Childhood Vaccinations in Armenia: Essential Guide for Parents

Food allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food as a threat. In an attempt to defend your body, it triggers a range of reactions like skin rashes, stomach discomfort, swelling, and trouble breathing. Unlike food intolerances, allergic responses can be immediate or delayed and may impact several body systems at once.The difference between a food allergy and food intolerance is important to understand. While a food allergy involves an immune response, food intolerance typically leads to issues such as bloating or abdominal pain a few hours after eating the problematic food, without involving the immune system.Symptoms of a food allergySymptoms of a food allergy may appear soon after consumption or even days later. They can affect various parts of the body simultaneously. Common signs include:•Dizziness or lightheadedness•Swollen lips, eyes, or face (angioedema)•Itchy skin or hives (raised rash)•Wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing•Sneezing, runny or blocked nose•Hoarseness or noisy breathing•Nausea or vomiting•Stomach cramps•DiarrheaCauses of food allergyFood allergies are the result of the immune system overreacting to proteins found in certain foods. Although the exact cause isn’t fully known, some foods are more likely to provoke an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. These include:•Cow’s milk•Eggs•Peanuts, soybeans, peas, and chickpeas•Tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, Brazil nuts, and cashews•Shellfish such as prawns, crab, and lobster•WheatIn addition, foods like mustard, sesame seeds, celery, and lupin flour can also be allergens. Your risk increases slightly if you or close family members have other allergies, eczema, or asthma.What kind of testing do I need for a food allergy?To identify a food allergy, healthcare providers may recommend:•Skin prick test: A small amount of a suspected allergen is introduced to your skin to observe for a reaction.•Blood test: Your blood is analyzed for the presence of antibodies that respond to specific allergens.•Food challenge: Under medical supervision, small portions of a suspected allergen are consumed to monitor for a reaction.What are the complications of food allergies?One of the most dangerous outcomes of a food allergy is anaphylaxis — a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction. This may involve swelling of the airways, difficulty breathing or swallowing, vomiting, and a significant drop in blood pressure (anaphylactic shock). If not treated promptly, anaphylaxis can be fatal. Seek emergency medical attention or call 1-03 immediately if you experience swelling in the face, lips, or throat, trouble breathing, or faintness after eating.

Mesotherapy is a non-surgical aesthetic treatment in which a combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes is injected into the middle layer of the skin. The method gets its name from the Greek word "meso" (middle) and aims to directly treat problem areas by delivering active ingredients closer to the target tissues. While it resembles acupuncture in technique, mesotherapy is performed with fine needles or special devices.It is legally permitted for healthy individuals over 18, but certain conditions (like pregnancy or chronic illness) may make someone ineligible. Each treatment is personalized, taking into account a person’s age, skin type, health, and specific needs.How is Mesotherapy Applied?Before beginning, a physical exam helps define the problem area and determine the correct approach. The skin may be numbed with anesthetic cream. Using fine disposable needles or a mechanical injector, the practitioner delivers a small amount of solution into the middle skin layer at an angle. The number of sessions depends on the area and desired results.The procedure is quick, outpatient-based, and doesn’t require dressing or significant downtime. Most people return to their daily activities the same day unless they experience rare side effects like redness or swelling.What are the Types of Mesotherapy?Mesotherapy can be divided into three injection techniques:•Point by Point•Upper Skin Mesotherapy•Comprehensive MesotherapyIn terms of application areas, mesotherapy includes:•Hair Mesotherapy•Mesolifting (facial rejuvenation)•Body Mesotherapy (for fat and cellulite)How Does Mesotherapy Work?After analyzing a patient’s needs, health, and skin condition, a mix of substances like amino acids, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins is prepared. These are injected into the skin, where they stimulate collagen and elastin—key elements that maintain skin firmness and elasticity.The injected nutrients also improve blood and lymph circulation and trigger the body’s natural repair mechanisms. This process restores skin tightness, reduces signs of aging, and enhances overall skin vitality. The outcome varies based on the patient’s condition, substance composition, and session count.In Which Areas Can Mesotherapy Be Applied?Hair Mesotherapy:Used for both men and women suffering from hair thinning or hair loss. Vitamins and minerals are injected into the scalp to strengthen follicles and stimulate new growth.Facial Mesotherapy:Reduces wrinkles, dryness, uneven tone, and signs of aging. Substances like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C brighten the complexion, restore elasticity, and improve skin barrier function.Neck Mesotherapy:Targets sagging and wrinkles in the neck and under-chin areas. It firms the skin and can help dissolve localized fat, especially in the double chin region.Body Mesotherapy:Applied to hips, abdomen, arms, and thighs to break down fat cells and improve skin texture. Effective in treating cellulite without the need for surgical intervention.If you're considering mesotherapy for skin rejuvenation, hair loss, or body contouring, it's important to choose a clinic you can trust. At Dalimed Medical Center, our qualified specialists offer personalized treatments using safe, effective techniques tailored to your needs. Let us help you feel confident in your skin again.

Vitiligo is a long-term skin condition where pale or white patches gradually appear on different parts of the body. These patches form when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys melanocytes — the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. When this happens in areas with hair, the hair may also turn white or silver.Who does vitiligo affect?Vitiligo can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, or ethnicity, although it’s more noticeable in people with darker skin. Most people notice the first signs — small light patches or macules — before they turn 30.Certain autoimmune conditions can increase your risk of developing vitiligo, such as:•Addison’s disease•Anemia•Type 1 diabetes•Lupus•Psoriasis•Rheumatoid arthritis•Thyroid disordersSymptoms of vitiligoVitiligo typically starts as a pale patch that may gradually turn completely white. Sometimes, the center of the patch is white, surrounded by a lighter-toned border. If blood vessels are visible underneath, the area might appear pink instead.Commonly affected areas include:•Around the mouth and eyes•Fingers and wrists•Armpits and groin•Genitals•Inside the mouth•The scalp or anywhere with hair folliclesThe edges of the patches might be smooth or uneven, and in some cases, they may look red, inflamed, or show a brownish tint (known as hyperpigmentation). Although the patches usually don’t cause any discomfort or dryness, they may occasionally feel itchy.The extent of skin involvement differs from person to person. Some develop only a few small spots, while others experience larger patches that may merge over time. Unfortunately, there’s no way to predict how the condition will progress, and the patches are usually permanent.TriggersSeveral factors may trigger or worsen vitiligo, including:•High-stress events like childbirth•Skin trauma such as cuts or severe sunburn (known as the Koebner phenomenon)•Hormonal shifts like those during puberty•Liver or kidney issues•Exposure to certain chemicalsImportantly, vitiligo is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.How is vitiligo treated?Vitiligo is a cosmetic condition and does not harm your physical health, so treatment isn't medically required. However, if it affects your emotional well-being or self-esteem, there are options available to even out your skin tone — either by restoring pigment (repigmentation) or removing the remaining pigment (depigmentation).Treatment options include:•Medications•Light (phototherapy) treatment•Depigmentation therapies•Surgical procedures•Psychological counselingWhat can I expect if I have vitiligo?Living with vitiligo can be emotionally challenging due to changes in appearance. It's not unusual to feel self-conscious or anxious in social settings. Many people benefit from speaking with a mental health professional to build confidence and cope with the emotional effects.While there’s no known cure, effective treatments are available. Our healthcare provider can help you find the right approach based on your skin type and personal preferences.

Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure when getting up from a sitting or lying position. This can cause dizziness or even fainting.What is blood pressure?Blood pressure shows how much force the blood exerts on the walls of the arteries when the heart is working. It is measured by two indicators in millimeters of mercury (mmHg):•Systolic pressure – when the heart contracts and pushes blood out.•Diastolic pressure – when the heart rests between beats.Blood pressure is recorded as systolic/diastolic. Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg , and blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg is considered low.Why does orthostatic hypotension occur?When lying or sitting, blood easily returns to the heart. When standing up, blood pools in the legs, and there is less for the heart and brain – blood pressure temporarily drops. Possible causes:•Weak heart contractility•Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system•Diseases such as Parkinson's or Lewy body dementia•Prolonged bed rest•Blood or fluid loss•Adrenal gland problems•Medication side effectsWhat are the symptoms?Symptoms usually worsen in the morning when blood pressure is at its lowest. Some people have no symptoms, while others find them worse in hot weather, with fever, or after a hot shower.The main symptom is dizziness or weakness when standing up, which resolves when sitting or lying down.Other possible signs include:•Fainting•Blurred vision•Fatigue, weakness•Chest, neck, or shoulder pain•Difficulty concentrating•Headaches•Rapid heartbeat•Nausea, sweating•Shortness of breathHow is it diagnosed?A doctor will measure your blood pressure while lying down, sitting, and standing. They may also order:•Blood tests (e.g., for anemia or diabetes)•ECG – to assess heart rhythm•EchoCG – to check how the heart works•Stress test•Holter monitoring•Tilt table testWhat are the possible complications?Orthostatic hypotension can lead to:•Falls, fractures, concussions•Post-meal hypotension (especially after carbohydrate-rich meals)•Lower blood pressure when lying down•Stroke or heart disease due to blood pressure fluctuations•Organ damage if blood pressure remains lowWhat to expect?The condition is usually manageable. Simple measures, such as getting out of bed more slowly, help. Serious complications are rare.Can orthostatic hypotension be cured?There is no complete cure, but symptoms can be alleviated by following a doctor's recommendations:•Taking medications•Increasing fluid intake•Eating small, frequent meals•Wearing compression stockingsHow to reduce the risk?•Avoid very hot showers and baths•Drink enough water, limit alcohol, do not overeat•Sleep with your head elevated•Get up slowly, especially in the mornings•Do light exercises – squeeze a ball, march in place•Use compression garments (stockings, belts)If you notice signs of orthostatic hypotension, do not delay visiting a specialist. Timely diagnosis and treatment will help avoid complications and improve your quality of life. At Dalimed Medical Center, you can receive qualified assistance and undergo all necessary examinations under the supervision of experienced doctors.