Many people believe that the modern-day skincare trends are a scam made by the big pharma companies who wish to make more money. This is a recent trend of ‘Anti-Aging’ skincare that keeps yourself on toes for the innate need for women to stay ‘young’ if they wish to be desirable. The beauty industry, in a way, feeds on such societal-made insecurities. But the recent rise in the trend has taken a different turn. While before people did it before to look prettier or fairer, now people are looking at this skincare routine as a way of taking care of themselves rather than doing to match someone else's beauty standards. This is why, this trend has resurfaced in the skin care community. This is the blue light routine.

In today's digital age, where we spend countless hours looking at screens, from phones and tablets to laptops. This constant screen time exposes us to blue light, which research suggests can have negative effects on our skin. It also leads to premature aging and dark spots. The screens also leads to stress, which could further cause harm to skin. While ditching our devices isn't realistic, a growing number of skincare products claim to protect against blue light. But do these products actually work?

What is Blue Light Skincare?

You can find many skincare products that say they protect against blue light, like sprays, creams, gels, and sunscreens. Some promise to undo the damage blue light might cause, while others try to prevent it in the first place. Blue light sunscreens are special because they protect against both the sun's UV rays and blue light. This is what regular sunscreens don't do very well. Regular sunscreens, whether they use chemicals or minerals, don't block blue light as effectively.

However, tinted sunscreens are different. Tinted sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher can protect your skin from blue light, as well as UVA and UVB rays from the sun. This is because of the coloring in the tint. Some newer sunscreens also have special ingredients that help protect against visible light, including blue light. While scientists are still learning about how blue light affects skin, many skin doctors have found it to be helpful for skin.

What is Blue Light and Why Might It Be a Problem?

Blue light comes from screens, TVs, and even the sun. While we used to worry mostly about how it affects our eyes and sleep, now we're learning it might also affect our skin. Some studies show that too much blue light can damage skin cells and speed up aging, leading to wrinkles and uneven skin tone. It can also cause dark spots on the skin. This happens because blue light can cause something called "oxidative stress" in the skin, which is linked to aging. It leads to dead skin cells. Blue light goes deeper into the skin than the sun's UV rays and can make skin cells produce more pigment, causing dark spots. It's important to know that not all blue light is bad. There is a difference between the blue light that comes out of the screens and the blue light that is used from a certain blue light wavelength as a therapy. The latter is used by doctors to treat acne and some skin cancers.

Individuals who experience tingling, numbness, and burning sensations in their hands and feet often disregard these early symptoms, especially after a long drive, extended standing, or sleeping. Many frequently take painkillers to ease their discomfort in the hope that their pain and other symptoms will quickly go away.

These types of persistent or recurrent symptoms, however, could be a signal of a nerve health issue such as peripheral neuropathy. Vitamin B12 is crucial for the nervous system, and its deficiency could be one of the potential causes.

Early detection of these symptoms and appropriate, timely medical advice can help facilitate immediate intervention. Addressing nutritional gaps under medical guidance may help support overall nerve health and reduce the risk of progression.

Recognizing Vitamin B Deficiency Symptoms

Neurotropic B-vitamins are essential for preserving the structure and function of nerves. A lack of these vitamins may present as:

• Tingling or “pins and needles” in the hands and feet
• Numbness or reduced sensation
• Body weakness and muscle fatigue

Common Vitamin B12 deficiency signs include persistent fatigue, sensory disturbances, imbalance and neuropathic discomfort. Early detection supports timely intervention and may help prevent further nerve damage.

The Role of Vitamin B In Supporting Nerve Health

The right nutritional support plays a key role in preserving nerve function:

• Methylcobalamin, an active form of Vitamin B12, is considered to be one of the most important B-vitamins for nerve protection and repair. It plays a key role in maintaining the protective covering around nerves, which allows them to function properly.
• Vitamin B1 supports nerve signal transmission and energy metabolism within nerve cells.
• Vitamin B6 supports the production of important brain chemicals and helps maintain efficient nerve communication.

A Structured, Preventive Approach

An appropriate and active approach to nerve care includes nutritional adjustments, metabolic regulation, and the right assistance to support symptoms.

Dietary Optimization: Encourage intake of foods rich in B-vitamins such as whole grains, dairy, eggs, legumes, and leafy vegetables. However, for those with restrictions, the diet alone might not be enough, especially in cases of established deficiency, malabsorption, or restricted diets.

Targeted Treatment: When guided by a healthcare professional, oral supplementation can be considered as part of a comprehensive plan.

• The well-recognized B complex tablets support nerve integrity and functional recovery in deficiency-related cases over time.
• A combination of Vitamin B12 with B6, B3, B1, and B5 helps alleviate symptoms like tingling, numbness, and overall weakness.
• For symptomatic relief from nerve pain, tingling, and burning sensations in hands and feet, topical formulations having 0.075% Capsaicin, Menthol, Eucalyptus, and Camphor may provide instant relief after a long commute or extended standing.

• Lifestyle management: Managing blood sugar levels, staying physically active, and avoiding prolonged periods of inactivity are all crucial for nerve health. Regular movement, stretching, and adequate sleep further support nerve resilience and recovery.

Dozens of food products, including chocolates, snack mixes, popcorn, chips, and nuts, have been recalled in the US over the risk of salmonella contamination.

The recall is due to a specific ingredient — milk powder supplied by California Dairies — used in several products and snacks, particularly in seasonings.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the potentially tainted powdered milk and buttermilk were voluntarily recalled on April 20.

Which Products Have Been Recalled?

Ghirardelli Chocolate Powders:

• Chocolate Flavored Frappe
• Classic White Frappe
• Premium Hot Cocoa Pouch Bulk
• Chocolate & Cocoa Sweet Ground Powder
• White Chocolate Flavored Sweet Ground Powder
• Vanilla Frappe Mix
• Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix
• Classic White Frappe Mix
• Chocolate Flavored Frappe Mix
• Classic White Frappe Mix
• White Mocha Frappe Mix
• Mocha Frappe Mix
• Frozen Hot Cocoa Frappe Mix

• Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
• Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
• Zapp's Brand Bayou Blackened Ranch Potato Chips
• Zapp's Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
• Zapp's Brand Big Cheezy Potato Chip
• Zapp's Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips (60ct)
• Dirty Brand Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
• Dirty Brand Maui Onion Potato Chip
• Dirty Brand Sour Cream and Onion Potato Chips

• Bottles of Pork King Good Sour Cream & Onion Seasoning
• Bags of Pork King Good Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds
• Bags of Pork King Party Size Sour Cream & Onion Pork Rinds

• Fisher Tex Mex Trail Mix
• Southern Style Nuts Gourmet Hunter Mix
• Southern Style Nuts Gourmet Hunter Mix
• Southern Style Nuts Hunter Mix
• Squirrel Brand Travelers Mix
• Squirrel Brand Town & Country Mix
• Squirrel Brand Town & Country Mix
• Good & Gather Mexican Street, Corn Trail Mix
• Giant Eagle Pita Chips:
• Baked Pita Chips with Parmesan, Garlic & Herb

• Wildlife Seasoning Sour Cream & Onion Popcorn Topping
• Williams Sonoma-branded Popcorn Sampler Gift Box with White Cheddar Seasoning
• Fireworks Popcorn Poppings & Toppings gift set containing White Cheddar Seasoning

• Stoltzfus Family Dairy Sour Cream
• Onion Cheese Curds

• Culinary Circle Ultra Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch Frozen Pizza
• Great Value Thin Crust Chicken Bacon Ranch Frozen Pizza
• Great Value Stuffed Chicken Bacon Ranch Frozen Pizza
• Mama Cozzi's Biscuit Crust Sausage & Cheese Frozen Breakfast Pizza
• Mama Cozzi's Biscuit Crust Cooked Pork Belly Crumbles, Cooked Bacon Topping, Pepper & Onion Frozen Breakfast Pizza

Also read:India Launches SEHAT Mission To Connect Farming With Nutrition And Health

The FDA urges people who purchased the products to throw them away or return them for a refund.

A separate Salmonella recall impacting 12 flavors of the popular chocolate brand Spring & Mulberry was also recently announced by the FDA, but appeared to be linked to a date supplier. It wasn't immediately clear if there was any connection to the California Dairies recall.

Another is a public health alert issued by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for headcheese over possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes (Lm).

What Is Salmonella?

Read More: Why The Norovirus Outbreak On A Caribbean Cruise Ship Is Not A Cause for Panic

As per the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. It can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps. It can also happen when people consume uncooked and raw food. Salmonella can also spread from animals to people.

The FDA notes that people who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles, can spread the bacteria from the animal to food if hand washing hygiene is not practiced.

Pets, too, could spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Salmonella.

Common symptoms of Salmonella include

• diarrhea,
• fever,
• stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.

Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

Ivermectin, an antiparasitic medication, which gained widespread attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, is back in the spotlight again — this time in connection with the ongoing hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius.

According to the latest update from the World Health Organization (WHO), nine hantavirus cases have been confirmed so far, including three deaths.

Health authorities have also confirmed that the outbreak involves the Andes strain of hantavirus — the only known hantavirus strain capable of human-to-human transmission.

While global health agencies, including the WHO, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), continue to maintain that the overall public health risk remains low, memories of the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption it caused remain fresh. As a result, fear, speculation, and misinformation are once again spreading rapidly online.

"Hantavirus is an RNA virus, and ivermectin should work against it," claims a May 6, 2026, post on X from Mary Talley Bowden, an ear, nose, and throat doctor suspended in 2021 by Houston Methodist Hospital for spreading Covid-19 misinformation.

"I actually texted her today and asked what we can treat hantavirus with. I'm so glad she posted it," former Texas representative Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X as she amplified Bowden's assertions about ivermectin.

HealthandMe spoke to experts to understand the truth behind these claims, and they dismissed the misinformation surrounding them stat.

Dr Jatin Ahuja, Consultant, Infectious Disease, Apollo Delhi, noted that, "there is currently no strong scientific evidence or official guideline supporting ivermectin as a proven treatment for hantavirus in humans".

He advised people to avoid self-medication or depending on unverified online claims and to consult a doctor at the earliest if they experience any symptoms.

Dr Rajiva Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, added that ivermectin is not approved for the treatment of hantavirus infection by major global regulatory and public health agencies, including the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the US Food and Drug Administration.

"Current claims linking ivermectin to hantavirus treatment appear largely unverified and are being circulated primarily through social media platforms," he told HealthandMe.

Also read: Why The Norovirus Outbreak On A Caribbean Cruise Ship Is Not A Cause for Panic

What Ivermectin Is Actually Approved For?

Ivermectin is a well-established medication that is highly effective against parasites. It was developed to treat topical parasitic infections and has been widely used for conditions like river blindness and scabies.

The drug's significance in treating these diseases was so profound that researchers who studied it won the Nobel Prize in 2015.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved ivermectin tablets for treating specific parasitic infections in humans. It is also available as a lotion to treat lice and as a cream for rosacea. Additionally, veterinarians also use it to prevent and treat parasitic diseases in animals.

Previously, ivermectin also gained popularity as a cancer cure, although there is no scientific evidence for it.

To understand the treatment for hantavirus, let us first look at how the rat-borne virus affects the body.

"Once hantavirus enters the body, it mainly affects the lungs and small blood vessels," Dr Jatin told HealthandMe.

In some patients, the infection can cause fluid build-up in the lungs, which may lead to breathing problems and low oxygen levels.

Further, the severity of symptoms also can vary from person to person and may depend on factors such as the amount of virus a person was exposed to, the body’s immune response, and how early treatment is started.

Like many viral infections, a higher viral load may sometimes be linked to more severe illness, although every patient can respond differently, the experts said.

Read More: High Blood Pressure? Daily Soy And Legume Intake May Help Lower The Risk: Study

Hantavirus: The Early Viral-like Symptoms

One challenge with hantavirus is that the early symptoms are quite non-specific and may resemble several common viral or respiratory infections.

Fever, body ache, fatigue, headache, nausea, and cough are commonly reported in the initial stage. In a few cases, symptoms may progress to breathing difficulty and lung-related complications, which require timely medical care.

So, How Can Hantavirus Be Treated?

Currently, treatments focus on medical care support and managing complications at the earliest stage possible.

"Patients may require oxygen support, hydration, monitoring, and intensive care depending on the severity of the illness. Early recognition and prompt medical attention remain important for better outcomes," Dr Jatin said.

Dr Rajiva noted that approved management for hantavirus infection remains primarily supportive, focused on respiratory and hemodynamic (circulatory) support. Among the therapies explored so far, ribavirin and monoclonal antibodies have shown some potential in experimental settings and animal models, but these are still under investigation and are not widely approved as standard treatment options.

How Can You Safeguard Against Hantavirus?

Also read: Hantavirus: Is Climate Change Behind The Outbreak?

Since there is no direct cure for hantavirus infection, prevention becomes extremely important. Key precautions include:

• Avoid direct contact with rodents such as rats and mice
• Maintain cleanliness in areas vulnerable to rodent infestation
• Use gloves and masks while cleaning closed or dusty spaces
• Avoid dry sweeping, as it can spread contaminated particles into the air
• Keep food properly covered and dispose of waste carefully
• Ventilate closed rooms or storage areas before cleaning them.