THIS WILL GIVE YOU GOOSE BUMPS

GOOSE bumps are caused by the same cell types that control hair growth, researchers at Harvard University have found.

The cells are important for regulating the stem cells that regenerate hair.

Why we get goose bumps was a question first pondered by Charles Darwin more than 150 years ago.

He couldn’t understand the point of them because humans don’t have thick fur.

HAPPY GUT MEANS HEALTHY HEART

THE key to preventing heart disease could be in your gut, new research has discovered.

The study, from Ohio State University, found that a particular strain of friendly gut bacteria gets to work in the intestines.

It helps reduce the production of a chemical that can clog up arteries and lead to heart disease.

This bacteria – eubacterium limosum – has already been shown to help calm inflammation in the gut.

Scientists hope that, in the future, it could be given to patients to lower their risk of heart disease.

BLOOD TEST FOR EARLY CANCER

A SIMPLE blood test can detect five types of cancer up to four years before any symptoms appear, scientists claim.

The liquid biopsy, called PanSeer, analyses blood samples for DNA fragments released by stomach, oesophagus, bowel, lung and liver tumours.

A study of 605 people found it could detect different types of cancer up to four years before standard diagnosis methods.

THERE are many different kinds of rashes out there; some can be mild and harmless, while others could be potentially life-threatening.

Either way, finding a mysterious red, itchy or scaly patch on your body can be alarming, as it’s often unclear whether it can be relieved with an over-the-counter salve or needs more serious medical attention.

A rash is defined as an area of irritated or swollen skin that can cause changes in texture or colour and inflammation. Many rashes are itchy, red, painful, and irritated, and they can be the result of an infection, a chronic skin condition or an allergic reaction.

If you do find an unexplained red patch on your body, it’s important to speak to a doctor, as they will be able to diagnose what kind of rash you have and decide how urgently you need treatment.

Here, Dr Naveen Puri, lead physician at Bupa Health Clinics (bupa.co.uk) identifies some common rashes and their causes.

CHICKENPOX is a highly contagious infection that causes an itchy, spotty rash.

“The spots are called ‘vesicles’, which often look like individual bubbles filled with pus, that burst and then scab over,” explains Dr Puri.

“We usually get chickenpox as a child, but adults can get it too, and the red pocks often go away after a week or two.”

A rule of thumb is to seek help if a rash comes with other symptoms, and Dr Puri adds telltale chickenpox marks are often accompanied by high temperature, aches, pains and loss of appetite. “Cooling gels and paracetamol can help with itching, but you should seek help from your GP if the chickenpox gets worse, or if the skin around the blisters is hot or painful.”

ROSACEA is characterised by a redness that appears as if you are blushing, with blood vessels showing on your face – typically around the inner cheeks by the nose, across the nose, and forehead. Dr Puri says, “This can often be mistaken for acne. It can be triggered by alcohol, spicy food, caffeine, cheese, stress, and even exercise.”

Dr Puri recommends keeping a skin diary so you can identify any potential triggers, and to speak to your GP.

And remember: Although most rashes are not life-threatening, some can signal something more serious. It’s important to seek medical attention if your rash is spreading quickly, has other symptoms, begins to blister or is painful to touch.

SHINGLES is a viral infection which causes a painful rash near one or more nerves.

“This makes the skin very sensitive,” notes Dr Puri. “It will usually start as a reddened or purple patch and quickly develop into clusters of fluid-filled sacs.”

Dr Puri explains they look similar to chickenpox and are caused by the same virus, but appear in clusters.

“After the vesicles burst, they will crust over into blisters that weep fluid before scabbing.”

Shingles usually affects the skin but can also affect the eyes. “You should contact your GP if you suspect you might have shingles as they can give you medication to help with recovery,” says Dr Puri.

ECZEMA is a common term for a group of conditions that make your skin inflamed or irritated.

“Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, and it causes the skin to become itchy, dry, and cracked in severe cases,” says Dr Puri.

“It can affect people in different places, such as the hands or behind the knees or in patches across larger areas of the body.”

There’s currently no cure and severe eczema can have a significant impact on daily life. Soap substitutes, creams and steroid preparations can help to relieve the painful symptoms, as well as self-care techniques, such as reducing scratching and avoiding triggers.

“HIVES usually appear as a reddened, itchy, raised rash in small patches,” says Dr Puri, who notes that it’s often caused by a reaction to certain foods, pollen, animal fur or hair, or insect bites.

Hives usually settle quite quickly and antihistamines can be taken to help bring them down too.

Dr Puri says that hives will often resolve themselves without receiving medical intervention, but you should speak to your doctor if they haven’t settled within two days, if the rash appears to be spreading, the hives keep coming back, you have a high temperature, you feel unwell or have swelling under the skin.

PSORIASIS is a condition which causes red, itchy, flaky, scaly patches that are commonly found on knees, elbows and the scalp. It can also sometimes cause small pin-point dips called ‘pitting’ in your nails,

“Psoriasis is a long-term condition and tends to come and go in cycles,” advises Dr Puri. For instance, you might get a flare-up that can last a few weeks when things are stressful.

Your GP can help you to manage the condition, and they can also recommend over-the-counter creams and ointments to help ease the discomfort. If your psoriasis is severe though, Dr Puri says your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for additional care.