Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Diagnostic Anomaly: This Man’s Brain Began Bleeding After A Regular Dental Checkup

'Diagnostic Anomaly' is a Health And Me Series, where we dive deep into some of the rarest of rare diseases. Here, we trace such diseases and what causes them. We also try to bring case studies around the same.

A routine dentist appointment turned into a medical emergency for a man in his late 60s living in Australia. Just 30 minutes after having two teeth extracted, he began experiencing sudden and alarming symptoms — dizziness, vomiting, and a bizarre distortion in his vision, where the world appeared rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise.

These were not trivial side effects of anesthesia or stress. The symptoms were pointing to something much worse. When he came to the emergency room, physicians observed strange signs: abnormal eye movement to the left and a tendency to fall to the right when walking. A brain scan validated their suspicion he was having an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a potentially fatal form of stroke due to bleeding in the brain.

Intracerebral hemorrhage constitutes 10–15% of all strokes and entails a ruptured vessel bleeding into the brain tissue. Ischemic strokes caused by obstructions do not need such immediate intervention, while ICH needs to be urgently treated to stop bleeding, reduce brain pressure, and avoid irreversible neurological injury.

In this patient, the bleeding was in the lower-left side of his brain — a region that affects balance, coordination, and vision. His health care team reacted quickly to treat the hemorrhage, decrease his blood pressure, and relieve intracranial pressure. Thankfully, after receiving immediate treatment, he was stabilized and released with medication to regulate his blood pressure.

Three months after that, he made a dramatic recovery. His eyesight was back to normal, and his balance also considerably improved. To prevent future strokes over the long term, he was put on aspirin, which prevents narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain by keeping the blood thin.

Although clinically managing the case was according to typical stroke procedure, what makes this case uncommon is the suspected etiology: a simple dental treatment.

The man’s symptoms began just half an hour after his tooth extraction. Medical literature contains a few rare reports of individuals experiencing ICH following dental procedures, possibly due to sharp spikes in blood pressure triggered by pain, anxiety, or physiological stress. In this case, the working theory is that the dental procedure, coupled with an undiagnosed underlying condition, created the perfect storm for a stroke.

As the medical staff delved deeper into his background, they discovered further hints. Only six weeks earlier, the man had received neurological tests for potential Parkinson's disease. Scans at the time had already indicated signs of white matter disease — abnormalities in the network of wiring in the brain, which can cause thought to be slower, lead to loss of balance, and predispose to stroke and dementia.

White matter disease targets the brain's "communication highways," the nerve fibers (axons) that carry signals between different areas of the brain and spinal cord. The fibers need a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients. When blood flow is slowed — because of age, high blood pressure, or damaged vessels — the white matter breaks down, creating lesions that are seen on MRI scans.

Symptoms of white matter disease may range from memory loss, difficulty with coordination, sluggish movement, mood changes, and even urinary incontinence. The symptoms are worse if the damage is more extensive.

But the story didn't end there. Genetic studies of the man revealed he had an uncommon mutation associated with CADASIL-Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy. This inherited disorder is found in approximately 2 in 100,000 and causes blood vessel walls to thicken. This compromise results in reduced flow of blood into the brain and a drastically increased risk of stroke.

Other research implies ICH can be an complication of CADASIL, particularly when added on top of other influences such as high blood pressure or physical stress. 

The course of events now makes sense. The patient's existing white matter disease already compromising brain connectivity and his unknown CADASIL mutation had left his brain's blood vessels particularly susceptible.

The dental removal, though apparently innocuous, perhaps triggered an increase in blood pressure due to stress or pain, a normal physiological reaction in a medical context. For a person with healthy blood vessels, this may not have resulted in anything. But with a brain containing constricted, weakened vessels, the pressure was sufficient to rupture a vessel resulting in an intracerebral hemorrhage.

<h2>How Small Triggers Meet Big Risks</h2>

This case is an admonition regarding the intricate intersection of genetics, chronic illness, and acute medical stressors. It also highlights the need for recognition and control of risk factors such as hypertension, white matter disease, and unrecognized genetic disorders that affect brain function.

For individuals with cardiovascular risk factors — for example, diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol — regular procedures, including dental treatment, might necessitate closer follow-up. Preventive interventions, such as brain imaging in individuals with neurological symptoms and a history of stroke or dementia in first-degree relatives, might detect conditions such as CADASIL before complications arise.

<h2>Can White Matter Disease Be Prevented?</h2>

Although some white matter changes are inevitable with aging, progression can be slowed down. Good management of heart and vascular health is key. Here's what doctors say:

<ul><li>Keep blood pressure under control</li><li>Manage high cholesterol and diabetes</li><li>Stop smoking</li><li>Be physically active</li><li>Eat a heart-healthy diet (such as the Mediterranean diet)</li></ul>

Studies have established that lowering cardiovascular risk has been proven to reduce white matter lesions, thus reducing stroke, dementia, and physical disability risks later in life.

A routine dentist visit triggered a series of events that almost resulted in a catastrophe for this Australian man but with timely rescue and extensive diagnostic procedures, not only did he recover well, but the doctors also discovered a rare genetic disorder that might have been a future threat.

Occasionally, the body's reaction to less invasive procedures can expose deep-rooted problems. Paying attention to your body, reporting new symptoms, and being proactive about brain and heart health can be the difference-maker — particularly when the indicators are easy to miss.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

brain bleeding after dentist visit

rare disease hht

hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

brain hemorrhage causes

dental visit complications

hht symptoms

dental health risks

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'Diagnostic Anomaly' is a Health And Me Series, where we dive deep into some of the rarest of rare diseases. Here, we trace such diseases and what causes them. We also try to bring case studies around the same.A routine dentist appointment turned into a medical emergency for a man in his late 60s living in Australia. Just 30 minutes after having two teeth extracted, he began experiencing sudden and alarming symptoms — dizziness, vomiting, and a bizarre distortion in his vision, where the world appeared rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise.These were not trivial side effects of anesthesia or stress. The symptoms were pointing to something much worse. When he came to the emergency room, physicians observed strange signs: abnormal eye movement to the left and a tendency to fall to the right when walking. A brain scan validated their suspicion he was having an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a potentially fatal form of stroke due to bleeding in the brain.Intracerebral hemorrhage constitutes 10–15% of all strokes and entails a ruptured vessel bleeding into the brain tissue. Ischemic strokes caused by obstructions do not need such immediate intervention, while ICH needs to be urgently treated to stop bleeding, reduce brain pressure, and avoid irreversible neurological injury.In this patient, the bleeding was in the lower-left side of his brain — a region that affects balance, coordination, and vision. His health care team reacted quickly to treat the hemorrhage, decrease his blood pressure, and relieve intracranial pressure. Thankfully, after receiving immediate treatment, he was stabilized and released with medication to regulate his blood pressure.Three months after that, he made a dramatic recovery. His eyesight was back to normal, and his balance also considerably improved. To prevent future strokes over the long term, he was put on aspirin, which prevents narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain by keeping the blood thin.Although clinically managing the case was according to typical stroke procedure, what makes this case uncommon is the suspected etiology: a simple dental treatment.The man’s symptoms began just half an hour after his tooth extraction. Medical literature contains a few rare reports of individuals experiencing ICH following dental procedures, possibly due to sharp spikes in blood pressure triggered by pain, anxiety, or physiological stress. In this case, the working theory is that the dental procedure, coupled with an undiagnosed underlying condition, created the perfect storm for a stroke.What Is White Matter Disease?As the medical staff delved deeper into his background, they discovered further hints. Only six weeks earlier, the man had received neurological tests for potential Parkinson's disease. Scans at the time had already indicated signs of white matter disease — abnormalities in the network of wiring in the brain, which can cause thought to be slower, lead to loss of balance, and predispose to stroke and dementia.White matter disease targets the brain's "communication highways," the nerve fibers (axons) that carry signals between different areas of the brain and spinal cord. The fibers need a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients. When blood flow is slowed — because of age, high blood pressure, or damaged vessels — the white matter breaks down, creating lesions that are seen on MRI scans.Symptoms of white matter disease may range from memory loss, difficulty with coordination, sluggish movement, mood changes, and even urinary incontinence. The symptoms are worse if the damage is more extensive.But the story didn't end there. Genetic studies of the man revealed he had an uncommon mutation associated with CADASIL-Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy. This inherited disorder is found in approximately 2 in 100,000 and causes blood vessel walls to thicken. This compromise results in reduced flow of blood into the brain and a drastically increased risk of stroke.Other research implies ICH can be an complication of CADASIL, particularly when added on top of other influences such as high blood pressure or physical stress. The course of events now makes sense. The patient's existing white matter disease already compromising brain connectivity and his unknown CADASIL mutation had left his brain's blood vessels particularly susceptible.The dental removal, though apparently innocuous, perhaps triggered an increase in blood pressure due to stress or pain, a normal physiological reaction in a medical context. For a person with healthy blood vessels, this may not have resulted in anything. But with a brain containing constricted, weakened vessels, the pressure was sufficient to rupture a vessel resulting in an intracerebral hemorrhage.How Small Triggers Meet Big RisksThis case is an admonition regarding the intricate intersection of genetics, chronic illness, and acute medical stressors. It also highlights the need for recognition and control of risk factors such as hypertension, white matter disease, and unrecognized genetic disorders that affect brain function.For individuals with cardiovascular risk factors — for example, diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol — regular procedures, including dental treatment, might necessitate closer follow-up. Preventive interventions, such as brain imaging in individuals with neurological symptoms and a history of stroke or dementia in first-degree relatives, might detect conditions such as CADASIL before complications arise.Can White Matter Disease Be Prevented?Although some white matter changes are inevitable with aging, progression can be slowed down. Good management of heart and vascular health is key. Here's what doctors say:Keep blood pressure under controlManage high cholesterol and diabetesStop smokingBe physically activeEat a heart-healthy diet (such as the Mediterranean diet)Studies have established that lowering cardiovascular risk has been proven to reduce white matter lesions, thus reducing stroke, dementia, and physical disability risks later in life.A routine dentist visit triggered a series of events that almost resulted in a catastrophe for this Australian man but with timely rescue and extensive diagnostic procedures, not only did he recover well, but the doctors also discovered a rare genetic disorder that might have been a future threat.Occasionally, the body's reaction to less invasive procedures can expose deep-rooted problems. Paying attention to your body, reporting new symptoms, and being proactive about brain and heart health can be the difference-maker — particularly when the indicators are easy to miss.

diagnostic anomaly: this man’s brain began bleeding after a regular dental checkup

Supriya Ramesh

Credits: Canva

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For a country that treats 23 degrees Celsius like it is the Sahara, the UK isn’t exactly built for this kind of heat. While most of us are busy Instagramming sunsets, our bodies might be quietly waving red flags. And that tiredness or weird headache is not just the heat; it could be your system slowly giving signs.

Here is what the heat could actually be doing to you and why you should not ignore it.

You’ve drunk your water, you're not hungover, and yet your head’s pounding like you’ve been at a rock concert. Heat headaches are real, and they’re one of the first signs your body is overheating. So slam a glass of water, sit in front of a fan, and maybe ditch the hot coffee for something icy. It would help if you stuck your feet in a cold bucket like your gran used to do.

At first, you’re drenched like you’ve run a marathon in your own kitchen. But then… nothing. You stop sweating. Your skin feels dry, hot and honestly a bit different. This switch can be dangerous. It’s a classic heatstroke sign. Do not ignore if you’ve been roasting all day and your skin is suddenly dry and flushed; that’s your cue to cool down fast. Think cold compress, wet towel, or even lying in a bath.

Random leg twitches? Sudden tummy cramps while lying down doing absolutely nothing? That’s not just your body being weird; it’s heat cramps. They happen when you’re low on salt and hydration, and they can be surprisingly painful. DIY remedy: Bananas, electrolyte sachets, or if you’re fancy, coconut water. 

Feeling Like You're About to Faint on the Road?

Heat dizziness is uncertain. One minute you’re grabbing grapes; the next you’re gripping the trolley like it’s your last hope. When it’s hot, your blood pressure can drop faster than your motivation on a Monday. If you suddenly feel woozy or like you’re in a bad dream, sit down before you fall down. Always carry a water bottle.

Can’t Think Straight? Not Just the Heat Making You Dull

If you’re suddenly mixing up names, forgetting simple words, or spacing out mid-text, that could be the heat messing with your brain. Mental fog, confusion, or even irritability are signs that your body is cooking from the inside. If someone is slurring, looking spaced out, or acting like they’ve had a few too many but haven’t, it could be heatstroke. Call for help.

Hot, dry, and suspiciously flushed skin is not the summer glow you think it is. If your skin starts feeling like it belongs in an oven, it means your body’s not coping well with the heat. Especially if your pulse is racing and you feel weirdly calm. Get help. This is your body in SOS mode. Cool off immediately and don’t try to “push through it”.

Heat can make your feet and ankles puff up like inflatable pool toys. It’s not you gaining sudden water weight; it’s literally your blood vessels acting up. So put your feet up, wear comfy shoes, and avoid salty snacks. That means no crisp binge while complaining about the weather.

<ul><li>Hydrate well</li><li>Draw the curtains always</li><li>Sit in front of a fan for relief</li><li>Avoid peak sun hours </li><li>Don’t ignore what your body’s whispering</li></ul>

heatwave

uk weather

dehydration

heatstroke

headache

muscle cramps

dizziness

brain fog

dry skin

swollen feet

For a country that treats 23 degrees Celsius like it is the Sahara, the UK isn’t exactly built for this kind of heat. While most of us are busy Instagramming sunsets, our bodies might be quietly waving red flags. And that tiredness or weird headache is not just the heat; it could be your system slowly giving signs.Here is what the heat could actually be doing to you and why you should not ignore it.That Headache Is a Heat AlarmYou’ve drunk your water, you're not hungover, and yet your head’s pounding like you’ve been at a rock concert. Heat headaches are real, and they’re one of the first signs your body is overheating. So slam a glass of water, sit in front of a fan, and maybe ditch the hot coffee for something icy. It would help if you stuck your feet in a cold bucket like your gran used to do.Sweat, Then No Sweat? That’s TroubleAt first, you’re drenched like you’ve run a marathon in your own kitchen. But then… nothing. You stop sweating. Your skin feels dry, hot and honestly a bit different. This switch can be dangerous. It’s a classic heatstroke sign. Do not ignore if you’ve been roasting all day and your skin is suddenly dry and flushed; that’s your cue to cool down fast. Think cold compress, wet towel, or even lying in a bath.Muscles Twitching on Their Own?Random leg twitches? Sudden tummy cramps while lying down doing absolutely nothing? That’s not just your body being weird; it’s heat cramps. They happen when you’re low on salt and hydration, and they can be surprisingly painful. DIY remedy: Bananas, electrolyte sachets, or if you’re fancy, coconut water. Feeling Like You're About to Faint on the Road?Heat dizziness is uncertain. One minute you’re grabbing grapes; the next you’re gripping the trolley like it’s your last hope. When it’s hot, your blood pressure can drop faster than your motivation on a Monday. If you suddenly feel woozy or like you’re in a bad dream, sit down before you fall down. Always carry a water bottle. Can’t Think Straight? Not Just the Heat Making You DullIf you’re suddenly mixing up names, forgetting simple words, or spacing out mid-text, that could be the heat messing with your brain. Mental fog, confusion, or even irritability are signs that your body is cooking from the inside. If someone is slurring, looking spaced out, or acting like they’ve had a few too many but haven’t, it could be heatstroke. Call for help.Your Skin Feels Like a Radiator?  Hot, dry, and suspiciously flushed skin is not the summer glow you think it is. If your skin starts feeling like it belongs in an oven, it means your body’s not coping well with the heat. Especially if your pulse is racing and you feel weirdly calm. Get help. This is your body in SOS mode. Cool off immediately and don’t try to “push through it”.Swollen Feet?Heat can make your feet and ankles puff up like inflatable pool toys. It’s not you gaining sudden water weight; it’s literally your blood vessels acting up. So put your feet up, wear comfy shoes, and avoid salty snacks. That means no crisp binge while complaining about the weather.Do Not Forget To:Hydrate wellDraw the curtains alwaysSit in front of a fan for reliefAvoid peak sun hours Don’t ignore what your body’s whispering

uk weather warning: do not ignore these subtle symptoms a heatwave can bring

Neuroscientist Shares 3 Simple Lifestyle Changes That Can Delay, Or Even Prevent The Onset Of Alzheimer's

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Microstress Is Real: These Tiny Terrors Are Quietly Wrecking Your Mental Health

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What is better than being able to ward off one of the most devastating brain diseases? And guess it did not necessarily involve a prescription or a breakthrough drug but simply tweaking your daily habits. That is the message Irish neuroscientist Dr. Sabina Brennan shared when she sat down with Davina McCall on the Begin Again podcast. With dementia cases in the UK soaring and projected to rise, her tips could not come at a better time.

Though the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, still puzzle experts, Dr. Brennan is certain of one thing: we have more control than we think. Through simple, everyday choices, we can give our brains a fighting chance.

Here is what she says we all should be doing: 

Dr. Brennan insists the real magic lies in movement. “Physical exercise is one of the best things you can do for your brain health,” she told Davina. That is not something most people expect to hear when it comes to dementia, but the link is undeniable.

The secret weapon here is a protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. Think of it as plant food, but for your brain. “I call it ‘Miracle-Gro for the brain’. It makes it easier for you to grow new brain cells and new connections between them. And that is what you want in a healthy brain. Lots of brain cells and connections.”

She goes on to explain why that is so critical in the early stages of dementia. “If you get Alzheimer's disease pathology in your brain in the early stages, it is not about how much pathology, how much disease you have in your brain. It is about how much healthy brain you have to cope with that disease that will allow you to continue functioning for as long as possible.” So build up that mental muscle now, and you may buy yourself more time down the road.

If you needed a reason to chat with your neighbour or call your grandmother, here it is. “A challenging activity for your brain” is how Dr. Brennan describes conversation. “Your brain has to work hard. And that is really, really good.”

She is not talking about small talk alone. It is the deeper connections and dynamic conversations that really get the grey matter going. And crucially, she urges us to be intentional about who we socialise with.

“We tend to hang out with people of the same age as us,” she points out. “But there is no nice way to say it. As you get older, your age cohort will die off. And so people end up socially isolated through no fault of their own.”

Her solution? Build intergenerational friendships before it is too late. “We have to have more intergenerational friendships. And the research shows that everybody benefits in that case; younger people interacting with older people have to do something about that.”

Isolation is not only emotionally draining, she warns; it is mentally damaging too. And visiting older relatives should not be seen as a one-way street. “Visit them as an equal. Do not visit them as someone who is doing a good deed. Talk to them as an intelligent individual.” It is a brain-boosting strategy that doubles as a social fix.

If you have been meaning to learn the ukulele or brush up on French, now is the time. Dr. Brennan’s rallying cry? “Go mental.”

“Learn something new because that is when you harness neuroplasticity,” she says, referring to the brain’s ability to reorganise and adapt. But she admits the word “learning” comes with baggage. “I just wish there was another word for learning because it has got such connotations about education and school and, for a lot of people, a lot of negative [connotations].”

Still, learning, in the broadest sense, is key. She even uses the simple act of opening a door to make her point. “When you open a door for the first time, you are learning how to open that door. Your brain is learning how much pressure to put on that door and how much force you have to push it.”

So, yes, Sudoku is great, but do not stop there. “Once you are good at it and you are comfortable, you have to push yourself to the next level. Go from a simple crossword to a complex crossword. Put a timer on so you do it more quickly. You know, you just have to keep challenging yourself. But it can be anything. If you play a musical instrument, learn another technique.”

Whether it is mastering a new recipe, joining a dance class, or finally tackling those cryptic crosswords, the goal is to keep your brain guessing.

And do not forget rest. Dr. Brennan wraps up her advice with one final reminder: all that mental hard work needs to be processed. “Getting enough sleep so your brain can effectively process and categorise all those new skills is crucial.”

We might not have a cure for Alzheimer’s yet, but according to Dr. Brennan, we are far from powerless. Move your body, keep your social circle diverse, and challenge your mind, not just to stay sharp, but to stay connected and alive. It is simple science with life-changing impact.

mental health

dementia

brain health

exercise

socialising

neuroplasticity

learning

cognitive decline

Alzheimer's Disease

begin again podcast

What is better than being able to ward off one of the most devastating brain diseases? And guess it did not necessarily involve a prescription or a breakthrough drug but simply tweaking your daily habits. That is the message Irish neuroscientist Dr. Sabina Brennan shared when she sat down with Davina McCall on the Begin Again podcast. With dementia cases in the UK soaring and projected to rise, her tips could not come at a better time.Though the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, still puzzle experts, Dr. Brennan is certain of one thing: we have more control than we think. Through simple, everyday choices, we can give our brains a fighting chance.Here is what she says we all should be doing: 1. Sweat It Out for a Sharper BrainDr. Brennan insists the real magic lies in movement. “Physical exercise is one of the best things you can do for your brain health,” she told Davina. That is not something most people expect to hear when it comes to dementia, but the link is undeniable.The secret weapon here is a protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. Think of it as plant food, but for your brain. “I call it ‘Miracle-Gro for the brain’. It makes it easier for you to grow new brain cells and new connections between them. And that is what you want in a healthy brain. Lots of brain cells and connections.”She goes on to explain why that is so critical in the early stages of dementia. “If you get Alzheimer's disease pathology in your brain in the early stages, it is not about how much pathology, how much disease you have in your brain. It is about how much healthy brain you have to cope with that disease that will allow you to continue functioning for as long as possible.” So build up that mental muscle now, and you may buy yourself more time down the road.2. Socialise More If you needed a reason to chat with your neighbour or call your grandmother, here it is. “A challenging activity for your brain” is how Dr. Brennan describes conversation. “Your brain has to work hard. And that is really, really good.”She is not talking about small talk alone. It is the deeper connections and dynamic conversations that really get the grey matter going. And crucially, she urges us to be intentional about who we socialise with.“We tend to hang out with people of the same age as us,” she points out. “But there is no nice way to say it. As you get older, your age cohort will die off. And so people end up socially isolated through no fault of their own.”Her solution? Build intergenerational friendships before it is too late. “We have to have more intergenerational friendships. And the research shows that everybody benefits in that case; younger people interacting with older people have to do something about that.”Isolation is not only emotionally draining, she warns; it is mentally damaging too. And visiting older relatives should not be seen as a one-way street. “Visit them as an equal. Do not visit them as someone who is doing a good deed. Talk to them as an intelligent individual.” It is a brain-boosting strategy that doubles as a social fix.3. Learn Something NewIf you have been meaning to learn the ukulele or brush up on French, now is the time. Dr. Brennan’s rallying cry? “Go mental.”“Learn something new because that is when you harness neuroplasticity,” she says, referring to the brain’s ability to reorganise and adapt. But she admits the word “learning” comes with baggage. “I just wish there was another word for learning because it has got such connotations about education and school and, for a lot of people, a lot of negative [connotations].”Still, learning, in the broadest sense, is key. She even uses the simple act of opening a door to make her point. “When you open a door for the first time, you are learning how to open that door. Your brain is learning how much pressure to put on that door and how much force you have to push it.”So, yes, Sudoku is great, but do not stop there. “Once you are good at it and you are comfortable, you have to push yourself to the next level. Go from a simple crossword to a complex crossword. Put a timer on so you do it more quickly. You know, you just have to keep challenging yourself. But it can be anything. If you play a musical instrument, learn another technique.”Whether it is mastering a new recipe, joining a dance class, or finally tackling those cryptic crosswords, the goal is to keep your brain guessing.And do not forget rest. Dr. Brennan wraps up her advice with one final reminder: all that mental hard work needs to be processed. “Getting enough sleep so your brain can effectively process and categorise all those new skills is crucial.”We might not have a cure for Alzheimer’s yet, but according to Dr. Brennan, we are far from powerless. Move your body, keep your social circle diverse, and challenge your mind, not just to stay sharp, but to stay connected and alive. It is simple science with life-changing impact.

neuroscientist shares 3 simple lifestyle changes that can delay, or even prevent the onset of alzheimer's

The lazy ones know that facial bleach is one beauty product that comes in handy at any point in time. Whether it was for that last-minute party glow-up or to hide a sudden tan line, facial bleach has long been a last-minute resort in Indian homes. But what really happens when you apply that potent cream on your skin and wait for its effect? We dug in to find out exactly what is going on when your face starts tingling mid-bleach.

Facial bleach usually contains hydrogen peroxide as the main ingredient. This acts as a lightening agent, breaking down melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. When you apply bleach, you are not removing hair or tanning; you are just lightening it to make it blend in with your skin.

When you apply bleach to your skin, it sets off a chain reaction. The hydrogen peroxide oxidises, which in simple terms means it reacts with the pigment and hair proteins, breaking down melanin and making everything lighter in colour. Your facial hair goes blonde, and your skin tone appears brighter, not because it has suddenly become radiant, but because there is less visual contrast.

If you have ever felt your face heat up or sting while bleaching, you have experienced a minor chemical reaction. Bleach is harsh. It strips the skin’s protective barrier ever so slightly, which is why your skin might feel sensitive, look a bit red, or feel tight afterwards. 

Sensitive skin types should deal with it very carefully. Facial bleach can cause inflammation, itchiness, or even mild burns if left on too long or applied too often. And those with active acne, eczema, or any skin condition should steer clear altogether.

In moderation, bleaching every now and then might not wreak havoc, especially if you are using a reputable brand and following instructions to the dot. But using it too frequently is when trouble begins. Long-term, overuse can cause skin thinning, sensitivity to sunlight, and uneven pigmentation.

Also, your skin does not get used to bleach. It tolerates it up to a point and then acts up. You might suddenly develop a sensitivity you never had before. 

Bleach has its moment. If you are prepping for a function, want that one-off glow, or just feel like softening the appearance of facial hair, go ahead; just be smart about it. Patch test always. Stick to the recommended time. Do not pile it on like it is moisturiser. And do not expose your skin to the sun immediately. 

Use facial bleach sparingly, respect your skin, and be okay with skipping it altogether if your face is already protesting. Because no glow-up is worth a full-blown skin tantrum. 

facial bleach

hydrogen peroxide

melanin

skin irritation

pigmentation

skin sensitivity

inflammation

skin thinning

beauty routine

Skin & Hair

The lazy ones know that facial bleach is one beauty product that comes in handy at any point in time. Whether it was for that last-minute party glow-up or to hide a sudden tan line, facial bleach has long been a last-minute resort in Indian homes. But what really happens when you apply that potent cream on your skin and wait for its effect? We dug in to find out exactly what is going on when your face starts tingling mid-bleach.What is facial bleach?Facial bleach usually contains hydrogen peroxide as the main ingredient. This acts as a lightening agent, breaking down melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. When you apply bleach, you are not removing hair or tanning; you are just lightening it to make it blend in with your skin. What is happening under the surface?When you apply bleach to your skin, it sets off a chain reaction. The hydrogen peroxide oxidises, which in simple terms means it reacts with the pigment and hair proteins, breaking down melanin and making everything lighter in colour. Your facial hair goes blonde, and your skin tone appears brighter, not because it has suddenly become radiant, but because there is less visual contrast.It comes with side effectsIf you have ever felt your face heat up or sting while bleaching, you have experienced a minor chemical reaction. Bleach is harsh. It strips the skin’s protective barrier ever so slightly, which is why your skin might feel sensitive, look a bit red, or feel tight afterwards. Sensitive skin types should deal with it very carefully. Facial bleach can cause inflammation, itchiness, or even mild burns if left on too long or applied too often. And those with active acne, eczema, or any skin condition should steer clear altogether. Can it damage your skin in the long run?In moderation, bleaching every now and then might not wreak havoc, especially if you are using a reputable brand and following instructions to the dot. But using it too frequently is when trouble begins. Long-term, overuse can cause skin thinning, sensitivity to sunlight, and uneven pigmentation. Also, your skin does not get used to bleach. It tolerates it up to a point and then acts up. You might suddenly develop a sensitivity you never had before. Should you bleach at all?Bleach has its moment. If you are prepping for a function, want that one-off glow, or just feel like softening the appearance of facial hair, go ahead; just be smart about it. Patch test always. Stick to the recommended time. Do not pile it on like it is moisturiser. And do not expose your skin to the sun immediately. Use facial bleach sparingly, respect your skin, and be okay with skipping it altogether if your face is already protesting. Because no glow-up is worth a full-blown skin tantrum. 

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