Page 21 - Florida Sentinel 9-14-18

Health
Problems With Your Thyroid
It's a gland in your neck that makes a hormone that helps your body store and burn energy. If it doesn't make enough, you could feel tired, weak, achy, and foggy- headed. You could also get dry, itchy skin. It's more com- mon in women who might no- tice changes in their monthly cycle or problems getting pregnant. You might be able to manage it with artificial hormones and other treat- ments.
Pregnancy
When you're expecting, your body sends more blood to the skin and stretches it over your belly, which may cause mild itching. You can manage it with loose, breath- able clothing, cool baths, and moisturizers. If the itching is really bad, especially on your hands or feet, it could be a more serious condition called cholestasis. It's caused by a buildup of bile salts from your liver. Your doctor will watch you and your baby closely.
Cancer
Itching is only rarely a sign of this disease, but it's possible. A type of blood can- cer called polycythemia vera may cause it, especially after a warm bath or shower. You also may get tired or dizzy or have trouble breathing. Pan- creatic cancer can make you itchy if a tumor blocks bile ducts and causes a buildup that leaks into the skin. And scaly, red skin that itches could be a sign of one type of lymphoma.
Tumors
Anything that grows on or near the spinal cord or brain stem can lead to "neuropathic" itch. It happens when the af- fected part of your nervous sys- tem misfires. Your doctor can suggest ways to ease the itching and keep yourself from scratch- ing too much.
Restless Leg Syndrome
It may feel as if the tissue deep under your skin is crawling, creeping, aching, tingling, or itching. You get a strong urge to move your leg, especially if you've been still a while. Doctors aren't sure what causes it, but it could have something to do with a brain chemical called dopamine. Medications can treat it.
Diabetes
Skin problems are some- times the first sign of this dis- ease. If you're itchy, it could be a yeast infection or dry skin, among other things. When circulation is the prob- lem, your lower legs may be the itchiest. It's important to treat your diabetes, but you can also soothe the itch if you take shorter showers or baths, use mild soap, and moisturize afterward.
Stroke
It cuts off blood to part of your brain. Your throat, jaw, or ear might itch if it affects cranial nerves close to your brain and spinal cord. And damage to certain brain tis- sue can cause itching through the trigeminal nerve in your face. This can lead some people to scratch until they do serious damage to the skin around their cheek and nose.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 9-B