Orcee

Archive for September, 2007

Dermatitis is a blanket term literally meaning ” inflammation of the skin”. Symptoms of inflammation are itching, pain, redness, swelling, and the formation of small blisters or wheals (itchy, red circles with a white centre) on the skin. There are different types of dermatitis, and the disorder can have many causes and occur in many forms. Generally, dermatitis describes swollen reddened and itchy skin. Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect the skin on other parts of the body such as the face and chest, and the creases of the arms, legs and groin. The inflammation is caused by an allergy or irritation as a result of substances found in the workplace that come into direct contact with the skin. Dermatitis may be a brief reaction to a substance. The hands and feet are particularly vulnerable to chronic dermatitis, because the hands are in frequent contact with many foreign substances and the feet are in the warm, moist conditions created by socks and shoes that favor fungal growth. Dermatitis is a common condition that isn’t life-threatening or contagious. But, it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination of self-care steps and medications can help you treat dermatitis.

Your skin is constantly exposed to the elements making it susceptible to a variety of problems, including the common condition dermatitis. It is usually used to refer to eczema which is also known as Dermatitis eczema . Some types of dermatitis affect only specific parts of the body, whereas others can occur anywhere. However dermatitis is always the skin’s way of reacting to severe dryness, scratching, a substance that is causing irritation, or an allergen. In all cases continuous scratching and rubbing may eventually lead to thickening and hardening of the skin. These diseases include asthma, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis. dermatitis most often affects infants and young children, but it can continue into adulthood or first show up later in life. Many children with atopic dermatitis enter into a permanent remission of the disease when they get older, although their skin often remains dry and easily irritated. This kind of dermatitis is caused by chemicals that are irritating (e.g., acids, bases, fat-dissolving solvents) to the skin and is localized to the area of contact. Another difference is that allergic dermatitis can occur in other places on the body that did not come in contact with the allergy-causing material.

The common Causes of Dermatitis

Contributing factors include genetics, concentration, duration of exposure, and presence of other skin diseases.

Most common agents are plants of the Toxicodendron genus (eg, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac).

A common, chronic skin condition that can affect the Dermatitis area as well as other locations on the body.

The inflammation causes the skin to become itchy and scaly.

The most common cause of dermatitis. The condition is usually caused by exposure to certain chemicals in combination with extreme heat or moisture, which can cause a breakdown of the skin.

An irritant produces direct local cytotoxic effect on the cells of the epidermis, with a subsequent inflammatory response in the dermis.

Exposure to environmental irritants can worsen symptoms, as can dryness of the skin, exposure to water, temperature changes and stress.

Dermatitis caused by a fungal infection in the Dermatitis area.

Some Symptoms of Dermatitis

Skin lesion or rash at the site of exposure

Atopic dermatitis

Skin redness or inflammation in the exposed area

Neurodermatitis

Localized swelling of the skin

Perioral dermatitis

Itching ( pruritus ) of the skin in exposed areas

Treatment of Dermatitis

Your doctor will recommend antibiotics such as flucloxacillin or erythromycin if infection is complicating or causing the dermatitis. The infection is most often with Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes .

Antihistamine tablets may help reduce the irritation, and are particularly useful at night

Systemic steroids , azathioprine , phototherapy , and other complicated treatments may also be used for severe cases.

Ultraviolet light treatments (UVA, UVB)

Protect your skin from dust, water, solvents, detergents, injury.

Apply an emollient liberally and often, particularly after bathing, and when itchy. Ask your doctor or dermatologist to recommend some to try; avoid perfumed products when possible.

Wear soft smooth cool clothes; wool is best avoided.

Hospitalizaton for treatment of severe dermatitis that is not responding to the above treatments.

About the author: Juliet Cohen writes health articles for health diseases and disorders. She also writes articles on women makeup tips.
Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Coeliac disease is a condition that affects the small bowel, caused by an abnormal immune response, or sensitivity, to a dietary protein known as gluten. When the lining of the small intestine is damaged, nutrients like calcium, iron, folic acid and fat-soluble vitamins are poorly absorbed. In some people these proteins cause damage to the tiny projections – or villi – that line the small intestine. Sugars, proteins and fats may be poorly absorbed too.Until recently, celiac disease was considered uncommon in the United States. However, recent studies suggest that the disease may be underdiagnosed and that as many as one in every 133 Americans could have the disease. In some cases, a diagnosis of celiac disease is missed because the symptoms are so varied and may only flare up occasionally. This renders them unable to absorb food properly, and can lead to diarrhoea and malnutrition. These proteins damage the small finger-like projections (villi) that line the small intestine and play a significant role in digestion. When damaged and inflamed, the villi are unable to absorb food properly, which often causes diarrhoea and malnutrition.

The common Causes of Coeliac Disease

The exact cause of coeliac disease is unknown.

Severe stress, physical injury, infection, pregnancy, childbirth or surgery may lead to symptoms developing.

Sensitivity to gluten is the cause of coeliac disease and this often runs in families, suggesting a genetic link.

Some Symptoms of Coeliac Disease

Muscle cramps

Seizures

Fatigue

Failure to thrive in infants

Bone or joint pain

Chronic diarrhea

Recurring abdominal bloating and pain

Pale, foul-smelling, or fatty stool

Behavioral changes

Treatment of Coeliac Disease

A blood test can now help doctors to tell if somebody is likely to have the condition.

Treatment consists of restricting gluten in the diet.

The only effective treatment of Coeliac disease is strict lifelong complete avoidance of Gluten found in cereals such as Wheat, Rye and Barley (many tolerate Oats).

However, the only way to confirm a diagnosis is to remove a small piece of tissue from the intestine for analysis in the laboratory.

You may also be advised to take some vitamin and calcium and iron supplements at least for the first six months following diagnosis. This is to replace any deficiencies, and to make sure you get enough of these whilst the gut lining is returning to normal.

About the author: Juliet Cohen writes health articles for health diseases and disorders. She also writes articles on women makeup tips
Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for dry mouth. Sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses. Among them are antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, high blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants, drugs for urinary incontinence, Parkinson’s disease medications, antidepressants and many others. Without the cleansing effects of saliva, tooth decay and other oral health problems become more common. Patients using oral inhalers for asthma often develop oral candidiasis, an oral fungal infection, and are encouraged to rinse their mouths with water after using the inhaler.

Common Causes of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be a result of nerve damage to the head and neck area from an injury or surgery.

Conditions that lead to dehydration, such as fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and burns can cause dry mouth.

Surgical removal of the salivary glands.

Damage to the salivary glands, the glands that produce saliva, for example, from radiation to the head and neck and chemotherapy treatments for cancer , can reduce the amount of saliva produced.

Dry mouth can be a side effect of medical conditions, including Sjögren’s syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease , diabetes, anemia , cystic fibrosis , rheumatoid arthritis , hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, stroke , and mumps .

Smoking or chewing tobacco can affect saliva production and aggravate dry mouth. Continuously breathing with your mouth open can also contribute to the problem.

Some Symptoms of Dry Mouth

A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth.

Saliva that seems thick, stringy.

Mouth sores .

Bad breath .

Difficulty speaking, swallowing.

Mouth infections.

Cracked lips .

An altered sense of taste.

Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking.

A dry feeling in the throat.

Treatment of Dry Mouth

Individuals who lack iron, zinc, folic acid or B vitamins should take appropriate supplements. Some may require injections.

Doctors may prescribe alternative medications.

Endocrinologists or primary care providers treat disorders such as hypothyroidism or diabetes.

Elimination of allergens can relieve BMS symptoms; for example, removal of certain dental materials, changing diet or avoiding flavorings.

Doctors may prescribe antifungal creams, gels or tablets. Dentures are removed and disinfected.

Imprinted or phantom pain may be treated with medication.

Stomach acid that enters the mouth from the upper gastrointestinal tract can cause irritation and pain. Patients are treated by a gastroenterologist.

If symptoms are associated with anxiety or depression, health care providers may recommend antidepressants, psychiatric therapy or both.

Dentures that irritate the mouth, should be adjusted or replaced with dentures of a different material. Patients must practice proper care and cleaning of dentures and avoid excessive toothbrushing or rinsing with mouthwash.

About the author: Juliet Cohen writes health articles for health diseases and disorders. She also writes articles on women makeup tips.
Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com