There is so much information on skincare floating around – from beauty bloggers and magazines to old wives’ lore tales. Sifting through this to find what truly works for your skin can sometimes feel like a herculean task. What happens to your skin can sometimes indicate what is happening within your body. Here are a few questions to ask your dermatologist at your next appointment to improve your skin’s health and glow: How should I regularly prevent and screen for cancer? Skin cancer is a frequently diagnosed type of cancer in the country. Despite this, very few people get checked for the condition regularly. According to certain experts, when caught early, there is a 99% survival rate for those with skin cancer. That is why it is important to have a candid conversation with your dermatologist to discuss your risk factors and family history and possible ways of screening and prevention. How should I monitor my moles? Sometimes, your moles may be a cause of concern. It’s crucial to stay aware of any warning signs of skin cancer because no one knows your body better than you do. Follow the ‘ABCDE’ test to recognize signs of melanoma at home: Asymmetry :

Lungs are vital organs in the respiratory tract that support various bodily functions, including absorbing fresh oxygen from the air and expelling carbon dioxide. However, various respiratory disorders, like the common cold and flu infections to chronic obstructive diseases, can affect these functions. A pulmonologist is a healthcare professional specializing in treating and managing these lung disorders. Here are a few important questions to ask when one consults a pulmonologist. Ask about procedures Pulmonologists perform several tests to determine the type of disease or disorder developing in the lungs. During the first appointment, it is always better to ask about these tests to be prepared physically and emotionally. Discuss in detail about current symptoms Ask the pulmonologist why certain symptoms persist or worsen despite initial intervention. Describe the discomforts so the doctors can perform further tests to narrow down the causes and triggers. It could be a side effect of prescriptions or simply due to the progressive nature of the underlying lung disorder. Ask what should be done during flare-ups Symptoms can be erratic depending on the underlying complication. So, it is also important to ask the doctor about flare-ups and what should be done to provide immediate relief. Discuss test results in detail From acute chest syndrome to tuberculosis, many types of mild and severe lung disorders affect the organ’s overall function.

An ophthalmologist, or an eye doctor, is a qualified expert who diagnoses and treats conditions to maintain optimal eye health. When one visits an ophthalmologist, they can ask specific questions, either about their particular health concern or general doubts. However, it is quite common to go entirely blank when at the doctor’s and forget half the things that need to be asked. So, here’s a brief checklist of vital questions to ask an ophthalmologist. Which tests will be performed? Whenever you visit a doctor, it is reassuring to know what procedures or tests they will perform or are considering. Most people visiting ophthalmologists are ridden with anxiety about this aspect, so asking this particular question can soothe your nerves and make future visits and eye exams less stressful. While eye doctors perform eye tests, you can also carefully view their instruments and ask why certain tests are being conducted. It is advisable to discuss any concerns about the health condition or probable side effects you may face since this will also help set your mind at ease about the future. Finally, this question is also helpful in making future preparations. So, if a particular test or eye exam will interfere with your eyesight or alertness for a few hours, you can arrange for someone to drive you home from the ophthalmologist’s clinic afterward.

Experiencing constant noise in the head, such as ringing in the ears, can be annoying. The noise is continuous or intermittent, pulsating, shrill, and varying in loudness. It can occur due to various causes, from exposure to loud noise to underlying health conditions. Also known as tinnitus, this ringing in the ears affects nearly 50 million people in the country. Here’s all you need to know about tinnitus: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and precautions. Causes of tinnitus Prolonged exposure to loud noises This is one of the most common causes of tinnitus. Nearly 90 percent of the people who experience tinnitus have hearing loss induced by noise. The repeated exposure to loud sounds can cause damage to the sound-sensitive cells of the inner ear. This damage can often be permanent. Pilots, carpenters, street-repair workers, landscapers, rock musicians, and others who have to work in a constantly noisy environment are generally at risk. Sometimes, tinnitus is also caused by a single exposure to a sudden, extremely loud noise. Blockages in the ear If there is any blockage in the ear canal, it can cause tinnitus. The blockage can be due to an ear infection or buildup of wax. Sometimes, the development of a benign tumor of the auditory nerve can also cause ringing in the ears.

Millions of people in the world are impacted by hearing loss. It is a prevalent condition with a handful of causes. Understanding the condition’s complexities is essential for early detection, intervention, and symptom management. It is important to learn about the causes, symptoms, risk factors, and management options. By staying informed and seeking professional help, individuals with hearing loss can have a better quality of life, improve communication abilities, and ensure long-term hearing health. Causes of hearing loss There are various factors that can result in hearing loss. It could be a genetic predisposition. It could also be a result of aging, trauma, infections, certain prescriptions, or other underlying conditions. Genetic factors For some people, hearing loss can be inherited from parents that carry the same genetic mutations. It can affect the person’s functioning or the development of their auditory system. These genetic factors can contribute to congenital hearing loss, which is present at birth, or progressive hearing loss, which manifests later in life. Constant exposure to loud noises Excessive noise or being exposed to loud noises constantly can impact a person’s hearing capability. This could include repeated or prolonged exposure to machinery, explosions, and loud music. Such noises can damage the inner ear, which is quite delicate.

Annual eye exams can help detect changes in vision and also aid in keeping eye infections and diseases at bay. While many eyesight issues can develop due to age and existing health conditions, certain daily habits can increase the risk of such problems. While an ophthalmologist can help one find solutions to correct, improve, and resolve vision-related issues, one should also avoid doing the following things to improve eye health:  Things to avoid Not choosing nutrient-rich food The human body needs nutrients and minerals to carry out vital functions. So, when one skips nutrient-rich meals, it can lead to a deficiency that can affect overall health, including vision. Further, a vitamin deficiency can damage the optic nerve. So, one should choose foods that provide essential nutrients; for instance, foods like beans and fresh fruits and vegetables like kale, spinach, and lemon are great additions to meal plans. Excessive sun exposure One of the worst things that can hurt the eyes is staring at the sun. Typically, looking at the sun without any protective gear can cause a burning sensation. Here, the damage to the retina develops within a few seconds and causes discomfort. So, healthcare professionals recommend using special-purpose solar-filtered lenses to protect the eyes from such harm.