Treatment Options for Different Types of Skin Rashes

Treatment Options for Different Types of Skin Rashes

A noticeable change in the color or texture of the skin is known as a rash. Your skin might become bumpy, itchy, scaly, or maybe irritated. There are various types of skin rashes one can suffer from, and so, here is a close look at most types. This article will help you identify the rash or know when to consult a doctor so that you can get treated effectively. Many rashes can be managed at home as well. Flea Bites This is one such type of skin rash that is generally located in clusters mainly on the feet and lower legs. They are generally itchy and manifest in the form of a red bump that is surrounded by a red ring. The symptom follows soon after being bitten. Fifth disease Rashes in this disease usually are accompanied by low fever, sore throat, headache, fatigue, runny nose, nausea, and diarrhea. This type of skin rash is more common in children, and they manifest as a bright red, round rash on the cheeks. One can also find a lacy patterned rash on legs, arms, and upper body. Rosacea This is one such chronic skin disease which follows a cycle of relapse and fading. The four subtypes of the disease include a variety of symptoms. Few of the common symptoms include raised red bumps, facial flushing, skin sensitivity, and skin dryness. Impetigo This is more commonly observed in children and babies. To identify skin rash due to this condition look for rashes near the chin, mouth, and nose. The rash usually forms a honey-colored crust on the skin. Fluid-filled blisters can also accompany the rash. Ringworm They are scaly rashes in a circular shape with a raised border. Usually, the skin in the middle of the ring looks healthy and clear, while the edges may keep spreading outward.
Effective Treatment Methods for Tick-borne Illness

Effective Treatment Methods for Tick-borne Illness

Ticks—the small-sized bloodsucking arthropods—are the leading carriers of various vector-borne diseases in humans. In most of the cases, the toxins, organisms, or secretions in the tick’s saliva that transmit through the tick bite cause such diseases. According to various medical studies, different types of tick-borne diseases can be found in the country. Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, Lyme disease, Tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Colorado tick fever are some examples of common diseases caused by tick bites. However, you should not panic if you get a rash from tick bites. Timely and proper medical guidance is the secret to successfully dealing with such tick-borne illnesses. The ticks are so tiny in size that people sometimes do not even particularly realize when the ticks are biting until they get a rash from tick bites. There are certain cases when you may not get rashes but flu-like symptoms from the tick bites, which are also an indication of the disease. Signs and Symptoms of Tick-Borne Illnesses Flu-like symptoms such as chills, headaches, and achiness Numbness Fever Palpitations Weakness Paralysis Neck stiffness Joint pains, swelling in the body joints Rash (the type of the rash from tick bites can vary depending on the pathogen type transmitted by the tick) Vomiting Nausea Swollen lymph nodes Shortness of breath Medical guidance is needed if any of the following conditions exist. Ticks cannot be removed from the skin. Even after the removal, the mouth or the head of the tick is still stuck onto the skin. Exhibiting fever, lethargy, paralysis, headache, numbness, and rash from tick bites. Immuno-suppressed individuals should consult medical experts if they get tick bites. If a pregnant woman gets a tick a doctor should be consulted bite before taking any medication. Treatment for Tick-borne Illnesses Not all ticks carry the same pathogen. Hence, the treatment process and the medications obviously vary depending on the type of the pathogen transmitted by the tick while biting.
Top Non-surgical Treatments for Chronic Pain

Top Non-surgical Treatments for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can play spoilsport in our lives by affecting our job, daily routine, and relationships. The good news is that timely diagnosis and treatment can go a long way in eliminating this pain from our lives. The ideal chronic pain management aims at reducing or eliminating the need for pain medication and improving physical functioning. With the right treatment for chronic pain, you can lead a pain-free life. Any pain that spans over a few months or around 12 weeks is called chronic pain. The cause of pain may be illness, injury, joint-related disease or overuse of joints. Gone are the days when you only surgical options were available for the treatment for chronic pain. Thanks to the medico-technological advancements, patients now have numerous treatment options for dealing with chronic pain. Types of chronic pain Chronic pain can occur in different locations of the body and for a variety of reasons. The most common type of chronic pain occurs due to injuries. This injury may be sports-related or caused by accident. Back pain is another common type of chronic pain. Lower and upper back pain may result from incorrect posture, extended hours of sitting or standing, or damage to the spine. Joint pain due to arthritis or wear and tear of the joints are also some common types of chronic pain. Arthritis pain can occur at in joint of the body. Nerve-related issues may lead to diseases or illnesses that cause other types of pain. Non-surgical treatment options for chronic pain The right choice of treatment for chronic pain depends on its cause. Doctors evaluate this pain based on the following factors: Duration Intensity Cause Location Once they ascertain the parameters mentioned above, they will decide on the right treatment option. Pain management primarily focuses on minimizing the use of pain medication, improving physical flexibility, and strengthening the affected parts.
Lung Cancer – Stages and Treatment Options

Lung Cancer – Stages and Treatment Options

Lung cancer is one of the most unpleasant forms of cancer. Due to the large size of the lungs, tumors can grow in them for significantly long periods before being detected. The symptoms of lung cancer include coughing and fatigue. It is difficult to identify this disease by these symptoms alone, and thus, it is hard to get an early diagnosis. There are two types of lung cancer – non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. The stages of lung cancer depend on whether cancer has spread from the lungs to other organs, the lymph nodes, or whether it is still local. Early diagnosis of lung cancer can help in treating this condition effectively. Nevertheless, people with lung cancer do have access to various treatment options. Before we get to these treatment options, let’s understand the two types of lung cancer, their stages, and how they affect people in the country. Non-small cell lung cancer Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases in the country. Adenocarcinoma, a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer, is the most common form, followed by squamous cell carcinoma (25%) and large cell carcinoma (10%). Stages of non-small cell lung cancer Stage I: Cancer is local and has not spread to the lymph nodes yet. Stage II: Cancer has started spreading to other areas of the lungs as well as the lymph nodes nearby. Stage III: In this stage of the disease, cancer spreads to the middle of the chest, the lymph nodes, and the lungs. It is also known as “locally advanced disease.” It has two subtypes. If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes present on the same side of the chest where cancer originated, it is called stage IIIA. If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes present on the other side of the chest, or just above the collarbone, it is called stage IIIB.
High Cholesterol – Symptoms and Treatment Options

High Cholesterol – Symptoms and Treatment Options

Cholesterol is a thick and waxy, fat-like substance widely found in every cell of the body. Produced by the liver, cholesterol is essential for the production of certain hormones, vitamin D as well as some substances that aid in digestion. Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream by small particles called lipoproteins. Healthy cholesterol levels protect an individual against heart diseases. However, at the same time, if the level of cholesterol rises beyond a certain limit, it can build up in the arteries and become the cause for a heart attack or stroke. There are two types of lipoproteins — low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which causes heart diseases, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which returns the LDL cholesterol to the liver for elimination from the human body. If the level of LDL cholesterol is high, or the level of HDL cholesterol is low, fatty deposits can build up in the blood vessels, leading to a blockage of the arteries. This condition is called high cholesterol. Thankfully, there are plenty of treatment options that help in controlling the LDL cholesterol levels. Common symptoms of high cholesterol There are no visible symptoms of high cholesterol. So, an individual could have this condition and yet know nothing about it. If a person has high cholesterol, their body will store all the excess cholesterol in the arteries. Arteries are responsible for transporting blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A buildup of cholesterol in the arteries can result in plaque, which in turn makes these arteries narrow. If the cholesterol levels keep rising, it can lead to a blockage in the arteries. In case the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscles get blocked, a person can have a heart attack. Similarly, if there is a blockage in the artery that delivers blood to the brain, a person experiences a stroke.
5 Treatment Options for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

5 Treatment Options for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a condition where patients experience discomfort or pain in the belly along with unusual bowel habits. For some, the bowel movements might be more or lesser than usual, and for others, they might pass a different kind of stool. Almost 25 to 45 million people in the country suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Among them, the majority are women. An individual is more likely to be affected by IBS between their late teens and early 40s. The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and the passing of mucus during bowel movements. This complex motility and sensory disorder has physical as well as stress-related dimensions. Some people are able to control their IBS symptoms by managing their diet, altering their lifestyle, and controlling stress. Others might need the support of medication or counseling. Here are the various treatment options for IBS: Changing the lifestyle and diet Note that your dietary intake, as well as the stress-related factors, can worsen the symptoms of IBS. Discuss measures to reduce or avoid these symptoms with your health care provider or dietitian. Sometimes, even eating smaller quantities in frequent intervals helps reduce abdominal discomfort. Avoiding caffeine and including fiber in one’s diet can help one battle the symptoms of IBS. Adequate rest and exercise reduce stress levels, stimulate the regular contractions of the intestines, and increase positivity. If followed diligently, this can be one of the best treatment options for IBS. Medication If lifestyle changes don’t work, there are numerous medications available in the market that can provide relief from the symptoms of IBS. Even though antispasmodics have limited benefits, if you have the symptoms soon after eating, then such medication helps in relieving the abdominal pain. Consuming anti-diarrheal agents helps in reducing the diarrheal symptoms, but it might not be helpful for the pain associated with IBS.
Best Treatment Options for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Best Treatment Options for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Health disorders that trigger a change in one’s bowel movements and habits are annoying. Frequent visits to the loo are no fun at all. People who work in an office or attend classes at school or college experience greater discomfort as these bowel problems are quite embarrassing. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that impacts and restricts one’s diet. This gastrointestinal disorder presents itself as a group of symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, etc. There are several types of this disease, and the condition varies from person to person. One needs to maintain a list of food items that trigger the syndrome so that they can avoid its consumption. In this way, one can lead a better and healthier life in the long run, devoid of the symptoms that encompass the scope of the disease. Triggers are those food items that cause a flare-up of symptoms and lead to the onset of the disease or its aggravation. Seeking treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is the best course of action. When it comes to choosing a treatment option for irritable bowel syndrome, here are some of the best options available. Treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome Here are some of the best ways to maintain and treat irritable bowel syndrome: Avoiding certain foods If one is suffering from IBS diarrhea, they should avoid the consumption of large amounts of insoluble fiber in their daily diet. Fiber found in the skin of vegetables and fruits are insoluble. One should also avoid taking sorbitol, fructose, caffeine and chocolate drinks. If one is suffering from IBS constipation, they should not eat food items that further trigger the condition. One should avoid processed food items, especially cheese, high-protein diets, bread and cereals, dairy products, coffee, and carbonated drinks at all costs.
Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension

PAH or pulmonary arterial hypertension is also known as primary pulmonary hypertension. It is a very rare hypertension disease that affects your capillaries and arteries. The blood from the right ventricles of your heart flows into your lungs through these vessels. When the pressure in your arteries arises, your heart has to work much harder to pump the blood and as a result, it weakens the heart muscles. This can result in death as well. You cannot be cured of primary pulmonary hypertension. However, there are treatment options available for you to cope with it. Symptoms During the early stages of the primary pulmonary hypertension, you will not get any such noticeable symptoms. However, as your condition gets from bad to worse, there will be some symptoms that will get more and more noticeable. These symptoms include: Dizziness Chest pressure Fainting Fatigue Difficulty breathing Heart palpitations Rapid pulse Chest pain Bluish spots on your skin and lip Swelling of legs and ankles Swelling of your abdomen towards the later part of your disease You will find it difficult to breathe when you exercise or perform any other type of physical activity. Also, you might find it difficult to breathe even at the time when you are taking rest. Causes PAH happens when the capillaries and the arteries which carry the blood from the heart to the lungs gets destroyed or constricted. This happens due to multiple reasons. But the exact reason for primary pulmonary hypertension is yet to be discovered by the doctors and scientists. According to research, almost 15% to 20% of the people who suffer from PAH in the country have it hereditarily. This is due to the mutation that takes place in the BMPR2 gene or other genes. This genetic mutation can continue to happen from generation to generation leaving someone a chance to develop this disease at the later part of their life.
Toenail Fungus – Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Toenail Fungus – Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Toenail fungus is a common problem that begins with a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. Nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken, and crumble at the edge as the fungal infection goes deeper. It can attack any nail. You may not need a treatment if your condition is light and not disturbing you. If the nail fungus becomes painful and makes the nails thickened, home remedies and medications may be effective. Nail fungus usually comes back even if the treatment is successful. Read on to know the symptoms nail fungus and methods on how to get rid of it: Symptoms Although the fungus mainly affects the toenails, nail fungus can affect any fingernail. If properly treated, fungal nail infections don’t usually lead to serious long-term problems. However, in certain individuals who have diabetes or a weakened immune system, they may be more serious. There is no pain associated with the infection, but if you find your nails thickened or show discoloration from white to yellowish brown, you may have fingernail fungus. Nails becoming brittle, crumbly, ragged or distorted in shape are also its symptoms. Debris may build up under the nail and make the nail dark. Sometimes, the nail may generate a slightly foul smell. Treatment Medications Usually, doctors prescribe antifungal medications that you can take orally or apply to the nail for fingernail fungus treatment . In some cases, the oral and topical antifungal therapies may be combined. Oral Antifungal Medication This is the best toenail fungus treatment as it clears the infection more quickly than anything else. However, the treatment success rates with these medications appear to be lower in adults over age 65. These medications stimulate a new nail to grow free of infection by slowly replacing the infected part.
Top Treatment Options for Post Nasal Drip

Top Treatment Options for Post Nasal Drip

A lot of people experience postnasal drip at some point in their lives. The nose and throat naturally produce mucus to moisten the nasal membranes, clear the nasal passage, and fight infection. However, in case the body starts producing extra mucus, it might get collected in the back of the throat. You may also feel a leaking sensation, where the mucus drips down your throat from the nose. This is termed as postnasal drip. Some of the most common symptoms of postnasal drip are as follows: A bad cough that gets worse at night Bad breath Sore throat Nausea An uncomfortable feeling that you constantly need to clear your throat Common Causes of Postnasal Drip Sometimes, the mucus produced cannot be properly cleared away, resulting in a postnasal drip. Also, conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease and GERD can trigger swallowing troubles that result in the buildup of liquids in the throat. Other common causes are as given below: Allergies Colds and flu Sinusitis or sinus infection Pregnancy Certain blood pressure medications Object stuck in the nose Changing weather or excessively cold temperatures Fumes from cleaning products, smoke, perfumes, etc. Deviated septum Certain foods, especially spicy foods Best Postnasal Drip Treatment The best postnasal drip treatment depends upon the cause. They can be caused due to bacterial and viral infections. In case of a bacterial infection, taking antibiotics can be helpful in finding relief. Moving on, nasal decongestants and antihistamines can help in treating cold and virus infections. Conventional, over-the-counter antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine are not ideal postnasal drip treatment options as they tend to thicken the secretions. On the other hand, newer medicines such as cetirizine, loratadine, desloratadine, and fexofenadine are more suitable and also have fewer side effects. It is important to note that all these medicines can cause dry mouth and drowsiness.
Common Symptoms and Treatments of Overactive Bladder Disorder

Common Symptoms and Treatments of Overactive Bladder Disorder

One can experience a number of symptoms when having such a disease like an overactive bladder. The most common symptom of an overactive bladder includes sudden and uncontrollable pressure for urination. Leaks and frequent visit to the bathroom are the common behavior for a person having bladder disorder. Aged people are more vulnerable to this disease than youngsters and it can badly affect one’s personal and professional life. People often take its symptoms lightly and simply ignore them believing they can deal with such issues. The disease of overactive bladder can turn out be life-threatening if it is ignored or undiagnosed. If you experience the discontinuity in the urge for urination, you should immediately consult with your doctor to get treatments for overactive bladder disorder. Test to confirm overactive bladder disease If you find abnormalities in the urge of urination, let your doctor find the actual reasons behind the disorder. Your doctor will ensure if you have an infection in your bladder. Your doctor may ask you whether you empty your bladder completely during urination or not. The process of diagnosis may also include the physical examination, checking up medical history, neurological examination and the test of the urine sample. Your doctor may also ask you for a urodynamic test to ensure your bladder’s capability to turn empty completely. The amount of urine left inside the bladder, test for flow rate and pressure are considered in the process to ensure your bladder disorder. Your available treatment options One can develop overactive bladder disorder due to several factors. Likewise, a patient can go through a number of available treatment options. Have a look at some convenient treatment options to cure overactive bladder. Dietary treatments You can get rid of the symptoms of overactive bladder by cutting out some food items from your dietary chart.
Premature Ejaculation – Causes and Treatment Options

Premature Ejaculation – Causes and Treatment Options

Premature ejaculation is a common issue that men face these days, and it is treatable with medications. However, it is essential to consult a doctor before taking medicines for this condition. Read on to find out about premature ejaculation, its causes, and treatment options available. What is premature ejaculation? It is a condition that occurs during sex when a man climaxes pretty quickly. When this happens, the said individual can no longer continue having sex. Thus, it may leave both partners unsatisfied. Moreover, many men may find it embarrassing and frustrating to talk about this problem. In some cases, even the relationship can be affected due to this. However, one does not have to deal with this problem for the rest of their lives. By taking medication for premature ejaculation, one can prevent such incidents from happening. On an average, about 35-40% of men experience it at some point in their life. If it is a rare occurrence, then one does not need to worry about it. What are the causes of premature ejaculation? Before one starts taking medications, it is essential to know about the causes of premature ejaculation. While the exact reason for this problem is not known, there are speculations on what can lead to it. If the level of a chemical called serotonin in the brain is low, then it may lead to quick ejaculation. Emotional factors are also known to play a role in causing premature ejaculation. Here are some emotions which can cause it: Relationship problems Depression Stress Guilt Performance anxiety Men who have erectile dysfunction may also experience this problem. Treating this condition may provide a solution to premature ejaculation. Several medications are used to treat erectile dysfunction. The options include tadalafil, vardenafil, and sildenafil. These can treat erectile dysfunction and also help avoid premature ejaculation.