Systemic Sclerosis
Systemic sclerosis – also known as scleroderma – is a progressive disease that causes complications with various systems of the body and nearly always the skin. Almost all patients with systemic sclerosis experience a thickening or hardening of the skin. Dermatological changes occur progressively, but may eventually cause a loss of flexibility. Though some scleroderma patients […]
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Vasculitis
Vasculitis is an inflammatory disease that causes thickening of the blood vessel walls. Because there are several types of vasculitis, signs and symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. However, many people who suffer from this disease experience muscle and joint pain, as well as numbness and weakness. Some also experience fever, fatigue, and […]
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Skin Biopsy
Your skin is the largest and most visible organ in your body, working hard to protect you from your environment. Though it may not be treated with as much attention as other major organs, such as the heart and liver, the skin plays an essential role in overall health. It is important to be vigilant […]
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune disease that causes an inflammation of the lining of the joints. Its symptoms include swollen and tender joints accompanied by morning stiffness and sometimes fever, weight loss and fatigue. Rheumatoid arthritis most frequently affects the smallest joints in the body, eventually spreading to the knees, hips and shoulders. The […]
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to create abnormal antibodies to attack its own tissues. These antibodies attack both the skin tissues and those of internal systemic organs. Any part of the body may be affected, including vital organs like the kidneys, heart, brain and lungs. Joint pain and stiffness […]
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Polymyositis
Polymyositis is an inflammatory disease that causes the body to produce antibodies against its own tissues. It is characterized by the progressive muscle weakness it causes – particularly among muscles closest to the trunk of the body. Other symptoms may include joint tenderness, speech impairment, shortness of breath, fatigue or difficulty swallowing. Did you know? […]
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Gout
Gout is a very painful form of arthritis that presents in acute and sudden attacks of intense pain. Though gout attacks most frequently occur at night, they can happen at any time with little or no warning. The most common symptom is extreme sensitivity, pain and tenderness at the base of the toe or in […]
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Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a disease characterized by joint damage caused by ‘wear and tear’ occurring within joint cartilage over time. This degenerative joint disorder causes joint pain and tenderness, as well as swelling, stiffness and loss of flexibility among some patients. Osteoarthritis is progressive, beginning with minimal symptoms that gradually worsen. Some of the joints most […]
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Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by brittle bones that are highly susceptible to fractures. Unfortunately, the disease is often ‘silent’ and does not become obvious until it causes a fracture or break. Though osteoporosis can affect any bone, it most frequently causes breaks or fractures in the hips, spine and wrist. Did you know? According […]
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Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain, as well as additional pain at various ‘tender points’ on the body. This pain is usually associated with the muscles and may be accompanied by fatigue, morning ‘stiffness’, insomnia, headaches, anxiety, depression or irritable bowel syndrome. There is no known cause of fibromyalgia, but researchers believe that […]
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Bursitis and Tendinitis
Bursitis and tendinitis are inflammatory conditions that cause swelling or irritation to the bursae (bursitis) or tendons (tendinitis). Though they can occur nearly anywhere in the musculoskeletal system, each of these conditions is most likely to affect major joints in the body, such as the knee, ankle, shoulder, hip, or elbow. Joint pain and stiffness […]
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Dermatomyositis
Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory condition that causes the body to produce antibodies that surround small blood vessels and cause muscle degeneration in those areas. Dermatomyositis most commonly presents itself with muscle weakness and skin changes. Weakness is generally symmetrical and isolated close to the trunk of the body in the shoulders, neck, hips or upper […]
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Dry Skin
Dry skin is a condition that affects millions of people of all ages. It occurs when the skin does not have enough hydration or natural oils. There are many reasons for developing dry skin, such as age, environmental factors, and genetic predisposition. People with a history of skin diseases like eczema and psoriasis are also […]
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Scabies
Scabies is a skin condition caused by mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs. Mites are not visible on the skin and go relatively unnoticed until the skin begins reacting to the mite infection. Usually, the skin responds by forming a rash that itches and worsens without treatment. However, it can take up […]
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Melanoma
Melanoma is a dangerous form of skin cancer that, although rare, is responsible for the greatest number of skin cancer deaths in America. Found in its earliest stages, melanoma is completely curable. But left untreated, this dangerous cancer can spread to other areas of the body. Anyone of any skin color or background can develop […]
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Hives
Hives are an inflammation of the skin that are identified by their pink or red tones and itchiness. Hives look different from person to person, ranging from tiny dots to large welts. Sometimes, hives occur as the result of an allergic reaction. But for some people, hives can appear without warning, regenerating and staying for […]
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How Skin Relates to Gut Health
How Skin Relates to Gut Health Everyone wants a young, vibrant and healthy skin. However, many people fail to recognize that skin health starts in the gut. The skin is a topical organ that often produces exterior symptoms. Instead of treating skin issues like acne, psoriasis, rosacea and eczema as isolated problems, it is important […]
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