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Vitamins

Vitamin D Analogues

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble organic nutrient divided into five analogues, the two most important of which are D2 and D3. Vitamin D mentioned without the subscript usually means D2, D3, or a combination of both. Some analogues of vitamin D are produced by the skin of all vertebrates as a result to the exposure of sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet B radiation. Vitamin D is also found in a variety of popular foods, and many countries fortify their milk with it. It is also available in pill or capsule form as a dietary supplement.
Vitamin D Analogues
Vitamin D is absorbed into the bloodstream where the liver converts it into calcidiol, a type of prohormone. Calcidol, in turn, is then converted into calcitriol in the kidneys and by the immune system in the blood. Calcitriol is a form of vitamin D that is physiologically active and works as a hormone that regulates phosphate and calcium levels and is also responsible for bone health and bone growth. People who suffer from deficiency in vitamin D can develop fragile and malformed bones. They are also more prone to contracting rickets and osteoporosis.

Forms of Vitamin D

Since vitamin D was first discovered in 1932, five natural analogues, called vitamers, have been found to exist and four synthetic analogues have been synthetically created. As a group, vitamin D analogues are chemically classified as secosteroids, which are steroids with one broken bond.

Natural Analogues of Vitamin D

  • Vitamin D1 is a molecular compound of ergocalciferol (D2) with lumisterol in a 1:1 ratio.
  • Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) was the first to be discovered in 1932. This form is produced by invertebrates, some plants, and fungi. Biological production of D2 is stimulated by ultraviolet light. Scientists are unsure how the vitamin works in invertebrates, but it is thought to act as a natural sunscreen.
  • Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is the form created in the skin by the reaction of 7-dehydrocholesterol with ultraviolet B radiation, present in sunlight with a UV index of 3 or more. When enough of the vitamin is created, excess amounts spontaneously degrade.
  • Vitamin D4 is an analogue scientifically known as 22-dihydroergocalciferol.
  • Vitamin D5 (sitocalciferol) is another analogue created from 7-dehydrositosterol.

Synthetic Analogues of Vitamin D

Calcipotriol is derived from calcitriol and is used as a treatment for psoriasis. It was first discovered during trials involving the use of vitamin D for treating osteoporosis. It is applied as a cream or ointment to the skin or scalp with very few side effects noted. Rarely, the use of calcipotriol causes hypercalcemia.

Dihydrotachysterol (DHT) is a synthetic form of vitamin D that many consider superior to natural D2 and D3. It becomes active by the liver without needing to go through hydroxylation in the kidneys. DHT has a two-hour onset time and is more efficient in the mineralization of bone salts.

Paricalcitol is also derived from calcitriol. It is used to treat and prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism that is caused by kidney failure. Paricalcitol is manufactured and marketed by the drug company Abbott under the brand name Zemplar. Zemplar is administered intravenously and is associated with several side effects, including weakness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and decreased libido.

Tacalcitol is a derivative of vitamin D3. It is known to hinder keratinocytes in the skin and is used primarily as a treatment for psoriasis. It is most commonly sold under the brand names Curatoderm or Bonalfa.

Sources of Vitamin D

Sunlight

For most vertebrates, including humans, the primary source of vitamin D is that produced by their own skin. 7-dehydrocholesterol is produced in mass quantities by the skin of most every vertebrate, one exception being the naked mole rat. As ultraviolet B light (290 “ 315 nm wavelength)from the sun or other sources makes contact with the 7-dehydrocholesterol, it undergoes a photochemical reaction that converts it to cholecalciferol. In animals such as birds and furry mammals where their skin is blocked from the sunlight, 7-dehydrocholesterol is secreted into the feathers or fur in an oil, where it converts through sunlight and is eaten by the animals during oral grooming. The cholecalciferol then moves through the bloodstream where it is converted into calcitriol, the form that is usable biologically.

In areas north of 42 degrees north latitude, there is not enough UVB light for vitamin D to be synthesized in humans from November to February. For this reason, people living in northern latitudes (southern latitudes in the southern hemisphere) often run vitamin D deficient in the winter months. For those living north of the 34 degree north latitude, that period is extended to 6 months. From the 34 degree north latitude to the 34 degree south latitude, sufficient UVB rays reach the Earth for year-round synthesis. Some physicians recommend 30 minutes of sunlight exposure twice per week for adequate vitamin D production. Care must still be taken to limit exposure because of the dangers of skin cancer. There are some factors that limit UVB transmission from the sun to the skin:

UVB light does not penetrate glass windows. Sunscreen over SPF 8 totally inhibits vitamin D production, but experts say most people accidentally leave some areas of skin uncovered by sunscreen. A small patch left uncovered still produces active levels of vitamin D. Cloud cover reduces UVB rays by 50 percent. Shade blocks UVB rays by 60 percent.

Food

Vitamin D is rare in natural foods. The largest amounts are found in fish, such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon. The highest concentrations are in the oils of the fish liver. Smaller amounts of vitamin D3 can be found in egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver. Vitamin D2 is found is found in edible mushrooms that have been exposed to sunlight or UV light. Here is the vitamin D content of some common foods: (Recommended daily value is 400 IU)

  • Cod liver oil (1 Tbsp) “ 1360 IU
  • Salmon, cooked (3 oz) “ 794 IU
  • Mackerel (3 oz)“ 388 IU
  • Tuna (3 oz)“ 154 IU
  • Sardines, canned (1 sardine) “ 23 IU
  • Beef Liver (3.5 oz) “ 46 IU
  • Chicken Egg (large) “ 25 IU
  • Cheese, Swiss (1 oz) “ 6 IU

In the U.S. and other developed countries, most dietary vitamin D comes from artificially fortified foods. In the early 20th century, rickets was a major health problem. Since vitamin D combats rickets, the U.S. government began to artificially introduce vitamin D into milk. Results among the general population were almost immediate, and the program has continued to this day. Other countries have since followed suit. Other foods can also be fortified with vitamin D, including breakfast cereal, orange juice, margarine, and yogurt. Unlike milk, which is almost all fortified, other products may or may not be fortified. Mushrooms have recently begun to be fortified semi-naturally by exposing them to controlled UV light emissions greater than they would be exposed to naturally.

  • Mushrooms, enhanced (3 oz) “ 400 IU
  • Milk, fortified (1 cup) “ 115 “ 124 IU
  • Orange Juice, fortified (1 cup) “ 100 IU
  • Yogurt, fortified (6 oz) “ 80 IU
  • Margarine, fortified (1 Tbsp) “ 60 IU
  • Breakfast cereal (1 cup) “ 40 IU

Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements are available as vitamin D2 or D3. D2 supplements are made by exposing yeast to UV radiation. This causes the yeast to naturally produce the vitamin. D3 supplements are made by exposing lanolin containing 7-dehydrocholesterol to UVB radiation. Although both work equally well as a treatment for rickets, some question has been recently been raised as to how they are metabolized. In tests, vitamin D3 shows to be as much as 3 times as effective as vitamin D2. Some people, such as vegetarians and vegans, are opposed to the D3 supplements, however, because they are sourced from animals.

Health Effects of Vitamin D

Although the exact serum concentrations of vitamin D for optimal health have not been established, researchers estimate the level is somewhere between 16 and 48 ng/ml and varies by age with older people requiring higher levels. Recently, however, one group of researchers have claimed support for their statements that the true optimum serum levels are 16 to 48 ng/ml, and supplementation of 400 IU per day only increase serum levels by 2.8 to 4.8 ng/ml. Therefore, they are recommending a daily value of 1,700 IU/day. Having sufficiently levels of vitamin D plays an important role in health and can prevent or treat several conditions.
Vitamin D Benefits

Immune System

Although studies are still continuing, vitamin D shows an increase in ability of natural killer (NK) cells to fight infections. It also shows an increase in macrophage activity. Increased bodily production of cathelicidin, a natural antimicrobial agent, is also linked to sufficient levels of vitamin D. Some researchers have suggested that the immune system response to vitamin D can reduce the risk of fetuses to develop multiple sclerosis, but these claims are refuted by other researchers.

Cardiovascular System

A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey once showed a link between low levels of vitamin D and peripheral artery disease. In addition, a study done in the U.K. showed that those who work outdoors in the summer had lower cholesterol. Others have claimed vitamin D deficiency is linked to high blood pressure. All of these claims were later shown to be untrue during systemic reviews.

Cardiovascular studies with vitamin D continue and some recent findings have suggested benefits that are associated to particular ethnicities. In these studies, sufficient vitamin D levels in people of African descent may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, while no such correlation exists in people of European or Caucasian descent. Another study shows that Indians, despite receiving plenty of sunshine, may still suffer from vitamin D deficiency.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis, which causes loss of bone density and increased risk of fractures, is usually associated with calcium deficiency, but studies show that vitamin D deficiency also plays a role in the development of the condition. Sufficient levels of vitamin D increase the body’s absorption of calcium and long-term deficiencies can manifest in osteoporosis. Vitamin D supplementation is recommended for seniors, individuals with limited mobility, and postmenopausal women to help prevent osteoporosis.

Since most research of vitamin D and osteoporosis include calcium intake, the exact effects of vitamin D alone are impossible to determine at the present. Studies always recommend the two be taken together, and the final conclusion is that 700 -800 IU/day of vitamin D3 and 500 -1,200 mg/day of calcium reduces the bone loss and decreases incidents of falls and fractures for people between the ages of 62 and 85 years.

Cancer

Both human and animal studies suggest that sufficient vitamin D levels play an important role in the prevention of some forms of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. So far, the presence of vitamin D shows the most promise in those with colon cancer, while the other forms of cancer have highly variable test results. Other studies of vitamin D and cancer show either no effect or even a negative effect. One study in Finland on smokers showed that the subjects in the top 20% of vitamin D serum levels are three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. The general consensus is that much more research is needed to determine the exact effects of vitamin D on cancerous cells.

Mortality

An independent group of researchers using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey concluded that high levels of vitamin D indicate statistically lower rates of mortality among the general population. The research began with detecting vitamin D levels over a 6 year period, ending in 1994. The subjects, however, were continued to be tracked for mortality until 2000. By using the leukocyte telomere length (LTL) to predict the development of diseases and health conditions related to aging, it was determined that those with optimal levels of vitamin D would live longer.

Other Health Conditions

Vitamin D analogues may be effective in treating a variety of other diseases and health conditions:

  • Low blood phosphate levels
  • Psoriasis
  • Low calcium
  • Rickets
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Hyperparathyroidism
  • Tooth decay

One group of researchers and concerned citizens known as the Vitamin D Council is claiming vitamin D deficiency is the source of a range of disorders, including autism, depression, and other forms of mental illness. While initial research shows some correlation, studies on these conditions have only just begun.

Side Effects and Health Risks of Vitamin D

Vitamin D supplementation has been linked to several minor side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Constipation
  • Weakness

Other side effects have been linked to vitamin D’s ability to increase absorption of calcium:

  • Confusion
  • Mental abnormality
  • Heart arrhythmia
  • Kidney stones

Vitamin D has shown to interact with some medications. Corticosteroids, which are used to treat inflammation, impair vitamin D absorption. This can contribute to osteoporosis and a doctor should be consulted regarding vitamin D intake. Orlistat, a weight-loss drug, and cholestyramine, a drug to reduce cholesterol, also reduce vitamin D absorption. Phenobarbital and phenytoin, both used to treat epilepsy, increase metabolism of vitamin D into inactive substances.

Vitamin D has also been shown to increase calcium levels in people suffering from lymphoma, sarcoidosis, and histoplasmosis. This can lead to kidney stones. Vitamin D may also contribute to more severe symptoms in people with atherosclerosis.

Conditions

Toe Nail Fungus

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.
What Does Toe Nail Fungus Look Like
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.
Toe Nail Fungus Natural Remedies

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.

Antioxidants

Rasagiline

Rasagiline is a synthetic compound that is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is a relatively new drug and was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) on May 16, 2006. Rasagiline is considered one of the primary monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

History

Rasagiline was developed in the very early 2000s by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. under the direction of Professor Moussa Youdim. Youdim first presented the drug to the FDA in 2004. In 2006, after extensive research was done to prove the safety of the drug, rasagiline was approved. It is now one of the most common Parkinson’s medications in the world.

Usage

Rasagiline is used solely for treating the symptoms and slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease occur when dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps with cognition and motor skills, is not able to reach the brain. There are several factors and/or causes that can block dopamine. One of these causes is the presence of monoamine oxidase enzymes in the brain.

Every person’s brain has a certain amount of monoamine oxidase A and monoamine oxidase B (often shortened to MAO-A and MAO-B). One of the adverse effects of these enzymes is that they can metabolize (breakdown) dopamine before it can do the person any good. The main culprit is MAO-B. Although MAO-A does metabolize dopamine, it also metabolizes serotonin and several other chemicals and enzymes and, therefore, cannot do as much damage to one single substance. MAO-B on the other hand, only metabolizes dopamine. Also, MAO-B is always much more prevalent than MAO-A.
Side Effects of Rasagiline
Some of the common drugs that treat Parkinson’s disease are called monoamine oxidase inhibitors. MAO inhibitors stop the production of the MAO enzymes, particularly the MAO-B, and, therefore, allow dopamine to function properly. The most common MAO inhibitor is rasagiline.

Although rasagiline is prescribed for patients at all stages of Parkinson’s disease, it is most commonly given to patients at the early stage. Although the drug’s long term effects have not yet been established, it has been proven to help slow the progression of the disease. Rasagiline can also be prescribed solely to help control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Recommended Dosage

Rasagiline is often taken in conjunction with other medications; the most common of which is levodopa. When rasagiline is combined with another drug, often referred to as adjunctive therapy, it is recommended to only take 0.5 mg per day. If the drug is taken on its own, often called monotherapy, the patient can take up to 1 mg per day. In some cases, 1 mg per day is prescribed for adjunctive therapy. However, a patient should never exceed more than 1 mg per day. The drug is always taken orally.

Rasagiline can be taken on an empty stomach. Never “double dose” because the drug can be fatal if taken in large amounts. Signs of rasagiline overdose include extreme irritability, sweating, changes in heart rate and/or breathing patterns, convulsions, and even seizures. If an overdose is suspected, medical help should be sought at once. If necessary, call a poison control center.

There is absolutely no risk of developing a dependency on this drug.

Legal Status

Rasagiline has been approved by the FDA but is available only with a prescription. Rasagiline is not illegal in any other country and, in Canada for example, is sometimes available without a prescription. The drug is very popular in Europe partly because it was promoted by the drug company Lundbeck.

Availability and Cost

Azilect

Rasagiline is commonly referred to by its brand name Azilect. In fact, when Youdim presented his drug to the FDA, he presented it as Azilect. In the USA, Azilect is available by prescription only. One month’s supply usually costs around $250. Azilect ordered online, from Canadian pharmacies for example, is usually slightly cheaper. In cases like this, one month’s supply usually costs anywhere from $150 to $200 (USD). So far, Azilect is the only brand name version of the rasagiline drug.

Generic

There are several, cheaper, generic brands of the drug. Generics are usually just called rasagiline (similar to the fact that generic Tussin is called Tussin while the brand name is Robitussin). Both the generic and the brand name forms of the drug should be covered by most medical insurances. Rasagiline/Azilect is always taken in tablet form.

Adverse Effects

Although rasagiline has been proven effective, it can cause some very serious side effects. Patients should not drive until they are certain they are reacting well to the drug. Also, most monoamine oxidase inhibitors do not react well with other pharmaceuticals and/or over-the-counter medications (see below). Be sure to speak with a qualified professional before beginning use of this drug.

Mild side effects

Some of the more mild, and common, side effects of rasagiline include headache, drowsiness, joint pain, and dizziness. Some people experience an allergic reaction, similar to a food allergy, that can cause hives, airway constriction, and swelling of the throat, tongue, or eyes. Rasagiline may also cause intestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; it may also cause mild vertigo, hallucinations, and sensory impairment. Ever since rasagiline was presented to the FDA, there has been a concern that the drug may cause skin cancer. However, it has been decided that, although the risk is present, it is not, by any means, serious.

Severe Side Effects

Some of the more severe, but thankfully rare, side effects of rasagiline include changes in heart rate, lung fibroses, emphysema, and, possibly, manic and/or paranoid reactions. There is a slight chance that patients taking rasagiline may develop bacterial or viral infections. However, these infections can usually be cleared up with common antibiotics. In some extremely rare cases, rasagiline has caused acute kidney failure, retinal hemorrhage, and jaundice.

Rasagiline may cause sexual and/or reproductive problems. Men may experience abnormal ejaculation, epididymitis (inflammation and/or swelling of the epididymis), and, rarely, pariapism (persistent erection without sexual desire). Women sometimes experience vaginal hemorrhage, loss of sexual desire, and amenorrhea (absence or severe disruption of the normal menstrual cycle).

Drug Interactions

Over-the-counter medications

Rasagiline does not react well with guaifenesin and dextromethorphan, two common ingredients in over-the-counter cough medicines. The combination of these drugs may cause temporary psychosis. A similar reaction can be caused by the combination of rasagiline and most common allergy medications.
Benefits of Rasagilin
Also, rasagiline should never be mixed with painkillers such as meperidine and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Rasagiline mixed with these drugs can cause fatal reactions.

Natural supplements

Although it is highly unlikely, rasagiline may not react well with vitamins, herbs, and other natural dietary supplements. A patient should tell a qualified professional about all supplements and medications he or she is taking regardless of whether they are natural or chemical.

Antidepressants

Rasagiline does not react well with any antidepressant medications. However, the main ones to avoid are duloxetine (Cymbalta), desipramine (Norpramin), fluoxetine (Prozac), and amitriptyline (Vanatrip).

Other Information

Diet Restrictions

When rasagiline was first approved by the FDA, it was thought that severe diet restrictions were necessary to help the drug work properly. It used to be that patients taking the drug would have to avoid the amino acid tyramine. Tyramine acts as a releasing agent for dopamine and it was thought that, since rasagiline inhibits the development of the MAO enzymes, it might also cause a buildup of tyramine which can also have adverse effects.

Tyramine occurs naturally in many foods including cheese, avocados, aged meats, soy products, pineapples, raspberries, peanuts, Brazil nuts, walnuts, yeast, and chocolate. Tyramine is also present in unpasteurized beers and red wines.

In the early days of rasagiline, patients would have to go on a strict diet to avoid ingesting tyramine. However, in 2009, the FDA decided that tyramine restrictions were only necessary for patients with extreme sensitivity to the amino acid. However, some medical doctors still recommend that the diet be followed simply as a precaution.

When Not To Take It

Rasagiline should never be taken by those who have or have ever had any kind of kidney or liver disease. The drug should not be taken by people who suffer from a pheochromocytoma (a small neuroendocrine tumor that affects the adrenal glands).

The drug is not recommended for children. It is not yet known if rasagiline is safe for pregnant mothers. The drug is not, however, recommended for women who are nursing because it may slow the production of breast milk.

A person taking rasagiline should cease using it at least 2 weeks before undergoing any form of elective surgery or even simple outpatient procedures or dental operations.

Although use of the drug in these cases is not forbidden, caution should be used when rasagiline is taken by patients with high blood pressure. The patient and his or her health care provider will need to constantly monitor the effects of the drug. Extremely high blood pressure that develops after the patient has begun use of the drug may be a sign of serious drug interactions. If this occurs, use of rasagiline should be stopped and the patient should seek medical help immediately.

Resources

MedicineNet.Com
MayoClinic.Com

Conditions

Athletes Foot

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common skin infection found in a group of related fungal skin infections known as tinea. The medical terms associated with athlete’s foot include tinea pedia, plantaris, dermatophytosis Palmaris, and interdigitalis. These infections are caused by a number of mold-like fungi, known as dermatophytes, which reside in dead tissues on the hair, skin and nails.

Only those who have experienced athlete’s foot first hand know how uncomfortable the infection can be. Athlete’s foot typically occurs on the soles of the feet but can spread to areas between the toes and the toenails. The condition can also be spread by contact such as touching your foot then touching other areas of the body including your hands, palms, underarms or groin.

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot

Symptoms of athlete’s foot can vary depending on the individual, stage and severity of the infection, and how the body reacts.

Some individuals experience an allergic reaction to the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.

This is called an ‘id reaction’ and can result in vesicles or blisters on areas of the body like the arms, hands and chest.

Treatment of the id reaction is usually cured with treatment of athlete’s foot.

While other symptoms may be present in individuals experiencing athlete’s foot, here you will find a list of the most common symptoms associated with the infection.

Symptoms Include

  • Peeling and cracking of the skin around and between the toes
  • Intense itching on the soles of the feet and surrounding area
  • Redness or inflammation that worsens as the infection progresses
  • Blisters on the soles of the feet as well as along the sides of the feet
  • Scaling and flaking on the soles of the feet and in between the toes
  • Burning or stinging sensation in the area of the infection
  • Crusting or oozing of the soles of the feet that may spread to the toes
  • Thick, discolored and crumbled skin if the fungus spreads to the nails
  • Any of the above symptoms can also occur on other body parts if spread

Causes

Athlete’s foot is caused by dermatophytes, tiny parasites that live on certain areas of the body including the skin. Dermatophytes can be divided into three separate groups according to which host they prefer.

  • Zoophile – Fungi that prefers an animal host
  • Geophile – Fungi that prefers a soil host
  • Anthropophile – Fungi that prefers a human host

In the majority of cases, athlete’s foot is caused by the anthropophile fungi as it favors a human host. The three most common species of anthropophile fungi include Epidermophyton, Microsporum, and Trichophyton. These three species account for more than 90 percent of all fungal infections that occur on the skin.

Athlete’s foot is not limited to only athletes or those who are in good physical shape. The infection can occur on any person that remains damp or moist on their foot or feet for a certain period of time. Those who wear tight fitting clothing or those who don’t dry their feet properly on a consistent basis are more at risk for athlete’s foot.

Every person is acceptable to athlete’s foot as we all have one or more of the fungi in our bodies. Most of these fungi are harmless and simply feed on dead skin cells. Athlete’s foot is more common in young individuals and adults. The condition is also highly contagious and can be spread on our own bodies or to others. This can occur through skin-to-skin contact or indirectly through objects such as shoes, floors, towels, clothing, etc.

Risk Factors

Certain individuals are more at risk for developing athlete’s foot depending on certain lifestyle conditions and choices. Clothing options such as closed toe shoes (especially plastic lined shoes) and thick socks that cause sweating of the feet for a long period of time can lead to the infection.

Those who sweat profusely while working, exercising or participating in other daily activities are also at risk.

Although you may not experience any of the above factors, you may still be at risk if you work, study or play in a public area. Direct contact with an infected person or with materials that are infected with the parasites such as socks, shoes, public showers or gyms can cause the spread of athlete’s foot to an area on your own body. The risk is greater when the environment is warmer as this is grounds for the fungus to grow and invade the skin.

Risk Factors Include:

Risk Factors of Athlete’s foot

  • Not keeping your feet dry, clean and maintained
  • Excessive perspiration
  • Humid, warm or hot weather or environment
  • Disorders or conditions of the immune system
  • Prior infections of athlete’s foot
  • Wearing tight, close toed shoes or poorly ventilated shoes
  • Walking barefoot at home or in public areas

Prevention Tips

Treatment of athlete’s foot begins with preventing the infection from occurring in the first place. For those who are prone to athlete’s foot, prevention is a much bigger issue that can be maintained through a variety of effective tips and techniques.

Since athlete’s foot can easily be spread from person to person, it’s important to keep your family and community safe by not sharing or leaving infected items where others could potentially come in contact with the materials.

Keep places where your feet touch such as floors, showers, bathtubs, and beds clean and maintained. When in public areas such as swimming pools or gyms, keep a pair of flip flops handy to prevent walking on the floor and picking up or spreading the infection. Disinfectant spray should be used in kitchens and bathrooms in the home. Clothing, towels, bed sheets and blankets should be washed on a regular basis in hot water to help kill the growing fungus. Be sure not to leave moist or damp dirty laundry lingering in the washer or hamper for any period of time to avoid the spread of parasites. Avoid sharing these types of materials among family members and consider doing separate loads of wash.

Special soaps can be used on a regular basis to prevent fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. These fungal soaps contain active ingredients, such as tea tree oil, that help fight off and prevent the infection. They also contain Aloe Vera and are free of chlorine and sediments, leaving your skin moisturized and smooth.

Consider sanitizing the inside of your shoes with a germicidal shoe tree. This will help keep your shoes free of fungal parasites. Keep your feet dry by applying an antiperspirant made especially for feet perspiration. Replace the inserts of your shoes on a regular basis and replace any old exercise shoes or sneakers. After participating in any type of physical activity, use a soap that contains anti-fungal agents and antibacterial qualities. Try to wear open toed shoes or sandals whenever possible to allow your feet time to breathe and receive fresh air.

Test and Diagnosis Considerations

Typically, the diagnosis of athlete’s feet is made by a general doctor or podiatrist (foot doctor) by a visual exam of the foot or feet. Skin scrapings may be needed to test for the specific type of fungi the patient is experiencing to determine the best route of treatment. Microscopic examinations may also be needed to rule out more serious problems such as a bacterial infection.

Various tests may be recommended, such as a fungal culture or an examination of the patients’ foot under ultraviolet light. Your doctor may also do a potassium hydroxide (KOH) test to diagnosis athlete’s foot. This is done by carefully scraping scaly skin from the soles of the feet and placing them onto a microscope slide. KOH is then added to the slide and it’s placed beneath a microscope to look for signs of fungus. In many cases, a doctor will be able to diagnosis athlete’s foot simply by sight.

Common Symptoms

It’s important to rule out other causes of common symptoms associated with athlete’s foot. Peeling or redness of the feet may be caused by environmental factors such as tight shoes, excessive perspiration due to warm weather or wearing shoes without socks. Adhesive cements and certain dyes found in some types of shoes can also cause irritation to the feet.

Other similarities to the symptoms of athlete’s foot can be due to nail polishes, lotions or powders that the patient applied their selves that caused irritation. Conditions such as scabies, eczema and psoriasis may be other possibilities for your symptoms. It’s best to talk to a doctor to rule these out.

If all attempts for diagnosis of athlete’s foot come back inconclusive, a biopsy of the infected skin can be taken for examination. Your doctor may recommend you to a special physician, such as a dermatologist (skin doctor), podiatrist (foot doctor) or a foot health practitioner to future examine your condition. Once a proper diagnoses is made, your doctor can recommend effective treatment methods for you to consider and may write you’re a prescription for a topical or oral medication to help treat the infection.

Treatment Options

There are many over the counter, natural and home remedies available for the treatment of athlete’s foot. While some of these treatments are highly effective in curing the infection, others simply treat the symptoms causing reoccurring episodes. Not everyone responds to all treatments so it’s best to talk to your doctor to see which may be the best fit for you. This could depend on your allergies, medical history, current conditions and various other factors.

Herbal & Home Remedies: Herbal treatments are popular as they are usually effective in treating the condition and have little or no side effects. Common herbal and home remedy treatments for athlete’s foot include tea tree oil, Listerine (mouth wash) and hydrogen peroxide. To sooth and treat your sore feet, soak them in a solution of two teaspoons of salt per one pint of warm water. These home remedy provides an unappealing environment for fungus and makes over the counter treatments more effective. A solution of 25 percent aluminum chloride and water provides similar results.

Fungus Between Your  Toes

For fungus between your toes, a mixture of baking soda and water can be used to form a paste. Rub the paste onto the site of the infection, allow drying time then rinse with warm water. While in the shower, use a foot brush to rub away dead skin cells, leaving smooth new infection free skin. Remember to continue applying a foot cream or powder, wearing dry socks and choosing shoes that fit well and allow your feet to breathe.

Alternative treatments may also be used to treat athlete’s foot. The following oils and extracts have been found effective in relieving symptoms of athlete’s foot and with regular use, treating the infection: Topical oils (example-tea tree oil), onion extract, garlic extract, boric acid and Epson salts. Rubbing one or more of the following products on your feet twice a day or in a mixture of warm water can lead to foot relief.

Herbal & Home Remedies Include

  • Keep feet as dry as possible, especially between the toes
  • Wear cotton socks and change them once or twice per day
  • Avoid tight closed toed shoes as these cause heat build-up
  • Never go in public areas barefoot, especially moist or warm areas
  • Apply foot creams and powders regularly to keep feet healthy
  • Always wash your socks in hot water to kill all potential bacteria
  • Avoid yeast products such as baked goods and breads
  • Vinegar and alcohol should not be consumed by chronic sufferers
  • Apply grapefruit seed extract to your feet to fight off fungus

Pharmaceutical Remedies

Over the counter and prescription athlete foot creams, powders and liquids are available. These usually contain active ingredients such as clotrimazole, miconazole and tolnaftate. If used on a regular basis, these types of treatments usually work well but may take longer to see results. Athlete foot powders work by keeping the feet dry throughout strenuous activity and perspiration.

Along with these self-care tips, keeping your feet dry and clean, washing your feet frequently with warm soap and water and wearing dry, clean socks can help keep the infection under control. If the over-the-counter remedies fail to work after two to four weeks of use, you may want to consider visiting your doctor for a stronger medication. Your doctor may prescribe a topical or oral medication such as terbinafine or ketoconazole to treat the fungus. Antibiotics may also be needed for bacterial infections.

Side effects from oral athlete’s foot medications may include rashes, gastrointestinal upset and abnormal liver function. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against oral Lamisil and Sporanox in May of 2001 due to links between the medication and rare cases of liver failure and even death. They also have a history of weakening the heart contractions so they should be avoided by those with heart problems.

Conditions

Burning Tongue

Burned Mouth Syndrome (BMS)

Overview

Burning tongue syndrome (BMS) has many different alternative names including scalded mouth syndrome, burning lips syndrome, glossodynia, glossopyrosis, stomatodynia, stomatopyrosis, and oral galvanism. Regardless of the name, the condition involves chronic, burning pain in the tongue, gums, lips, and inside of the mouth.
Burned Mouth Syndrome
While there aren’t any visible signs or lesions to observe, the very real pain can range from moderate to severe, and some have compared its intensity to that of a toothache.

BMS usually begins without any recognizable trigger, and may last for a few weeks, months, or even years.

Diagnosis is usually a process of ruling out other possible conditions, and treatment varies from lifestyle changes in diet and behavior to the administration of traditional drugs.

Two thirds of those reporting BMS will have recovered in 6-7 years as constant pain and discomfort becomes more episodic. There is no known prevention for this problem at present.

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom of BMS is an unpleasant to painful burning sensation on the tongue, lips, gums, palate, throat, or even in the whole mouth. It is also possible to have a numbing or tingling sensation in the mouth or on the tip of the tongue.

Interestingly, most patients report that they awake with little or no pain and the intensity increases as the day progresses, peaking by bedtime. They experience little or no pain during the night hours, starting the cycle anew each day. Some report having a very dry mouth and increased thirst. Another symptom may be a loss of taste or a change from normal to a bitter or metallic one that lingers in the mouth. These evidences of BMS may be continuous or periodic.

Causes

While the actual causes of BMS have yet to be been clearly established, it seems that the condition can be divided into two general categories. When the outbreak has no identifiable cause, it is treated as “primary” or “idiopathic” BMS. Researchers suspect that there is a dysfunction of the sensory and taste nerve of the peripheral and/or the central nervous systems.

The cranial nerves are also associated with the taste sensations. “Supertasters,” those people with a really high density of the small papillae that contain the taste buds seem to be slightly more prone to BMS, possibly because all those extra taste receptors are surrounded by basket-like clusters of pain neurons that may fire up if the taste buds stop functioning, as often happens during menopause.

Secondary BMS

If an underlying problem is identified and BMS becomes a symptom of the greater illness, the term “secondary” BMS is used. As mentioned previously menopause seems to be a key player in this health issue. As a woman’s estrogen levels drop in pre-menopause, it fades from her saliva as well.

With the loss of function of her bitter taste buds, it would appear that the pain neurons are activated and BMS may be the result. The fact that 40% of menopausal women suffer from this condition that starts about 3 years before menopause and lasts as long as 12 years after, seems to support this theory.

Other Possible Causes

  • Oral candida (yeast infection of mouth)
  • Hormonal deficiencies or abnormalities
  • Diabetes (specifically Type 2)
  • Dry mouth
  • Blood abnormalities (anemia, dyscrasias)
  • Medications (especially those given for high blood pressure)
  • Endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism)
  • Nutritional deficiencies (B vitamins, niacin, folic acid, iron, zinc)
  • Allergies (food, gum, toothpaste, mouthwash)
  • Gastric acid reflux
  • Dental procedures
  • Dental disease
  • Unhealthy oral habits (biting tongue, thrusting tongue, grinding teeth)
  • Chronic infection
  • Inflammatory disorders
  • Tobacco use
  • Oral cancer
  • Nerve damage
  • Too many acidic drinks
  • Mouth irritation (excessive tongue brushing)
  • Use of ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzymes)
  • Dentures (stressing muscles and tissues or causing allergic reaction in surrounding tissues)

Risk Factors

Most sufferers of BMS are middle-aged women between the ages of fifty and seventy years. They are seven times more likely to be affected than men, which may support the argument for hormonal imbalance experienced during menopause as the most frequent underlying condition.
Burned Mouth Syndrome Treatment
There doesn’t appear to be an identifiable trigger, and the onset is usually spontaneous. Approximately 30% of those diagnosed with BMS report recent dental procedures, illnesses, or newly prescribed medications in their history intake.

Other important factors seem to be stress or a traumatic life event, allergic reactions, upper respiratory infections, and excessive taste bud loaded papillae.

Tests and Diagnosis

Because there is no present consensus on the origins or causes of BMS, most doctors will try to diagnose this condition by process of elimination, ruling out all other possibilities. The patient can typically expect a review of personal medical history and current medications being taken. The mouth will be thoroughly examined and cultures taken.

The doctor will want to know about the symptoms being presented as well as the oral habits and mouth care of the patient. Most doctors will want to do a complete general medical examination while they search for an underlying condition that may have triggered this attack. Blood tests will be part of that process as well. It may be necessary to have an imaging test such as an MRI or CT scan.

Allergy tests and saliva measurements are often included, as is a test for gastric reflux. Finally, the last item will probably be a psychological questionnaire to analyze the levels of stress the patient may be experiencing.

Complication

While each person who suffers from BMS is unique, some associated problems seem to be held in common. It is not unusual for patients to express difficulty in sleeping. Whether this insomnia is caused by increased levels of evening pain or the stress associated with having this illness is uncertain. In a similar fashion, it is not always clear whether the accompanying depression is a cause of the BMS or a result of trying to deal with this illusive illness.

Irritability and anxiety are understandably often part of the package too. Some patients report difficulty eating because of the persistent pain in their mouths or on their tongues or lips. Others stop or decrease their times of socializing because of the discomfort and distraction that BMS causes.

Treatment

Since there is no known cure or universal treatment for primary BMS, each patient will be dealt with according to the individual presenting symptoms. The goal will be to alleviate the pain as much as possible, or if that fails, at least to manage it.

There are several drugs currently available including Klonopin, a lozenge type form of the anti-convulsant drug clonazepam. Patients have reported some relief with this medication.

Secondary BMS Treatment

Concerning secondary BMS, the treatment protocol involves identifying the underlying cause and then addressing it as a way to eliminate the presenting burning mouth or tongue issues. Recommendations can include traditional drugs, alternative health care, and lifestyle changes. It would appear that the combination of lifestyle adjustments and alternative health practices offers the best results for many patients. However, some underlying conditions require very serious attention and become the primary focus of treatment, at least initially.

Alpha-lipoic acid is a strong antioxidant that seems to benefit BMS suffers. Oral thrush medications can be prescribed as well as saliva replacement products. There are also special oral rinses and mouthwash products that a doctor may include in the treatment regimen.

Home Remedies

Some of the simplest home remedies can actually bring almost instantaneous relief to the BMS sufferer. They are as uncomplicated as sucking on ice, keeping one’s mouth moist by sipping extra water, and increasing daily intake of certain foods. Eating “plain” food and lots of boiled vegetables is a good place to start. Foods high in Vitamin B need to be included in the menu.

Meat, brown rice, fish, wheat germ, whole grain cereals, and soybeans are all great sources of Vitamin B. Also, foods rich in iron such as red meats, liver, cashews, figs, and Special K cereal are recommended additions, especially in cases where the underlying condition may be anemia. Adding certain fresh fruits and vegetables to a healthy diet can also help.

Applying glycerin to the tongue has been reported to bring relief, as has eating honey with milk. It seems the combination increases the blood flow to the tongue which encourages a healthier response from the pain neurons.

More Homeopathic Remedies

Another homeopathic treatment involves applying lavender oil to the tongue and leaving it there over night. Lavender oil is actually a powerful antiseptic. Some doctors recommend topical Capsaicin, a cream pain reliever made from chili peppers. Its purpose is to desensitize the tongue and mouth from the burning sensations.

There are simple lifestyle choices that can also make a difference in reducing the pain from BMS. Sugar-free gums will keep the mouth and tongue moist. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco are also important. Both smoking and chewing tobacco can be problematic if BMS is diagnosed.

Ironically, while the doctor may have prescribed Capsaicin cream for your tongue, it is best not indulge in spicy foods because of added irritation within the mouth. Others to avoid include acidic foods and liquids such as some fruit juices. Eliminating soft drinks and coffee are important changes to one’s diet as well.

Toothpaste

It may be necessary to switch out a favorite toothpaste, especially if the one in question contains sodium laurylsulfate. Baking soda is always a good safe alternative. While in the bathroom, check out the mouthwash also, to make sure there is no alcohol in it.

Behavior Concerns

Although hormonal imbalances have taken first place as a plausible cause of BMS, to date there is no conclusive evidence that hormone replacement therapy has had a significant effect in successfully treating this problem. If a doctor determines that psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression are the causes and not the symptoms of BMS, antidepressants may be prescribed.

Cognitive behavior therapy has also been used to treat this condition. The bottom line may be to make as many lifestyle changes as possible to reduce the negative effects of stress and anxiety in one’s life.

Cost

The expense of finding relief from the pain of BMS is directly related to the number of professionals one may visit and the amount of health insurance in place. Many sufferers first consult their dentist because they view their mouth problems as dental care issues. From there, they may consult a family physician who will probably send them on to a specialist.

Add to these visits, the cost for all the preliminary tests, and the price continues to rise. Throw in a CT scan or MRI and it’s beginning to be really costly for the person without good health insurance. Some of the drug regimens are expensive, and so is a visit to the psychologist. If the patient doesn’t already suffer from anxiety or depression, rising health costs may do it.

The best approach would seem to be to try the easiest and least expensive treatment suggestions first. It may not be necessary to seek further expensive care. To the sufferers of BMS, this is no minor problem that can be easily overlooked. Imagine a toothache that lasted for years. For some, any price is worth getting relief.

Progress

In the past, because of the lack of physical symptoms in the mouth and on the tongue, many patients’ complaints were not taken seriously. Add that to the fact that the majority of complainers were middle-aged women in the throes of menopause, and the seriousness of the ailment often came into question. It was not unusual to be told that one was imagining the discomfort.

Today, however, the medical profession is more aware and sympathetic to this problem. Increased research seeks to understand the etiology and the pathogenesis so that more effective treatments can be prescribed. The dental field is also involved since dental procedures and problems seem to sometimes precede the onset of BMS.

It is to be hoped that in the near future, much more definitive knowledge will be available and better treatment protocols in place. Until then, trial and error of both traditional drug therapies and alternative health recovery plans, when combined with relevant lifestyle changes, are the best chance one has to find relief from the pain of BMS.

Resources

nlm.nih.gov

Mayoclinic.Com

MedicineNet.Com