Heathy 365 News - 5 Ways Lupus Can Harm Your Skin and How To Stop It

 

Healthy 365 News  Issue # 20 - Oct. 18, 2011 Receive daily tips from Dr. W  Update From Dr. Weaver Hello Readers, In an earlier issue, I made mention of the fact that I have had extensive experience with diagnosing and treating lupus. Well this month, I am revisiting the subject and providing some additional health tips related to this condition. If you know of anyone who is living with or affected by lupus, feel free to share this information with them. DrW Health Tip of the Week 5 Ways Lupus Can Harm Your Skin And Things You Can Do to Stop It October has traditionally been designated as Lupus Awareness Month for at least 30 years or more, but it has become overshadowed by the attention given to support Breast Cancer Awareness so that you don't hear about it anymore. I have a question for you.  Are you aware of the fact that over 1.5 million individuals in the United States are affected by Lupus? As a dermatologist, I frequently see individuals with a variety of skin concerns that can lead to an oftentimes unexpected diagnosis of lupus. For example, a 22 year female who was a recent college graduate came to the office with a concern about hair loss which had been attributed to damage from her hair styling techniques or a "bad perm".   During the course of examining her hair and scalp, I noticed that the skin was thickened and the scalp was discolored in the areas where the hair was missing.  After she agreed to my suggestion of having a biopsy done on her scalp, the procedure was performed and the specimen submitted for laboratory evaluation.  She was quite surprised to learn that her hair was coming out because of lupus. Another patient came in because of red nodules on the arms and chest that were bothersome.  Again, it was necessary to obtain a specimen of skin to make a diagnosis and the results revealed a form of lupus. In addition to the skin, lupus can have an effect on the joints, internal organs such as the kidneys, heart, or brain as well as the various blood cells and immune systems of the body.  Due to the vague way lupus develops, it is not uncommon for it to take two or more years of evaluation before an individual can be finally diagnosed with this condition. Here is a list of some of the things you should be aware of related to how lupus can affect the skin: 1)      Sensitivity to sunlight that causes rashes on the face, neck, or exposed areas of the arms 2)      Patchy areas of scaling with dark coloration inside of the ears 3)      Sensitivity of the hands and fingers to cold associated with color changes so that the fingers are red, puffy, and sometimes blue with areas of breakdown and sores on the fingertips 4)      Patches of hair loss with thickening and discoloration of the scalp 5)      Persistent redness of the cheeks and mid-facial area sometimes associated with areas of scarring While these are some of the ways lupus can harm your skin and lead you to seek medical care, there is a wide variety of less common changes that can develop. Once lupus is diagnosed, there are several key factors to protecting your skin and limiting the damage that occurs. 1)      Use a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB to protect all sun exposed areas daily for light since direct or indirect sunlight (through windows indoors) can aggravate lupus 2)      Get treatment as early as possible and stick with the treatment until the healing process is complete to minimize scarring 3)      Get plenty of rest.  Lupus is one of those conditions aggravated by fatigue and tiredness. 4)      Get yearly physicals and blood work to monitor what is happening with your body and avoid any surprise abnormalities that go unattended to I spend a significant amount of time researching and focusing on identifying and recommending the best health aids possible, but there are times when you can do everything right to have good health and diseases can show up any way. Lupus is one of those conditions that can show up because of genetic factors and other still to be determined causes even if you eat based upon a sound nutrition plan and you do the right thing. As I close, I would like to tell you about another patient who I saw for hair loss in her early twenties and diagnosed with lupus in her early twenties.  She was convinced that her life would be shortened and she was doomed.  Well twenty five years later, she is the proud mother or two, doing very well physically and the lupus is in remission.  She has gotten yearly physicals and blood work every year and taken prescribed medications when needed including scalp treatments and products to stop her hair loss. As she passes the point of living with lupus for more than 25 years she has done quite well indeed.  On a more somber note, there is the case of a 16 year old who was diagnosed with lupus but do to the severity of the disease did not make it to her 18th birthday. So, if you are able, support the lupus foundation in its quest to find a cure for this disease.  It will be greatly appreciated by the more than 1.5 million Americans with lupus. Click Here for Lupus Foundation of Texas   Read Dr. Weaver's Latest Blog Posts How to Improve Your Health with the Power of Visualization Winter is Coming- Here Are 5 Ways to Protect Yourself From Illness Restore Your Health and Energy In Spite of Your Age

Restore Your Health and Energy In Spite of Your Age 

There is a saying that youth is wasted upon the young.  Ongoing research into the areas of health, wellness, and anti-aging might one day lead to a change in this statement so that perpetual youthful energy and vibrancy is still a possibility at any age.

While this might sound a little bit far fetched, it is becoming more and more of a possibility as each day goes by.  But, to tap into this realm of existence requires discipline, focused activity, with a specific purpose and target in mind.  So, I would like to ask you a question.

Is age starting to catch up with you?  Do you have less energy or vitality than you had when you were 5, 10, or 20 years younger?  Well if so, you don't have to feel like the Lone Ranger. 

As we age our body starts to not operate as well as it once did.  There are a lot of reasons for this.  Research into the aging process shows that metabolic changes take place within all of the cells of the body and a particular decrease is noticed in structures called "mitochondria" which are the energy reservoirs.  Muscle cells contain the highest concentration of mitochondria, especially cardiac muscle which is found in the heart.  While it is inevitable that these changes will take place, there are two things in particular you can do to make things better: follow a healthy diet or eating plan and exercise.

We'll start with exercise.  I know that most of us don't really always enjoy exercise; however there are fun ways that you can do it.  You can always grab an MP3 player and load up your favorite music or even an audio book and go for a walk.  It doesn't have to be a long walk in the beginning.  Just a walk around the block might be all you can do.  That's better than nothing though.

Perhaps for exercise you can find something that you like to do for fun.  For example, swimming is one of the best forms of exercise out there, working almost all parts of your body.  Simply getting out and playing a game can start you out with some exercise that is more enjoyable.  Get out and shoot some hoops with your kids or nephews or nieces.  Whatever you choose to do, try to get out and do it frequently and build a habit of doing some form of exercise.  Thirty minutes of exercise three days per week can have a big impact on your energy level as well as improve sleep habits, and how your body processes the food you eat.

When it comes to diet and eating healthy, there are lots of things to consider there as well.  Allergies are one of the biggest such as gluten sensitivity and lactose intolerance; the other consideration is whether or not you have a disease of some sort such as diabetes or high blood pressure.  If either of these is true, you need a little consultation before you make too many radical decisions in your eating habits.  This can be in the form of some good research online, or from your physician or a registered dietitian.

There are many foods out there which promote health and wellness.  For example, garlic has been known for centuries to have healing qualities.  Seek out vitamins that are high in fiber, vitamins and protein.  Beans, beans the musical fruit should be redone to read "beans, beans, the magical fruit."  Of course they're not really magical, but they offer great benefits nutritionally in the form of vitamins, protein and fiber.  Beans are definitely a food that you should add to your diet if you're not already.

Stay away from fried food and foods with a lot of fat.  These will clog up your arteries as well as excessive calories that can increase weight.  This, in turn, makes your body work harder to pump blood and will affect your stamina and cardiovascular health in general.  Sure you can eat these things, but like most things, do so in moderation or just occasionally.  Make sure to mix in some fresh fruits like a banana or blueberries with your breakfast.

The two areas of healthy diet and exercise are always a good place to start when it comes to health and wellness.  Used in combination with natural supplements, meditation, healthy relationships, and activities that fulfill your life purpose, diet and exercise will do almost everything you want.   

Do this regularly for at least 30 days and you will be sure to notice an increase in energy as your body becomes healthier. When so inspired, continue this as part of your plan for lifelong health and abundant energy.

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