Human body consists of 70% of the water. Water is present both inside and outside the body cells. Most of our organs such as liver, kidneys and skin are composed of water. But, if there is an excessive accumulation of water, it results in water accumulation, which is termed as water retention or fluid accumulation.
Water Retention
One may experience a sudden swelling, puffiness or bloating of feet, ankles, hands, fingers and face. Usually it is misinterpreted as a weight gain and even hard exercising fails to remove this water retention from the body.
Water Retention-What exactly it is?
Water retention also known as is defined as an excessive build-up of fluid in the circulatory system, body tissues or cavities in the body which can lead to swelling of the hands, feet, ankles and legs.
Various factors result in water retention in the body. Some factors are as below:
Diet: Foods high in salt content such as chips, fast foods and processed food like meats can cause water retention in the body. Cold drinks can also result in water retention.
A low protein diet: A low protein diet can lead to albumin deficiency in the body, which also causes the water retention.
Decreased physical activity: Sitting or standing in a sedentary position for a longer period of time can also result in water retention in a particular area. You may observe it after having a long air journey or if you are travelling by a bus.
Hormonal changes: Women commonly experience a bloaty feeling especially during their menstrual cycle. Fluid retention causes painful breasts in women during menstrual cycle. Other symptoms include abdominal bloating and weight gain. Even some hormonal therapies lead to water retention
Hot weather: During hot weathers, our body tends to be less efficient in removing fluid from the tissues.
Some medical conditions such as nephritic syndrome, acute glomerulonephritis water, chronic lung disease like emphysema, malignant lymphoedema, thyroid disease, arthritis, allergic reactions, and autoimmune reactions like lupus also result in water retention.
Some common symptoms of water retention are:
Swelling in the affected body parts such as feet, ankles and hands
Bloaty feeling in the stomach
Pain in the swelled area
Joint stiffness
Sudden increase or decrease in the weight
An increased weight gain
How water retention is diagnosed?
A physical examination is usually performed by a physician
Medical history of the patient is taken
A detailed review of the edema is done, doctor sees what factors promote and decrease the swelling
A blood examination is recommended
Urine tests
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
Chest x-ray
Heart function tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG)
What is the treatment of water retention?
After having a complete diagnosis, the treatment is done to treat the cause. Modifications in the diet, exercise and life style changes are generally introduced by the doctors to suppress edema. Below are some methods by which water retention is eliminated from the body:
Treating the causative factor which results in water retention
Lifestyle changes depending upon the medical condition
Water retention can be drug-induced also, hence doctor might replace those drugs with some other alternative drugs
Water pills (Diuretics) can help to eliminate retained water as it increases the urinary flow
It has been observed that light exercising at times is also beneficial in removing the water retention
Some tips by which you can remove the water retention from the body
Eat a low salt diet, as high intake of sodium in the salt can cause water retention
High intake of vitamin B6 decreases the water retention. Eat foods rich in vitamin B6 such as banana, potatoes, walnuts and meat
Include potassium rich food as they decrease the sodium levels in the body. Bananas and tomatoes are rich source of potassium
Drink lots of water
Avoid having refined foods
Avoid drinks like alcohol as it causes water retention
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
Raise your legs several times a day to reduce the water retention
Avoid sitting and standing still for too long, keep moving between work
Avoid hot baths or sauna as they also increase the body fluid retention
Eye is an important organ, which aids in vision. Individuals suffering from eye disorders not only suffer from vision problems but also experience a poor quality of life as they it hampers the day to day life activities.
Eye Health
Common Eye problems
Some of the common eye problems which are prevalent are as below:
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Hypermetropia (farsightedness)
Astigmatisms (blurry vision)
Presbyopia(an inability to focus on objects up close).
Most of these vision problems can be easily treated with the help of eyeglasses, contacts, or surgery. However, serious eye problems such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma can lead to major eye health problems and loss of vision, if left untreated.
Some major eye health problems include:
Refractive errors
Cataracts
Optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve
Retinal diseases, such as a retinal tear or detachment
Macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Conjunctivitis
Diabetic eye problems, such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema
Signs and Symptoms of Eye diseases
Most of the eye problems cause difficulty in vision; one must immediately see a doctor on developing below mentioned signs and symptoms
Blurriness
Discharge from the eyes or watery eye
Flashes of light
Irritation
Light sensitivity
Pain
Tearing
Vision loss
Treatment for Eye disease
Vision problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness can be treated with glasses or contacts.However, serious eye diseases may require a combination of medications and surgery to be treated. A yearly eye- check up helps in detecting eye conditions in their early stages and it prevents the further complications.
Here, a few common eye disease treatments:
Refractive surgery, a procedure that can help correct refractive errors, such as nearsightedness or astigmatism (LASIK is a type of refractive surgery).
Corneal transplantation which is targeted to remove the damaged cornea with healthy ones.
Oral steroids, medications that can treat inflammatory eye conditions.
A brief description about some of the Eye problems is as below:
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye disease in which fluid pressure increases in the eye, which damages the optic nerve. If left untreated, individuals with glaucoma can lose their vision and eventually become blind, and the disease is one of the leading causes of blindness .Doctor usually treats glaucoma with eye drops or surgery, which helps to slow down the disease’s progression and prevent vision loss. People can develop glaucoma at any age, but it usually affects older adults.
Cataract
Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurry vision if left untreated can even lead to loss of vision. They often develop as people age, when the proteins in the eye begin to clutter togetherand cause cloudiness, which hampers the normal vision. Older individuals who have a history of smoking or those who are obese, have high blood pressure, take certain medications, or have diabetes have a greater risk of developing cataracts.
Surgery is the only treatment of cataracts; it cannot be treated by medications.
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
This condition causes inflammation and redness in the eye. This is caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, chemicals, and even a loose eyelash or dirty contact lens.
This condition leads to swelling of the eyelids, watery eyes, itching, burning, crusting, or discharge. This condition can easily spread and is highly contagious.
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is an age related eye degeneration which damages the central vision. There are two types of macular degeneration,
Wet AMD – Happens when blood vessels grow under the retina;
Dry AMD- 80% of all macular degeneration cases are in this subgroup and usually occurs when the retina thins over time.
To prevent the further development of the disease “eye vitamins” may help to slow down the progression; however, there is no cure for the disease.
Sty
Sties are red, pimple-like bumps, which results in the blockage in one of the eyelid’s oil glands.Sties usually appear near the eyelid. Sties are associated with sensitivity to light, pain watery eyes and difficulty in opening eyes. Home remedies include applying a warm wash cloth to the bump.It usually goes away on its own but at times antibiotic treatment is required to curb it.
Red eye
Red eye is a sign of some infection or allergy, which happens when the blood vessels in the eye become inflamed. Visit your eye doctor to find out the exact cause and treatment to cure the red eye.
Other Eye conditions:
Chalazion: Sometimes mistaken for a sty, a chalazion is a red, swollen bump that can spring up on the eyelid when the eyelid’s oil glands become clogged.
Color blindness: This condition is less common in women, and around 8% of men have color blindness, difficulty distinguishing between shades of similar colors.
Eye floaters: They appear as spots in front of the field of vision, eye floaters arecaused by changes in the eye’s vitreous humor, a jelly-like substance. They do not pose any harm to the eye. However, if they are associated with flashes of light, one may experience a posterior vitreous detachment, which could lead to a retinal tear or detachment. In such case, one must go and see a doctor immediately.
Dry eye: In this case eye fails to produce tears which can keep the eye moist. This can lead to blurry vision, burning, or itchiness.Using artificial tears or a prescription medication usually gives a relief.
Diabetic retinopathy: An eye disease that affects people with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in a person’s retina, which can eventually lead to vision loss.
Eye strain: Wearing the wrong prescription glasses or contact lenses can cause your eyes to feel tired or uncomfortable. Also it has been found that over usage of electronic screens such as tablets, television and computers can cause eye strain.
FOOD INDISCIPLINE
The Importance And Essentials Of Healthy Diet
Good nutrition is extremely important as it is the fuel that keeps the body healthy. Good food discipline includes not just eating the right kind of food but also at the right time. It also includes good habits with regard to buying, cleaning and storing food, correct preparation of food to maximize the health benefits. A big part of food discipline is avoiding foods that harm the body, like preserved foods which have added salt and preservatives. Avoiding addicting substances like alcohol is also a part of good food discipline.
FOOD INDISCIPLINE
Why is it important to have a healthy diet?
A well balanced diet can help in preventing obesity, reduce diseases like arthritis, heart diseases, type two diabetes, certain cancers and also prevent mood swings.
Our diet also provides certain vital nutrients likevitamins and minerals which are required in small quantities for good health.Lack of minerals like iron can cause anaemia. Lack of vitamins can cause diseases like night blindness, weakness of bones, bleeding problems and nerve pains.
What are the essentials of a good diet?
A good diet should provide energy in the form of calories. These depend on lifestyle and gender. Most women need between 1500-2000 Kcal per day and men might require 2500-3500 Kcal per day.
A well balanced diet should consist of protein (meat, eggs, legumes), carbohydrates (bread, cereal, potato), fats (oils, butter) as well as minerals (milk, meat, green leafy vegetables), vitamins (fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs) and water.
How can I prevent food indiscipline?
Keeping in mind some simple lifestyle habits can help in avoiding food indiscipline.
Avoid temptation- Avoid keeping junk food like chips and colas at home. That way, even if temptation strikes, you’ll be forced to choose healthier options like fresh fruits and salads.
Stock up on fresh produce and cook from scratch at home- Making food from scratch at home and carrying the same as lunch to office or school helps to develop the taste of fresh food. It is also healthier as you can avoid harmful preservatives in tinned and canned foods, like nitrates and excess salt.
Keep water at hand- Many a time, we mistake thirst for hunger pangs or food cravings. Keeping a glass of water handy can help us remember to keep sipping through the day.
Avoid excess dieting- Many people indulge in crash dieting or avoid food groups. This can be unhealthy in the long run. It’s best to have a balanced diet with all food groups in moderation. One can avoid fried foods and keep a check on portion sizes to control weight.
Healthy plating- A healthy plate should have protein like meat, fish, eggs or pulses on one fourth, one fourth should have whole grains and the balance should have healthy salads with low calorie dressings like olive oil or lemon.
Keep one meal as a cheat meal every week- This helps to prevent bingeing through the week.
Shop healthy- It’s always better to avoid food shopping if you’re hungry- you’ll be more likely to buy unhealthy foods. Plan your meals in advance, make a grocery list and shop accordingly. This way you’ll always have the ingredients for healthy meals at hand and there will be enough variety to avoid boredom
Use technology- There are many smart devices that can help to make food tastier and healthier. From air fryers to popcorn makers, technology can help in preparing healthy, delicious meals.
Indulge in healthy snacking- The urge to snack between meals is commonly seen in children. Keep carrot sticks, fruits and popcorn along with lemonade ready to avoid unhealthy snacking.
Eating out- To avoid bingeing at parties and while eating out, have a light snack, like soup or a salad, before attending the event. Opt for roasted and grilled food along with healthy salads and choose fruits for dessert.
Correct storage of food is also important. It’s always advisable to refrigerate perishables like milk, eggs and freeze meats as these can otherwise transmit bacteria that cause food poisoning.
A headache is a common problem that most of us face. Sometimes, some simple remedies can help. But if the problem persists, it’s best to get it checked by a medical professional.
Dehydration can cause headache due to a temporary shrinking of the brain, which causes the brain to pull away from the skull. This causes the pain.
Migraine can cause headaches due to the irregular release of chemicals in the brain
Eye strain
Tension can lead to headache due to muscle contractions in the scalp
A blocked nose can also cause headache due to congestion
Fever causes headache due to dehydration and congestion in the brain
High blood pressure is another reason for headache due to increased blood flow in the brain
An ear or tooth infection can cause headache due to a common nerve and blood supply
Sinusitis
Cervical strain
Meningitis or encephalitis
Brain tumours
How can I know the cause of my headache?
Sometimes, the site of the headache can give a clue about the cause. A headache in the front of your head that’s worse in the mornings can be due to sinusitis.
Headache after prolonged computer work can be due to eye strain.
A severe headache with vomiting and sensitivity to light can be due to a migraine.
Headache with blurred vision can be due to high blood pressure
Headache with giddiness can be due to a cervical or ear issue.
How to deal with a headache?
As most headaches are due to some common causes, it helps to try a few simple measures.
Drinking enough water can take care of dehydration.
Avoiding too much screen use, wearing anti-glare spectacles maintaining a good posture can help deal with eye strain and any cervical strain.
Avoiding excess caffeine, trying some meditation or relaxing music can help if stress is the cause of the headache. Sometimes a cold or hot pack can help in relieving a headache.
Chamomile tea might help to relieve a tension headache.
Resting in a dark, quiet room might help.
Sometimes, massaging a tender spot can help in easing the pain.
A walk in fresh air can help in relieving a headache if stress is the reason.
When to see your doctor?
If your headache is not helped with the use of a simple pain reliever like a paracetamol
A headache that is recurrent or very severe
Also, if there is vomiting, dizziness, double vision or any problems with vision or hearing, a doctor’s opinion would help.
What will the doctor check?
Generally, your doctor will ask in detail about the headache to try to zero in on the possible cause.
This is followed by a check to see if you have fever, if your blood pressure is in the normal range and if there is any sign of irritation of the nerves. This would give an idea if there is any reason like involvement of the nervous system.
The doctor might prescribe some tests to rule out any infection and might also check for kidney and liver functions, a sugar test and sometimes an X ray of the head is done to check for any blocked sinuses.
How will my headache be managed?
Until the cause of the headache is known, the doctor might just prescribe a pain reliever like paracetamol. In case you are not sleeping well, a mild medicine for anxiety might also be given. Further treatment generally depends on the reason for the headache.
CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
It’s Symptoms And Management
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a medical disorder characterised by extreme fatigue which cannot be explained by any medical condition.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
What is the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, but many factors might play a role
It tends to affect women more, especially those in their 40s and 50s
Stress is often a common factor seen in almost all people suffering from CFS
Some people develop CFS after a viral ailment
Hormonal imbalances might play a role
Some people have a weak immune system and are more prone to CFS
CFS might also be due to a genetic abnormality
What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?
A person suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome can have symptoms like
Constant fatigue
A feeling of waking up unrefreshed after sleep
Irritability
Lack of concentration
Headaches
Joint and muscle pains
Sore throat
Swelling of the lymph nodes in the body
CFS tends to be cyclical and there are periods when the affected person might feel better and then relapse again
Diagnosis of Chronic fatigue syndrome
There are no lab tests to screen for CFS, and its symptoms are similar to many other illnesses. Many people with CFS don’t “look” sick, so doctors it is challenging for doctors to diagnose this disease.
In order to be diagnosed with CFS, your doctor will rule out other potential causes and review your medical history with you. They’ll make sure that you have at least four of the above symptoms. They’ll also ask about the duration and severity of your unexplained fatigue.
Ruling out other potential causes of your fatigue is a key part of the diagnosis process.
Some conditions whose symptoms resemble those of CFS include:
mononucleosis
Lyme disease
multiple sclerosis
lupus (SLE)
hypothyroidism
fibromyalgia
major depressive disorder
You may also experience symptoms of CFS if you’re severely obese or have depression or sleep disorders. The side effects of certain drugs, such as antihistamines and alcohol, can mimic CFS as well.
Because the symptoms of CFS resemble those of other conditions, it’s important not to self-diagnose and to talk to your doctor.
What can I do if I feel tired all the time?
In case you are troubled by constant fatigue and lethargy, it would be best to consult a doctor.
In addition to a careful history concerning your condition, the doctor will generally also advise tests to rule out other medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to what you are suffering from.
There are no specific tests to diagnose CFS, it is a diagnosis of exclusion. So, it’s important to be sure that the symptoms are not due to any other disease, like hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, lupus, depression etc.
How is chronic fatigue syndrome managed?
Managing CFS involves lifestyle changes as well as support in the form of counselling. There is no specific medical treatment available to treat this condition. Some lifestyle changes can help in managing the condition
It’s best to avoid stimulants like caffeine, especially near bedtime, as these can cause insomnia and irritability.
Avoid sleeping during the day so that the sleep at night is undisturbed.
A regular exercise regime is very important. It is especially beneficial to walk jog outdoors as this helps in improving the mood too.
A well balanced diet, rich in anti-oxidants as well as protein, can help in maintaining the body’s immunity. Pulses, meat, eggs, fruits and nuts can all help in strengthening the body.
Meditation, yoga, tai chi etc. can help in relaxing the mind as well as the body.
Joining a support group or using the help of a therapist is beneficial for many people as it helps them cope better with the anxiety and depression that is seen often in this condition.
In case required, an anti-depressant might be prescribed by your doctor.
The doctor might also recommend multivitamin supplements periodically to help boost your immunity.
We recommend medical guidance prior to starting any treatment regime.
“It is a myth that cancer is just a health issue”; says the World Cancer Day website run by the Union for International Cancer Control. “Cancer negatively impacts families; ability to earn an income, with high treatment costs pushing them further into poverty”
The Indian Government’s National Cancer Control Programme, estimates that there are between 2 and 2.5 million cancer patients in the country at any given point of time. As per a BCG study in 2010, as opposed to the 200 cancer centers in existence, India needed at least 840. It is estimated that India has only 2000 oncologists while it needs thrice as many. It is obvious that a shortage of doctors will take its toll on the number of hospitals offering cancer care. Setting up a fully-fledged cancer hospital is capital-intensive – a 100-bed hospital in a city could reportedly cost as much as Rs 50 crore. And human resources, from doctors to nurses to technicians are also a continuing challenge.
Cancer treatment runs into lakhs of rupees especially when the disease is detected in advanced stages requiring surgery or extensive treatment. By one estimate, over 45 percent of families with one cancer patient face catastrophic expenditures and 25 percent are pushed below the poverty line (BPL). Medical insurance is the only way one can cope with mounting expenses and since India has not seen too much investment in health, it is a long road ahead.
Chemotherapy is the most commonly used treatment for cancer and refers to drugs used for cancer treatment with the objectives of cure, control and palliation.
Most chemotherapy (chemo) drugs are strong medicines commonly given at regular intervals called cycles – which is a dose of one or more drugs followed by several days or weeks without treatment. This gives normal cells time to recover from drug side effects.
For maximum benefit, one must get the full course of chemo, the full dose and keep the cycles on schedule. In most cases, the most effective doses and schedules of drugs to treat specific cancers have been found by testing them in clinical trials.
Chemotherapy Side effects
While Chemo drugs kill fast-growing cells, they also damage healthy cells causing side effects. The time taken to get over some side effects varies from person to person and depends on your overall health and the drugs you were given. Many side effects go away fairly quickly after treatment ends, but some may take months to completely go away.
Some of the more common side effects of chemotherapy are fatigue, hair loss, anemia, nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, sores and pain with swallowing. Hair loss is a common a side effect of chemo treatments but it is temporary with new hair growth beginning a few weeks after the final treatment.
Weight loss and a lack of energy are equally common making it necessary to continue eating healthy foods. Another common side effect of chemotherapy affects digestion and you might have a metallic taste in the mouth or a yellow or white coating on your tongue. The patient must avoid exposure to viruses, bacteria, and other germs as the immune system are weakened during Chemo.
Chemotherapy drugs may cause memory problems and make it difficult to concentrate or think clearly. This symptom sometimes is called “chemo fog,” or “chemo brain.” Chemotherapy drugs may alter hormones and result in mood swings. Sexual function and fertility may also be impacted in some cases.
Living with cancer and dealing with chemotherapy could also take an emotional toll. Patients can be overwhelmed and even depressed as they juggle work, family, and financial responsibilities or cope with pain and discomfort.
Complementary therapies like massage and meditation can be a helpful solution for relaxation and relief. Cancer support group where you can speak with others undergoing cancer treatment is helpful but if feelings of depression persist, professional counseling may be required.
Chemotherapy Treatment Cost
“It is a myth that cancer is just a health issue," says the World Cancer Day website run by the Union for International Cancer Control. & Cancer negatively impacts families&39; ability to earn an income, with high treatment costs pushing them further into poverty”
The Indian Government’s National Cancer Control Programme estimates that there are between 2 and 2.5 million cancer patients in the country at any given point of time. As per a BCG study in 2010, as opposed to the 200 cancer centers in existence, India needed at least 840. It is estimated that India has only 2000 oncologists while it needs thrice as many. It is obvious that a shortage of doctors will take its toll on the number of hospitals offering cancer care. Setting up a fully-fledged cancer hospital is capital-intensive – a 100-bed hospital in a city could reportedly cost as much as Rs 50 crore. And human resources, from doctors to nurses to technicians are also a continuing challenge. Cancer treatment runs into lakhs of rupees especially when the disease is detected in advanced stages requiring surgery or extensive treatment. By one estimate, over 45per cent of families with one cancer patient face catastrophic expenditures and 25 percent are pushed below the poverty line (BPL). Medical insurance is the only way one can cope with mounting expenses and since India has not seen too much investment in health, it is a long road ahead.
Pain from cancer or from the treatments can affect normal day-to-day activities and cause trouble in sleeping and eating and even result in feeling irritable, frustrated, sad and angry. The good news is that all pain can be treated and most pain can be controlled or relieved. When pain is controlled, people can sleep and eat better, enjoy being with family and friends, and continue with their work and hobbies.
Pain is most often caused by cancer itself. The amount of pain depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient’s pain threshold. People in an advanced stage of cancer are more likely to have pain which can be caused by a tumor pressing on bones, nerves or body organs. Surgery is often part of the treatment for cancers and some amount of pain is usually expected. Pain due to surgery can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of surgery. When a tumor spreads to the spine, it can press on the spinal cord and cause spinal cord compression. At other times, cancer spreads to the bones causing bone pain which can be treated through external radiation.
Some tests used to diagnose cancer can cause pain and is usually relieved after the procedure. Even when you are told that the pain from the procedure can’t be avoided or that it won’t last long, you can ask for pain medicine if you need it. The type of pain you have determines the type of treatment. Chronic pain can usually be controlled by taking pain medicines on a regular schedule. People with chronic pain can also have breakthrough pain which varies in intensity and usually cannot be predicted. It typically “breaks through” the pain relief they were getting from regular pain medicine.
Phantom pain is a longer-lasting effect of surgery, beyond the usual surgical pain. If you’ve had an arm, leg, or even a breast removed, you may still feel pain or other unusual or unpleasant feelings that seem to be coming from the absent (phantom) body part. Other types of pain are:
Peripheral neuropathy (PN). Burning, tingling, numbness, weakness, clumsiness, trouble walking, or unusual sensations in the hands and arms and/or legs and feet are the main signs
Peripheral neuropathy is due to nerve damage caused by certain types of chemotherapy, by vitamin deficiencies, cancer, and other problems.
Mouth sores (stomatitis or mucositis). Chemotherapy can cause sores and pain in the mouth and throat. The pain can cause people to have trouble eating, drinking, and even talking.
Radiation mucositis and other radiation injuries can cause skin burns, mucositis (mouth sores), and scarring – all of which can cause pain. The throat, intestine, and bladder are also prone to radiation injury, and you may have pain if these areas are treated.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It gets its name from the pigment producing cells of the skin, called melanocyte. Sometimes, these melanocytes get triggered to start replicating very rapidly and erratically and they are termed to have turned cancerous.
What are the causes for Melanoma?
Melanomas are most commonly caused by sun damage- the harmful ultraviolet sun rays damage the DNA of the cells. Melanomas can run in families and tends to be more common in people of Caucasian descent.
How to recognize Melanoma?
The most common way that people recognize melanomas is by seeing changes in a mole. Most melanomas tend to be brown but they can be pink, purple or even white.
It also helps to know some things that you need to keep a watch for
Asymmetry in a mole- Moles tend to be uniform in their shape. Any change in their shape would be a warning sign that needs to be checked.
Uneven border of a mole- Most moles are quite smooth to touch. But, if the edge feels rough or irregular, then it’s a significant change.
Any colour change in a mole is another warning sign and should be examined by a doctor.
Any bleeding or itching in a mole should be checked.
A sudden increase in the size of the mole is another warning sign.
If you notice any of these signs, a visit to your doctor is called for. Your doctor might recommend a skin biopsy in which a small piece of skin is removed and examined. In case required, a biopsy of lymph nodes, CT scans and other tests might also be advised.
If diagnosed early, most melanomas are easily cured by surgery which involves removing the affected part of the skin. If the cancer is more advanced, the surgery might also involve removing the lymph nodes in the surrounding area. In case of the cancer having spread to other parts of the body, immunotherapy or chemotherapy might be recommended. Immunotherapy involves energizing the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer. In chemotherapy, strong drugs are used to destroy the cancer causing cells.
Can I prevent Melanoma?
The commonest cause of melanomas is excess sun exposure. So, a few precautions, like using sunscreen with an SPF of 20-30 and a four or five star UVA protection can help. Reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours is also important. Also, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, especially between 11 am and 3 pm, can actually help in preventing melanoma. It’s also advisable to avoid tanning rooms as these are also damaging.
Self-monitoring of moles can also help. By keeping the warnings signs in mind, any change in a mole can be checked immediately.
Just a few precautions and timely detection can help in keeping a check on melanomas.
We strongly recommend that you consult your doctor before starting any treatment regime.
