Posts Tagged ‘treatment’

Prevent Heat Rash

Hot, humid weather contributes greatly to miliaria or heat rash. It is more probable when you first move to the tropics from a different climate. Once your body becomes acclimated, which usually takes several months the problem typically disappears.  Physical activity, intense exercise, hard work or any activity that causes you to perspire extensively can also lead to heat rash.  You may develop heat rash if you consistently wear clothing that doesn’t allow perspiration to evaporate normally. Certain prescription medications have been linked to heat rash.

Some bacteria normally found on the skin, such as Staphylococcus epidermis, secrete a sticky substance that may block sweat ducts. Overheating in general will make you vulnerable to heat rash.  Things like putting on too many clothes in winter and sleeping under an electric blanket can lead to heat rash. So can using heavy creams and ointments, which block the sweat ducts. Heat rash can also occur in people who are confined to a hospital bed for long periods.

When your core temperature rises, your autonomic nervous system stimulates the eccrine glands to secrete perspiration. The perspiration travels through ducts to the surface of your skin, where it cools your body as it evaporates. Heat rash develops when some of the eccrine sweat ducts become plugged. Instead of evaporating, perspiration remains trapped beneath the skin, causing inflammation and rash. To help protect yourself or your child and prevent heat rash try the following suggestions:

·         In summer, dress in soft, lightweight, cotton clothing. Avoid excessive bundling up in winter, children should wear the same amount of clothing that an adult would wear to stay comfortable.

·         Avoid tight fitted clothes that can irritate skin.

·         When it’s hot, stay in the shade or in an air-conditioned building or place a fan at a safe distance to gently circulate the air.

·         Keep your sleeping area cool and well ventilated.

·         Bathe in cool water with a nondrying soap that doesn’t contain fragrances or dyes. Many companies make gentle, natural products especially for infants and children.

·         Avoid using powders, creams or ointments because they don’t prevent heat rash and can block pores.

·         In hot weather, dress in loose, lightweight clothing that wicks moisture away from your skin.

·         Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned buildings.

·         After bathing, let your skin air-dry, instead of toweling off.

·         Use calamine lotion or cool compresses to calm itchy, irritated skin.

·         Avoid using creams and ointments, which can block pores further.

Eczema Pictures

Eczema is a disease in a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the epidermis. The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent skin conditions. Eczema pictures show this to include dryness and recurring skin rashes which are characterized by one or more of these symptoms: redness, skin edema which is swelling, itching and dryness, crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. Areas of temporary skin discoloration may appear and are sometimes due to healed lesions, although scarring is rare.

Doctors do not know the exact cause of eczema, but an abnormal function of the immune system is believed to be a factor. Some forms of eczema can be triggered by substances that come in contact with the skin, such as soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewelry, or sweat. Environmental stimulants like substances that cause allergic reactions may also cause outbreaks of eczema. Changes in temperature or humidity, or even psychological stress, for some people lead to outbreaks of eczema.

Eczema can be intensified by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can be beneficial to skin healing and relief of symptoms. There is no known cure for eczema, so the treatments aim to control the symptoms like reduce inflammation and relieve itching.  Corticosteroid creams are sometimes prescribed to decrease the inflammatory skin reaction in eczema sufferes.

While any area of the body may be affected by eczema, in children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In infants, eczema is commonly seen on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.

Eczema can sometimes occur as a brief reaction that only leads to symptoms for a few hours or days. In other more severe cases, the symptoms persist over a longer time and are referred to as chronic dermatitis.

Soaps and harsh detergents should not be used on affected skin because they can strip natural skin oils and lead to excessive dryness. Instead, the use of moisturizing body wash, or an emollient like creams or lotions, will maintain natural skin oils and may reduce some of the need to moisturize the skin. Another option is to try bathing using colloidal oatmeal bath treatments. In addition to avoiding soap, other products that may dry the skin such as powders or perfume should also be avoided.

Heat Rashes

Prickly Heat occurs when sweat glands get blocked and sweat is trapped under the skin. Prickly heat, which is also known as miliaria rubra, is one of the most common types of heat rashes. In this form of heat rash, the sweat duct becomes red and inflamed and manifest as small bumps with a red halo around them. They can be found grouped together inside the folds of his or her skin, such as the neck, armpits, and groin. Symptoms are itching, redness of the skin and tiny blisters.  It’s most common in hot humid weather. Anyone can develop it and it usually only lasts a few days. When the skin is cool and dry, it will disappear.

Although heat rash usually goes away on its own in a few days, some children do require treatment.  This may be as simple as removing the child from the environment that triggers the rash.   Moving the child inside to a cooler, air conditioned environment also goes a long way to easing their discomfort.  Mild strength topical steroids, although these usually aren’t needed can be used for treatment if necessary. Calamine lotion is another remedy often used on itchy baby heat rashes.  Another option to try is compresses with cool water.  In the event a secondary infection does occur, antibiotics will probably be needed to treat it.  Another alternative is to dress the child in less clothing.

Heat rash is also called miliaria. Heat rash is most common in babies and young infants when they become overheated.  This happens either because it is too warm outside or they are simply overdressed.  It could also be because they have a fever.  Miliaria profunda occurs in people who have experienced repeated episodes of prickly heat.

Miliaria crystallina is another type of heat rash. In this particular rash the skin doesn’t get inflamed, leading to the standard appearance of small clear vesicles. These are without any redness or other symptoms.

A key factor in preventing heat rashes like these is avoiding excessive heat and humidity when possible. Some ointments, including moisturizers, or oil based products can block the sweat ducts and should not be used on a child’s skin. Most methods of preventing heat rash start with the goal of keeping your child from getting overheated. Take steps to dress your child in weather appropriate, loose fitting clothing, so that he doesn’t get overheated.  These things go a long way to prevent the discomfort of getting heat rashes.

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Groin

Superficial fungal infections of the skin, known as dermatophytes, are some of the most common self-treatable trivial medical conditions affecting the population today. As many as one in five Americans have a dermatophyte infection at any particular time. When talking about the number of people affected the overall frequency is exceeded only by acne. Dermatophytes are limited to the upper layer of skin, where they subsist on the dead skin cells called keratin. There are several common dermatophytic infections constantly active in the United States. Ringworm, athlete’s foot, groin infection or what is commonly referred to as jock itch, are also quite common. It is difficult to determine the exact incidence of groin infections. It is not a reportable disease. Another factor that hinders documenting cases is the fact that patients are able to recognize it and treat it until it is cured.

Itching of the groin and in the genital area can be bacterial, but more often than not is caused by fungal infections. Humidity and moisture are contributing factors to coming down with any fungal infection. What occurs is similar to the growth patterns that are seen in molds, mildew, and similar plant species. They prefer warmth and moisture to be more specific. Clothing that fits tightly is thought to be an influencing factor in most fungal groin infections. For women, wearing pants instead of dresses has been labeled as one such influencing factor. Two significant factors come into play here. The first is the potential for moisture to accumulate underneath tight confining garments. Another is the risk of wearing clothing that has become contaminated and is not cleaned well. That is why most experts will recommend boiling the underclothing or contaminated garments thoroughly to minimize the occasion of the infection coming back.

The fungi that cause athlete’s foot also may cause jock itch or tinea cruris, which is an infection of the groin.  Toenail infection (onychomycosis), and fungal infection of the hand called tinea manuum can also be spread by athlete’s foot fungi. Vice versa having any of these other fungal infections is a risk factor for athlete’s foot. Most people who get this rash are in good health. Ringworm, athlete’s foot, groin infections occur more often in teenagers and young adults.   These infections are also more likely to show up if a person is experiencing hormonal imbalances or has a suppressed immune system.

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Cream

The ringworm fungal infection, athlete’s foot is often treated with topical antifungal agents, which can take the form of a spray, powder, cream, or gel. The most common ingredient in over-the-counter products is miconazole nitrate. In the United States the typical concentration found in products is two percent.  Tolnaftate is also quite popular. One percent concentration is normal in the U.S. for it. Terbinafine is another over-the-counter drug. There are a big variety of prescription antifungal drugs available. These encompass many different drug families. They are ketaconazole, itraconazole, naftifine, nystatin, caspofungin. In one study it was found that allylamines which are terbinafine, Amorolfine, naftifine, butenafine, cure slightly more infections than azoles.  Azoles include miconazole, ketaconazole, clotrimazole, itraconazole, and sertaconazole.  Undecylenic acid which is a known castor oil derivative is a fungicide that can be used for athlete’s foot and other skin infections. Whitfield’s Ointment or benzoic and salicylic acid is an older treatment that is still used on occasion.

There are many conventional medications like over-the-counter and prescription medicines as well as alternative treatments for athlete’s foot .and other fungal skin infections.  In most cases of ringworm athlete’s foot cream seems to be the treatment of choice.  Keep in mind that the practice of good hygiene is always important with any treatment plan you use. Conventional treatment typically involves daily or twice daily application of a topical medication along with hygiene measures to help with prevention. To prevent the infection from returning a person should keep feet dry and good hygiene practices can never be stressed enough. Severe or prolonged fungal skin infections may require treatment with oral anti-fungal medication. Zinc oxide based diaper rash ointment is another option that may be employed. Talcum powder can also be used to absorb the moisture.

Some makers of these products have made claims that a gel penetrates the skin more quickly than a cream and does not promote the excess moisture.  No matter which ringworm athlete’s foot cream or gel used, curing the infection may take as long as 45 days, or in extreme cases possibly longer.  The recommended course of treatment is to continue to use the topical treatment for four weeks after the symptoms have subsided. This is to ensure that the fungus has been completely eliminated. It is quite common for patient to end treatment too quickly because in most cases the itching associated with the infection goes away more quickly than the actual infection.

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Rash

There are various signs and symptoms of ringworm athlete’s foot rash and will, in most cases, not be apparent at the same time.  Some symptoms that may indicate you have contracted an affliction of ringworm, athlete’s foot rash are itching, stinging and burning between your toes, itching, stinging and burning on the soles of your feet, itchy blisters are some of the signs.  Other signs are dry flaking skin, especially between your toes and on the soles of your feet, excessive dryness of the skin on the bottoms or sides of the feet, and toenails that are thick, crumbly, ragged, discolored or pulling away from the nail bed.

With athlete’s foot and jock itch infection, the skin often becomes itchy, and the rash can spread quickly.  It is a common occurrence to have both jock itch and athlete’s foot at the same time.  This is no surprise since both are caused by fungi.  Athlete’s foot rash as well as jock itch is a form of ringworm.  Not a worm at all it affects the outer layers of skin, hair, or nails.  The infection is in reality a fungal infection affecting the feet and can also spread to other body parts.

Athlete’s foot rash is an extremely common skin disorder. It is the most common and perhaps the most persistent of the fungal infections. As hinted by the name, in instances of fungal ringworm, athlete’s foot rash is widespread in male athletes, but definitely not limited to them. Using public showers and locker rooms will increase the prospect of getting athlete’s foot rash.  Fungi breed, grow and spread in steamy locker rooms where you will find wet towels, sweat dampened workout clothes, and damp floors.

Athlete’s foot rash is an itchy rash affecting the feet that is very common.  Athlete’s foot rash normally is not serious but the infection is aggravating and a nusiance. Secondary bacterial infection can result from the fungal infection and is something to watch out for.  These other complications may develop as breaks in the skin, open sores, ulcers.

To prevent the spread of the fungus from your feet to other areas such as the groin, put your socks on before you put on your underwear.  Wear shower shoes when public showers and locker rooms are used.  Dry off well after you exercise and shower.  Don’t share your towel with anyone.  Workout clothes, underwear, socks, and towels should always be washed after each use.

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot Toenails

Ringworm is a widespread fungal infection. The dermatophyte fungus that causes ringworm of the foot and ringworm of the nails live on human skin. Ringworm of the foot is also called athlete’s foot. It appears as a scaling or cracking of the skin, especially between the toes.  Ringworm of the nails causes the affected nails to become thicker, discolored, and brittle, or to become chalky and disintegrate.

The infection most commonly shows up between the toes first and then moves to the arch. Between toes the fungus may have an uneven border with scaling present. Flare-ups may cause increased redness, and irritation. The soles of the feet may become infected causing skin thickening as the fungal infection spreads. Severe cases can cause pain, itching, inflammation and redness. When ringworm athlete’s foot affects the toe nails, they may become infected causing a change in color, thickness and surface smoothness. Mild cases may be treated with topical anti-fungal products. Oral medication may be required in severe systemic cases.

A toenail fungus or fingernail fungus will develop when conditions are right. The first condition is the presence of a warm and damp environment. These conditions allow a rapid growth and the spread of the dermatophytes. Socks and shoes are perfect places to foster this environment. Socks that do not absorb moisture away from the feet become breeding grounds of the nail fungus. Vinyl shoes or shoes that are too tight and do not allow the feet to breath will encourage the feet to sweat. The moisture encourages the nail fungus to grow.

Nail fungus or in medical terms,Tinea Unguium, comes from tiny organisms that live in fingernails as well as toenails. These microorganisms use nails of our fingers and toes very effectively as barricades. If the infection sets in the barricade may prevent treatment of the skin ailment.  Nail infections are fairly common. The nail bed is where the fungi usually grow. The fungus grows slowly but luckily does not accumulate in other internal organs of the body.

The mere presence of the dermatophytes on the skin does not immediately mean a ringworm athlete’s foot toenail fungal infection. The good news is fungal infections are not considered contagious nor are they easily transmitted by different individuals. As is common with most infections, nail fungus affects people with weaker immune systems. Be aware that fungi easily survive on weak defense systems.

Ringworm Athlete’s Foot

Tinea is the fungus that causes ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch. Even though, they can be extremely uncomfortable these infections are usually not serious.    Ringworm infection is a red skin rash that forms a ring around normal-looking skin.  Touching an infected person, damp surfaces such as shower floors, or even pets can easily pass on the infection.  Conventionally ringworm athlete’s foot is passed on from damp places where people often walk barefoot, such as showers or bathhouses, Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis, in medical terms, is a fungal infection of the skin.  This infection shows such symptoms as scaling, flaking, and itching of affected areas.   While normally affecting the feet, the condition can spread to other areas of the body.  These include but are not limited to the groin.

Ringworm Athlete’s foot and other such maladies are caused by superficial fungal infections of the skin, known as dermatophytes, are some of the most common self-treatable trivial medical conditions. As opposed to more serious fungal conditions, such as candidiasis or sporotrichosis, dermatophytes are limited to the upper layer of skin, where they subsist on the dead skin cells called keratin.   In most cases, they are easy to eradicate. Anyone can get it but as the name suggests, athlete’s foot is common in male athletes. Using public showers and locker rooms will greatly increase the odds of a person getting Athlete’s foot. Fungi grow best in steamy locker rooms filled with damp towels, sweaty workout clothes, and wet floors.  While extremely annoying, athlete’s foot usually is not serious, but something to be concerned about is coming down with a secondary bacterial infection that can sometimes accompany the fungal infection.  These secondary complications may develop as such things as breaks in the skin, open sores, ulcers.
There are various signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot but chances are they will not all appear together. The following are some of those signs itching, stinging itching and burning between your toes, itching, stinging and burning on the soles of your feet, itchy blisters, cracking and peeling skin, especially between your toes and on the soles of your feet, excessive dryness of the skin on the bottoms or sides of the feet, toenails that are thick, crumbly, ragged, discolored or pulling away from the nail bed.  Good hygiene is important in the prevention of Athlete’s foot.   It can be treated by an assortment of pharmaceutical and other treatments.

Chicken Pox

Chicken pox is a highly contagious viral infection caused by the varicella virus. Chicken pox is a disease of childhood and ninety percent of cases occur in children aged fourteen years and younger. Chicken pox can occur at any time, but occurs most often in March, April, and May in warmer climates. Chicken pox is typically diagnosed clinically based on the history of viral symptoms and the characteristic appearance of the rash. However, sometimes chicken pox can be confused with herpes simplex, impetigo, insect bites, or scabies.

Most people are aware of the rash, but chicken pox starts out looking just like a common cold. Runny nose, sneezing, cough, and fever are typical first symptoms of chicken pox. Three to five days later the rash shows up.

The rash itself appears as dots ranging from the size of an eraser head to about the size of a dime. Within each of these dots is a fluid filled vesicle which may pop over the course of the following days. The lesions may be painful, itch, or not be bothersome at all. They may be found anywhere on the skin, in the mouth and within the vaginal area and even unseen within the penis. Urination may be painful because of this.

The most contagious time occurs when the person is manifesting the cold-like symptoms.  This happens usually two to five days before the rash appears. As a result the time in which someone is most contagious occurs before the person even knows he has chicken pox.  After the rash appears, the person is infectious for about five days or until all the lesions have begun crusting over.

Humans are the only animals that get chicken pox. So the only way to catch it is by being around a person who is infected. The virus is spread through secretions and by tiny droplets, so sharing saliva, sneezing, and coughing are good ways to pass the virus from one person to another.

Children with immune problems can have significant problems if infected with chicken pox. These include those children infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, those with cancer, those on steroids for other illnesses, and newborn babies.

There is not a lot that can be done to completely eliminate the symptoms once a child is infected with chicken pox. Most treatment is then aimed at trying to alleviate the pain, itch, and fever associated with chicken pox.

Killing Fleas
How many of you own a cat or dog, and of those how many have experienced the problems presented by fleas? Fleas are tiny, absolutely microscopic parasites that live on cats, on dogs and on humans and other animals, and feed off our blood. They are so small that they are nigh on impossible to catch, so killing fleas becomes a challenge that has many different approaches.
First, it is important to understand that the flea will most likely lay eggs on your carpets and furniture, bedding and other soft places, so these have to be attended to in time, but the initial detective work involves finding out where the fleas are coming from.
If you have cats or dogs they are very likely to be the culprits; fleas are so common and widespread that it is said no domestic cat or dog will go through life without experiencing fleas. Killing fleas on cats and fleas on dogs involves the application of an insecticide powder or spray (something that, I can tell you from experience, cats in particular will find very annoying indeed!) The chemicals in these are designed to kill the fleas although getting rid of fleas also involves destroying the eggs.
The best way to approach this is to get into a regular routine of vacuuming, including going over the furniture as well as the carpets; this will remove the majority of eggs and reduce the likelihood of the infestation spreading, but you also need to make sure your beloved cat has not gone out to meet his friends and brought yet more home – he will, in time.
Fleas are often thought of as irritating but harmless creatures, yet they can – in kittens and puppies especially – induce anaemia from the feeding on blood and also cause allergic reactions in some. These can be dangerous conditions for infant pets to undergo, and must be kept at bay if an infestation is found. No contact with an infected animal should be allowed for kittens or puppies, and also young children should be kept away from infected animals for the same reason.
While the common dog flea and cat flea are actually different creatures from the same family, they are adaptable and can live on each others named host, but while they bite us they will not live on us. The human flea is in fact a rare occurrence, and instances of fleas living on humans are not of the commonest variety.