What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the state in which an individual becomes aware of their internal state and external environment. It refers to practices where a person stays present in the moment without drifting into thoughts or reacting intensely to emotions. These actions aim to focus on the present moment without judgment, evaluation, or interpretation.

People often tend to spend time analyzing, problem-solving, overthinking, planning, or daydreaming. Psychological conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression can amplify these tendencies, pushing individuals to neglect their social life and personal values.

Mindfulness exercises aim to redirect focus away from these thoughts, supporting a stronger interaction with the external world by staying in the present. Instead of trying to control or change the experience, the principles involve observing, accepting, and staying in the moment.

Mindfulness is also an essential part of cognitive behavioral therapy, yet anyone can practice it to enhance self-awareness and overall well-being. The practice helps relax the mind and body, reduce stress, and improve communication. Mindfulness, which originates from Buddhist meditation, is used to enhance concentration. If you’re wondering “What is mindfulness?” keep reading to explore more.

The Psychological Basis of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a term describing both a mode of awareness and a psychological process. While mindfulness therapy often emphasizes attentional aspects, it includes multiple components in psychology.

These include adopting new and specific orientations towards experience, regulating one’s attention, and observing without judgment. Self-regulation of attention means noticing and observing thoughts, feelings, and sensations without deep involvement. It encourages individuals to focus their attention and then intentionally shift it.

Orientation toward experience is associated with attitudes such as curiosity, openness, and acceptance. This acceptance allows individuals to fully experience events without suppressing or over-engaging with them.

The psychological roots of mindfulness are grounded in traditional practices, especially those from Buddhism, where mindfulness has been emphasized systematically for over 2,500 years. Its contributions to psychological health have led to its conceptualization in modern medicine and psychology (4).

How is Mindfulness Practiced?

There is no single correct answer to “How is mindfulness practiced?”—instead, a variety of methods can be used. Begin by adopting a comfortable posture or position, allowing the body to relax. Settle on a suitable surface, let your arms and legs rest comfortably, align the spine, lower your gaze and jaw. Relaxing the body helps with breathing control. Common mindfulness techniques include:

• Self-acceptance: Becoming aware of how you treat yourself, accepting who you are, being kind and compassionate to yourself like a friend.

• Living in the moment: Accepting everything you do and think with clarity, finding joy in simple actions, noticing different emotions, and directing attention selectively.

• Listening to the body: Becoming aware of bodily sensations like trembling, sweating, increased heartbeat, shallow breathing, shortness of breath, and muscle tension.

• Paying attention to the environment: Enhancing awareness by focusing on the senses and surroundings—smelling the air, listening to outside sounds, observing your surroundings, touching and feeling objects.

• Breath control: Focusing on the sensations of breathing in and out can help regulate breathing. Sitting in a comfortable place with eyes closed and focusing on the breath for a few minutes can help reduce stress and enhance mindfulness.

With a range of techniques available, mindfulness exercises can be adapted to best suit the individual (1, 5, 6).

What are the Benefits of Mindfulness?

Mindfulness therapy can have positive effects on overall mental and physical health. While benefits may vary from person to person, it can help alleviate certain symptoms. Studies show that mindfulness-based therapies can be associated with reductions in depression and anxiety. Lowering blood pressure and improving sleep quality are also commonly reported effects.

Some individuals experience relief from stress-induced headaches. In cases of depression, it’s common to dwell on the past or worry about the future, which hinders self-awareness. Mindfulness therapy helps by focusing on the present, reducing anxiety and interrupting cycles of anxious thoughts.

It allows thoughts to come and go without clinging to them. Symptoms like burnout, insomnia, and distractibility may also be improved. Moreover, emotional stability can support conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic pain. Recent studies even suggest benefits for asthma and fibromyalgia (1, 3).

How to Integrate Mindfulness into Daily Life

Many techniques and actions can help integrate mindfulness into daily life. Creating a supportive environment and dedicating time for yourself is key. Choose a quiet space to avoid interruptions. It can be practiced at the start of the day or during rest breaks. Although it can be practiced anywhere, doing mindfulness in nature may be more effective.

Silent walking meditation can become a meaningful experience as you become aware of sensations, balance, posture, and movement. Small walking paths can be designated at the end of your route.

Sitting meditation is also suitable. Sit with your feet flat on the ground, hands in your lap, back straight, and focus on calm breathing. Pay attention to the path of your breath through the body and let thoughts flow freely. If disrupted, note the thoughts or physical sensations and return your focus.

Similarly, lying on your back with arms at your sides and palms up can work well. Shift your attention through each part of your body to notice thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.

Small mindfulness exercises can also be done while fishing, crafting, reading, camping, gardening, or sitting by a fire. To learn more about “What is mindfulness and how to practice it?” consider speaking with a mental health professional.

What is the Difference Between Mindfulness and Meditation?

Although mindfulness and meditation are closely related and often appear the same, there are clear differences:

• Mindfulness is a quality one possesses, while meditation is a practice. Mindfulness is about how one connects with their environment and inner self, while meditation is a method aimed at improving psychological well-being.

• Mindfulness allows individuals to live with awareness. Meditation is a tool used to develop that awareness.

• Meditation requires intention and time, whereas mindfulness can be practiced informally throughout the day and does not always require meditation.

• Meditation is about striving for progress and self-improvement, while mindfulness involves slowing down and paying attention without stopping daily activities.

• While mindfulness is a component of meditation, other elements are also involved. In therapy, mindfulness is the primary focus and does not require additional techniques (8).

If you want to learn how to stay in the moment and manage your emotions in a healthier way, consider starting this journey with the support of an online psychologist.

What is Cervical Cancer? What are the Symptoms?

Cervical cancer (cervical cancer) is a disease that occurs as a result of abnormal changes in the cells in the cervix region, which is located in the lower part of the uterus and connects to the vagina. For “What is cervical cancer?”, this type of cancer stands out as a treatable and preventable disease when diagnosed early. For a healthy life, it is important to have information about cervical cancer and not to neglect regular check-ups.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs as a result of abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the area called the cervix, where the uterus opens to the vagina. It is one of the most common types of cancer in women and usually progresses without symptoms in the early stages. However, it can be diagnosed and treated early with regular screenings. This type of cancer is often closely related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus. Most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms. The body spontaneously gets rid of the virus and recovers without causing cancer. However, some high-risk HPV types can cause abnormal changes in the cells in the cervix, turning into cancer.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

The main cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a fairly common type of sexually transmitted virus, and many people encounter it throughout their lives. However, exposure to HPV infection is not enough for cervical cancer to develop. Usually, the immune system controls and clears this infection. “What causes cervical cancer?” In some cases, especially high-risk HPV types (for example, HPV 16 and HPV 18) can cause cancer with abnormal changes in cervical cells. The virus affects the DNA of the cells, triggering the formation of abnormal cells that cause uncontrolled growth. This process usually takes years and may be asymptomatic in the early stages. In addition to HPV infection, factors such as smoking, weak immune system, sexual intercourse at an early age, and multiple sexual partners can also increase the risk of cervical cancer.

What are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?

In the early stages of cervical cancer, there may be no symptoms. Therefore, regular screening tests are very important for the early detection of this cancer. However, in the later stages, the symptoms of cervical cancer are:

• Bleeding outside of menstrual periods: Vaginal bleeding outside of menstrual periods is among the most common symptoms of cervical cancer . This type of bleeding can usually occur after intercourse, during menopause, or at any time outside of the menstrual cycle.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge: Abnormal vaginal discharge stands out as another common symptom of cervical cancer . Normal vaginal discharge is usually transparent or milky white in color and odorless. However, the discharge that indicates cervical cancer usually has a different characteristic. This discharge may be foul-smelling, watery, bloody or dark in color, and an increase in its amount can be observed.
• Pelvic pain: Pelvic pain is a symptom that can be seen in the later stages of cervical cancer. This pain can be continuous or intermittent and is usually felt in the lower abdomen. Pelvic pain, especially during or after sexual intercourse, may be a sign of abnormal cellular changes in the cervix or the tumor pressing on the surrounding tissues.
• Pain or difficulty urinating: Pain or difficulty urinating is among the symptoms of cervical cancer that can occur in advanced stages of cervical cancer. When the cancer grows and presses on the urinary tract or bladder, it can cause discomfort during urination.

What are the Types of Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is classified according to the type of cells and the area of the cervix where the cancer begins. There are two main types that are common:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type, which accounts for the majority of cervical cancers, originates from thin and flat squamous cells lining the outer surface of the cervix. It usually begins in the part of the cervix that is close to the vagina. There is a high probability of early detection with Pap smear tests, and therefore regular screenings are of great importance.
• Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma, which accounts for less of the cervical cancers, is caused by mucus-producing gland cells located in the inner part of the cervix. Although it is less common, it can sometimes be difficult to detect with screening tests because it tends to develop in deeper areas of the cervix.

How Is Cervical Cancer Transmitted?

Cervical cancer is not a direct infectious disease. However, the most common cause, the human papillomavirus (HPV), is sexually transmitted. HPV infection plays a huge role in the development of cervical cancer. A full sexual intercourse is not required for the transmission of HPV. This virus; It can also be transmitted through skin contact. Therefore, the risk of exposure to HPV may be relevant for anyone who starts sexual activity. There are many types of HPV. Some of these can cause genital warts, while high-risk types (especially HPV 16 and HPV 18) can lead to cervical cancer. Once infected, the immune system usually controls and clears the infection. However, in some cases, the infection becomes permanent and can cause changes in cells that can lead to cancer.

What are the Stages of Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is divided into stages according to the size of the cells, whether the cancer has spread from the cervix to the surrounding tissues, and whether it has metastasized to other organs. This staging system is used to understand the stage of the cancer and to determine the treatment method. The stages of cervical cancer are:

• Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): At this stage, the cancer is limited to the surface layer of the cervix and has not yet spread to the surrounding tissues. Carcinoma in situ is the very early stage of cancer and is also defined as a precancerous condition. When diagnosed early, complete recovery can be achieved with treatment.
• Stage 1: The cancer has now progressed to the deep tissues of the cervix but is still confined to the cervix. This stage is divided into two subgroups. In stage 1A, the cancer is microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. In stage 1B, the cancer has reached noticeable dimensions in the inner part of the cervix. Treatment is usually successful and methods such as surgery and radiotherapy can be applied.
• Stage 2: At this stage, the cancer has crossed the cervix but has not reached the walls of the pelvis or the lower part of the vagina. In stage 2A, the cancer may have spread to the upper part of the vagina, while in stage 2B, the cancer has reached the surrounding connective tissues (parametrium). Treatment usually involves a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
• Stage 3: The cancer may have spread to the walls of the pelvis, the lower part of the vagina, or the urinary tract. In stage 3A, spread to the lower part of the vagina is observed, but the pelvic wall is not affected. In stage 3B, the cancer may have reached the pelvic wall and caused obstruction in the urinary tract. At this stage, treatment is more complex and radiotherapy and chemotherapy and progressive treatments may be required.
• Stage 4: At this stage, which is the most advanced stage of cervical cancer, the cancer has spread outside the pelvis or metastasized to distant organs. In stage 4A, the cancer has spread to nearby organs such as the bladder and rectum. In stage 4B, metastases are seen in the lungs, liver, or other distant organs. This condition is called secondary or metastatic cancer by the physician. Treatment at this stage is usually carried out with methods aimed at relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life.

Cervical cancer is a disease that can be diagnosed and prevented early thanks to regular Pap smear tests and HPV tests. In addition, the HPV vaccine provides important protection against high-risk virus strains. When symptoms of cervical cancer are noticed, starting treatment with early diagnosis plays a vital role in preventing the spread of the disease. For this reason, it is of great importance that women do not disrupt their regular health check-ups. “What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?” It is important to contact a specialist to get detailed information.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Year’s Resolutions: How Should You Set Your Health Goals?

A new year is a great opportunity for new beginnings. Setting new year’s health goals is an important way to improve not only your physical health, but also your mental and emotional health. However, it is not always easy to set effective and sustainable goals. When setting these goals, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that they are clear, measurable and achievable. For example, it may be more effective to set concrete goals such as “I will prepare healthy meals at home three days a week” rather than “I will eat healthier.”

Why Are Health Goals Important?

Health goals help individuals take the step towards a healthier and balanced lifestyle. Goals increase motivation, make it easier to track progress, and encourage discipline. Setting health goals, especially in the new year, is the first step to sticking to them consistently throughout the year. Goals aren’t just limited to losing weight or getting fitter; Goals can also be set in areas such as drinking more water, improving sleep patterns, or stress management.

Things to Consider When Setting Our New Year’s Health Goals

When setting your health goals, you should first evaluate yourself realistically. It is important that the goals are not overly challenging or impossible to achieve. Also, separating your goals into short, medium, and long-term helps keep your motivation high. Another important point is to put your goals in writing. Research shows that written goals have higher success rates.

Setting Realistic and Achievable Goals

Setting realistic goals is one of the most important steps on the road to success. Starting with small, concrete, and measurable goals increases your motivation and allows you to achieve larger goals. For example, you can set goals such as exercising three days a week, drinking 2 liters of water each day, or taking 10,000 steps daily.

Get Support from Healthcare Professionals

It is very important to get professional support while achieving your health goals. Thanks to remote health services , you can get support from doctors, psychologists and dietitians whenever you need it. These services allow you to move forward with your goals in a more informed and confident way.

Digital Tools to Track Your Health Goals

Technology provides a great convenience in tracking your health goals. With online health services, you can evaluate your progress by having regular meetings with health professionals. In addition, mobile apps, smart scales, and smart devices are also effective tools in tracking your goals.

Practical Tips for Achieving Your Health Goals in the New Year

It is important to be planned and consistent for new year’s goals. Starting small and tracking progress increases your motivation. Sharing your goals with family members or friends also allows you to get support in this process. Suggestions for achieving your health goals in the new year;

• Review Your Diet
• Start Exercising Layout
• Take Care of Your Mental Health

Review Your Diet

Healthy eating is one of the cornerstones of health goals. Avoiding processed foods, eating more vegetables and fruits, increasing water consumption, and making regular meals will help you take a step towards a healthy lifestyle.

Starting to Exercise Regularly

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to support your physical and mental health. You can get away from a sedentary lifestyle by doing an activity you love at least three days a week.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

A healthy mind is complementary to a healthy body. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and sleep patterns strengthen your mental health.

Tips for Tracking Your Goals and Staying Motivated

You can keep a health diary or use digital tools to keep track of your goals. Review your progress regularly and celebrate your small successes. When you lose motivation, remember your starting point and why you set these goals.

One Dose’s Role in Your Health Goals

One Dose guides you and provides the necessary services to achieve your health goals. It offers quick solutions for your needs with remote health services.

Personalized Health Tracking

One Dose understands that every individual’s health needs are different. It allows you to closely monitor your health with smart watch, scale and smart device integrations. It also allows you to reach your health goals together with a health professional with the expert interviews it offers with remote health services.

Streamline Your Routine Health Checkups

Not disrupting your health checkups is one of the most important steps to staying healthy in the long run. One Dose makes your routine health checkups easy and accessible. Early detection and regular check-ups help you avoid potential health problems. Staying in touch with healthcare professionals on a regular basis provides more personalized solutions to your needs. In addition, thanks to technological tools, you can instantly monitor your health data and share the developments with our doctors and specialists.

For New Year’s resolutions, you can step into a healthier and more balanced lifestyle by setting your health goals. With the services offered by One Dose, it is now much easier to achieve these goals!

What is Social Anxiety Disorder? What are the Symptoms?

Social anxiety is the cessation of marked fear or anxiety in social situations where the person may be in a situation of being observed by others. This condition is often caused by a fear of being judged or criticized by others and can negatively affect a person’s daily life.

What is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety is a condition that causes individuals to feel discomfort or intense stress during social interactions. For example, situations such as public speaking, chatting with a stranger, or eating in a group can be quite challenging for individuals with social anxiety . This anxiety is different from the fact that the person only experiences timidity or shyness; Because its physical, emotional and behavioral effects are much more intense and comprehensive. Although every person may feel uncomfortable with performing in front of the public in certain periods or environments, the situation where this starts to happen frequently and in almost every social environment becomes an important problem that affects the daily life of the person.

What are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety?

Symptoms of social anxiety can seriously affect a person’s daily life. It can be examined in two groups as physical and psychological.

Physical Symptoms of Social Anxiety:

• Heart palpitations
• Facial flushing
• Sweating or shivering
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath

Psychological (Behavior-Cognition) Symptoms of Social Anxiety:

• Fear that others will judge you
• Avoiding public speaking or drawing attention
• Feeling extremely uncomfortable in social interactions
• Feeling embarrassed and embarrassed
• Automatic inhibiting behaviors associated with intense anxiety
• Avoiding social activities for fear of failing or being humiliated
• Perceiving anxiety and its symptoms as a secondary (social) threat

If these symptoms are experienced intensely and affect the person’s work, education or social life, it may be necessary to seek support from a specialist.

What are the Causes of Social Anxiety?

The answer to the question of what causes social anxiety is often based on a combination of multiple factors. Here are some of the social anxiety factors:

• Genetic Factors: Having a family history of anxiety disorders can increase the risk of social anxiety. Those with social phobia often have relatives who are shy or have social phobia.
• Environmental Factors: Social anxiety may be more common in individuals who were excessively criticized, embarrassed or excluded during childhood. Traumatic experiences, family learnings, old experiences. Excessive recollection of the situation in which he was embarrassed in the past and the existence of repetitive and distorted images in the mind. Reinforcement of this cycle with avoidance behavior.
• Negative thinking: Automatic negative thoughts about what will happen when you are in social situations. Thoughts such as “I have to get everyone’s approval”, “I have to be beautiful and smart to be loved”, “I’m weird” are common.

How Is Social Anxiety Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of social anxiety is made by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. Specialists make the diagnosis by assessing the person’s history, symptoms, and social functioning. A social anxiety disorder test is a tool used to identify the symptoms that individuals are experiencing. These tests can be helpful in assessing individuals’ levels of social anxiety.

Is there a social anxiety test?

Yes, there are a variety of social anxiety tests available to identify symptoms of social anxiety. These tests include questions to understand individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in social situations. Davidson Social Phobia Inventory, Liebowitz Social Phobia Symptoms Scale, Social Attitude, Social Behavior and Social Cognition scales can be given as examples of social anxiety tests that are also used in Turkish. However, these tests do not have the authority to make a definitive diagnosis; Only an expert can guide an assessment.

How Is Social Anxiety Treated?

Treatment for social anxiety is usually tailored to individual needs. Common treatment methods include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Negative thought patterns, “should, should” judgments, thought approaches in which the possibility is exaggerated and terrible; It focuses on changing by investigating evidence, remembering strengths, changing perspectives, and making a benefit-harm comparison.
• Drug Treatment: Antidepressants and anxiolytic drugs can be prescribed by a doctor.
• Exposure Techniques: It encourages confrontation with feared social situations.

With expert support, social anxiety can be managed and its effects on daily life can be reduced.

What are the Effects of Social Anxiety on Daily Life?

If left untreated, social anxiety can severely restrict individuals’ educational, work, and social relationships. Common consequences include avoidance of social activities, isolation, loss of social functioning, low work productivity or education, alcohol/substance orientation, and lack of self-confidence. Therefore, it is important to have information about how social anxiety goes away and how to prevent it.

How to Prevent Social Anxiety?

To reduce the risk of social anxiety, it is recommended that individuals grow up in a supportive social environment, engage in activities that improve their self-confidence, and seek professional help when necessary. Early emotional awareness (emotions such as embarrassment and rejection are normal and manageable) and receiving support can be two important components for an anti-awareness perspective. Regular healthy living habits (sports, nutrition, sleep) and a supportive social environment can be protective factors.

What happens if social anxiety is left untreated?

If left untreated, social anxiety can lead to problems such as depression, substance abuse, severe loss of social functioning, interruption in career progression, or other anxiety disorders. This can further reduce the individual’s quality of life. Gradually, social avoidance can spread to any area where there was previously functioning: -Not being able to get on the bus -Not being able to go to the grocery store -Not being able to go to school/work -Avoiding family visits -Not talking on the phone -Not making eye contact -Expressing disagreement with an opinion -Playing sports in front of someone Since the person will constantly prevent himself from taking action, his personal development may be stalled, creating a major obstacle to the development of his potential and character. With the thought that “I will make a mistake anyway and everyone will understand how weak I am”, he can escape from anywhere with the potential for self-improvement and drag himself into endless isolation. Untreated constant and intense social anxiety can damage a person’s organs and biological structures, as well as increase the likelihood of physical harm to oneself.

How to overcome social anxiety? This process requires patience and effort. With expert help, therapy, and the right treatment, it is possible to deal with social anxiety. If the information in this article sounds familiar to you, you can improve your quality of life by consulting a specialist. If you’re already experiencing social anxiety, there are some things you can do to reduce the severity of your symptoms, although it’s not possible to predict the causes of anxiety:

• Get help as soon as possible: As with many other mental health issues, anxiety can become more difficult to manage when treatment is delayed.
• Keep a daily diary: Recording your daily life can help both you and your mental health professional identify what relaxes you and stresses you out. You can write it in the form of event-thought-feeling-behavior.
• Identify the things that are most important in your life: You can relax by making informed decisions about how you spend your time and energy. Make sure to do things you enjoy.
• Avoid hazardous substances: The use of drugs, alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine can cause anxiety or exacerbate existing anxiety. If you can’t quit these substances on your own, talk to your doctor, seek out a treatment plan, or join a support group.

Frequently Asked Questions About Social Anxiety

What is a Genetic Disease?

Health problems that occur as a result of mutations or abnormalities in genes or chromosomes are called genetic diseases. Human DNA is like an instruction book that dictates how the body will function. Changes (mutations) in these instructions can disrupt the functioning of the body, leading to diseases. Genetic diseases can sometimes be passed from mother or father to child, and sometimes they can occur with new genetic changes.

How Do Genetic Diseases Occur?

The mechanism of occurrence of genetic diseases is complex and depends on many factors. Some of the root causes:

1. Gene Mutations: Changes in genes can interfere with the normal functioning of proteins and cause diseases. For example, diseases such as cystic fibrosis are caused by mutations in a single gene.
2. Chromosomal Abnormalities: Changes in the number or structure of chromosomes can lead to genetic diseases. For example, Down syndrome occurs with the presence of an extra 21st chromosome.
3. Polygenic Interactions: Some diseases occur as a result of more than one gene interacting with each other. Diabetes and heart diseases are examples of such diseases.
4. Environmental Factors: In individuals with a genetic predisposition, environmental factors (such as smoking, alcohol, eating habits) can trigger the emergence of the disease.

What are Genetic Diseases?

Genetic diseases have a wide spectrum. Some of the most common genetic diseases are:

• Cystic Fibrosis
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• Thalassemia
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Huntington’s Disease
• Marfan Syndrome
• Cystinuria
• Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF)
• Haemophilia

Genetic Diseases Transmitted from Mother to Baby:

Genetic diseases that can be passed from mother to baby can be transmitted through mitochondrial DNA or autosomal recessive genes. Examples of diseases that can be passed from mother to baby:

• Thalassemia
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Mitochondrial Diseases
• Phenylketonuria
• Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Genetic Diseases Passed From Father to Baby

Genetic diseases that are passed from father to baby are usually passed on through the Y chromosome or through autosomal dominant genes. Some of the genetic diseases that can be passed from father to baby are:

• Haemophilia
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• Klinefelter Syndrome
• Huntington’s Disease
• Familial Polycystic Kidney Disease

What are the Symptoms of Genetic Diseases?

Symptoms of genetic diseases may vary depending on the type of disease. However, common symptoms of genetic diseases include:

• Growth retardation
• Mental Development Disorders
• Muscle Weakness or Loss of Coordination
• Abnormal Spots or Deformations on the Skin
• Vision or Hearing Problems
• Constant Fatigue or Exhaustion
• Recurrent Infections
• Organ Dysfunctions

Rare Genetic Diseases

Rare genetic diseases, which affect a very small number of people worldwide, can pose serious challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Some rare genetic diseases:

• Progeria (Premature Aging Syndrome)
• Angelman Syndrome
• Gaucher Disease
• Fabry Disease
• Rett Syndrome
• Bloom Syndrome

Can Genetic Diseases Be Treated?

Treatment of genetic diseases depends on the type and severity of the disease. Some genetic diseases are completely curable, while for others, only symptom-relieving treatments can be applied. Some treatment methods for genetic diseases:

1. Gene Therapy: It is a treatment method that aims to correct or change damaged genes.
2. Drug Treatment: Special medications can be used for certain genetic diseases. For example, hydroxyurea therapy is used for sickle cell anemia.
3. Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: It is important in the management of genetic diseases related to the muscle and movement system.
4. Diet and Nutrition Programs: Special diets are applied in the treatment of metabolic diseases such as phenylketonuria.
5. Symptomatic Treatments: These are treatments to alleviate symptoms such as pain, muscle weakness or organ dysfunctions.

What are Incurable Genetic Diseases?

Some genetic diseases cannot be treated today. However, various methods are applied to manage these diseases and improve the quality of life of patients. Some of the genetic diseases for which there is no cure are:

• Huntington’s Disease
• Progeria
• Rett Syndrome
• Tay-Sachs Disease
• Leoser-Kalishman Syndrome

What are the Symptoms of Scabies? How Does Scabies Pass? How is scabies transmitted?

Scabies is a skin disease caused by the microscopic parasite Sarcoptes scabiei, manifested by intense itching and skin rashes. This parasite settles on the surface of the skin, opens small tunnels and lays its eggs. The body’s immune system reacts to this situation, and an itching sensation appears. This itching, which increases especially at night, is one of the most obvious symptoms of the disease. Symptoms of scabies usually develop as a result of irritation and allergic reaction caused by mites on the skin. The disease can occur in anyone, regardless of personal hygiene, and can be easily transmitted through close contact. In this article, you can find detailed information about the symptoms, treatment methods and ways of transmission of scabies.

What is Scabies?

Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by a microscopic parasite called Sarcoptes scabiei, manifested by intense itching and rashes on the skin. This parasite settles on the surface of the skin, digging tunnels and laying its eggs. The main cause of itching is not the parasite itself, but the reaction of the body’s immune system to this parasite.

Scabies is a common disease around the world and can affect anyone, regardless of hygiene conditions. Because it is easily transmitted, especially through close contact, it can spread rapidly between individuals living in the same household.

What Are the Symptoms of Scabies?

Symptoms of scabies usually occur due to an allergic reaction and irritation caused by mites. Symptoms of scabies:

• Intense itching
• Redness and Skin Rash
• Tunnel Traces
• Wounds on the skin
• Condensation in certain parts of the body
• Crusted Scabies (Norway Scabies)

1. Intense Itching

The most obvious symptom is itching, which usually becomes more severe at night. This is associated with the activation of mites under the skin.

2. Redness and Skin Rash

• Due to the tunnels dug by mites, red dots, blisters and rashes form on the skin.
• The rash is usually small blisters or pimple-like in appearance.

3. Tunnel Traces

The tunnels that the mites dig under the skin can be seen as thin, streak-shaped gray-white scars. These scars are usually 5-15 mm long.

4. Wounds on the skin

Open wounds may form on the skin due to severe scratching. If these wounds become infected, bacterial infections can develop. 5. Condensation in Certain Parts of the Body: Scabies rashes are usually more common in the following areas:

• Between the fingers
• Wrists
• Elbows
• Armpits
• Waist circumference
• Nipple circumference (in women)
• Genital area (in men)
• In children, the head, face, palms and soles of the feet can also be affected.

6. Crusted Scabies (Norway Scabies)

In people with weakened immune systems, thick, gray-white crusts may form on the skin. This type of scabies has a heavier course and carries a heavy mite load.

How Is Scabies Transmitted?

Scabies is usually transmitted through direct skin contact. The parasite requires close contact for several minutes to pass from one person to another. In addition, shared items (bedding, towels, clothes) can also be a source of transmission. How scabies is transmitted:

1. Direct Skin Contact: Prolonged and close contact is the main route of transmission of scabies. For example, sleeping in the same bed or holding hands is contagious.
2. Common Items: The parasite can also be transmitted through bedspreads, pillows, or clothing used by the infected person. However, this route is less common than direct contact.
3. Crowded Environments: Scabies outbreaks are more common in crowded and close contact places such as dormitories, nursing homes, and prisons.

Since the parasite cannot live outside the skin for a long time, transmission usually requires direct contact with an infected individual.

What Causes Scabies?

The main cause of scabies is the parasite Sarcoptes scabiei. This parasite settles on the surface of the skin, where it tunnels and lays its eggs. This action of the parasite activates the body’s immune system and leads to intense itching. Scabies disease causes:

• Close contact with an infected person
• Even if there is no lack of hygiene, being in crowded and closed environments for a long time
• Having a weak immune system (for example, the elderly or individuals with chronic diseases)

Scabies Disease Treatment

Treatment for scabies is highly effective, and most people recover within a few weeks with the right treatment. The goal of treatment is to completely eliminate the parasite and its eggs. Methods used in the treatment of scabies:

1. Topical Medications: The most commonly used drugs in the treatment of scabies are antiparasitic products in the form of creams or lotions. These drugs are applied to the entire body (except the face and head) and are usually left on the skin for 8-12 hours.
2. Oral Medications: In severe cases or in cases where there is no response to topical treatment, the doctor may prescribe antiparasitic drugs that are taken by mouth.
3. Anti-Itch Medications: Antihistamines or corticosteroids may be recommended to relieve itching and allergic reactions.
4. Whole Family Treatment: Because scabies is highly contagious, it is important that everyone living in the same household is treated simultaneously.

Things to consider during the treatment of scabies:

• High-temperature washing of all clothes, sheets and towels
• Keeping unusable items in airtight bags for a few days
• It should be remembered that itching may persist for some time after treatment; This is the response process of the immune system and does not mean that the disease is continuing.

Scabies Disease Frequently Asked Questions