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How to treat your sunburned skin properly

Sunburn is damage to the skin caused by excessive exposure to the sun.

The condition can often be treated at home and usually improves within seven days, according to the NHS.

What is sunburn?

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Sunburn is skin damage caused by too much sun exposure. In most cases, the symptoms can be managed at home.

Skin may feel hot

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One of the common signs of sunburn is that the skin feels hot to the touch.

Tenderness and pain in the skin

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Sunburned skin can become tender and painful in the days following sun exposure.

Peeling may occur later

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The skin may begin to peel several days after becoming sunburned.

Severe sunburn can cause blisters

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In cases of severe sunburn, blisters may develop on the skin.

Skin color may change differently

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In people with fair skin, sunburn often causes the skin to become red or pink. In people with brown or black skin, color changes may not be visible.

Get out of the sun immediately

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It is recommended to move out of the sun as soon as possible to limit further damage to the skin.

Cool the skin gently

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A cool shower, bath, or damp towel can help relieve discomfort. However, young children should not become too cold.

Use a moisturizer

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After-sun products or an unscented moisturizer may help soothe the skin.

Drink plenty of fluids


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It is recommended to avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water to cool the body and reduce the risk of dehydration.

Pain relief may help

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Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to relieve pain if taken according to the instructions provided with the medication.

Protect the skin while it heals

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Sunburned skin should be covered and kept out of direct sunlight until it has fully healed.

Avoid products containing petroleum jelly

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Petroleum jelly should not be applied to sunburned skin.

Do not apply ice directly to the skin

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Ice or ice packs should not be placed directly on sunburned areas.

Leave blisters alone

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Blisters should not be popped, as this can worsen the condition.

Avoid picking at the skin

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Peeling skin should not be scratched or removed.

Tight clothing can worsen discomfort

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Tight-fitting clothing over sunburned areas should be avoided.

A pharmacist can provide advice

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A pharmacist can offer guidance on treating sunburn and assess whether there is a need to contact a doctor.

When should you seek help?

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Urgent medical advice is recommended if you experience blistered or swollen skin, a very high temperature, chills, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps, or if a baby or young child has become sunburned.

Serious complications can occur

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Severe sunburn can lead to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, both of which can be very serious conditions.

Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer

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Experiencing sunburn can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

Tap water or bottled water? This is the difference for your health

When you fill a glass from the tap, it is usually the better choice for the climate.

According to German media outlet SWR, bottled water generates significantly more CO₂ emissions than tap water.

This is partly due to the production of bottles and the transportation required to deliver them to stores.

Single-use bottles and heavy glass bottles, in particular, have a greater environmental impact than reusable plastic bottles.

A noticeable difference for your budget

There is also a clear difference in cost. According to SWR, tap water costs less than €0.05 per litre on average.

Low-cost bottled water costs around €0.20 per litre, while well-known brands are often even more expensive.

For people who drink around 1.5 litres of water per day, this can add up to several hundred euros in extra expenses each year.

Not always the same choice

In some countries, both tap water and mineral water are considered safe to drink.

For most people, essential minerals can be obtained through a normal and varied diet.

As a result, there is often no need to buy mineral water for that reason alone.

However, SWR notes that mineral water may offer benefits in certain cases. This includes pregnant women, older adults, and people who do not consume dairy products.

In these situations, mineral water with a high calcium content can help meet part of the body’s calcium requirements.

Your bedroom mirror could be ruining your sleep

Poor sleep is often linked to stress, phone use, or excessive caffeine consumption, but according to sleep experts cited by Lrytas, the bedroom itself may also play a role.

A cool, dark, and quiet room can help the body relax and prepare for sleep.

Harvard Medical School highlights that reducing distractions around bedtime can support better sleep.

When you can’t fall asleep

If you do not fall asleep within 15 to 20 minutes, experts recommend getting up briefly and doing something calming.

This could include reading a book or listening to quiet music.

The Sleep Foundation advises against forcing yourself to sleep. The harder you try, the more active your brain may become.

The brain stays alert

The brain can still detect light and movement, even while you are asleep.

Small flashes, shadows, or changes in the room can therefore make sleep lighter, according to Harvard Medical School.

For this reason, experts recommend minimizing visual distractions in the bedroom.

The overlooked factor

According to sleep expert Charlie Davis, cited by Lrytas, mirrors positioned opposite the bed may be a possible cause of poor sleep.

Mirrors can reflect light and movement from windows, passing cars, streetlights, or people outside.

This may create stimulation for the brain and make it more difficult for the body to fully relax.

Mosquito-borne virus outbreaks trigger travel warnings in these regions

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as cited by Medical Daily, active outbreaks have been reported in several popular holiday destinations.

Although these regions are located far apart, they share one common factor: large populations of Aedes mosquitoes.

At the same time, the peak summer travel season is beginning, increasing the risk that infected individuals could carry the disease to other countries.

Can cause long-term health problems

The disease typically develops a few days after a mosquito bite.

The most common symptoms are high fever and severe pain in multiple joints.

According to the CDC, most people recover within about a week. However, some individuals continue to experience joint pain for months or even years after the infection.

The risk is highest among older adults and people who already suffer from joint-related conditions.

Increased transmission in these countries

Travelers can protect themselves by avoiding mosquito bites through the use of insect repellent, protective clothing, and mosquito nets.

A vaccine is also available and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023.

The three current outbreaks are caused by chikungunya, a viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites.

According to the CDC, travel advisories have been issued for Suriname, French Guiana, and Mayotte due to increased transmission of the disease.

As children’s mental health struggles rise, experts point to one solution

Most parents want the same thing: for their children to grow up happy, confident, and able to handle life’s challenges.

Yet many families are trying to achieve that goal while juggling busy schedules, endless responsibilities, and increasing concerns about children’s emotional well-being.

As rates of anxiety, loneliness, and emotional distress continue to rise among young people, experts are looking beyond schools and healthcare systems for answers.

One psychologist believes part of the solution may already exist within many families. Drawing on more than four decades of clinical experience, Dr. Kenneth Barish of Weill Cornell Medicine argues that grandparents and extended family members can play a powerful role in helping children develop emotional resilience, reports News Medical.

His conclusions, outlined in his book The Art and Science of Parenting and Grandparenting, are supported by research in child development, psychology, and neuroscience.

A missing source of support

According to Dr. Barish, modern family life has changed significantly over the past several decades. Many children spend less time with grandparents and extended relatives than previous generations did, while families increasingly focus on individual achievement and performance.

Researchers have linked intense pressure to succeed with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional strain among young people. In contrast, children often benefit from feeling connected to a wider support network that provides encouragement, understanding, and a sense of belonging.

Why grandparents matter

Grandparents can offer something that busy parents may struggle to provide every day: unhurried attention. Experts suggest that children gain confidence when they know there is someone willing to listen, offer reassurance, and help them work through problems.

These relationships can also create opportunities for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and positive memories. Simple moments spent together may help children feel less isolated and more secure when facing challenges.

The importance of encouragement

One of the key observations from Dr. Barish’s work is that children often respond better to support than criticism. Rather than focusing heavily on mistakes or outcomes, experts recommend encouraging effort, learning, and perseverance.

Children who feel understood and supported are often better equipped to manage setbacks, build healthy relationships, and develop a stronger sense of self-worth.

As concerns about youth mental health continue to grow, researchers increasingly point to the importance of strong family connections. For many children, the presence of a caring grandparent may be far more valuable than families realize.

The early cancer symptoms doctors want you to take seriously

Many forms of cancer can cause symptoms that seem harmless at first. That is why it is important to pay attention to new or persistent changes in your body and have them checked if they do not go away.

Feeling of a lump in the throat

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A sensation that something is stuck in the throat may, in some cases, be linked to tumors developing near the tonsils or the base of the tongue. This symptom can appear years after an HPV infection.

Urinary problems

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Changes in urination can sometimes be associated with bladder cancer. In some cases, blood in the urine may also be linked to cancer affecting the bladder or kidneys.

Persistent itching without a clear cause

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Severe, ongoing itching can occasionally be related to lymphoma. The itching may occur even when there are no obvious skin changes.

Lump or swelling in the neck

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A newly discovered lump in the neck should be evaluated by a doctor. While most neck lumps are not cancerous, they can sometimes be connected to conditions affecting the thyroid gland or throat.

Ongoing bloating

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Persistent bloating combined with discomfort in the pelvic area can, in rare cases, be a symptom of ovarian cancer.

Hoarseness that does not improve

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When a hoarse voice lingers without an obvious explanation, it may be related to cancer of the larynx. Some people also experience throat pain or ear pain.

Changes in the skin

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A shiny, waxy skin lesion or a sore that does not heal may be an early sign of basal cell carcinoma.

Scaly patches on the skin

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Red, persistent patches of scaly skin can be associated with squamous cell carcinoma. These changes often develop on areas that receive frequent sun exposure.

Unexplained anemia

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Small amounts of bleeding in the digestive tract can gradually lead to anemia. This may be one of the warning signs of colorectal cancer.

Bone or joint pain

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Persistent bone pain without an obvious cause can be linked to certain cancers. If the pain is accompanied by fatigue, fever, or weight loss, it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Unusual vaginal bleeding

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Bleeding outside the normal menstrual cycle or after menopause can be a symptom of uterine cancer and should be assessed promptly.

Ear pain without a clear explanation

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Ear pain does not always originate in the ear itself. In some cases, it may be caused by cancerous changes in the mouth that affect nerves in the head and neck.

Popular blood pressure drug recalled following packaging error

Most people rarely examine their medication beyond checking the label and dosage instructions. Once a prescription has been collected from the pharmacy, there is usually little reason to suspect that the contents inside the box might differ from what is printed on the packaging.

That is why health authorities take medication errors extremely seriously, even when they involve a single batch.

A recent recall in the UK has drawn attention to exactly this kind of issue. The action concerns a batch of ramipril, a medication commonly prescribed to help manage high blood pressure and support certain heart patients, reports LADbible.

Why the medication was recalled

The recall was initiated after a healthcare professional discovered that a package labelled as containing 2.5mg capsules actually contained blister strips marked as 10mg capsules. The manufacturer, Crescent Pharma, subsequently withdrew the affected batch as a precaution.

Because ramipril works by relaxing blood vessels and helping the heart pump blood more efficiently, taking a much higher dose than intended could increase the risk of unwanted side effects.

Symptoms health officials have highlighted

Authorities have advised patients to be aware of several possible effects associated with accidentally taking the higher-strength capsules:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in kidney function

Anyone who believes they may have received the affected medication and is experiencing symptoms is advised to seek medical attention.

What patients should do

The recall applies only to a specific batch, meaning most users of ramipril are unlikely to be affected. However, health officials recommend checking that the dosage printed on the outer carton matches the information shown on the blister strips inside.

The incident serves as a reminder that even routine prescriptions should be checked carefully whenever a safety alert is issued. Patients with concerns about their medication should contact a pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare professional for advice.

This plant is often linked to liver cleansing – but what does science say?

Looking after your liver is not something most people think about every day. Yet the organ works constantly behind the scenes, helping process nutrients, support digestion, and perform countless essential functions that keep the body running smoothly.

As interest in natural health continues to grow, many people are searching for ways to support liver health, and one plant has attracted attention from both traditional practitioners and modern researchers alike.

That plant is milk thistle. Its active compound, known as silymarin, has been the subject of numerous scientific investigations.

Interest in the herb has grown further following a large review published in Annals of Hepatology, which analyzed 26 randomized clinical trials involving more than 2,300 patients with fatty liver disease, reports Tuasaude.

Why researchers are interested

Milk thistle has been used for centuries, but scientists are primarily interested in the compounds found within its seeds.

These compounds belong to a group of plant substances that have been studied for their antioxidant properties and their potential role in supporting normal liver function.

Researchers have also examined how silymarin may interact with glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants. Glutathione plays a key role in protecting cells from oxidative stress, making it an important area of interest in liver research.

What studies have found

The review published in Annals of Hepatology reported that silymarin supplementation was associated with improvements in several liver-related markers, including ALT and AST levels, which are commonly used to assess liver health.

Researchers also observed effects related to lipid metabolism and certain measures of liver condition among study participants.

Another area receiving attention is bile production. Research suggests that milk thistle may influence the production and flow of bile, a substance that helps digest dietary fats and supports normal digestive processes.

While these findings have encouraged further investigation, researchers generally view milk thistle as a complementary option rather than a substitute for medical care or treatment.

Who should exercise caution?

Although milk thistle is generally considered to have a favorable safety profile, it may not be suitable for everyone.

People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those taking prescription medications, individuals receiving treatment for liver disease, and anyone with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should speak with a healthcare professional before using it.

The growing body of research does not suggest that milk thistle can perform miracles, but it does explain why the herb continues to attract scientific attention. For now, it remains one of the most widely studied plants in the field of liver health.

Three children die after overdosing on common allergy medication

Most families have medications sitting in kitchen cabinets, bathroom drawers, or bedside tables without giving them much thought. Because many of these products can be purchased without a prescription, they are often viewed as harmless when used correctly.

But health experts are reminding parents that even common over-the-counter medicines can become dangerous when taken improperly, reports Unilad.

Tragic cases raise concern

Health officials in Connecticut are investigating the deaths of three children who died within a two-month period after overdosing on diphenhydramine, a widely used antihistamine found in several allergy medications, including Benadryl.

The Connecticut Office of the Child Advocate confirmed that all three cases involved diphenhydramine hydrochloride. Authorities have not released details about the children’s ages or the specific circumstances surrounding the incidents.

The cluster of deaths has drawn attention from healthcare professionals, who say multiple fatalities involving the same medication in such a short period is highly unusual.

Serious health risks

Although diphenhydramine is commonly used to treat allergy symptoms, excessive amounts can have severe effects on the body.

High doses may lead to seizures, hallucinations, dangerous heart rhythm problems, kidney complications, loss of consciousness, and, in some cases, death.

Health officials are urging parents and caregivers to ensure medications are stored securely and kept out of reach of children and teenagers.

Social media concerns return

The deaths have also renewed attention on the so-called “Benadryl Challenge,” a social media trend that gained popularity several years ago.

The challenge encouraged users to consume excessive amounts of the medication in an attempt to experience hallucinations. While officials have not linked the Connecticut deaths directly to the trend, the incidents have revived concerns about the influence of dangerous online challenges.

TikTok has previously removed content promoting the challenge and now directs users searching for related terms to safety resources.

Authorities continue to encourage parents to discuss medication safety with children and remain aware of online trends that may promote risky behavior.

Kidney cancer cases are rising: Know the warning signs

Kidney cancer affects thousands of people each year, and the number of cases continues to rise. Because the disease may develop without obvious symptoms, recognizing potential warning signs can play an important role in getting an earlier diagnosis.

The disease is not always detected early

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Because the kidneys are located deep inside the body, a tumor can grow for some time before causing noticeable symptoms.

Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes

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The chances of successful treatment are generally much higher when kidney cancer is found before it spreads beyond the kidney.

Blood in the urine can be a warning sign

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Changes in the urine, including the presence of blood, are among the symptoms that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Persistent pain may signal a problem

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Ongoing pain on one side of the middle back is one of the symptoms that can occur in people with kidney cancer.

Unexpected weight loss should not be ignored

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Losing weight without a clear reason may be one of the warning signs associated with the disease.

Fever without a clear cause can occur

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Some people experience a lingering fever even when no obvious explanation can be identified.

Appetite may decrease

Loss of appetite
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A reduced desire to eat is another symptom that has been linked to kidney cancer.

A lump or swelling should be checked

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A noticeable lump in the abdomen, side, or lower back may require further medical evaluation.

Fatigue can become a concern

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Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest may be experienced by some patients.

Night sweats are among the possible symptoms

Excessive sweating during the night is listed as one of the potential warning signs of kidney cancer.

Low red blood cell levels can develop

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Kidney cancer may be associated with anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells.

Screening is not recommended for everyone

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There are currently no routine screening recommendations for people at average risk of developing kidney cancer.

Certain groups may face a higher risk

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Individuals with a family history of kidney cancer, specific inherited conditions, advanced chronic kidney disease, or a previous kidney transplant may have a greater risk of developing the disease.