nails

Poison ivy is notorious for causing skin irritation and rashes. When this happens, it is called allergic contact dermatitis. A person will generally experience this because poison ivy has an irritant in it that humans are sensitive to, and it is also found in other kinds of toxic plants, such as poison sumac or poison oak. The irritant that is present in these toxic plants is an oily kind of resin that is called urushiol. This is what causes rashes and irritates the skin in the process.

Though a person will certainly be bothered with the itchiness that occurs from a rash from poison ivy, there is the peace of mind that a rash from poison ivy, poison sumac or poison oak is really never very serious. There are several methods that can be done at home to relieve the symptoms of the dermatitis until it goes away on its own.

Symptoms

A person should suspect that poison ivy is to blame if any of the following symptoms are present:

• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Blisters

Due to the way that a plant generally brushes against a person’s skin, the rash will probably appear to be in a straight line. However, it is possible for the rash to be more widespread if a person brushes against any kind of pet fur or clothing that happens to have urushiol coated on it.

After coming into contact with urushiol, a reaction will develop about 48 hours later, at the most. It has the potential to last upwards of two months, depending. How severe the dermatitis rash is ultimately depends on how much urushiol was involved in the contact.

In cases with more severity involved, there may be other rashes that appear a few days after a person was first exposed to the resin, and it will probably look as if though it is beginning to spread. However, this is probably not the case; it is more probable that the skin simply absorbed the resin at a stranger rate than normal.

The skin will not be affected unless it comes in direct contact with urushiol from the plant. If a person scratches the blisters and they pop, the rash will not spread from touching the fluid. However, if they are dirty fingernails with germs underneath, there is the risk of another bacterial infection.

When to See a Doctor

If any of the following instances occur, it is recommended to see a medical professional for assistance:

• The reaction is widespread or otherwise severe.
• The rash is located on a sensitive area, such as the mouth, eyes or genitals.
• The blisters are beginning to seep pus.
• A fever begins to develop of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37.8 degrees Celsius.
• The rash remains after several weeks.

Causes

The three main causes of developing a dermatitis rash and the itchiness that follows include poison ivy, poison oak, as well as poison sumac.

1. Poison ivy is a plant that looks like weeds and is actually very common. This kind of green will usually grow as a tall, thick vine against a tree, a bush or a regular plant. There is usually a triplet of leaflets to every stem. Some might have a toothy, jagged appearance to them and some will have edges that are smoother than that. When the seasons change, the leaves might change their color to red, orange or yellow. It is possible for them to show little flowers that are green or berries that are green and white.
2. Similar to poison ivy, there may be triplets of leaflets to every stem of poison oak, which might grow on a plant or as a bush. The leaves look quite like oak leaves and might include some berries which are yellow and white.
3. Poison sumac as two different rows of leaves growing on each stem, with one at the top. It might grow as a small tree or look like a bush.

No matter what the plant, urushiol, the oily resin, is the cause of irritation in all of them. Even if the smallest amount of the resin touches the skin, it may cause a reaction. This is due to the fact that the resin does not dry and is a very sticky substance, meaning that it has no difficulty affixing itself to pet fur, tools, skin, equipment or clothing.

It is possible to get a poison ivy rash from any of the following instances:

• Direct touch. When a person directly touches the berries, the leaves, the roots or the stems of a vine, plant or a shrub, there might be a sensitive reaction.
• Resin remaining on the skin. If the resin gets on the skin by accident and is rubbed in, there may be a sensitive reaction. To illustrate, if a person walks through poison ivy leaves and touches their shoes, it is possible for the resin to get transferred to the hands, from which it may transfer elsewhere, such as the face, depending on what the person touched or rubbed after that.
• Resin on an object. If a person touches resin that was on firewood, clothing or other items, they are at risk of developing a sensitive reaction. Pets are not typically affected by the resin but a person who pets the animal while there is resin on the fur may develop a rash. It is possible for the resin to retain is allergenic state for several years, and this is especially true if it remains in a dry environment. For example, if a jacket is contaminated and put into a closet without having been washed, it might still cause a reaction if a person touches it when taking it out a year later.
• Inhaling the smoke of burned sumac, oak or ivy plants. The resin in the plants are still present in the smoke when it burns, and it has the potential risk of injuring the nasal passages and the eyes.

When a person gets a rash from poison ivy, it is not contagious in itself. This is because the blister fluid does not have the resin and it will not cause a rash to spread. Likewise, one person cannot contract a rash from an infected person unless that person has resin remaining on their clothing and the first person comes into direct contact with it.

Complications

If a person has dirty fingernails and scratches a blistering rash from poison ivy, it can cause a bacterial infection to develop. If this occurs, it may result in the blisters oozing pus. It is necessary to see a medical professional in the event that this occurs, since treatment for such an infection will normally involve antibiotics.

Preparing for an Appointment

In the event that a rash results from poison ivy, there will probably be no need to see a medical professional for any kind of treatment. However, if the rash remains after several weeks or there seems to be pus coming out from the blisters, then an infected person will benefit from a trip to the doctor. It is possible that a person may be redirected to a dermatologist, whose specialties lie with disorders of the skin, but try the primary physician first.

Appointments have a tendency to be brief due to time constraints, and there is plenty of ground to cover, so it is wise to make sure that all preparations are made beforehand. This section intends to showcase some of the best ways for a person to be fully prepared for their time spent at the doctor’s office, as well as what they can come to expect from the visit.

What Can Be Done

• Get a notepad and write down all of the symptoms that have been occurring, even if they seem to not be directly related to the reason for having scheduled the visit.
• Write down all of the information that will be handy to have, such as how much time has been spent in the outdoors, what vacations were recently taken, if a person has been landscaping, gardening or hiking.
• Write down any and all vitamins, supplements and medications that are currently being taken, and write down the typical dosage that is taken.
• Write down all desired questions.

The time spent at the appointment will be limited, so it is best to prepare some questions in advance to reserve time to cover other points. For a patient suffering from a poison ivy rash, some of these questions may be beneficial to ask:

• What is likely causing these symptoms?
• Are there any other potential reasons?
• Will there be any tests?
• How long until this rash goes away?
• Is it safe to scratch?
• Can scratching spread the rash?
• Can the blister fluid spread the rash?
• What kind of treatment is there and which comes recommended?
• Does this treatment come with any side effects?
• How can the itching be brought under control?
• How can this be prevented?

What to Expect

The doctor will probably also have a few questions to ask, as well, such as:

• When the symptoms begin to appear?
• Have any similar rashes occurred before?
• Has the outdoors been visited recently?
• What kind of treatment has already been attempted?

What to Do in the Meantime
Poison ivy rashes will go away in time. However, it can be difficult trying to deal with the itching. Some of the following steps can be done to help alleviate the problem:

• Use some over the counter corticosteroid cream during the initial days.
• Use calamine lotion.
• Take diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) or any other oral antihistamine that will help aid sleep.
• Soak in a bath with cool water and either baking soda or some kind of colloidal oatmeal substance, like Aveeno.
• For half an hour several times each day, take a cool and wet object and compress it to the rash.

Tests and Diagnosis

More often than not, a rash from poison ivy does not require any further medical assistance. However, in the event that an appointment is made, the doctor will be able to make a diagnosis simply from looking at the rash. There is no need to perform any additional tests.

Treatments and Drugs

Most treatments for poison ivy involve methods to perform at home, with the rash giving away and disappearing within two to four weeks. During that time period, it is possible to use different remedies to help relieve the itching and other symptoms. These may include oatmeal baths, cool compresses and some anti-itch over the counter medications.

Prednisone or some other oral corticosteroid may be prescribed by a doctor in the event that many blisters appear or the rash is wide in location. Other treatments may include an oral antibiotic prescriptions in the event that the site of the rash develops some kind of bacterial infection.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

After a rash has come to fruition, some of the following remedies have been known to alleviate the swelling and the itching:

• Calamine lotion
• Low potency over the counter corticosteroid creams, including hydrocortisone, which are then applied two to four times each day.
• Diphenhydraine (Benadryl, others), or some other kind of oral histamine, which are known to help aid sleeping
• Half hour long cool and wet compresses on the site of the rash
• Tub soaks with cool water and baking soda or over the counter colloidal oatmeal substance, such as Aveeno.

Alternative Medicine

Outside of the measures that can be done at home, such as taking a bath with some oatmeal, there are other methods that people tend to seek out in order to relieve their symptoms that arise due to coming into contact with sumac, ivy or oak. Some attempted medicine includes:

• Jewelweed. Though a study found it was not effective, it was once used by Native Americans in an attempt to relieve poison ivy symptoms.
• Bovine cartilage cream, with five percent concentration. Studies have shown that if this kind of cream is used on a daily basis, the poison ivy rash can disappear in less than two weeks.
• Deodorants with aluminum ahlorohydrate. When this deodorant is used prior to going outdoors, it can effectively lead to the prevention of irritated skin when coming into contact with poison ivy resin. However, it is still a good idea to fully wash any clothes and skin in the event that contact may have been made.

Prevention

Many people remember the phrase “leaves of three, let them be,” and it is good that they remember such a thing. This is because many toxic plants, poison ivy included, have a triplet of leaflets on each of their stems, and avoiding contact with them is the best way that a person can prevent from catching an allergic reaction.

There is plenty of advice to follow with regards to avoid rashes:

• Make sure to learn and fully be able to identify what poison sumac, poison oak and poison ivy look like. Learn the characteristics of each leaf and where they are most likely to be found.
• Be careful while outside. It is possible to be exposed to poison ivy while hiking, so try to keep on pathways that are clear. Pitch the tent while camping in a clear area without poisonous plants. Do not let pets run through the woods so that they do not pick up the resin from the plants that can be touched. Give the pet a bath with long rubber gloves if it is believed he or she came into contact with resin.
• Use herbicide to destroy any poison ivy that is growing in the backyard using long rubber gloves. However, it is important to note that even a dead plant can cause a reaction on skin, so remember to wash both the hands and the gloves vigorously. Do not burn any of the plants when they are pulled out, because the resin will remain in the smoke and have the potential to injure the nostrils or the eyes.
• If anything should get contaminated or is believed to be, wash it. It is possible to protect the skin by wearing shoes, long socks, long pants and gloves, but if it is believed that these clothes have come into direct contact with the resin in poison ivy, immediately wash them with detergent, preferably in a washing machine. Carefully handle the clothes so the resin does not transfer to appliances, furniture or rugs.
• Wash any and all items that might be contaminated as well, including jewelry, garden tools, shoes and their shoelaces or outdoor gear. If immediate washing is not possible, try to seal them up in a container or a plastic bag so that they will not contaminate anything else that they might have otherwise touched. It is possible for dry cleaning to eliminate the irritant, but it is important to let the dry cleaner know ahead of time that the clothing has likely come into contact with a toxic plant so that they can take the precautions necessary to handle it.

Warts are caused by the human papillomavirus, known as HPV, which is a double-stranded DNA virus. HPV causes benign tumors of the epidermis, commonly referred to as warts. There are a large variety of warts that are caused by different sub-types of HPV. Cervical cancer and other wart-related cancers are also caused by HPV.

The Appearance of Warts

Typically, warts grow in cylindrical columns out of the skin. On thinner skin like the face, these columns do not fuse together and give a flat appearance. On thicker skin, the columns fuse and are packed tightly together causing the wart to be raised and giving the surface the typical mosaic pattern. Sometimes, black dots, which are blood vessels that have become thrombosed, or clotted, in the wart, can be seen.

Who is Susceptible to Warts?

Though warts Mainly occur in children and young adults, warts can occur in people of all ages. Because warts are a result of a virus, they are spread by direct contact such are merely touching a wart. Warts normally will disappear over time, but there is no specific timeline for this.

Most warts will disappear from the skin within weeks or months; however, some warts may take years to subside. The immune system plays a large role in one’s susceptibility to warts. If the immune system is compromised due to illness, warts will last longer and increase in appearance. Those who have immune-related diseases such as lymphoma, AIDS, and those who are on chemotherapy often will have lost lasting warts.

Types

An extensive variety range of wart have been identified by scientists that vary in shape, size, and site affected due to the type of HPV sub-type involved. These different wart varieties include: the common wart, the flat wart, filliform or digitate warts, plantar warts, mosaic warts, genital warts, and periungual warts. Common warts are typically found on the hands but can grow anywhere on the body.

They are raised in appearance with a rough surface. The flat wart is a small, flattened wart that is smooth in appearance.

It is flesh colored and can occur in large numbers. Flat warts most commonly occur on thin skin such as the face, neck, and hands. Filliform or digitate warts are most common on the face, near the eyelids and lips. They have a thread-like appearance. A Plantar wart is an extremely painful and hard lump that is typically found on the feet. Often there are multiple black specks, blood vessels, in the center of the plantar wart.

Mosaic warts are a tight group of plantar warts, found in clusters on the hands or soles of the feet. Genital warts are a 100% preventable sexually transmitted disease. They occur on the genitalia and there is no cure for these types of warts. Periungual warts are a less common type of wart, occurring on the nails. These types of warts are cauliflower-like in appearance and occur in clusters.

Cause

HPV is the cause of all cases of warts. There are 130 different strains of HPV. HPV Types 1, 2, and 3 are the cause for the most common varieties of warts. HPV Type 1 is the cause of plantar warts. HPV Type 2 causes other types of plantar warts, mosaic warts, filliform warts, and common warts. HPV Type 3 causes flat warts. 90% of all cases of genital warts are caused by HPV type 6. HPV types 16 and 18 cause approximately 70 % of cervical cancer cases.

Diagnosis

Typically diagnosing warts is made on appearance alone. Warts disturb the natural skin lines and are usually thickened in appearance. If the doctor suspects the wart to be a progression of skin cancer, a biopsy can be done. Many people treat cancerous legions, corns, calluses, and moles as warts, so be sure to see a doctor who can identify whether the spot is a wart.

Prevention

Keeping the immune system in balance is a way to prevent the longevity of warts. Treating warts while they are small may also help to prevent the virus from spreading any further. Sometimes, a physician may recommend a cream to apply to treated areas to help stop the reoccurrence of warts. Treating warts while they are still small may help prevent them from spreading.

Always keep sandals on when walking around pools, taking showers at the gym or dorm, and walking along the beach. HPV thrives in moist areas. The most effective way in preventing genital warts is to practice safe sex by using condoms, remaining abstinent, or avoiding sexual contact with those affected by genital warts.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no one cure-all for warts. Treatment for warts on the body depend on the age of the individual in addition to the size, number, and location of the warts. Common warts do not necessarily need to be treated because they exhibit a high rate of spontaneous remission. If left untreated, however, the spread of common warts can occur.

There are a wide variety of treatment options for warts. Some opt to see a doctor and using physical or chemical treatment in removing the wart. Others rely on home remedies in treating warts.

Medical Treatments

The goal of medical treatments, with the exception of surgical procedures, is to cause the body to recognize the wart as a foreign body and use the immune system to destroy it. Popular medical treatments include destructive techniques and sallacylic treatment

Destructive techniques used methods such as lasers, cryotherapy, and surgical excision to remove warts. Using pulse dye lasers to remove warts is used primarily in cases where other treatments were proven ineffective. The laser techniques use light to burn away the wart tissue. The wound will be painful after laser removal for at least a few days. Usually there is no scarring associated with laser wart removal.

Often physicians will use cryotherapy, in which the wart is exposed to liquid nitrogen for one to four treatments, in the treatment of warts. These treatments are usually separated by one to two weeks. Cryotherapy can be painful so it is not recommended for young children. Often, cryotherapy leaves a large and painful blister at the site of the wart. Surgical excision uses scissors or a scalpel to remove the wart. Larger warts may require the use of a local anesthesia to numb the area. Destructive techniques often result in scarring, can be painful, and tend to be costly.

Sallacylic acid treatments can be purchased from the pharmacy or prescribed by a doctor. The acid must be placed on the wart 2 to 3 times a day, every day for a minimum of 3 weeks. Sallacylic acid works to soften the wart, breaking down the layers of the wart. Studies have found that sallacylic acid is most effective when applied to damp skin.

Most treatment of warts needs to be repeated, as the virus is very resilient can easily spread or reoccur.

Home Remedies

There are many folk and home remedies that people have found useful in the treatment of warts. While some “old wives’ tales” such as “buying a wart off” have been dismissed, others have been proven to work.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has been shown to suppress the virus and eliminate the appearance of warts. The tea tree is a bush that grows in Australian swamps and was originally used by aborigines as an antiseptic. Many scientific studies have shown tea tree oil’s ability to be used as an antimicrobial. It is important to note that tea tree oil is poisonous and cannot be swallowed.

To use tea tree oil to affectively treat warts first apply a 2 % solution of tea tree oil to the wart three to four times a day. Continue applying tea tree oil to the wart until it is no longer visible. Tea tree oil works in eliminating warts because it contains a powerful antimicrobial called terpinen-4-ol. Terpinen-4-ol attacks the HPV causing the wart, improving the immune system, and relieving the body of the wart. Try to only put tea tree oil on the wart because it can, over time, attack the healthy skin cells.

Garlic

Garlic is commonly used in cooking but has many health benefits. Used as a blood thinner and in many cultures as a way to prevent illness, garlic has many medicinal abilities. Many medical studies have shown garlic’s effectiveness in killing different kinds of bacteria and viruses, including HPV.

Slice a clove of garlic, placing the wet side of the garlic on the wart, tape the clove to the skin using medical tape. Ideally, change the garlic slice twice a day, remembering to keep garlic on the wart at all times. Continue this process until the wart is removed from the body. Typically, this will take between 5 and 10 days. Many people advise to keep garlic on the area even after the raised part of the wart is gone, claiming that any black spots that remain could cause the wart to reappear.

This has not been proven to happen, however, so you can remove the garlic after the physical wart is gone. Garlic contains a powerful antioxidant called allicin, which also works as an antimicrobial, killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. There are no real side effects with using garlic; however, many find that body odor and bad breath may occur with using garlic as a remedy for wart removal.

Banana Peel

Banana peels are one of the most common folk remedies for ridding the body of warts. Banana peels are a safe and inexpensive alternative to other over the counter medications sold at pharmacies.

First, eat a banana, as the potassium helps to boost the immune system. Then, cut a small piece of banana peel and placing the inside of the peel on the wart, tape down using medical tape. Lastly, be sure to change the banana peel daily. Many cultures view warts as a potassium deficiency. Bananas are rich in potassium so consuming a banana and placing the peel on the wart exposes the wart to potassium both on the inside and out. Bananas are considered safe to use as there are no side effects.

Vitamins

Many people use vitamin A and C to help boost the immune system to fight off the appearance of warts. Break open a liquid capsule of vitamin A and apply directly to the wart daily. Continue this until the wart is no longer visible. You can take vitamin A capsules as well, but remember that too much vitamin A can be toxic to the body. Crushing a vitamin C tablet, mixing it with water, and apply it directly to the wart has shown results in ridding the body of warts. The high acidity of vitamin C helps to destroy the HPV causing the wart.

Duct Tape

Placing a small square of duct tape on the warts has shown to significantly reduce the appearance of warts. This remedy is most effective on the hands and fingers. Simply place a small piece of duct tape over the wart and leave for at least 6 days. Typically, smaller warts are gone in six days but it may take longer to rid the body of larger warts. After 6 days if the wart is not gone, soak the wart in warm water, dry it, and place another piece of duct tape for an additional 6 days. Repeat this process until the wart has been removed.

The thyroid gland, located at the back of the neck below the Adam’s apple, is a gland that produces thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones regulate our body’s metabolism, as well as helping to regulate energy usage, the use of hormones and vitamins, and the growth and maturation of body tissues. Thyroid disease either creates an overabundance of thyroid hormones, called hyperthyroidism, or too little thyroid hormones, called hypothyroidism. Both of these conditions create unpleasant symptoms, but can be effectively managed after proper diagnosis.

Causes of Thyroid Problems

The “hypothalamus”a part of the brain located just above the brain stem”releases thyrotropin-relasing hormone, or TRH. TRH then travels to the pituitary gland, which is an endocrine gland located at the bottom of the hypothalamus. In response to the presence of TRH, the pituitary gland releases thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, into the blood. The TSH then goes to the thyroid gland, resulting in the thyroid producing two thyroid hormones called L-thyroxine and triiodothyronine. In order to produce these thyroid hormones, dietary iodine must be available to the brain.

The pituitary gland regulates the production of thyroid hormone by sensing how much hormone is in the blood and adjusting the production of hormones as needed. When there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood, the pituitary gland senses this and reduces the amount of TRH and TSH produced until the level of thyroid hormones in the blood returns to normal.

When there is too little thyroid hormone in the blood, the pituitary gland senses this and increases the amount of TRH and TSH produced until the level of thyroid hormones in the blood reaches a normal level. If there is a defect in this thyroid hormone regulatory process, for any reason, hypo- or hyperthyroidism may result.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Grave’s Disease: an autoimmune disorder resulting in antibodies stimulating the thyroid and causing too much thyroxine to be released. Antibodies, usually used to protect against viruses, bacteria and foreign substances, attack the thyroid and sometimes the tissues behind the eyes and the skin in the lower legs over the shins. A genetic predisposition appears to be a causal factor of Grave’s Disease.

• Hyper functioning thyroid nodules: the presence noncancerous lumps that form when a part of the thyroid gland walls itself off from the rest of the gland”also called an adenoma”that produce excess thyroxine, thus causing hyperthyroidism. The cause of these adenomas that produce excess thyroxine is unknown.
• Thyroiditis: the inflammation of the thyroid gland, causing excess thyroid hormones to leak into the bloodstream. Some types of thyroiditis cause thyroid gland pain, while others are painless and sometimes occur after pregnancy.
• Autoimmune disease (Hashimoto thyroiditis): an autoimmune disorder resulting in antibodies that attack tissues, affecting the thyroid’s ability to produce hormones.
• Treatment for hyperthyroidism: radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications used to treat hyperthyroidism can sometimes result in permanent hypothyroidism.
• Radiation therapy: used to treat cancers of the head and neck, radiation therapy can affect the thyroid gland and lead to hypothyroidism
• Thyroid surgery: the process of removing a large portion or all of the thyroid, resulting in the halting hormone production
• Medications: some, such as lithium, contribute to hypothyroidism
• Congenital disease: birth defect where the thyroid gland did not develop normally in utero
• Pituitary disorder: the failure of the pituitary gland to produce enough TSH, often due to a noncancerous tumor
• Pregnancy: during or after pregnancy some women produce antibodies to their own thyroid gland, resulting in hypothyroidism and putting the pregnancy at risk
• Iodine deficiency: essential for the production of thyroid hormones, the amount of dietary iodine in the body is sometimes too low to assist in the production of thyroid hormones

Symptoms

Many of the symptoms of hyper- and hypothyroidism are uncomfortable and mild. Therefore, thyroid problems are easily overlooked by individuals until they gain in intensity. Symptoms often develop slowly, but as the illness continues untreated the symptoms increase. It is important to know the signs of thyroid problems so medical advice and treatment can be received as soon as possible.

• Sudden weight loss
• Rapid heartbeat (more than 100 beats per minute), irregular heartbeat, or pounding heart
• Increased appetite
• Nervousness, anxiety, irritability
• Tremor, usually in hands and fingers
• Sweating
• Change in menstrual patterns
• Increased sensitivity to heat
• Changes in bowel patterns, especially more frequent occurrence
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), which shows as swelling at the base of the neck
• Fatigue and muscle weakness
• Difficulty sleeping

Additional Symptoms Include:

• Fatigue
• Sluggishness
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Pale, dry skin
• Puffy face
• Hoarse voice
• Elevated cholesterol level
• Unexplained weight gain
• Muscle aches, tenderness, stiffness
• Pain, stiffness, swelling in joints
• Muscle weakness
• Heavier than normal menstrual periods
• Brittle fingernails and hair
• Depression

Close attention to symptoms common of thyroid problems is essential in diagnosing such problems. While hypothyroidism generally occurs in middle-aged and older women, it is possible for infants and children to develop hypothyroidism as well. The following should be watched for in case of hypothyroidism in infant or children:

• Jaundice: yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
• Frequent choking
• Large, protruding tongue
• Puffy face
• Constipation
• Poor muscle tone
• Excessive sleepiness
• Poor growth
• Delayed permanent teeth
• Delayed puberty
• Poor cognitive development

In addition to the various causes of hypothyroidism, there are certain factors that put people at risk of developing the thyroid disorder. These risk factors include:

• A family history of autoimmune disorders
• Having undergone radioactive iodine treatment or taken anti-thyroid medications
• Having undergone radiation treatment to the neck or upper chest
• Having had thyroid surgery

Testing for Thyroid Disease

If concerned about thyroid problems, a medical doctor should be consulted. A comprehensive exam, including a physical exam, medical history, and blood test, can accurately determine if a thyroid disease is present. The blood test is used to determine the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. A low level of thyroxine and a high level of thyroid-stimulating hormone indicates hypothyroidism; while high levels of thyroxine and a low level of thyroid-stimulating hormone indicates hyperthyroidism.

If blood tests indicate hyperthyroidism, the medical doctor may request one of the following additional tests to determine the cause of the overactive thyroid:

Radioactive iodine uptake test: a small oral dose of radioactive iodine is taken, which collects in your thyroid gland, and is checked after 2, 6 or 24 hours to determine how much iodine the thyroid gland has absorbed. If a high amount of radioiodine has been absorbed, the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroxine and the cause of the hyperthyroidism is most likely Graves disease or hyper functioning nodules. If the amount of radioiodine absorbed is low, the cause of the hyperthyroidism is likely thyroiditis.

Thyroid scan: radioactive isotope is injected into the side of the elbow or hand, and a special camera produces an image of the thyroid on a computer screen.

It is extremely important that these additional tests be done in order to determine the cause of the hyperthyroidism, and to ensure the proper treatment of the disease.

Thyroid Disease Treatment

Thyroid disease is a serious medical problem that has no cure or ways to prevent it from occurring. However, the good news is that thyroid disease can be effectively managed with the proper treatment.

Hyperthyroidism Treatment

Radioactive Iodine

Taken orally, radioactive iodine is absorbed by the thyroid gland causing it to shrink and symptoms of hyperthyroidism to subside. Side effects include slowing thyroid activity to the point where medication may be needed every day to replace thyroxine.

Anti-thyroid Medications

Medications that gradually reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism by preventing thyroid gland from producing excess hormones. Side effects include liver damage.

Beta Blockers

Drugs common for treatment of high blood pressure that do not reduce thyroid levels, and which reduce rapid heart rates and prevent palpitations. May be prescribed until thyroid levels are in the normal range.

Surgery

Removal of most of the thyroid gland. This is used only in rare cases and when anti-thyroid medications cannot be tolerated. Side effects include damage to the vocal cords and parathyroid glands, the need for lifelong treatment to supply body with normal amounts of thyroid hormones, and the need for medication to keep blood-calcium levels normal.

Treatment for hypothyroidism is the prescription of an oral medication that is a synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine. This treatment is usually lifelong, though the symptoms of hypothyroidism will begin to alleviate after only a few weeks. This treatment requires a blood test 2 -3 months after beginning oral medication in order to determine TSH levels.

There are virtually no side effects associated with the proper dosage of this medication, though some supplements, medications and foods may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. The doctor should be made aware of a high soy or fiber diet, as well as medications taken such as iron supplements, Cholestyramine, Aluminum hydroxide (found in antacids), and calcium supplements.

At Home Remedies

There are various at-home remedies believed to assist in the treatment of thyroid disease. However, it is important to note that these herbal and home remedies are not monitored by the FDA and their efficacy cannot be guaranteed. Before choosing these alternatives as treatment, a medical doctor and/or naturopath should be consulted.

• Kelp seaweed: antioxidant containing iodine, which helps in the functioning of the thyroid
• Bladderwack: high in iodine and therefore beneficial for hypothyroidism
• Vitamin B Complex: improves cellular oxygenation and energy, and assists with digestion, immunity and thyroid functioning
• Primrose Oil: essential fatty acid, important for thyroid functioning
• Irish Moss: nourishes the thyroid
• Siberian Ginseng: helps adrenal and thymus glands, which supports thyroid health
• Black walnut: rich in organic iodine and manganese that nourishes and strengthens thyroid function
• Vitamin A rich foods: yellow vegetables, eggs, carrots, and dark green vegetables help in thyroid functioning

In addition to the at-home natural remedies listed above, there are various nutritional supplements available in pill form at organic and naturopathic stores, as well as online. These range in price from $10 – $50 depending on the brand purchased, the store or online retailer purchased from, and the size of the bottle purchased.

As with all issues relating to health, diet and exercise are important factors in the well being of our bodies. Whether pharmaceutical, surgical or at-home remedies are used as treatment for thyroid disorder, a healthy diet and exercise plan can help to increase not only the health of the thyroid, but of the body as whole.

When fungi infect a nail, the result can be an infection of nail fungus called onychomycosis. A white or yellow spot appearing under the tip of the nail may be the first sign of a nail fungal infection. The nail may become discolored, thickened and develop brittle crumbling edges as the fungus goes deeper into the nail. The condition is usually not painful and often has no other symptoms, but it is unsightly and can be painful for some people. If the nails become very thick, wearing shoes may be uncomfortable unless you trim down the thickness. However, you must use great care when trimming the thickened nail, because excessive bleeding may occur if you cut into the quick.

When a nail is infected, a condition called onycholysis may also develop, which causes the nail to separate from the nail bed. Onycholysis may cause pain in fingertips or toes and produce a faint odor. Toenail fungus can also cause serious complications for people with diabetes or for people with suppressed immune systems.

Toenail fungus infections are often hard to treat, because it is difficult to reach the infection that embeds itself inside the nail. Nails may clear up for a time after treatment only to have the condition recur later. However, there are various home remedies as well as medications available to treat nail fungus. A complete cure of the condition may take as long as a year and sometimes longer.

Symptoms

• Nails with distorted shapes
• Thickened nails
• Nails with crumbly, ragged or brittle edges
• Nails with a dull appearance
• Debris build up under the nails causing them to become discolored or to darken

After a fungal infection gets started in a nail, it will usually remain indefinitely unless it is treated, so begin to treat the condition at the first sign of nail fungus.

Risk Factors

• Living in a warm climate
• Working in a damp or humid location
• Shoes and socks that do not absorb perspiration and that hamper ventilation
• Walking in damp public shower rooms, gyms and swimming pools without shoes on your feet
• Heavy perspiration
• Family history of the condition
• Older age
• Being in poor health
• Having athlete’s foot or psoriasis
• A weak immune system, poor circulation or diabetes
• An injured nail, injured skin or an infection

Older people usually have reduced blood circulation, and their nails grow slower and get thicker as they age, causing a greater risk for infection. Men tend to be more prone to toenail fungus than women, especially if they have a family history of the condition.

People with immune systems weakened by AIDS, leukemia, cancer treatments or other medication and those who have diabetes or have had an organ transplant should see a doctor immediately if they have symptoms of nail fungus. These infections can spread to other areas of their bodies and cause serious problems. Diabetics frequently have an impaired nerve supply to their feet because of poor blood circulation and have a greater risk of developing a serious skin infection called cellulitis. Even a seemingly minor injury or nail fungal infection can cause potentially serious consequences for people with diabetes.

Even people who do not have weakened immune systems may experience pain and permanent damage to their nails from fungal infections.

Causes

Molds and yeasts or a group of fungi called dermatophytes can cause nail fungal infections. These fungi are microscopic organisms and can survive without sunlight. The warm, moist environments in showers and swimming pools are ideal places for these microscopic organisms to live, and they can attack your skin even through invisible cuts or a tiny separation between your nail and nail bed.

They typically cause infections only when your exposure to warmth and moisture is continuous. Toenail fungus occurs more frequently than fingernail fungus, because shoes provide a perfect warm, moist environment for fungi to flourish, and the blood does not circulate in the toes as well as it does in the fingers, so your immune system does not fight against the infection as effectively in the toes. People over 60 years old usually have a slightly weakened defense against the invasion of fungi, so they are more prone to develop toenail fungus as they age.

Prevention

It is always better and easier to prevent an infection than to attempt to cure it, so here are a few tips to help prevent toenail fungus:

• Always use good hygiene, keep nails clean and wash your hands after touching a nail that has infection to prevent spreading it to other nails.
• Keep nails trimmed short and straight across, and file thick areas of your nails.
• Dry your toes well after swimming or bathing.
• Wear synthetic socks to draw moisture away and to help keep your feet dryer than they would be if you wore wool or cotton socks. During cold weather, you can wear wool or cotton socks over the synthetic socks to keep your feet warm. If your feet perspire, change your socks frequently. Remove your shoes periodically, and wear open-toed shoes occasionally.
• Do not cut or tear the skin around your nails to help prevent germs from invading.
• Wear shoes or flip-flops in public showers and around pools.
• Treat your feet and the insides of your shoes with anti-fungal powder or spray.
• If you get pedicures, either bring your own instruments, or ensure that your nail salon sterilizes their instruments before using them on your toes.
• Do not trap moisture on your nails by wearing polish or artificial nails.

Tests and Diagnosis

Psoriasis, contact dermatitis, yellow nail syndrome, nail bed tumor and other conditions can appear to be a nail fungal infection, so your doctor will need to scrape some of the debris from under your infected nail and analyze it to identify the cause of your infection. Your doctor can examine the debris under a microscope or culture it in a lab. Yeast and bacteria microorganisms as well as fungi can infect your nails, so your doctor can decide on the best treatment when he or she knows what is causing your infection.

Cures and Remedies

Pharmacutical remedies

Toenail fungus is usually hard to heal, and it often recurs after healing. You can get non-prescription ointments and creams to treat it, but they usually are not very successful in curing the infection.

Prescription Lacquer

If your infection is not severe, your doctor may prescribe ciclopirox, an anti-fungal nail polish called Penlac, for you to apply to your nails and skin every day for about a year. You should apply the polish daily for a week, and then use alcohol to wipe off the layers of Penlac and start the process again, keeping it up for a year. It has been effective in clearing some toenail fungus infections when used as directed, and it is usually more effective when used in combination with topical urea cream. Ciclopiroxolamine and butenafine are also used to treat nail fungus and are effective when used every day for a year or longer.

Topical Medications and Lotions

Your doctor may advise you to use other topical anti-fungal medications, and apply them along with a non-prescription lotion that contains urea, which helps them absorb faster. Your doctor may decrease the amount of infected nail to treat with a process called debridement – filing the surface of your nail. That process may increase the topical medications effectiveness. Topical medications normally do not cure the toenail fungus unless you use them in combination with oral medications.

Oral Medications

Your doctor may recommend an oral anti-fungal medication like terbinafine – Lamisil, or itraconazole, – Sporanox. Studies show that these products are the most effective for treating toenail fungus. When you take these medications for six weeks to three months, you should grow a new nail without infection, taking the place of the infected nail. It may take more than four months to get rid of an infection with these medications, and the infection may return if your feet remain in a warm, moist environment. When you use terbinafine in conjunction with amorolfine nail lacquer, it can be more successful and produce more cost effective results.

Oral medication is frequently recommended for people who experience pain or discomfort due to a nail infection, have diabetes or cellulitis and for those who dislike the appearance of their infected toenails and want an effective treatment for it.

Side Effects

Possible side effects of anti-fungal drugs can be as minor as skin rashes or as severe as liver damage. Consequently, doctors may advise people who have liver disease, congestive heart failure or are taking certain medications not to take anti-fungal drugs.

Surgery

If you have a very painful or acute nail infection, your doctor may recommend surgical removal of your nail. You will probably grow a new nail to take its place, but it may be a year long process for it to completely grow back. After removing the infected nail, your doctor may treat the nail bed with ciclopirox to help prevent recurrence of the infection.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy involves using a laser to irradiate the nail after treating it with an acid. The laser light source kills fungus in the nail bed. Physicians have been using a Noveon-type laser for some types of cataract surgery, and it is now proving to be quite effective at treating toenail fungus with no pain. Even common laser pointers can aid the appearance and growth of an infected nail when they are pointed close to the nail for a few minutes each week.

Home Remedies

Some people prefer to treat toenail fungus with home remedies because they are less expensive, and the medical treatments are not always effective. These home remedies have no controlled clinical trials to prove their effectiveness, but some people have reported that they helped or cured their nail fungus. As with all toenail fungus treatments, it can take a long time six months to a year for any remedy to work, so do not become discouraged and stop the treatment too quickly. If you are persistent, you may find relief for your condition.

Vinegar

Studies have shown that vinegar hampers the growth of certain bacteria. Experts recommend that you soak your feet in a solution of one part vinegar to two parts warm water for 15 to 20 minutes every day. After soaking, rinse and dry your feet well. If the vinegar soak causes irritation, make the solution weaker, or soak for a shorter time or less frequently.

Vicks VapoRub

People with toenail fungus have reported that applying Vicks VapoRub to the affected area has helped with the condition. Your doctor can advise you about how to use this remedy to gain the most benefit from it.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Some people have reported that applying hydrogen peroxide to infected nails daily helps the condition to some extent. The peroxide helps to control the excessive bleeding that occurs if you trim a nail too closely.

Bleach

You may be able to cure toenail fungus with household bleach diluted in water and applied to the toenail.

Use toenail clippers to trim your nails as short as you can without cutting into the quick. This assures that the bleach will reach more of the fungus. File the toenails down from the top, using care not to go through the nails. There are several different methods for treating toenail fungus with bleach.

• Mix one part of bleach with ten parts of water and apply to your infected toenails with a cotton swab. Leave the mixture on your toenails, and apply a fresh coat of the solution twice a day.
• Use a bleach pen to apply bleach to your toenails after bathing, and do not rinse it off.
• Mix one part of bleach to ten parts of water and soak your feet in the solution for 15 to 20 minutes every day. Thoroughly rinse and dry your feet after soaking.
• You may soak your feet in the mixture for 30 minutes one time a week if your condition is less severe, or to eliminate the possibility of recurrence after a cure.

Keep soaking your feet for at least three months to be certain that your fungus is completely eliminated. If you do not see improvement in a few months, continue the treatment for at least a year before giving up. If you are not consistent with the treatment and let it lapse, the fungus may get stronger, and you will have to start over.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Some natural ingredients are successful in helping to heal fungus, but they may not work very quickly or be as effective as you would like them to be. However, there have been some very effective products developed recently, and they seem to produce successful results rather quickly. The following products were tested and proved to remove toenail fungus and improve toenail appearance dramatically.

ZetaClear has proved to be effective in treating toenail fungus with all natural ingredients. The product proved to be 100% effective in tests, and most users reported improvement in about two weeks. Their toenails were free of fungus after about three months, but some people kept using the product for a while longer to ensure that the infection would not recur. They reported clear, shiny healthy looking nails after using the product. ZetaClear uses natural oils in its formula and is extremely potent, but it does not cause skin irritation.

Fungisil is another highly effective product and produces the same results as ZetaClear, but it may take about a month longer for some people to eliminate toenail fungus. Fungisils success rate is also 100% and leaves users with healthy nails after treatment.

Another natural treatment for toenail fungus is Nail-Rx by Native Remedies. It has a 90% rate of success and provides excellent results for most users. The fungal infection was completely gone after only three months of use for 80% of those tested.

ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES

The following remedies have no scientific verification, but have been effective in treating toenail fungus for some people.

• Some people report curing toenail fungus with Australian tea tree oil, but there is no verification of its effectiveness.
• Some studies show that Thyme oil has the potential to be effective in treating toenail fungus.
• Some people believe that grapefruit seed extract is a natural antimicrobial, but studies show that the antimicrobial activity in the extract may be due to contamination with synthetic preservatives that were probably not made from grapefruit seeds.

Cost of Treatment

• The cost of laser treatment can be from $1000 to $2500, and insurance policies usually do not cover the procedure.
• Oral medication may have a cost of around $1000.
• Natural remedies can cost from about $100 to $200, and many of them are highly effective.
• Non-prescription creams and ointments are fairly inexpensive sometimes costing less than $20 – but are usually not very effective.
• Alternative remedies usually cost less than $50, but there are no studies proving their effectiveness.
• Home remedies are very economical and usually use products that you already have in your kitchen.

It does not seem to matter whether you use prescription medication, natural products or home remedies to treat toenail fungus it takes at least a minimum of three months to cure, and sometimes the process takes over a year. Depending on the method of treatment you choose, it can also be quite expensive. Whichever remedy you decide to use, be patient and persistent, use good hygiene and common sense and then finally say good-bye to toenail fungus.

Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms

Psychological Symptoms

• Restricting or ceasing food consumption
• An intense fear of weight gain
• Weighing under 85% of normal body weight
• Excessive exercising
• Viewing your body as overweight, even when it is thin
• Secretive about eating or only eating when alone
• Abnormal eating habits or rituals

Physical Symptoms

• Constipation
• Low body weight or rapid weight loss
• Dry skin
• Unusually small breasts
• Thinning hair or hair loss
• Lack of menstrual cycle or menstrual cycle abnormalities
• Brittle nails
• Low body temperature
• Slower than normal heartbeat (usually less than 60 beats per nute)
• Low blood pressure
• Increased tolerance for pain
• Swollen hands or feet
• Purplish skin hue
• Yellowish skin hue on hands

Causes

The cause of anorexia is believed to be a combination of emotional, social, and physical triggers, but the exact cause is unknown.

Genetics are believed to be one of the largest factors in developing anorexia. Individuals who develop anorexia are more likely to have a family history of eating disorders, mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and obesity.

Sometimes anorexia can be partially caused by over dieting, which alters the way the body metabolizes food. This causes individuals to become more susceptible to eating disorders.

In some individuals, trauma or personal difficulties can result in the development of anorexia. This is especially common in teens and young adults. External stresses, such as a death, trauma, divorce, or move can trigger the onset of anorexia.
It is also believed that particular personality traits can cause anorexia, such as low self-confidence and perfectionism. This can be due to social or family pressures.

Risk Factors

• Personality traits, such as low self-esteem, and perfectionism.
• Emotional conditions, such as depression, and anxiety.
• A family history of anorexia, bulimia, obesity, depression, or anxiety.
• Family, social, or cultural pressures that emphasise perfection and physical beauty.

Prevention

There are currently no known methods of preventing the development of anorexia. Most doctors recommend early recognition of the symptoms and immediate treatment. If you or someone you know may be suffering from anorexia, visit the doctor immediately and get help.

Prevention for Parents

Parents should educate themselves about the causes and symptoms of anorexia. Most doctors believe that anorexia is caused, at least in part, by social and family pressures. It’s important that parents speak with their children about developing a healthy body image. Parents should also promote positive thinking through compliments and constructive criticism.

Additionally, parents should teach their children how to lead healthy and active lifestyles. Exercise should be fun and an important part of every childern’s life. Parents should educate their children about ways to take care of their bodies and live healthy lives.

Parents should avoid punishing or rewarding children through the use of offering or restricting food. This can create a negative association with eating that may lead to the development of anorexia.

Diagnosis

There is no standard test for determining whether or not an individual is suffering from anorexia. The symptoms of anorexia are usually fairly apparent and can be diagnosed through observation or patient information.

If patients appear to be suffering from an eating disorder, the doctor will usually ask him or her a series of questions. The questions will help the doctor determine whether or not an eating disorder is the cause of the patients symptoms.

Additionally, the doctor will check patients for signs of malnutrition, which is caused by not obtaining the proper level of nutrients from food.

There are several other tests and exams that are commonly administered to patients exhibiting symptoms of anorexia, including:

• A standard physical examination. The doctor will check the patients heart, blood pressure, weight, lungs, skin, and hair. This will help determine whether or not the patient is experiencing malnutrition.
• The doctor will also look through the patients medical history to determine the patients mental, emotional, and physical health. This will help the doctor rule out any other causes of the symptoms.
• A mental health assessment will most likely be performed by the doctor or another trained professional. This will help determine if depression, anxiety, or any other emotional disorder is causing the symptoms of anorexia.
• Blood tests may also be administered to check for signs of malnutrition.
• An x-ray may be performed to determine whether or not the patient has experienced bone weakening as a result of malnutrition.
• Heart or kidney tests are sometimes performed in severe cases of anorexia or weight loss that may have lead to organ damage.

Treatment Options

Individuals suffering from anorexia need to seek immediate medical intervention. Generally, this involves seeing a general physician and a counselor that can work through the emotional issues associated with anorexia. While there is no set treatment plan for anorexia, the disorder is considered to be a treatable condition.

The counselor will help patients work through the underlying causes of anorexia, which are usually emotional issues or pressures from family, friends, or society. Assessing and working through the underlying causes of anorexia is vital to a proper treatment plan. Only treating the issue at its surface will encourage the anorexia to return throughout the patients life.

Anorexia treatment becomes much easier once the body gains weight and is able to heal. Once the body is able to pull itself out of starvation mode, the mind and body begin to work their way back into sync. This allows the individual to think more clearly and make decisions about their physical and mental health.

Behavioural family therapy may also be recommended, especially in cases involving parents, children, or spouses. The therapy will help train the family to deal with the issue of anorexia. Family members will learn how to be more supportive and understanding of the individual suffering from anorexia. This will help develop a support system for the patient that can help lead to a faster and lasting recovery.

Group therapy may also be recommended. Group therapy provides an atmosphere that is comfortable and encourages discussions. Many individuals suffering from anorexia find encouragement in other people battling the disorder. Group therapy can also build a strong support system for the patient.

Parents of children or teens suffering from anorexia may be encouraged to take control over the childern’s eating habits.

This will allow the parents and the doctors to ensure that the child is getting the nutrients that he or she needs to recover and return to a healthy weight.

The child will slowly earn back his or her right to determine when and what he or she eats.

Hospitalization

In severe cases of anorexia, hospitalization may be necessary. Patients may be admitted to a hospital if they are believed to be at risk of suicide, starvation, or a medical crisis. The hospital will ensure that the patient is stable and capable of continuing treatment outside of a medical facility.

Individuals who are not considered high risk are usually treated at an outpatient facility.

Home Remedies

When treating anorexia, the largest concern is nutrition and weight gain. The best home remedy for anorexia is a balanced diet. Individuals suffering from anorexia should start their treatment by eating several small meals throughout the day. Eating as much as possible and as often as possible will result in the stomach slowly stretching to accommodate more food. As more food is consumed, the body is better able to heal and the mind achieves a higher level of clarity. This will improve the Individuals ability to recover from anorexia.

While eating a balanced diet is the best remedy for individuals suffering from anorexia, it can also be a treatment that is difficult to maintain. Many individuals with anorexia have difficulty feeling hungry and may have stomachs that are too small to accommodate large meals.

There are a number of home remedies that can help increase appetite, which will lead to weight gain and adequate nutrition in individuals with anorexia.

Fresh Fruits & Natural Remedies

Fresh fruits can effectively treat anorexia because they promotes an increase in appetite. Those suffering from anorexia should eat 2-3 oranges per day to increase appetite. Apples also effectively increase appetite and provide fiber that encourages proper digestion.

One of the most popular home remedies for the treatment of anorexia is ginger and rock salt. The ginger should be cut into a small piece with the skin removed. A paste should be created by smashing the ginger and adding a few drops of lemon juice, a small pinch of rock salt, and a black pepper. This paste should be eaten once daily on an empty stomach and is said to increase appetite.

A salad eaten before each meal is another effective treatment for anorexia. The salad should have a small sprinkle of rock salt, pepper, and lemon. This will create an appetite in individuals with anorexia and encourage them to eat larger meals.

Garlic is another effective anorexia treatment. Those suffering from anorexia should boil 3-4 cloves of garlic in a mug or bowl. Lime juice can be added to improve the taste or the garlic water can be combined with other ingredients to create a soup. This recipe encourages a strong appetite and should be taken two times a day.

Spicy Foods

Many people believe that spicy foods help create a strong appetite. Individuals suffering from anorexia may benefit from eating several spicy meals per week.

Walnuts

Walnuts and almonds are a good source of nutrients and also help improve emotional health. This can help treat the underlying emotional causes of anorexia.

Yoga & Meditation

Yoga, meditation, and a personal journal can all help combat the emotional causes of anorexia. Good mental health is the key to recovering from anorexia.

In addition to home remedies, there are a number of herbs that have been proven to promote appetite. These herbs can be boiled into a tea or used as dressings for salads.

• Chamomile
• Marjoram
• Hawthorn
• Myrrh
• Gentian
• Hops
• Thyme
• Wormwood
• Sage
• Tarragon
• Lavender
• Yarrow
• Centaury
• Rosemary
• Basil

Pharmaceutical Remedies

There currently are no medications that specifically treat anorexia, however, many doctors will prescribe medications to treat the underlying causes of anorexia. These medications will usually be in the form of an antidepressant medication, which will help the individual return to a normal state of emotional health. Antidepressant medications help with a variety of emotional and mood disorders, which may cause or contribute to anorexia.

It is important that individuals suffering from anorexia talk to their doctor before taking any medications. This includes medications that are not a part of the anorexia treatment plan. Anorexia causes the body to shrink in size, which can result in medications building up in the body in an amount that is too high to process and can be dangerous. Additionally, changes in the body due to anorexia can decrease or increase the effectiveness of various medications.

Patients experiencing malnutrition will be either placed on dietary supplements or sent to a dietitian or health care specialist. Ensuring that the patient is not suffering from malnutrition is an important step towards the recovery process. Malnutrition can cause a number of painful and long term side effects and must be treated immediately and thoroughly.