6 silent warning signs of skin cancer

6 silent warning signs of skin cancer

Skin cancer includes multiple classifications, with each sub-type being distinct in terms of areas affected and some symptoms. Like most cancers, skin cancer is treatable in its initial stages when the malignancy has not spread to other parts of the body. However, some early signs can be mistaken for simple cuts, wounds, or common allergic reactions. To avoid that, here are some common silent signs of skin cancer one should not ignore:

Frequent shaving injuries
Shaving injuries are common in men. However, if a person frequently sustains injuries such as cuts or bruises after shaving, then they need to consult their local healthcare expert immediately. Some kinds of skin cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, make the skin highly fragile. As a result of that, skin bleeds and soreness may become increasingly common occurrences for men after even the most gentle of shaves.

Another major red flag indicative of skin cancer is bleeding in the same spot multiple times.

Moles that are neither brown nor black
Skin cancer is characterized by the presence of moles on the skin. More importantly, these moles are often skin-colored, and not brown or black like most moles people get. Dermatologists and healthcare experts can conduct cancer screening to diagnose skin cancer in patients based on the presence of such moles on their skin.

Pimples that do not go away
Basal cell carcinoma shows itself on a person’s skin in the form of skin-colored, translucent, or pink-hued pimples that people normally develop due to acne, hormonal imbalance, and allergic reactions. However, such pimples are recurring in nature, and simply do not vanish even after many months or years.

So, if a person has a skin-colored outgrowth that resembles a pimple and does not go away, they will need to check with their dermatologist to know whether they need to undergo screening for cancer or they can ignore the pimple.

Dark bands on nails
People with skin cancer often develop brown and black-colored bands on their fingernails or toenails. While such bands may look like simple injuries caused by a collision, having these is a major cause for concern. Doctors measure the length and width of the bands in patients to know about the extent of cancer spread they may have.

So, if the width of the band is more than three millimeters, doctors suggest patients consume certain prescription-based products or begin undergoing treatment immediately. All in all, a dark vertical line on the nails of a person’s fingers or toes is definitely one of the key silent signs of skin cancer.

Itching or bleeding moles
The moles that people develop in the early stages of skin cancer often cause intense itching or unexplained bleeding after they break. Unlike normal scenarios, such bleeding is not caused by pressure or injuries.

Spot on body parts not exposed to the sun
People can develop and show signs of skin cancer in body areas that are not exposed to the sun. For instance, it is not uncommon for individuals to show vague spots and marks on the sole of their feet.

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Coping with urges that can trigger a relapse post treatment

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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Top 5 probiotic foods for a healthy gut

Probiotics have often been found to be helpful in not only promoting heart health but also reducing depression and encouraging a healthy gut. Probiotics are living organisms that help promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Hence they are also effective in preventing many disorders, including diabetes. So, it's suggested to add probiotic fermented foods to one's meal plan. Read further to learn more about the benefits of probiotic foods. Promoting gut health - Top 5 foods to eat Yogurt One of the best sources of probiotics, yogurt has friendly bacteria that promote gut health. Furthermore, eating yogurt has multiple health benefits, including bone health, and can also benefit patients with high blood pressure. Additionally, yogurt can also be consumed by people with lactose intolerance as the bacteria turns some lactose into lactic acid, giving yogurt its sour taste. However, one should choose yogurt with active or live cultures to reap the benefits. Pickles Fermented cucumber pickles are also good sources of probiotics. They are not only low in calories but also improve digestive health. Moreover, they are rich in Vitamin K, which is essential in blood clotting. Hence, one should read the labels carefully and choose pickles that contain natural lactic acid to reap optimum benefits and promote gut health. Sourdough Usually, sourdough starter contains lactic acid bacteria. Hence it becomes an environment that promotes the growth of yeast and other gut-friendly bacteria. Furthermore, the bread contains natural probiotics that aid in the diverse growth of beneficial bacteria, further assisting digestion and promoting gut health. In addition, sourdough bread can also be employed for blood glucose management, reduction of cholesterol, and even for decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider is quite well known as an excellent health supplement. It is twice-fermented apple juice that contains natural probiotics. Furthermore, many people use apple cider vinegar to calm acid reflux and aid digestion. However, the product often has a strong flavor. So, you can either consume it directly or add it to the salad dressing for easy consumption. Miso A popular Japanese seasoning, miso is traditionally made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji, a type of fungus. Furthermore, miso can also be made by mixing soybeans with other ingredients such as rice, barley, and rye. The resulting paste can be added to miso soup - a popular Japanese breakfast meal rich in probiotics. One of the main ingredients, the koji fungus, possesses immense anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the risk of inflammatory bowel disease and other digestive issues. Conclusion In addition to consuming the above foods, patients with digestive issues are also suggested to seek the advice of a healthcare professional at the earliest. A timely intervention will ensure the correct diagnosis and the development of a treatment plan.

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