Persistent Cough in Children — Normal or a Warning Sign? Pediatrician's Advice

Laser hair removal is a popular method for reducing unwanted body hair. While it doesn’t offer permanent results, it lasts significantly longer than shaving or waxing. Most individuals require several sessions to achieve optimal results.What is Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal? Alexandrite laser hair removal is a noninvasive procedure designed to eliminate unwanted hair from various areas of the body. It’s commonly performed on the: •Face •Underarms •Bikini area •Back •Legs How does laser hair removal work? This treatment works through a process known as selective photothermolysis. The laser emits heat that targets and destroys pigmented cells. Because dark hair contains more pigment, it absorbs the most heat. This heat travels down to the hair follicles and damages them, which prevents future hair growth. For the procedure to be effective, hair follicles must be in the anagen (growth) phase. Since not all hair is in the same phase at once, several sessions are typically required. Who can have laser hair removal? Anyone experiencing excessive or unwanted body hair can benefit from laser hair removal. It’s mainly a cosmetic treatment, helping individuals enhance their appearance and boost their self-confidence. How should I prepare for laser hair removal? In the weeks before your treatment, avoid sun exposure and stay away from tanning beds. Tanned skin, whether natural or artificial, can reduce the effectiveness of the procedure and increase the risk of side effects. Two to three days before your appointment, shave the area to be treated. Hair should not be longer than a grain of rice. Once treatments begin, refrain from waxing, plucking, or tweezing hair in the treated areas. What happens after laser hair removal? Following the procedure, your skin may feel slightly sore, appear red, or become swollen. Applying a cold compress can help soothe the area. Avoid sun exposure—both natural and artificial—on the treated zones. Most individuals can resume their normal activities immediately after treatment. How long do the effects of laser hair removal last? After the first session, many people notice a 10% to 25% reduction in hair growth. Upon completing all recommended treatments, hair regrowth may be minimal for several months or even years. Choosing the right provider for your laser hair removal is crucial. At Dalimed MC, we use the DEKA Motus AX, a premium Italian-made Alexandrite laser system renowned for its effectiveness and safety. Our skilled specialists ensure a comfortable and professional experience, delivering outstanding results tailored to your needs.

Tanning happens when your skin darkens after being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays. While many people enjoy a sun-kissed glow, it's important to do it safely. The best way to protect your skin is by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and avoiding too much time in direct sunlight. Even with precautions, tanning comes with some risks—especially since it usually means spending long hours in the sun. To stay safe, try to keep your sun exposure limited and wear protective clothing when outside. If you still want to tan outdoors, here are some tips to help you do it more safely: •Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.—that’s when UV rays are strongest. •Use a sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 and offers broad-spectrum protection. Reapply often, especially after swimming or sweating, even if it says water-resistant. •Don’t stay in the sun too long at once. Take shorter tanning breaks instead of long sessions. You might not notice sunburn until later. •Protect your face and eyes with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays. •Stay hydrated by drinking water and take breaks in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion. •If your skin starts turning pink or feels sore, head indoors. People with darker skin tones might not notice color changes, so check your skin often. Also, remember this: You don’t need to be under the sun to get sun damage. •Sand, snow, and water reflect UV rays, so you can get sunburned even in the shade. •Cloudy skies don’t block UV rays. You can still burn on overcast days. •Trees, umbrellas, and tents don’t block all UV rays. If you can see your shadow, you’re still exposed to sunlight. Who Should Avoid Tanning? Some people are more sensitive to sun damage. How long you can stay in the sun without harm depends on several things: •Age: Young skin is more delicate. Getting too much sun as a child or teen can raise the risk of skin cancer later in life. •Skin type: Lighter skin burns more easily. Even if you already have a tan, it offers only a tiny bit of protection. •History of skin cancer: If you’ve had skin cancer before, more sun exposure increases your risk of another case. Some people should avoid tanning completely—especially if they’ve recently: •Had a cosmetic treatment like a chemical peel or laser hair removal •Used skincare with ingredients like salicylic acid or other exfoliants •Taken acne treatments like isotretinoin or used retinoid creams •Used medicines that make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, like some antibiotics It’s always best to ask a doctor or dermatologist when it’s safe to go out in the sun again after treatments or medication. And if you’re on any medication, check the label before tanning. While a little sun exposure can be good for your health, tanning always brings a risk of sunburn and skin damage. It can also raise your chances of getting skin cancer. If you still want that sun-kissed look, just make sure you’re taking smart steps to protect your skin.

What is astigmatism? Astigmatism is a frequently encountered refractive error—essentially, a condition where the eye doesn’t focus light evenly onto the retina. This typically occurs because either the cornea or the lens has a curvature that’s more pronounced in one direction than the other. The result? Blurred or distorted vision. Fortunately, most individuals with astigmatism experience significant improvement through corrective eyewear such as glasses or contact lenses. Who is affected by astigmatism? Astigmatism can affect anyone at any stage of life. While many individuals are born with it, others may not develop it until later. In some cases, astigmatism may change—either improving or worsening over time. It’s also more common than many people realize—approximately one in three people have some degree of astigmatism. What are astigmatism symptoms? The hallmark symptom is blurred vision. People with astigmatism often struggle to make out fine details—whether reading a restaurant menu up close or deciphering distant road signs. Other common signs include: •Noticing glare or halos around lights. •Squinting frequently in an effort to see clearly. •Experiencing frequent headaches. •General visual fatigue. •Eye strain. In children, symptoms can be more subtle. They might not complain because they assume their vision is normal. Parents should watch for behaviors like frequent squinting, eye rubbing, or recurring headaches as signs that a vision check is needed. What causes astigmatism? The most common cause of astigmatism is heredity—meaning it’s often passed down through families. Although it usually isn’t linked to other health problems, certain conditions can lead to astigmatism, such as: •Injuries to the eye. •Keratoconus, a disease that causes the cornea to thin and bulge. •Post-surgical changes in the eye’s structure. How is astigmatism treated? The go-to solution for most people is corrective lenses. After a comprehensive eye exam, your specialist will likely recommend eyeglasses or contact lenses to sharpen your vision. Regular vision check-ups are essential—they allow early detection of changes and help ensure you’re seeing your best. When should I see an eye care specialist? If you notice any changes in your vision—especially increasing blurriness or difficulty seeing clearly—it’s time to book an eye exam. Many people first notice astigmatism symptoms in low-light conditions, like nighttime driving, or when facing bright lights or rainy weather.

Contact lenses are ultra-thin, curved lenses that sit directly on your eyes, offering a clear, natural field of vision. Like eyeglasses, they correct refractive errors—issues with the shape of your eye that prevent light from focusing correctly on the retina. These common eye problems can lead to blurry or distorted vision.Contact lenses can improve eyesight for people with: •Myopia (nearsightedness). •Hyperopia (farsightedness). •Presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision). •Astigmatism (uneven curvature of the eye). Types of Contact Lenses There’s a wide variety of contact lenses available today. Your eye care provider can guide you in choosing the right lenses for your eyes and lifestyle. You’ll want to consider these four key factors: •Lens material – from soft to rigid gas permeable. •Wear schedule – daily, extended, or overnight wear. •Replacement schedule – daily, weekly, or monthly lenses. •Special features – UV protection, multifocal, color-enhancing, and more. Frequently asked questions:Should I put in contacts before or after applying my makeup? Always insert your contact lenses before applying makeup or facial moisturizers. This helps prevent cosmetic particles, oils, or creams from getting onto your lenses or irritating your eyes. For the same reason, hold off on applying hand lotion or body creams until your contacts are safely in place. Can I put contact lenses in with long fingernails? It’s usually easier to insert and remove contact lenses with short nails. However, if you prefer long fingernails, ask your eye care professional for tips on safely handling your contacts. What if I fall asleep with my contacts in? Try to avoid sleeping in your contact lenses unless they’re specifically approved for overnight wear. But if you doze off with them in, don’t worry. When you wake up, check if your lenses move freely on your eyes. If they do, remove them and take a break for a few hours. If they feel stuck, give your eyes 10 minutes to rehydrate naturally or use rewetting drops. Once they move easily, take them out. Do I still need glasses if I wear contacts? Yes, you should always have an up-to-date pair of glasses on hand. Glasses are essential if you damage a contact lens, experience irritation, or develop an eye infection. Keeping your glasses with you ensures you're always prepared for any situation. Enjoy the World with Clear Vision Contact lenses offer a new way to see the world with clarity and confidence. If you’re just starting out with contacts, it’s completely normal to have questions or concerns. Feeling a bit nervous is part of the process—but your provider is there to help. They’ll answer your questions and support you every step of the way. Getting regular eye exams at Dalimed MC ensures your vision stays sharp and your eyes stay healthy. Early detection is key to protecting your sight for years to come.