If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Acne is a common skin disease that results when pores get blocked and bacteria form inside them. It comes in a variety of familiar forms and affects nearly everyone at some stage, particularly in their teen years. The inflamed, red bumps that sometimes form can be painful, and even painless white pimples are unsightly.

In the surface of the skin are pores, tiny openings called a hair follicle. Deeper inside the pore, near the base of the follicle, there are sebaceous glands that produce sebum, a natural type of oil. That oil helps keep the skin flexible and protected.

Hair continues to grow through the surface, while oil or sebum oozes out the side and is spread around the area. Skin cells grow and die and are sloughed off through washing, rubbing or spontaneously. But that process can be interrupted when the pores close and when bacteria form inside them. The result is acne.

The white pimples that sometimes form are usually a combination of dead skin cells, white blood cells and bacteria. The trapped pus often creates an inflamed, red area around it. The term ‘pus’ is an adaptation of ‘pustule’, a type of acne that results when the follicle wall bursts and the white blood cells rush into the area as part of a healing process.

When the tiny bumps or spots appear black they’re called blackheads, naturally enough. They’re a non-inflamed form of acne that come from the material having poked through the surface. Their dark color isn’t the result of contact with dirt on the skin. It’s a combination of dead skin cells and sebum that have oxidized. Oxygen in the air causes a chemical reaction that turns them black.

Often, however, the material doesn’t break the skin, but simply pushes it up, forming a small, white bump called whiteheads. One form is known as ‘milia’. Normally dead skin cells will get washed off or simply fall off the surface. But they can get trapped underneath the surface. This type of acne is common among infants, but can affect people at any age.

All these variations go by a general medical term called ‘comedones’, and whether that formation is open or closed is part of the clinical difference between them.

As the acne develops it can variously form what are called papules, nodules or cysts. A papule forms when the walls holding the hair follicle burst near the surface. They’re small and don’t contain pus. A nodule is a hardened lump under the skin, resulting from a break at the base of the follicle. A cyst is a larger, reddened bump. They’re soft, but can be very painful.

Naturally, while it’s helpful to know what acne is, the most important thing is to be able to treat it. In order to do that, it’s necessary to know what type we have. We turn to that next…

Popularity: unranked [?]

The symptoms of diabetes can be puzzling. Even the common ones may not be present in all cases. They may come and go. And the same symptoms can be produced by other conditions. Nevertheless, there are a cluster of common circumstances that tend to mark out the disease.

Unusually frequent urination is one of the classic symptoms that suggest the possibility of diabetes. One defining attribute of the disease is excessive glucose levels in the blood. Either the body produces too little insulin to deal with it (Type 1 diabetes), or the insulin isn’t used correctly (Type 2).

The body attempts to compensate by eliminating the excess glucose using the urine. The kidneys work at higher than normal levels to filter out the excess sugar. When they can’t remove enough, the remainder is passed through when other fluids are eliminated as waste products of metabolic processes.

One result, and an accompanying symptom, is excessive thirst. The diabetic feels as if he or she is always thirsty, and no matter how much fluid is taken in it never seems like enough. That in turn prompts still more urination.

Another common and possible symptom is continual fatigue. Since insulin isn’t performing its role properly by aiding the cells to take in glucose from the bloodstream, the diabetic may feel tired. Glucose is the major source of energy for powering an enormous variety of the body’s functions from cell repair to major muscle movement.

But other body systems can be affected by diabetes and show up as symptoms.

Blurry vision can result from any number of conditions, even simple age where it is often just presbyopia. Presbyopia results from reduced elasticity of the lenses as we age, leading to a lessened ability to focus. But the cause in the case of diabetes is very different.

High blood sugar levels reduce fluid in the tissues, including those of the eye and in particular the lenses. That affects your ability to focus. When the disease becomes more advanced it can cause new blood vessels to form in the retina. That again affects your vision. Though in this circumstance, the result is more often seeing dark spots or flashing lights, or rings around room lights.

In some instances, cuts (particularly on the feet) may be slower to heal when a person has Type 2 diabetes. The reasons are not yet fully understood, but it is one more indicator. At the same time, the immune system is affected, leading to a lowered ability to fight off infection.

Since so many of these symptoms can be (and are) produced by a number of other conditions, the best course of action if you suspect you have diabetes is to seek a professional diagnosis. Simple blood tests can determine with a high degree of confidence whether or not you do in fact have the disease. They are relatively painless and most are covered by ordinary health insurance.

Popularity: unranked [?]

My Son Alex recently was diagnosed with a litany of allergies. At 17, he finally got an answer to his constant sniffles and sneezes. A great many things can cause red welts on the skin. When I asked him for the results, he simply stated “Dad, I am allergic to everything.” Sometimes he can be so explicit in his explanations! So after a few more questions and a some research, I have learned that thousands of conditions can give you a runny nose. To determine whether or not these are allergic reactions requires a professional diagnosis.

SKIN TESTS

Alex was administered the most common and effective methods used to test for allergies the skin (or prick tests). These procedures inject or insert a small amount of potential allergen – pollen extract, solution containing animal dander proteins and others – under the skin.

In order for the tests to be effective, it may be necessary for you to discontinue any currently used medication temporarily. Prescription antihistamines such as Allegra (fexofenadine) may take more than a week to clear out of the system. Even Benadryl or Claritin may have to be stopped for a day or two. All these and more can interfere with the accuracy of the test.

During the doctor visit a number of different tests are possible.

A percutaneous test punctures or pricks the skin. Small drops of allergen are scratched into the skin near the surface. It’s useful for diagnosing sensitivity to pollen or mold, dust mite waste, or animal dander, and others.

An intracutaneous test involves injecting the allergen into the skin, usually deeper than a scratch test. It’s preferred when looking for allergies to bee or wasp venom and certain antibiotics like penicillin.

An epicutaneous or patch test is useful for detecting skin allergies, such as sensitivity to latex or perfume. Some individuals have reactions to hair dyes or preservatives, a condition called contact dermatitis. The allergen is applied in the form of a patch worn on the skin for a period of time. The physician then looks for characteristic reactions.

Tests are typically carried out on adults on the forearm. For children the upper back is usually used. None of the tests are painful, even the injections. But, mild discomfort is to be expected if, in fact, an allergy is uncovered. The test, after all, attempts to actually induce an allergic reaction. Itching, swelling, redness and other common allergy symptoms are likely if the individual is allergic.

Ask your allergist in advance which test he or she intends to use. Let the doctor know clearly and in detail your medical history. That way he or she can be prepared for anaphylaxis or any other severe (albeit unlikely) reaction that might occur.

BLOOD TESTS

In Alex’s case, he said the doctor did not check him for peanut allergies because the reaction from the scratch was particularly sensitive and felt his condition made it unsafe to administer the test. So he has to go back for blood test. I did not understand and he could not explained why the blood test, So back to Google I went.

Some patients should not have skin tests. They may be In these cases, blood tests provide an alternative. Blood tests tend to be less accurate and are usually more expensive. Hence, they are generally used only as a next-best option. But they can provide useful results.

A small sample of blood is extracted and tested. It measures the precentage of IgE (immunoglobulin E) present, a major factor in virtually all allergies. The results are accurate in slightly over two-thirds of allergy cases. Measuring the amount of IgE present gives a good prediction for those who may be allergic, but it is only a probable result. It doesn’t actually measure allergy directly as skin tests do.

Blood tests are often recommended as a precaution for those who might have a severe reaction to a skin test. They’re also frequently used for those considering allergy immunotherapy or allergy shots.

For now Alex’s prognosis is a mild allergic reaction to anything (dust, pet dander, some foods, etc.) we are still awaiting the results of the blood test. That will be another article; peanut allergies. Alex has only mild allergies, but the condition can be persistent. Getting a professional test can be a sure way to nail down that fact, in order to initiate the correct treatment.

For more information on What is Allergies and what you can do,  tap here .

Popularity: unranked [?]

It seems almost as if there is a new fad diet every week. Many of these contain elements of truth, but on the whole they contain much more good marketing than good science.

There is the 3-day diet, which touts eating little more than fruits for three days, followed by vegetables or meat or grains the other days. There are lots of variations.

While it’s certainly true that eating fruit regularly is a key element to good health – most contain needed carbohydrates, vitamins and fiber – eating almost exclusively fruit for three days leads to imbalance – in carbohydrates, fiber and additional otherwise healthy components. To an extent the body will equalize and store what it needs for later, but there are limits.

Similarly, the ‘low carb, high protein’ diets, such as Atkins, recommend cutting way down on carbohydrates and eating substantial amounts of food high in protein. Here again protein is vital to proper nutrition, but so are carbohydrates. Putting too much emphasis on the first over the second leads to rapid, temporary weight loss, but at a high cost.

Carbohydrates are essential for supplying energy for all biochemical processes. Though the body, when needed, will use other sources, such as fat and protein. Too great an emphasis on protein reduces the ability of the body to store and regulate the appropriate amount of water, whereas carbohydrates help that.

There are very attractive sounding ‘chocolate diets’. Nearly everyone loves chocolate and, contrary to some reports of a few years ago, it is healthy – in moderation. Chocolate contains anti-oxidants and other compounds that are helpful. But, as with anything, too much of a good thing is just that – too much. Also, since many will seek chocolate in forms that come with high fat, high sugar amounts it’s possible to get some not-so-helpful elements along with the good.

There are ultra-low fat diets. Once again, the problem isn’t with reduced fat, but going to extremes. A certain amount of fat in the diet is a healthy thing.

Any diet which makes promises of radical, rapid or quick weight loss – or any other extreme claim – is almost guaranteed to be more harmful than helpful. The human body has evolved over millions of years and decades of good nutritional research still confirms the common sense truth: balance is good, moderation is healthy.

Eat moderate portions at regular intervals of fruits and vegetables (for vitamins, carbohydrates and fiber), grains (for carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber), protein (for amino acids) and dairy products (for calcium, unless you’re lactose intolerant). For the average person, between 2000-2500 calories per day is appropriate. Less for women, on average, and for those seeking rapid weight loss.

A balanced diet, coupled with age-appropriate, moderate and regular exercise, will lead to a healthy percentage of body fat, good muscle tone and a well-tuned system. You’ll find you feel better and look good.

If your weight puts you in the overweight or obese category, it’s time for some lifestyle changes. The Leanology Weight Loss System is the perfect starting point. This healthy and proven approach to weight loss can help you reach – and maintain – a healthier weight.

Popularity: 24% [?]

Given the variety of headaches, and headache sufferers, it shouldn’t be surprising that the causes are equally diverse. There are literally hundreds of possible causes for headaches. Some are the result of underlying medical problems, such as (in rare cases) brain tumors or cerebral aneurysms. But the most common headaches have common causes.

In many cases, simple eyestrain (such as from working too long at the computer) can produce a headache. In other cases, ordinary inflammation of the sinuses (due to head cold or allergy) can be the cause. Overuse of certain prescription medicines can produce a headache of a type labeled, appropriately enough, MOH (medication overuse headache).

Though the exact cause isn’t known in every instance, constriction of blood vessels is thought to be the culprit in a range of cases. Pain-sensitive nerve fibers in the head line blood vessel walls. When they contract (or dilate) the nerves are activated, sending signals to the brain. Ironically, the brain itself can’t feel pain since it has no pain-sensitive nerve cells within it. Tension-type headaches or cluster headaches are the result.

But blood vessels can dilate as well as contract. When they do, so one theory goes, migraines and cluster headaches can be produced. Current research suggests that there are other, perhaps more important, factors at work in migraines.

Tension headaches can result from other causes, such as tension in the muscles of the neck, shoulder and even the jaw. Those who’ve experienced TMJ disorder (a condition resulting from tension of the temporomandibular joint, in which the jaw tightens against the skull) are familiar with this last.

In more serious cases, headaches are the result of some underlying disease, where they are labeled ‘secondary headaches’. This happens when a patient suffers from encephalitis or brain cancer, for example. But the list of diseases that can cause headaches is also lengthy. Everything from irritable bowel syndrome to rabies or scarlet fever can be the culprit.

In many cases, environmental factors are at work. Carbon monoxide poisoning, resulting from a gas of the type produced by automobile exhaust, can cause severe headaches. In fact, headache is one of the chief symptoms of the condition. Allergies, such as sensitivity to pollen, are the problem for some. Lead poisoning is a potential cause of headaches, though less a problem these days. Food poisoning is still fairly common, though.

Even when food isn’t actually toxic in general, such as being laced with a bacteria, certain individuals may be sensitive to compounds that won’t affect people in general. Such common foods as chocolate or cheese can cause headaches in some. Caffeine has long been known to produce headaches when taken in too large a quantity. Some preservatives, such as monosodium glutamate, can produce headache pain. Red wine, even in moderation, does it for some.

But position, posture and other controllable factors may well be some of the most common causes, especially today. As more and more people use computers on a daily basis, more people are producing neck tension, jaw stress, eyestrain and facial tightening. Any of these can produce a headache if the circumstances persist, as they often do for information workers.

Approximately 85%-90% of headaches are common tension headaches, That means, in the overwhelming majority of cases, the cure is simple and within your control.

Popularity: 100% [?]