Plaque psoriasis is one of the most common types of skin disorders, affecting nearly 80% to 90% of adults diagnosed with psoriasis. A few hereditary and external factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. Here, one may experience itching, rashes, and scaly patches on their skin. With early detection and timely treatment, one can manage plaque psoriasis and its symptoms to an extent. Here is what one should know about the disorder: Causes and risk factors When the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells, it is known as an autoimmune response. Plaque psoriasis develops when this autoimmune response triggers inflammation and rapid growth of new skin cells. Further, the condition can be triggered by the following factors: Genetics: If one or both parents have the mutated gene that causes psoriasis, then the child has a greater chance of developing the skin disorder. External triggers: Common strep throat infections or skin infections can trigger a psoriasis infection. Also, exposure to extreme weather conditions like cold, dry climates increases the risk of the condition. Even sunburn, cuts, sores, or injuries that do not heal quickly increase the risk of plaque psoriasis. Also, side effects of certain prescriptions can trigger the disease. Signs The skin disorder leads to a number of visible symptoms. Rashes: Scaly rashes spread quickly from the localized region. The scales can often resemble a dandruff-infested scalp with flakes of skin peeling off. The color of these rashes varies from red to purple, often shades of pink or brown covered with a silver surface. Itching: When dealing with plaque psoriasis, Inflammation under the skin causes discomfort, leading to itchy skin, sores, and a burning sensation upon contact. Dry, raised patches: Dry, itchy, raised skin spots also develop on the elbows, scalp, knees, and lower back, varying in size and shape.

Imagine a world where simple tasks become overwhelming challenges, where vision blurs and limbs tingle with an unsettling numbness. This is the reality for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), a complex neurological condition that silently affects millions worldwide. It is, therefore, important to shed light on the subtle but significant changes that may go unnoticed. From debilitating fatigue and vision problems to sensory disturbances, here are some more symptoms to know of. Fatigue A huge warning sign for people at risk of developing MS is feeling fatigued. It can be troublesome for patients as this might impact their daily routine. The feeling is more than just being tired. It is often described as a feeling of overwhelming exhaustion. This extreme fatigue can make undertaking even the simplest task an ordeal. It significantly affects the patient’s daily life, and the effects keep worsening towards the end of the day. The fatigue is also more pronounced during hot weather when the patient is ill and after working out. Weakness that arises from constant fatigue is most noticeable in the lower extremities. Vision problems Vision problems are among the first and most common warning signs of MS. The disease tends to increase the inflammatory levels in the body. This can impact the optic nerve, disrupting the patient’s central vision. As a result, numerous MS patients complain of double or blurred vision and sometimes vision loss. Other concerns include eye pain and color blindness. The pain can radiate when moving the eye or when light flashes enter the eye. Numbness and tingling A sense of tingling or numbness in the body’s extremities or the face is another warning sign of MS. It occurs due to nerve damage to the spinal column and the brain. The conflicting messages sent by the brain or spinal column often cause numbness in the arms, legs, and face.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that develops in the blood cells. Myeloid leukemia primarily develops in the bone marrow, the body’s production center for red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. As the cancer spreads in the bone marrow, it affects the ability of these cells to carry out individual tasks, affecting one or multiple organs at a time. Here are the most common and noticeable early symptoms of myeloid leukemia to notice and take prompt action. Fatigue The red blood cells are tasked with the vital responsibility of carrying freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs to all organs and extremities of the body. Myeloid leukemia affects the production of red blood cells and results in fewer cells circulating in the bloodstream. Fewer cells mean less oxygen; the first sign of low oxygen is fatigue. People also develop weakness, feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint on multiple occasions due to poor circulation and a low red blood cell count. These are the primary myeloid leukemia early symptoms that indicate developing trouble. Low immunity The immune system relies on white blood cells to prevent infections and external viruses from harming the body. However, myeloid leukemia affects the production of new white blood cells in the bone marrow, resulting in less cell circulation to boost immunity. Developing frequent infections or running a fever at the slightest change in weather are clear signs of diminished immunity. Bruising and discoloration Low platelet counts triggered by myeloid leukemia can result in evident bruising on the skin’s surface. One might also notice hundreds of thousands of tiny red spots on the skin, which indicate the progression of an underlying blood disorder. People with myeloid leukemia also bleed out easily from minor cuts and injuries, experience nosebleeds, and even bleed out from the gums.

Iron is required by the body for growth and development. The body utilizes iron to form hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen to different body parts. Unfortunately, iron deficiency, or anemia, affects approximately 5 million people nationwide. Moreover, women are more susceptible to anemia than men. This can be avoided by having iron-rich foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. That said, here are some early signs of anemia to watch out for: Extreme fatigue As mentioned earlier, iron is used to produce hemoglobin, which plays an integral role in supplying oxygen throughout the body. Low iron and hemoglobin levels lead to the lack of oxygen in the body, resulting in extreme tiredness and fatigue. Hence, individuals with anemia may feel perpetually exhausted, even after sleeping well at night. Skin paleness Healthy skin complexion results from capillaries present underneath the skin. However, these capillaries do not function optimally among individuals with anemia. Consequently, the skin may turn yellowish and pale throughout the body or in certain body parts, such as the lips, eyelids, and face. Cold hands and feet Individuals with anemia may experience cold hands and feet as their blood does not get adequately circulated in the body. This is because the body does not have sufficient red blood cells to supply oxygen to the tissues. Headache Poor blood circulation due to anemia can cause the blood vessels in the brain to swell, causing elevated blood pressure and resulting in headaches. One may also experience lightheadedness as a result. Limb tingling The limbs require considerable blood and oxygen supply to function optimally. Low hemoglobin levels among patients with anemia cause less blood and oxygen supply to the limbs, resulting in a tingling sensation in this area. Often, this tingling sensation increases at night. Inability to concentrate Lack of blood and oxygen supply to different body parts can cause weakness and fatigue, resulting in the inability to focus on one’s daily activities.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that develops in certain white blood cells called plasma cells. The function of these cells is to fight infections by making antibodies that help attack the germs. Those dealing with multiple myeloma lose the ability to fight these infections as cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd the healthy cells. Recognizing the following warning signs can help one get an early diagnosis and treatment: Pain and weakness in bones With multiple myeloma, cancerous cells accumulate in the bone marrow, so one of the first signs to develop is bone pain. This symptom usually develops in the back, hips, and skull. One may also experience weakness in the bones brought on by osteoporosis and plasmacytoma—a tumor of the plasma cells. Low blood count Shortage of red and white blood cells and blood platelets is another symptom that can be detected through various tests. One of the issues brought on by low blood counts is anemia, which results in weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a reduced ability to exercise. Further, leukopenia is a condition attributed to a diminished white blood cell count in the body. Here, one has a low resistance to infections like pneumonia. Another condition called thrombocytopenia is also one of the early warning signs of multiple myeloma. Here, even a small cut, minor scrape, or bruise can result in excessive bleeding. High blood calcium levels The condition hypercalcemia, in which the blood has excessive calcium, is a common sign of multiple myeloma. Some of the symptoms here are extreme thirst and dehydration, making one drink a lot of water. This can make one urinate frequently. Due to kidneys being overworked here, one could be susceptible to kidney damage and failure. Other symptoms of hypercalcemia include severe constipation, abdominal pain, weakness, loss of appetite, confusion, and drowsiness.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of diseases that leads to progressive weakness and the loss of muscle mass. The condition is triggered due to mutations in genes, which hamper the production of proteins required to form healthy muscles. Generally, the symptoms start in childhood, especially affecting boys. A cure for muscular dystrophy is yet to be determined; still, experts suggest specific treatments and management techniques to slow the course of the disease. Symptoms The primary sign of the condition is progressive muscle weakness. A few other signs may begin at different ages and muscle groups based on the type of muscular dystrophy one develops. The most common symptoms are given below and may occur in younger individuals with Duchenne-type muscular atrophy. Falling frequently Trouble jumping and running Waddling gait Difficulty rising from a lying or sitting position Starting to walk on the toes Pain and stiffness in the muscles Difficulty with learning Unusually large calf muscles Delayed growth One may also experience other types, such as Becker muscular dystrophy. Here, the signs are similar to those of Duchenne muscular dystrophy but may occur gradually. Causes Specific genes are involved in making proteins to protect muscle fibers. However, unusual mutations in these genes may result in muscular dystrophy. Moreover, each form of muscular dystrophy is triggered by a genetic mutation particular to that type of disease. One should also note that most types of this condition are inherited. There are certain risk factors that could also trigger the disease. The condition could occur in both sexes and in all ages and races. However, the common type of muscular dystrophy, Duchenne, is more commonly found in young boys. Moreover, people with a family history of muscular dystrophy are at a higher risk of developing the disease or passing it on to their children.

Osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease, is a genetic disorder that makes bones become extremely soft and highly susceptible to damage in the form of fractures. There are eight known types of this condition, each brought on by a unique defect in the gene that monitors growth and development. Nevertheless, certain treatment options can help one deal with the condition. So, here are the common symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta one should recognize: Brittle bones The most common symptom of osteogenesis imperfecta (or OI) is bone injuries, as the bones break easily at the slightest impact. Many types of OI affect bone density, so another sign could be bone deformities that manifest as bowing of the legs among children. Deformed chest and spine The spinal cord and chest plate contain a large number of bones. Osteogenesis imperfecta affects the natural shape of these bones, leading to the development of a barrel-shaped chest. As the condition progresses, it also affects the natural curvature of the spine, making the body bend forward and affecting the normal posture. Here, the type and severity of OI determine the intensity of such symptoms. Some may also develop irregularities in the face, affecting its shape. Muscle weakness Skeletal muscles develop around the bones and are responsible for movement. They also support the skeletal structure, enabling one to perform all kinds of activities requiring stability and mobility. However, osteogenesis imperfecta contributes to poor muscle development along with bone deformities. Oral problems Oral problems like discoloration of the teeth, frequent and multiple cavities, and changes in the strength, shape, and structure of teeth are some of the common signs of osteogenesis imperfecta. When dealing with type I OI, the symptoms are limited to changes in the strength and color of the teeth. However, type II may cause misalignment along with discoloration.

Cancer is triggered due to an uncontrolled multiplication of healthy cells in the body that affects vital organs and functions. Lung cancer is detected when these cells mutate, affecting the lung’s ability to absorb oxygen. It is a progressive disorder and cannot be completely cured. The risk is high among patients exposed to elements that worsen the cancer progression. Here is an overview of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for lung cancer. Causes of lung cancer Exposure to pollutants Exposure to known pollutants and carcinogens is one of the significant risk factors associated with lung cancer. Pollutants comprise chemicals and particulate matter that damage the air sacs in the lungs. This comprises the ability of the lungs to absorb oxygen. Radon gas Radon is one of the most severe triggers of lung cancer. Exposure to this gas is quite common in residential homes as this compound is naturally present in the soil. Over time the gasses creep up into the building’s foundation and leak inside the home. Since this is a colorless, odorless gas, it’s quite difficult to identify this risk without smoke and gas detectors. Genes Certain genetic conditions or mutations in the genome sequence can also trigger lung cancer, especially if there is a history of the condition diagnosed among close members. Signs and symptoms Symptoms of lung cancer will vary depending primarily on the stage of its progression. Persistent cough A persistent cough that worsens over time could indicate lung tissue damage due to cancer. Coughing can also result in tissue damage that triggers bleeding. So, coughing up blood with mucus is another sign to look out for with developing lung cancer. Shortness of breath Breathlessness is another symptom that develops as the lungs cannot absorb oxygen efficiently, forcing the organ to work overtime. As a result, one might frequently gasp for bouts of air to fill up the lungs efficiently.

Breast cancer develops when the cells in the breasts grow and divide in an uncontrolled manner. This leads to the formation of a mass tissue known as a tumor. Typically, this type of cancer develops in either the milk-making glands of the breast or the ducts that carry milk. If left unchecked, the tumor can grow and spread to the surrounding lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Here is everything to know: Symptoms Generally, the symptoms of breast cancer can vary from one person to another. However, here are a few common symptoms of the condition: – Changes in shape, size, or appearance of the breasts – Development of small pea-sized lumps or mass in the breasts – Redness developing on the breast skin or nipple – A hardened spot under the skin – Clear or blood-stained discharge from the nipple While some of these signs can be easily observed, others may be harder to spot. This is why routine checkups, self-examination, and mammograms can help one get an early diagnosis Causes The primary cause of cancer is the uncontrolled growth and division of breast cells. However, what triggers this process is not yet known. However, the following risk factors have been associated with the development of breast cancer: Age: The risk of the condition increases with age, so those aged 55 and above have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Gender: Women are more likely to develop breast cancer than men, as women’s breast cells have a higher exposure to hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which promote cell growth. Family history: Those who have close family members with a history of breast cancer are more likely to develop the condition in the future. This risk factor can be confirmed with genetic testing, as almost 5% to 10% of cases can be attributed to abnormal genes passed down from one generation to the other.