Teeth Whitening: A Snow-White Smile Without Health Risks

Aspirin (active ingredient: acetylsalicylic acid) is a medicine used to reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. However, it also plays a very important role in the prevention of heart diseases (Cardiomagnyl, Aspirin cardio). Why is Aspirin important for heart patients? Aspirin has blood-thinning properties. Many heart diseases start because the blood becomes thick and can form clots (thrombi), which hinder the natural flow of blood. These clots can block the vessels of the heart or brain, causing myocardial infarction or stroke. Aspirin reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by preventing the formation of clots in people who are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Who should use Aspirin (as directed by a doctor)? • Those who have already had a myocardial infarction or a cerebral stroke. • Those who have ischemic heart disease (narrowing of the heart vessels). • Those who have undergone stenting of the coronary arteries (vessels that supply the heart). • High-risk individuals: those with diabetes, who are overweight, or who are smokers. It is important to know that Aspirin should be taken only as directed by a doctor, as it can have side effects. For example, in people with high blood pressure, it can increase the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke). Possible side effects Aspirin can also cause the following problems: • Stomach pain • Bleeding (e.g., from gums or intestines) • Allergic reaction Inform your doctor if: • You are taking other medications. • You have bleeding or stomach ulcers, gastritis. • You are preparing for surgery. How and when is the medication taken? For primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, aspirin is used in a low dose of 75–150 mg per day (as directed by a doctor). It is taken every day (Cardiomagnyl: after eating, Aspirin cardio: before eating). Do not stop taking aspirin without consulting a doctor, even if you feel well. Reminder to the patient Aspirin does not cure; it prevents the development of dangerous conditions. It should be taken every day, at the right time. Keep it away from children. Talk to your doctor if you are also taking other medicines. While using aspirin, it is necessary to regularly monitor blood pressure to avoid complications, especially the risk of bleeding or stroke. Remember, the medication can help, but real heart protection starts with a healthy lifestyle.

Seborrheic keratosis (or seborrheic keratoma) is one of the most common benign skin growths. It usually develops in adults and is considered a natural sign of aging. Who gets Seborrheic Keratoses? Seborrheic keratoses are often found in individuals over 60, but they can appear as early as 30-40, regardless of gender or race. They are rare in young people (under 20). Causes Although the name "seborrheic keratosis" suggests a connection to sebaceous glands, the growths do not actually originate from them. They arise from the abnormal proliferation of immature keratinocytes in the epidermis. Prevalence Seborrheic keratosis is extremely common. Studies show that: • By age 40, about 30% of people have at least one seborrheic keratosis. • In individuals over 60, the prevalence reaches nearly 75%. Contributing Factors Contributing factors include: • Genetic predisposition. • Prolonged exposure to sunlight. • Possible, but less likely, viral influence (e.g., HPV). • Genetic mutations: FGFR3, PIK3CA, RAS. Appearance Seborrheic keratoses can have various appearances: • Shape — they can be flat or raised nodules. • Surface — often scaly, sometimes fissured. • Color — ranges from skin-colored to yellowish, brown, or black. • Size — from 1 mm to several centimeters. • Location — almost anywhere on the body, except the palms and soles. • They often appear in clusters, especially on the chest, back, scalp, and in skin folds. On the back, they sometimes arrange themselves in a "Christmas tree-like" pattern, which is related to their spread along the lines of Blaschko. Complications A seborrheic keratosis is a benign growth and is not cancer or a precancerous condition. However, in some cases, its appearance can mimic malignant growths, such as: • Basal cell carcinoma. • Squamous cell carcinoma. • Melanoma. Additionally, the sudden and massive eruption of seborrheic keratoses (especially in older individuals) can be a sign of an internal malignancy, such as gastric adenocarcinoma. This phenomenon is known as the sign of Leser-Trélat. Diagnosis 1. Clinical examination — in many cases, a diagnosis can be made based on a visual inspection. 2. Dermoscopy — a non-invasive method that helps differentiate seborrheic keratosis from malignant growths. Characteristic dermoscopic features include: • Comedo-like openings. • Milia-like cysts. • Gyri and sulci ("brain-like" structure). • Hairpin-like vessels. 3. Biopsy and histological examination — performed in suspicious cases where dermoscopic or clinical data are not conclusive. Differential Diagnosis Seborrheic keratosis must be differentiated from the following growths: • Common warts (verruca vulgaris). • Actinic keratosis. • Pigmented basal cell carcinoma. • Squamous cell carcinoma. • Melanoma — rare, but important to rule out. Treatment Seborrheic keratosis doesn't require treatment, but it can be removed in the following situations: • Aesthetic discomfort. • Itching or irritation. • Injury from clothing or shaving. Treatment methods: • Cryodestruction (freezing). • Electrocoagulation. • Laser therapy. • Shave biopsy. The choice of treatment method is based on the size and location of the growth, as well as the patient's overall health. When choosing the best method, all indications and contraindications should be considered. Prevention and Prognosis Since the exact causes of its occurrence are not fully understood, there are no specific preventive measures known. However, it is recommended to: • Use sunscreen. • Undergo regular dermatological examinations. • Avoid excessive sun exposure. Some seborrheic keratoses can disappear on their own over time. In suspicious cases, you should always consult a specialist.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and gradual joint damage. The disease can affect not only the joints but also internal organs like the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not yet fully understood, but it's believed that genetic predisposition, environmental factors like viral infections and smoking, and immune system disorders can contribute to the disease's development. The immune system mistakenly begins to attack its own tissues, especially the synovial membranes of the joints, causing inflammation and damage. The disease is more common in women, especially between the ages of 30 and 60, but it can also begin in childhood, starting as early as age 2. Initial symptoms include joint pain, morning stiffness, swelling, redness, and restricted movement. Generally, the earlier the onset of the disease, the more aggressive its course, leading to irreversible deformities and even the development of joint contractures. Rheumatoid arthritis that begins in childhood is called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, which can manifest as rheumatoid vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), leading to internal organ damage. The disease usually starts in the small joints of the wrists and feet and can spread to other joints. Involvement of the spine is not typical in rheumatoid arthritis, although the atlantoaxial joint in the neck can be affected. Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is made through clinical symptoms, laboratory blood tests (e.g., rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, C-reactive protein), and X-ray or ultrasound examinations. Early diagnosis of the disease is very important, as the earlier treatment begins, the better the chances of achieving stable remission. If a patient’s complaints have been present for less than 5-6 months, an X-ray is not informative; in this case, a joint ultrasound and anti-CCP antibody test are recommended. Treatment is primarily aimed at reducing inflammation and preventing joint damage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and disease-modifying drugs such as methotrexate, leflunomide, and biological therapies like TNF inhibitors and IL-6 inhibitors are used. Although rheumatoid arthritis cannot be completely cured, modern therapy makes it possible to control the disease, keep it in a mild phase, and improve the patient's quality of life. Biological therapy can free the patient from long-term corticosteroid use and prevent the development of drug side effects. A healthy lifestyle, physical exercises, and joint care are also important in the treatment process.

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, the outer membrane of the eye. The conjunctiva is a transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inner eyelid. When this membrane becomes inflamed, the eye turns red, and itching, discharge, and sometimes burning occur. Many people know it as "pink eye". Conjunctivitis is a very common and usually not serious illness, but some forms can be contagious and require special attention. Conjunctivitis can be caused by various factors: • Viral conjunctivitis: This is the most common form, often associated with upper respiratory tract infections and colds. The eye becomes red and watery, and often both eyes are affected. It is very contagious and easily transmitted. • Bacterial conjunctivitis: The cause is bacteria. A thick yellow or greenish discharge comes from the eye, and in the morning, the eyelids may stick together. It can also be contagious but is treated with antibacterial drops. • Allergic conjunctivitis: This is an eye reaction to allergens (dust, pollen, animal hair, etc.). Both eyes itch, turn red, and are watery. It is not contagious to others. • Chemical or irritant conjunctivitis: This is eye irritation from smoke, chemicals, or perfumes. You should wash your eye and consult a doctor. What are the symptoms? • Redness of the eye • Watery or purulent discharge • Itching or burning • Sticky eyelids in the morning • Slightly blurred vision (usually temporary) • Sensitivity to light (only in some cases) If vision suddenly worsens, the eye is very painful, or you feel there is a problem in the center of your vision, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can spread easily through: • Hands, when we touch our eyes • Public items (towels, pillows, eye cosmetics) • Kindergartens, schools, and workplaces How to protect yourself and treat it • Wash your hands frequently with soap. • Do not try to share towels or pillows. • Do not use other people's eye cosmetics or contact lenses. • Replace cosmetics with new ones during an infection. Treatment approach: • Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own within a few days or weeks. Artificial tears and cold compresses are used to alleviate the symptoms. • Bacterial conjunctivitis is treated with antibacterial drops or ointment. • Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with antiallergic drops, and sometimes with antihistamines. • In the case of chemical or irritant forms, the eye should be washed well with clean water, and a doctor should be visited as soon as possible. Remember, self-treatment can be dangerous, especially if the symptoms worsen or last for a long time. If you have a red eye, burning, or discharge, don't wait. Consult an ophthalmologist for a correct diagnosis and treatment.