Vitiligo is a health condition affecting 1% of the global population. It causes depigmented skin patches on a patient’s body. Although it can affect individuals of all ages and genders, it becomes more noticeable at the age of 25. People with vitiligo are at a higher risk of conditions like Addison’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, anemia, lupus, and psoriasis. Opzelura is an FDA-approved topical remedy that helps with skin repigmentation in vitiligo patients. Progression of vitiligo Vitiligo patches often appear on the patient’s face, hands, elbows, and feet. They start as small depigmented patches and eventually spread to the rest of the body. Depigmentation occurs when the immune system attacks the melanocytes in the body, leading to the destruction of melanin—the pigment responsible for skin color. Vitiligo can also affect the eyes, inner ears, and the mucous membranes in the body. How Opzelura treatment works Doctors often suggest Opzelura cream to achieve some repigmentation of the vitiligo patches. It is the first FDA-approved treatment option that has shown promising results for patients with the condition. Opzelura contains ruxolitinib, which works as a preventive agent that slows down the immune system’s attack on melanocytes. By reducing the destruction of melanin-producing cells, the treatment contributes to significant repigmentation in patients. Usage Patients must speak to a health expert to understand the usage of this topical treatment. Opzelura is suitable for patients dealing with non-segmental vitiligo. Doctors can prescribe the cream to patients aged 12 years and above. The cream is easy to use and can be applied without gloves or other precautionary equipment. It is important to remember that Opzelura should only be applied to up to 10% of the body’s skin. The treatment is safe to use on the eyes, mouth, and other sensitive areas. Suggestions for use Patients should discuss with their healthcare provider regarding any precautions or aftercare they should follow when receiving treatment.

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a device used for measuring and tracking blood sugar levels. Unlike other glucose-measuring devices, a CGM is wearable. So, it is constantly attached to the body, making it able to measure glucose levels throughout the day and transmit data to a connected device, like a smartphone. Originally developed for those with diabetes, a CGM can now be used by anyone who wants to regulate their metabolism. Types of CGMs The basic function of all CGMs is to measure blood glucose levels. That said, the devices can differ in the ways they display and store this information. One of the most common types of CGMs is known as a real-time CGM device. One such device is the ADC Freestyle Libre 3 system, which automatically sends blood-glucose data to a receiver or smartphone so that results can be accessed anytime. Another type is intermittently scanned CGMs that also measure glucose levels on a continuous basis but share the data differently. To view or store this data, the devices have to be scanned by a receiver or a smartphone. A third type is also available, whose data is downloaded by a doctor at a later date. While CGMs could be of one of these three types, the devices differ from each other based on a few model specifications. – Location of the sensor—whether it is implanted within the skin or just placed on it – Replacement duration of the sensor – Time it takes for the CGM to warm up – Adjustment of the program settings Cost of CGMs The cost of these medical devices can differ based on the brand, model, and insurance coverage. In addition, the price of CGMs also varies depending on whether the device has been purchased through a membership shopping club, a retail pharmacy, or a third-party medical equipment company.

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.

Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the prostate gland. At times, the condition advances to a stage where it neither spreads nor does it respond to regular cancer treatments. This stage is called non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). Here, the cancerous cells might grow, but they do not affect organs other than the prostate. Fortunately, today, there are a few ways to manage this advanced cancer stage in consultation with a healthcare expert. Causes Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) is an advanced form of prostate cancer, the exact cause of which is yet to be determined. That said, prostate cancer itself develops when cells in the organ undergo DNA changes. These alterations compel the cells to grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells. Eventually, the accumulation of abnormal cells can spread to nearby tissues if not promptly treated. Symptoms Those with nmCRPC usually do not notice any symptoms and will be unable to tell if the cancer is growing. Only a healthcare professional would be able to confirm the condition after noticing an increase in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. These changes are tracked with the help of blood tests, physical examinations, and scans, including bone, PET, and CT scans. One might be able to get a diagnosis early if they are able to notice any unusual changes and get examined by a doctor immediately. Management options One of the primary goals of nmCRPC treatment is to delay any potential spread and manage existing symptoms. There are a few options to consider here. – Active surveillance The method involves tracking the growth of the cancer to delay or completely avoid aggressive therapy. – Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) Also known as hormone therapy, this option helps slow the growth of cancer. ADT can be of various types and may involve a combination of surgery and prescription treatment.

Polycythemia vera (PV), a rare and chronic blood disorder, is characterized by the excessive production of red blood cells. This disease falls under myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), a group of blood cancers. Although PV primarily affects red blood cells, it can also produce white blood cells and platelets, increasing the risk of blood clots, bleeding, and related complications. Timely diagnosis and careful management can help prevent complications and improve the quality of life for patients. Signs and symptoms Different patients will experience various signs and symptoms of polycythemia vera. Some people may remain asymptomatic for years, while others may experience significant discomfort in the initial stages. Headaches Frequent and severe headaches are a common indication of PV. This symptom occurs due to the increased thickness of blood. Higher viscosity makes it difficult for oxygen to travel to the brain. As a result, affected individuals often experience frequent and intense headaches. Dizziness Vertigo is another common symptom in patients with PV, which is characterized by frequent dizziness or a spinning sensation. These symptoms can significantly increase the risk of accidents and falls for the patient, particularly for older individuals who already struggle with balance issues. Persistent fatigue The body expends a substantial amount of energy in producing excessive cells, which leaves the patient with drained energy to carry out routine tasks. This leads the patient to experience persistent fatigue, which impacts their lifestyle and overall well-being. Itching If a person experiences severe itching after exposure to warm water, this could be a warning sign. This reaction is triggered by the increased release of histamines from overactive mast cells. Causes In most scenar, the exact cause of PV is not known. But the condition has been primarily associated with genetic mutations. Most patients have a specific mutation in the Janus-kinase 2 (JAK2) gene, which is responsible for the increased production of blood cells in the bone marrow.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune health condition in which the immune system begins attacking healthy cells and tissues in the body. As a result, one experiences severe inflammation, often accompanied by damage to different body organs, such as the kidneys, heart, brain, and lungs. The disease primarily affects women in their childbearing years. While lupus symptoms are largely controllable, it requires following a systematic treatment course coupled with some lifestyle changes. Symptoms of lupus Fever Those with lupus usually develop a low-grade, recurring fever, with maximum temperatures of 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Butterfly rash Perhaps the most noticeable symptom of lupus is a butterfly-shaped rash, which resembles a butterfly’s wings and is spread across the cheeks. This rash is also called malar rash. Joint pain Pain in the small joints of the hands and feet is a common sign of lupus. Usually, such pain and inflammation are accompanied by swelling and stiffness. Fatigue Because of the severe inflammation and infections caused by lupus, those with this condition experience extreme fatigue and difficulty falling asleep. Skin lesions These are thick, scaly patches, usually pink in color, that appear on the face, neck, ears, hands, etc. Lesions may form a flake or crust on the skin’s surface. Management options Proper sleep schedule Although sleep is often disturbed when grappling with lupus, proper sleep of at least eight hours is essential for speedy recovery. Regular exercise Physical activity releases endorphins, which interact with receptors in the brain to reduce pain sensitivity. It also reduces fatigue related to lupus. So, one should exercise regularly when healing from this condition. Limit sun exposure Many people with lupus are photosensitive, so it’s essential to avoid sun exposure when healing from the condition. Increased exposure to UV rays can aggravate problems like joint pain, fatigue, and fever.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of debilitating health conditions that progressively cause muscle mass loss and weakness. It is caused by abnormal gene mutations which disrupt the production of natural proteins in the body. This makes building healthy muscle mass difficult. Most hidden signs of muscular dystrophy start in childhood. But for some types of muscular dystrophy, the symptoms do not show up until adulthood. Duchenne type muscular dystrophy This is one of the most common types of muscular dystrophy. The symptoms start showing during childhood. – Falling frequently – Finding it difficult to get up from a sitting or lying down position – Difficulty in jumping or running – Waddling gait – Walking on the toes – Enlarged calf muscles – Muscular stiffness and pain – Delayed growth Becker muscular dystrophy The symptoms of this type are mostly the same as that of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, the severity of the symptoms is mild. Moreover, the symptoms progress slowly over time compared to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Also, these symptoms are usually experienced during the teen years. But in some cases, there are no symptoms until the mid-20s or later. Myotonic muscular dystrophy This type of muscular dystrophy has symptoms such as the inability to relax the muscles after contractions. In this, the muscles of the face and neck are affected in the initial stage. It is characterized by a long and thin face structure with drooping eyelids and swanlike necks. Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD) muscular dystrophy In this type, muscle weakness begins in the shoulders, hip, and face. The shoulder blades tend to bulge whenever the arms are raised upwards. These symptoms usually start during the teen years. But in some cases, the symptoms may become evident during childhood or even after 50 years of age. Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy The muscles of the hips and the shoulders become weak over time.

Vitiligo is a condition that causes the skin to lose its color or pigmentation due to a lack of melanin-producing cells. It affects around 1% of the world’s population, and people of all skin types can develop the condition. While not dangerous or contagious, vitiligo causes visible symptoms that those affected may want to minimize or manage as much as possible. So, it’s important to understand key facts about the condition and consult a dermatologist. Symptoms While the condition may start at any age, its symptoms generally appear before the age of 30. – Patches of depigmented skin (usually seen around the hands and face in the early stages) – Premature whitening or greying of facial hair – Loss of color in the mucous membranes Causes Vitiligo develops when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) die or stop functioning, resulting in a loss of color in the hair and skin. There is no clear explanation for what causes a lack of such cells, b ut the condition is believed to be linked to immune system disorders, hereditary problems, or trigger events such as stress, severe sunburn, or other skin trauma. Direct contact with phenol-containing chemicals could also increase the risk of this condition. Management Treatment is not typically necessary for vitiligo, as it is considered a cosmetic condition. That being said, a few remedies can help minimize vitiligo symptoms. Home remedies: To prevent the spread of vitiligo, one must apply sunscreen with SPF 50+ to all exposed areas of the body when stepping out. In addition to this, applying a basil and lime paste or walnut paste to one’s skin can reduce the visibility of white patches. Inflammation control: In the initial stages, doctors may suggest treatments like creams to control inflammation and restore some pigment to the skin. Light therapy: In cases of actively spreading vitiligo, phototherapy with narrow-band ultraviolet (UV) B may help slow down the progression.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) triggers infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. This condition can affect individuals of all ages, with a particular vulnerability for infants 12 months and younger. While there are methods to manage the complication, adults must ensure that affected infants receive prompt and appropriate care. The ideal way to determine if the infant has RSV is to learn more about the signs of RSV to identify and address it effectively. Signs of RSV in infants RSV may appear about four to six days after a child is exposed to it. Infected infants may show various signs, including a cough, short and rapid breathing, and poor feeding. Some babies may also show signs of tiredness, while others might exhibit difficulty breathing. Managing RSV in infants Parents or caregivers must ensure they only follow remedies for infants after consultation with a healthcare professional. The first step in addressing RSV is to comfort the infant or distract them from their condition. One can do this by playing a quiet game or even reading them a book. Once the baby is comfortable, one could try a few at-home remedies. 1. Avoid exposure to polluted environments Experts recommend staying away from polluted environments as breathing in such an atmosphere may worsen an infant’s symptoms. 2. Hydrate with fluids Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding should continue as normal even when the child has RSV. The process may help loosen thickened secretions and ease the infant’s symptoms. 3. Limit germ exposure Limiting exposure to germs is necessary to minimize the risk of further infection or prevent RSV onset. Avoiding large crowds, particularly during flu season, or keeping infants away from unwell children are ways to prevent contracting RSV. One should also clean surfaces at home, like doorknobs, with a disinfectant, which may help curb the spread of germs.

Certain conditions can affect the function of melanocytes—cells responsible for the production of skin pigment. One such condition is vitiligo, which makes certain areas of the skin lose their color. Such loss of pigmentation makes the affected patches take on a pale or milky-white color. That said, it is possible to manage these symptoms. To do that , it is important to understand the condition, its types (segmental and non-segmental), and the available treatment options. Segmental vs. non-segmental vitiligo The effects of vitiligo differ based on whether it is segmental or non-segmental. Segmental vitiligo causes rapid loss of skin pigmentation in one side of the body. This type tends to stabilize, i.e., stop spreading, 6 to 12 months after symptom onset. The non-segmental variant is more common among those diagnosed with vitiligo. This type results in white patches on both sides of the body. For instance, affected areas can be observed along both shoulders, knees, and hands. Non-segmental vitiligo keeps progressing. So, those affected may continue seeing new patches throughout their lifetime. Repigmentation as a management option Vitiligo treatment typically revolves around slowing disease progression and repigmentation— the process of restoring or increasing skin color in de-pigmented areas. Repigmentation-based treatments are common options for those with non-segmental vitiligo. That said, such treatment may take months to deliver visible results. Role of creams in skin repigmentation Certain creams or ointments can help stop the emergence and spread of white patches when dealing with vitiligo. This option typically works for those with non-segmental vitiligo on less than 10% of their bodies. These topical treatments can restore skin color in the affected patches, helping the skin surface take on a more even tone . That said, before using any cream, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to understand the risks, benefits, and right methods.