Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that leads to itchy, scaly, red patches forming on the skin’s surface. Some types of eczema can cause blisters on the surface of the skin. Based on statistics, at least 10% of Americans suffer from eczema. While there is no cure for eczema, patients need to be particularly careful of the products they use to clean and moisturize their skin. The following ingredients are common triggers for eczema and atopic dermatitis flare-ups: 1. Lanolin Lanolin is a common product in soaps and other topical moisturizers. While it can make your skin look glossy and healthy, it comes with a downside worth considering. For instance, many patients with sensitive skin and allergies to sheep’s wool, which lanolin is derived from, develop allergies to lanolin, and break out in red, inflamed patches of skin. 2. Cocamidopropyl Betaine While we’ve come to believe that any product made with coconut oil is natural and moisturizing for the skin, many eczema patients react negatively to Cocamidopropyl betaine. This is a common surfactant used in cleansing products, such as body washes, shampoo and facial cleaners. In fact, this product is known to cause redness and swelling, worsening the symptoms of eczema.

According to the National Cancer Institute, most people in this country are at least somewhat familiar with cancer. Yet, many people are still unsure of what is going on with their bodies and whether or not they should be getting tested for common types of cancer, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. There are a few different types of tests, some more comprehensive than others. Here are the types of genetic testing for cancer: 1. Germline testing Germline testing is used to check for different hereditary cancers. Germline tests are usually done to identify abnormalities that either lead to or protect against cancer. Most notably, the test looks for the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are tumor suppressor genes, and the genes that code for the protein p53, which controls cell division and cell death and which, when mutated, can cause cancer. In the case of hereditary cancer, a gene mutation can occur that can be passed down from generation to generation.  2. Molecular tests Molecular tests are often used to determine how aggressive a cancer is and how it should be treated. For example, p53 gene testing can determine what kind of cancer a person has and whether or not chemotherapy may be beneficial.

Menopause is a normal process of a female’s life, typically occurring around their mid-40s when estrogen levels begin to decline, hindering the body’s natural ability to ovulate. Menopause symptoms are different for everyone, but most often include irregular periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, chills, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, slowed metabolism, thinning hair, and so on. Luckily, menopause treatments can assist with menopause management, with things like hormone therapy, vaginal estrogen, low-dose antidepressants, and more. However, it is also possible that your diet may influence your menopausal experience—with that being said, here are 5 foods that help manage menopause symptoms: 1. Fish 8 ounces of fish is recommended per week, particularly fattier species like salmon and tuna, for a great source of omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Those who consume more oily fish may potentially experience less severe hot flashes, and some research suggests that regular fish-eaters may experience less depression, which can be helpful for women beginning midlife. 2. Yogurt Active cultures in yogurt are probiotic and rich in protein and calcium, which are essential for women in menopause. Women experiencing menopause are more likely to develop osteoporosis, making the consumption of foods that support bone health crucial.

BASD or Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder is a rare metabolic disorder that results from defects in the production of bile acids in the body. Bile acids are essential chemical compounds secreted in the liver. These are required for the absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins in the intestines. Bile acid synthesis is a process that involves the breakdown and elimination of cholesterol in the body. Bile acid synthesis disorder results in the accumulation of excess bile acids, which lead to a lot of health complications, including organ failure. Read on to know more about BASD. What causes Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder (BASD)? Genetic mutations cause Bile Acid Synthesis Disorder (BASD). The mutations cause improper synthesis of cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid, which are two primary bile acids. These acids are synthesized by the liver. This process involves complex chemical reactions of 27 enzymatic steps inside hepatocytes, which are special liver cells. A specialized protein known as the enzyme is required at each step of the bile acid synthesis. This specific enzyme is produced by a gene associated with a specific bile acid disorder. BASD occurs when there is a mutation of a specific gene that is responsible for decoding a bile acid enzyme.

Causes and symptoms of myelofibrosis Though the progress in medical science over the years has eradicated major diseases from the face of the earth, there are certain health conditions that are yet to be completely treated. One such ailment that is invincible till date and continues to claim lives is cancer. Cancer can affect any part of the body and is only treatable when it is diagnosed in its earlier stages. One such form of cancer that affects the bone marrow is called myelofibrosis. Myelofibrosis is that type of bone marrow cancer that affects the body’s ability to produce blood cells. In fact, myelofibrosis is a part of a group of conditions called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), which cause the bone marrow to stop developing and functioning the way it should. This causes fibrous scar tissue. This form of cancer can be primary (occurs on its own) or secondary (occurs due to some other condition that affects the bone marrow). Moreover, the other MPNs can progress and gradually turn into myelofibrosis over a period of time. Causes of myelofibrosis This condition is caused by a genetic mutation in the blood stem cells. It affects the blood stem cells’ ability to replicate and divide into the multiple specialized cells that make up the blood.

6 major causes of goiter There are several glands in the body, each of which secretes hormones that aid essential bodily functions. Like every other part of the body, even these glands are prone to disorders. One such disorder that arises due to a malfunctioning thyroid gland is called goiter. This condition is characterized by an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. In goiter, the thyroid, which is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, swells abnormally and becomes visible. Goiter is often attributed to the lack of iodine in one’s diet, but there are other underlying health conditions that cause goiter as well. Though goiter is not a life-threatening disease, goiter can make it difficult for the individual to swallow or breathe. Usually, the size of the goiter is what determines whether one needs immediate treatment for the same or they can go about their life as usual. Read on to know more about goiter, as it will come in handy in identifying the disease and seeking timely help for the same. Causes of goiter Though goiter has been attributed to the lack of iodine in our diet, this condition is also caused by other underlying health conditions.

There are several factors that affect an individual’s health, right from the diet they consume to the type of lifestyle they lead. Everything plays a major role in determining the quality of life of an individual. Usually, people pay a lot of attention to their blood pressure and cholesterol levels because if these go haywire, their health will soon experience a downward spiral. Apart from these two factors, another important factor that you should monitor are the triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat, also known as lipid, that is found in the blood. When one eats, the body converts the calories that aren’t needed immediately into triglycerides, which are stored in the fat cells. These triglycerides are released by the hormones for energy between meals. The trouble brews when one consumes more calories than they burn, and this results in higher levels of triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides result in the thickening of the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease or stroke. So, to lower the levels of triglycerides in the body, one can adhere to the following steps: Lose weight The major cause of increasing levels of triglycerides is consuming more calories than you burn. Which is why losing weight is an effective way of lowering the levels of triglycerides in the blood.

Atrial fibrillation or AFib or arrhythmia is a disease where the heart rhythm becomes irregular. The heart rate becomes rapid, which increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, and other complications of the heart. The upper chambers of the heart known as atria do not beat in sync with the lower two chambers called as ventricles. This causes shortness of breath, heart palpitations, weakness, and numerous other symptoms. Atrial fibrillation may be a temporary or permanent disorder. Here are a few essential things to know about AFib. Common causes Generally, a damage to the heart’s structure leads to atrial fibrillation. In some cases, abnormalities in the heart also cause atrial fibrillation. Also, if there is a family history of AFib, it may be passed down through the genes. A person who has any disease or disorder related to the heart valve may also be at risk of being affected by atrial fibrillation. Other ailments such as viral infections, overactive thyroid glands, and metabolic syndrome are also common causes of this disease. Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as excess consumption of alcohol can also lead to atrial fibrillation. Other common causes include exposure to stimulants, sick sinus syndrome, lung diseases, sleep apnea, and coronary artery disease.

5 home remedies for alleviating the symptoms of psoriasis Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, where the skin develops thick and scaly patches that are inflamed. This happens because the T-cells, a type of white blood cells that are supposed to protect the body from disease, mistakenly attack the healthy skin cells. Psoriasis, unfortunately, has no cure at the moment. However, its symptoms can be managed successfully with the help of prescribed medicines, topical solutions, and light therapy. Along with medical assistance, one can also use home remedies to keep the symptoms at bay. Here are some effective home solutions that one can try to prolong the psoriasis remission period. Diet At times, psoriatic flare-ups can occur among patients after having certain kinds of food items. Ideally, patients with psoriasis should avoid having processed meat and fatty food as they amplify the inflammation levels in the body. An anti-inflammatory diet that is especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help control the symptoms of psoriasis. Fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are some varieties abundant with omega-3 fatty acids. To control inflammation in the body, one should focus on consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and plenty of water.

An overview of allergy prevention techniques Allergies are a type of response of our body’s immune system toward certain substances or allergens. Being one of the most common chronic conditions, allergies can cause some serious (and even life-threatening) complications. The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the substance that might cause the allergy (allergen). The following article talks about the prevention techniques against four common types of allergies. Read on to find out more. Dust allergies Being one of the most common causes of allergies, dust allergies are caused due to dust mites found in dust and even on tiny insects. Dust allergies can be prevented by: Choosing hard vinyl or wood coverings instead of a carpet as it traps the dust and hence the dust mites that can cause allergies. Use roller blinds instead of fabric curtains so that they cannot trap dust that might lead to respiratory allergies. It is also advised to clean soft toys, cushions, upholstered furniture, and curtains either by washing or vacuuming and using allergy-proof covers for mattresses, pillows, and duvets Using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can trap more dust than ordinary vacuum cleaners and avoid dry dusting as it can spread dust through the air.