Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

What Is Pulmonary Fibrosis and Why That Annoying Cough Might Be More Than Just a Cold

What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

If you’ve been coughing for weeks, blaming it on “lingering winter sniffles” or chalking it up to “just getting older,” it might be time to step away from the cough syrup and lean in for some uncomfortable truth. Your cough could be more than a seasonal annoyance. In rare but serious cases, it could be a red flag for a life-limiting condition called <span>pulmonary fibrosis</span>.

 <strong>What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?</strong>

In plain terms, “pulmonary” means lungs, and “fibrosis” means scarring. It’s a serious, progressive condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff, making it increasingly hard to breathe.

 Reportedly, there’s currently no cure. Treatments exist, but they mainly slow down the damage rather than reverse it. The sooner you get diagnosed, the better your chances of managing symptoms and that’s where spotting the signs early is crucial.

 <ul>  Shortness of breath (especially when climbing stairs or speed-walking to catch the bus)</ul>

  <li> Clubbing of fingers and toes </li>

   <strong>Why That Cough Happens</strong>

 Coughing is your body’s bouncer, booting out anything that might harm your lungs — dust, smoke, rogue crumbs, the works. The process involves your vocal cords clamping shut, then snapping open with a burst of air.

 With pulmonary fibrosis, this reflex can get stuck on a loop. Coughing irritates the vocal cords, which makes you cough more, which irritates them further, a vicious cycle that can turn even a quiet cup of tea into a coughing fit.

 <strong>The Four Flavours of Cough</strong>

 <ol>  <strong>Acute cough</strong> – Lasts less than three weeks; often tied to infections or irritants.</ol>

  <li> <strong>Sub-acute cough</strong> – Sticks around for three to eight weeks; can be linked to slow recovery after illness or conditions like whooping cough.</li>

  <li> <strong><span rel="noindex">Chronic cough</span></strong> – Lingers for more than eight weeks and often signals a long-term respiratory issue.</li>

  <li> <strong><span rel="noindex">Refractory cough</span></strong> – Ignores your treatment plan entirely and just keeps going.</li>

 <ul>  <strong>Dry/unproductive</strong> – Triggered by things like temperature changes, dusty air, or laughing.</ul>

  <li> <strong>Productive</strong> – Clears mucus or anything that’s wandered into the lungs’ “no entry” zone.</li>

 While pulmonary fibrosis can happen to anyone, your risk might be higher if you:

  <li> Have a family history of <span rel="noindex">lung scarring</span></li>

  <li> Have had long-term exposure to dust, smoke, or fumes</li>

  <li> Take certain medications known to irritate the lungs</li>

  <li> Live with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)</li>

A pulmonary fibrosis cough often doesn’t respond to standard cough medicines. Instead, treatment usually focuses on easing symptoms and improving quality of life.

 Your doc may recommend alternative medications used for chronic cough in other conditions. These don’t cure the scarring but can make the coughing less intrusive. They’ll also want to check for other contributing factors like acid reflux, sinus issues, or side effects from medication, because if those are making things worse, tackling them can help.

 While you work with your doctor, you can try a few lifestyle tweaks to manage coughing fits:

 <ul>  Avoid smoky, dusty, or heavily polluted spaces</ul>

  <li> Stay hydrated to soothe irritated airways</li>

  <li> Use a humidifier to keep the air moist</li>

  <li> Rest your voice and avoid speaking over loud noise (which can strain the vocal cords)</li>

  <li> Practise gentle breathing exercises recommended by your care team</li>

 Pulmonary fibrosis is rare, but catching it early can mean more treatment options and better management. Plus, you’ll finally know whether your cough is from a stubborn cold or something that needs closer attention. Your cough could be a harmless side effect of a dusty ceiling fan or it could be your body waving a red flag. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

pulmonary fibrosis

chronic cough

lung scarring

breathlessness

dry cough

productive cough

refractory cough

lung health

pulmonary fibrosis symptoms

pulmonary fibrosis treatment

How Much Protein Is Too Much Protein?

From Loneliness To Overstimulation: Psychologist Explains How COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Our Mental Health In 5 Years

Health & Wellness

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Can Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

Immune-Boosting Foods To Have During Rainy Season

Potato Based Dishes You For Week-Long Meal Prep

Weight Loss Dishes With Fruits You Should Try

Stress Vs. Anxiety: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

Can You Get Heatstroke In Monsoon?

You’re Not Lazy! Women Do Need More Sleep Than Men

How To Ditch Daytime Sleepiness In Office?

Common Mistakes People Make While Eating Flaxseeds

Toddlers In India Are Missing Development Milestones: Study

Yoga Poses You Should Do For Back Pain

Healthy Brunch Ideas For A Lazy Weekend Meal

Balancing Exercises You Should Do For Stability

How Much Can Food Affect Menstruation?

What Should Fitness Look Like For A 13-18 Year Old

Food For Diabetes: What Should A Diabetic Diet Contain

You Don’t Always Need Weights For Strength Training

Feel Sleepy After Lunches - Light And Healthy Office Lunches

Positive Thinking Practice – How Does It Help You?

MIND Diet – Is This A Healthy Diet Or Another Trend?

Yoga Prop Essentials To Improve Your Exercise Session

Should Potatoes Be The Part Of A Healthy Diet?

Best And Worst Foods To Lower Blood Pressure

Low-Impact Cardio Workouts You Should Try

10 Healthy Pasta Salad Dressing For Weight Loss

Breathing Exercise You Should Do To Relieve Stress

Headache vs. Migraine: Difference Explained In 60 Seconds

How Many Times Do You Need To Wash Your Face?

Hypothyroidism Diet – What To Eat And What You Should Avoid

Stretches To Relieve Leg Pain And Numbness After Sitting For Too Long

If you’ve been coughing for weeks, blaming it on “lingering winter sniffles” or chalking it up to “just getting older,” it might be time to step away from the cough syrup and lean in for some uncomfortable truth. Your cough could be more than a seasonal annoyance. In rare but serious cases, it could be a red flag for a life-limiting condition called pulmonary fibrosis. What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?In plain terms, “pulmonary” means lungs, and “fibrosis” means scarring. It’s a serious, progressive condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff, making it increasingly hard to breathe. Reportedly, there’s currently no cure. Treatments exist, but they mainly slow down the damage rather than reverse it. The sooner you get diagnosed, the better your chances of managing symptoms and that’s where spotting the signs early is crucial.Symptoms to Watch For   Shortness of breath (especially when climbing stairs or speed-walking to catch the bus)   Fatigue    Unexplained weight loss   Clubbing of fingers and toes    Why That Cough Happens Coughing is your body’s bouncer, booting out anything that might harm your lungs — dust, smoke, rogue crumbs, the works. The process involves your vocal cords clamping shut, then snapping open with a burst of air. With pulmonary fibrosis, this reflex can get stuck on a loop. Coughing irritates the vocal cords, which makes you cough more, which irritates them further, a vicious cycle that can turn even a quiet cup of tea into a coughing fit. The Four Flavours of Cough   Acute cough – Lasts less than three weeks; often tied to infections or irritants.   Sub-acute cough – Sticks around for three to eight weeks; can be linked to slow recovery after illness or conditions like whooping cough.   Chronic cough – Lingers for more than eight weeks and often signals a long-term respiratory issue.   Refractory cough – Ignores your treatment plan entirely and just keeps going.   Coughs can also be:   Dry/unproductive – Triggered by things like temperature changes, dusty air, or laughing.   Productive – Clears mucus or anything that’s wandered into the lungs’ “no entry” zone.   Who’s More at Risk? While pulmonary fibrosis can happen to anyone, your risk might be higher if you:   Are over 50   Have a family history of lung scarring   Have had long-term exposure to dust, smoke, or fumes   Take certain medications known to irritate the lungs   Live with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)   Managing the CoughA pulmonary fibrosis cough often doesn’t respond to standard cough medicines. Instead, treatment usually focuses on easing symptoms and improving quality of life. Your doc may recommend alternative medications used for chronic cough in other conditions. These don’t cure the scarring but can make the coughing less intrusive. They’ll also want to check for other contributing factors like acid reflux, sinus issues, or side effects from medication, because if those are making things worse, tackling them can help. Everyday Coping Tricks While you work with your doctor, you can try a few lifestyle tweaks to manage coughing fits:   Avoid smoky, dusty, or heavily polluted spaces   Stay hydrated to soothe irritated airways   Use a humidifier to keep the air moist   Rest your voice and avoid speaking over loud noise (which can strain the vocal cords)   Practise gentle breathing exercises recommended by your care team Pulmonary fibrosis is rare, but catching it early can mean more treatment options and better management. Plus, you’ll finally know whether your cough is from a stubborn cold or something that needs closer attention. Your cough could be a harmless side effect of a dusty ceiling fan or it could be your body waving a red flag. 

what is pulmonary fibrosis and why that annoying cough might be more than just a cold

Scientist Reveals the Tiny Foods That Can Transform Your Cholesterol in Just 10 Days

Credits: Canva

Nutrition

Boiled vs Cooled Potatoes: How Resistant Starch Affects Your Glycemic Index

boiled vs cooled potatoes: how resistant starch affects your glycemic index

Going Vegetarian Could Cut Your Cancer Risk By 45%, Large Study Reveals

going vegetarian could cut your cancer risk by 45%, large study reveals

Dietician Shares Tips To Prevent Osteoporosis, Calls It A 'Silent Thief'

dietician shares tips to prevent osteoporosis, calls it a "silent thief"

Health News

Mounjaro Price Increase: Eli Lilly to Hike UK Cost of Weight-Loss Drug by 170%

mounjaro price increase: eli lilly to hike uk cost of weight-loss drug by 170%

If you’ve ever stared at a packet of mixed nuts wondering whether to sprinkle them over your porridge or just eat them by the handful, here’s your permission slip: go for it. According to Dr Sarah Berry, a professor at King’s College London and Chief Scientist at ZOE, nuts and seeds are not just snackable; they are good for cholesterol crunching. In fact, swap some of your less healthy fats for these nutritional powerhouses, and you could lower your cholesterol by up to 10 per cent in just 10 days. That is faster than most fad diets.

<h3>The 10-Day Cholesterol Challenge</h3>

High cholesterol often feels like one of those invisible problems, until it suddenly is not. It can quietly build up in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But Dr Berry, during an appearance on the Zoe podcast, said that you can make a real difference in under two weeks by tweaking, not overhauling, your diet. It’s not about eating less fat; it’s about eating the right kind of fat.

And this is where most people get it wrong. “Don’t do a low-fat diet,” Dr Berry warns, calling the idea “radical” to anyone still following decades-old advice. Instead, aim for a moderate-fat diet rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats—exactly the kinds you’ll find in nuts, seeds, and certain oils.

<h3>Why Low-Fat Diets Miss the Point</h3>

It is tempting to think cutting fat will cut cholesterol, but Dr Berry explains that’s a trap. Not all fats are bad. Saturated fats, found in red meat and some processed foods, can push LDL cholesterol—often dubbed “bad” cholesterol—into dangerous territory. But polyunsaturated fats, abundant in seeds, seed oils, and many nuts, do the opposite.

Simply adding nuts to your meals, whether as a snack, salad topping, or nut butter, can slash LDL cholesterol by 5 to 10 per cent. You have to make a swap. This benefit comes from replacing “harmful” fats, like those in certain animal products and fried foods, with healthier plant-based fats.

Sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds—they’re all loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids that support heart health. Stir them into yoghurt, blend them into smoothies, or scatter them over roasted veggies. You’ll barely notice the extra effort, but your arteries will thank you.

Seed oils, like sunflower and flaxseed oil, can also be smart choices in moderation, adding healthy fats to your cooking without the cholesterol-raising impact of certain animal fats.

<h3>Rethinking Dairy, Meat, and Carbs</h3>

Dr Berry isn’t out to demonise all animal products. Fermented dairy like yoghurt and cheese gets a surprising green light. These foods, she says, don’t have the cholesterol-raising effect you might expect from their saturated fat content. That’s not permission to live on brie and cheddar, but it is a reason to stop fearing your cheese board.

Red meat, however, is a different story. Packed with saturated fats, it’s a direct contributor to rising cholesterol levels. Swapping steak nights for lentil stews or chickpea curries a couple of times a week could make a noticeable difference to your numbers.

Then there’s the carbohydrate conundrum. The real trouble lies with refined carbs like white bread, white rice, and sugary snacks. These are rapidly processed by your body and can be converted into triglycerides, which worsen cholesterol profiles. But whole grains are firmly in the “good for you” column. Wholegrain bread, brown rice, oats, and quinoa can help improve cholesterol levels when they replace the refined stuff.

<h3>Building Your 10-Day Cholesterol Menu</h3>

Swap your morning white toast for porridge topped with walnuts and chia seeds. Your mid-morning biscuit could become a small handful of almonds. At lunch, toss sunflower seeds into your salad, and use olive or sunflower oil for dressing. Dinner might feature grilled salmon or chickpeas instead of steak, with a side of quinoa instead of white rice.

Cholesterol levels can be surprisingly responsive to dietary changes. LDL cholesterol particles are constantly being produced and cleared from your bloodstream. When you replace saturated fats with healthier fats, you improve your body’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol. Combine that with reducing refined carbs and upping your wholegrain intake, and the improvement can be measurable in just days.

Dr Berry’s advice is refreshingly realistic: no calorie counting, no extreme restrictions, just sensible swaps. It’s about building habits you can maintain beyond the initial 10 days, keeping your cholesterol low for the long haul.

Forget the idea that lowering cholesterol means bland food and joyless salads. With nuts, seeds, and the right fats, you can eat deliciously and still give your heart a health boost in record time. 

nuts and seeds for cholesterol

cholesterol advice

lower cholesterol in 10 days

healthy fats vs saturated fats

polyunsaturated fats benefits

ldl cholesterol reduction

seeds for heart health

whole grains and cholesterol

low fat diet myths

cholesterol friendly meal swaps

If you’ve ever stared at a packet of mixed nuts wondering whether to sprinkle them over your porridge or just eat them by the handful, here’s your permission slip: go for it. According to Dr Sarah Berry, a professor at King’s College London and Chief Scientist at ZOE, nuts and seeds are not just snackable; they are good for cholesterol crunching. In fact, swap some of your less healthy fats for these nutritional powerhouses, and you could lower your cholesterol by up to 10 per cent in just 10 days. That is faster than most fad diets.The 10-Day Cholesterol ChallengeHigh cholesterol often feels like one of those invisible problems, until it suddenly is not. It can quietly build up in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But Dr Berry, during an appearance on the Zoe podcast, said that you can make a real difference in under two weeks by tweaking, not overhauling, your diet. It’s not about eating less fat; it’s about eating the right kind of fat.And this is where most people get it wrong. “Don’t do a low-fat diet,” Dr Berry warns, calling the idea “radical” to anyone still following decades-old advice. Instead, aim for a moderate-fat diet rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats—exactly the kinds you’ll find in nuts, seeds, and certain oils.Why Low-Fat Diets Miss the PointIt is tempting to think cutting fat will cut cholesterol, but Dr Berry explains that’s a trap. Not all fats are bad. Saturated fats, found in red meat and some processed foods, can push LDL cholesterol—often dubbed “bad” cholesterol—into dangerous territory. But polyunsaturated fats, abundant in seeds, seed oils, and many nuts, do the opposite.Simply adding nuts to your meals, whether as a snack, salad topping, or nut butter, can slash LDL cholesterol by 5 to 10 per cent. You have to make a swap. This benefit comes from replacing “harmful” fats, like those in certain animal products and fried foods, with healthier plant-based fats.Seeds: The Cholesterol FightersSunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds—they’re all loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids that support heart health. Stir them into yoghurt, blend them into smoothies, or scatter them over roasted veggies. You’ll barely notice the extra effort, but your arteries will thank you.Seed oils, like sunflower and flaxseed oil, can also be smart choices in moderation, adding healthy fats to your cooking without the cholesterol-raising impact of certain animal fats.Rethinking Dairy, Meat, and CarbsDr Berry isn’t out to demonise all animal products. Fermented dairy like yoghurt and cheese gets a surprising green light. These foods, she says, don’t have the cholesterol-raising effect you might expect from their saturated fat content. That’s not permission to live on brie and cheddar, but it is a reason to stop fearing your cheese board.Red meat, however, is a different story. Packed with saturated fats, it’s a direct contributor to rising cholesterol levels. Swapping steak nights for lentil stews or chickpea curries a couple of times a week could make a noticeable difference to your numbers.Then there’s the carbohydrate conundrum. The real trouble lies with refined carbs like white bread, white rice, and sugary snacks. These are rapidly processed by your body and can be converted into triglycerides, which worsen cholesterol profiles. But whole grains are firmly in the “good for you” column. Wholegrain bread, brown rice, oats, and quinoa can help improve cholesterol levels when they replace the refined stuff.Building Your 10-Day Cholesterol MenuSwap your morning white toast for porridge topped with walnuts and chia seeds. Your mid-morning biscuit could become a small handful of almonds. At lunch, toss sunflower seeds into your salad, and use olive or sunflower oil for dressing. Dinner might feature grilled salmon or chickpeas instead of steak, with a side of quinoa instead of white rice.Why This Works So FastCholesterol levels can be surprisingly responsive to dietary changes. LDL cholesterol particles are constantly being produced and cleared from your bloodstream. When you replace saturated fats with healthier fats, you improve your body’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol. Combine that with reducing refined carbs and upping your wholegrain intake, and the improvement can be measurable in just days.Dr Berry’s advice is refreshingly realistic: no calorie counting, no extreme restrictions, just sensible swaps. It’s about building habits you can maintain beyond the initial 10 days, keeping your cholesterol low for the long haul.Forget the idea that lowering cholesterol means bland food and joyless salads. With nuts, seeds, and the right fats, you can eat deliciously and still give your heart a health boost in record time. 

scientist reveals the tiny foods that can transform your cholesterol in just 10 days

Why Your Tattoo Looks 'Cloudy' During Healing: Experts Demystify Recovery Process

Healing of Tattoo

Healing of a tattoo

Deadly Flesh-Eating Bacteria: Why A Rare, Lethal Bacteria Is Suddenly Spiking And Is Killing 1 In 5 Who Catch It

deadly flesh-eating bacteria: why a rare, lethal bacteria is suddenly spiking and is killing 1 in 5 who catch it

What Happens To Your Skin, Joints And Gut After 30 Days Of Taking Collagen?

what happens to your skin, joints and gut after 30 days of taking collagen?

Lactic Acid in Goat Milk: The Gentle Skin Smoother That Works — But Is It All Hype?

lactic acid in goat milk: the gentle skin smoother that works — but is it all hype?

Ayurveda

Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Shatavari: Ayurvedic Trinity Every Woman In Her 20s Must Know

ashwagandha, brahmi, shatavari: ayurvedic trinity every woman in her 20s must know

You walk out of the <span>tattoo studio</span> with fresh ink that looks bold, bright, and perfect. But within a few days, you notice the colours seem duller, almost blurred. Do not worry! This cloudy look is a normal part of healing. According to dermatologists and <span>tattoo</span> artists, that milky veil over your design is not the end of your tattoo dreams. It is simply your skin doing its job.

As Dr Pragati Gogia Jain, DNB (Dermatology) at ApolloMedics Hospital, Lucknow, explains, our skin has layers. The top layer, called the <span>epidermis</span>, is made up of <span>keratinocytes</span>. When these cells are young, they’re packed with organelles and nuclei, making them opaque. As they mature, they lose these structures, becoming more transparent.

When you get a tattoo, the needle bypasses the epidermis and deposits pigment in the dermis. This process causes a controlled injury, triggering inflammation. In the days that follow, damaged keratinocytes in the <span>epidermis start shedding</span> (desquamation), and the fresh replacements are immature and cloudy.

“This cloudy layer scatters light, making the tattoo look dull,” says Dr Jain. “It’s temporary, and as the epidermis completes its 28-day turnover cycle, your tattoo will regain its clarity.”

<h3>What’s Happening Beneath the Tattoo Ink</h3>

Sahil Bali, tattoo artist at Devil’z Tattooz, says the fresh-out-of-the-studio vibrancy is like an Instagram filter: beautiful, but fleeting. “Right after we finish, the ink is just beneath intact skin, so the colours look sharp,” he says. “But as your immune system gets to work, a thin layer of scabbing or <span>peeling skin</span> forms. It’s made of dried <span>plasma</span>, old skin flakes, and natural oils, which aren’t transparent.”

This layer dulls the appearance of the tattoo. From day four to day ten, peeling starts. The temptation to pick at those flakes is real, but doing so can yank out pigment and cause patchy healing. “Hands off is the golden rule,” warns Bali.

<h3>Why <span rel="noindex">Tattoo Aftercare</span> Matters</h3>

While most cloudiness is part of the healing process, poor aftercare can make it worse. Dr Jain says that slathering on too much ointment can trap moisture between skin layers, creating a hazy effect. Over-moisturising can also make the peeling phase messy, while under-moisturising can slow healing.

<strong>The golden trio of aftercare:</strong>

<ul><li>Keep it clean, but not soaking wet</li><li>Moisturise lightly with fragrance-free ointment or lotion</li><li>Avoid scratching, picking, or exfoliating the area until it’s fully healed</li></ul>

<h3>The Healing Timeline: What to Expect</h3>

<ul><li>Week 1: Swelling and inflammation can make colours look slightly different. Cloudiness starts to creep in.</li><li>Week 2: Peeling is in full swing, and the haze is most noticeable. Do not pick.</li><li>Weeks 3–4: New skin settles in, clarity returns, and your tattoo looks almost like day one.</li><li>Weeks 4–6: Full healing. Your tattoo now has its true colours and crisp lines.</li></ul>

Your tattoo’s journey is a cycle: vibrant due to fresh ink, hazy during inflammation and peeling, then clear again as the skin regenerates. In short: 

<ul><li>The cloudy phase is temporary.</li><li>Don’t touch, scratch, or peel.</li><li>Follow optimal aftercare to prevent infection.</li><li>Always ensure your artist uses fresh, sterilised needles.</li></ul>

As Bali puts it, “Your tattoo is for life. A couple of hazy weeks is nothing compared to years of wearing a clear, beautiful design.”

Why Your Tattoo Looks Cloudy During Healing

tattoo studio

keratinocytes

epidermis

peeling skin

plasma

tattoo

tattoo aftercare

tattoo healing time

epidermis start shedding

You walk out of the tattoo studio with fresh ink that looks bold, bright, and perfect. But within a few days, you notice the colours seem duller, almost blurred. Do not worry! This cloudy look is a normal part of healing. According to dermatologists and tattoo artists, that milky veil over your design is not the end of your tattoo dreams. It is simply your skin doing its job.The Science of the Skin ScreenAs Dr Pragati Gogia Jain, DNB (Dermatology) at ApolloMedics Hospital, Lucknow, explains, our skin has layers. The top layer, called the epidermis, is made up of keratinocytes. When these cells are young, they’re packed with organelles and nuclei, making them opaque. As they mature, they lose these structures, becoming more transparent.When you get a tattoo, the needle bypasses the epidermis and deposits pigment in the dermis. This process causes a controlled injury, triggering inflammation. In the days that follow, damaged keratinocytes in the epidermis start shedding (desquamation), and the fresh replacements are immature and cloudy.“This cloudy layer scatters light, making the tattoo look dull,” says Dr Jain. “It’s temporary, and as the epidermis completes its 28-day turnover cycle, your tattoo will regain its clarity.”What’s Happening Beneath the Tattoo InkSahil Bali, tattoo artist at Devil’z Tattooz, says the fresh-out-of-the-studio vibrancy is like an Instagram filter: beautiful, but fleeting. “Right after we finish, the ink is just beneath intact skin, so the colours look sharp,” he says. “But as your immune system gets to work, a thin layer of scabbing or peeling skin forms. It’s made of dried plasma, old skin flakes, and natural oils, which aren’t transparent.”This layer dulls the appearance of the tattoo. From day four to day ten, peeling starts. The temptation to pick at those flakes is real, but doing so can yank out pigment and cause patchy healing. “Hands off is the golden rule,” warns Bali.Why Tattoo Aftercare MattersWhile most cloudiness is part of the healing process, poor aftercare can make it worse. Dr Jain says that slathering on too much ointment can trap moisture between skin layers, creating a hazy effect. Over-moisturising can also make the peeling phase messy, while under-moisturising can slow healing.The golden trio of aftercare:Keep it clean, but not soaking wetMoisturise lightly with fragrance-free ointment or lotionAvoid scratching, picking, or exfoliating the area until it’s fully healedThe Healing Timeline: What to ExpectWeek 1: Swelling and inflammation can make colours look slightly different. Cloudiness starts to creep in.Week 2: Peeling is in full swing, and the haze is most noticeable. Do not pick.Weeks 3–4: New skin settles in, clarity returns, and your tattoo looks almost like day one.Weeks 4–6: Full healing. Your tattoo now has its true colours and crisp lines.Your tattoo’s journey is a cycle: vibrant due to fresh ink, hazy during inflammation and peeling, then clear again as the skin regenerates. In short: The cloudy phase is temporary.Don’t touch, scratch, or peel.Follow optimal aftercare to prevent infection.Always ensure your artist uses fresh, sterilised needles.As Bali puts it, “Your tattoo is for life. A couple of hazy weeks is nothing compared to years of wearing a clear, beautiful design.”

why your tattoo looks 'cloudy' during healing: experts demystify recovery process

Ishita Roy

ADHD Medication May Cut Risks of Suicide, Substance Misuse, and Criminality, Study Finds

ADHD medication may do more than improve focus — it’s linked to lower risks of suicide, substance misuse, transport accidents, and criminality, according to a large Swedish study, highlighting benefits beyond symptom control and urging wider treatment awareness.

Mounjaro Price Hike: Here's All That You Need To Know About This Weightloss Drug

mounjaro price hike: here's what you need to know about this weightloss drug how is it different from ozempic, wegovy, zepbound

Can THIS Naturally Occurring Element Treat Alzheimer's

can this naturally occurring element treat alzheimer's

7 Multiple Sclerosis Myths You Need to Stop Believing Right Now

7 multiple sclerosis myths you need to stop believing right now

Hidden Traces Of COVID Found In Blood Could Help Confirm The Symptoms Of Long COVID

hidden traces of covid found in blood could help confirm the symptoms of long covid

Medication prescribed to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (<span>ADHD</span>) not only helps them concentrate but may also reduce the risk of suicidal behavior, substance misuse, transport accidents, and criminal activity, according to new research.

ADHD affects an estimated 2.6 million people in the UK. Globally, it impacts around 5 per cent of children and 2.5 per cent of adults. Despite its prevalence, in the UK just over half of those diagnosed receive medication for the condition.

<h2>Large-scale study tracks impact over two years</h2>

Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden analysed data from national health registers collected between 2007 and 2020. The study included 148,581 individuals aged six to 64 who were newly diagnosed with ADHD.

Of these, 57 per cent began drug treatment for ADHD, with methylphenidate, a commonly prescribed stimulant,  used by 88.4 per cent of those taking medication. The rest received no medication after diagnosis.

The study, published in the BMJ, examined how often participants experienced suicidal behaviours, substance misuse, accidental injuries, transport accidents, and criminal offences in the two years following their diagnosis.

<h2>Significant reductions in risky behaviours</h2>

After adjusting for factors such as age, sex, education level, psychiatric history, and other health conditions, the researchers found notable benefits among those taking medication.

ADHD drug treatment was associated with a 17 per cent reduction in suicidal behaviour, a 15 per cent drop in substance misuse, a 12 per cent decline in transport accidents, and a 13 per cent reduction in criminality.

Although the reduction in first-time accidental injuries was not statistically significant, those with recurrent incidents saw improvements across all five areas. Among this group, medication was linked to a 15 per cent reduction in <span>suicide</span> attempts, a 25 per cent decrease in substance misuse, a 4 per cent drop in accidental injuries, a 16 per cent fall in transport accidents, and a 25 per cent reduction in criminality.

ADHD symptoms often include difficulty paying attention, high levels of activity, and impulsive behaviour. According to the NHS, stimulant medication works by increasing activity in certain brain areas that help control attention and regulate behaviour.

Study authors suggest that reducing impulsivity could lower the likelihood of aggressive acts, thereby cutting criminality rates. Improving attention may also reduce the risk of transport accidents by minimising distractions.

Samuele Cortese, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Southampton and one of the study’s authors, said more needs to be done to educate people on the long-term risks linked to untreated ADHD.

“Commonly people think ADHD is overdiagnosed but there are still many people who have ADHD that are not diagnosed, and many are exposed to these risks,” he said.

He added that while side effects such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping can occur, they often improve over time or can be managed effectively.

The authors concluded that these findings should be considered in clinical decision-making and in public debates about ADHD medication. By improving attention and self-control, the drugs may help safeguard both health and social outcomes for those living with the condition.

adhd

Medication prescribed to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) not only helps them concentrate but may also reduce the risk of suicidal behavior, substance misuse, transport accidents, and criminal activity, according to new research.ADHD affects an estimated 2.6 million people in the UK. Globally, it impacts around 5 per cent of children and 2.5 per cent of adults. Despite its prevalence, in the UK just over half of those diagnosed receive medication for the condition.Large-scale study tracks impact over two yearsResearchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden analysed data from national health registers collected between 2007 and 2020. The study included 148,581 individuals aged six to 64 who were newly diagnosed with ADHD.Of these, 57 per cent began drug treatment for ADHD, with methylphenidate, a commonly prescribed stimulant,  used by 88.4 per cent of those taking medication. The rest received no medication after diagnosis.The study, published in the BMJ, examined how often participants experienced suicidal behaviours, substance misuse, accidental injuries, transport accidents, and criminal offences in the two years following their diagnosis.Significant reductions in risky behavioursAfter adjusting for factors such as age, sex, education level, psychiatric history, and other health conditions, the researchers found notable benefits among those taking medication.ADHD drug treatment was associated with a 17 per cent reduction in suicidal behaviour, a 15 per cent drop in substance misuse, a 12 per cent decline in transport accidents, and a 13 per cent reduction in criminality.Although the reduction in first-time accidental injuries was not statistically significant, those with recurrent incidents saw improvements across all five areas. Among this group, medication was linked to a 15 per cent reduction in suicide attempts, a 25 per cent decrease in substance misuse, a 4 per cent drop in accidental injuries, a 16 per cent fall in transport accidents, and a 25 per cent reduction in criminality.Why these effects may occurADHD symptoms often include difficulty paying attention, high levels of activity, and impulsive behaviour. According to the NHS, stimulant medication works by increasing activity in certain brain areas that help control attention and regulate behaviour.Study authors suggest that reducing impulsivity could lower the likelihood of aggressive acts, thereby cutting criminality rates. Improving attention may also reduce the risk of transport accidents by minimising distractions.Need for better awarenessSamuele Cortese, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Southampton and one of the study’s authors, said more needs to be done to educate people on the long-term risks linked to untreated ADHD.“Commonly people think ADHD is overdiagnosed but there are still many people who have ADHD that are not diagnosed, and many are exposed to these risks,” he said.He added that while side effects such as reduced appetite and difficulty sleeping can occur, they often improve over time or can be managed effectively.The authors concluded that these findings should be considered in clinical decision-making and in public debates about ADHD medication. By improving attention and self-control, the drugs may help safeguard both health and social outcomes for those living with the condition.

What Is Pulmonary Fibrosis and Why That Annoying Cough Might Be More Than Just a Cold

Quick Stories

From Loneliness To Overstimulation: Psychologist Explains How COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Our Mental Health In 5 Years

ADHD Medication May Cut Risks of Suicide, Substance Misuse, and Criminality, Study Finds

Why The Healthiest People Swear By Doing Less, Not More? Expert Explains

Health Conditions A-Z

How Much Protein Is Too Much Protein?

What Is Pulmonary Fibrosis and Why That Annoying Cough Might Be More Than Just a Cold

From Loneliness To Overstimulation: Psychologist Explains How COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Our Mental Health In 5 Years