Kerri M. Caldwell, CRNP

-Abnormally low BMI (body mass index)

-Vitamin deficiency

-Fatigue

-Fainting

-Amenorrhea (lack of menstruation in women)

-Emaciation

-Poor wound healing

-Anemia

-Irregular heart rhythms

Anorexia may also cause bluish discoloration of the hands, brittle and falling out hair, yellowish skin, and lanugo (fine, downy hair). These physical symptoms are frequently accompanied by altered behaviors and emotions. Those with anorexia may feel compelled to hide their weight and actions from others. For example, someone with anorexia may wear oversized or baggy clothing to conceal weight loss or may deny hunger or lie about the amount of food that he or she consumes. Some people with anorexia may withdraw from social activities and may experience irritability and depression.

People of all ages, genders, and races may be diagnosed with anorexia; however, the condition affects more women than men. There is no single known cause for anorexia, but biological, psychological, and environmental factors may play a role. Athletes who participate in certain sports that emphasize body shape and size (such as ballet, figure skating, and wrestling) may be more likely to develop anorexia.

Anorexia has two subtypes that are referred to as the restrictive type and binge-purge type.

Restrictive type is the more frequently represented form of anorexia, involving the extreme restriction of food. Binge-purge type anorexia is food restriction accompanied by episodes of binging (eating large quantities of food) and purging (vomiting). Binge-purge type anorexia differs from bulimia as people with this type of anorexia severely limit calories and purge most of what they eat and are generally underweight, while those with bulimia are in a normal weight range. Left untreated, both types of anorexia have severe and life-threatening effects on health. Anorexia can lead to heart failure and even death.

Many people do not consciously develop anorexia, and have difficulty seeking treatment. For this reason, early detection and treatment helps with long-term recovery outcomes. Treatment for anorexia can vary from therapy visits to inpatient treatment, depending on the severity of a person's anorexia. Severe anorexia is typically treated in inpatient rehabilitation facilities, where patients increase their food consumption and gain weight under medical supervision. Eating disorder specialists provide therapy sessions and oversee a physical and mental treatment plan. Outpatient programs help patients return to a healthy weight through frequent talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions, specialized nutrition plans, and eating disorder support groups. Anorexia treatment aims to not only restore physical health and correct negative behaviors, but to also promote psychological well-being and self-confidence.

Professional cosmetic skin treatments exist to treat wrinkles, scars, dark spots, remove excess hair, tone and tighten skin, and otherwise improve the appearance of the skin. They may use lasers, light therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or many other forms of skin treatment.

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, most commonly on the face or back. The clogged follicles can then become infected and inflamed. Treatments include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and retinoid creams.

Eczema is dry, sensitive skin that causes an itchy red rash, often in response to specific triggers. It is common in childhood but can sometimes last into adulthood. The main treatment involves keeping skin well moisturized.

Dermatitis is the medical name for any kind of skin inflammation or rash. Rashes can happen because of an allergy or contact with an irritating substance. They may be red, itchy, or even painful. They are often treated with antihistamines or moisturizing creams containing cortisone.

Psoriasis is patches of thick, red skin that is covered in silvery scales. It is often itchy and sore. Psoriasis is thought to be caused by an immune disorder, and it runs in families. Psoriasis is not contagious. There is no cure, but there are medicated creams available to treat the symptoms.

Skin growths, including warts and moles, are usually not serious. However, some skin growths should be examined by a doctor to make sure they don't cause problems in the future. Warts are harmless, rough, bumpy growths caused by a viral infection. They occur most often on the hands and feet. Because they are caused by a virus, they are contagious. Moles are brown or black spots that are sometimes raised slightly from the surface of the skin. They happen when clumps of pigment cells form in a cluster instead of spread out. Moles are harmless except that they are more vulnerable to cancer than other parts of the skin. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and its risk increases with sun exposure and fair skin tone.

Skin issues can be embarrassing or irritating, but most are minor and can be treated without serious problems. Some, however, can be a sign of a more significant issue, so it is important to see a doctor for anything out of the ordinary.

Treatments vary based on the severity of the incontinence. Mild to moderate leakage may be controlled by doing pelvic floor exercises, avoiding foods that can irritate the bladder, or taking medication. For severe incontinence, however, surgery may be necessary. The most common procedures for stress urinary incontinence are bladder suspension, artificial urinary sphincter surgery, and sling surgery.

Each of these procedures takes about an hour to an hour and a half. Patients will likely wake up with a catheter, a tube that drains urine, as swelling after surgery makes it difficult to urinate. Taking slow, short walks to keep the blood flow moving is usually encouraged within hours of the surgery. Although patients may return to work within seven to ten days after certain procedures, strenuous activities such as running and working out are not recommended for at least four to six weeks. In addition, patients should avoid lifting objects over 15 pounds for three months after any of these operations.