Multiple sclerosis: cloudy winter days, more relapses

Munich (The-Health-Site.com) - The winter makes people with multiple sclerosis especially: The lack of light provokes new relapses of their disease. Meanwhile, one also knows why. It has been known for some time that people living in sun-drenched regions are less likely to develop multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis: cloudy winter days, more relapses

Munich (The-Health-Site.com) - The winter makes people with multiple sclerosis especially: The lack of light provokes new relapses of their disease. Meanwhile, one also knows why.

It has been known for some time that people living in sun-drenched regions are less likely to develop multiple sclerosis. A connection between the autoimmune disease and light now confirms a major international investigation. It shows that the sun already protects patients from new attacks.

The team around Dr. Tim Spelmann from the Royal Melbourne Hospital evaluated data from 10,000 MS patients from 30 countries. On average, the subjects participated in the observational study for eight years. Overall, the scientists were able to evaluate information on 32,000 MS surges - and when they had occurred during the year.

At the equator, the thrusts come later

The result: Most of the flare-ups occurred at the end of the winter or at the beginning of the spring, but less in autumn. The closer those affected lived at the equator, the later the relapses occurred - so rather towards spring. And the less sun in the winter a patient could refuel, the sooner and more likely a boost came.

The scientists suspect that sun vitamin D positively influences the course of the disease. Vitamin D is formed under the influence of UV light in the skin. The vitamin D level thus reaches its highest level at the end of the summer and then slowly decreases.

Stop misguided immune cells

An American study had already shown in experiments with mice that vitamin D prevents destructive immune cells from entering the brain. Thus, they can not attack the protective myelin layer of the nerve fibers and lead to the symptoms of a MS shock such as paralysis, movement disorders, pain or vision problems.

"The higher the natural UV radiation, the lower the likelihood of relapses," comments Heinz Wenzl from the German Neurological Society. However, the physician does not believe that the effect alone can be attributed to vitamin D. "The effect of light on the immune system goes far beyond what we can explain with increased vitamin D production," says the expert. Thus, it would only partially help those affected to take vitamin D capsules.

Only in spurts, later chronic

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system is misguided and destroys nerve cells. In more than 80 percent of patients, the symptoms are initially relapsing. An MS boost can take several days to weeks. It usually takes at least 30 days until the next wave of symptoms. The disease is not curable, but its course can be mitigated with medication. (from)

Source: Spelman T. et al.: Seasonal variation of relapse rates in multiple sclerosis is latitude dependent, Annals of Neurology, October 20, 2014.

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    Itching as a warning

    Almost everyone has been plagued before: annoying itching, also called pruritus by doctors. Mostly it is harmless, only of short duration and quickly forgotten again - prime example: the mosquito bite. However, even serious illnesses can be behind it. Not always a skin disease is the cause. Read here what itching can be a warning sign!

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    Excited nerve fibers

    Itching is caused by the release of messenger substances, which causes certain nerve fibers to be excited. He is actually something like a call for help of the body. Because the mechanical friction of the scratch should remove disturbing external influences such as lice or fleas. Depending on the cause of the itching occurs locally or on the whole body - and may even be chronic. If it lasts longer, you should consult a doctor!

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    Ill skin

    If, in addition to the itching, the skin is visibly inflamed, there is usually a skin disease behind it. This is the case in about 42 percent of cases of chronic itching. Especially eczema and psoriasis cause problems for many people. But not only: Even fungal infestation and eczema or parasites such as the itch mite can be itchy. Often one also sees the skin that something is wrong with it: it sheds strong, is red or forms wheals and pustules.

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    Allergic reaction

    The nasty itching can also be caused by an allergy. In most cases, the itching arises after direct contact with the allergy-causing substances. These can be, for example, pollen, metals, latex or pets. The excess immune system produces plenty of histamine. The messenger substance not only mobilizes the body's defense, but also causes itching.

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    Internal organs

    Sometimes the cause of the itching is not on the skin but inside the body. Under suspicion here are for example bile, kidney or liver.Disturbed gallbladder drainage or liver damage (cirrhosis of the liver) can cause the bile pigment bilirubin to rise. This not only turns the skin yellow, it also itches. In chronic renal insufficiency and especially after dialysis, itching may also occur.

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    Metabolic and hormonal disorders

    The hormonal turbulence during pregnancy, menopause and during the rule can cause itching all over. Morbid hormone changes (such as hyperthyroidism) may also be the cause. Other triggers include gluten intolerance, malnutrition, iron deficiency or diabetes. In diabetes, nerve damage causes annoying itching, often exacerbated by fungal skin infections.

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    cancer

    Itching all over the body or only in the area of ​​the lymph nodes can be a sign of a malignant tumor of the lymphatic system - as occurs for example in Hodgkin's disease. Partly itches already years before. In addition, other cancers, such as breast cancer or lung cancer, may be accompanied by itching, although rarely. Itching is also a common side effect of cancer radiation or chemotherapy.

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    Neurological diseases

    Also, damage to the central nervous system can cause itching. This is the case, inter alia, in multiple sclerosis. Nervous structures are destroyed in this inflammatory disease of the nervous system. Sensations of the skin are among the first symptoms. Also, polyneuropathies, ie the disease of several peripheral (= lying outside the brain and spinal cord) nerves, lead to itching - for example, in Lyme disease.

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    Side effect of drugs

    Even medications can trigger itching. This is often the case, for example, with antibiotics, psychotropic drugs, antihypertensives or anticoagulants. AIDS patients also know the problem because antiviral therapy often causes itching.

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    Dry skin

    Often, itching also has harmless causes, such as dry skin. Mostly the tendency is predisposed. External factors such as sunlight, cold winter air or wrong care dry out the skin additionally. In addition, a healthy diet and enough fluid is important for good skin care. Older people generally have more problems with dry skin because the moisture and fat content decreases over time.

Multiple sclerosis: cloudy winter days, more relapses

FAQ - 💬

❓ Do MS symptoms get worse in winter?

👉 Temperature changes can have an impact upon some symptoms experienced by people with MS. Colder temperatures can have an effect on nerves and muscle activity, leading to pain and mobility challenges including cramping, stiffness and spasticity.

❓ Can MS flare ups be seasonal?

👉 β€œMS relapses increase during winter and reach a peak in early spring,” Ascherio says, β€œand then start declining during summer and reaches a nadir in the fall, when they start rising again.

❓ What triggers multiple sclerosis relapse?

👉 What causes exacerbations? Exacerbations (relapses) are caused by inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). The inflammation damages the myelin, slowing or disrupting the transmission of nerve impulses and causing the symptoms of MS.

❓ Does cold weather help MS?

👉 Cold weather can have a dual response for people living with MS. It can make some symptoms better while making other symptoms worse. The most common problems that people living with MS experience in the winter are pain, mobility issues, depression and fatigue.

❓ Can cold weather cause MS relapse?

👉 Cold weather is one of the most common triggers for worsening spasticity, per the organization. The β€œMS hug” β€” a tightening or constricting sensation caused by muscle spasms surrounding the rib cage β€” may also get more severe in freezing temperatures, according to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

❓ What is the best climate for MS?

👉 Multiple sclerosis (MS) is more common among people who live in countries with temperate climates, such as the northern United States, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, and southeastern Australia, than among those living in warmer zones.

❓ Can MS go into remission forever?

👉 A remission can last for weeks, months, or, in some cases, years. But remission doesn't mean you no longer have MS. MS medications can help reduce the chances of developing new symptoms, but you still have MS. Symptoms will likely return at some point.

❓ Can MS be mild forever?

👉 Contents. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. It's a lifelong condition that can sometimes cause serious disability, although it can occasionally be mild.

❓ Can MS stay in remission forever?

👉 A remission can last for weeks, months, or, in some cases, years. But remission doesn't mean you no longer have MS. MS medications can help reduce the chances of developing new symptoms, but you still have MS. Symptoms will likely return at some point.

❓ How long does an MS relapse usually last?

👉 symptoms must last for at least 24 hours – however, relapse symptoms generally last for days, weeks, or even months. symptoms must occur at least 30 days from the start of the last relapse – MS symptoms should have been stable for about one month before symptoms become worse or new symptoms appear.

❓ Is MS worse in winter or summer?

👉 Some people with MS notice that symptoms, particularly spasticity, become worse in cold weather. It is generally recommended that people with MS who are sensitive to temperature try to avoid extremes of either hot or cold.

👉 In strict medical terms, an MS relapse occurs when you experience either one or more new neurological symptoms OR the worsening of one or more old symptoms for at least 24 hours. In addition, the current attack must be separated from a prior attack by at least 30 days.

👉 Methods: This retrospective cohort study followed 2477 relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients from onset to 1 July 2003. Annualised relapse rates were examined according to sex, age at onset, the patient's current age and disease duration.

👉 Other treatment options: H.P. Acthar Gel is a highly-purified preparation of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in a gel that is designed to provide extended release of the ACTH following injection. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of MS relapses in adults.

👉 Relapse Criteria. In strict medical terms, an MS relapse occurs when you experience either one or more new neurological symptoms OR the worsening of one or more old symptoms for at least 24 hours. In addition, the current attack must be separated from a prior attack by at least 30 days.


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