16 Conditions Commonly Mistaken for Multiple Sclerosis

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Mesenteric Artery Disease

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Patients whose symptoms are mild to moderate can often manage their disease by making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, getting regular exercise, and working with their doctors to take care of related conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Doctors often use minimally invasive procedures such as balloon angioplasty and stenting to relieve the narrowing and improve blood supply to the kidney and intestines. In severe cases, an abdominal bypass operation may be necessary to improve the blood flow to the intestine. These treatment options are listed as follows:

Balloon angioplasty. During this procedure, your doctor places a tiny, soft plastic tube called a catheter into the artery, usually in the groin, and inject a dye that makes the blood vessels clearly visible on an x-ray image. Your doctor can also use a special catheter that has a small balloon at the end, which can be inflated and deflated. The deflated balloon catheter is inserted through an artery in the groin and guided to the narrowed segment of the artery. When the catheter reaches the blockage, the balloon is inflated to widen the narrowed artery.

Stenting. In some cases, it may be necessary to place a stent. A stent is a small tube that holds open the artery at the site of the blockage. The stent is collapsed around a balloon when it is placed on the tip of the catheter and inserted into the body. Once the catheter reaches the blockage, the doctor expands the stent by inflating the balloon. The stent is left permanently in the artery to provide a reinforced channel through which blood can flow. Some stents (drug-eluting stents) are coated with medication that helps prevent the formation of scar tissue.

Arterial bypass surgery. If mesenteric artery disease is very advanced, or if blockages develop in an artery that is difficult to reach with a catheter, arterial bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow. In this treatment approach, doctors place a bypass graft made of synthetic material or a natural vein taken from another part of the body. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision to expose the diseased segment of the artery, and then attach one end of a bypass graft to a point above the blockage and the other end to a point below it. The blood supply is then diverted through the graft, around the blockage, to bypass the diseased section of the artery. The diseased artery is left in place.

Are You At Risk For This Common Travel Malady?

Disney World (Credit: Pixabay)

It's been variously called Golfer's Vasculitis, Disney Rash, Epcot Rash, Dollywood Rash, Hiker's Rash and Exercise-Induced Vasculitis (EIV). Not only is there a paucity of research on the condition, there isn't even universal agreement on its name. Years ago, medical researchers in Australia proposed sticking to one name, Golfer's Vasculitis, to promote awareness, but that hasn't quite stuck.

It affects travelers visiting Disney and other sprawling theme parks both in the U.S. And overseas. There have been anecdotal reports of cases among travelers who make pilgrimage walks, like the one along the Camino de Santiago.

Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, Way of St James. Kilometer marker along the Camino frances... [+] pilgrimage route (The French Way, in Spain). (Photo by: Andia/UIG via Getty Images)

Are you planning a long hike this summer, perhaps at a national park? Headed for a golf vacation at a resort? Taking a bike trip? Planning a river or ocean cruise that entails a considerable amount of walking on shore excursions?

Any number of warm weather vacation activities may place you at risk for this disorder, one that's common but not well understood. MedHelp.Org (an online health community that hosts discussions on various conditions) includes hundreds of questions and comments from people who have experienced this malady.

What is Golfer's Vasculitis?

Like the Aussies, we'll call it Golfer's Vasculitis. This exercise-induced leg rash affects otherwise healthy people who have been walking in warm, humid climates.

"It's a red-to-purplish rash that looks like blotches or tiny dots on both lower legs, mostly above the ankle or on top of one's socks," says Janet Prystowsky, M.D, a dermatologist in private practice in New York City. "It is frequently associated with travel because sightseeing can entail significant amounts of time walking and standing on your feet," she adds.

Characteristic rash of Golfer's Vasculitis (Credit: MoreTimeToTravel.Com)

Some people report itching, stinging and/or a burning sensation over the affected areas. It can easily be mistaken for sunburn or sun poisoning although it's caused by heat, not by sun. The rash may even extend as high as the knees.

People over the age of 50 are at greater risk than younger people; it's more prevalent among women than men. Having it once predisposes an individual to a recurrence.

According to experts, it is a vascular disorder affecting the blood vessels but it's often mistaken for dermatitis, insect bites or cellulitis (which affect the skin and tissues). On a skin biopsy, it is called leukocytoclastic vasculitis.

Can it be prevented?

Unfortunately, if someone is prone to Golfer's Vasculitis, prevention options are limited unless the individual totally avoids the summer travel activities mentioned earlier. But taking steps to minimize the risk can make a huge difference, says Adrian Cotton, M.D., an internist and chief of medical operations at Loma Linda University Health in Loma Linda, California

Here are some recommended steps:

In very warm weather, wear light clothes and keep yourself well hydrated.

When visiting theme parks—or on walking tours or hikes—opt for open, breathable shoes.

Whenever possible, seize opportunities to cool off, get off your feet and elevate your legs. (If you're a golfer, Dr. Prystowsky suggests using a golf cart to minimize walking on very hot days.)

While wearing compression socks can sometimes minimize the risk of getting the rash, they can be uncomfortable in very warm weather and can sometimes exacerbate the problem.

Can it be treated?

Although considered harmless, Golfer's Vasculitis is annoying and can be disfiguring (albeit temporarily). The good news is that the rash is self-limiting and usually resolves on its own within a week to ten days, although some discoloration of the legs may last longer. Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted or effective treatment.

"Traveling with a topical over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may help reduce symptoms," says Dr. Cotton. "NSAIDs and antihistamines may reduce symptoms of itching and burning," he adds. If symptoms worsen, he suggests visiting a physician or getting seen at an urgent care setting.

"When traveling, you might need to adjust your itinerary to reduce long walks," says Dr. Prystowsky.

Find more information, advice and inspiration for over-50 luxury travelers on MoreTimeToTravel and GettingOnTravel.

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