Philip Tindall says he 'tried to ignore' his Parkinson's
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Changes in the skin are common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, according to Parkinson’s Foundation. People with the condition may develop oily or flaky skin around their face and scalp. Other skin signs are dryness or excessive sweating.
Parkinson’s sufferers have to keep an eye out for any skin related problems, as recent studies found a link between skin cancer and Parkinson’s.
Oil, produced by tiny glands in the skin, normally helps to protect it. But if your skin starts producing too much of it, it can cause problems.
Overproduction can lead to a condition called seborrheic dermatitis, causing scaly patches, red skin and dandruff.
To prevent this, wash your skin twice a day with neutral, gentle soap and use a shampoo that can help reduce oiliness.
If you struggle with the opposite problem, your skin being extremely dry, try using thicker moisturizers and hair conditioners.
In case the dryness persists, you might want to consider consulting a dermatologist.
A lot of people with Parkinson’s disease also experience heavy sweating, especially on their palms and soles of their feet.
The first thing to do is speak to your doctor as your Parkinson’s medication might need adjusting. Other remedies to try are taking lukewarm showers, drinking lots of liquids and wearing lightweight clothes.
As skin cancer is quite common with this diagnosis, patients have to be careful of melanoma, a type of cancer that can spread to other organs in the body.
People with Parkinson’s disease are two to seven times more likely to develop melanoma, according to recent studies.
In the case of this type of skin cancer, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Parkinson’s sufferers should arrange regular check-ups and screenings with a dermatologist.
Even though changes in the skin are very common in Parkinson’s disease, there are three main symptoms to spot.
The NHS list these as the most prevalent:
- involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body (tremor)
- slow movement
- stiff and inflexible muscles
Other typical signs are physical and psychological, ranging from depression and insomnia to memory problems and balance problems.
If you are concerned that you might suffer from Parkinson’s disease, contact your GP and they will refer you to a specialist if necessary.
There’s currently no cure for Parkinson’s, however, there are different treatments available to help with the main symptoms and improve your quality of life.
The NHS offer brain surgery in some cases, therapy to help you improve your ability to do everyday tasks and medication.
At the early stages, regular appointments with your doctor to monitor your condition might be perfectly sufficient.
To get the treatment that’s right for you, speak to your doctor or a medical professional.
Source: Read Full Article
