Skin problems: Vitiligo
and smoking
Vitiligo commonly called as
'leucoderma' is a condition in which there is a development of milky-white
patches on the skin.
Those with vitiligo and their families are treated differently in society leading to low self-esteem, and even serious depression. Hence, it is a life changing to those who have it even though it is not physically incapacitating.
It develops because colour producing cells in our skin called melanocytes, die. The cause of this still remains elusive to scientists. Multiple factors such as genetics, a faulty immune system which attacks its own cells (auto-immunity), and increased free radical-induced damage (oxidative stress) may be causative.
Cigarette smoking is proven to have deleterious effects on nearly all systems of the human body. Along with nicotine, smoker's inhale 7000 other chemicals in cigarette smoke which reduce health in general and have long-term damaging effects.
Even second-hand and third-hand smoke can be injurious to health. The most damaging compounds in tobacco smoke include tar, carbon monoxide, cyanide, toxic metals (lead, arsenic and cadmium) and free radicals. Smoking is known to increase oxidative stress and deplete stores of glutathione a natural antioxidant in the body. One of the important causes of cell death in vitiligo is accumulation of free radicals like hydrogen peroxide and other reactive oxygen species (ROS).
The cyanide in smoke also prevents the activation of vitamin B-12 (cyanocobalamin) to its active form rendering it useless. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is associated with slow repigmentation in vitiligo. Hence, smoking can accelerate the progression of disease or hamper the repigmentation process.
Hence it recommended that vitiligo patients who smoke should cut back and eventually stop smoking. In addition it may also be beneficial to avoid second and third-hand smoke. Methods that have been found to be effective are individual and group counselling and medications including nicotine replacement therapy and varenicline.
Vitamin B-12 in its active forms (methycobalamin and adenosylcobalamin) can be supplemented. N-acetyl cysteine supplements can build up the body's stores of glutathione. Following a rainbow diet which incorporates fresh fruits and vegetables of different colours provides a variety of antioxidants like carotenes, anthocyanins and flavonoids which help quench free radicals. Carotenes also protect the skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays of the sun. Exerciseand calming techniques like meditation and yoga can help reduce the stress associated with both vitiligo and smoking cessation.
The health dangers that each shoe carries
If stilettos harm feet, flat shoes can
also be dangerous. Find out how these pretty shoes can be hazardous to health.
Jacqueline Sutera, a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery, and Neal Blitz, Chief of Foot Surgery and Associate Chairman of Orthopedics at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, share the dangers of our favourite shoes, reports a website.
Too much cushion is not the best thing. When you have a lot of cushion, you're not getting the foot-brain feedback that allows you to sense the ground. These shoes are ideal for forward motion like running, walking, jogging (not hiking, dancing, cycling, etc). Wearing these shoes can cause chronic stress injuries, particularly to the heel.
Flip-flops
Most flip-flops are too flat, too thin and too open. This exposes the foot to the environment and doesn't provide arch support or cushioning. The thong between your toes is also dangerous as it forces your toe muscles to over-grip. Wearing these shoes can cause inflammation, heel pain, strains and fractures.
Stilettos
Wearing heels for long hours shifts your weight to the balls of your feet, which puts pressure on your foot. The sky-high heels can cause ankle sprains, midfoot fractures, neuromas (benign nerve tumours).
Platform wedges
Wedges also have heels, which puts pressure on the foot. But the
heels generally have more cushion. They often have platforms, which protect the
ball of your foot and reduce the incline. But you can suffer similar ailments
due to heels.
19.10.2013
Not everything
that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced
Lucille
Ball
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