Infectious Diseases Starting with "A"

 Anthrax is an acute infection caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus Anthracis, a microbe that lives in soil, and mainly in livestock. Humans are infected through skin contact, ingestion, or inspiration of spores from infected animals or animal products. The most common form of infection in humans is cutaneous anthrax which affects the skin and pulmonary anthrax which affects lungs, characterized by ulcerative skin lesions and severe breathing problems, respectively.

Abcess is a localized collection of pus, that develops as an immune reaction to infection. The skin surrounding the inflamed area is usually red and painful.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a severe immunological condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections and cancers due to the defect in cell-mediated immune response.

Anaerobes are organisms that can live and grow in complete or partial absence of oxygen.

An antibiotic is a drug that inhibits the growth of or destroys other organisms within the host during infection. Antibiotics are non-toxic to the host cell.

Antibodies or immunoglobulins are immune proteins found in blood or lymph, and produced by B lymphocytes. As an immune defense against foreign substances (antigens). they combine with the very antigen that triggers their synthesis to neutralize their action.

Antigens or immunogens are substances that can stimulate an immune response by producing antibodies against it. Antigens can be proteins or polysaccharides of microorganisms, toxins, foreign blood cells of transplanted organs, etc.

Aspergillus is a genus of fungus that includes several common molds growing on decaying plants. Aspergillosis is a common disease caused by Aspergillus characterized by cough, fever, and chest pain.

What You Can Do to Prevent Cancer and Why It Works

 Ditch the Smokes

Every puff of tobacco is packed with 250 harmful chemicals. Nearly 70 of them cause cancer. And it's more than just lung cancer. Cigarettes are linked to 12 other kinds, including stomach, bladder, kidney, mouth, and throat. The sooner you stop the better. Ask your doctor for advice on quit-smoking methods.

Eat More Broccoli

Fruits and veggies pack an anti-cancer punch because they're high in nutrients and fiber, and low in fat. Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, watercress, or other cruciferous vegetables. They protect against DNA damage that can turn cells cancerous. Or eat colorful berries. Studies show they have cancer-fighting chemicals that ward off damage to cells.

Trim a Few Pounds

Extra weight around your middle could add up to a greater chance of having cancer, especially of the breast, colon, uterus, pancreas, esophagus, and gallbladder. Researchers say one reason may be that fat cells release substances that encourage cancer cells to grow.

Go Easy on Alcohol

Tip back too many martinis each day, and your odds of cancer go up. Alcohol is linked to cancers of the mouth, breast, liver, esophagus, and others. The more you drink, the higher your risk. If you drink, do it in moderation. Women should stick to one drink a day, men up to two.

Cut Back on Hot Dogs

Think twice before you throw some on the grill. Studies show that processed meats, like hot dogs, bacon, and sausage, have chemicals called nitrites and nitrates that may be linked to cancer. And research suggests too much red meat like steak and burgers could be a long-term risk for colorectal cancer. Choose safer alternatives for your backyard cookout, like chicken breast or fish.

Get Off the Couch

Do you spend too much time lounging around? Cancer prevention is one more reason to get moving. Exercise fights obesity and lowers levels of hormones like estrogen and insulin, which have been linked to cancer. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise -- the kind that gets your heart pumping -- on most days of the week.

Put on Sunscreen

Baking in the sun might give you a healthy-looking glow, but under the surface, UV rays cause skin damage that could lead to cancer. Because you can burn in just 15 minutes, rub on sunscreen before you go outside. Pick a broad-spectrum product with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply whenever you sweat or swim. And when you're out in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses.

Practice Safer Sex

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) aren't your only worry during unprotected sex. Some of these infections also increase your odds of having cancer. About 70% of cervical cancers start with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. Some types of hepatitis can cause liver cancer. To stay safe, use a latex condom every time you have sex.

Get Vaccinated

When it comes to vaccines, think beyond your annual flu shot. Some can protect against cancer, too. Certain HPV vaccines prevent cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus. The time to get vaccinated is between ages 9 and 26. The hepatitis B vaccine wards off the virus that causes liver cancer. It's part of the childhood vaccination schedule.

Avoid Toxic Chemicals

Chemicals called carcinogens damage DNA in your cells and raise your chance of having cancer if you touch, eat, or breathe them in. Asbestos, radon, and benzene are a few that some people come into contact with at work or home. Chemicals in weedkillers, plastics, and some home products may also be risky. You can't avoid every chemical but know which ones are in the products you use and switch to safer options if you can.

Know Your Family History

You inherited more than your mother's eyes or your father's grin. They may also have shared their chances of having diseases like cancer. Some genes that parents pass down to their kids have flaws. They don't repair damaged DNA the way they should, which lets cells turn into cancer. Learn about your family's medical history and ask your doctor if a genetic test is a good idea for you.

Stay Up to Date with Screenings

Screening tests catch cancer early -- sometimes even before it starts. A colonoscopy often finds polyps in the colon and rectum before they turn into cancer. The Pap test locates pre-cancerous and cancerous cells in a woman's cervix. Mammograms and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) look for early breast and lung cancers. Ask your doctor when to start getting these tests, and how often you need them.

Take Meds if You Need Them

Some drugs lower your odds of getting certain cancers. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) and raloxifene (Evista) can reduce breast cancer risk but may have serious side effects. Aspirin may protect against colorectal and prostate cancers. Be wary, though, of supplements that promise to keep you cancer-free. Many haven't been proven, and some have side effects.

Be Cautious About Hormone Therapy

It can ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue, and protect your bones. However hormone therapy may raise your chances of breast cancer and make cancer harder to detect. Ask your doctor about your risks before you try this treatment.

What to Do after You Overeat

 Relax

Don’t beat yourself up. One over-the-top meal won't ruin your health. Plus, too much guilt about eating habits can lead you to deny yourself. This can make you feel deprived and then cause you to binge again in an unhealthy cycle. Instead, decide what you'll do differently in the future, especially in the days that follow.

Take a Walk

An easy stroll will help stimulate your digestion and even out your blood sugar levels. Or go for a leisurely bike ride instead. But don’t overdo it. A real workout could send the blood to your legs instead of your stomach, which could slow digestion.

Drink Water

Don’t chug it by the liter until you feel sick. Just sip on a cup of water (about 8 ounces) after a big meal. It can help your body get rid of excess salt you likely got from your meal. It can also keep you from getting constipated. Continue to drink water over the rest of the day to keep yourself hydrated.

Don’t Lie Down

That means no naps (unless you can do it standing up). First, you lose the chance to burn off some of those calories you just ate by, say, doing the dishes or going for a walk. Also, when you lie down with a full stomach, food can work its way back up. This can slow digestion and worsen acid reflux (GERD). The couch will have to wait until your food has time to settle.

Skip the Bubbles

If you’ve already overdone it, carbonated drinks may not be a great idea. When you drink them, you swallow gas that can fill up your digestive system. This will make you feel even more bloated. You burp some of it away, and the rest moves through your digestive system until you pass it as gas.

Give Away Leftovers

If you still have food left after a meal, it might make you think you've eaten a healthy amount even though you've actually eaten too much. Some research suggests that this could make you eat more and exercise less later. If you keep leftovers, it may help to divide them into single servings so you don’t overdo it next time. Don’t keep calorie bombs like grandma’s pecan pie in the kitchen if you know you can’t resist.

Work Out

After some time has gone by, work up a real sweat: Run, lift weights, play basketball. It’s best to wait at least 3 to 4 hours after a big meal. It will burn off some of those extra calories. It may also help jump-start your metabolism and prevent constipation. And regular exercise seems to help control mood and hunger so you’re less likely to overeat in the future. 

Plan Your Next Meal

You can’t “uneat” that third slice of turtle chocolate cheesecake at your brother’s birthday feast. But you can prepare so you don’t overdo it tomorrow and beyond. Choose low-calorie recipes and plan out your meals for the week. Set aside time to make as many of your meals in advance as possible. Phone and computer apps can help you plan it all out to the last calorie.

Eat Mindfully

Try to look at eating as a kind of meditation. Pay attention to the flavor, feel, and color of your food. Think about the meal: Where was the food grown or raised? How did the cook make it? Try to take small bites and chew well. Stop from time to time and ask yourself if you feel full yet. This can help you eat less and feel more satisfied. 

Eat Slowly

It can take around 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain it’s full. If you’ve already eaten too much in the first 10 minutes, you haven’t given your brain the chance to figure it out. Half an hour later, you’re sure to feel uncomfortable from too much food. Slow down and you may find that not only do you eat fewer calories, but you also feel more satisfied.

The Old Switcheroo

You can eat more food with fewer calories if you switch out foods like fatty meat, white bread, and french fries for healthier choices. Think vegetables like broccoli, yellow squash, asparagus, and salad greens. Whole grains are better than white rice or pasta because they have more protein and fiber. This will help keep you satisfied longer so you’ll eat less.

When to Seek Help

If you often eat until you’re too full or even sick, you could have what's called a binge eating disorder. You might hide it from others. You may feel ashamed or disgusted after you eat too much. It may seem like you can’t stop even if you want to. Over time, it can take a serious toll on your body as well as your mental health. Treatment can help, so talk to a doctor if you’re worried.

Worst Things You Can Put on Your Face

 Hydrogen Peroxide

It’s a popular zit fighter because it kills bacteria living on your face. But hydrogen peroxide can damage your own skin cells, including fibroblasts that help make new tissue and heal wounds. Also, avoid it for cleaning cuts and scrapes. Use soap and water instead. Hydrogen peroxide might irritate your already fragile skin.

Breast Milk

This liquid gold has long been known for its bevy of health benefits for babies. Now some spas are offering breast milk facials to tamp down pimples and to soothe skin. It won’t hurt you. But you’re better off using a cream or other products that contain lauric acid, the fatty compound found in mother’s milk.

Witch Hazel

This plant is a common natural remedy to treat acne, tighten pores, and fight greasiness. Witch hazel acts as an astringent, a type of chemical that causes your skin tissue to contract. But toners that contain witch hazel can strip all the natural oils from your skin. That might lead to irritation, dryness, and even allergic reactions.

Hydrocortisone Cream

This medication is a balm for red, itchy, swollen skin. So you might be tempted to smear it on if you have rosacea or similar conditions. But this type of steroid cream thins the skin, so the blood vessels on your face are more likely to burst. It also can force your oil glands to go into overdrive, leading to what’s called “steroid acne.” It’s OK to apply a small amount for bug bites and itchy rashes for a day or two.

Deodorant

If beads of sweat are always rolling down your face, swiping an antiperspirant over your brows, cheeks, and elsewhere may seem like a clever solution. It isn’t. Deodorant sticks and rollers can clog pores and make you break out. The skin on your face is also sensitive, and you might get an allergic reaction. See a dermatologist instead. They may curb your sweaty glands with prescription medications or Botox.

Honey

This sweet stuff has been used to treat wounds since ancient times. Today, some folks dab it on to banish acne. Honey helps to keep germs at bay and lessens inflammation. But it probably doesn’t do much. One study found that honey worked no better than antibacterial soap. If you still want to try it, look for manuka honey which has a minimum rating of 10 UMF to ensure it has enough germ-fighting power.

Hair Dye

If you color your hair, you may want your brows to match. But it’s not a DIY project. Home dyes have too much peroxide to use safely near your brows. You might burn the surrounding skin or even injure your eyes. Instead, look for tinted brow gel at your drugstore. Or coat your brows with a lightweight mascara or eye shadow powder.

Urine

Devotees swear by their pee as the secret to smooth, unclogged skin. Urine is made up of mostly water and a compound called urea. Many creams and potions include a lab-made form of urea because it binds to moisture in the air and draws it to the skin. But your pee probably doesn’t contain enough of it to matter. Plus, it’s just gross.

Hair Spray

It’s a handy and effective fix to stop a run in your stocking or to get rid of static cling. But don’t use hair spray to set your makeup. The same ingredients that make hair stick also can dry out your skin or trigger an allergic reaction. A makeup setting spray is a better choice.

Lemon Juice

It’s loaded with vitamin C, which can brighten skin and smooth fine lines. But lemon juice is acidic and can irritate your face. You also might end up with an ugly rash from phytophotodermatitis, a skin reaction that happens if you expose chemicals in certain plants and fruits to sunlight or other ultraviolet light. The rash goes away on its own, but it can be uncomfortable.

Coconut Oil

If you believe the hype, it’s a magic elixir for beautiful skin. It’s true that coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which has proven zit-fighting powers. But it’s also about 90% saturated fat, which can clog your pores. Use it as much as you want on your body -- in fact, research shows it can help with severe dryness or eczema -- but keep it away from your face.

Very Hot Water

Wash your face following the Goldilocks rule: not too hot, not too cold, but just right. High-temperature water strips your skin of moisture. When that happens, your skin’s oil glands try to replace it by churning out even more oil. The result? Acne breakouts.

Body Lotion

If you run out of your facial moisturizer, you may be tempted to substitute it with your body lotion. Resist. Most lotions for the body are thicker, and thus more likely to clog your pores. They also may have fragrances or other ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction on the thinner, more delicate skin on your face. Want to check if it’s OK to use on your face? The label should say fragrance-free and non-comedogenic

Glue

It’s all the rage on social media: turning school glue into facial masks to root out blackheads. People spread a layer of the white sticky stuff around problem-prone areas, let it dry, and peel it off. Unfortunately, this home hack won’t clean out your pores. It may just leave you with irritated skin or broken blood vessels. Worse yet, you could accidentally strip away the surface layer of your skin.

Nail Polish

Some people might resort to it in a pinch as a substitute for face paint at Halloween or for costume parties. The only place nail polish belongs is on your fingernails. Most contain ingredients like acetate and formaldehyde that can irritate your skin. To clean up, you’ll need nail polish removers, which have even harsher chemicals like acetones that may damage your face.

SOURCES:

Debra Jaliman, MD, dermatologist, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; author, “Skin Rules.”

Angela Lamb, MD, director, Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice, New York City.

American Academy of Dermatology: “Scars: Overview.”

BMJ Open: “Randomized controlled trial of topical kanuka honey for the treatment of acne.”

International Hyperhidrosis Society: “Sweaty Face and Head.”

Dermatitis: “A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis.“

Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health: “Coconut Oil.”

The Truth about Carbs

 What Are Carbs?

They’re one of three types of food that give your body energy. The other two are proteins and fats. Together, they provide the fuel your body uses to build and repair itself. Carbs break down into glucose (sugar) that you can use right away.

Your Body’s Fuel

Your body runs on glucose. Your brain, in particular, needs it to work the way it should. Carbohydrates are an almost instant source of it. Your body can break down and use fat for some of the same needs, but not all of them. Plus, fat that’s used for fuel makes compounds called ketones that can raise the level of acid in your blood, and that can be unhealthy over the long term.

Workout Prep

Because carbs are a source of energy, they can keep you going strong while you exercise. Experts recommend fueling up 1 to 3 hours beforehand with a combination of carbs and protein, like oatmeal, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, or nuts and raisins.

Full of Nutrients

The best-quality carbs -- berries, vegetables, and whole grains -- are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that are important for good health and well-being. Whole grains have fatty acids, magnesium, B vitamins, folate, and zinc. Fruit and starchy veggies have some of those, plus phytonutrients like flavonoids and carotenoids that help prevent disease. If you skip the carbs, you lose out on those nutrients, too.

Simple Carbs

Think of table sugar as simple carbs in pure form. They’re very small molecules, which makes them especially easy for your body to break down and use. That means they raise your glucose levels (blood sugar) really fast. Things that sweeten any number of candies, pastries, and desserts are loaded with these kinds of carbs.

Complex Carbs

String together a bunch of simple carbs, and you get these larger molecules. Your body has to break them down into simple carbohydrates and then into glucose before it can use them. This takes longer, which means your blood sugar goes up more slowly and they’re less likely to be changed into fat. These kinds of carbs include multigrain bread and pasta, beans, potatoes, and other vegetables.

Storage Tank

Before your body turns leftover glucose from carbs into fat, it stores what it can in your liver in the form of glycogen. This keeps your body going between meals. But your liver can only keep a day or so’s worth at a time.

If You Have Too Many

If you overdo the carbs, your blood sugar levels can get too high. This causes your body to make more insulin, which tells your cells to save the extra glucose as fat. That can be unhealthy if you’re already carrying a few extra pounds. It can lead to diabetes and other related health issues.

If You Don’t Have Enough

If there aren’t enough carbs in your diet, you could get constipated from lack of fiber and nutrients. Your body is also forced to use protein or fat for energy. Proteins are the building blocks of the body. If you use them as fuel, you may not have enough left to make more cells and keep them healthy.

The Right Amount

The number of carbs you need can depend on your gender, size, and how active you are -- and that can change as you get older. But as a general rule, about half your daily calories should come from carbs in fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and dairy products. Just make sure to go with healthy, complex carbs, and don’t overdo the simple ones.

Low-Carb Diets

In theory, fewer carbs mean less sugar. And “ketogenic” diets have been shown to help some people lose weight and control their blood sugar in the short term. But these diets include lots of protein, and your body may need to use stored calcium to digest it. Plus, digesting lots of protein can be hard on your kidneys over time. You also tend to eat more saturated fat to replace the carbs, and that can be unhealthy in the long term, too.

Diabetes and Carbs

If you have this disease, you need to watch your carbs carefully because your body has trouble keeping your blood sugar at a safe level. If you have too many, your body may not be able to bring your blood sugar down quickly enough. But if your blood sugar gets too low, a glass of juice or another simple carb might be just the thing to kick it back up again. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about the best way to manage carbs.

Where to Get Healthy Carbs

Look for unrefined whole grains like quinoa, rye, and barley instead of highly processed white bread and pastries. Whole unprocessed fruits and vegetables are better than juices. And it’s a good idea to pass on the high-carb potato foods, especially French fries, in favor of beans, chickpeas, and other legumes.

Study Shows DASH Diet Cuts Risks to Cognitive Decline in Women

 Written by Jay Croft

Oct.24, 2023 -- A heart-healthy diet has been linked with a lower risk of cognitive decline among women over 40 in a new study.

The study found that the more these women stuck to the DASH diet – short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension – the less risk they had of experiencing these issues.

The study was reported in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

The DASH diet relies on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins while restricting red meat, salt, added sugars, and fat. It was designed to lower high blood pressure.

The diet also has been shown to reduce people’s risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke, Healthline reported.

The research was based on data from more than 5,000 women who were among 14,000 in the New York University Health Study. Their average age at entering the program was 46.3 years.

Information about their diets was compared to how closely they followed the DASH diet. After about 30 years, the women were asked to share any cognitive issues, with researchers asking them questions that revealed mild cognitive impairment that can lead to dementia.

A third of the participants said they had more than one of the six types of cognitive issues they were asked about. However, those who kept most tightly to the DASH diet had a 17% lower risk of reporting multiple complaints.

Heart-healthy diets like the DASH diet are rich in nutrients found in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds, said Kelsey Costa, a registered dietitian for the National Coalition on Healthcare.

“These components possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially reducing brain oxidative stress while promoting neurogenesis (nerve cell formation) and neuronal connectivity, contributing to our brain’s overall health and functionality,” she said.

The DASH diet also reduces high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for cognitive decline, she noted.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia: “Mid-life adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and late-life subjective cognitive complaints in women”

Healthline: “Women Over 40 Who Adopt DASH Diet May Have Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline”

Skin Problems Linked to IBD

 Erythema Nodosum

It causes tender, reddish lumps usually on your shins, which can look like bruises. It may start with flu-like symptoms such as fever and aching. It’s the most common skin problem linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is related to your immune system’s response to bowel bacteria. The bumps tend to show up when your IBD flares and go away when you treat it. To ease the pain, keep your legs elevated and apply a cool compress. Pain relievers, like ibuprofen or naproxen, may help, too.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum

It’s the next most common skin problem for people with IBD, and the most severe. It starts with a small, red bump, usually on your legs or near where you’ve had surgery. Within hours or days, it grows into a large, painful sore or ulcer. Doctors aren’t sure of the cause. It can be tough to treat. The most common treatment is daily steroids, along with wound care and medications you rub on your skin.

Fissures

IBD can cause small tears in the skin around your anus. They can cause blood in your stool and pain during a bowel movement. Most heal on their own, but warm baths and ointments can ease pain or itchiness. If the fissure doesn’t go away by itself, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help relax the muscles in that area, which allows the tears to heal.

Acne

Some medications that treat IBD can cause skin problems as a side effect. Steroids can cause severe acne and a puffy face. Other side effects of these drugs may include stretch marks, thin skin, ankle swelling, and slow wound healing.

Psoriasis

It’s a disease that can cause red, dry, scaly, itchy skin and soreness. Researchers aren’t clear on how it’s linked with IBD, but people with Crohn’s disease are eight times more likely to have psoriasis. It may be a combination of your genes and immune system that puts you at risk for both diseases. You can treat it with creams, medicine you take by mouth, or light therapy.

Enterocutaneous Fistulas

It’s a small tunnel between your intestines and your skin, usually from the rectum to the vagina, bladder, or buttocks. It may leak waste or pus and cause pain or swelling. It’s more common with Crohn’s disease than with ulcerative colitis. Fistulas are complicated to treat. Depending on where it is and how bad it is, you may need medication or surgery.

Skin Tags

About one-third of people with Crohn’s disease have skin tags around their anus. They happen because of swelling from hemorrhoids. When the swelling goes down, the skin gets thicker and forms either large, hard flaps or flat, soft, painless ones. If waste sticks to the tags, it can irritate your skin. Good hygiene is the best way to prevent discomfort from skin tags.

Canker Sores

Smallmouth sores or ulcers can pop up inside your mouth during IBD flares or as a side effect of medication, you take for the condition. They may make it uncomfortable to eat acidic, spicy, or hot foods. Sores should go away as you treat your Crohn’s or UC. Special mouthwash can also help clear up the sores.

Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

If your IBD leads to ongoing diarrhea, you may lose zinc in your stool. This could cause acrodermatitis enteropathica, a disorder that causes a flaky rash or blisters usually on your hands, feet, face, or genitals. Treatment is simple: Take a zinc supplement.

Pyoderma Vegetans

It’s a rare condition, and it affects people with ulcerative colitis. Like many skin issues related to IBD, researchers believe it’s caused by problems with the immune system. Pyoderma vegetans leads to blisters or patches around the groin or under the arms, which get darker as they heal. There is no standard treatment, but treating the IBD itself is key.

Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis

Vasculitis means “inflammation of the blood vessels,” and leukocytoclastic refers to immune cells that build up in blood vessel walls.  It’s a rare condition. Doctors think it’s caused by immune problems that come with IBD. It looks like raised red spots on your legs and feet. They are sometimes itchy or painful. If it’s severe, they might turn into open sores or large blisters. Vasculitis usually goes away with IBD treatment.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo makes your skin lose its color in blotches. It’s slightly more common in people with IBD, maybe because of a genetic link or because of something related to the immune system. Treatments include medicines, creams, and light therapy.

Clubbing

With this condition, the skin under your nails gets thicker, which causes your fingertips to get bigger and your nails to curve around them? If you have IBD, you have higher odds of finger clubbing, perhaps because of certain chemicals in your blood. There is no treatment, but managing your IBD may help it get better.

Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita

If you’ve had Crohn’s disease for many years, you may be more likely to get this disorder. It causes blisters on your knees, elbows, hands, and feet. It could be caused by ongoing inflammation in your intestines. Steroids and other types of medicine can treat epidermolysis bullosa, but you should also avoid contact sports or anything that could harm your skin.

Sweet’s Syndrome

It starts with a fever and small red bumps that appear quickly on your arms, neck, head, or the trunk of your body. The bumps grow into a painful rash. Doctors don’t know exactly why, but Sweet’s syndrome can appear in response to IBD. You can treat it with steroids, either in pill form or cream, but it’s common for Sweet’s syndrome to come back.

SOURCES:

Frontiers in Physiology: “Skin Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.”

Mayo Clinic: “Pyoderma gangrenosum,” “Psoriasis,” “Vitiligo,” “Fingernails: Possible problems,” “Sweet’s Syndrome.”

InflammatoryBowelDisease.net: “What is an Anal Fissure,” “What is a Fistula?” “Perianal Disease,” “Mouth Sores and Other Oral Symptoms.”

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation: “Skin Complications of IBD.”

Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis: “Psoriasis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Two Sides of the Same Coin?”

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: “Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis.”

Diseases of the Colon & Rectum: “Finger Clubbing, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Circulant Vasodilators.”

Medscape: “Erythema Nodosum Treatment & Management,” “Clubbing of the Nails Treatment & Management.”

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center: “Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita.”