Lupus can potentially create serious and lifelong problems. It can damage organs and lead to skin discoloration or permanent hair loss. These are not problems anyone wants to end up dealing with.

The best way to stop this from happening is to detect lupus early. Early treatment can be provided in these cases, which can help control the long-lasting problems.

Detecting lupus early starts with knowing the early signs of lupus. This article will look at early signs of lupus in women. Specifically, it will explore ten signs to watch out for.

1. Skin Conditions

Skin conditions are present in many types of lupus. In fact, one type of lupus, cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), is exclusively tied to skin conditions.

The infamous butterfly rash is the most prominent and obvious skin condition indicating lupus. This rash extends from both sides of the nose across the face. This causes it to look like a butterfly, hence the name vaguely.

This rash is notable because it occurs in around 30% of people with lupus. However, it isn’t the only type of lupus rash. The presence of this or another rash with a lupus-like appearance indicates that lupus is present.

2. Fatigue That Won’t Go Away

Fatigue is a common condition with lupus. It is so common that it appears in around 90% of people with lupus. Fatigue with lupus generally results in a feeling of tiredness that seems not to go away, no matter how hard you try.

However, it is also important to note that fatigue is a symptom of many other conditions. It is an ongoing symptom of multiple sclerosis and is a symptom of temporary conditions like seasonal affectiveness disorder. So, it is important to work with a doctor to determine the specific cause of your fatigue. From there, you can determine if it is due to lupus.

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3. General Pain and Joint Pain

One of the most common signs of lupus is pain. Lupus causes inflammation that puts pressure on the body in different ways. This results in pain, particularly joint pain.

4. Fever

A fever is an obvious sign that something is wrong. Most people get a fever when dealing with other illness symptoms. However, it is possible for a fever to strike without other symptoms.

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5. Hair Loss

Lupus often leads to swelling in various parts of the body. If it takes place around the scalp, this swelling can stress the hair follicles and cause damage. If this happens for long periods of time, it can lead to hair loss.

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6. Lung Issues

If the swelling caused by lupus occurs around the lungs, it can damage them. This causes difficulty breathing and chest pain. This is particularly noticeable when taking a deep breath, as a deep breath like this can cause sharp pain.

Related: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Increases Immunoglobulin Gamma-3 Chain C

7. Kidney Issues

If lupus causes swelling around the kidneys, it will lead to kidney issues. This is problematic because the kidneys are an important part of the body’s waste removal system. Without them, the toxins and waste that exist in the blood cannot be filtered out.

8. Stomach Issues

Lupus often leads to a number of stomach issues. These range from mild heartburn to acid reflux. The issues can also take form in many other ways, to the point where many general stomach issues are potential signs of lupus.

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9. Thyroid Issues

A healthy person’s thyroid has a big impact on their body. It controls metabolism, influences weight, impacts mood, and helps many of the body’s organs function normally. However, lupus can cause thyroid issues just like it causes issues with many other parts of the body.

10. Dryness

Dryness is another symptom of the swelling caused by lupus. This is most often felt around the mouth and eyes, as these areas are particularly sensitive to dryness. However, it can also affect other areas of the body, like the skin and vagina.

Early Signs of Lupus in Women

Lupus can be a dangerous condition to deal with. However, if caught early, treatment for it can begin early and potentially prevent lifelong problems. Being familiar with the signs listed above is a big part of this.

Related: Association of Epstein–Barr Virus and Cytomegalovirus with Drug-Induced Lupus

Is it possible to increase the amount of melanin in your skin? The short answer is yes, and the methods are simple. But why would you want more melanin? Science shows that the benefits of melanin in the skin are significant. This blog will discuss what melanin is, why you might need more of it, and how to achieve that end.

Melanin and What it Does

Melanin is a substance that determines the color of your skin, hair, and eyes. The more melanin you have, the darker these are. Cells that produce melanin are called melanocytes, and are found in the innermost layer of your skin, the irises and pupils of your eyes, hair, and areas of your inner ear, adrenal gland, and brain. Although all humans have the same number of melanocytes, the amount of melanin they produce varies widely.

How much of this complex polymer your body produces depends on several factors, including your genetics and ancestral sun exposure. Melanin is found in both human and animal skin. Further, people with clusters of melanocytes in their skin have freckles.

In addition to providing pigment to your hair, eyes, and skin, melanin also absorbs the harmful UV rays and it protects your cells from sun damage.

Types of Melanin

There are three main types of melanin:

Eumelanin is divided into two sub-types – black and brown. Eumelanin makes mostly darker colors in skin, eyes, and hair, and people with dark-colored hair usually have a mixture of these. People with a small amount of brown and no black eumelanin have blonde hair.

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Pheomelanin is a type of melanin found in the pinkish parts of your body, including lips and nipples. People with equal amounts of eumelanin and pheomelanin have red hair.

Neuromelanin determines the color of your more visible body parts, like skin, hair, and eyes. It’s also responsible for the pigment in your neurons.

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Related: How Trained Immunity and Vitiligo Are Connected

How to Boost Melanin

Now that you know all the benefits of melanin, here are ways to increase it.

Vitamins

Vitamin E 

Vitamin D 

Vitamin B12 

Vitamin C 

Vitamin B9

Antioxidants

Along with beta-carotene and lycopene, antioxidants work to increase melanin production. Eat more carrots, tomato, kale, sweet potato, spinach, watermelon, guava, cantaloupe, apricot, and grapefruit to raise your levels of beta-carotene and lycopene.

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Sunbathing

While extended time in the sun is dangerous, sunbathing before 10 am may give you more melanin production without the risk. Remember to apply sunblock.

Melanin Supplements and Hormones

Another way to increase melanin in your skin is to take melanin supplements or hormones. Talk to your dermatologist about this, as these are only available with a prescription.

Note: These may cause hyperpigmentation.

Conditions That May Be Affected By Melanin Levels

Several conditions are associated with your low melanin production:

• Albinism: the genetic condition of having no skin color, lighter skin, or patches of missing color
• Vitiligo: patches of lighter skin
• Hearing Loss: due to a lack of melanin in the inner ear
• Melasma: brown or blue-grey patches on the arms or face
• Parkinson’s Disease: a neurodegenerative disorder

Related: Living Your Best Life with Vitiligo: Tips for Skincare

Boosting Melanin Levels

You may want to boost your melanin levels for many reasons – you have a disorder that negatively impacts your life or well-being, or you want one of the other benefits. There are natural ways to enhance melanin production with a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Not only can these help with melanin, they will positively impact your overall health.

Are you a healthcare professional looking for a reliable source of up-to-date medical information? We’re here to improve patient outcomes for vulnerable and underserved populations. Visit MD Newsline today.

This study investigated the impact of depressive and anxiety symptoms on achieving remission in psoriatic arthritis patients over 2 years. The Findings indicated that depressive symptoms were associated with lower remission rates and worsened disease markers.

Key Findings:

• Depressive symptoms in PsA patients were linked to lower rates of remission.
• Depression or anxiety significantly affected clinical measures like tender joints and pain.
• Depressive symptoms correlated with increased inflammatory markers in PsA patients.
• Patients with persistent depressive symptoms saw limited improvement in disease activity scores.
• Addressing depression may enhance PsA management and reduce unnecessary treatment escalations.

Introduction: Existing Data on the Effects of Depression vs. Anxiety on PsA Are Limited

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) often coexists with depression and anxiety symptoms, which may affect disease remission. Existing research has highlighted a relationship between mental health issues and inflammatory arthritis but seldom assessed their separate effects on long-term PsA remission.

To bridge this gap, a recent study analyzed data from the Dutch Southwest Early Psoriatic Arthritis Cohort (DEPAR), a multicentre, prospective cohort study. The analysis, published in the journal Rheumatology, examined how depression and anxiety impact the likelihood of PsA remission within 2 years of diagnosis.

Study Methods: Data Analysis 

Data were drawn for 442 PsA patients with a recent diagnosis, with a 2-year follow-up period. Patients completed assessments every 3 months in the first year and every 6 months in the second.

Depression and anxiety symptoms were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), where scores above 7 indicated clinically relevant symptoms.

Disease activity was monitored using the Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA), with a remission threshold of ≤ 4.

Results: Depression But Not Anxiety Decreased Remission Rates

Among the 367 PsA patients assessed at baseline, 18% showed depressive symptoms and 23% showed anxiety symptoms. Patients with depression or anxiety demonstrated significantly higher DAPSA scores, more tender joints, poorer general health, and increased pain compared to those without depression or anxiety. The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms varied over the 2-year follow-up, with 77% of patients who were depressed at baseline still showing symptoms after 1 year and 65% after 2 years.

Depressive symptoms consistently correlated with poorer clinical outcomes. Patients with ongoing depressive symptoms showed limited improvement in DAPSA scores, whereas those whose symptoms resolved within 1 year exhibited notable gains in disease management.

Depression was linked to elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker, and a higher tender joint count. Anxiety, while also associated with pain, did not significantly impact remission rates once adjustments were made for depression.

Patients experiencing depressive symptoms at any time during the study were less likely to achieve remission compared to those without such symptoms. The odds of achieving DAPSA-defined remission were notably lower for patients with depressive symptoms (odds ratio 0.24 (95% confidence interval 0.08–0.71).

Understanding the Impact of Depression and Anxiety on Psoriatic Arthritis Remission

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting millions worldwide. While its physical symptoms are well-documented, the role of mental health—specifically depression and anxiety—on PsA remission is an emerging area of research. A groundbreaking study reveals how these psychological factors significantly influence remission rates and overall disease management, offering new insights for both patients and healthcare providers.

Depression’s Hidden Toll

Depression directly impacts PsA symptoms by:

• Increasing inflammation markers like CRP.
• Amplifying pain and tenderness in joints.
• Reducing the effectiveness of treatment strategies.

Study Results in Numbers

• 18% of PsA patients experienced depressive symptoms at baseline.
• 23% exhibited anxiety symptoms.
• 77% of patients with depression at baseline still showed symptoms after 1 year.
• Patients with depressive symptoms were 76% less likely to achieve remission compared to those without.

Improving PsA Outcomes: A Holistic Approach

This research highlights the importance of a dual-focus treatment plan addressing both physical and mental health in PsA patients. Key steps include:

Final Thoughts

Managing depression and anxiety is not just about improving mental health—it’s a crucial step in enhancing PsA remission rates and overall disease outcomes. As research continues, integrating mental health support into PsA treatment plans will empower patients to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Visit our website today to uncover How Depression and Anxiety Affect Remission in Psoriatic Arthritis

Understanding the transmission dynamics of the HIV-1 F1 subtype has long been complicated by stigma and underreporting, especially among marginalized groups such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and people who inject drugs (PWIDs). A groundbreaking study from Romania reveals critical insights into these concealed transmission routes using advanced molecular analysis, offering a new perspective on public health interventions.

Why Molecular Analysis Is Crucial for HIV Research

Traditional self-reported data has its limitations, often clouded by stigma and social barriers. Through phylogenetic analysis, researchers can delve deeper into the genetic relationships of HIV strains, uncovering hidden transmission networks that might otherwise go unnoticed.

This study analyzed 312 HIV-1 F1 sequences diagnosed between 2019 and 2022, employing sophisticated tools like FastTree and ClusterPicker to identify 25 transmission clusters. The findings revealed stark differences between molecularly identified routes and patient-reported data, shedding light on significant discrepancies, especially among MSM.

Key Findings of the Study

1. Extensive Networks Among MSM
   Molecular data uncovered larger transmission clusters among MSM than self-reported data suggested. One of the largest clusters included 122 sequences, with 79 of them linked to recent diagnoses, emphasizing the underreporting issues driven by stigma.
2. Overrepresentation in Heterosexual Transmission
   Self-reported data disproportionately represented heterosexual transmission, contrasting with molecular evidence that painted a different picture.
3. Significant Networks Among PWIDs
   Nine clusters were associated with PWIDs, highlighting the need for targeted interventions for this at-risk group.
4. Transmission Patterns Dominated Recent Diagnoses
   Among recent diagnoses, 88% were linked to specific clusters, underscoring the importance of understanding these networks to combat the spread effectively.

Implications for Public Health

The discrepancies between self-reported and molecularly identified routes call for a shift in how public health campaigns address HIV prevention. By leveraging molecular analysis, public health authorities can design more targeted strategies, ensuring resources are directed where they are needed most.

Takeaways for Researchers and Policymakers

This study highlights the power of molecular tools in bridging the gap between reported and actual transmission patterns. Such insights are invaluable for creating effective, stigma-free public health campaigns that resonate with at-risk communities, ultimately reducing HIV transmission rates.

Dive Deeper into This Critical Research

Are you looking to learn more about how advanced molecular analysis can revolutionize HIV prevention strategies? Discover the full findings of this study and explore how understanding hidden transmission patterns can transform public health efforts.

Visit our blog today to uncover how cutting-edge science is shaping the future of HIV prevention.