Nausea and vomiting are two of the most common symptoms, very often complained about by a number of different people, and this is because these two symptoms can be caused by a whole wealth of different conditions. More often than not, when a person experiences nausea and vomiting, it is because they are experiencing viral gastroenteritis, which is a condition that is often mistakenly referred to as a “stomach flu,” or they are experiencing morning sickness during the earlier weeks of pregnancy.

There are many different medications that are known to cause a bout of nausea and vomiting, and it is even possible for general anesthesia used for surgery to cause it. Very rarely do just nausea and vomiting by themselves signal any kind of life-threatening or even serious problems.

Causes of Nausea and Vomiting

It is possible for both nausea and vomiting to happen to a person either individually or in conjunction with one another.

A few of the more common causes include:

• Chemotherapy
• Gastroparesis
• General anesthesia
• Migraine
• Motion sickness
• Overdose on toxic substances, alcohol or illicit substances
• Rotavirus
• Vertigo and
• Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu).

Some of the other potential causes, though less common, of nausea and vomiting include:

• Addison’s disease
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Anaphylaxis
• Anorexia nervosa
• Appendicitis
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV
• Brain arteriovenous malformation
• Brain hemorrhage
• Brain infarction
• Brain tumor
• Bulimia nervosa
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Crohn’s disease
• Cyclic vomiting syndrome
• Depression, major (major depression)
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Dizziness
• Ear infection in the middle ear
• Food poisoning
• Frontal lobe seizures
• Gallstones
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD
• Head injury
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Hirschsprung’s disease
• Hydrocephalus
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid
• Hypoparathyroidism
• Intestinal ischemia
• Intestinal obstruction
• Intracranial hematoma
• Intussusception
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Kidney failure that is chronic
• Liver cancer
• Liver failure
• Meniere’s disease
• Meningitis
• Milk allergy
• Nonulcer stomach pain
• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatitis
• Peptic ulcer
• Porphyria
• Pseudotumor cerebri
• Pyloric stenosis
• Radiation therapy
• Retroperitoneal fibrosis
• Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder
• Stomach obstruction
• Strep throat
• Temporal lobe seizure and
• Traumatic brain injury.

When to See a Doctor

It is vital to immediately seek emergency medical assistance or to call 911 should the nausea and vomiting also be accompanied by any of the following warning signs

• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Cold, pale, clammy skin
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Fecal odor or fecal material within the vomit
• High fever with a stiff neck or
• Severe cramping or abdominal pain.

Have someone make the drive to the emergency room should any of the following situations become true

• The nausea and vomiting are being accompanied by some kind of pain or some kind of severe headache, especially if it is a new kind of headache that has never been had before.
• Eating or drinking is not possible for about twelve hours or the child is unable to keep down liquids for about eight hours.
• The symptoms or signs of dehydration are occurring, such as infrequent urination, dry mouth, excessive thirst, dizziness, dark colored urine, weakness or lightheadedness upon standing up.
• The vomit resembles coffee grounds, has blood in it or is green.

Call the doctor and make an appoint if any of these circumstances should arise

• The vomiting has recurred for longer than two days in adults, over 24 hours for children under the age of two or over 12 hours for young infants.
• The instances of nausea and vomiting have recurred for longer than a month.
• Unexplained weight loss is experienced and accompanies the bouts of nausea and vomiting.
• Preparing for the Appointment with the Doctor
• When first making an appointment with the doctor, he or she may be the family doctor or be a general practitioner. However, in some instances, when a person calls the office in order to set up an appointment, the person may immediately be referred to an ENT specialist, who is a doctor specializing in disorders that occur within the ear, nose and throat.
• Because the amount of time spent in appointments have a tendency to be shortened and brief, and because there is usually a wealth of ground that must be covered, it is recommended to be fully prepared for the appointment. This section serves as a small guide to offer tips in order to better allow a person to be fully prepared for the appointment with the doctor and offer ideas with regards to what they should expect from the doctor.

What Can Be Done

Be aware of any restrictions before the appointment. Whenever calling the doctor to make the appointment, it is important to ask if there is anything that may need to be done in advance before coming in.

Take a notepad and write down all of the experienced symptoms, even if they appear to be unrelated to the reason for which the call is being made in the first place.

Write down a brief, recent life history involving all key information about personal life, which should include recent life changes or any major stresses.
Because the side effects of many different medications may be the cause of the nausea and vomiting, it is important to make a list of the different medications that are being taken, including any supplements or vitamins.

If possible, try to recruit a friend or a family member to tag along. Because there is a wealth of information that might be provided in a single appointment, it might be difficult for one person to take it all in. When another person joins for the appointment, they may be able to help remember or recall things that the patient forgot or did not catch.

Write down some questions that will be asked to the doctor. Preparing a list of questions, because the time that is to be spent with the doctor is so limited, will make the process go quicker and reserves the rest of the time for more beneficial activities other than thinking of missed questions. When writing down the questions, list them from the more important once to those that are not quite as important, in case time happens to run out. For nausea and vomiting,

Some basic questions that may be asked to the doctor might include:

• What is the most likely cause for the nausea and vomiting?
• Are there any other likely causes for the nausea and vomiting?
• What kind of tests are necessary?
• Is the nausea and vomiting likely to be temporary or chronic?
• What is the recommended course of action?
• What are some of the alternatives to the primary approach that is being suggested?
• These are some other health conditions that are present. How can these conditions and the nausea and vomiting be managed together?
• Are there any restrictions that might need to be followed for the nausea and vomiting?
• Should a specialist be seen? How much will a visit cost and will this kind of insurance cover seeing this specialist?
• Is there any generic alternative to the medication that is currently being prescribed?
• Do any Web sites come recommended regarding the nausea and vomiting? Are there any printed materials, such as brochures, that can be taken home for further reading?
• Do not shy away from taking the time to ask any other questions that come to mind in the event that information is passed that goes by not understood, in addition to the questions that have already been prepared to ask the doctor.

What to Expect From the Doctor

The doctor will probably also have a list of questions to ask, so be prepared to answer them so that more time can be reserved to go over points that may require more time before the information is understood.

The doctor may wish to ask some of the following

• When did the nausea or vomiting begin to happen?
• Has the nausea or vomiting been a continuous experience or occasional?
• How severe is the nausea and vomiting?
• If anything, what appears to improve the symptoms?
• If anything, what seems to worsen the symptoms?
• Any allergies or a cold?
• Treatment Options for Nausea and Vomiting

There is no actual cure for nausea and vomiting, though it is possible to soothe the symptoms and try to ease the nausea so that vomiting does not occur.

These self-care measures can be done in an attempt to feel better and to subside the nausea:

• Try to take it easy. When a person undergoes too much activity and does not get enough rest at night, it can make nausea much worse.
• Always stay hydrated. Vomiting can lead to dehydration rapidly, and drinking large sips can trigger nausea as well. To remedy this, take small sips of clear, cold, sour or carbonated drinks, such as lemonade, ginger ale or water. Another helpful drink may be mint tea.
• Try to avoid coming into contact with strong odors and other similar triggers. Cooking and food smells, smoke, perfume, heat, humidity, stuffy rooms, driving and flickering lights are all among the possible triggers for nausea and vomiting.
• Eat bland foods. In the same way that strong odors can trigger nausea and vomiting, too complex a taste can do the same. Start off by taking in foods that can easily be digested, such as crackers, gelatin and test. When these can be kept down with ease, try to graduate to rice, cereal, fruit, salty foods or foods high in carbohydrates or high in protein. Try not to eat foods at are fattening or spicy. Try not to eat solid foods until six hours have passed since the last instance of vomiting.
• Over the counter medications that treat motion sickness may be helpful, as well. For those who are planning to go on a trip, there are some over the counter motion sickness drugs, including Bonine and Dramamine, that can be helpful for calming the queasy stomach on a trip. When going on a longer journey, such as on a cruise, the doctor should be contacted for requesting information on prescription patches for motion sickness.
• If the nausea and vomiting is due to pregnancy, try to nibble on a few crackers, preferably unsalted, prior to getting out of bed in the morning.

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the transparent layer of the eye that lines the eyelid, known as the conjunctiva. This inflammation causes the blood vessels in the conjunctiva to become irritated and give off a pink or red color in the whites of the eyes. Conjunctivitis can be referred to as Madras eye, but is most commonly known as pinkeye. Both humans and animals can experience pinkeye.

What are the Symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

Many symptoms can accompany conjunctivitis.

• Red or pink coloring in the whites of the eye is the most obvious symptom
• Watery eyes is also a common symptom
• The feeling that there is something in the eye, or a gritty irritation is also common
• Itchiness, burning, and sensitivity to light may also be symptoms of conjunctivitis
• Green, yellow, or white discharge from the eye is typical, and they eyes may be sealed shut after sleeping due to the mucous-like discharge
• Blurred vision may also be present

What Causes Conjunctivitis?

Viruses, bacteria, allergies, or foreign objects or chemicals in the eye can all attribute to pinkeye symptoms.

Viral conjunctivitis often results from viruses similar to those that cause colds. Other cold symptoms may be present such as a sore throat or runny nose, and the eyes often will have watery discharges or those filled with a mucous-like substance. This type of conjunctivitis is very contagious, and usually runs its course within a week.

Bacterial conjunctivitis is also often associated with the common cold, but is caused by bacteria. Often a thick yellow or greenish colored mucous will be present in the affected eye. This material may cause the eyelids to stick together after sleeping as well.

Those with bacterial conjunctivitis may have a gritty feeling in their eye, or feel the need to try and remove foreign materials from the eye, although there may not actually be anything to remove. This type of conjunctivitis is also extremely contagious, and is more common in children.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis often affects both eyes and is triggered by allergens, often during seasonal changes with pollen and other substances present in the air.

Hay fever, asthma and eczema are also common causes of allergy related pinkeye. In response to the allergens the body releases histamines, which can cause a red or pink color to the whites of the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

Conjunctivitis caused by foreign chemicals or objects is also not contagious, and can be caused by a number of things. Any type of foreign object entering the eye can irritate it, causing it to become pink or red and even produce a discharge. Chemicals such as bleach that may splash in the eyes can also cause conjunctivitis. This is the shortest-lived conjunctivitis, and usually only lasts for a day at most.

What are the Risk Factors of Conjunctivitis?

Those that have eyes easily irritated by certain allergens can expect conjunctivitis when exposed to those elements, unless measures are being taken to prevent it. Likewise, whether or not a foreign object or chemical will affect a person depends upon the situation and person. However, for viral and bacterial conjunctivitis, merely being exposed to someone with this type of pinkeye can trigger the symptoms. It has also been found that those that wear contacts may have an increased risk of contracting conjunctivitis.

What are some Prevention Tips for Conjunctivitis?

Good hygiene is perhaps the best way to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis. Washing your hands frequently and not putting your fingers in your eyes are good tips to follow. You should never share eye cosmetics or personal care items with another person, and contacts, glasses, washcloths, and towels should never be shared from person to person.

Taking proper care of your contacts is also a good idea. For allergic conjunctivitis, avoiding allergens that trigger pinkeye is a good idea if possible. If you or someone in your family contracts conjunctivitis, it is important to take measures to prevent the spread of it throughout the family.

Discarding eye makeup and not wearing makeup are good ideas. Changing pillowcases and washing sheets and blankets in hot water will also be helpful.

Choosing to wear glasses instead of contact lenses may also help. You should use a cotton ball or tissue to wipe away discharge from the eye, which should be immediately thrown away and not used again. If eye drops are used to control the conjunctivitis, they should not be shared, nor should you use the same eye drops from an infected eye into an non-infected eye.

Staying home from school or work may also be necessary to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis.

What are the Test and Diagnosis Considerations for Conjunctivitis?

If you suspect that you or someone you know has conjunctivitis, a medical professional can easily diagnose it. Generally, taking a look at the eyes in a brief exam can tell a doctor if a person has pinkeye. The doctor may take a sample of the discharge from the eye that can be sent to a laboratory to diagnose exactly what type of conjunctivitis a person is suffering from.

A young child with reoccurring episodes of pinkeye may be referred to an eye specialist to try and determine what the cause may be.

What Treatment Options are Available for Conjunctivitis?

Different treatment options are available for the different types of conjunctivitis. Both home remedies and pharmaceutical treatments are available depending upon the situation. If you are unsure of what to do, it is important to contact your doctor first.

The most common home remedies for conjunctivitis include putting either warm or cool clean washcloths over your eyes. For conjunctivitis caused by allergies, cool compresses are recommended, but for bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, warm washcloths may feel better. While this method will not cure the conjunctivitis, it will provide relief. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis usually resolve without any treatment at all, although it may be unpleasant to endure.

Marigold Plant

Another home remedy is to put the leaves of a marigold plant into cold water and to use it as eyewash. This is said to provide quick relief to the eyes. Placing cool, wet chamomile tea bags over your eyes has also been recommended as a way to decrease the redness in the eyes. Washing the eyes with chamomile flower tea has also been suggested as a way to provide relief.

Spinach and Carrot Juice

Spinach and carrot juice mixtures are also recommended during the duration of conjunctivitis. Drinking the juice of Indian gooseberry and mixing it with honey has also been suggested as a home remedy as well. Eating foods rich in Vitamin A and B2 may also be helpful in the treatment of conjunctivitis. Even using a cotton ball and placing baby shampoo over the closed eyes has been determined to provide relief for those suffering from conjunctivitis.

Each of these home remedies can be inexpensive, easy ways to provide comfort for those suffering from pinkeye, with relatively no risks to the eye when using them. However, if the home remedies and solutions do not seem to provide relief, pharmaceutical options may be necessary.

Traditional Medicine

For those suffering from allergy related conjunctivitis, seeking the help of a doctor is probably the best option. Although cool compresses and maybe even artificial tears may provide some comfort, for those with severe cases, antihistamines or other anti-inflammatory medications may need to be prescribed. Eye drops may be necessary, which can include steroids or decongestants.

Over the counter eye drops usually cost between $5-10, but they may not work as well as eye drops prescribed by your doctor. However, often these prescription eye drops can cost around $50 or $60 for a thirty-day prescription.

There is really nothing that can be done to treat viral conjunctivitis, except to let it run its course. While over the counter eye drops and warm compresses may provide some relief, time is the ultimate healer. Usually within a week viral conjunctivitis will go away on its own, although its not uncommon for it to last up to two weeks. Maintaining good hygiene is of utmost importance for those suffering from viral conjunctivitis.

Bacterial Conjunctivits

Bacterial conjunctivitis can go away on its own as well, however if the symptoms are not improving within three days, antibiotics, eye drops or ointment may be needed to cure the conjunctivitis. Ointments may be easier to administer to young infants or children, however they may blur vision for a brief time following being used. Whether it is a pill form or eye drop or ointment, prices will vary.

Generic versions are available for most options, which will decrease prices and make the treatment more affordable. Insurance should cover these treatments as well, which will help keep prices lower in most cases.

If you have contacted pinkeye from some sort of chemical or irritant, the first thing to do would be to try and wash out your eye. If water doesn’t seem to be helping the situation, or it was a harsh chemical that came in contact with your eye, a doctor will be necessary to help the situation. A saline solution rinse may be needed in order to clean the eye. This is a fairly inexpensive method.

Irrigation with Ringer’s lactate, which is saline, potassium, and calcium formula, may also be needed in the case of chemical irritants. Since permanent damage could be done to your eyes depending upon what has irritated it, seeing a doctor is advised. If nothing more, the doctor will be able to determine if you have damage or need additional assessments.

Getting Rid of Conjunctivitis

If you think you have conjunctivitis, the first thing to do is consider how you may have contracted it. Did you come in contact with something that could have irritated it? Are you allergic to something in the air? Were you around someone that had pinkeye? Do you have a cold? After answering those questions it can help you determine what type of conjunctivitis you may have. Unless a chemical has come in contact with your eye, most doctors would suggest letting the conjunctivitis run its course for a few days.

If the symptoms are too severe or you feel the need to contact a doctor, by all means do so. However, depending upon the type of conjunctivitis, there may be nothing that the doctor can do. Trying home remedies may provide relief without having to pay for a doctor visit. It is important to use good hygiene and even stay home for a day or two if you think you may be contagious. While it’s not a pleasant thing to get, conjunctivitis is not fatal, although if your eye has come in contact with some sort of chemical, there could be lasting damage. Although it can be pesky and annoying, conjunctivitis is a simple problem to fix with often minimal effort.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis (sometimes known as rhino-sinusitis since the sinus cavities by default affect and usually cause inflammation of the nose) is inflammation of the sinuses which may or may not lead to infection.

Sinusitis is often caused by allergies or allergic reaction, but may also result from autoimmune issues, bacterial infection, fungal infection, or viral infection.

Ninety percent of adults are deemed to have experienced sinusitis at some point during their lives.

The sinus cavities affected by sinusitis are dubbed the “paranasal sinuses”, and consist of the frontal sinuses, sphenoid sinuses, maxillary sinuses, the anterior ethmoid sinuses, and the posterior ethmoid sinuses. The anterior and posterior ethmoid sinuses are divided by the lamella of the middle turbinate, which is located in the nasal cavities.

Recent research on sinusitis seems to signify that the condition is often linked to those who suffer from asthma as well as a host of other secondary conditions, likely due to the inflammation of the nose which occurs, and as part of a series of conditions which affect the airway. As the respiratory tract is affected, sinusitis is often accompanied (in addition to infection) by a cough, wheezing, post-nasal drip, sore throat, etc.
Sinusitis is characterized by health providers as being acute, sub-acute, or chronic in terms of duration. It is one of the most commonly experienced conditions amongst adults in the United States and internationally.

Symptoms

The most common complaint from those who suffer from sinusitis is a feeling of pain or ‘pressure’ where sinus cavities are located: behind the eyes, around the eyes, sides of the face, and/or a toothache caused by pressure from sinus cavities located behind the jaw.

This is also widely described as an intense headache, a dull, constant aching with pressure where the affected sinuses are located.

The pressure may increase or decrease when a person sits, stands, or otherwise moves their head. Pain for sinusitis can, and often does, exist only on one side of the face where the affected sinus cavities are located.

Other symptoms of sinusitis which often occur in tandem in various combination are nasal discharge, itchy eyes and nose, runny nose or congestion, toothache, post nasal drip, sore throat, cough, fever, noticeably poorer breath, and localized pain above the eyebrows, around the eyes, sides of the face, where the blocked or infected sinuses are located.

As allergic reactions vary by individual, this is not a complete list, but merely a list of the most common symptoms experienced with sinusitis.

If nasal discharge is clear, the condition is typically diagnosed as being a result of chronic sinusitis. If, however, the nasal discharge is yellow or green in tinge, either a viral or bacterial infect ion may be present. Acute sinusitis develops rapidly

Causes

Acute sinusitis is often caused by a virus, bacteria, suffers of a recent or current cold, or exposure to abnormal causes of nasal pressure changes such as scuba diving. Rarer causes include fungus and the spread of an infected tooth. Due to the correlation between acute sinusitis sufferers who contract the symptoms due to a cold, management of cold symptoms as quickly as possible is recommended.

The most common cause of chronic sinusitis is allergies or allergic reactions due to allergies. When the sinus cavities become blocked or clogged, air cannot circulate properly, which leads to inflammation and often infection.

Chronic sinusitis also can be compounded due to virus or bacteria, and is actually a systemic condition wherein acute sinusitis is experienced regularly. Chronic sinusitis sufferers often experienced increase facial pressure and pain due to an ongoing condition.

Asthma and the presence of nasal polyps or a deviated septum are also common causes of chronic sinusitis. Dehydration may also be a factor if a patient has been dehydrated long term. Individuals with severe allergies often experience sinusitis as a result of symptoms stemming from exposure to allergens.

Risk Factors

Those who suffer from allergies are highly likely to experience sinusitis at some point, if not chronically, due to inflammation caused by allergens. People who have recently experienced a cold or virus which has affected the upper respiratory system and/or nasal passages are also at an elevated risk.

Asthma sufferers are also at a high risk for developing sinusitis, and are often chronic sufferers. Asthma often leads to a cyclical pattern with sinus problems, similar to those with allergies.

Until the sinusitis is treated, the asthma will not improve, and vice versa. For this reason, as many preventative measures as possible are recommended to individuals who also suffer from asthma.

Those with a deviated septum and weakened immune system are at a heightened risk of not only sinusitis, but of infections developing as a result due to the inability of the body to fight or manage the symptoms efficiently.

People who suffer from problems with cilia in their nose working correctly can also be at a heightened risk for sinusitis, as cilia functions to filter air before it enters the nasal cavities.

Prevention Tips

Treatment for allergies to stop the development of sinusitis is the best initial prevention. Avoid any allergens that might trigger inflammation, such as air pollutants, cigarette smoke, pet dander, dust, etc. If needed, take over the counter or prescription medication to manage the symptoms.

As one of the most common complications of sinusitis is the development of a sinus infection, it’s also important, especially for chronic sufferers, to attempt to maintain a healthy lifestyle to support their immune system as much as possible.

Drinking plenty of water, eating fruits and vegetables regularly rich in antioxidants, and regular exercise contribute to overall wellness and will help to shorten the span of infection or help to prevent it. As increased stress levels are associated more and more with a weakened immune system, stress reduction should also be considered as a preventative measure.

Some chronic sufferers of sinusitis also report that using a humidifier is beneficial to prevent the sinuses from becoming too dry, and subsequently blocked or clogged, as a preventative measure.

Individuals suffering from sinusitis, sinus pressure, or infection should take extreme caution in using air travel for transportation as the pressurized cabins can lead to increased facial pain, headaches, and other complications of the sinuses as a result.

Testing and Diagnosis Considerations

If this is the first time an individual has experienced symptoms, it is important to go for a health care provider for diagnosis, as many symptoms commonly associated with migraines can be misdiagnosed by patients as sinus problems.

If chronic sinusitis persists, testing for allergies is very common and extremely beneficial for sufferers. Once
the allergic triggers have been identified via testing, the patient is in a better position to manage exposure to allergens and subsequently treat and manage allergies, reducing instances of sinusitis completely or gradually in the process.

A CT scan of the head is often required by health care providers to evaluate or diagnose recurring sinusitis.

Sinusitis is categorized by health care professionals in terms of duration as acute, sub acute, and chronic. Acute sinusitis is characterized by lasting less than four weeks (often developing rapidly); sub acute sinusitis, four to eight weeks; chronic sinusitis is categorized as symptoms lasting eight weeks or more.

Types of Sinusitis

Once the duration of the sinusitis symptoms are determined, health practitioners can further classify sinusitis by the sinus cavities which are affected. Maxillary sinusitis can cause pressure and pain in the cheek area, a headache, or a toothache.

Frontal sinusitis is characterized by a headache, pain or pressure in the frontal sinus cavities behind and above the eyes. Ethmoid sinusitis (anterior and posterior) consists of pain, pressure, or a headache between or behind the eyes where the ethmoid sinus cavities are located. Sphenoid sinusitis also is characterized by pressure behind the eyes, but in a different capacity, often affected by the vertex of the head.

Left untreated, sinusitis can develop into a severe infection, bronchitis, and/or other upper respiratory complications, in addition to being extremely painful.

Treatment Options

A mild case of sinusitis can often be treated using ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory pain medication, over the counter sinus medication, or prescription medications used to manage allergies. However, as many sufferers of sinusitis have chronic problems, other treatment options in varying degrees of intensity are recommended.

As allergies are the main cause of sinusitis, treatment for allergies to stop the development of sinusitis is the best initial prevention. Chronic allergy sufferers often depend on prescription medication in the form of nasal sprays, oral antihistamines, and other homeopathic treatments (for instance elderberry or use of a sinus cleanser, such as a neti pot) to manage their condition.

Prescription nasal sprays usually have active ingredients of mild steroids to reduce inflammation of the nose and nasal passages. Over the counter sprays are not recommended for long term use as their effectiveness is extremely short term and they are known to have addictive properties.

Allergy Shots

Allergy shots are used as a treatment option for individuals who still suffer from symptoms after treatment using the above combination of prescription antihistamines, nasal sprays, and over the counter medications. Administered by an allergist or ENT, allergy shots are given weekly or bi-weekly to improve a patient’s resistance to allergens, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms long-term.

As a result of the growing concern over the use of antibiotics to treat infectious disease, homeopathy is very popular, especially in Europe, for combating and treating sinusitis. Herbs to boost the immune system such as echinacea, or those rich in antioxidants such as green tea, are commonly used for prevention or treatment. Patients have also reported success with the use of elderberry extract, which has been proven to strengthen the body’s resistance to infection.

Neti Pot

A low-cost option with an unusual method of application but high degree of patient and doctor satisfaction is the use of a neti pot. Neti pots use water to irrigate the sinus cavities through the nose and proper positioning of the head, helping to clear out potential irritants, reduce inflammation, and reduce clogging. A saline solution is often used within the neti pot to ensure it is sterile. Caution must be taken when using these popular devices as improper placement of the head could lead to ear infection, increased pressure, or other complications.

If a deviated septum is deemed to be the cause of recurring sinusitis by an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist) or healthcare provider, a septoplasty, or surgery to correct the deviation, may be necessary in order to prevent future instances of the disease or reduce severity. This is often a highly effective option for people who are routinely having their daily routines interrupted throughout the year as a result of chronic sinusitis. While costly, this procedure is often covered with documentation by health insurance, and has a high rate of patient satisfaction.

Surgery

Surgery to remove nasal polyps, if they are deemed to exist, or to enlarge openings in the sinus cavities is often common as a treatment for patients on whom other forms of treatment (including allergy shots, prescription nasal sprays ,and oral medications) have reduced efficacy.

Treatment for sinus infection as a result of sinusitis includes a regimen of antibiotics, prescribed by a health care provider. Viral sinus infections cannot be treated with antibiotics and must be evaluated on an individual basis for treatment.

Cost of Prevention and Treatment

Treatment costs can range from low-end (such as over the counter medication, use of at home nasal irrigation), to mid-range for ongoing prescription treatments and sprays (sometimes mitigated by coverage from health insurance). Allergy shots are another moderate cost treatment option.

Surgery is by far the most expensive treatment for sinusitis, reserved for chronic sufferers. However, the initial cost of surgery may prove to be cost effective in the long term, especially if patients have a reduced need for treatment or preventative measures after surgery.

Resources

• WebMd.Com
• EmedicineHealth.Com
• MedicineNet.Com

Hives

Hives is an irritation of the skin that is characterized by itchy, swollen, inflamed welts that form on the exterior of the skin.

Hives can be caused by exposure to many different activities and substances, the most common of which are related to allergic reactions.

Hives can occur anywhere on the body and is generally not a dangerous disease. Though, if the problem goes untreated for long periods of time and does not subside, hives can leave lasting scars and other marks.

Alternative Names for Hives

Hives have several different names including urticaria, nettle rash, welts and uredo. Urticaria is the most common alternative name for hives. Angioedema is an irritation similar to hives but is present on the interior of the skin.

There are also several different types of hives such as the following

Acute Urticaria: This is a form of hives that typically lasts less than 6 to 8 weeks.

Chronic Urticaria

Any form of hives that lasts longer than the 6 to 8 week period that defines acute urticaria is called chronic urticaria. This form of hives is generally more difficult to treat.

Physical Urticaria

Physical urticaria is a form of hives that is caused by a physical stimulation of the person’s skin such as intense exercise or sweating, extreme heat or cold, or prolonged exposure to the sun.

Dermatographism

This is a form of hives that can be inflicted on a person if there is an intense scratching or stroking of the skin.

Symptoms of Hives

The most common symptom of ordinary or acute urticaria, or hives, is the appearance of red, itchy welts throughout the body that flare up randomly and disappear within a short period of time. These welts can range in size anywhere from a few millimeters in diameter to over a foot long.

Typically, these welts will disappear and reappear at different parts of the body. This process of reappearing and disappearing welts often continues for less than six weeks if the patient is inflicted with acute urticaria. If these welts continue to appear after a 6 to 8 week period, then it is probably that the hives are chronic.

Other symptoms of hives include

• An intense stinging or burning feeling around the affected areas.
• Extreme itching sensations which can lead to other problems, such as infection.
• Pain and soreness around the welted areas.
• Difficulty breathing.
• A loss of consciousness, or a dizzy or faint feeling.
• Increase in stress and anxiety.

Swelling on other parts of the body including mouth, hands, eyes, feet, or genitals. These are typically signs of the related disease known as angioedema.

In rare cases, hives may be accompanied by other illnesses that may cause a high fever, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, and other problems. If these symptoms do not subside or cause extreme discomfort, it is important to contact a physician or health care provider as soon as possible.

Causes of Hives

The cause of each individual case of urticaria, or hives, can be one of many different activities or substances. Scientists are still debating the precise cause of hives, but have been able to identify a few of the most common culprits of the illness.

The most common cause of hives is related to allergies. There are a vast number of allergens that have been identified as causing hives. These allergies can include peanut allergies, dairy allergies, fruit and vegetable allergies, allergies related to various pollens and plants, and a large number of other common allergies.

Other causes of hives include:

• Prolonged exposure to fungi, dust, and other harmful chemicals
• Bad physical reactions to alcohol, yeasts, or dyes
• Extreme heat, cold, or pressure to the skin
• Harmful drugs such as cocaine and heroin
• Emotional stress and anxiety
• Autoimmune diseases that fight against Immunoglobulin

Along with these causes, some antibiotics have been shown to infect their patients with hives. While these antibodies can be related to hives, there are generally other factors involved such as an allergic reaction to a chemical that is part of the antibody.

Penicillin, anti-inflammatory drugs, some vaccines, and birth-control pills have also been shown to be related to some cases of hives.

Risk Factors for Hives

There are a few ways of predicting if someone has a good chance of contracting hives at some point in their lifetime. A person who has had hives or angioedema previously is at a much greater risk of contracting the itchy welts again.

People who have other disorders that are related to hives are also at a high risk. These other disorders include lymphoma, lupus, and any of a number of thyroid diseases. Urticaria has also been proven to be hereditary. Thus, if your relatives are known to have experienced hives, then you may be at a greater risk of also having hives at some point during your lifetime.

Some reports show that close to 20% of the population may develop some form of urticaria at some time during their lives. There have been documented cases of hives among people of all different races, ages, and lifestyles. Chronic urticaria is most prevalent among middle-aged women and acute urticaria is more common in infants, children, and young adults.

Prevention Tips for Hives

For most people, the best way to prevent hives is to avoid anything that they are allergic to. Since allergies are the most common cause of hives in the world, avoiding these allergies such as peanuts, shellfish, pollen, and others, is the best way to avoid the disease.

If you have previously contracted hives, try to remember what you were doing at the time the spots began to appear. If you can remember what you ate or where you were, you may be able to determine the allergy that caused the hives to appear. Many people also contract hives from insect bites or stings. If you happen to be stung by an insect, quickly use medication to ease the itchiness and pain. Avoid intense scratching or rubbing of the skin, as this irritation may cause hives to flare up.

It is important to discuss allergies with your physician prior to taking any prescription drug for any type of disease. Prescription drugs, antibodies, and other medications have been known to cause hives if the patient has an allergic reaction to the medicine. If you are currently taking medication and begin to contract hives, stop taking the medicine, if possible, until further discussions with your doctor.

Tests and Diagnosis Considerations When Dealing with Hives

In the case of acute urticaria, lab work and studies seem to not be beneficial. The best way to diagnose hives is to not if the physical symptoms of hives are present.

If you notice large, itchy splotch marks on your skin that appear and disappear a short while later, then you have probably contracted hives. In the case of chronic hives, most physicians will perform some blood tests in order to evaluate your histamine levels and perform CBC, UA, and ESR tests in order to rule out some other affliction

Treatment Options

Herbal and Home Remedies for Hives

The best way to treat hives from home is to avoid irritating the skin. Stop taking any prescriptions that may cause an allergic reaction and avoid environments where you may be susceptible to another type of allergic reaction.

It is important that you do not scratch or rub the red welts, no matter how itchy it becomes. Doing so will only cause greater irritation.

Some common home remedies to sooth the itching sensation include

Applying a small amount of cold pressure. This can be done by holding a wash cloth under cold water for a few seconds and allowing the cloth to rest upon the sores. Do not put too much pressure on the skin and avoid scratching the skin with the cloth.

Calamine lotion is known to relieve itching sensations caused by many different situations. The lotion is relatively cheap and can be purchased at most local pharmacies and department stores.

Milk of magnesia is a common alkaline solution and has a similar affect as the calamine lotion. Simply put a little bit of milk of magnesia onto a wash cloth and dab it onto the affected areas.

Aloe Vera & Other Lotions

Aloe vera lotion is a good source of vitamin E, which is a vitamin that our skin needs in order to be healthy. Apply the aloe vera lotion at least twice a day and it can be applied as needed to reduce the itching. Peppermint, passionflower, chamomile, and valerian teas have been used to calm the nerves of someone infected with hives. While the tea may have no direct relation to the curing of hives, it will calm your body down and allow you to relax and hopefully ignore the itching.

Cayenne pepper, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc tablets are all full of nutrients and minerals that will allow your skin to heal as quickly as possible.

The most important thing to remember when treating your hives at home is that nothing has been proven to get rid of the rashes. The best treatment you can give your skin is to avoid more irritation and scratching. These lotions and vitamins will provide you with temporary pain and itch relief, which will in turn allow the hives to subside more quickly on their own.

Pharmaceutical Treatment of Hives

Most cases of common hives will not be treated with prescription drugs. Your physician may suggest that you purchase one of several antihistamines that can reduce the swelling, itching, and inflammation caused by the hives.

Some of the more common antihistamines include

• Loratadine (Claritin)
• Fexofenadien (Allegra)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
• Levocetirizine (Xyzal)
• Desloratadine (Clarinex)

Most of these medications can be purchased at over-the-counter drug stores and will cost around ten dollars for a few weeks’ supply. If the itching does not subside within a given period of time, your physician may feel it is necessary to take other treatments such as H2 antagonists (Pepcid AC), oral corticosteroids, antidepressants, and epinephrine.

Epinephrine would only be required in cases of a severe attack of hives and acts as an adrenaline shot. Most of these other medications are only prescribed in the case of chronic urticaria and occurrences of intense pain and itching.
Other medications are still being researched and include drugs that support the immune system and other drugs that treat allergic reactions and asthma. Few studies have been performed on these types of drugs and they are still not recommended by most clinical physicians.

Surgical Treatment of Hives

There is currently no type of surgical treatment for any case of hives that has been proven effective. Surgery will most likely never be an option for patients who have contracted hives due to the external nature of the problem.

Resources

EmedicineHealth.Com

MedicineNet.Com

WebMd.Com

Diaper Rash

Introduction to Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is a fairly common symptom among newborn babies, infants and toddlers as they wear diapers. It mainly occurs when a wet diaper causes friction against the baby’s skin and irritates it enough to cause a rash.

Parents worry about their children’s health when they see diaper rash on their baby’s bottom and often have confusion about what to do about it.

Luckily, it is a temporary condition that is easily treatable and preventable for the future as well.

There are simple steps parents can take to reduce the inflammation and start the healing. Most remedies can be done at home and will not require any medications, unless it is a severe and unique case. Here are some common symptoms of diaper rash and easy tips to help baby feel better fast.

Symptoms

Diaper rash is most characterized as the appearance of a rash on the baby’s genital area. The skin will look tender, red and perhaps even puffy. You may notice red bumps as well. However, it is also common for babies of a darker complexion to get the same type of rash, but it will not always be red.

It can be lighter in color, or even more similar to their own skin tone. In addition to the genital area, the rash can also appear on the buttocks area and around the thighs. It can also be on the stomach and back of the baby. The bumps may bleed or ooze a little if the baby scratches it or there is a lot of friction. While a little bleeding is normal, anything more may indicate the onset of a secondary infection or a different type of skin condition.

Sometimes there is confusion with other skin conditions which can be more severe than diaper rash. While diaper and rash and another skin condition may occur at the same time, the more severe skin condition is often dismissed as diaper rash and not treated properly.

If the skin has blisters, open sores, patches of scabs with oozing fluids or moderate bleeding, these should be brought to the attention of your baby’s pediatrician for further treatment. This can be signs of eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or other skin conditions. You should also contact your doctor if the diaper rash continues or worsens for a week or longer, despite treatments at home.

Causes and Risk Factors

Wet or Soiled Diapers

There are various causes and risk factors that may cause diaper rash on babies. Not every baby’s skin will react the same and therefore, have different triggers to getting diaper rash. The most common cause of diaper rash, however, is a wet or soiled diaper that has not been changed frequently enough. This can result in diaper rash in two ways.

The first way is caused by chafing of a wet diaper against a baby’s skin, causing irritation. The other way is the urine or feces causing a skin infection from being next to the skin for a long period of time. Some babies will get diaper rash if they are not changed within an hour, while others are more prone to a rash if the diaper is left on overnight.

When the baby starts to sleep through the night and does not require nighttime feedings or wakes up during the nighttime, diaper rashes are more common. Diapers are sometimes left unchanged on the skin for up to 8 hours. Fecal matter tends to be more irritating to the skin than urine. If they have diarrhea, it is even more risky for diaper rash to occur.

Bacterial Infection

A yeast infection or bacterial infection may occur when the diaper is left on for a period of time. The combination of a wet diaper and an enclosed space results in a moist environment that causes bacteria and yeast to grow.

This gets deposited on the skin, and if the diaper is not changed frequently, it will breed the infection, causing itchy bumps and red dots on the skin. This can be more painful than a diaper rash caused by chafing. The bumps can often be found in the creases of the skin, where moisture tends to collect.

Even though it might originate in the creases of the skin, it can spread to the rest of the genital area, buttocks and stomach and thighs. Yeast infections can also occur if the baby is on antibiotics since the medicine kills both good and bad bacteria. This can cause an imbalance of bacteria, which leads to a yeast infection.

Breast Milk and Formula

Another cause of diaper rash is the type of food the baby is eating or drinking. Breastfed babies tend to have less diaper rashes than formula fed babies, but it is possible. Sometimes it can be due to the type of food a mother is eating.

The baby might be allergic to foods like nuts or soy and are receiving trace amounts of this food in the milk. However, the breasts do a great job acting as a filter and this is not common. For babies who do use formula and get diaper rashes frequently, it might be due to an allergy.

Sometimes babies are lactose intolerant and require soy-based or another based formula instead. Switching from breast milk to a formula for the first time can also increase the rate of diaper rashes as well. Breast milk is made up of the perfect combination of nutrients for a baby and switching to formula can be difficult on baby’s digestive system and he or she might produce stools that cause irritation to the skin.

Different Foods

When it comes to solid food, such as pureed baby food and rice cereal, we see a higher rate of diaper rashes occurring. The age bracket for babies to start solid foods tends to be between 4-6 months of age. The reason why diaper rashes are more prevalent during this age period is due to the changes of diet for baby.

The stools become different as well. The changes in stool are foreign to baby’s body and can cause the skin to react negatively. As new foods are introduced within the first 12 months of age, the stool will change and stools can still pose a risk factor for diaper rash. In addition, the baby might also be allergic to the type of food he or she is trying as well.

Irritating Materials

Sometimes the type of diaper or wipes can be the cause of infection. Most diapers and baby wipes contain dyes and fragrances that can cause sensitive skin to break out. They also tend to be bleached in order to give the appearance of “clean”. These all can be irritants to a baby’s delicate skin, especially in the genital area that is particularly sensitive.

Other products that often contain unnecessary fragrances and dyes are baby lotions, baby powders, detergent and fabric softener. Even products that are marketed towards babies tend to have added substances that may smell great and look nice, but can be harmful to baby’s bottom. Even baby clothing can be the source of a diaper rash or other types of rashes because of the type of material used, pesticides used in the cotton, or the detergent that it was washed in.

Neglect or Abuse

Sometimes a parent or caregiver can be neglectful and leave a baby with an unchanged, soiled diaper for hours at a time. This is different than leaving a diaper on overnight or by accident, because of certain circumstances. Neglect or abuse is intentional and demeaning to a child.

A diaper rash may be just one of many problems the baby is having if he or she is suffering from abuse or neglect. Just to be clear, not all diaper rashes are due to abuse or neglect. However, if you do suspect this is occurring, be sure to report it immediately. This can also be an occurrence among adults who wear adult diapers or incontinence problems.

Although this article focuses on diaper rashes on babies, many of the causes, concerns and treatments can be applied toward adults as well. If you are an adult who is a recipient of neglect or abuse, seek emergency assistance as soon as possible. This can be done by contacting the police or a trusted adult.

Prevention Options and Treatment

The prevention options and treatment of diaper rash tend to be the same types of methods. These include changing the diaper routinely, using gentle products and being aware of the foods baby is eating.

There are also a few steps you can take to treat the rash when it occurs, but will not necessarily prevent future occurrences. Each of these methods will be discussed in greater detail.

They are also very easy to do and can be done in the convenience at home. It requires simple changes in your routine that are beneficial to the child. Best of all, most of the treatments are free or low-cost to you, especially in the long run.

Frequent Changes

When it comes to preventing and clearing diaper rash, the number one thing you can do for your baby is change him or her on a regular basis. In a newborn baby, it is normal to expect 1-3 wet diapers a day. Their stools will also look sticky and dark. Within a few days, you should see 3-4 wet diapers a day, as well as regular bowel movements.

Breastfed babies tend to have a mustard-color, seedy diaper, which is completely normal. Formula fed baby’s stools tend to be darker, which is normal as well. By the 6th day, expect 6-8 wet or soiled diapers a day. As the baby turns 4 weeks of age, it is common to have 4-6 wet diapers a day, with about half of those being bowel movements.

Breastfed Babies

It is important to note that breastfed babies can sometimes have less bowel movements than their formula-fed counterparts. As the child becomes a toddler, wet diapers may increase, as well as the amount of urine during each wet cycle. However, the bowel movements tend to decrease as low as once a day or sometimes less. Although these are the average guidelines, baby’s frequency of wet and soiled diapers can be different. Talking with a pediatrician about frequency concerns can also be helpful.

With these frequency rates in mind, you can get a feel for how often your baby may need changing. Usually you will be able to detect a dirty diaper just by the scent, but if that is not the case, it would be a good idea to check once an hour when they are infants, except when you are both sleeping.

Stool Characteristics

Babies who are fed a strictly breastfed diet tend to have stools that are less smelly in nature as well, so it is a good idea to check them frequently for bowel movements. Diapers have evolved so that the technology in the material pulls moisture away from baby’s skin and absorbs it into the gel beads in the diaper.

What this means for you, as the parent, is not being able to always tell if a baby has a wet diaper. It may appear and feel dry to the touch, when in fact, underneath the layer of material are wet pellets. This new technology can also mask odors, making it harder to detect a diaper that needs changing.

Some diapers have added a line of blue to the inside bottom of the diaper than turns green when urine touches it. This can be helpful to see if your baby needs changing.

Technology in Treatments

It is similar to the technology used in training pants that help toddlers know when they need to change.
You will begin to get a feel for your baby’s changing routine. You might notice that they have more wet diapers at a certain time of the day or night, but less frequent as another portion of the day.

This is good because it means your baby will be changed regularly and will be less prone to getting a diaper rash. At the same time, if they already have a diaper rash, it would be a good idea to change even more frequently than before.

While they may have been able to stay in a wet diaper for an hour before, it would be best to change them even faster than that so you can be assured their bottoms will always be dry and placed next to a clean diaper, helping them heal faster.

Diaper Rash Applications:

There are a plethora of diaper rash ointments, creams and applications sold for babies. These can be helpful for parents on the go, but are not necessary and can actually make the infection worse. There are certain symptoms you should look for before applying diaper rash cream.

First of all, if there are any open wounds or bleeding, you do not want to apply cream. The reason behind this is because the cream will get into the cuts and can cause a bacterial infection. It also hinders the skin from healing because it is being blocked by the cream.

If you are out and about and do not have the option of letting their bottom dry, using diaper rash creams can be a short-term option. Breast milk applied to the rash is used in many countries where diaper rash creams are not an option and are costly. This is a free and natural way to heal the skin.

Letting the Skin Dry

Moisture is what caused the problem and the use of creams and such does not allow the rash to dry. After changing the baby, let him or her be naked for awhile, as long as it is not a cold environment. Getting some air to the body is actually a great way to dry the skin and start the healing.

If you are worried about the baby peeing, the use of a loose cloth diaper can come in handy. You can make your own using used clothing such as old t-shirts or soft flannel. Some parents switch to cloth diapers all together to save money and prevent diaper rash. In some cultures, this is the norm and is a gentle way to take care of the baby.

Colloidal Oatmeal

In order to ease the pain from a diaper rash, a warm soak in colloidal oatmeal will do the trick. Colloidal oatmeal works in two ways. It sooths the pain and it dries the skin. As mentioned before, we want to remove the moisture and drying actually helps heal the skin.

You can let the baby sit in the bath for 10 minutes and just enjoy the water. Be sure to dry them gently and thoroughly afterward. A box of 10 packets of colloidal oatmeal from Aveeno will cost you around $5.

Foods

When it comes to foods that cause irritation to the baby, there is no clear cut set of instructions to follow, except to notice which foods cause diaper rashes or an allergic reaction or not. Introduce one food at a time in order to always be aware of how the baby’s body reacts to each one. If you suspect allergies, talk with the baby’s pediatrician for further information.

Switching Products

Switching the types of products you use can make a difference in the way your baby’s skin reacts to products. Nearly every brand, from Huggies to Pampers sells a line of their diapers and wipes that are fragrance free and dye free. Other brands, such as Seventh Generation and White Cloud are void of fragrances all together.

Seventh Generations goes even further by not bleaching their diapers or wipes and uses organic materials. With the exception of White Cloud, each of these diapers and wipes cost more than regular diapers. Switching to fragrance free products such as lotions and detergent cost about the same as the ones you have already been using and are available in generic brands as well.

You can also switch out your baby powder for cornstarch which is gentler to the skin and does not have added substances to it and is still used by various Native American tribes today.

Resources

Mayoclinic.Com

EmedicineHealth.Com

EverydayHealth.Com

Nausea

Nausea is a term derived from the Greek word meaning seasickness or wamble. Alternative names include: emesis, stomach upset, and upset stomach.

These terms define the feeling of unease and a slight to severe discomfort within the upper stomach that gives the afflicted the urge to vomit, or throw up, which occurs when the body forces the contents from within the stomach.

When there is an attack of severe nausea, it is referred to a qualm. Nausea can be physical or psychological and can originate from various problems within the brain or upper gastrointestinal tract organs and can have many causes, which makes it difficult to pinpoint the actual cause of the nausea when it is prolonged.

Nausea is very common and accompanies a great many illnesses and bodily stress, and can even be caused by outside factors introduced within the body.

Nausea often serves as an indicator that there is a condition within the body that must be paid attention to. The most common cause of nausea is usually gastroenteritis, which is a stomach infection that can be brought on by various causes.

Food Poisoning & Other Factors

There is also food poisoning that can cause severe nausea and vomiting and can present other symptoms as well. There are various medications that can cause nausea, as well as changes in the body such as pregnancy. There are various medications that can also provide relief from the symptom, with great home treatments that will allow the nausea to subside.

The true root cause of an individual’s nausea must be treated in order for true treatment of nausea. There are many medications and home treatments that will make the nausea subside, however, they won’t treat the actual illness or ailment that is causing the nausea.

There are several individuals that undergo chemotherapy or other treatments for chronic diseases, which experience a high level of severe nausea, many times inhibiting the appropriate appetite needed to heal and accept treatment. For this reason, there are several newer methods of treating the nausea and providing relief in order to properly eat and maintain a suitable nutritional level, able to accept treatment more easily.

Symptoms

With nausea, the symptoms vary from person to person but typically remain the same. There is a dizziness and queasy sensation. Not all nausea is accompanied with vomiting as there is some nausea that just severely affects the equilibrium and causes dizziness.

There is also nausea that can cause dry heaving, which occurs when the body is attempting to expel the stomach contents, but the force is too minimal for any more than gagging.

This also occurs when the stomach is empty and cannot dispel any contents. Nausea can also cause minor, moderate, and severe vomiting that can be long or short term. This occurs when the stomach contents are expelled with great force and can include contents and a foamy substance when the stomach is empty.

Stay Hydrated

The best thing to do when this occurs is to remain hydrated with plenty of fluids and electrolytes. Nausea is more known as a symptom of other ailments and diseases, signifying an issue that can be further evaluated.
Many of the symptoms experienced with nausea are the effects of the underlying issue.

Whether there is a disease that an individual is not yet aware of, or a bacterial infection that requires treatment, the symptoms will present themselves with the nausea, making it easier to pinpoint the cause.

Nausea, itself, is a symptom that is useful in signifying there is an issue that requires attention. Though there are many common symptoms, many people are often able to identify if there is something more serious. Symptoms include a high fever, lethargy, and other serious symptoms that signify an infection or illness of some sort. These symptoms are quite critical to the identification and proper treatment of any illnesses that may be present.

Causes

There is a broad range of causes of nausea. There were actually 700 separate listed causes in 2009. Of all the causes, there were two that were most common: gastrointestinal infections and food poisoning. Also the most common causes as they are almost guaranteed are various medications, pregnancy, and alcohol consumption.

Listed as the most common causes to occur are

• Motion sickness and seasickness
• First stages of pregnancy with 50% to 90% of women affected
• Medication
• Severe pain
• Psychological stress
• Food poisoning

There are also common causes like infections that include the common stomach flu, concussion, various forms of cancer, heart attack, or even overeating, or binging. There are many instances when even a foul odor or smell can cause nausea in some individuals.

Age is also an indicator of the cause of nausea. Infants often throw up when trying to expel gas or if they overeat a bit.

There are also several other causes of nausea in infants and small children

• Viral infection
• Food poisoning
• Milk allergy
• Motion sickness
• Coughing

Determining the Cause

When seeking to determine the cause of nausea, many physicians advice to assess the timing of the symptoms in order to determine where the illness is coming from. This includes after meals which could be caused by various causes such as food poisoning and gastritis.

If there is an ulcer, meals can induce nausea as well. Bulimia is an eating disorder that is known to cause nausea after meals, as the body is accustomed to dispelling contents after eating.

There is a one to eight hour window that signifies food poisoning as the cause for nausea, but there are various bacteria that are known to cause food related nausea, such as salmonella and Escherichia coli, or E. coli, poisoning. Nausea from these sources indicates a severe illness and the afflicted should seek treatment immediately.

Choosing the Treatment

It is very difficult to conclude the cause of the nausea without evaluating the other symptoms. When there is a severe headache, it could indicate a migraine headache has caused the nausea, however there are a great many other causes that are associated with a severe headache so more evaluation is necessary.

Evaluating several different symptoms could indicate to the physician just what the cause is, but it can be highly time-consuming and sometimes very difficult. There are other causes for nausea that are easily diagnosed as they are very typical such as morning sickness and alcoholism, but if nausea persists long term, there could be underlying issues that haven’t been identified.

Many people are aware of the nausea before it precedes when they are taking medications, treatments, or consuming a substance that often makes them sick. Pregnancy is almost always sure to bring nausea with it, which is predictable by individuals who are able to get advice from their obstetrician on the appropriate measures for treatment.

Risk Factors

With nausea serving as a symptom itself, there are several risk factors associated with the many various causes. Individuals that have an uneasy stomach that is easily upset are certainly more apt for developing nausea more than those that aren’t easily upset. When medication or alcohol is concerned, those with a lower tolerance are usually more at risk for nausea from the cause than those with a higher tolerance.

When it comes to pregnancy, there is no real risk factor, as nausea from pregnancy is a good sign that the fetus is thriving properly. Improper cleansing and preparing of meals could cause more risk for nausea, as well as consumption of chemicals or substances that are unfamiliar to the body or aren’t well liked.

Cancer patients and those with chronic disease are at great risk of nausea as they will be receiving treatments that induce nausea, which is a common side effect of the treatment. These patients are made aware of these symptoms and are often provided with a medication that can assist the nausea in subsiding.

Prevention Tips

There are various medications that can prevent nausea when it is attributed to motion sickness. There are also a great deal of medications that are available to prevent vomiting as resisting the urge to vomit can prevent the nausea from continuing.

When pregnant, eating breads can prevent vomiting and allow the stomach contents to be absorbed and less irritating to the stomach.

This is also a good tip for avoiding nausea when drinking alcohol or eating foods that upset the stomach. Making sure to take medications on a full stomach can ensure that there is no nausea associated with taking them.

Test and Diagnosis Considerations

When nausea is presented, there aren’t many investigations followed if the cause seems to be more common and less serious.

There are many lab tests that may be done in order to rule out the causes of more serious illnesses and diseases as well as the introduction of bacteria. There are various considerations to keep in mind to determine if there are serious issues that need to be identified.

Such considerations include

• Long term nausea could be an indication of pregnancy
• Home remedies are ineffective, allowing dehydration
• There is a known injury
• Vomiting for more than one day and/or accompanied by diarrhea
• Under six years of age with vomiting for over a few hours
• Over six years of age with vomiting over one day

These considerations are indicators of a more serious illness, infection, or situation that must be acknowledged and cannot be ignored. With vomiting causing dehydration very easily, it is important to be able to address and solve any health issues at once.

If the following signs are present, you should seek medical assistance at once for proper diagnosis of the root cause for the nausea:

• Vomit contains blood that appears bright red or like coffee grounds
• Stiff neck accompanied by a headache
• Signs of confusion, lethargy, or decreased alertness
• 101 degree Fahrenheit fever or higher
• Abdominal pain that is severe
• Diarrhea
• Rapid heartbeat, breathing, or pulse

If presented with these indicating symptoms, the health care professional will typically perform various blood tests and urine tests to identify any health issues that may be present.

These symptoms are usually accompanying a serious cause such as an infection, which can commonly be caused by bacteria that travels into the stomach and is recognized as a foreign, unwanted substance. The stomach will seek out to empty itself, which is where the vomiting and nausea occurs.

Treatment Options

There are various treatments for nausea that are effective no matter the age of the patient. Of course, it is essential to be aware of the cause of the nausea for proper treatment, otherwise, there is no real treatment and the nausea will return.

You don’t want to simply appease the nausea, you want it to go away and that means being aware of the cause as this will allow you to target the root cause in treatment. If you are experiencing nausea brought on by a common cause or a minor cause, you can try various treatments that are shown to be quite effective.

Drink plenty of clear liquids to rehydrate the body
Avoid solid food until the urge to vomit is gone
Discontinue medications with health care provider’s approval

Herbal and Home Remedies

There are several home remedies and herbal treatments for nausea. It is important to remember that nausea is a symptom of another illness which should be identified, however you can appease the symptom with various remedies.

• Non-carbonated syrup
• Ginger root
• Emptying stomach through vomiting
• Wheat germ
• Rice water
• Cumin seeds

You don’t have to avoid vomiting to decrease the nausea. Many times, vomiting is needed in order to eliminate the nausea that may be caused by whatever is in the stomach. Emptying the stomach is also helpful in finding the cause. If nausea continues on an empty stomach, chances are that there is a more serious issue that isn’t food related.

Various herbs are seen to have a great effect on treating nausea such as

• Slippery elm
• Mild tea
• Ginger ale
• Red raspberry
• Herbal candles

Medications

There are many medications that can be quite inexpensive and very effective in preventing nausea and vomiting. One option that is given to those as a postoperative prevention for nausea and vomiting is Dimenhydrinate. There are many people undergoing chemotherapy treatments for cancer, which can cause severe nausea and vomiting.

Cannabinoids are effective in treating this nausea and allowing the appetite to increase. Zofran is an expensive choice for a medication that can eliminate nausea that is useful when treating long term nausea due to medicines or diseases.

Pyridoxine and metoclopramide are more expensive treatments for pregnant women experiencing nausea. There are various states that offer medical grade marijuana to offset the effects of cancers and other chronic illnesses.

Surgery

There is no surgery needed to treat nausea, as it is a symptom of other diseases. You may require some sort of surgery to provide treatment for another type of disease or illness, but the nausea cannot be treated with any form of surgery.

Nausea is very common, and there are people everywhere that are plagued with nausea quite often. Lifestyles, diets, activities, areas, and pretty much anything else can cause nausea to come about without warning. Nausea often serves as an excellent indicator that there is something going on that may need treatment or some sort of attention.

While there are some symptoms that accompany nausea to identify any other illnesses, there are some instances when nausea is just a common result of the medications used or the change in life, like with pregnancy.

Choosing the Right Treatment

Combating nausea is a bit simple as there are several medications and home remedies that will decrease the severity and settle the stomach. Sometimes a bit of bread or crackers will do the job, but other times there is the need for more aggressive measures with medication. For pregnancy, women are more willing to take the nausea as a good sign that the baby is healthy and everything is okay.

Nausea usually subsides within a short amount of time, which is very normal and signifies there may not be anything serious going on. There are other times when the nausea may continue long term which signifies there is an issue.

There is a greater need for attention when this occurs as frequent vomiting can quickly dehydrate the body and leave more serious issues to address. There are many products available to keep the body hydrated and to replenish the electrolytes in children when there are bouts of nausea.

Conclusions

Nausea is not an illness so there is no specific cause. Nausea is a symptom that is accompanied sometimes by vomiting which identifies there is an issue that is causing the stomach to expel its contents. This could be from improperly cooked foods or from bacteria that has been consumed.

If in the event vomiting does occur, it is important to know that sometimes it is necessary to empty the stomach in order to get relief and to ensure that whatever is in the stomach that may be causing the issue is dispelled.

Resources

nlm.nih.gov

MedicineNet.Com

WebMd.Com

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition of the cardiopulmonary system that causes inflammation and constriction of bronchial airways, making it difficult to breathe.

Onset of asthma can range from being slow and mild to sudden and severe. A moderate to severe onset of symptoms is known as an asthma attack. The presence of asthma symptoms alternates with periods of relief.

Asthma is considered a serious, and sometimes life-threatening, disease. Over 22 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with asthma and it results in an average of 2 million trips to the emergency room in a single year. Although asthma is more common in children and young adults, symptoms can occur for the first time in people of any age.

Asthma is chronic, obstructive, and affects the cardiopulmonary system, but several factors keep it in a separate category from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

Asthma has three defining characteristics

Inflammation

During an attack, the bronchial tubes become swollen, red, and sometimes painful. Inflammation can cause long-term lung damage, so treatment of the inflammation is of great concern to overall life expectation and quality of health.

Obstruction

Bronchial tubes are surrounded by bands of muscle. During regular breathing, these muscles stay relaxed. For asthmatic people, as an attack is triggered, the muscular bands tighten, restricting breathing. As the person tries to force air through the bronchial tubes to their lungs, it often makes a sound called wheezing.

Sensitivity

The airways of asthmatics are very sensitive to the environment and situations causing excessive activity. It is normal for the airways to tighten slightly when exposed to large amounts of allergens, but even slight amounts can trigger airways to tighten to a point near closure.

Symptoms of Asthma

The severity of symptoms varies greatly from person to person and from incident to incident. Symptoms are often characterized in four categories: mild, moderate, severe, and pending arrest.

These are the most common symptoms of asthma

• Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
• Tight chest
• Painful chest
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety
• Loss of color
• Excessive perspiration
• Rapid breathing
• Increased mucus production

Symptoms occur at different intervals with different people, and the intervals can be unpredictable. Some people can go for weeks or even months without any symptoms, while others experience symptoms daily. In addition, symptoms can also be brought on by specific triggers. In any case, it can be important to recognize the early warning signs of an impending asthma attack.

By recognizing these early signs, short-term treatment can be administered that may prevent the more severe symptoms of the attack

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or weakness
• Wheezing after exercise
• Altered mood/easily annoyed
• Allergy symptoms – runny nose, sneezing, congestion, headache
• Difficulty sleeping

If an asthma attack goes untreated, it may worsen in severity very quickly. The lungs and airways may continue to tighten until airflow is so restricted that even wheezing is impossible. This condition is dangerous and is known as silent chest. These situations usually require professional treatment because not enough air is getting to the body. The person’s lips may turn blue, and if still left untreated, they may lose consciousness or die.

Causes of Asthma

The exact cause of asthma is unknown. As scientists continue to study the cause, it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Those with a family history of asthma are more likely to have it themselves.

Asthma symptoms can begin for no apparent reason but often begin with what is called a trigger. A trigger is an environmental factor or physical situation that sets in motion physiology changes causing an onset of symptoms.

Asthma triggers are different for every person. It is important for those who suffer from asthma and those close to someone who suffers from asthma to recognize the specific triggers that cause their symptoms to begin.

Most triggers are discovered simply through experience. Doctors can also identify some triggers through blood or skin testing. Some people who suffer from asthma use a peak flow meter. This device measures the quantity and frequency of air being exhaled. It can help to identify triggers. Once the triggers are recognized, it is possible to eliminate or reduce them from the person’s life. Although triggers differ, some are more common than others.

Here are some of the most common asthma triggers

Allergies

Most people with asthma (80%) also have allergies to airborne particles such as pollen, mold, animal hairs or dander, or dust mites. Cockroach droppings have also been found to cause allergic reactions related to asthma attacks.

Emotions

Strong emotions, stress, and anxiety have been known to trigger asthma attacks. These emotions can include sadness (crying), joy (laughing), and anger (yelling).

Exercise

Exercise or excessive physical activity is a very common asthma trigger. Symptoms usually begin in the first minutes of exercise and then subside about 30 minutes later. However, another attack may be induced hours later while at rest.

Food

Some foods can trigger allergic reactions that can lead to asthma attacks. Common food allergies related to asthma are eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, fish, and fruit. Some food preservatives may also act as asthma triggers. Many different food preservatives exist, and some are safe for some people. It is important to watch for the specific additive.

Heartburn

Many people who suffer from asthma also suffer from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In people who suffer from GERD, stomach acid can rise up into the throat and cause irritation of the airways, leading to an asthma attack.

Illness

Colds and flu can cause asthma symptoms to be triggered because airways are much more sensitive under these afflictions.

Irritants

Foreign particles in the air can often cause asthma symptoms to be triggered. Irritants can include perfume, smoke, cleaners, paint, and anything else with a strong smell.

Medication

Some people are sensitive to certain medications. No one drug causes more asthma attacks than another. It varies between individuals.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis causes inflammation in the sinus cavities. Because the sinus cavities are connected to the airways, it causes them to become inflamed, also, leading to an asthma attack. Sinus infections must be treated quickly to reduce the onset of asthma symptoms.

Smoking

Believe it or not, many people who have asthma continue to smoke. Smoking makes asthma symptoms worse and triggers their onset often. People who have asthma and do not attempt to quit are only asking for trouble.

Weather

Asthma attacks often occur because of inclement weather. Those who suffer from asthma are usually susceptible to cold, but any temperature changes or changes in humidity or barometric pressure can trigger symptoms.

Risk Factors

The number of people diagnosed with asthma continues to grow each year, but scientists and doctors have yet to discover the exact reason. While the exact cause is unknown,

several risk factors have been linked to people who suffer from asthma

• Family history/genetics
• Severe childhood respiratory infections
• Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
• Living in dense populations that suffer from air pollution
• Frequent exposure to irritable chemicals
• Obesity
• Low birth weight

Diagnosis

Many tests are available to determine if what a patient is suffering from is asthma. One newer method is the methacholine bronchial challenge test.

Methacholine is a substance that a patient inhales. If the patient’s bronchial passages begin to narrow or spasm, it is a positive indication of asthma.

In most cases, however, a doctor can diagnose asthma through other means. Every doctor also has his or her favorite tests for detecting asthma, which may change from person to person, depending on the situation.

As with any diagnosis, if a patient feels something is wrong with it, they can ask for an explanation or receive a second opinion from another doctor.

One popular test for asthma is a simple question and answer test. This test is effective because many times when a patient visits the doctor for a diagnosis, they are not currently experiencing any symptoms.

When an asthmatic is not experiencing symptoms, they appear to be breathing normally. Patients should be sure to provide the doctor with as detailed answers as can be provided.

Here are some other tests used to determine asthma

Chest x-rays – These are usually only used for those currently experiencing symptoms.
Nitric oxide test –This test measures the amount of nitric oxide gas a patient exhales. People with inflamed airways tend to have higher levels than those with normal airways.
Peak flow test – This can be done either at home or in the doctor’s office. A doctor can explain the best way to use and read the peak flow meter.
Spirometry – This is a test that determines the volume of air a patient is able to exhale. It can prove or disprove bronchial obstruction. Spirometry is also used to ascertain the effectiveness of specific treatments.

Once diagnosed, a doctor will classify the condition on one of four severity levels

Mild intermittent – The patient experiences mild symptoms for two days or less and no more than two nights in a single month.
Mild persistent – The patient experiences mild symptoms at least twice per week, but never on the same day.
Moderate persistent – The patient experiences symptoms once per day at more night per week.
Severe persistent – The patient experiences symptoms multiple times most every day and several nights of the week.

Prevention

Asthma prevention is accomplished by designing a specific plan with a doctor that includes several facets

Put the plan in writing. This makes sure it is easy to follow and maintain.

Avoid asthma triggers. Avoiding the triggers that cause asthma reduces attacks.

Recognize early warning signs of an attack. If a person who suffers from asthma can recognize the signs leading to an attack, steps can be taken to prevent it.

Take medication as instructed. Some medication works long-term to help prevent attacks while other medication only relieves symptoms.

Treatment of Asthma

Numerous medical treatments exist for people who suffer from asthma, but all of them rely on medications. There is no cure for asthma nor is there any surgery that can relieve asthma except in life-threatening, emergency situations.

Asthma medication is divided into three groups

Long-term medication

These medications include anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids. They are critical in reducing asthma attacks. They work by minimizing inflammation of and mucus production in the airways. This makes the body more resistant to triggers.

Corticosteroids – This group of drugs includes beclomethasone, budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone, and triamcinolone. They are usually inhaled and it may take several day up to several weeks before any noticeable effects are reached.

Leukotriene modifiers – These drugs include montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton. They are taken orally and can prevent attacks for up to 24 hours. These drugs, however, have been linked to psychological side effects, such as aggression, depression, hallucinations, becoming easily aggravated, and suicidal thoughts.

Long-acting beta agonists (LABA) – LABAs include formoterol and salmeterol. They open the airways upon inhalation, but some patients may experience severe attacks after their use.

Combination – These inhalers combine an LABA with a cortosteroid for maximum effectiveness and a reduction in side effects.

Quick-relief medications

These medications are bronchodilators that are inhaled and open the airways almost immediately in the case of asthma attacks. They provide fast relief from wheezing, coughing, tightness of the chest, and shortness of breath. Quick-relief medications are almost always used in conjunction with long-term medications.

Short-term beta agonists – This group of bronchodilators includes the most popular asthma medication – albuterol inhalers. Others include levalbuterol and pirbuterol. They act within one minute and last for several hours.

Ipratropium – This inhaled medication is another type of bronchodilator.

Corticosteroids – When injected, these long-term drugs can also provide fast relief from asthma attacks. Since injected corticosteroids have several side effects, they are only used in emergency situations.

Ephedrine – Ephedrine is an over-the-counter medication that opens the airways and eases breathing 30 – 60 minutes after taken orally. Ephedrine is a stimulant and therefore has side effects of increased heart rate, nervousness, and wakefulness.

Allergy-control Medications

These medications benefit those whose asthma is triggered by allergic reactions.

Antihistamines – Antihistamines and decongestants provide relief from allergy symptoms.

Immunotherapy – These injections are usually given weekly for several months and then reduced to monthly for several years. They help to provide long-term relief of allergy symptoms.

Omalizumab – Created for people who are susceptible to allergic triggers. It reduces the body’s reaction to airborne allergens.

Home Remedies for Asthma

Because asthma is such a widespread disease that has been known throughout history, home remedies and treatments abound. Many are ineffective and some provide short-acting relief, long-lasting relief, or even both for certain individuals. Most home remedies do not harm the patient, but if they do not work, it is recommended to use doctor-prescribed medications.

Here are some of the most popular and effective home remedies for asthma

Steam – Steam treatments are especially popular for the relief of asthma. Some say sweating is necessary in conjunction with the steam, but others say it provides no added benefits.

The steam should be breathed deeply to open the airways and relieve excess mucus. The steam in ideally inhaled from a bowl. Sometimes a towel is used to cover the head and the bowl together. Many people advocate the use of other ingredients in the water creating the steam. Such ingredients include garlic, ginger, garlic and ginger, juniper oil, and caraway seeds.

Honey – Honey has long been considered an effective treatment for asthma. During an attack, the patient should inhale the scent of a jar of honey for several minutes. It is also recommended to drink one teaspoon of honey in warm water three times per day.

Garlic – Boil one clove of garlic in one-half cup milk. Eat the garlic and drink the milk.

Turmeric – Drink one teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with milk three times daily.

Mustard oil and Camphor – These two ingredients can be combined into an ointment that is rubbed into the back and chest.

Licorice root tea – Steep licorice root in hot water for 10 minutes and drink.

Cloves – Boil 5 cloves in one cup of water. Add honey and drink three times per day.

Ginger and Black Pepper – Mix ingredients in one tablespoon of molasses or honey and eat.

Fennel – Chewing on fennel is said to reduce mucus. It is not necessary to eat it.

Fresh air, sun, and water – Taking a break from the inside of buildings can help some people achieve relief from asthma. If heat is not a trigger, spending time at the beach, especially an ocean beach, can work wonders.

Resources

nlm.nih.gov

Mayoclinic.Com

EmedicineHealth.Com

Wrinkles

People have been searching for the “Fountain of Youth” since the 16th century. Although the discovery of it was accredited to Ponce de Leon, there is no proof of this, and the legend did not come about until after his death.

However, that does not stop people from visiting St. Augustine, Florida, home of Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth National Park.

While this is, of course, not the real fountain of youth, people still drink from it’s waters, which speaks volumes about how important it is to society to stay looking young and beautiful.

While the imaginary “Fountain of Youth” may not truly grant eternal youth, there are many options for the modern woman including homemade, natural remedies and their synthetic counterparts, and for the lucky few who can afford it, plastic surgery.

However, as with any endeavor, there are risks to be taken when delving into certain anti aging procedures such as chemical peels, botox injections, and going under the knife. Prevention is really the best way to start when talking about anti aging products and getting rid of wrinkles, so here are a few tips for heading those wrinkles off before they get a chance to set in.

Prevention

Don’t Smoke- Smoking is the number one cause of early aging in women today. Not only does it fill your body with toxins, it also causes wrinkles to form around the lips and corners of the mouth from constantly pursing your lips around a cigarette. Smoking reduces the flow of oxygen throughout your body, which leads to a gray and sallow complexion. People who have never smoked, or have quit smoking look and feel younger than those who never started.

Cut down on alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption is another way to age a person beyond their years. Alcohol dehydrates the body, and over a long period of time, the skin will become shriveled in appearance, and more prone to wrinkles.

Often times, smoking and drinking seem to go hand in hand, and years spent in smoky environments will eventually take their toll on your skin. Reducing alcohol consumption to a glass of wine a night, or it’s equivalent, will work wonders for your overall health, well being, and appearance.

Stay out of the sun

Staying out of the sun is the best thing that you can do to protect your skin from becoming wrinkled. While getting a tan might look good for the moment, all the sun does is dry out your skin over and over again, causing it to become like leather as you age.

Always apply sun block when leaving the house, and take extra precautions like wearing sunglasses so that you are not constantly squinting at the sun, which will encourage fine lines around your eyes. Remember to put sunblock on your hands as well, as age spots on the hands, are an indicator of age no matter how smooth your face is.

Avoid stress

Stress is perhaps the #1 unseen killer today. Stress could very well age you faster than all of the factors already mentioned. People who are under a lot of stress tend to have neck, back, and shoulder pain, which stops them from enjoying life the way that they used to.

There really is some truth to the old saying that if you feel young, you look young. While there are many things that are going to be discussed in this article to slow down the aging process, at some point wrinkles will set in, and it is much better to have laugh lines, rather than those of a frown.

Get moving

Exercise is another way of slowing the aging process. Not only does it keep you physically fit, it reduces stress by getting your endorphins going, which will send out signals to your brain to be happy and relaxed. Exercise is also a good time for meditation and/or to connect with yourself, which will also reduce the stress in your life.

While prevention is the best way to remain looking young and wrinkle free, this does not mean that there is nothing that can be done to turn back the hands of time. There are a wide variety of creams, lotions, serums, and scrubs on the market today that are targeted towards that end. The trick is to know what the ingredients are in these products, and if they really work.

Skin Care Products

Every skin care line on the market today will suggest waiting “at least 2 weeks before seeing results”. While this may be true, it gives skin care companies quite a bit of leeway as to the quality of what they are using in their products.

Many of the ingredients found in the most popular skin care labels contain harmful/toxic ingredients that can cause skin irritation, dermatitis, and can also inhibit skin cell growth, which is essential to maintaining a youthful appearance.

This is why it is very important to read the product label before you buy a skin care product. With all the anti aging products on the market today, it may be difficult to know which ones are harmful as a whole, so here is a list of toxic/Toxic ingredients to look for in a skin care product.

Harmful/Toxic Ingredients

Petrolatum Products- Common petrolatum derivatives are mineral oil and paraffin. These leave a plastic like coating over your skin, which allows toxins to build up, and can eventually disrupt hormonal activity.

Parabens – Parabens are used as preservatives and ultimately mimic estrogen, which disrupts hormonal balance in the body.

Phenyl Carbolic Acid-Phenyl Carbolic acid can cause circulatory collapse, convulsions, and paralysis, possibly death due to respiratory failure.

Propylene Glycol– Propylene Glycol while used as carrier oil for fragrance opals and as humectants in skin care lines, has also been found in paint; break fluid, and floor wax. It can cause inhibitive skin cell growth, dermatitis, skin irritation, and in severe cases kidney and liver damage.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate– Also known as Sodium laurel or Laurel Sulfate, this chemical is widely used in skin care products because of it’s ability to easily penetrate the skin, and break down other products making it easier for them to pass through the protective barrier of the skin.

In combination with other chemicals, it can cause hair loss. Along with Propylene Glycol, this is another chemical known to be used for industrial purposes, and can be found in engine degreasers and car shampoos.

Toulene – Also known as benzine/benzyl, this is a well-known poison that can be harmful or fatal if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin.

While this list may seem daunting, there is a website called Skin Deep that has a list of products that are broken down by brand that gives them a score as to how harmful they are to your skin. It is very user friendly, and you can simply type in your favorite brand of moisturizer to see what kind of score it gets.

While you may be surprised at how many reputable skin care lines receive a high score as far as containing harmful products, rest assured that there have been great strides made in the Natural/Organic world of skin care. Actually, the modern world is just now realizing what people of old have known for hundreds of years. Natural oils that are derived from plants and herbs are much closer to fitting the oils that our bodies produce naturally.

Although there are products that are on the market today that are produced in the laboratory which will be discussed along with the natural oils, it seems that some of nature’s ways that have stood the test of time might be the better choice in anti-aging products, but that is your decision to make. Here is a list of oils, and products that are considered safe for your health and well being.

Safe Non Toxic Products For Your Skin

Cynergy TK– this is a new product that is said to stimulate the regrowth of your own collagen and elastin, which leads to fewer wrinkles, and a more youthful appearance.

CQ10– while the benefits of CQ10 have long been known among the medical and cosmetic field, there is a form of it that is much better for anti aging purposes.

When looking at a skin care product label, look for Nano Lipobelle H-EQ10. This form of CQ10 is said to be able to penetrate 7 layers of skin.

Hyaluronic acid- Hyaluronic acid is literally the “glue” that holds together the collagen and elastin fibers in your skin. Loss of this acid leads to dark circles and loss of a youthful appearance.HA is naturally occurring in the body, but decreases with age in most individuals. While it can be found in many anti aging products, it is recommended that it also be taken in supplement form, so that it can work from the inside out.

Phytessence Wakame-This is exotic kelp, which is native to the Japanese sea. This is helpful to your anti aging routine because it blocks an n enzyme called hyaluronase, which breaks down hyaluronic acid.

Coconut oil– Coconut oil has been known for centuries for it’s moisturizing abilities. It also very close in structure to sebum, the oil that our bodies produce naturally. For this reason, coconut oil is absorbed easily into the skin, and a little bit goes a very long way. Not only is it good for skin care, but is also considered a healthy fat.

Olive oil– Olive oil is another oil that has been used for hundreds of years for it’s healing, moisturizing, and heath benefits when used for cooking. Olive oil is a very versatile product that can be mixed with other natural ingredients in your home to make skin scrubs, hot oil treatments, and a multitude of other home remedies.

Jojoba oil– Jojoba oil is just as effective as coconut and olive oil, and can be used in the same way as olive oil to make homemade beauty treatments.

Vitamin C – Along with its cold fighting properties, Vitamin is an anti- oxidant that promotes collagen production and helps to recycle Vitamin E. When used in skin care products Vitamin C promotes less wrinkles, tougher skin, and an all around smoother complexion. Not only that, but it also repairs skin that has been damaged by UV rays and smoking. Some people have reported that Vitamin C can cause some stinging and irritation when applied to the face.

Vitamin E – Vitamin E is still one of the best things you can apply to your skin for wrinkle control. When applied regularly it will lend a youthful and wrinkle free look to your face. There have been reports of red and swollen skin when using Vitamin E regularly, but this is rare.

Aloe Vera– Known for it’s healing properties, Aloe Vera is also very good for tightening the skin, and when mixed together with Vitamin E in equal parts, you have a double duty anti aging cream that will soften as well as tighten your face. Although this is a very good eye cream, care should be taken not to get it in the eyes.

Royal Jelly– Royal Jelly is what the queen bee eats to survive and is reportedly the one of the most nutritious things you can eat. Whether applied topically to your skin, or taken in supplement form Royal Jelly is definitely a force to be dealt with in the anti aging scene. People who have known allergies to bees should not consume royal jelly as paralysis or even death could occur. If you do not know if you are allergic to bees, you may want to consult with your doctor for an allergy test before consuming Royal Jelly.

Alpha Lipoic Acid – Alpha Lipoic Acid is a naturally occurring anti-oxidant, which acts as a defoliant, and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Another benefit of using this product is that it has a protective effect on Vitamin C and E, which encourages regeneration of the cells. Common side effects are inflammation.

While this is a very comprehensive list of anti aging products that are on the market today, this is really just the tip of the iceberg. Modern technology is striving every day to come up with new ways to help people stay looking younger, longer.

However, as the old saying goes, beauty is not only skin deep. Many times, what you see reflected in the mirror is a result of what you have been putting in your body. Good nutrition is essential in maintaining a youthful, healthy appearance. Staying away fro overly processed, prepacked foods that are filled with preservatives and saturated fat is not only unhealthy for your heart, but when you are not healthy it shows in your face.

Eating Vegetables

Eating green leafy vegetables such as fresh spinach and collard greens are essential for a healthy diet, as well as eating fresh fruit. While eating red meat in moderation is acceptable, fish is a much better source oh Omega 3 fatty acids, which lead to all around whole body health. Also, the great debate about eggs is finally over. What people have known for generations is true; eggs are full of protein, and with one egg healthy to consume or not.

Cosmetic Surgery

While many people cannot afford the luxury, cosmetic procedures such as botox injections, chemical peels, and plastic surgery cannot be left out of the anti aging scene. Unfortunately, though it seems that there are more risks than benefits when it comes to these kind of medical procedures.

Whether the doctors or the patients are to blame is a purely a case by case debate, the effects of plastic surgery gone wrong can be scary. Many times, it almost becomes an addiction for some people who are aspiring to get the “perfect” appearance, only to come out years later looking like a parody of themselves.

Other times, people have gone in thinking they could trust their doctor, and found out differently after it was too late. Cosmetic surgery can definitely be a benefit to women who want to get a face lift, or repair sagging eyelids, but it is very important to find the right surgeon, and do some research before going under the knife.

Word of mouth is still the best advertisement, and when looking for a surgeon to work on your most precious asset, it might be best to try to find someone that you know you can trust.

Considering Your Options

Whatever route you choose to take with anti aging creams and potions, remember that only you can decide what is best for you.. Before investing in the latest “miracle” cream, do some research, and see what it is all about.

Or go to the drug store, and try some of the samples that they have out. Also, never doubt the power of some of the natural remedies mentioned in this article, because centuries of women cannot be wrong. Above all else, remember that looking young has a lot to do with feeling young, so have fun on your quest for the best wrinkle cream out there, or try making one at home.

The possibilities are endless as long you feel good about yourself, and reading this article is a step in the right direction. Now, just get out there get moving, and see what the world has to offer!

Resources

nlm.nih.gov

Mayoclinic.Com

EverydayHealth.Com

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.

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.

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

Body Rash

Dermatitis is a general term that covers a wide spectrum of different skin rashes. From an irritant as simple as laundry soap to a rash incurred by brushing up against a coral reef on a deep-sea dive, they all fall under the same category.

Broken down into basics, a rash is an abnormal reaction of the skin to a condition. That condition could be as simple as a diaper rash or be an indication of a more serious underlying disease. A rash can occur from stress, infection, plants, insects, allergies, or inflammation. It is a symptom and a primary cause.

Rash Occurences

A rash can happen to any culture, population or age group. It can appear quickly and disappear just as fast. It can happen fast and furious or take a long time to appear on the surface of the skin.

It accompanies childhood infections, infestation of parasites, such as head lice, and chronic illnesses. It can be an escort for menopause, Lyme disease or methamphetamine abuse. It can be a clanging alarm alerting the doctor of diabetes, meningitis or toxic shock syndrome in women.

Categories of Rashes

However, broadly speaking, there are five subcategories that may help diagnosis and treat a skin rash.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, which is a chronic itchy rash that is sporadic in nature.
Neurodermatitis, a rash caused by irritants such as detergent or an allergy-inducing substance like poison oak.
Perioral dermatitis occurs mainly around the mouth as a bumpy, red rash. Seborrheic dermatitis, a common rash that appear on the face and scalp. It is the root cause of dandruff of the scalp.

Stasis dermatitis, a rash caused by buildup of fluid under the skin, primarily on the legs.

While many professionals say that dermatitis is not a life-threatening or contagious disease, it is scant comfort when all you can think about is scratching and finding relief from a rash that can keep you from focusing on anything else. Many forms of dermatitis can share the same characteristics and make them difficult to diagnosis.

Common symptoms include

• Itching, often the primary complaint of a skin rash.
• Redness
• Skin lesions, white, red or oozing bumps that may feel prickly, hot or uncomfortable.
• Swelling, which can make skin feel tight, tender and sensitive to clothing.

If that were not confusing enough when trying to find a solution for an inflammatory rash, irritants that cause the initial outbreak often categorize dermatitis. The following section combines both categorizations of a rash along with simple treatment options.

Allergic dermatitis (Neurodermatitis)

This condition is rather straightforward in its causal origin. It is a rash that develops with allergies. It can take on any appearance, white or red, bumpy or smooth, dots, and spots or appear over a large area. The number one symptom is itching.

It can greatly affect individuals who suffer from asthma or hay fever and can actually be a genetic predisposition handed down through a family line. It usually starts in infancy, peaking in the childhood or teenage years, and then abating as an individual reaches maturity.

It is nearly impossible to become allergic to these substances as an adult if there is no evidence of an infancy or childhood onset. Allergic dermatitis is attributed to a breakdown in either autoimmune deficiency or genetic predisposition.

Contact dermatitis (Neurodermatitis)

This is a condition that is an allergic outcome to common factors such as soap, detergent, chemical cleaning products, metal, perfumes, dyes and cosmetics. Even some antibiotic creams can cause a contact dermatitis because of the ingredients in the product. This is another form of neurodermatitis that can take on almost any form and is again characterized by itching as the primary symptom.

An allergic reaction to a product will cause contact dermatitis to flare significantly faster than contact with a chemical or substance that builds up over time. Exposure to poison oak or poison ivy falls in this category because it is the contact with the plant that causes irritation to the skin.

Simple Treatment Options

• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications
• Antihistamines
• Covering the affected area to prevent scratching.
• Hydrocortisone or steroidal lotions and creams
• Wet compresses

Eczematic Dermatitis (Atopic)

This dermatitis has an underlying condition that causes the rash to appear. Eczema, psoriasis, a chronic irritation or dry skin are the common culprits in this category of dermatitis. The outbreak is generally confined to the extremities or limbs, such as the ankles, arm or forearm, wrist and the nape of the neck.

On rare occasion, it will appear on the torso but it is highly uncommon. Its main symptom is itching, which is worse at night. The developing rash is red, patchy and can develop fluid-filled sores that ooze or crust over. Or it can exhibit a scaly, dry, rough skin texture that may toughen over time from constant scratching.

Simple Treatment Methods

• Healling infection prone cracks in the skin
• Mild astringents with wet dressings>
• Light therapy
• Antihistamines

Glandular dermatitis (Seborrheic)

This condition is caused by an overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands. It produces a red rash, with yellow or white flakes and scales. It occurs most often on the scalp and is common for people with oily skin or hair. It can be a seasonal affliction when a systemic flare up of symptoms is caused by factors of the different seasons. Possible external causes may be neurological afflictions such as Parkinson’s disease, travel and stress. Infants can suffer a form of this dermatitis known as “cradle cap.”

Simple Treatment Methods

Medicated shampoos containing tar, salicylic acid, pyrithione zinc and ketaconzaole
Hydrocortisone creams for non-scalp eruptions
Antihistamines

Circulatory dermatitis (Stasis)

This form of dermatitis is caused by an accumulation of fluid in subcutaneous tissues of the legs. It is caused by a slow return of blood to the heart from the leg veins.

The extra edema in the tissue affects the body’s ability to moisturize and nourish the skin and places extra pressure on the skin itself. Known causes of this dermatitis are varicose veins, chronic infections and poor circulation. It can present itself with swelling in the legs, itching, thin skin, open sores, discoloration of the skin resulting in reddish brown discoloration or violet-colored lesions.

Simple Treatment Methods

• Elastic support hose
• Varicose vein surgery
• Wet dressings for infection control
• Antihistamines

Oral Dermatitis (Perioral Dermatitis)

This form of dermatitis is centered around the nose and mouth. It is characterized by a rash that is red, and slightly bumpy. It is one of the few rashes has only mild itching or burning associated with it. However, it can spread up to the eyes if rubbed and then transferred to the eyes. It occurs most frequently in women and may come and go for a long time.

Simple Treatment Methods

• A mild corticosteroid cream
• Limit tartar toothpaste use to once a day

Homeopathic and Home Remedies

Many mild rashes can be helped by simple solutions. Cold compresses or washes can alleviate the redness, tenderness and inflammation of the rash. A simple paste of baking soda and water can be applied to the affected area for relief of itchiness.

Aromatherapy & Oils

Aromatherapy can be extremely effective in the lessening of rash symptoms. One of the best conduits for essential oils is a salve that already contains comfrey or calendula. On the other hand, you can use a base cream of non-toxic glycerin and aloe vera and mix 15 drops of essential oil into one ounce of salve. Mix and apply to the affected area.

Essential oils that have been shown to be beneficial are birch, chamomile, lavender, peppermint (for itching), rosemary, tea tree. Tea tree is very effective as an antiseptic bringing relief to those sufferers of eczema and other secondary skin infections.

Additional Home Remedies

Other home remedies include applications of chamomile, evening primrose oil or doses of cold-pressed flaxseed oil. Try a crush of vitamin C tablets and water directly on skin. This may cure many rashes because of the vitamin’s antioxidant properties.

Bach Flower Remedies has a cream that contains essences of Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum & Crap Apple. It is an excellent cream for mild rashes, razor burns and diaper rash.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has also been proven highly effective at treating underlying conditions that may cause a rash. There are protocols and techniques that have brought substantial alleviation of dermatitis and the skin eruptions that accompany it.

Acupuncture may provide immediate relief from itchy, hot skin built up by a histamine reaction. Since acupuncture treats the root cause of a rash, over time the manifestation of skin conditions can abate entirely.

Complications

Any of these forms of dermatitis can be a sign of an underlying disease. Meningitis, diabetes, chicken pox, measles, toxic shock syndrome, menopause and rheumatoid arthritis are all conditions where individuals can suffer an irritating rash.

Other complications can arise as the result of a dermatitis outbreak. Impetigo is open sores and fissures that can become infected. Cellulitis is red streaks that appear on your skin and are warm, red and tender to touch. Both of these complications indicate an underlying bacterial infection and a doctor should be seen as soon as possible. Scarring, scaling and skin thickening can also be long-term effects of a skin rash.

When to See the Doctor

There are times when a rash is painfully severe or the complications so uncomfortable that it is best to seek medical attention. If your skin is painful to the touch, infected, or you are miserable to a point that you cannot perform activities of daily living or you are losing sleep, see your doctor.

Your doctor will either treat you for the condition or refer you to a specialist known as a dermatologist. An expert medical opinion will consider triggers, options, treatments and tests to determine the best course of action.

Visting the Doctor

The doctor will take a complete history, noting allergies, types of laundry products, cosmetics and lifestyle is ascertaining the cause of the skin condition. It is helpful for you to take a list of anything that may prove to be relevant in your everyday life, work environment and hobbies. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more informed you are the better choices you will make.

The resulting diagnosis will lend itself to the proper treatment for your type of dermatitis. The doctor will probably tell you to continue the wet dressings and cold compresses at home. He may add a prescription strength hydrocortisone or steroidal cream. He may prescribe anti-anxiety or Immunomodulator drugs, a non-steroid medication.

Treatment Costs

The costs for dermatitis control and eradication can be expensive if there is a long-term or chronic element in the equation. Nominally, the costs of over-the-counter creams, lotions and soaps will not be prohibitive especially if they are replacing a more inflammatory product that you previously used.

The highest cost of dermatitis therapy will be the cost of the initial doctor visit and the subsequent follow-up, especially if patch tests are employed to determine the cause of a rash. Acupuncture sessions can run anywhere from $50.00 to $250.00 per session depending on the location and the technique used in treatment. Homeopathic treatments, lotions and creams will cost about the same as other over-the-counter salves and ointments.

Prevention

To help avoid skin irritations in the future, there are simple rules that can be followed.

Eliminate trigger elements. Wear gloves when performing household chores and handling products with chemical irritants. Change personal and cleaning products to non-toxic and organic cleaners, cosmetics and hair care supplies. There are several great products on the market today for both home and personal use.

Bathing Products

Eliminate soap. Soap is a drying agent and can aggravate skin irritations and rashes. Use a pure glycerin or shea butter product for bathing and hand washing.

Use colloidal oatmeal in a cool or warm bath. This is a soothing relief for hot, swollen, itchy skin.

Lotions & Scratching

Use traditional lotions such as Calamine. These products have been used for years for their cooling effects and can have a high success rate.

Do not scratch. If the temptation is too great, wear comfortable, thin cotton gloves, especially at night. The gloves will prevent any possible infection from microscopic bacteria under the fingernails.

Apply cool, wet compresses. You can add a couple of drops of lavender or tea tree oil to the compress for added relief.

Sunscreen and Moisturizing

Use sunscreen. Extreme heat and sweating can make your rash seem ten times worse than it is. Take cool showers and exercise in the evening,

Bath less often. Too much bathing can actually dry out the skin, leaving it prone to scaling, flaking or cracking. Dry off completely, patting your self dry with a towel.

Moisturize your skin. Products like Aveeno and Eucerin carry a line that combats elements that cause dermatitis. Use natural products made only of shea butter for lubricating the skin.

Lifestyle Changes

Avoid processed foods that can contain additives and preservatives that can aggravate your rash. Wash all organic food before eating or food preparation.

Up your water intake. This can help nourish the skin and flush out toxins. Increase your portions of foods high in Omega-3s. These foods contain properties that help heal the skin.

Conclusion

Rashes are an inconvenient truth in every person’s life. Almost of all of us will experience a rash sometime in our life. With the tips presented here, you have a very good chance of alleviating the itchy, swelling purgatory of a person who only wants to scratch.

Resources

Children.WebMd.Com

EverydayHealth.Com

Mayoclinic.Com