Latest news with #LauraJennings
Scottish Sun
28-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 8 reasons you have awful hangovers even after just TWO drinks – and the must-do hacks to avoid it
Eating cereal may help you prepare for a night of drinks, or in the morning DOUBLE TROUBLE The 8 reasons you have awful hangovers even after just TWO drinks – and the must-do hacks to avoid it Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) APEROL spritz at the Saturday BBQ, rosé after work and G&Ts in the garden - summer is here, but with booze comes the dreaded 'next day'. What's worse, is that sometimes, it can only take a couple of drinks to feel the effects of a hangover. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Waking up feeling rough after just a couple? You're certainly not alone! Credit: Getty Laura Jennings, nutritionist and founder of the NutriMethod tells Sun Health that typically, a hangover sets in as the blood alcohol level starts to drop, often peaking when there's no alcohol left in the system. 'Hangovers can last for up to 24 hours,' she adds. But, there are some reasons why you might end up suffering the next day, even if you kept your alcohol intake to a minimum… 1. You're dehydrated DRINKING water is the number one rule of avoiding a hangover. So, if you're not doing it, there's your first clue as to why you feel it even after a couple. While drinking water won't stop you getting a hangover, it could help reduce the severity of your symptoms, Laura says. She adds: 'Alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it encourages your body to lose more water through urine. 'It does this by blocking the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin, which normally helps your body regulate water excretion. 'As a result, you can become dehydrated and that alone can cause symptoms like fatigue, headache and dry mouth.' Make sure you're hydrated throughout the day, not just when you're drinking alcohol. Aim for 1.5 to two litres of water each day. Doctor shares the 5 remedies that actually stop your Christmas party hangover - and they work wonders for the over 25s When drinking, use the 'zebra striping' method - one alcoholic beverage, one water. And make sure to hydrate on route home. 2. Your drinks are dark NOT all alcohol affects you the same way when it comes to hangovers. 7 Make sure to drink water throughout the evening AND once you get home Credit: Alamy 'Clear spirits such as vodka and gin tend to cause fewer symptoms because they contain lower levels of congeners, which are compounds produced during fermentation and distillation,' says Laura. Darker drinks like whiskey and brandy are higher in these by-products, which can make hangovers feel worse. In people who are susceptible, a spike in histamine and serotonin can lead to symptoms such as flushing, headaches or nasal congestion Laura Jennings 'Some of these congeners, like methanol, can be broken down into toxic substances such as formaldehyde and formic acid in the body,' says Laura. 'Thankfully, our body has enzymes that help clear these toxins out, but if you've had a lot to drink, or you're dehydrated, the system can get overwhelmed, which may contribute to the severity of a hangover.' 3. You drink red over white IF you're a red wine over white kind of a drinker then your hangover might be worse. Red wine has more of those pesky congeners than white, Laura says, adding: 'Red wine also contains more histamine and serotonin-releasing compounds than white wine or spirits like vodka. 7 Go for white wine over red- which has more chemicals that induce a hangover Credit: Alamy 'In people who are susceptible, this spike in histamine and serotonin can lead to symptoms such as flushing, headaches or nasal congestion, often mistaken for classic hangover effects.' She adds that red wine also contains more quercetin, a polyphenol (antioxidant) found in significantly higher amounts in red wine. Research in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that quercetin might interfere with alcohol metabolism, especially in people with a variant of the enzyme ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2). 'This enzyme helps break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol,' Laura says. 'If this process is slowed or impaired, acetaldehyde can build up, leading to more severe hangover symptoms like headache, nausea and fatigue.' 4. Your diet is filled with UPFs ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS, such as cereals, processed meats, cakes, chocolate, crisps, ice-cream and fizzy drinks, could make your hangover worse. Laura says: 'These foods provide little in the way of protective micronutrients and can amplify inflammation and blood sugar swings, both of which can intensify hangover symptoms.' Drinking alcohol can mess with your blood sugar because it makes it harder for your body to produce glucose. Women have less body water and lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that metabolises alcohol Dr Mohammed Najjar 'This can lead to dips in blood glucose, which might explain why people feel shaky, tired or irritable after drinking,' says Laura. Drinking on an empty stomach could also make your hangover worse. But, on the flip side, Laura adds: 'Eating nutrient-dense, whole foods rich in B vitamins and minerals like zinc before drinking may help take the edge off a hangover.' Research in the journal of Clinical Medicine found that vitamin B3 and zinc play a pivotal role in reducing the severity of hangovers, especially when it comes to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. 'These nutrients are involved in alcohol metabolism and help the body break down acetaldehyde, the toxic by-product of alcohol that contributes to hangover symptoms,' explains Laura. 'Foods rich in zinc include legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains and shellfish, while B3 can be found in poultry, brown rice, mushrooms and fortified cereals. Including these foods in your meals before drinking could help support your body's detox pathways.' 7 If your diet is heavy in ultraprocessed foods, you're more likely to feel the effects of alcohol Credit: Getty 7 However, some cereals are fortified with B vitamins, which can help with fatigue and low energy Credit: Getty 5. You're relying on hangover supplements THERE'S a lot of hangover supplements on the market which make promising claims. Have you given them a go, only to find you are still hungover, even after just two drinks? That's because most of these supplements aren't backed by strong scientific evidence, says Laura. 'While a few small studies have looked at individual ingredients that may help with specific symptoms like nausea or headaches, there's currently no solid, peer-reviewed research in humans to confirm that these products are safe or consistently effective at preventing or treating hangovers,' she says. So while you might benefit from some minor symptom relief, there's no proven supplement that can reliably prevent or cure a hangover. 7 Hangover supplement are all the rage. But there isn't a huge amount of research to say they work, so don't rely on them Credit: Getty 6. It's your medications IF you're taking medications, these could have an impact on how your body metabolises alcohol, which could make your hangover worse. 'These include some pain relievers such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs (medicines that relieve pain, reduce inflammation and bring down a high temperature, such as ibuprofen and aspirin) and some antidepressants,' says Dr Mohammed Najjar, Medical Director of Jorja Healthcare Group. Some medications require you to avoid alcohol at all costs. Dr Najjar recommends speaking to your GP if you're concerned. 7. You're a woman GENETICS do play a role in how you metabolise alcohol. Dr Najjar says: 'Although men and women tend to metabolise alcohol at approximately the same rate, women appear to have a higher rate of alcohol elimination.' This can mean women feel the effects of alcohol more strongly. 'This could be due to a number of factors such as the smaller lean body mass in women which leads to higher alcohol concentration per unit of lean body mass, and also due to the fact that women have less body water and lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that metabolises alcohol,' adds Dr Najjar. The menstrual cycle can impact how severe a hangover is. Dr Najjar says that some women notice their hangovers are worse during the luteal phase (the week before your period). 'Levels of the hormone progesterone levels increase significantly during this phase, and oestrogen levels also remain elevated,' says Dr Najjar. 'It's possible that these hormone changes can cause more acetaldehyde to remain in the body after drinking alcohol which can result in hangover symptoms.' 7 Women metabolise alcohol differently which means they may feel the impact of a hangover more Credit: Getty Surprising hangover cures If you've woken up with a groggy head and an aching body from a day or night on the booze, you need to nourish your body to help it regain strength. Unhealthy, high calorie foods could derail you weight loss efforts as well as make the hangover worse. Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at says: 'Excessive alcohol consumption damages your liver. To detox your liver and alleviate nasty hangover symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and dehydration, try some of the below ingredients.' Onions and garlic Both of these foods contain a nutrient called sulphur, according to Shona, which is essential in liver detoxification. 'Toxins in the body essentially join to the sulphur and are then excreted from the body.' Lemon peel Adding some lemon peel to a glass of water or shaving some onto your food could help alleviate some of your hangover symptoms. Shona says: 'Lemon peel contains a substance called limonene, which helps your body to detoxify itself by removing carcinogens from the body. 'There is research that suggests lemon peel may even offer an effective solution to migraines and headaches, given that it's a great source of Vitamin C.' Grapefruit It's the substance naringin in grapefruits, which helps to protect the liver from all kinds of damage. Shona says: 'There are a lot of medicines out there that don't mix too well with grapefruit however, so consult your GP before adding too much grapefruit into your diet if you're on any prescribed medications.' Pickle juice An odd one, but pickle juice is packed with electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which Shona says are essential in a whole host of the body's vital processes. She says: 'Electrolytes help to keep us hydrated by regulating the amount of water in our cells to ensure they're able to function properly. 'If you're hungover, it's the perfect remedy.'
The Irish Sun
28-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The 8 reasons you have awful hangovers even after just TWO drinks – and the must-do hacks to avoid it
APEROL spritz at the Saturday BBQ, rosé after work and G&Ts in the garden - summer is here, but with booze comes the dreaded 'next day'. What's worse, is that sometimes, it can only take a couple of drinks to feel the effects of a hangover. Advertisement 7 Waking up feeling rough after just a couple? You're certainly not alone! Credit: Getty Laura Jennings, nutritionist and founder of the ' But, there are some reasons why you might end up suffering the next day, even if you kept your alcohol intake to a minimum… 1. You're dehydrated DRINKING water is the number one rule of avoiding a hangover. Advertisement Read more life hacks So, if you're not doing it, there's your first clue as to why you feel it even after a couple. While drinking water won't stop you getting a hangover, it could help reduce the severity of your symptoms, Laura says. She adds: 'Alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it encourages your body to lose more water through urine. 'It does this by blocking the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin, which normally helps your body regulate water excretion. Advertisement Most read in Health 'As a result, you can become Make sure you're hydrated throughout the day, not just when you're drinking alcohol. Aim for 1.5 to two litres of water each day. Doctor shares the 5 remedies that actually stop your Christmas party hangover - and they work wonders for the over 25s When drinking, use the 'zebra striping' method - one alcoholic beverage, one water. And make sure to hydrate on route home. 2. Your drinks are dark NOT all alcohol affects you the same way when it comes to hangovers. Advertisement 7 Make sure to drink water throughout the evening AND once you get home Credit: Alamy 'Clear spirits such as vodka and gin tend to cause fewer symptoms because they contain lower levels of congeners, which are compounds produced during fermentation and distillation,' says Laura. In people who are susceptible, a spike in histamine and serotonin can lead to symptoms such as flushing, headaches or nasal congestion Laura Jennings nutritionist and founder of the NutriMethod 'Some of these congeners, like methanol, can be broken down into toxic substances such as formaldehyde and formic acid in the body,' says Laura. Advertisement 'Thankfully, our body has enzymes that help clear these toxins out, but if you've had a lot to drink, or you're dehydrated, the system can get overwhelmed, which may contribute to the severity of a hangover.' 3. You drink red over white IF you're a red wine over white kind of a drinker then your hangover might be worse. Red wine has more of those pesky congeners than white, Laura says, adding: 'Red wine also contains more histamine and serotonin-releasing compounds than white wine or spirits like vodka. 7 Go for white wine over red- which has more chemicals that induce a hangover Credit: Alamy Advertisement 'In people who are susceptible, this spike in She adds that red wine also contains more quercetin, a polyphenol (antioxidant) found in significantly higher amounts in red wine. Research in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that quercetin might interfere with alcohol metabolism, especially in people with a variant of the enzyme ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2). 'This enzyme helps break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol,' Laura says. Advertisement 'If this process is slowed or impaired, acetaldehyde can build up, leading to more severe hangover symptoms like headache, nausea and fatigue.' 4. Your diet is filled with UPFs Laura says: 'These foods provide little in the way of protective micronutrients and can amplify inflammation and blood sugar swings, both of which can intensify hangover symptoms.' Drinking alcohol can mess with your Advertisement Women have less body water and lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that metabolises alcohol Dr Mohammed Najjar Medical Director of Jorja Healthcare Group 'This can lead to dips in blood glucose, which might explain why people feel shaky, tired or irritable after drinking,' says Laura. Drinking on an empty stomach could also make your hangover worse. But, on the flip side, Laura adds: 'Eating nutrient-dense, whole foods rich in B vitamins and minerals like zinc before drinking may help take the edge off a hangover.' Research in the journal of Clinical Medicine found that vitamin B3 and zinc play a pivotal role in reducing the severity of hangovers, especially when it comes to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Advertisement 'These 'Foods rich in zinc include legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains and shellfish, while B3 can be found in poultry, brown rice, mushrooms and fortified cereals. Including these foods in your meals before drinking could help support your body's detox pathways.' 7 If your diet is heavy in ultraprocessed foods, you're more likely to feel the effects of alcohol Credit: Getty 7 However, some cereals are fortified with B vitamins, which can help with fatigue and low energy Credit: Getty Advertisement 5. You're relying on hangover supplements THERE'S a lot of Have you given them a go, only to find you are still hungover, even after just two drinks? That's because most of these supplements aren't backed by strong scientific evidence, says Laura. 'While a few small studies have looked at individual ingredients that may help with specific symptoms like nausea or headaches, there's currently no solid, peer-reviewed research in humans to confirm that these products are safe or consistently effective at preventing or treating hangovers,' she says. Advertisement So while you might benefit from some minor symptom relief, there's no proven supplement that can reliably prevent or cure a hangover. 7 Hangover supplement are all the rage. But there isn't a huge amount of research to say they work, so don't rely on them Credit: Getty 6. It's your medications IF you're taking medications, these could have an impact on how your body metabolises alcohol, which could make your hangover worse. 'These include some pain relievers such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs (medicines that relieve pain, reduce inflammation and bring down a Advertisement Some medications require you to avoid alcohol at all costs. Dr Najjar recommends speaking to your GP if you're concerned. 7. You're a woman GENETICS do play a role in how you metabolise alcohol. Dr Najjar says: 'Although men and women tend to metabolise alcohol at approximately the same rate, women appear to have a higher rate of alcohol elimination.' This can mean women feel the effects of alcohol more strongly. Advertisement 'This could be due to a number of factors such as the smaller lean body mass in women which leads to higher alcohol concentration per unit of lean body mass, and also due to the fact that women have less body water and lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that metabolises alcohol,' adds Dr Najjar. The Dr Najjar says that some women notice their hangovers are worse during the luteal phase (the week before your period). 'Levels of the hormone progesterone levels increase significantly during this phase, and oestrogen levels also remain elevated,' says Dr Najjar. Advertisement 'It's possible that these hormone changes can cause more acetaldehyde to remain in the body after drinking alcohol which can result in hangover symptoms.' 7 Women metabolise alcohol differently which means they may feel the impact of a hangover more Credit: Getty Surprising hangover cures If you've woken up with a groggy head and an aching body from a day or night on the booze, you need to nourish your body to help it regain strength. Unhealthy, high calorie foods could derail you weight loss efforts as well as make the hangover worse. Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at Onions and garlic Both of these foods contain a nutrient called sulphur, according to Shona, which is essential in liver detoxification. 'Toxins in the body essentially join to the sulphur and are then excreted from the body.' Lemon peel Adding some lemon peel to a glass of water or shaving some onto your food could help alleviate some of your hangover symptoms. Shona says: 'Lemon peel contains a substance called limonene, which helps your body to detoxify itself by removing carcinogens from the body. 'There is research that suggests lemon peel may even offer an effective solution to migraines and headaches, given that it's a great source of Vitamin C.' Grapefruit It's the substance naringin in grapefruits, which helps to protect the liver from all kinds of damage. Shona says: 'There are a lot of medicines out there that don't mix too well with grapefruit however, so consult your GP before adding too much grapefruit into your diet if you're on any prescribed medications.' Pickle juice An odd one, but pickle juice is packed with electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which Shona says are essential in a whole host of the body's vital processes. She says: 'Electrolytes help to keep us hydrated by regulating the amount of water in our cells to ensure they're able to function properly. 'If you're hungover, it's the perfect remedy.'
The Sun
28-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 8 reasons you have awful hangovers even after just TWO drinks – and the must-do hacks to avoid it
APEROL spritz at the Saturday BBQ, rosé after work and G&Ts in the garden - summer is here, but with booze comes the dreaded 'next day'. What's worse, is that sometimes, it can only take a couple of drinks to feel the effects of a hangover. 7 Laura Jennings, nutritionist and founder of the NutriMethod tells Sun Health that typically, a hangover sets in as the blood alcohol level starts to drop, often peaking when there's no alcohol left in the system. ' Hangovers can last for up to 24 hours,' she adds. But, there are some reasons why you might end up suffering the next day, even if you kept your alcohol intake to a minimum… 1. You're dehydrated DRINKING water is the number one rule of avoiding a hangover. So, if you're not doing it, there's your first clue as to why you feel it even after a couple. While drinking water won't stop you getting a hangover, it could help reduce the severity of your symptoms, Laura says. She adds: 'Alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it encourages your body to lose more water through urine. 'It does this by blocking the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin, which normally helps your body regulate water excretion. 'As a result, you can become dehydrated and that alone can cause symptoms like fatigue, headache and dry mouth.' Make sure you're hydrated throughout the day, not just when you're drinking alcohol. Aim for 1.5 to two litres of water each day. When drinking, use the 'zebra striping' method - one alcoholic beverage, one water. And make sure to hydrate on route home. 2. Your drinks are dark NOT all alcohol affects you the same way when it comes to hangovers. 'Clear spirits such as vodka and gin tend to cause fewer symptoms because they contain lower levels of congeners, which are compounds produced during fermentation and distillation,' says Laura. Darker drinks like whiskey and brandy are higher in these by-products, which can make hangovers feel worse. In people who are susceptible, a spike in histamine and serotonin can lead to symptoms such as flushing, headaches or nasal congestion Laura Jennings nutritionist and founder of the NutriMethod 'Some of these congeners, like methanol, can be broken down into toxic substances such as formaldehyde and formic acid in the body,' says Laura. 'Thankfully, our body has enzymes that help clear these toxins out, but if you've had a lot to drink, or you're dehydrated, the system can get overwhelmed, which may contribute to the severity of a hangover.' 3. You drink red over white IF you're a red wine over white kind of a drinker then your hangover might be worse. Red wine has more of those pesky congeners than white, Laura says, adding: 'Red wine also contains more histamine and serotonin-releasing compounds than white wine or spirits like vodka. 'In people who are susceptible, this spike in histamine and serotonin can lead to symptoms such as flushing, headaches or nasal congestion, often mistaken for classic hangover effects.' She adds that red wine also contains more quercetin, a polyphenol (antioxidant) found in significantly higher amounts in red wine. Research in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that quercetin might interfere with alcohol metabolism, especially in people with a variant of the enzyme ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2). 'This enzyme helps break down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol,' Laura says. 'If this process is slowed or impaired, acetaldehyde can build up, leading to more severe hangover symptoms like headache, nausea and fatigue.' 4. Your diet is filled with UPFs ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS, such as cereals, processed meats, cakes, chocolate, crisps, ice-cream and fizzy drinks, could make your hangover worse. Laura says: 'These foods provide little in the way of protective micronutrients and can amplify inflammation and blood sugar swings, both of which can intensify hangover symptoms.' Drinking alcohol can mess with your blood sugar because it makes it harder for your body to produce glucose. 'This can lead to dips in blood glucose, which might explain why people feel shaky, tired or irritable after drinking,' says Laura. Drinking on an empty stomach could also make your hangover worse. But, on the flip side, Laura adds: 'Eating nutrient-dense, whole foods rich in B vitamins and minerals like zinc before drinking may help take the edge off a hangover.' Research in the journal of Clinical Medicine found that vitamin B3 and zinc play a pivotal role in reducing the severity of hangovers, especially when it comes to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. 'These nutrients are involved in alcohol metabolism and help the body break down acetaldehyde, the toxic by-product of alcohol that contributes to hangover symptoms,' explains Laura. 'Foods rich in zinc include legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains and shellfish, while B3 can be found in poultry, brown rice, mushrooms and fortified cereals. Including these foods in your meals before drinking could help support your body's detox pathways.' 7 7 5. You're relying on hangover supplements THERE'S a lot of hangover supplements on the market which make promising claims. Have you given them a go, only to find you are still hungover, even after just two drinks? That's because most of these supplements aren't backed by strong scientific evidence, says Laura. 'While a few small studies have looked at individual ingredients that may help with specific symptoms like nausea or headaches, there's currently no solid, peer-reviewed research in humans to confirm that these products are safe or consistently effective at preventing or treating hangovers,' she says. So while you might benefit from some minor symptom relief, there's no proven supplement that can reliably prevent or cure a hangover. 6. It's your medications IF you're taking medications, these could have an impact on how your body metabolises alcohol, which could make your hangover worse. 'These include some pain relievers such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs (medicines that relieve pain, reduce inflammation and bring down a high temperature, such as ibuprofen and aspirin) and some antidepressants,' says Dr Mohammed Najjar, Medical Director of Jorja Healthcare Group. Some medications require you to avoid alcohol at all costs. Dr Najjar recommends speaking to your GP if you're concerned. 7. You're a woman GENETICS do play a role in how you metabolise alcohol. Dr Najjar says: 'Although men and women tend to metabolise alcohol at approximately the same rate, women appear to have a higher rate of alcohol elimination.' This can mean women feel the effects of alcohol more strongly. 'This could be due to a number of factors such as the smaller lean body mass in women which leads to higher alcohol concentration per unit of lean body mass, and also due to the fact that women have less body water and lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme that metabolises alcohol,' adds Dr Najjar. The menstrual cycle can impact how severe a hangover is. Dr Najjar says that some women notice their hangovers are worse during the luteal phase (the week before your period). 'Levels of the hormone progesterone levels increase significantly during this phase, and oestrogen levels also remain elevated,' says Dr Najjar. 'It's possible that these hormone changes can cause more acetaldehyde to remain in the body after drinking alcohol which can result in hangover symptoms.' Surprising hangover cures If you've woken up with a groggy head and an aching body from a day or night on the booze, you need to nourish your body to help it regain strength. Unhealthy, high calorie foods could derail you weight loss efforts as well as make the hangover worse. Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at says: 'Excessive alcohol consumption damages your liver. To detox your liver and alleviate nasty hangover symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and dehydration, try some of the below ingredients.' Onions and garlic Both of these foods contain a nutrient called sulphur, according to Shona, which is essential in liver detoxification. 'Toxins in the body essentially join to the sulphur and are then excreted from the body.' Lemon peel Adding some lemon peel to a glass of water or shaving some onto your food could help alleviate some of your hangover symptoms. Shona says: 'Lemon peel contains a substance called limonene, which helps your body to detoxify itself by removing carcinogens from the body. 'There is research that suggests lemon peel may even offer an effective solution to migraines and headaches, given that it's a great source of Vitamin C.' Grapefruit It's the substance naringin in grapefruits, which helps to protect the liver from all kinds of damage. Shona says: 'There are a lot of medicines out there that don't mix too well with grapefruit however, so consult your GP before adding too much grapefruit into your diet if you're on any prescribed medications.' Pickle juice An odd one, but pickle juice is packed with electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which Shona says are essential in a whole host of the body's vital processes. She says: 'Electrolytes help to keep us hydrated by regulating the amount of water in our cells to ensure they're able to function properly. 'If you're hungover, it's the perfect remedy.'
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
GP said the mark on my toenail was just an infection... in fact it was the first and only sign of deadly cancer
A mother-of-one is urging people not to ignore mysterious marks on nails after what she thought was a simple bruise turned out to be a deadly form of cancer. Laura Jennings, 40, from Leeds, first noticed a dark streak beneath her toenail in April 2022. 'I'm fairly active and can be clumsy at times, so I figured I'd kicked something,' she said. 'It certainly didn't look like anything I should be worried about, and it wasn't painful, so I kept it covered with nail varnish and carried on as normal.' When the nail eventually began to crumble, Ms Jennings booked a telephone consultation with her GP—and sent photos. She was initially diagnosed with a fungal nail infection and given antifungal ointment, and she was told it could take up to a year for a new nail to grow. But a year later, the dark mark looked worse—prompting Laura to push for a face-to-face appointment. This time, the GP immediately recognised it as something more serious. Tests confirmed she had acral lentiginous melanoma, a rare and dangerous form of skin cancer that appears under nails or on the soles and palms. Ms Jennings has since had part of her toe and a lymph node in her groin removed in a bid to stop the cancer from spreading. Nearly three years on, she still faces another three years of regular scans before doctors can confirm she's in the clear. Recalling the moment of her diagnosis, Ms Jennings said: 'I just went into a state of shock. My whole body was shaking. I'm a solo parent. 'I've got a little boy and a lot of living to do. She added: 'I like to think I'm fairly intelligent and pay attention to health-related campaigns. 'I know if there is blood in my poo or a lump in my boobs or if a mole starts to itch, bleed or change colour, I know to get those things checked out. But no one ever tells you to look out for this.' Signs of skin cancer range from innocuous to obvious, but experts warn that treating cases early is key to making sure they do not spread or further develop Within a month, Ms Jennings underwent surgery to remove her nail and as much of the tumour as possible. The confirmation of cancer left her devastated. The road to recovery called for further surgery, resulting in part of her toe being amputated to remove the cancerous cells. Ms Jennings also had a lymph node in her groin removed to test if the cancer had spread. As she awaited the results, Ms Jennings grappled with the deepest emotional strain of her journey. 'My mind was the challenge,' she said. 'I was taking my son to swimming lessons, wondering if that was going to be the last one I would take him to. I couldn't help thinking, "What if I don't see him through school? What if I'm not here for him if he gets married? What if I never get to be a grandma?" 'It was like my body had turned against me. I'd never been so scared that my life could be taken away without me wanting it,' she added. Ms Jennings' tests showed that the surgery was successful, and the cancer had been removed. There were also no signs that the cancer had spread. However, the single mother now faces five more check-ups over the next three years before she can be considered cancer-free, and even then, there is no guarantee it won't return. Melanoma is the UK's fifth most common cancer, as well as the deadliest form of skin cancer. In Britain, there are approximately 17,500 new cases diagnosed annually—around 48 every day, according to Cancer Research UK. Nine in 10 cases are caused by ultra-violet radiation from the sun and sunbeds. Acral lentiginous melanoma accounts for three per cent of melanoma diagnoses, and while the exact cause remains unknown, sun exposure is not thought to be a factor. Ms Jennings is sharing her story to highlight the important of taking skin changes seriously—and seeking medical advice if you spot them. She said: 'I'm not a doctor, but what I think is you should go and get it checked if you're worried. 'Because if something is not normal about your nails, you must get it checked. 'It might be a fungal nail infection, it might be because you banged it with something. But it could be something more. Early detection really is key.' Despite huge stride forward in treatments that has seen survival rates soar from less than 50 per cent to more than 90 per cent in the past decade, melanoma still kills more than 2,000 people a year. Ms Jennings said: 'Every day is very important to me, and actually, I think having a visible reminder of what I've been through is important. 'It's a daily reminder of how precious life is, that encourages me to make the most of every day, every opportunity to celebrate and most of all, life's simplest pleasures.'
Daily Mirror
02-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I noticed a mark on my toe - then life changed in a second'
Laura Jennings initially dismissed the mark as a bruise and covered it up with nail varnish A woman was startled to find out the peculiar mark on her nail, which she discovered while removing nail varnish and presumed to be a bruise, turned out to be the early warning sign of aggressive skin cancer. Laura Jennings, an active 40-year-old from Leeds initially thought little of it. She said: "I'm fairly active and can be clumsy at times, so I figured I'd kicked something and got a bruise under the toenail that would naturally fade. "It certainly didn't look like anything I should be worried about, and it wasn't painful so I kept it covered up with nail varnish and carried on as normal." But the situation took a worrying turn when her nail began to disintegrate upon removing the varnish: "Then one day, I took the nail varnish off and part of the nail disintegrated. I thought, 'Well, that's not good.' But people lose their toenails all the time, right?". What Laura didn't realise was that this was the start of her battle with cancer that kicked off in April 2022, during a time when COVID's lingering effects were still causing havoc with healthcare access. Struggling for a face-to-face appointment, Laura's GP consultation happened over the phone, where she sent in photos of her toenail, eventually leading to a misdiagnosis of a fungal nail infection and a futile anti-fungal treatment, while her nail sample went off for analysis. Despite her test results showing no signs of infection, Laura's GP reassured her and advised her to continue with the treatment plan. She was told it could take up to a year for a new nail to grow back, so she didn't worry when her toe didn't improve after several months. However, by Easter 2023, she became worried as her condition seemed to worsen. "I like to think I'm fairly intelligent and pay attention to health-related campaigns. I know if there is blood in my poo or a lump in my boobs or if a mole starts to itch, bleed or change colour, I know to get those things checked out. But no one ever tells you to look out for this," Laura said. "I went back and I pushed for a face-to-face appointment. I thought my toenail just needed to be taken off to be free to grow a new one. But the GP I saw knew straight away that this could be something much more serious." Laura's doctor had recently attended a conference on melanoma where she learned about acral lentiginous melanoma, a rare type of skin cancer that appears under the nail or on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. She immediately referred Laura to a dermatologist and within a month, Laura found herself in an operating room. A specialist removed her nail and extracted as much of the tumour as they could. When tests confirmed that she had cancer, the mum-of-one felt her world crumble. "I just went into a state of shock," she remembered. "My legs were shaking. My whole body was shaking. I'm a solo parent. I've got a little boy and a lot of living still to do. You know, anyone that receives a cancer diagnosis, your life changes in a second." Further operations were needed, resulting in part of Laura's toe being amputated to get rid of the cancerous cells. She also had a lymph node in her groin taken out to check if the disease had spread up her body. As she waited for the results, Laura faced the most challenging emotional toll of her journey. "My mind was the challenge," she said. "I was taking my son to swimming lessons, wondering if that was going to be the last one I would take him to. I couldn't help thinking, 'What if I don't see him through school? What if I'm not here for him if he gets married? What if I never get to be a grandma?'". "Out of nowhere, my whole life started flashing before me because of this thing called melanoma. It was like my body had turned against me. I'd never been so scared that my life could be taken away without me wanting it." Around 17,500 new melanoma cases are diagnosed each year in Britain, an average of 48 every day, according to Cancer Research UK. Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is far more rare - with 1% to 3% of melanoma patients diagnosed with the condition. It is considered a more aggressive form of melanoma cancer and is most common in people with dark skin and those who are middle aged or older. While the exact cause is still a mystery, experts believe it's not caused by sun exposure. Initially, treatment kicks off with surgery to remove any bad cells or the tumour itself, and depending on how far the cancer has gone, might involve immunotherapy, drugs targeting the cancer, chemo, or radiation therapy. Laura felt a weight lift when she was told they'd got all the cancer out and that it hadn't spread according to her lymph node biopsy. Still, she's looking at regular appointments for three more years – five checks in total – before she can really be considered clear. But there's always that chance it'll come back. With May being Melanoma Awareness Month, Laura's determined to let people know about Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM) and what signs to watch for. "Friends will ask what I think if they have a mark on a nail, and I say, 'I'm not a doctor, but what I think is you should go and get it checked if you're worried,'" she advised. "Because if something is not normal about your nails, you must get it checked. It might be a fungal nail infection, it might be because you banged it with something. But it could be something more. Early detection really is key." Having decided not to dwell on her tough times or the missed opportunity for an earlier diagnosis, Laura said she was actually quite impressed with how well her toe had healed. "My fantastic consultant is also a plastic surgeon, so it doesn't look bad at all," she explained. "In fact, lots of people don't really notice. It's like I've just got a shorter toe and no toenail. "Every single day is very important to me, and actually, I think having a visible reminder of what I've been through is important. It's a daily reminder of how precious life is, that encourages me to make the most of every day, every opportunity to celebrate and most of all, life's simplest pleasures. Because after all, life isn't a dress rehearsal." For further details on melanoma skin cancer, check out Melanoma Charity for Professionals, Patients and Public or ring the complimentary Melanoma Focus Helpline on 0808 801 0777.
