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5 key signs of vasculitis

5 key signs of vasculitis

Vasculitis is a condition that causes inflammation in blood vessels, leading to changes like narrowing and thickening of the vessels. As a result, adequate blood and nutrition may not reach all parts of the body, causing multiple health issues. Nevertheless, by recognizing the signs of the condition, one can seek an early diagnosis and treatment options for preventing further complications. So, here are a few common symptoms of vasculitis to recognize:

Fever
Vasculitis flare-ups are often characterized by fevers, as over time, the disease tends to negatively affect the immune system. As a result, when dealing with the condition, one may experience frequent infections and illnesses. Fever is a sign of the body fighting back against such health issues. So, if one experiences unexplained fever often, then they should get examined for vasculitis.

Fatigue
Vasculitis makes the blood vessels narrower, restricting blood flow. As a result, various parts of the body, including the brain and lungs, may be unable to get enough oxygen and nutrients through the blood. This restricted supply of blood can cause feelings of tiredness after engaging in routine tasks, such as climbing a flight of stairs.

Stomach ulcers
The stomach and intestines can also be affected by this condition. So, a common symptom of vasculitis is physical changes in the stomach and both intestines. Here, ulcers and perforations may be observed, causing pain while eating and defecating. While not everyone with vasculitis may experience this symptom, it is still a health concern that should prompt immediate medical intervention.

Skin rashes
Another symptom that many may experience when dealing with vasculitis is skin rashes. Such rashes tend to look like purplish-red spots, generally developing on the legs. The emergence of these spots is known as palpable purpura. The main reason for this symptom is the leakage of blood into the skin through damaged blood vessels. There are several different types of vasculitis, and the type that causes this symptom affects small-diameter blood vessels in the skin. Such skin rashes are warning signs that should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible.

Red eyes
The scope of vasculitis is not limited to the skin; eyes are a common area affected by the condition. Vasculitis can make the eyes appear red, and this is often an early sign of the condition. Additionally, those with this condition are likely to experience itching or burning sensation in the eyes. Redness in the eyes can be a symptom of several health conditions, so this sign should prompt a visit to an eye specialist to determine the exact cause and seek immediate treatment.

These are just some of the signs of vasculitis. So, in some cases, symptoms like pain throughout the body or in specific parts, an unexplained loss of appetite, dizziness, occasional skin bleeding, shortness of breath, and numbness in the hands and feet may also be observed. Upon noticing one or more signs of the condition, one should consult a doctor and seek a prompt diagnosis and treatment plan.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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7 sunscreen mistakes that could harm the skin

Taking a day off and heading to the beach might be a great way to unwind. But before grabbing your swimsuits and running towards the car, there's one thing to do first - apply sunscreen. Although it may seem like a minor prerequisite to skincare, many people make common mistakes when applying sunscreen lotion. From not buying the correct SPF to using other products and sunscreen, here are some mistakes to avoid before stepping outdoors. Waiting to apply sunscreen Topical lotions are absorbed by the skin slowly. So, applying sunscreen at the beach or when traveling outdoors is pointless. Skin experts advise applying the lotion at least 20 to 30 minutes before leaving the house to allow the lotion to be absorbed properly and protect the skin. Also, the concentration of the lotion will determine its efficacy. Not buying the proper SPF Skin experts advise using a higher SPF sunscreen that lasts longer as well. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreens with SPF 30 or 50 at tropical locations. The harsh UV rays get reflected from the sea as well, thus increasing the intensity of radiation exposure. Additional minerals like zinc and titanium are added to sunscreens to make the protective layer more potent and effective against harsh UV rays. Using other products with sunscreen It's crucial to protect our skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, and most sunscreens provide both moisturizing and SPF protection. However, using other topical lotions while applying sunscreen is not advisable. The sunscreen formula is delicately balanced to perform a specific job, and mixing it with other products can alter the balance, leading to unintended consequences like dryness and flaking. Not applying a generous portion Never be stingy with sunscreen. That doesn't mean you should smear a thick paste over the skin that takes forever to dry. However, applying a good dab of the product is necessary so that the skin absorbs the nutrients and compounds that protect against UV rays for the recommended duration. Again, the SPF concentration of the product is also an essential factor to consider. Not covering up important areas While applying sunscreen to your face, it is important to spread it evenly across areas many people miss. For example, the lips are commonly ignored. But these areas are also prone to more damage as there is a lower concentration of melanin in these areas, which gives the skin its color. The risk is even higher for the eyelids as most people avoid applying sunscreen near and around the eyes. These are common application mistakes that can do more harm. Not reapplying a layer If you plan to spend an entire day at the beach, it is necessary to reapply sunscreen occasionally. Repeated exposure, swimming, or lying on the beach towel can cause the layer of sunscreen applied to erode unevenly. If you don't notice these patches, the resulting tan can be uneven and look bad. Check for spots, and keep topping up these patches with a generous dab. Applying in sunny weather only Most people only apply sunscreen when the sun is shining bright, and they avoid using it when the weather is cloudy or overcast. However, it is a common misconception that clouds can prevent UV rays from reaching our skin. Exposure to harmful rays is still significant enough to cause skin damage and increase cancer risk. Therefore, it is essential to apply sunscreen regardless of the weather conditions.

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