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Showing posts with the label Health & Medicine

Gel nails: Investigation launched into gel polish allergic reactions

  By Niki Cardwell & Jasmine Andersson BBC News, Eddited by- Amal Udawatta, IMAGE SOURCE, GETTY IMAGES The government is investigating reports that growing numbers of people are developing life-changing allergies to some gel nail products. Dermatologists say they are treating people for allergic reactions to acrylic and gel nails "most weeks". Dr Deirdre Buckley of the British Association of Dermatologists urged people to cut down on gel nail use and stick to "old-fashioned" polishes. She is now urging people to stop using DIY home kits to treat their nails. Some people have reported nails loosening or falling off, skin rashes or, in rarer cases, breathing difficulties, she said. On Friday, the government's  Office for Product Safety and Standards  confirmed it was investigating and said the first point of contact for anyone developing an allergy after using a polish is their local trading standards department. In a statement it said: "All cosmetics mad

NHS to use test that prevents babies going deaf

  By James Gallagher Health and science correspondent - BBC Edited by Amal Udawatta, IMAGE SOURCE, GETTY IMAGES For some babies, commonly used antibiotics can become toxic. The drugs damage sensory cells inside the ear leading to permanent hearing loss. The test - which analyses babies' DNA - can quickly spot those who are vulnerable. It means they can be given a different type of antibiotic and avoid having a lifetime of damaged hearing. Gentamicin is the first-choice antibiotic if a newborn develops a serious bacterial infection. It is life-saving and safe for the majority of people. However, it has a rare side effect. About 1,250 babies in England and Wales are born with a subtle change in their genetic code that allows the antibiotic to bind more strongly to the hair cells in their ears, where it becomes toxic. These tiny hairs help convert sounds into the electrical signals that are understood by the brain. If they are damaged, it results in hearing loss. The side effect is we

Folic acid in flour too low to prevent birth defects, scientists say

  By Philippa Roxby Health reporter  BBC, Edited by Amal Udawatta, IMAGE SOURCE, GETTY IMAGES Image caption, Folic acid is set to be added to non-wholemeal wheat flour under UK government proposals Leading scientists say adding higher levels of folic acid to all flour and rice would stop hundreds more UK babies being born with lifelong disabilities. They say current levels being proposed are too low and will not help some groups of women, while any concerns over potential harms are unjustified. The government says mandatory fortification of one type of white flour allows an element of choice. The Food Standards Agency says it will still offer big public health benefits. Last year, governments across the UK decided to introduce new laws making it compulsory for the food industry to add a vitamin called folic acid, also known as B9, to non-wholemeal wheat flour. That means everyone who eats white bread would get more folic acid in their diets. The vitamin is particularly important in the