sea as well, thus increasing the intensity of radiation exposure. Additional minerals like zinc and titanium are added to sunscreens to make the protective layer more potent and effective against harsh UV rays.

Using other products with sunscreen
It’s crucial to protect our skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, and most sunscreens provide both moisturizing and SPF protection. However, using other topical lotions while applying sunscreen is not advisable. The sunscreen formula is delicately balanced to perform a specific job, and mixing it with other products can alter the balance, leading to unintended consequences like dryness and flaking.

Not applying a generous portion
Never be stingy with sunscreen. That doesn’t mean you should smear a thick paste over the skin that takes forever to dry. However, applying a good dab of the product is necessary so that the skin absorbs the nutrients and compounds that protect against UV rays for the recommended duration. Again, the SPF concentration of the product is also an essential factor to consider.

Not covering up important areas
While applying sunscreen to your face, it is important to spread it evenly across areas many people miss. For example, the lips are commonly ignored. But these areas are also prone to more damage as there is a lower concentration of melanin in these areas, which gives the skin its color. The risk is even higher for the eyelids as most people avoid applying sunscreen near and around the eyes. These are common application mistakes that can do more harm.

Not reapplying a layer
If you plan to spend an entire day at the beach, it is necessary to reapply sunscreen occasionally. Repeated exposure, swimming, or lying on the beach towel can cause the layer of sunscreen applied to erode unevenly. If you don’t notice these patches, the resulting tan can be uneven and look bad. Check for spots, and keep topping up these patches with a generous dab.

Applying in sunny weather only
Most people only apply sunscreen when the sun is shining bright, and they avoid using it when the weather is cloudy or overcast. However, it is a common misconception that clouds can prevent UV rays from reaching our skin. Exposure to harmful rays is still significant enough to cause skin damage and increase cancer risk. Therefore, it is essential to apply sunscreen regardless of the weather conditions.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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10 early signs and symptoms of muscular dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a term used for a group of genetic disorders that affect an individual's muscles, resulting in progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. The condition is usually caused when the body is unable to produce muscle-building proteins because of certain abnormal mutated genes. Muscular dystrophy can emerge at any age, and recognizing its early signs and symptoms is pivotal for timely intervention and management. Here are the telltale early signs of the condition that should prompt one to seek expert help immediately. Delayed motor milestones In infants and young children, a delay in achieving motor milestones can raise concerns about muscular dystrophy. These milestones include sitting up, crawling, and walking. Children with muscular dystrophy may take longer to reach these developmental stages or exhibit unusual movement patterns when they achieve them. Muscle cramps and pain Apart from abnormal shortening of muscles and range of motion, muscle cramps and pain can also be early signs of muscular dystrophy. Individuals with this condition may be unable to move their joints freely and often experience persistent muscle cramps, which can be uncomfortable or even painful. One may experience these symptoms during physical activity or at rest. Muscle weakness This is one of the primary signs that affects the way an individual performs routine tasks requiring muscle strength, including lifting objects, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position. Initially, this weakness may be subtle and easily overlooked, but it tends to worsen over time. Progressive muscle loss If one notices one's muscular mass shrinking with time, it can be a sign of muscular dystrophy. This change is more obvious around limbs, shoulders, and hips. Frequent falls Muscular dystrophy can bring balance issues in individuals due to weakened leg muscles. As a result, one may have a swaggering walk, issues with running, walking, or lying down, and seem unable to walk on toes. In children, parents may notice their child frequently falling, unable to jump or walk normally, or having difficulty keeping up with peers during physical activities. One is advised to observe any unusual changes in one's walking pattern without any reason, which can serve as a valuable clue for early diagnosis. Learning difficulty Muscular dystrophy can cause learning disorders and delayed growth in kids. It's advised to seek immediate professional help if one detects any early signs in kids for prompt treatment. Large calves and curved spine Both kids and adults with muscular dystrophy may have fatty deposits around their calves instead of muscles, making their calves look unnaturally big or swollen. Weakened muscular strength can also cause a curved spine, medically termed as scoliosis. Vision issues At times, the condition can also affect one's eyesight, leading to dropping eyelids and vision problems. One's facial muscles may also feel weak. Difficulty in breathing and swallowing Some forms of muscular dystrophy can affect the muscles responsible for breathing and swallowing. Early signs may include shortness of breath during physical exertion or difficulty swallowing solid foods. These symptoms can become progressively more severe as the condition advances. Heart problems Muscular dystrophy can also lead to respiratory issues and even heart conditions like arrhythmia, marked by irregular heartbeats, and cardiomyopathy, which results in weakened heart muscle function and even heart failure.

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Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

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Important things you should know about diabetes

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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

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