The symptomatic spectrum of multiple sclerosis can be very diverse, involving different manifestations according to the affected body regions. Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory neurological disease, causing dysfunctions mainly at the level of the central nervous system. Due to the fact that multiple sclerosis affects the nervous system, people with this form of neurological disease can in time experience symptoms in most innervated regions of the body.
An estimated number of over 2 million people worldwide suffer from multiple sclerosis, while in the United States the disease affects around 350.000 people. For some reason, multiple sclerosis predominantly affects the female gender. Although the disease can also be developed by men, multiple sclerosis is very common in women. Another interesting characteristic of multiple sclerosis is that it commonly affects young people. The disease has the highest incidence in people with ages between 20 and 40, rarely affecting the elderly.
Multiple sclerosis involves damage of the nervous cells, destroying myelin, a substance that normally covers neurons. Myelin has a vital role in transmitting nervous impulses throughout the entire body, establishing connections between the neighboring nervous cells. When the layers of myelin are affected, nervous impulses travel at reduced speed between neurons and the body is unable to adequately respond to external stimuli.
The symptoms of multiple sclerosis are diversified and they can be perceived in different regions of the body. Most patients have individualized symptoms of multiple sclerosis, and they tend to occur in episodes, or “flares”. The evolution of multiple sclerosis is unpredictable, alternating between stages of remission and stages of relapse. Most people with multiple sclerosis experience intermittent, recidivating symptoms which amplify in the stages of recurrence. Considering the fact that the symptoms of multiple sclerosis are various and at certain stages of the disease unspecific, multiple sclerosis can t be diagnosed only upon clinical manifestations. Multiple sclerosis is usually diagnosed upon laboratory tests, blood analyses and elaborate neurological examinations.
Common, generalized symptoms of multiple sclerosis are: pronounced fatigue, body weakness, sensations of tingling, burning, pain, itching and numbness of the muscles, loss of dexterity and uncoordinated body movement. Other physical symptoms of multiple sclerosis are: decreased vision, loss of mobility, shaking, spasms, tremors, poor balance, dizziness, vertigo. In later stages of the disease, the symptoms of multiple sclerosis can include partial paralysis, renal and gastrointestinal dysfunctions.
Neuropsychological symptoms of multiple sclerosis are: mental confusion altered, inaccurate perceptions poor concentration short-term memory loss compromised judgment and unpredictable, sudden changes of mood. A symptom of multiple sclerosis that commonly occurs in people with this form of neurological disease is depression. Most people affected by multiple sclerosis eventually become depressed and avoid any kind of interaction with other people.
Although many symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be very pronounced at certain stages of the disease, they can be alleviated through the means of medical treatment. Medical treatments available today are able to ease the symptoms of multiple sclerosis in the periods of relapse and in time they can even help the reconstruction of myelin, thus helping patients to recover from the disease. It is important to timely discover the symptoms of multiple sclerosis in order to begin the administration of an appropriate medical treatment before the disease becomes serious.
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The Food and Drug Administration recently warned consumers about potential hazards associated with the use of chemical skin peeling products. The agency also has started investigating the seriousness and prevalence of injuries which have actually occurred.
“We are warning consumers about the use of skin peelers because they can cause serious injuries, particularly when not used under the supervision of a physician,” said Commissioner David A. Kessler, M.D.
The FDA issued the warning after it received reports of several injuries caused by chemical skin peeling products. The products in question contain ingredients that are supposed to remove wrinkles, blemishes, blotches and acne scars, usually claiming that they restore youthful-looking skin. But the FDA says they may penetrate the skin too deeply, causing severe skin damage. In several cases, persons have been hospitalized for severe burns, swelling and pain.
Harsh chemical peeling products contain different ingredients and their strengths vary, as may each person s reactions to the chemicals used. Peeling products usually contain different acids such as resorcinol, phenol, lactic acid, trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids. These are generally applied to the skin for a brief time each day, for 6 to 12 days. The skin initially reddens, like a sunburn, then darkens and finally peels away, revealing what manufacturers claim will be “new skin.” But treatments may be painful and leave permanent scars.
Chemical peels used to be performed only by plastic surgeons and dermatologists. However, they are now administered by a variety of non-medical professionals such as cosmetologists and beauticians, some using newly marketed preparations. Some of the products can even be purchased by mail. Many have inadequate instructions none have been approved by FDA as being safe and effective.
In the course of conducting its investigation, the FDA will review all products marketed with skin peeling claims. Dr. Kessler said FDA is working with state attorneys general who are also taking measures to stop the sale and use of hazardous skin peeling products.
In a warning letter sent to one manufacturer, the FDA said that it considers their product to be a new drug that cannot be legally marketed without FDA approval, and that the product is misbranded and presents a significant health hazard.
Other over-the-counter products designed to renew and rejuvenate are not affected by this announcement. Learn to read the labels on the products you use and choose those that are non-toxic and safe. For more information, see our article on Skin Care Product Labels - Natural vs. Toxic Chemicals.
Kathleen Williams is the developer of the economical Dermanesse Professional Home Microdermabrasion System. She is an expert on Skin Peeling Products & Skin Cancer.
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