All You Need to Know About Pityriasis Rosea Treatments

All You Need to Know About Pityriasis Rosea Treatments

Pityriasis rosea is a common skin condition that can significantly affect your day-to-day life. Therefore, treatment for pityriasis rosea is essential. It is a form of skin rash that usually beings as a single lesion. This single lesion is followed by a full body rash that can last up to 12 weeks. The initial lesion is called a herald patch. This patch can be circular or oval and usually occurs on the chest, abdomen, or back. The herald patch can be up to 10 cms in diameter. The herald patch of pityriasis rosea is followed by a generalized rash in 1 to 2 weeks. This full body rash can last for 12 weeks on average. The exact reason for the onset of pityriasis rosea is not known, but the symptoms and accompanying conditions suggest a viral cause. Pityriasis rosea treatment is usually supportive since the condition often clears up on its own when given enough time. Supportive pityriasis rosea treatment is mainly to reduce the severity of symptoms and to prevent any secondary conditions or infections. Signs and symptoms of pityriasis rosea The primary symptom of pityriasis rosea is the characteristic rash. The initial herald patch or mother patch is circular or oval, with a raised surface that might become scaly. Within a week or two of the appearance of the mother patch, smaller patches start to appear over the body. Unlike the mother patch which can be around ten cms across, these patches are much smaller and range between 0.5cms to 1.5 cms. The face is usually unaffected. The rash is usually not painful but may be very itchy. The color of the outbreak could be pink, red, dark brown, black, or gray. The individual patches are oval, but when grouped they may form a tree-like pattern, especially on the back and torso.
How to Address Neuropathic Pain

How to Address Neuropathic Pain

When a disease or injury makes a negative impact on the sensory system, the nerves situated within the sensory system become incapable of transmitting sensation to the brain. This situation results in lack of sensation or numbness. Nevertheless, in certain cases, when sensory system is injured, some people experience pain in the injured area. Neuropathic pain normally does not begin in a sudden manner and it does not go away immediately as well. It can be described as a severe condition that results in stubborn pain symptoms. As far as most people are concerned, the severity of the symptoms can increase or disappear throughout the day. Although this type of pain is believed to be connected with peripheral nerve issues like neuropathy due to spinal stenosis or diabetes; spinal cord injuries or brain injuries can also cause severe neuropathic pain. Right medications neuropathic pain need to be used to get relief from this condition. Major risk factors You have to deal with neuropathic pain when anything due to loss of function in the sensory nervous system. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes nerve issues and it always leads to neuropathic pain and other similar conditions also trigger this type of pain. Trauma due to injuries to the nerve can also invite neuropathic pain and other conditions that cause this pain are cancer treatments, shingles, multiple sclerosis, stroke, HIV, vitamin deficiency and diabetes as well. Symptoms of neuropathic pain Other neurological conditions can be identified in easy manner but neuropathic pain cannot be detected easily. When some symptoms become evident, doctors need to interpret a group of words that patients utilize for describing the pain. Patients may tell portray the symptoms as burning, itchy, stinging, hot or sensitive. In the cases of some people; they may experience pain with a small pressure or touch.
6 Daily Habits to Manage Psoriasis Better

6 Daily Habits to Manage Psoriasis Better

Did you know that few alterations in your life can help manage psoriasis symptoms much better? For those who are not acquainted with psoriasis, all you need to know is that it is an autoimmune skin disease that is characterized by elevated skin that is often itchy, inflamed, and flaky. The truth is that psoriasis has no single cure. The only thing that one can do in this case is to work toward reducing the frequency of the psoriasis flare-ups and try to find ways in which to manage the symptoms of the skin disease better. The good news though is that there are few simple daily habits and herbal remedies for psoriasis that will help in managing this skin condition better. Read on to find out about six such daily habits that one can use along with some other herbal remedies to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. Work toward building immunity – As psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease, your immune system plays a great role in causing the disease in the first place. Though you cannot alter your genetics, you can aim for a strong immunity that will help you live better with the skin disease. The key to having a great immune system is eating right, indulging in physical activities, and staying fit. If you want to further enhance your immune system, then you can consider including immunity-boosting food items like garlic, onion, and turmeric that act as herbal remedies for psoriasis. These herbal remedies also help in soothing the inflammation that psoriasis brings along. Maintain a healthy weight – It is observed that people who are obese are at a higher risk of developing psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis as compared to the rest of the population. So, it is advised that you shed the extra pounds and maintain a steady healthy weight.
7 lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis

7 lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis

Psoriasis arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin causing red patches, development of flakes and inflammation. Two to three percent of the world’s population has psoriasis, with about 8 million affected people from the US alone. Patients with psoriasis tend to develop an inflammatory form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It affects about 1% of the population and can result in a poor quality of life. With that being said, here are seven lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis. Eat healthily Following a healthy diet is a lifestyle change that has to be incorporated into everyone’s life, be it someone suffering from psoriatic arthritis or not. Its importance cannot be reinstated enough with obesity being one of the rising concerns in today’s world. Eating healthy. Psoriatic arthritis patients should take care to consume food that is low in salt, sugar, and fat. Since psoriatic arthritis causes pain in the joints, being overweight does not help this at all. Drink lots of water and consume enough fruits and vegetables. Stay active An active lifestyle, similar to healthy eating is not specific to psoriatic arthritis patients but everyone in general. Daily exercise helps to reduce stiffness in the joints, which is one of its many symptoms. The rigor of the exercise should vary depending on the level of the symptoms. Exercising in groups or finding a physiotherapist can help ensure that there is no lack of motivation. Practice meditation Stress is one of the main triggers in Psoriatic Arthritis. Triggers usually cause flares, which cause a spike in the symptoms for a particular period. Practicing yoga and meditation can help reduce any possible stress triggers. Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption Smoking can aggravate breathing issues and also triggers psoriatic arthritis. Increased alcohol consumption also causes other issues that, when combined with psoriatic arthritis, can result in a very poor quality of life.
Popular treatment options for hemophilia

Popular treatment options for hemophilia

Hemophilia is a severe medical condition in which the blood doesn’t clot as it normally should. The bleeding disorder is usually inherited and identified by painful symptoms such as excessive bleeding, joint pain, and deep bruises. After diagnosis, in which the doctor focuses on clotting-factors, a treatment plan is laid out and must be followed to avoid unnecessary complications. Read on to know more in detail. How is hemophilia treated? Different types of this condition are treated in different ways. The most common ones include: Desmopressin The medication is commonly used in the treatment of mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease. The vasopressin works by increasing the plasma concentration of factor VIII, which is one of the clotting factors in the blood and whose deficiency is the reason behind hemophilia A. Desmopressin dose varies from one patient to another and comes in the form of both injections and nasal sprays. Nonacog alfa Hemophilia B is the second form of the wider condition, wherein clotting factor IX is absent in the patient’s blood. Doctors treat the ailment by injecting a purified protein called nonacog alfa. The medicine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997, temporarily corrects the deficiency, thereby reducing excessive bleeding. Fresh frozen plasma There are different ways to treat hemophilia C. Fresh frozen plasma is one of the most popular methods since one unit of this blood product contains all the coagulation factors. Factor XI deficiency is the defining cause of this form of ailment, and using fresh frozen plasma can help lower symptoms like prolonged bleeding. Hormone therapy is another useful treatment method for hemophilia. Fibrin sealants Fibrinogen and thrombin are the main components of this material. It is used as a hemostatic agent, and was first approved in the country in 1998.
5 ways to manage gastrointestinal stromal tumor

5 ways to manage gastrointestinal stromal tumor

Cancer becomes harder to manage with each passing day. It impacts patients both physically and psychologically, making every day a battle. While it’s impossible to say which type of cancer impacts the worst, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is among the trickiest ones. This is because the disease is rare and isn’t treated like other types of cancer. Chemo and targeted drugs are two major treatment options, although both have painful side effects. Fortunately, you can manage GIST yourself and lower its consequences. Here are five tips that can help you. Eat smaller meals Digestion often becomes difficult after having surgery for GIST. However, you cannot skip eating either, as your body needs nutrition to heal. One way to address the problem is to lower the portion size of your meals. So instead of having three large meals in a day, break it down into 5-6 smaller meals. Avoid sugary foods and add more protein Sugary foods can increase acidity that might worsen symptoms. Proteins and carbohydrates, meanwhile, will have the opposite effect. Therefore, it makes sense to add more protein sources to your diet. That said, consult your doctor or dietitian before adding or subtracting foods from your diet. Don’t forget to exercise Cancer is definitely tiring and might make you feel fatigued. Staying in bed, though, is not the right thing to do as the condition will lead to emotional distress. Exercise will lift your spirits that can help your body recover faster. Begin with light exercise, and don’t increase the intensity without consulting your doctor. Get enough rest Compromising on sleep can adversely affect your symptoms. So ensure that you get at least eight hours of sleep at night. If possible, try and squeeze in a short nap in the afternoon as well. Seek help if you’re stressed Cancer is an extremely serious disorder that takes a toll on your physical and mental health.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency – Causes, signs, and management

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency – Causes, signs, and management

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition characterized by the inability of the pancreas to produce and release enough enzymes into the small intestine to digest food properly. Various health conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis, can cause EPI. Due to the lack of enough pancreatic enzymes to break down foods, one might experience symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Understanding these warning signs is crucial for early diagnosis and management. Causes Damage to the pancreas is the most common cause of EPI. Inflammation of the pancreas is a key contributor, which could also trigger swelling. With time, chronic inflammation may damage pancreatic cells that make the digestive enzymes. Other potential causes include Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, pancreatic cancer, and surgery on the digestive tract. Symptoms People with EPI may have trouble absorbing fats from foods, resulting in abdominal pain, gas, and bloating. Other symptoms include diarrhea, fatty stools, and unexplained body mass loss. Some people might also feel full even after eating small meals. Management options A healthy meal plan A health expert might recommend a high-calorie, high-fat meal regime to help the body absorb more nutrients. The professional may also suggest eating six small meals daily instead of the traditional three. Bigger meals might not be a good choice if one has digestive trouble caused by EPI. Essential vitamins People with EPI may need to intake various vitamins to help the body balance nutrient levels. Along with a healthy meal regime, patients may need to have vitamins A, D, E, and K for better management. It could help those who struggle to absorb fat-soluble nutrients from food. Regular doctor appointments While a doctor may recommend various treatment options for EPI, patients should consult the professional regularly to monitor their progress, identify any underlying complications, and get them treated as soon as possible.
Myasthenia gravis – Signs, causes, and treatment options

Myasthenia gravis – Signs, causes, and treatment options

The skeletal muscles connect to the bones and help move the face, arms, and legs. Autoimmune conditions like myasthenia gravis can weaken these muscles, making it difficult to perform various tasks, like blinking, making facial expressions, chewing, or walking up the stairs. Muscle weakness can worsen after physical activity and improve after a while of rest rest. While myasthenia gravis may not go away, treatment can help control its symptoms. Signs A person with myasthenia gravis might experience various signs. Fatigue Droopy eyelids Limited facial expressions Trouble speaking, chewing, or swallowing Trouble walking Causes The condition usually develops when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks itself. Some experts believe this happens because specific immune system cells in the thymus gland have trouble differentiating threats like viruses or bacteria from healthy body components. Sometimes, genetic changes can result in a specific form of the condition called congenital myasthenia gravis. Similarly, children who receive antibodies from a birthing parent during pregnancy might be affected by neonatal myasthenia. Treatment options Those with myasthenia gravis might need to follow various expert-recommended treatment options to control the symptoms. Plasma exchange In this procedure, a machine is used to remove unwanted antibodies from the blood plasma and replace them with donor plasma. Sometimes, doctors suggest replacing existing plasma with a plasma solution. IV or SC immunoglobulin Some may receive infusions of donor antibodies or immunoglobulin over two to five days through the intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) route. This treatment may help manage specific types of the condition and even certain complications. RYSTIGGO® Healthcare professionals may use UCB’s RYSTIGGO® ( rozanolixizumab-noli ) to manage generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults. In this type, harmful anti-AChR or anti-MuSK antibodies may interfere with signals between nerves and specific receptors on muscles. The complication may trigger a loss of signaling in the neuromuscular junction, where the nerves and muscles meet.
Remedies for an Overactive Bladder

Remedies for an Overactive Bladder

An overactive bladder can make one feel the urge to urinate about eight or more times every day. It can also lead to incontinence and leakage. Moreover, an overactive bladder could be a warning sign of an underlying medical condition. It is not just a medical condition, but it can also affect one’s professional and social life. However, there are some traditional remedies and ways to train the bladder and get it back under control. What causes overactive bladder? Medical conditions: Sometimes, diseases like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, among others can cause OAB. Age: As you age, your muscles start to weaken. Older people, especially those above the age of 60, are more likely to have OAB. Menopause: Women going through menopause experience several changes in their body. Sometimes, they also face the problem of incontinence. The drop in estrogen levels is believed to be one of the causes of this condition. Pelvic muscle weakness: When your pelvic floor muscles are damaged or weakened, it can distort the bladder and can result in OAB. UTI: Urinary tract infections can also cause OAB. Sometimes, OAB can occur without any identifiable causes. Symptoms Urge to urinate several times a day, both during the day and night Incontinence Urine leakage OAB and your lifestyle Those who suffer from an overactive bladder and incontinence may feel its effects in many aspects of their lives. They may be embarrassed by the frequent trips to the restroom. Some patients may also suffer from constant anxiety. People start to avoid social gatherings, going out to the movies or any other public place, skip going on vacation, may even feel uneasy in their own home, with their own family. Common remedies for an overactive bladder OAB can be treated and controlled in the following ways: Medications: There are a few drugs prescribed for OAB that are known as anticholinergics.
Acid reflux during pregnancy

Acid reflux during pregnancy

Acid reflux during pregnancy: Symptoms and lifestyle changes to avoid them Acid reflux is a condition wherein one experiences pain in the lower chest area, which is commonly referred to as heartburn. When the acids of the stomach travel back to the esophagus, this condition arises. During pregnancy, hormonal changes may cause the LES or lower esophageal sphincter to not function properly; this is the valve to carry food to the stomach. Also, towards the second and third trimester, the fetus grows and puts more pressure on the stomach, thereby causing food to re-enter the esophagus from the stomach. Signs and symptoms Some of the common signs and symptoms of acid reflux that one may experience during pregnancy are: A burning sensation in the chest near the area behind the breastbone just after eating Chest pain experienced because of bending over, lying down, and eating Burning sensation in the throat or the aftertaste of a sour or salt-tasting fluid towards the back of the throat Belching Prolonged coughing Hoarseness in the throat Symptoms similar to asthma It must be noted that the occasional heartburn is usual and the pain may cease in some time. However, if the pain is persistent, this might be a cause of worry. A possible reason may be gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, which is the next stage of acid reflux, or it may even be gastritis. Almost half of the women complain about heartburn during pregnancy. However, if it becomes more frequent, that is when a doctor should definitely be consulted for treatment. Suggested lifestyle changes There are several lifestyle changes that may be adopted in order to avoid heartburn or acid reflux, and make the pregnancy very safe for the mother as well as the baby. Here are some of the steps one can consider taking:
4 asthma triggers you probably didn’t know about

4 asthma triggers you probably didn’t know about

4 asthma triggers you probably didn’t know about Many know of the external factors that trigger asthma but only a few know that emotional stress can also trigger episodes of asthma. In fact, any extreme emotion may lead to an onset of asthma. These could be emotions of sadness or even excessive joy. This is why people suffering from asthma often try to contain their emotions. Some of the uncommon emotional triggers of asthma include: Emotional events In a single experiment, researchers measured a section of the lung and how it functions after showing people pictures depicting extreme emotions. It was proven that people in the study group who looked at the images of injuries, catastrophes, and sad events found it harder to breathe than others. Later, the people from the same group were asked to rate their moods thrice a day. This experiment continued for three weeks. Here, the lung functioning was measured with the help of a peak flow meter. While the study was significantly small, it reflected that negative emotions could deteriorate the functioning of the lungs. Additionally, it was observed that it was even worse for asthmatic patients to endure over the long run. Stressful events There have been many studies conducted which showed that severe life events were often associated with asthma attacks. Children and adults were admitted for asthma complications around the time they faced serious life issues. Additionally, it was also observed that everybody involved in the study, irrespective of them having asthma or not, reported having aggravated respiratory symptoms. Ongoing depression and panic attacks It has also been observed that both anxiety and depression are a lot more commonly found in people who are affected by asthma. Patients who have a mental health disorder along with asthma may have no to little control over their asthma symptoms and frequent asthma attacks, Moreover, they are more likely to visit the emergency department.
Schizophrenia – Foods to eat and avoid

Schizophrenia – Foods to eat and avoid

It has been observed that those who have schizophrenia, a chronic psychological illness, usually have diets that are unhealthy, low in fiber and fruit, and high in saturated fats. Unhealthy eating habits typically lead to other health problems which can also put people with schizophrenia at high risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. According to research, dietary changes do really help manage schizophrenia. Here are some best and worst foods for schizophrenia. Foods to eat Fruits Many studies show that people with schizophrenia usually do not get enough fiber, and thus, need to eat fruits. Some of the best sources of fiber are apples, pears, and raspberries. Fiber not only helps reduce bad cholesterol but also helps in digestion, thereby reducing the chances of certain health problems associated with schizophrenia such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Vegetables Vegetables don’t have heart-heavy cholesterol, are packed with essential vitamins and fiber, and are low in calories and fat. Veggies like sweet potatoes, kidney beans, and lima beans contain potassium that could help in keeping blood sugar in check. The best food for schizophrenia is spinach as it is high in folate, which could help in easing symptoms of schizophrenia. Apart from spinach, folate can also be found in asparagus and black-eyed peas. Fatty fish Since omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, one needs to get them through food such as fatty fish like salmon and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids not only ease but also prevent the symptoms of schizophrenia and even slow down the progress of the disease. Vegetarians can intake walnuts and ask their doctor to prescribe omega-3 supplements. Crab and oysters According to research, there could exist a relationship between schizophrenia and low levels of zinc, which can be found in lobsters, crab, and oysters, as well as fortified cereals and beef.