Eczema is one of the skin conditions caused due to an inflammation of the skin. This condition causes itchiness, redness, and dryness to the skin; the skin also becomes leathery and cracked. There is no specific part of the skin that usually gets affected by eczema. It can appear anywhere on the body. Most people face this problem when they are young or in their infant stage. Eczema can also give rise to other allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever. Eczema is also known as dermatitis. There are no solid causes of eczema as in most cases it is genetic and runs through families. The gene can also cause some people to have extra sensitive skin. In some cases, defects in the skin barrier can trigger eczema. These defects let the germ in through the skin by letting the moisture out. There are other factors that contribute to eczema: Dry skin Stress Sweat and heat Cold or dry climate Contact with woolen and synthetic fabric that have irritating substances. Sometimes, even soap. Before you can diagnose any medical condition, there are symptoms that are identified; it is always wise to do so before the condition becomes serious. Here are some of the symptoms you should be able to identify after knowing: There is always itching before any rash appears that later becomes an eczema rash or a dermatitis rash. Watch out for any itchy sensations especially when it doesn’t seem to stop. If there is itching and you know about the family history of eczema, then there is a good chance that itchiness is a symptom of eczema and not a regular itching. If there is any yellowish, pus-like formation on the place you have been itching, it is a sure sign of eczema and needs medical attention. There are other treatments for eczema.

Huntington’s disease where the mental ability of the individual gets affected is a genetic disorder. It is characterized by neurodegeneration that leads to a gradual loss of neurons. Uncoordinated body movement, degradation in the reasoning ability, and memory loss are other common symptoms of this disease. It is named after George Huntington, who conducted extensive research to give a more accurate description of this disorder. A dominant mutation in the Huntington gene causes this disease which belongs to the noncurable category. Proper treatment can only alleviate the problem and make it more manageable. The onset of Huntington’s disease usually takes place after the age of 30 years. However, a patient having a family history of this ailment may show signs even before 20 years of age. The symptoms of Huntington’s disease include: Initial stage – In the beginning, there can be slight uncoordinated movements, decreased cognitive ability, aggression, and depression. A person may make mistakes while performing even the simplest of tasks. This stage often gets ignored due to lack of awareness. Intermediate stage – By the time the individual finds out abnormalities in his behavior, the disease reaches the second stage. The symptoms get aggravated and include involuntary actions (chorea), sleep disorders, and distorted speech. Trouble in swallowing may also be experienced. Final stage – This stage is marked by complete dependence on caretakers. Acute weight loss, inability to speak, difficulty in comprehending the situation, and seizures are some of the symptoms in this stage. A person may also suffer from severe memory loss. It is extremely important to diagnose Huntington’s disease before it reaches the final stage. The following methods may be used to diagnose Huntington’s disease: Physical examination – It helps in gauging the outset of the disease through a thorough examination of the abnormalities in physical behavior such as chorea.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a disease where the affected person gets painful bumps under their skin, mostly near the sweat glands. For now, there is no permanent cure for this affliction, but medical treatments and changes in lifestyle have proven to provide relief as well as reduce future flare-ups. Hidradenitis suppurativa occurs in places where the swear glands are located. The sweat glands are known as apocrine glands, which are located in places where an individual usually has hair, like under the arms, around the groin region and between the buttock cheeks. Bumps develop in these areas . This can also occur in areas where the skin frequently gets rubbed, like between the thighs and under the breasts. When these bumps break, they often leave behind tissue scars. Immediate treatment is required to prevent the infection from developing again in the same area. Hidradenitis suppurativa is a condition that lasts for a long time and can get very frustrating to deal with. It also takes an emotional toll. People suffering from this affliction should seek support from family and friends and maybe even join a support group. Skin conditions can have a physical and emotional toll on the patient and should be handled with care. Causes: The causes of hidradenitis suppurativa are not yet known, but it is proven that the skin problems begin when sweat glands become blocked. Most people see the first symptoms in their teens or during the twenties. It also happens to be more common in women as compared to men as well as in people who smoke or are overweight. It can also be hereditary as about one-third of the people who suffer from HS usually have another relative with the same problem. Medical researchers and scientists have not been able to pinpoint the causes for hidradenitis suppurativa, but it has been noted that it is not caused by the use of powders, deodorants or by shaving one’s underarms.

Caused by the varicella-zoster virus, shingles can be described as a painful skin rash. Also known as herpes zoster, it usually appears as a strip, band, or infects a small area on one side of the face or body. It is therefore imperative to know about the symptoms and shingles pain treatment options to be able to fight it effectively. Shingles is a painful nerve root infection that occurs when the chickenpox causing virus gets activated in the body. After chickenpox is treated, the virus becomes dormant in the nerves. Although this virus mostly remains dormant, in others, the virus becomes active, usually in old age when the body’s immunity is comparatively weaker. Also, certain medications can trigger this virus, however, once active, it is unable to cause chickenpox. Seniors or people with a weak immune system are prone to shingles. Stress, medications and injuries can make the immune system vulnerable causing the varicella-zoster virus to activate. Usually, people suffering from shingles get better and do not suffer from it again. However, there are cases where people can get shingles more than once. Although non-communicable, it can still be transmitted from someone who has shingles. However, this possibility is pretty rare, so the chances of shingles spreading from a person who has had chickenpox to the one who has not are negligible. Shingles pain treatment vaccines are available for adults. These medications help in lowering the chances of getting affected with shingles, it clears the rashes quickly and also helps to prevent long-term pain that usually occurs after shingles. Symptoms The symptoms of shingles show up in different stages. It begins with a headache or extreme sensitivity to light. Some people also experience flu but do not have a fever or high temperature.The second stage marks itching, pain, or tingling sensation in a particular area.

Shingles also called herpes zoster is a type of viral infection and a painful rash can be associated with this disease. At some point, a large number of people develop shingles and the varicella zoster is the virus that causes this infection and it is the same one that causes chickenpox. If you had suffered from chickenpox during your childhood days, the shingles virus will stay dormant in your body and it reactivates after a certain period to cause a shingles rash. The rash can affect any part and the first symptom of the shingle is the pain. In addition to the rash, you can find fluid-filled blisters within a few days and there can fatigue, light sensitivity or fever as well. You cannot find a magical solution for shingles. Anyhow, antiviral medications are available for reducing the symptoms and you can find several types of shingles ointments to treat this condition. Baking soda or cornstarch paste A past can be made with the help of water and cornstarch or baking soda to reduce the itching tendency involved with shingles. You have to add two parts cornstarch into a cup and one part water must be added to get the expected consistency. This mixture can be applied to the rash and it can be washed off after 15 minutes. This process has to be repeated many times in a day. Zovirax ointment Zovirax is a very popular prescription ointment cream for addressing the symptoms of shingles. It contains acyclovir, an anti-viral medication, and this shingles ointment is commonly used for treating cold sores and genital herpes found in your mouth. This product also offers good results when it comes to healing the skin lesions and you can use it to prevent the spread of the virus. All lesions need to be covered with Zovirax ointment and the only area you need to avoid is your eyes.

Heartburn is the burning sensation that you experience in your chest after you eat. This feeling can be intense at times, and in these extreme cases, the person might even experience a chest pain. Heartburn is a fairly common condition that occurs when there is indigestion, and the food doesn’t sit well with your system. This happens when you eat spicy food or overeat. It is also known as acid reflux as the acid in your stomach comes back up into the esophagus causing a burning sensation in your chest. You might also feel nauseous and uncomfortable for a long time. If heartburn occurs more than two times a week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease. It can lead to further complications if left untreated. How To Differentiate Heartburn Chest Pain And Heart Attack One of the main symptoms of heartburn is chest pain. This is the reason most people confuse heartburn with cardiac attacks. The burning in the chest causes alarm and has people assuming that they are experiencing a heart attack. This is how you can distinguish between the two: Signs Of A Heart Attack The chest pain you experience when you have a heart attack will slowly spread to your neck, arms, and shoulders. You will have shortness of breath and feel light-headed. There will also be a lot of sweating. There will be a tightness in the chest, unlike the pain you feel in heartburn. Signs Of A Heartburn Patients experiencing a heartburn feel the pain in the chest spreading to the throat. A vomiting sensation and an acrid taste in the tongue are other signs. You’ll feel like the food is coming back into your mouth. Lying down will only intensify the discomfort and pain. Other signs that tell you that you have a heartburn and not a heart attack is, you will not be sweating, and the pain will occur after you have a meal.

Nasal congestion is one of the common problems among many people. The nasal congestion causes pressure on the sinus which causes cold, fever, cough, etc. The nasal membranes get inflamed and irritated when some allergens get stuck in the nose. The cold, running nose or stuffed nose is caused to send the allergens out of the nose. Some Tips for Nasal Congestion relief: The noise has to be moist all the time, and this can be done in many ways: Using a humidifier can help in retaining the moisture in the nasal membranes. Breathing from the vessel filled with hot water can help in n asal congestion reliefs . Some essential oils such as Eucalyptus oil, mint oil, etc. can be added to water to get more relief. Keeping yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water is essential as there will be a loss of water when suffering from cold. Nasal saline sprays can be used to keep the membranes of the nose moist. The nasal irrigators or bulb syringes available in the market can be used to keep the insides of the nose moist. The irrigator liquid can be prepared from distilled or sterile water. You can get relief from the cold by placing a wet towel on the face which is soaked in warm water and rinsed. If you place your head at a height by placing 2 to 3 pillows, then it becomes easy to breathe, and there will be relief in nasal congestion. Pain relieving medicines will not reduce the cold but the pain-relieving medications such as acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen can help in getting relief from the symptoms of the cold. Nasal sprays help in giving relief from sinus conditions such as the stuffy nose. The ingredients such as phenylephrine help in opening up the nasal path.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that leads to the curling of the fingers and may result in crippling hand deformities. It affects the facia, i.e. the fibrous tissue underneath the skin of the palm and fingers. People suffering from Dupuytren’s disease experience the fibers in the fascia tightening or contracting over time. This causes the fingers to be pulled inward. What are the symptoms of the disease? One of the prominent symptoms includes the development of small lumps and nodules in the palm. While these may feel tender and sore in the beginning, the discomfort goes away over time. The disease progresses slowly, and as the condition worsens, the nodules lead to the formation of tough bands of tissue under the skin. These bands then cause the fingers to bend and curl forward, making it difficult for one to perform daily activities. It is important to be aware of such symptoms and get them treated before they worsen and hinder one’s lifestyle. Some of the methods to treat Dupuytren’s contracture are mentioned below: Non-surgical methods These methods are usually recommended for early stages of Dupuytren’s disease. Some doctors recommend stretching the fingers and palms in mild stages of the condition. One is also advised to consult a physiotherapist before using any stretching exercise to treat the condition. Anti-inflammatory medications These medications are injected into a Dupuytren’s module to reduce swelling. The treatment requires multiple doses of injection to considerably reduce the size of nodules and might not prove to be effective in the later stages, when more thickened tissues have been formed. Anti-inflammatory injections can slow the progression of the disease but will not help in uncurling the fingers if the contracture has already occurred. Enzyme medications If the fingers have become bent already, the doctors may recommend a mixture of enzymes to be injected in the affected area.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder that makes one experience chronic swelling, pain, stiffness, and joint problems that majorly affect the arms or legs. However, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can also be experienced in different joints of the body. Inflammation is one of the glaring signs of one developing a condition like rheumatoid arthritis, and persistent flareups result in the worsening of these chronic symptoms. One of the first treatment options for a condition includes taking a prescribed course of the following class of medications. Prednisone Prednisone is a popular corticosteroid-class anti-inflammatory medication that targets inflammation and provides quick relief from one of the major symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. You can take this medication as a tablet or an oral solution. The dosage is adjusted accordingly depending on the form of the medication. Prednisone is the generic variant effective against rheumatoid arthritis. there are several brand variants of this corticosteroid that you can alternatively explore. With the GoodRx Gold Pharmacy card, you can save up to 78% on 10 tablets of 20 mg generic dosage. Depending on the dosage, the number of tablets purchased, and discount offered by the pharmacy, prices will vary. Ibuprofen It is an analgesic class non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication effective for managing the stiffness, swelling and pain due to rheumatoid arthritis inflammation. Ibuprofen specifically interferes with the production of certain enzymes as a countermeasure for the symptoms. It is available in the generic as well as the Motrin brand variants. Doctors may generally prescribe the oral tablets or a bottle of oral suspension that comes in varying doses. You can save up to 74% on 15 tablets of 400mg doses on the generic prescription. If you prefer the bottle of oral suspension, save up to 45% on a single 118 ml unit with 100mg/5ml dosage. Note that prices will vary depending on the form and variant of this popular medication.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that is characterized by tremors, shaking, and stiffness. It affects the person’s ability to walk, talk, and function in day-to-day life. While medication is an essential part of managing Parkinson’s, eating certain foods can also help tackle the symptoms of this condition. In this article, we focus on understanding foods that one should eat to help alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Fatty fish When it comes to managing Parkinson’s disease, one needs to eat foods with high omega-3 fatty acids. This is because research suggests that consuming omega-3 fatty acid-rich products, such as fish oil and fatty fish, can help slow down the progression of this degenerative condition. Omega-3 may also help reduce inflammation in the nerves, improve transmissions in the brain, and slow down the process of neurodegeneration. Common seafood items high in omega-3 include salmon, sardines, anchovies, herring, and oysters. Aside from managing Parkinson’s symptoms, eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can also help improve heart health. It is also shown to reduce the risk of confusion and dementia caused due to Parkinson’s. Fava beans Fava beans are great for managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s. They contain high levels of levodopa, which can help treat multiple signs of Parkinson’s disease. The compound has been shown to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s to a certain extent. It can also help improve motor functions in those with this condition. That being said, it is essential to note that fava beans cannot replace or be used as an alternative to any medication prescribed for Parkinson’s disease. Foods rich in antioxidants Foods that contain high levels of antioxidants are must-haves when it comes to managing Parkinson’s disease. This is because antioxidants in the food combine with the free radicals or unstable molecules in the body.

Castrate-resistant prostate cancer, or CRPC, is a type of cancer that continues to grow even after one’s testosterone levels have fallen considerably. This is in contrast to initial-stage prostate cancer, which needs normal testosterone levels for the cancer cells to multiply. This type of cancer may be metastatic or non-metastatic. Metastatic CRPC is when the cancer has spread to other body organs, while non-metastatic CRPC or nmCRPC is still restricted to the prostate. Signs and symptoms Problems with urination Many patients with nmCRPC may experience abrupt pain in the prostate region while urinating, blood in their urine, or extremely weak urine flow. Swelling of the lower body When prostate cancer spreads to other body parts, it often reflects in the form of swelling of these parts, including the hips, lower back, and pelvis. Fatigue One of the most common symptoms of nmCRPC is fatigue or tiredness, which worsens with cancer interventions. Staying hydrated and having healthy fluids like soups and fresh fruit juices can help manage this symptom. Treatment options NUBEQA® This is an oral intervention oncologists often prescribe for those with nmCRPC. This type of treatment is effective only when cancer hasn’t begun spreading to other organs but no longer responds to other interventions. Androgen deprivation therapy Since prostate cancer requires testosterone to spread, oncologists may recommend androgen deprivation therapy, a type of hormone remedy that aims to stop the production of this hormone secreted by the testicles. But it may not always work for those with this condition, as the cancer usually continues growing regardless of hormone levels by this stage. In general, prostate cancer has several causes and risk factors, such as a person’s age, family history, genetic mutations, etc. Besides following a systematic treatment course, those healing from CRPC should stay active, eat low-fat and lean-protein foods, and avoid processed and deep-fried foods for better symptom management and recovery.

Histamine is a chemical that triggers allergic reactions in the body as the immune system’s way of defending the body against foreign matter. It triggers symptoms like a scratchy throat, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Most allergy medications contain antihistamines to combat the symptoms. Apart from medications, certain foods contain nutrients that act as natural antihistamines and may help ease allergies. Here are a few foods that can help combat allergies. Vitamin C Among all natural antihistamines, vitamin C is one of the most effective ones when it comes to dealing with allergy symptoms. The vitamin also boosts the immune system as foods that contain it have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Adding foods like oranges, lemon, lime, kiwi fruit, and cantaloupe melon to the diet can help relieve allergy symptoms. Bromelain Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties and is often useful for alleviating inflammation and swelling of the sinuses due to allergies. It also helps treat respiratory distress caused by allergic reactions. Bromelain is available as a supplement, but it is also naturally present in pineapples. That said, it is recommended to have pineapples in moderation as the fruit also contains histamine. Probiotics This is another highly beneficial group of foods that act as natural antihistamines. Foods with probiotics are good for the immune system and may also help ease allergy symptoms. Probiotic foods contain healthy microbes and are good for gut health and the digestive system. Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso are a few probiotics that can help soothe allergies like allergic rhinitis. Quercetin Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid that is commonly found in apples and onions. This natural antihistamine can alleviate respiratory distress that may occur due to allergic reactions. Dietary sources of this enzyme also include honey, raspberries, red grapes, cherries, green leafy vegetables, and citrus fruits. Quercetin is also available in the form of supplements.