Lupus is an autoimmune condition that can cause significant damage to multiple parts of the body, including the skin, blood, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. The condition can be of four types, the most common being systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which affects the entire body. Others include cutaneous lupus erythematosus, which primarily affects the skin; neonatal lupus, which affects electrical impulses; and a type of lupus triggered by certain treatment options. Symptoms of lupus Lupus can cause many symptoms in varying combinations or intensities. That being said, some symptoms are common, such as joint, muscle, and chest pain, headaches, rashes, fever, hair loss, and fatigue. Additionally, mouth sores, shortness of breath, swollen glands, swelling in the arms, legs, or face, confusion, and blood clots are other common symptoms. Lupus can also cause other complications, such as photosensitivity, dry eyes, seizures, anemia, Raynaud’s syndrome, osteoporosis, heart disease, and kidney disease. Lupus treatment Treatment for lupus aims to manage symptoms and reduce the damage to organs and tissues in the body. The choice of treatment plan depends on the severity of the symptoms. – Immunosuppressants In cases of moderate to severe lupus, doctors might recommend immunosuppressants. These options reduce immune activity, mainly that of IFN-1 (type 1 interferon).

Vitiligo is a long-term disorder that causes the skin to lose its pigment or color. This occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets melanocytes—cells that are responsible for producing melanin, the chemical that gives color to one’s skin and hair. When vitiligo affects the melanocytes, the skin turns white or appears lighter. While there is no permanent cure, certain treatments and remedies can help one manage vitiligo symptoms and slow down the condition’s progress. Vitiligo treatment options One can manage the symptoms of vitiligo through various methods, such as phototherapy, surgical intervention, and emotional support. A health expert will help one determine the most effective management option by evaluating several factors, such as the patient’s age, the severity of the condition, the pace of its progression, and the extent of skin affected. Each treatment aims to restore a uniform skin tone through repigmentation (restoring color) or depigmentation (removing the remaining color) of the skin. 1. Light therapy This is a type of phototherapy that helps restore the skin’s color. For this treatment, a healthcare professional like a dermatologist uses ultraviolet B (UVB) lights, light boxes, or medical-grade lasers. Using any of these, the skin is exposed to high-intensity light for a short period.

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that makes a person lose their control over sleep and wakefulness. Many suffer from excessive sleepiness during the daytime, a common symptom of narcolepsy. Sleepiness can occur at any time, devoid of any environmental factors such as place, time, or activity. This sudden attack of sleepiness compels the person to drift off to sleep at odd intervals. While the actual cause of narcolepsy is not known, studies are in progress. Difference between normal sleep and narcolepsy sleepiness Sleep is normally associated with night-time, with maybe 1 or 2 short naps during the daytime. The human sleep cycle involves various phases and levels. One does not slumber into a deep sleep the minute he or she closes their eyes. Studies show that a normal person takes approximately 90 minutes after falling asleep to enter a phase of deep sleep. Clinically, this phase of the sleep cycle is termed as Rapid Eye Movement or REM. This is the phase of sleep in which we have dreams. One does not wake up during this time. A patient with narcolepsy enters the REM phase almost immediately after falling asleep. This sleep need not take place during the night but can happen anytime during the day and any number of times.

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 its 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.

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 graying 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.   Management Treatment is not typically necessary for vitiligo, as it is considered a cosmetic condition.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common and contagious infection that can affect anyone. Although adults develop mild symptoms, infants and younger children have more severe signs as their immune systems aren’t fully developed yet. They may also have complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which may require hospitalization. So, one should not ignore the symptoms of RSV and seek the guidance of a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Signs of RSV in infants Among infants (children under age one), RSV often resembles the signs of a common cold. Fever (100.4℉ or higher) Wet or dry cough Runny nose Congestion Sneezing Poor appetite Further, as the infection spreads, the infant may find it difficult to breathe. This may cause them to take faster, more shallow breaths, flare out their nostrils, make grunting sounds, wheeze, or cave in their chest while breathing. Managing RSV in infants Like most viral infections, RSV clears up by itself. That being said, some management options may relieve the symptoms and help babies breathe more easily. Hydration Ensure the baby drinks plenty of water (if they are over six months old) or breastmilk/formula (for younger infants) to prevent dehydration. Suction devices A nasal aspirator or a snot sucker may help get rid of any mucus in the airways, helping the baby breathe easier.

Vitiligo is a health condition that causes the skin to lose color and develop patches and spots of a lighter shade. While some may develop a few spots, others might notice large patches on different areas across the body. Healthcare experts, such as dermatologists, may recommend a variety of treatment options to restore lost skin color or pigment. Sometimes, they may also suggest a few remedies to prevent the spread of vitiligo. 1. Protect the skin from the sun Skin that has lost color may sunburn easily, and severe sunburn can worsen one’s condition. So, it is important to protect the skin from harsh sunlight. One can do this by standing in the shade as much as possible when outdoors and wearing clothes that protect the skin from the sun. They can also use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher and with other features like broad-spectrum protection and water resistance. 2. Avoid tanning beds or sun lamps Tanning beds and sun lamps are just as bad as direct sunlight, as they can burn the skin and worsen vitiligo. It is important to note that these do not darken the areas that have lost color and can instead worsen vitiligo symptoms, such as sun sensitivity and itching .