The news last week that men aged over 50 will no longer have the right to a free prostate cancer test if they have no symptoms has caused a storm of protest.
All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Martyn Jones.
Have we become a nation of depressives? It appears so, according to shocking figures released today showing that as many as one in seven in England are taking antidepressants.
Women who go through the menopause early are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s at a younger age, new research suggests.
From today, DIY smear tests will be sent out to four million women across England who have failed to turn up to their in-person appointment.
Britain is a nation fuelled by caffeine – drinking around 95 million cups of coffee every day. According to research, we may consuming far higher doses of the stimulant than we realise.
Two people have died from the measles – marking the first deaths from the disease in the US this year.
Experts have revealed in painful detail the extensive risks – from agonising stomach cramps and relentless diarrhoea to severe dehydration, blood poisoning, organ failure and even death.
She warned that people shouldn’t buy unregulated products (Stock Image) (Image: SrdjanPav via Getty Images)
Skincare is so accessible these days, with many influencers recommending active ingredients that have never been available on the market before. However, this comes with issues, as many people can obtain high-potency products without having their skin assessed by a professional.
This is concerning for those within the healthcare sector, as this category of skincare ought to be prescribed exclusively for specific conditions with instructions on how to use it.
Pharmacist Elina cautioned people against purchasing a particular type of medicated skincare from “unregulated websites” due to its strength. It’s tretinoin, a potent prescription retinoid that accelerates skin cell renewal, unclogs pores, and stimulates collagen synthesis, according to Healthline.
It is widely used to treat acne, reduce fine lines, and lighten dark patches. While you can purchase it online with a prescription, you should never do so without first seeking medical advice. This is because, when used incorrectly, it can compromise your skin barrier and cause serious irritation, redness, flaking, and stinging.
Elina’s advice
The specialist stated that, should you purchase tretinoin from unregulated websites, you “don’t know if the product is genuine, you don’t know if it’s been stored correctly, you don’t know if the strength is even accurate, and you don’t know if it’s actually appropriate for you”.
Elina further stated that you’re “putting your skin at risk” if you acquire products like this without being properly prescribed tretinoin, adding that she’s received countless messages from individuals who have “damaged their skin” while using it.
She explained that people frequently use the product “inappropriately” and purchase it from “random websites,” meaning they’re “not actually sure what’s even in it”.
“Tretinoin is a prescription-only medication, and it’s prescription-only for a reason, and it should be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional,” she urged.
How is tretinoin prescribed?
Elina stated that there are “so many things to take into consideration” when prescribing tretinoin, such as:
- Medical history
- What dose is suitable for you
- What formulation is suitable for you
- The rest of your skincare routine
- How to use it safely
“These are all things that you really need to know before starting,” she shared, encouraging people to have their skin properly assessed before assuming tretinoin is something they genuinely require.
Elina added: “It’s an amazing product – just needs to be purchased safely”.
What are the risks and potential side effects of tretinoin?
Skin can frequently feel dry, tight, or flaky during the initial few weeks, though if it has been prescribed, you will already have been forewarned about this.
Your skin may appear “sunburned” at first, with irritation and redness, as it adjusts to the product. Temporary breakouts may also arise as deep blockages rise to the surface.
Daily SPF is likewise non-negotiable, as skin becomes more susceptible to burning while using tretinoin.
If you have any concerns regarding your skin, you should always consult a medical professional rather than purchasing medication online and hoping for the best. A wealth of useful guidance can also be found on the NHS website.
A locally acquired case of a deadly mosquito-borne disease has been detected in a Florida county for the first time.
It was on a family holiday to Mexico that Sarah Koseki’s eye issues first began – and within month she was unbearable pain. To her surprise, a mistake made by two in five women was the cause.