Legitimate causes of fingerprint loss
Dear Dr. Roach: Are there any medical conditions that can lead to loss of fingerprints?— Anon.
There are several skin conditions that can lead to loss of fingerprints, with nonspecific dermatitis leading the list, according to a recent study. Other causes identifiedwere primary hyperhidrosis, irritant contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, psoriasis and mechanical abrasion.
A journal article in 2017 noted that individuals treated with the cancer chemotherapy drug capecitabine (usually used for breast or colon cancer) may have a side effect called “hand-foot syndrome,” which sometimes can lead to loss of fingerprints. Most people don’t notice it, unless their fingerprints are necessary for international travel or for security documents (and now, even your phone). As fingerprints become used more often, it’s important to know about this potential side effect.
I amconfidentfewcriminals will take toxic doses of chemotherapy in hopes of this unusual side effect, which is only occasionally permanent.
Dear Dr. Roach: I was just diagnosedwithType2 diabetes. Please tell me where to find a list of which foods I should eat. Is there a certain diet for me?— D.V.
Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can be frightening, and many people feel that they need to totally rearrange their diet. However, most people find that a healthy diet for diabetes is easy, nutritious and enjoyable. The overarching goals are to eat moderate amounts of healthy foods, especially as mixed meals. Concentrated sweets, excess starches and unhealthy fats are to be avoided.
The person to help you come up with a list, or really a plan, is a dietitian nutritionist, who will work with your diabetes provider and you to develop a personalized healthy eating plan. Most, but not all, people with Type 2 diabetes benefit from maintaining a lowerweight.
Write to Dr. Roach at ToYourGoodHealth @med.cornell.edu.
Today’s Birthday: Dance with someonewhomakes your heart skip a beat this year.
To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) (7) Domestic chaos swirls. Authorizeimprovementsandrepairs. It getsworse before it gets better.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) (7) Communications may not go as planned. Stick to basics. Keep yourword. Integrity provides workability. Clean messes as they occur.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) (8) Financial breakdowns or obstacles take focus. Adapt plans to ongoing changes. Keep bringing home the bacon.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) (7) Carve out time for yourself. Polish your personal presentation. Try a new style or look. Clean and repair closets.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) (5) Maintain a mystery. Cloak yourself in privacy. Consider recent changes, and make new plans.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) (7) You canwork things out between friends. Get help cleaning a mess. Keep your cool with a breakdown.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) (8) Follow instructions carefully at work. Keep equipment in repair. Structural problems could interrupt things.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) (6) Academic studies, education and travels may not go as imagined. It could get chaotic or awkward.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) (7) Resolve a challenge with shared finances. Investigate best strategies. Prepare a report to make sense of the numbers.
Aries( March 21-April19) (8) Collaborate with a partner. Support each other through trickywaters. Discover a structural problem.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) (7) Something you try doesn’t work. Avoid assumptions. Reduceforce, anduse gentle pressure. Guard your health. Wait for better conditions.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) (7) Postpone chores and relax. Thingsmay not go as expected, especially with romance and family. Stay flexible.