Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that develops in some people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. It occurs when a person’s immune system starts to attack the body’s cells, leading to inflammation in joints and the overproduction of skin cells. It affects close to 1-3 percent of the world’s population. It is non-curable, and few treatment options aim to manage the symptoms. Read along to learn about its symptoms, triggers, and more. What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis? Many signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis. The manifestations of this disease also may vary from person to person.  Some of the common indicators of the condition include: Scaly and inflamed skin, especially on the knees, scalp, and elbows. Pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more back, hips, or neck joints. Lack of energy or tiredness. Tenderness in the soles and heels  Swelling of a whole toe.  Dents or pits in the nails. Inflammation of the eye and blurry vision accompanied by redness or pain. What triggers psoriatic arthritis? The cause of psoriatic arthritis is an immune system disorder, where your immune system acts against your body. Both genetic and environmental factors seem to influence this response.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that can affect anyone, irrespective of age and gender. It causes skin dryness and discomfort that can affect a person’s quality of life. Eczema has no definitive cure, but certain home remedies can help prevent flare-ups and control the symptoms. It’s recommended to start with a good skin care regime, along with other treatments, when its first signs start to show up.  Early warning signs of eczema The most important thing to know about eczema is its symptoms differ for everyone. It can also impact different areas of the body depending on an individual’s skincare routine.  Itchy skin This condition always begins with itchy skin. Eczema-related itchiness may range from mild to moderate. People with severe itchiness may even feel the need for constant scratching resulting in bleeding and inflamed skin. Rashes People with eczema may develop unique rashes in specific areas. They tend to have flaky skin that lets irritants and allergens penetrate the outer layer. This, in turn, causes an inflammatory response leading to redness and rashes.  Inflamed and discolored skin The area of the rash may get inflamed and swollen. There will be a noticeable discoloration which means the affected skin may look darker than the surrounding skin.  Scaly patches Scaly patches occur when the outer layer of the skin starts to form scales due to dryness.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune condition. Here, the body’s immune system, which is supposed to fight infections, begins attacking healthy tissues and organs. This causes pain and inflammation. One may also experience symptoms like skin sensitivity, joint pains, rashes, and issues with internal organs like the kidneys, heart, and lungs. The condition does not have a cure, however, treatment options can help one manage its symptoms. Symptoms Here are a few symptoms one should recognize: Fatigue Most people with lupus experience fatigue, which can worsen with muscle and joint pain. Many may experience stiffness and swelling in the neck, thigh, and arms. While getting adequate sleep can relieve general exhaustion, when fatigue is accompanied by some sort of pain and discomfort, one should consult a doctor. Skin rashes The most common and prominent symptom of this disease is a butterfly-shaped rash on both cheeks and the nose bridge. Around 30% of people affected by lupus experience this symptom. The rash may appear suddenly before a flare-up or right after excessive sun exposure. For some, the condition also causes hives and non-itchy lesions all over the body. Some may notice discoloration in their toes or fingers.  Hair loss Hair loss and thinning hair are early signs of lupus.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell, wherein plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and overcrowd the red blood cells. These cancerous cells give birth to abnormal proteins that can cause further complications. When one is suffering from multiple myeloma, one’s body might or might not give any indications. Here we will discuss signs and lifestyle changes to help manage multiple myeloma. Signs of multiple myeloma Here are some signs of multiple myeloma one should look out for: Fatigue A person with multiple myeloma may feel highly fatigued after a good amount of rest. This fatigue may make it difficult to carry out daily tasks. Fatigue may cause other issues like difficulty concentrating and impaired memory.  Bone pain Multiple myeloma may lead to bone pain. The ribs, back, or hips are frequently the sites of dull bone pain. Movement usually makes it worse, and it persists. Moreover, this might weaken the bones and cause fractures. This disorder is more prone to impact the bones in the arms, legs, and spine. When the spinal cord is harmed, the legs and feet may become numb and weak, resulting in uncontrollable bowel and bladder movements and sensations of pins and needles throughout the body.

Headaches are a common type of body discomfort resulting from nervous system disorders. It is a pain in any part of your head that gives a pulsating sensation. The magnitude of the pain can vary from mild to sharp and can either be a throbbing sensation or a constant feeling. There are several kinds of headaches, including tension headaches, migraine, cluster headaches, and more. Of these, migraine symptoms vary from the other headache types. Warning signs of headaches Though it may appear normal, frequent head pains may also indicate any underlying health condition, so it is necessary to keep a check on them. Keep reading to learn more about warning signs of headaches that must be addressed soon. Pain and high fever A headache accompanied by pain may indicate an infection. If there is a stiff neck, a high fever, and various neurological signs, doctors may diagnose it as Meningitis, a severe health condition. When a person experiences these symptoms, it is advised to consult a physician at the earliest for prompt treatment. Also, self-diagnosis is not safe and advised if you are experiencing headaches for a very long time or suffering from severe pain. Sudden severe headache It is also recognized as the thunderclap headache, appearing suddenly and turning severe soon.

The body goes through various changes, especially those affecting the senses, as one gets older. Here, weakening eyesight is a common phenomenon in older adults, however, it does not have to be inevitable. Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease characterized by the deterioration of the retina’s central portion. One’s lifestyle and food choices can have a huge impact on eye health. So here are some foods to eat and avoid to maintain strong vision:  Best foods Various foods can help one manage macular degeneration symptoms and keep eye diseases at bay. Here are some great options to consider: Broccoli Broccoli is loaded with vitamins and minerals that could help one deal with eye conditions like macular degeneration. It is rich in vitamin A, which helps fight eye diseases and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. It is also loaded with vitamin K and B vitamins, fibers, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential for maintaining overall health. Blackberries Blackberries contain plenty of vitamins and minerals that help reduce the risk of age-related vision problems. Vitamins B6, C, A, folate, and zinc in these berries can prevent eyesight issues. The fruit also contains a dark pigment called anthocyanin, which protects the retina from sun damage.

Osteoporosis leads to the loss of bone mass and bone mineral density. It causes the bones to become weak and brittle from the inside, making them more porous. Once individuals reach a certain age, the natural process of bone regeneration slows down, resulting in loss of bone loss, especially in the event of physical injury. With osteoporosis, the bones become more prone to fracture even during routine activities like walking, bathing, and standing. Risk factors associated with osteoporosis Various factors increase a person’s chances of developing osteoporosis. Some of these aspects can be modified, while others are hard to avoid. For example, the body absorbs old bone tissues and produces new ones so that it can maintain the strength and density of the bones and, thereby, the structural integrity. As a person grows older, the bone breaks faster than it rebuilds itself. If this breakdown occurs excessively, bone loss progresses to osteoporosis. This disease can affect both men and women but is more likely to affect women after menopause. This happens due to a sudden decrease in estrogen. Here are some unavoidable factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis- Age The risk of developing osteoporosis increases after the mid-30s. This happens mostly with women after menopause.

As both a mineral and an electrolyte, potassium facilitates the functioning of all of your muscles, including voluntary and involuntary muscles. Hyperkalemia refers to the condition of having excess potassium in your blood. It is harmful to have elevated potassium levels because a heart attack or even death can result from hyperkalemia. Some of the food items that patients with hyperkalemia can eat to maintain good health while avoiding a surge in potassium levels are: Apples Apples are a low-potassium fruit that can be particularly helpful in managing the health of hyperkalemia patients. They are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. In fact, a medium-sized apple contains only about 148 milligrams of the element, making it an excellent choice for people with hyperkalemia. Apples also contain pectin, a type of fiber that may help lower potassium levels in the blood. Pectin works by binding to the electrolyte in the digestive system, preventing it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. The fruit can be eaten in a variety of ways, making them an easy and versatile addition to any meal plan. They can be eaten raw, baked, or stewed, and can be used in a wide range of recipes, from desserts and salads to smoothies.

Thyroid cancer starts in the thyroid gland, a small organ located in the neck. It can occur in people of all ages but is more common in women and people over 60. The exact cause of thyroid cancer is unknown, but factors such as exposure to radiation or family history may increase the risk. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Awareness of thyroid cancer’s signs can help with early detection and treatment. Trouble swallowing The most characteristic sign of thyroid cancer is a lump or swelling in the neck. In some patients, this can cause trouble with swallowing. Dysphagia, another name for this problem, is when a person has a hard time getting food or liquids from their mouth to their stomach. The gland’s tumor may enlarge to the point where it presses against the esophagus or windpipe, making it difficult to gulp down and causing a sense of fullness in the throat. Benign thyroid nodules are one condition that can make swallowing difficult. It should be noted that such problems are uncommon because the nodule must be sufficiently large and situated in a way to obstruct normal food flow. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention states that difficulty swallowing without any other accompanying illnesses or conditions might occasionally be an indication of thyroid or throat cancer.

Maintaining steady blood sugar levels is critical for people with diabetes, but it can often be challenging. Patients are required to track what they eat, as certain foods can spike blood sugar, leading to health complications. To reduce the potential blood sugar swings, doctors recommended foods with a low glycemic index and foods high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This post discusses 12 foods that surprisingly spike blood sugar levels and should be avoided. Bananas Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, but specific options like bananas are best avoided. Bananas adversely affect blood sugar levels as they contain simple carbs and have a high glycemic index. To ensure blood glucose readings do not rise drastically, one should consider the ripeness of the fruit before eating. Green or unripe bananas usually have less sugar than yellow or ripe bananas. Oatmeal If one cannot do without oatmeal for breakfast, they should consider varieties that take a while to digest. Instant or processed oats often contain added sugars and are digested quickly, raising blood sugar levels. On the other hand, minimally processed oats metabolize slowly. Rolled or steel-cut oats are suitable for people with diabetes. Grapes Grapes are a great source of antioxidants but can be problematic for those with diabetes.