A chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy patches of thickened skin. It is both frustrating and debilitating. By now you may now what we are talking about. It is Eczema. While there is no definitive cure for Eczema, there are studies that highlight the potential of self-guided talk therapy that can actually alleviate its symptoms.

Eczema can flare up if you contact an irritant or an allergen. This condition weakens your skin's barrier function which helps your skin retain moisture and protects your body from outside elements. It is a type of dermatitis, a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms include:

• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Skin rash
• Bumps on your skin
• Thick, leathery patches of skin
• Flaky, scaly or crusty skin
• Swelling

An eczema rash usually looks like a purple, brown or gray rash, depending on your skin tone, if it is on the darker shade. If you have a lighter skin tone, it may look pink, red or purple. While there is no cure, treatments are available, and now, it could also be achieved through self-talk therapy.

The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a psychological approach that helps individuals manage their responses to mental and physical health challenges. By identifying harmful behaviors and thought patterns, CBT guides people toward healthier coping mechanisms. Traditionally, CBT involves in-person sessions with a therapist, but researchers have now developed an online self-guided version tailored to eczema management.

ALSO READ: What Does Niacinamide Do For Your Skin?

The self-guided program teaches users to manage itching and other eczema symptoms through techniques like mindfulness and behavior modification. For instance, while scratching provides temporary relief, it can aggravate the condition. The program encourages alternative strategies, such as applying moisturizers or using meditation to diminish the urge to scratch.

Comparing Self-Guided and Therapist-Led CBT

To evaluate the effectiveness of this self-guided therapy, researchers conducted a 12-week study involving nearly 170 adults with eczema. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one used the online self-guided CBT program, while the other attended traditional therapist-led sessions.

The self-guided approach required significantly less time, with participants spending an average of 16 minutes per session compared to 50 minutes in therapist-led sessions. Despite the reduced time commitment, both groups experienced comparable improvements in symptom reduction and quality of life.

Expanding Access to Treatment

These findings indicate that self-guided CBT can serve as a practical and efficient alternative to traditional therapy. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may not have access to psychologists or prefer not to engage in face-to-face therapy. The online format allows users to work at their own pace, making eczema management more accessible.

Implications Beyond Eczema

The success of self-guided CBT in managing eczema may have broader applications in dermatology and other chronic conditions. By reducing reliance on healthcare resources, this approach could pave the way for innovative treatments across various medical fields.

This study hopes to empower patients with tools to manage their conditions independently. While eczema remains a challenging condition, self-guided therapy offers a promising avenue for relief and improved quality of life.

Parents of teens are always complaining about the amount of sleep their kids get. No matter how many hours teens sleep, they always seem tired. However, that is not a coincidence. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, teens experience a natural shift in circadian rhythm, making it difficult to fall asleep at their usual time. They also need nine or more hours of sleep every day. That is because they are at a crucial stage of cognitive development, a stage of cognitive maturation, which is supported by appropriate amounts of sleep.

So, what happens when they do not sleep as much? Does it hinder their cognitive development?

A new study reveals that sleep deprivation in teenagers can lead to significant brain changes, potentially increasing impulsive and aggressive behaviors. Published on June 13th in the journal Brain and Behavior, the findings highlight the critical role sleep plays in adolescent brain development and mental well-being.

Default Mode Network and Behavior

This study looked at how sleep affects a special part of the brain called the "default mode network" (DMN). Think of the DMN as your brain's "idle mode" or "daydreaming mode." It's active when you're just relaxing, not trying to focus on something specific, maybe thinking about yourself or letting your mind wander. The researchers found that when teens didn't get enough sleep, the different parts of this daydreaming network became less connected.

These same teens also tended to have more behavior problems. This means they might be more aggressive, have trouble paying attention, or be very hyper. It's like a messy room – when the DMN isn't well-connected, things can get a bit chaotic, leading to difficult behaviors. As one of the main researchers said, how long and how well teens sleep is directly linked to these brain connections, which then predict behavior problems.

Importance of Adolescent Sleep

The default mode network (DMN) is really important for things like thinking about yourself, understanding your own feelings, and being creative. When this network is working well, people can connect ideas better and even understand what others are thinking.

Teenage years are a super important time for the brain to grow and develop. It's like building the foundation of a house – if you don't build it right, the rest of the house might have problems. And sleep is absolutely critical for this brain development. It helps all those brain connections form properly and get stronger. The sad truth is, many teenagers simply aren't getting the good quality sleep they need.

Disparities in Sleep and Behavior

The study also noticed that some groups of teenagers were more likely to get less sleep and have more behavioral problems. This included boys, older teenagers, and kids from certain racial minority groups. This finding suggests that there might be different factors at play that make it harder for these particular groups of teens to get enough sleep, and it highlights a need for more support for them.

It really emphasizes that we need to make sure teenagers get enough good sleep. It's not just about feeling rested; it's about helping their brains develop properly and keeping them mentally healthy.

On World Blood Donor Day, observed every year on June 14, the spotlight turns to the vital act of blood donation—an effort that saves millions of lives each year. Yet, many potential donors still hold back due to confusion or misinformation. To help clear the air, we spoke to Dr. Sangeeta Pathak, Director and Head of Transfusion Medicine at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, about the do’s and don’ts of blood donation. Here’s what we learned.

ALSO READ: Who Can Donate Blood To Whom?

Can Women Donate Blood During Their Period?

This is one of the most common concerns, especially among first-time female donors. According to Dr. Pathak, as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, women are advised not to donate during their menstruation, particularly during the 4-5 days of active bleeding. However, they are completely eligible to donate at any other time of the month if they are in good health.

What If You’re Recovering from Illness or Taking Medication?

Health is key when it comes to blood donation. “A person should be completely healthy and free from fever or illness at the time of donation,” says Dr. Pathak. Moreover, certain medications can lead to deferral, and there is a comprehensive list maintained under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. So if you’re on a prescribed course, it’s best to consult a doctor or the blood bank before donating.

Alcohol, Smoking and Blood Donation—What’s the Deal?

While an occasional drinker may not be entirely disqualified, heavy alcohol consumption is a red flag. “Anyone who is under the influence or shows signs of intoxication should not be donating blood,” Dr. Pathak warns. Ideally, toxic substances like alcohol or nicotine should be avoided for several hours before donation, and if there is an emergency and the only available donor has consumed alcohol recently, it's safest to look for another eligible person.

Basic Eligibility: Age, Weight, and Health

• To donate blood in India, you must be:
• 18 to 65 years old (first-time donors should not be older than 60)
• Weigh at least 45 kg (for 350 ml of whole blood)
• Hemoglobin levels of at least 12.5 gm/dl

For apheresis (platelet or plasma donation), the minimum weight is 50 kg, and the age range is 18 to 60 years. Chronic illnesses and poor general health are automatic grounds for deferral.

Tattoos and Piercings: Are You Temporarily Ineligible?

Yes. If you’ve recently had a tattoo or body piercing, you’ll need to wait 12 months before you can donate blood. This is a precautionary step to ensure there’s no risk of transmitting infections.

TO KNOW MORE, READ: How Long After a Tattoo or Piercing Can I Donate Blood?

What to Eat (or Avoid) Before and After Donation

A proper meal before donating is important, but fasting is not advised. “The donor should not be on an empty stomach, and their last meal should be at least four hours before donation,” explains Dr. Pathak. Avoid fatty foods before donating as they can interfere with blood testing. After donation, staying hydrated and consuming a light snack helps restore energy levels quickly.

A Note on Low Hemoglobin

Women, especially, often have concerns about low hemoglobin levels. If your levels are below 12.5 gm/dl, you won’t be allowed to donate—for your own safety. It’s best to get your iron levels checked regularly if you plan to be a repeat donor.

YOU MAY WANT TO READ: Can You Have Anemia By Donating Blood?

Blood donation is a safe, simple, and generous act that can make a life-or-death difference. On this World Blood Donor Day, let’s pledge to stay informed and encourage more people to donate responsibly. As Dr. Pathak says, “With the right awareness and care, we can all contribute to building a healthier, more compassionate society.”

Tooth disorders led to an average of nearly 1.94 million emergency department (ED) visits each year between 2020 and 2022, according to a recent data brief by the National Center for Health Statistics. The data, drawn from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, highlights a significant burden on emergency care systems across the United States.

Who’s Going to the ER for Tooth Problems?

The analysis, led by Susan M. Schappert and Dr. Loredana Santo, revealed that adults aged 25 to 34 accounted for the highest proportion of these emergency visits—29.2 percent. While tooth disorders represented 1.4 percent of all ED visits, that translated to about 59.4 visits per 10,000 people annually.

When broken down by race and ethnicity, White non-Hispanic individuals made up the largest share, followed by Black non-Hispanics and Hispanics. Medicaid was noted as the primary expected source of payment, suggesting that many patients with limited access to dental care rely on emergency services for dental issues.

Another notable trend: the prescription of opioids for dental pain relief has dropped significantly. From 2014 to 2016, 38.1 percent of patients were prescribed opioids as the sole form of pain relief. By 2020 to 2022, that figure had fallen to 16.5 percent, indicating a shift in pain management strategies amid growing awareness of the opioid crisis.

What Are Tooth Disorders?

Tooth disorders include a range of conditions that affect the teeth, such as:

• Tooth decay – Damage to the tooth's surface, often leading to cavities
• Abscess – A pus-filled infection, often painful and serious if left untreated
• Impacted teeth – Commonly wisdom teeth that haven’t broken through the gums
• Malocclusion – Misaligned teeth that may affect chewing or speech
• Tooth injuries – Including chipped, cracked, or broken teeth

What Causes These Problems?

Tooth disorders can be caused by various factors, including:

• Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing regularly
• High sugar consumption, which can accelerate decay
• Accidents or injuries
• Genetic conditions or developmental issues

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Different tooth problems come with different symptoms, but common warning signs include:

• Tooth pain or sensitivity
• Abnormal color or shape of the tooth
• Swelling or pus around the gums
• Worn-down teeth from grinding or misalignment

Diagnosing and Treating Tooth Disorders

Dentists typically diagnose tooth disorders through a physical examination, using dental instruments and sometimes X-rays. Depending on the issue, treatments may include:

• Fillings for cavities
• Root canals for deeper infections
• Tooth extractions for severely damaged or impacted teeth
• Orthodontic treatment for misalignment

Can They Be Prevented?

Yes—most tooth disorders are preventable with good oral hygiene. Experts recommend:

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing or using an interdental cleaner daily
• Limiting sugary foods and drinks
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Seeing a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings

Why This Matters

Dental care often gets sidelined, especially for those with limited access to regular services. Yet, as the numbers show, ignoring tooth problems can lead to costly emergency visits and long-term health risks. Promoting awareness and access to preventive care is key to reducing this burden—not just on individuals, but on emergency care systems too.