Erythromelalgia

It is one of the problems facing today that affects both men and women. A certain disease that is associated with severe soreness and inflammation present specifically to both legs and feet. This condition can be caused by various conditions and can be treated in several ways dependent on those factors.

What is Erythromelalgia?

Erythromelalgia (sometimes called Mitchell’s disease and acromelalgia) is an expression originated from the Greek word “erythros + melos” meaning an extremity, and “algos” which means pain. An unusual form of neurovascular peripheral disease that is common among individuals over fifty (50) years of age. A certain situation that give rise to a condition called “Burning Feet Syndrome”, wherein definite occurrences of burning pain of affected extremities, severe skin redness, and is accompanied by discomforting signs like inflammation and sweating of foot is present.

In addition, having Mitchell’s disease typically influences both sides of the body (bilateral), and sometimes occupies only one side (unilateral) to the affected area. It is known to be caused by condition like heavy metal poisoning along with the fungal and other infections.

Ordinarily, almost sixty (60) percent of the individuals globally are affected by this illness and it is the females are known to experience from this condition than the male ones. This disease may result in worsening the quality of life of the affected person that resulting in the inability to function in a work place, lack of mobility, sudden depression, and etc. for it often appears swollen and tend to be worsen when summer is coming.
Primary and Secondary Erythromelalgia is the two (2) categories of erythromelalgia that fall under this condition and is notably come out in the majority of patients especially in our elderly females particularly at night.

Primary Erythromelalgia

• It results from inherited transformation of the voltage-gated sodium channel and presents symptoms that are often generates through heat, changes in temperature, over-exertion or exercise and etc. It is a symptom of another severe condition inside the body.
• The attacks in this condition last from an hour.

Secondary Erythromelalgia

• It can result from certain autoimmune disorders (small fiber peripheral neuropathy).
• The show aggressions typically and are precipitated by the underlying condition.

Symptoms

The following signs and symptoms may differ from one patient to the other. This indication is stimulated by warm temperature due to constant contact. Let’s mention a few:

• Itchiness and tingling sensation – occurs only in a few minutes
• Acute pain in the hands and feet
• Skin discoloration
• Burns
• Swollen limbs
• Swelling
• Erythema
• Genetic Blood Vessel Condition
• Inflammation and pain in different parts of the body

Causes

There are specific problems in various parts of our body that may include erythromelalgia also known burning feet syndrome. Some of the most common causes are:

• Age
• Genetic Condition – Parents/ family relative is a carrier of this particular genetic mutation
• Neurological Problems
• Deficient in nutrients such as Panthotenic Acid
• Fatigue
• Certain diseases such as: Mushroom and mercury poisoning, sciatica, etc.
• Autoimmune disorders such as diabetes, lupus, etc.
• Usage of ergot derivatives such as Nifedipine, and etc.

These are the activities that are effective help in reducing the sweat and can avoid the attacking of pain on both feet. The following includes:

• Wearing socks and shoes
• Staying outdoors on hot days
• Over exertion or exercise
• Intake of large amount of spicy foods
• Consumption of alcohol

Treatment

If an individual has a medical problem called erythromelalgia the following are the effective means of solving this particular condition. This treatment depends on the severity of the signs and symptoms of the disease as well as occurrence of its underlying medical disease, disorder or condition.

• Applying cream and ointments

It has a cooling effect on our feet and also relieves the pain.

• Lowering body’s temperature

This treatment can help by raising the limbs and placing it in a cool water for it provides temporary relief only.

• Using of Magnets

It also helps in reducing the pain. It must be used after checking by your physician due to some advantages that may occur while using this kind of treatment.

• Taking certain medication such as aspirin

It helps in diminishing the indications of the situation.

• Taking vitamin C as a supplement

Supports the immune system and helps eradicate accumulated toxic matters inside the body.

• Eat well-balanced diet

It will help in stimulating circulation of the nerves throughout our body.

• Surgery

Used to cure the condition and is going to interrupt nerve connections that would prevent severe complications on the part of the patient. A method known a Sympathectomy – wherein surgical trimming is used to the nerve ends that transmit signals to our body.

The use of the following natural remedies has been promoted and mostly adopted by affected patients for this will bring relief from to this certain condition. The flowing are as follows:

• Take your time to relax and elevate your both feet and place a cold compress to the affected area. Hold this position for about twenty (20) to thirty (30) minutes per week.

It helps in minimizing and preventing the intensity of the disease.

• A habit of taking a bath everyday specifically to area of the feet using sanicle or hawtorn herbs. Place at least twenty (20) to twenty-five (25) drops mixed in the water.

It widens blood vessels contained by the body. This may apply in patients that have a recurring burning condition.

• Another is combination of eucalyptus oil and pepper. Use this for at least four (4) to five (5) times daily.

An effective way in getting rid of the painful and burning sensations in the body.

• For instance, you may take the following foods that are rich in Vitamin B such as whole grains, brown rice, and peanuts, various yellow and green vegetables, butter and milk, and etc.

It can help boost your immune system as well as provide relief from the symptoms of this condition.

Erythromelalgia Pictures

Erythromelalgia Pictures

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Erythromelalgia Photos

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Erythromelalgia Images

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Erythromelalgia Pics

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Body piercing is one of oldest known forms of written art around the world. This condition occurs in different patterns and is often preventable and treatable.

What is Cartilage Piercing?

The term Cartilage Piercing, is made of tough elastic tissues located particularly in nose, neck, forehead as well as on the ear specifically just below on the rook of the ear that is highly susceptible to infections and bumps. A procedure which used to creates opening in the ear to insert jewelries such as rings, etc.

In addition, studies showed for about sixty-two (62) percent of individuals worldwide have done this procedure to express their personality as well as their individuality. Others used this as a sign of being cool and sexy without proper knowledge and information of the procedures that are being used that may lead to some severe infections if not treated immediately.

Systematically, cartilage piercing infection is caused primarily by pathogen named Staphylococcus Aureus and Pseudomnas Aeruginosa if not treated may lead to a permanent ear deformation and swelling.

• Ear lobe piercing
• Piercing of the helix
• Industrial Ear Piercing
• Conch Piercing
• Tragus Piercing
• Anti-tragus Piercing
• Rook Piercing
• Daith Piercing
• Dermal Punch Piercing

Symptoms

Piercing is known for its dangerous procedure. It has some common signs and symptoms. Listed below are the following:

• Minor Infection
• Allergic Reaction
• Earlobe tearing
• Keloids – A large darker color that surrounding your skin.
• Infection that carry bacteria to our body
• High Fever
• Nausea
• Pus
• Damage to underlying blood vessels or nerves
• Pain
• Bleeding
• Vomiting
• Stretching and associated problems
• Boils (bacterial pocket) and abscesses
• Scarring – Takes place due to the pressure exerted during the piercing period.
• Redness and red bumps
• Foul Odor
• Scars
• Over cleaning : the affected area will become weak and great possibility of infection may exist.
• Cartilage Irritation in the affected area

What is Cartilage Piercing Bump?

A procedure often appears to be gradually more rampant among adolescents and young adults if not quickly treated. It usually forms during the healing process of the cartilage piercing

The following are some of the common problems associated with piercing. Let’s mention a few:

• Hepatitis B or C
• Syphilis
• Sepsis (Blood Infection)
• Mental Hypersensitivity
• Overcleaning – The affected area may loss enough ability to fight and allows the infection to takes place.
• Boils and Abscesses
• Migration

Infected Cartilage Piercing

Studies showed that infections generally manifest within two (2) to five (5) weeks of piercing. Precise concern should be specified to minimize and avoid serious ear problems which can contribute to the deformation of the affected area of the ear.

There are numerous common causes for infected cartilage piercing including:

• Unspecialized equipment
• Frequent stirring the ear with unclean hands that cause infection to the lobes
• Wearing tight earrings – It reduces the blood flow to the ear lobes
• Repetitively rubbing the channel and causes an infection
• Improper ways of procedure
• Swimming in waters such as lakes, ponds that is polluted

Treatment

Piercing infection can appear or can take as mush as three (3) to twelve (12) months to completely heal the problem based on the type of procedure you undergo.

Here are some samples of treatments / remedies that you may apply for ear piercing infection. The following are as follows:

1. Changing the jewelry being used

2. Boost the intake of vitamin C foodstuffs in your diet,

• They greatly help to the fast healing of the affected area and promote wound healing

3. Use sea salt soaks

• Applied directly using cotton balls for about five (5) to ten (10) minutes and then rinse it thoroughly once or thrice a week.
• Helps in getting rid of the bumps that is present in the body.

4. Use Chamomile Tea

• Place the chamomile tea in a container filled with hot water and holds it for about a minute then place it to the affected area. Repeat the procedure one (10 to two (2) a day for best results.

5. Take certain medicines, such as aspirin

• Compress the aspirin tablet; add water until it becomes a paste. Do this at least three (3) to five (5) times a day. Apply this to the affected area.

• It helps in speeding up the healing process of cartilage piercing bump.

Surgery

Keloids – It shows due to excessive tissue repair and it can be treated only through surgery. The most severe form of cartilage piercing bump.

Healing Time

The healing time of cartilage pierce typically varies extensively according to the situation and severity of the condition.

Its curing process is subdivided into three stages:

• Inflammatory stage, wherein the wound is still open and flowing, irritation and gentleness are all to be anticipated;
• Growth or proliferative stage, wherein the body produces cells and protein to our body in order to heal the puncture and the edges contract around the piercing. This stage possibly last weeks, months, or longer than a year.
• Maturation or remodeling stage, it strengthens and stabilize the lining of the cells. This stage takes months or years to complete the healing process.

Cartilage Piercing Pictures

Cartilage Piercing Pictures

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Cartilage Piercing Images

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Cartilage Piercing Photos

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What is Metabolic Alkolis?

Everything in this world especially the parts, nerves, and everything inside our body is very essential in the proper functioning and development of our body.

A condition in which the body fluids have excess base (alkali) is often referred as “Metabolic Alkalosis’, where the pH in our tissues becomes elevated and the pH balance of the body has accumulated too much of an alkaline substance that can indicate a more severe condition such as a kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and etc. There’s a huge disturbance of the body’s acid/base balance in the exracellular fluid (ECF) that takes place in our body.

In addition, the suitable task of our body in relation to this condition is to neutralize the outcome of the alkali. The large amount of patient’s suffering this sickness is mostly hospitalized adults. It is caused by the increasing of the concentration in the plasma bicarbonate (HCO3) into our body.

This certain condition may be suitably separated into two (2) categories based on the quantity of the available chloride in our body specifically in the urine. The two types are as follows:

Chloride-Resistant

• Typically, this type refuses to go along with the administration of chloride salt that present in our body.
• It also illustrates the increasing volume of ECF (extracellular fluid) more than 20 mEq/L in the affected patient.
• It often occurs, when chloride is lost in excess of sodium

Chloride Responsive

• Typically, this other type responds to the management of chloride salt into our body.
• It illustrates the decreasing volume of ECF (extracellular fluid) and low serum chloride levels of less than 10 mEq/L in the body of the affected patient.
• It often occurs when there is direct stimulation of renal plasma bicarbonate reabsorption.

Symptoms

When the body has more base than acid in our body system that’s the time metabolic alkalosis take place and the levels of both potassium and sodium for this condition decreases dramatically, causing symptoms that may include:

• Shallow and slow respiration
• Diarrhea
• Coma
• Congenital Chloride Diarrhea ( a unusual warning for this type of condition)
• Excessive Urination (due to the usage of drugs such as Diuretic)
• Nausea
• Headache
• Cyanosis – A discoloration condition of the skin due to inadequate oxygen intake)
• Muscle Cramps
• Irregular heart beats
• Loss of hydrogen ions – Lead to the decreasing amount of fluid in the body of the affected person.
• Drop in Blood Pressure
• Irritability
• Convulsions
• Hyperventilation
• Loss of consciousness (can progress to coma)
• Seizures
• Numbness in the face

An individual should seek emergency medical aid when he/she has experienced the following:

• If you feel confused
• Problem in breathing
• A sudden change of the symptoms of this condition

Causes

There are numerous ways that a metabolic alkalosis can occur, including:

• Decreased acid and increased base levels in the body
• Lack of oxygen
• Low carbon dioxide
• Hypokalemic Alkalosis -Tremendous lack or loss of potassium occurs once taking certain medication such as: Diuretic
• Hypochloremic Alkalosis – Severe lack or loss of chloride happens with limitless vomiting.
• Fever
• Hyperventilation
• Compensated Alkalosis – Often occurs when the acid-base becomes stable and returns back into our body to its normal equilibrium.
• Too much bicarbonate available in the blood

A study shows that the treatment along with this certain situation if not treated quickly will generates potential problems such as the following. Let’s mention a few:

• The affected person will be in a state of coma
• Imbalance in electrolyte
• Convulsions
• Heart Failure
• Arrhythmias

Treatment

The treatment for this condition greatly depends on what are the specific reasons / causes does the disease have. The main goal of this remedy is to correct the disorder and also correct the factors which maintain the certain condition.

Listed below are the treatments available that may help to improve or to normalize the acid-base levels of the affected person.

• You may need the help of a physician for he / she may assess the severity of the condition and may prescribe a medication to administered (such as salt water solution) that is appropriate for you depending on the underlying symptoms you experienced for it may correct some chemical loss in our system.
• Monitoring of the in take of several drug medicines such as laxatives, antacids and etc. for it may cause more serious problems in the future.
• Chloride Supervision – It supports the requirements of degree depletion to this condition
• Diuretic Therapy – Too much urination takes place during this therapy wherein there is a loss of fluid from our body through the usage of certain drugs such as Diuretic, etc.
• Proton Pump – Helps in decreasing and preventing the underlying causes of the gastric acid into our body.
• Hydrochloric Acid Infusion – The ability to withdraw blood and by doing the confirmation of the severity of the condition. Through this, it will correct the chloride deficiency

What is Granulomatous Inflammation?

A granuloma refers to a benign inflammatory condition that is composed of small, organized collections of activated macrophages or histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells which take on a squamous cell-like manifestation. This distinctive pattern is so organized in a tight, ball-like structure that the margins of the individual cells are hard to outline. It is not a granuloma when macrophages are slackly diffused. This massing of macrophages bordered by the lymphocytes looks like epithelial cells, thus the term epitheloid cells.

This characteristic lesion is formed the moment the immune system tries to isolate an infectious or non-infectious substance which is distinguished as foreign but is not capable of getting rid of it. There are situations in which the macrophages gather together to develop into a defined mass, thus, lesions of a granulomatous disease become space-occupying.

The distinction of granulomas from other types of inflammation is the concept that the former is formed because the causative agents are impervious to the first line of special defense cells including the neutrophils and eosinophils. Most frequently, the inciting antigen involved in the development of granulomas is an infectious microorganism or an inorganic material extraneous to the body. In some cases however, such as in sarcoidosis, the main culprit which stimulates the antibody production is not yet recognized.

Characteristically, a granuloma takes in merely a trivial segment of the body tissue. On the whole, affected individuals are asymptomatic. In point of fact, most of the granuloma cases are identified by chance via an x-ray performed for a different purpose. Oftentimes, when discovered in an x-ray, these inflammations are being confused with cancer.

The potential offending agents may be bacterial, fungal or idiopathic in origin. Others include unwelcomed exogenous substances, endogenous substances that have changed like lipids and keratin debris.

On the whole, the type of granuloma that develops from the above problems is a calcified granuloma. This type involves calcium deposition and commonly takes a longer time to surface.

One of the important things that must be established early on is whether these granulomas involve necrosis or not. Necrosis is the death of cells which, upon magnification, appears as a collection of amorphous fragments without the presence of nuclei. Another term, caseation, describes a form of necrosis, which, to the unaided eye seems to bear a similarity to a cheese and is classically a characteristic of granulomas in TB. Quite the opposite of TB granuloma is sarcoidosis with granulomatous lesions that are classically non-caseating. The recognition of the presence of necrosis in granulomatous inflammation is significant since when a granuloma contains necrosis, this means the cause of the inflammation is an infectious agent. More than a few cases may be exempted to the rule; however, it continues all the same to be valuable in everyday diagnostic pathology.

Symptoms

In general;

• The mass of granulation tissue is classically small, 1 to 2-millimeter-lesion.
• The amount of pain is influenced by the location of the granulomatous inflammation. In a few instances, affected individuals do not experience pain at all or even any physical indications of inflammation.

Below are some of the familiar causes of granulomatous inflammation. The lesions are typically detected in infected organs which the inciting agent has caused reactions in that organ’s cells.

Tuberculosis

A tubercle is the granulomatous inflammatory reaction to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Distinctive to this type of granuloma is the occurrence of a cheesy necrotic middle. Though not exclusive for TB infection, there are multinucleated giant cells with nuclei organized in a way that is similar to a horseshoe.

As soon as the disease becomes active, the individual experiences chest pain, coughing up of blood and a insistent productive cough for more than 3 weeks. Other systemic manifestations include hyperthermia, chills, shortness of breath, night sweats, loss of appetite, weight loss, paleness and tiredness.

Leprosy

In this condition, the granulomatous inflammations become superficially conspicuous. The granulomas appear on the skin and are likely to include the underlying nerves.

Schistosomiasis

A few of the schistosome eggs laid in the intestinal and urinary venules are pushed backward into the liver through the portal vein resulting to the formation of granulomatous lesions in this organ.

Causes

Granulomatous inflammation describes a distinct subclass of chronic inflammatory mechanism which predictably arises when the normal inflammatory response involving the neutrophil cannot eliminate the provoking agent. Once these common white blood cells fail to remove the causative agent, the second line of defense comprising the macrophages take over.

Most of these inflammations are the effects of tissue injury, predominantly as a consequence of infection. For a number of instances, granulomas may emerge in the lungs too. Besides, the most familiar cause of these inflammations is histoplasmosis, a serious fungal lung disease caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. Other diseases that are accompanied with the formation of granulomas are infections such as TB, syphilis, schistosomiasis and leprosy; systemic conditions including sarcoidosis, regional enteritis, and Wegener’s granulomatosis; inorganic material poisoning such as beryllium, silica, asbestos and zirconium.

These inciting agents share one thing in mutual; that is, they are poorly digested and frequently aren’t simply influenced by the first line of the inflammatory mechanism. The epitheloid cells cannot disintegrate the phagocytosed particles the way it should be.

Treatment

For orofacial granulomatosis

The treatment modality will differ according to the underlying or systemic cause of the granulomatosis. For localized inflammation with no systemic association, lesions can be dealt by applying conservative surgical removal and reconstruction. Before the operation, the patient is given with a number of drugs with unpredictable outcomes. Some of these include intralesional and systemic steroidal medications, radiotherapy in low dose, and sulfasalazine.

For Tuberculosis

In the present day, BCG vaccine is extensively used all over the globe as it supports in the risk reduction of serious tuberculosis in younger population. Pharmacological treatment is available and is aimed at destroying the intracellular and extracellular microorganisms and in preventing the development of multi-drug resistance.

Therapy includes the combination of four antibiotics with medical direction namely isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol which is usually recommended for 6 to 9 months. These four anti-TB drugs are classified into first-line and second-line agents, depending on the level of effectiveness and toxicity. Under the first line drugs are isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide. Supplementary therapeutic processes are sufficient rest and sleep, hospitalization in isolation rooms and surgical treatment to eliminate the damaged lung.

For Aspergillosis

To successfully manage the granulomatous disease, the mainstay of the disease management consists of aggressive neurosurgical measures to surgically eliminate Aspergillus abscesses and granulomatous inflammations, modification to decrease the effect of predisposing and precipitating factors, administration of amphotericin B in conjunction with flucytosine, and treatment of the cause of infection.

What is a White bump on Eyelid?

The eyelid belongs to the most delicate areas of the body. There are numerous glands in this area that are wide open to maintain eye lubrication. Therefore, due to its intricate structure, this area is relatively vulnerable to any infections of the eye. A bump is usually the result of clogging and inflammation of the oil glands present on the eyelid. These bumps may stay as small lesions and hardly observable or may swell up and become especially painful, depending on the cause. Aside from stye, there are other eye infections that cause white bumps to surface on the eyelids.

Causes

The following are the usual origins of white bump on the eyelids.

Eye Stye

This infection is usually due to Staphylococcus bacteria. Normally, these bacteria belong to the normal microflora that exist in the eyelid and are typically undisruptive. Once internal and external factors encourage bacterial growth, their number uncontrollably expands. They attack the oil producing glands and infect it. The infection is manifested by the development of a red, tender and swollen area on the eyelid with a small white bump on its center. This white bump is regularly filled with pus.

Chalazion

When the meibomian gland, located within the tarsal plate, is clogged up, a cyst called chalazion emerges. Normally, this sebaceous gland produces a sticky substance which assists in sustaining the moisture of the eyelashes. Once in a while, its duct may become blocked, resulting to the clogging of the sebaceous gland by sebum. As an inflammatory response to the retained oil secretion, a white bump develops on the area which is small in size.

The bump may be painful at first, as it continues to develop, it becomes painless. The affected individual may also report blurring of vision especially when the bump is large enough to cause a distortion in the natural structure of the cornea. This eye infection is commonly confused with eye stye, however, unlike stye, chalazion is not caused by bacteria and is likely to grow larger.

Milia

Eventhough adults can also become affected, milia is a condition which commonly affects the newborn and young children. In this condition, a very small solid white bump develops on the eyelid. This is due to the failure of the children’s skin to get rid of dead cells the way it should be. In adults, the frequent causes are severe sunburn and eyelid trauma.

Treatment

• Nearly all of the eye infections are the results of poor sanitation. These infections are easily transmitted by rubbing the eyes with unclean hands. Therefore, it is important that everyone must maintain the contact of the hands to the eyes to bare minimum. If there is a need, though, one must perform proper handwashing before the hands come in contact with the eyes.
• The application of contact lenses must be carried out with proper hygiene measures.
• Never share or use others’ cosmetics and eye makeup items.
• Dispose of old or contaminated makeup products.
• If there is already infection in the eye, avoid using any products on the affected eye until the infection resolves.
• Because children unaware of good hygiene practices, they are likely to get eye infections. Hence, they must be provided with health teachings on the significance of good hygiene in one’s health.
• Stye and chalazion subside by their own. Usually, a stye last for 1 week while chalazion persists for a month or more. To accelerate the healing process, the affected eyelid must be applied with a washcloth soaked in warm water. The application must be at least 5 minutes for 4 to 6 times a day over the course of several days. This measure will reduce the pain and shrink the white bump. In some instances, the bump bursts open, empties and heals without any other interventions.
• Part of the home treatment is the cleansing of the infected area with mild, non-irritating soap or baby shampoo.
• Do not squeeze the bump to facilitate drainage as this will only invite further infection. Allow it to break by itself.
• Generally, the white bump on the eyelid is not painful. However, for cosmetic purposes, seek a doctor’s recommendation on how to do away with it. Frequently, prescribed medications are already enough to treat the white bump. If it still persists, such as in internal hordeolum surgery may be needed, with patient placed under anesthetic agent.
• If the appearance of sties becomes frequent, the eye physician may recommend the use of an antibiotic cream to inhibit recurrence. The patient may also be advised to apply pre-moistened eyelid cleaning pads for everyday eyelid care in order to trim down the risk of eye infections. Not often do doctors prescribe systemic antibiotics to treat multiple and chronic eye styes.

White Bump on Eyelid Pictures

White bump on eyelid pictures

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White bump on eyelid Images

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Universally called itching, pruritus is described as an unpleasant feeling which causes individuals to scratch a body area. This may be localized or generalized. When pruritus is accompanied with a body rash, the cause must be established and promptly treated.

Causes

Toxin accumulation is one main culprit in sudden appearance of a generalized itchy rash. Its manifestation signifies that there is something going on in the body. Another great cause is when the body area is not appropriately cleansed; as a result, sweat and dirt build up on the skin resulting to irritation.

In about 50% of the patients with a generalized pruritus, there is an associated systemic disease. Other causes may include certain medications and substances, hypersensitivity, numerous infections, iron insufficiency, diseases of the liver and kidney, pregnancy, cancers and abnormal thyroid function levels.

Heat rash

Heat rash is a cutaneous irritation brought by excessive sweating during the hot and humid season. When too much perspiration is present on the superficial skin, the outlet of the sweat gland is obstructed. This obstruction irritates the sweat glands resulting to a rash which comes out as tiny blisters formed in groups which can occur on the upper chest, groin, under the breast and elbow creases. It occurs at any age but is most widespread in young children.

Hives

The most familiar skin rash which is classically marked by red to pink skin bumps are hives. This type of rash may appear and diminish in a few hours. It can be caused by certain medications such as antibiotics or by an environmental allergen including pollens, animal dander, temperature variations, health conditions, food and anxiety.

Medications

Certain drugs are known to produce pruritus, some presents with widespread bodily involvement. Some of these drugs are opiates, morphine, codeine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Harsh Skin Care Products

There are a number of cases in which the application of these skin care products leads to the development of a localized rash which in due course becomes generalized.

Viral Rashes

Rashes of viral origin are often symmetrical. Typically, these viral rashes persist only for several days and fade away on their own.

Treatment

Treatment for an itchy rash all over the body is aimed at treating the primary cause. To achieve temporary relief from pruritus, the patient can have non-specific treatment measures including topical corticosteroid ointment, oral antihistamine, Moisturization and proper skin hygiene.

Antihistamines

Majority of pruritus cases can be temporarily relieved with the use of antihistamines. These drugs act by preventing vasodilation and the escape of fluid into the surrounding tissues. Regarded as the most effective antihistamine is diphenhydramine.

Home Treatment

• Do not attempt to scratch or rub the affected areas. Always keep fingernails well-trimmed to avoid skin damaged when scratching becomes unavoidable.
• Wear cool, comfortable clothing. Do not wear wool on top of the itchy area.
• Have lukewarm baths with mild soap and rinse carefully. Add skin- relaxing oatmeal and cornstarch in the bath. One cup of oatmeal is scrubbed gently on the affected skin areas.
• To soften and calm the skin, lotion can be applied as soon as bathing is done.
• Especially in dry wintry weather seasons, skin must be moisturized knowing that skin dryness is a common cause of pruritus.
• In the itchy areas, directly apply cold compresses.
• Do not allow skin to be exposed to too much heat and moisture.
• Engage in leisure interests and activities in order to distract from the pruritus.
• Olive oil can be used as an effective treatment for rashes. Spread it over in unhurried circular motion.
• Aloe vera gel is also beneficial for skin inflammations.

What is Hand numbness and Tingling?

Usually, our nerves have several main functions. Nerves transmit nerve impulses from the central nervous system to the periphery. The information then directs a muscle to move, regulates blood flow and provides sensation to a body region. These nerves are distributed from the brain to the spinal cord, with 5 of them commencing at the spinal cord in the neck which undergo a multiple sequence of branches in the axilla, and branch out all the way through the fingertips into 3 major nerves namely the median, ulnar and the radial nerves. These pathways provide strength and sensitivity to the hand. Tingling and numbness in the hands are manifested when there is injury to any of these nerve pathways.

Numbness and tingling with irregular frequency is an ordinary bodily event which does not automatically point out a causal medical condition. In most cases, numbness and tingling is a result of sitting and standing for long hours, trauma, pressure or compression placed on the nerves. If the symptom becomes habitual, this could signify a more serious problem.

This sign means lessened or absent sensitivity. There is no pain but this can be very upsetting. If the origin is trauma to the nerves, however, pain can be very severe.

To guarantee that appropriate or the best possible treatment is rendered, the patient must first be examined to establish the presence of nerve damage, and if there really is, then the cause of injury and the affected nerve can then be identified. The earlier the disease is acknowledged, the easier it is to prevent more nerve injury and reverse the course of disease with patients requiring minimal interventions. The later it is identified and treated, the lesser the chances of getting better and affected individuals may necessitate more invasive approaches which could have been prevented if known and treated in the early stage of the disease.

Causes

The list below enumerates the possible causes of hand numbness and tingling;

• Nerve injury – For instance, ulnar nerve injury that results from leaning on the elbow
• Double crush injury – In double crush injury, a nerve that is compromised in one region may affect the functioning of the other nerves all over its whole length. Neck injury for example, can lead to decreased or absent sensation anywhere down the length of the arm and hand.
• Pressure that is placed on the peripheral nerves from inflamed blood vessels, swelling, scar tissue, or infection
• Compression of the ulnar nerve
• Inadequate blood supply and circulation due to atherosclerosis or frostbite
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Drugs such as antineoplastic agents can lead to hand paresthesias. Several cases result to a temporary numbness which resolves after chemotherapy.
• Radiotherapy
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption
• Irregular calcium, potassium, or sodium levels
• Insect bites
• Vasculitis
• Cervical spondylosis – This condition is characterized by the degeneration of intervertebral disks in the neck area of the spinal column.
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Amyloidosis – It is a medical condition marked by amyloid build-up in the organs and tissues, a protein-based matter.
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Situated on the palm side of the wrist is a fine vessel known as the carpal tunnel. This provides protection to the primary nerve linking the 9 tendons to the hands. After a while, when the nerves are subjected to pressure, the patient complains of lack of sensation, pain, tingling and weakness. This syndrome is frequently due to injury of the median nerve by repetitive, dynamic and uncomfortable bending and straightening movements of the hand and the wrist. The tissues or tendons become irritated or inflamed causing median nerve compression. Commonly affected people with excessively stressful lifestyle, those who use the computer more often or those involved in activities that involve repetitive motions of the hands.
• Raynaud’s phenomenon – Most often seen in young females, this chronic disorder is characterized by a reduction on the supply of blood to the extremities because of episodic spasms of the blood vessels when exposed to cold environment.
• Hypothyroidism – The thyroid gland is brownish red, butterfly shaped endocrine gland positioned in front and on the side of the thyroid cartilage which secretes hormone responsible for growth and metabolism. Inflammation in this organ due to certain drugs, autoimmunity, radiation, virus and congenital abnormalities is the primary cause of hypothyroidism.
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Neurofriboma located in the finger
• Damage to the spinal cord
• Cerebrovascular accidents
• Peripheral Vascular Disease

In this condition, the arteries become narrowed because of the accumulation of fat and cholesterol on the walls of the arteries, thus restricting blood circulation to the extremities

Treatment

If this condition is neglected, the consequence will still depend on the clinical finding. Several symptoms will easily resolve, while other cases will make progress. Therefore, medical guidance is a must.

• For bilateral hand numbness ang tingling, treatment will depend on the principal cause. Usually, this is treated with vitamin supplements, corticosteroids, thorough blood sugar control in diabetes and surgical approach.
• Drugs which cause paresthesias may be substituted or discontinued with a doctor’s verdict.
• Because paresthesias result to a decreased sensation in the hands or in other areas, patients are potential to injure the skin unintentionally. These prone areas should be protected from contusions, burns and other skin damages.
• If the cause is hypothyroidism, patients are treated with hormone replacement drugs, levothyroxine for instance.
• Patient may engage in physical and occupational therapies.
• If there is moderate to severe pain, the physician may order narcotic drugs for short term use.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• For patients with carpal tunnel syndrome or low back pain, the physician may suggest particular workouts.
• Numerous patients achieve relief by splinting the wrist to immobilize it.
• To reduce inflammation, the patient is given with steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
• If severe, individuals may need to decide to go through a surgical operation.

Treatment for Raynaud’s phenomenon

• Cigarette smoking cessation is important as smoking significantly reduces blood flow to the extremities.
• Avoid consumption of caffeine.
• Avoid exposure to cold environment and surfaces.
• Put on comfortable clothing which does not constrict the circulation of blood.

What is Heart Valve Replacement?

The aortic value, mitral valve, tricuspid valve, and pulmonary valve are the valves of the heart which are considered as gateways which control the one-way blood flow in the heart. Variations in pressure on whichever side result in the opening of their cusps at the right moment, and closing firmly to avoid regurgitation. When one or more of these valves incur irreversible damage, or when blood does not travel all the way through the four chambers the way it should be, the patient may experience palpitations, black outs, respiratory impairment and even death.

The patient must undergo heart valve replacement right away in an attempt to curtail impending cardiopulmonary problems. This is a cardiac surgery method which follows the open heart surgery approach and involves the implantation of an artificial valve to replace the diseased valve. Nearly all heart valve replacement cases involve the aortic and the mitral valves.

In situations where the heart valve has already sustained enough damage and repair is already impractical, the physician will eliminate the failing valve and is replaced with a prosthetic valve. Heart valve replacement is indicated when there is mitral valve regurgitation or prolapse, or to patients, whose valves have been damaged by rheumatic disease, birth defects or by certain drugs, calcified due to accumulation of calcium or which have been narrowed such as in the case of valvular stenosis.

Mechanical or biological valve

Heart valves are replaced either with a mechanical or biological valve. In a mechanical valve, the main component is metal, ceramic, pirolytic carbon, polymer or other synthetic materials which is intended for long term use. It has analogous configuration and function to a normal heart valve which allows blood circulation through the chambers. Mechanical valves are immunologically nonreactive with the body’s own tissues.

Young patients most commonly have the mechanical valve as it lasts longer than the organic one. On the other hand, blood may attach to the prosthetic valve, resulting to the formation of blood clots. That’s why; patients are prescribed with lifetime anticoagulants. One downside related to the effect of the blood thinning agent is that it increases the risk for hemorrhage. Other disadvantages include increased risk of endocarditis and its perceptible click in every heartbeat which can be bothersome for some.

In a biological valve, the main component used is tissue. It may be an animal tissue from pigs or cows, a human tissue or from the client’s own pulmonary valve (Ross procedure). Around these bio-synthetic animal tissues are sewn fine mesh which offers foundation and steadiness. An alternative to animal tissues is homograft. The tissues from a human donor are frozen up in sterile environment and are given to eligible clients.

For a biological valve, there is no need for anticoagulants. Young patients may have slightly oversized valve to accommodate more growth. Another advantage in childbearing women is its lowered risk in pregnancy in opposition to the mechanical type which entails the administration of anticoagulants. In spite of this, the durability of the biological valve is lesser than the mechanical type and is considered necessary to be replaced for quite some time, usually every ten to fifteen years. This type of valve is often used in older patients.

A newer type of valve that fuses some elements of a mechanical valve with that of a biological type is labeled as the hybrid valve. These kinds of valve differ in the components and in the advantages and disadvantages they have.

Surgery

The valve replacement is done only by expert cardiologist. Before the procedure, the patient is informed about the operation, the risks and the problems which may arise such as heart attack, cerebrovascular accident and even mortality and other specific instructions concerning surgical preparation. In order to obtain latest patient health information, the patient may be scheduled for an electrocardiogram, hematologic exam, urinalysis and chest radiography.

On the day of the surgery, the patient must wear a hospital gown. The nurse goes over the patient’s chart and verifies if all the necessary documents are organized. In the pre-operative nursing unit, an anesthesiologist starts an intravenous fluid. A mild tranquilizer may be administered to help the client relax. Subsequently, the client is brought to the operating room.

The duration of the surgical operation depends greatly on the number of valves to be repaired or replaced. Usually, the procedure goes on for three to four hours all through which, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. A heart-lung machine is attached to the patient to guarantee an uninterrupted respiratory function during the operation. Even if the heart is stopped, the flow of oxygen-rich blood is continuous. This machine is manipulated and monitored by a perfusion technologist. In a traditional heart valve surgery, a cut is made in the chest down the breastbone to expose the heart. Once the heart is exposed, the blood is redirected to the machine in order for the blood to be propelled and oxygenated at the same time; the doctor carries out the operation.

To get into the aortic valve, the aorta is incised. The damaged valve leaflets are then taken out and substituted with a fitting artificial or biological valve. The new valve is sutured in place to secure its position, followed by the closure of the aorta.

Another method is robotic surgery. This is a minimally invasive valve surgery which does not make a large cut in the chest. Smaller incisions are made by the robotic hands.

Cost

The cost of heart valve replacement surgery will depend radically on a variety of factors including the insurance coverage, gender, age, location of the hospital and etc. A traditional heart valve replacement surgery may rate for about $50,000 and up, which mostly comprises the surgical and hospitalization fees.

Recovery time

After the operation, the patient is admitted to the intensive care unit for about 48 to 72 hours for continuous surveillance. Before being discharged, the patient is commonly required to stay for another week in the cardiac ward. The patient is prescribed with drugs aimed at preventing the formation of blood clots, relaxing the arteries and avoiding coronary contractions.

In a few days, the patient can carry on with his usual light activities. Until the patient has completely improved, exhausting activities are delayed. The patient is also instructed to report for a follow-up health check in 3 to 4 weeks. If, throughout the visit, the client is already in good health and the findings in the repeat ECG are very satisfactory, then the physician may arrange future visits every 3 months or once a year. Clients who have deskbound jobs can go back to work in 4 to 6 weeks, while those whose occupations are physically stressful, they will have to remain longer at home.

Complications

The surgical outcome can be influenced by multiple factors including the general health and age of the client and the skillfulness of the cardiologist. In aortic valve replacement, the risk of mortality due to major complications is usually minimal; estimated between 1 to 3%.

Generally, the patient becomes at risk for post-operative hemorrhage and anti-coagulant-related bleeding, infection such as infective endocarditis and breathing difficulty and hypersensitive reaction due to anesthesia. Thrombi may snap off from the walls of the heart valves and may penetrate the general circulation. These clots may obstruct major arteries resulting to unconsciousness, cerebrovascular accident and kidney failure.