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Essentials that will help you fight eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition that occurs in both kids and adults. Typically, it is a chronic condition that causes occasional flare-ups. The skin becomes itchy, red, and rough. The itchiness can appear in any part of the body, but it generally appears on the hands, legs, feet, upper chest, neck, and the elbow and knee bends. It is important to understand the triggers associated with eczema and keep them to a minimum.

Generally, such flare-ups are associated with hay fever or asthma. While there’s no cure for eczema, some treatment options can manage symptoms.

Disease overview
For those suffering from eczema, the main concern is the itch that comes with it. Leaving this symptom untreated can lead to inflammation of the skin. The red itchy skin can become bumpy as well; so, the goal of eczema treatment is to take care of the itch. As far as the affected age group is concerned, eczema can affect one-year-old babies too. Most children affected by it will see a dramatic improvement in their condition as they reach adolescence. But in some cases, this may stretch to adulthood too.

Eczema is not contagious; so, even if you have an active rash, it won’t pass it on to anyone. But the active rash may cause an open wound or cracks, which may leave you vulnerable to other infections. You will find that the rash begins on the face and moves to other areas of the body. If it is an older child, they will most likely see rashes on their neck, wrists, ankle, feet, and the creases of the elbow and knees. In cases of eczema in adults, the rashes will commonly appear on their hands and legs.

There are many types of eczema, some common examples are

Atopic dermatitis
Dyshidrotic eczema
Nummular eczema
Contact dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis

Symptoms
The most important thing to remember with eczema is that the symptoms are unique to everyone. In some cases, the disease may surface as itches and small bumps, while others may find that the skin has turned scaly from excessive itching. Further, the itch may appear in different parts of the body every time. The most common way to identify eczema is the “itch-scratch cycle,” which most sufferers can associate closely with. However, eczema is mostly associated with severe itches, so watch out for these signs:

Itches are probably the first warning flag. An itch here and there is quite common. But if the itch is constant, and you can see the red skin turning into a small bumpy patch, it may be time to get it evaluated. Furthermore, these itches tend to worsen during the night time.
Dry and sensitive skin is a precursor to this condition. Generally, such type of skin requires a little extra care. If your skin is not well-moisturized, the constant dry feeling can turn into an itch. If you do not care for it adequately, it can worsen the condition.
A strong indicator of eczema is the change in skin texture. For instance, rough, leathery, and scaly skin is indicative of the same. Leaving the itch untreated can result in rough and callused-looking skin.
Swelling, oozy, and crusty skin is also indicative of this condition. Experiencing some or all the above symptoms depends on the condition’s severity. Sometimes, these symptoms may vanish quickly, and at other times, they may even worsen. A physician must evaluate the problem and provide the right diagnosis. Knowing whether you have eczema will help you to stay on guard and prevent flare-ups.

Causes
Pinning down the causes of eczema is quite difficult. The biggest reason for this is that the triggers are different for everyone. While you may trigger a flare-up due to excessively dry skin conditions; certain kinds of foods or chemicals can also do the same. Eczema tends to be genetic too, which means if you have it, it probably runs in the family. So, what are the causes you should know about?

Allergens
An allergic reaction is one of the most common causes of a flare-up. Allergies can cause several symptoms, such as watery eyes, sneezing, and runny or stuffed nose. While this may trigger an asthma attack for those with underlying conditions, a flare-up of eczema is equally possible. Pet hair, spices, certain kinds of food, and pollen are just some of the examples of such allergens.
Irritants
Several elements can irritate the skin, depending on the type of your skin. Whether you have normal or sensitive skin, certain skin irritants can trigger a flare-up. For instance, certain chemicals can cause more than simple skin irritation. Cleaning agents, soaps, perfumes, and skincare products contain fragrances and small amounts of chemicals. The clothes you wear can also cause a flare-up. Sometimes, accessories such as bangles, bracelets, and necklaces can react with sweat to trigger a rash.
Temperature
The temperature around us has a huge role to play in triggering the symptoms of eczema. For instance, low humidity makes the skin dry and itchy. You should be able to manage it if you keep your skin moisturized well. However, if you have eczema, the itch may get tougher to manage. Similarly, highly humid conditions can make you sweaty. The sweating may make your itching worse.
Unhealthy and compromised environment
Imagine the skin to be a barrier against everything bad the environment throws at you. When it is healthy, it retains moisture and protects the body against pollution, allergens, and other challenges. But several factors can prevent the skin from doing its job. When this happens, the skin begins to lose its shine, leading to infection and inflammation.
Stress
Stress is a trigger for eczema. While stress may not cause eczema, it will prompt the symptoms of eczema to surface. When your body is under severe stress, it releases a hormone called cortisol. When present in large doses in the body, it can trigger inflammation throughout the body and a flare-up of eczema.
Hormones
A hormonal imbalance can trigger an eczema flare-up too. For example, pregnant women are known to witness a flare-up or two. The understanding is that those who have a history of eczema tend to see a flare-up. Hormonal fluctuations are quite common during pregnancy, and this can make your skin dry and itchy. You can manage this easily by keeping yourself hydrated and moisturized.

Your physician can help you understand the triggers better so that you can take preventive measures.

Treatment options
Treatment for eczema largely depends on the age of the person and the severity of the condition. As mentioned earlier, there is no cure for eczema. Doctors usually prescribe emollients, oils, or topical creams that help control the itch. So, one of the best ways to tackle the problem is to understand the triggers. Once you know the trigger, you can modify your lifestyle to avoid the same.

Treatment options for children
One of the most important ways to prevent flare-ups is to prevent moisture from leaving the body. So, it is important to use cleansers and moisturizers instead of hard soaps.
- Topical medications
  The doctor may prescribe mild topical medications in combination with cleansers and other moisturizers that can be purchased over the counter. The most common topical medications prescribed for this condition are corticosteroids. They provide your skin with a brief breather from the inflammation and redness, to allow healing. A thin smear of the same must be applied soon after a bath.
- Bleach baths
  A bleach bath is meant to help reduce the intensity of the eczema symptoms in a child. The bleach in the bathwater must replicate the chlorine in a swimming pool. Use the right amount of bleach in the water. Too much can make the skin dry, while too little of the same will be ineffective as a treatment.
- Immunosuppressants
  In many moderate or severe cases, the physician may recommend an immunosuppressant. This medicine works to suppress the immune system from releasing cortisol, thereby controlling the flare-up.
- Phototherapy
  In this case, a narrow band ultraviolet B (UVB) light is used to treat the condition. The light helps to boost the immune system, so it can fight bacteria in the body. Further, it calms the inflammation and increases Vitamin-D production.
Treatment of eczema in adults
The line of treatment is the same as what is suggested for children. However, the only difference is the strength of the medication and the dosage. Possible medications include antihistamines and antibiotics. Apart from this, the doctors may prescribe barrier-repair moisturizers and steroidal shots, liquid, or pills.

Natural remedies
Nature has blessed us with a wide range of options to treat skin problems. Here are some of the best natural treatment options for eczema:

Aloe vera
The gel from the aloe vera leaf is known to have wound-healing properties. It can boost your immune system and help soothe angry and inflamed skin. The antibacterial and microbial properties can be used to the maximum during a flare-up.
Diluted apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar and our skin are both acidic. Soaps and other hard cleaners are alkaline. So, when you use soaps, it disrupts the natural balance of the skin. And apple cider vinegar can fix this. Studies show that it can fight bacteria, including E. Coli and staphylococcus aureus. However, those with eczema may find that their skin is less acidic. Therefore, you must dilute the apple cider vinegar before you use it.
Oatmeal
Oats have skin-healing properties. And colloidal oatmeal is manufactured by extracting the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oats. This can take care of scaling, dryness, and the itch. This can be used in the form of creams and lotions available over-the-counter. On the other hand, you can add powdered oatmeal to a bath and soak in the same.

Foods to have
The most important thing to note is that irrespective of your skin condition, avoiding processed and refined foods is a great way to become strong. While there is no “one size fits all” approach, it is important to understand any triggers in your food before you change your diet. Overall, a healthy combination of natural foods is bound to be helpful. Let’s look at the foods that can help fight eczema:

Foods rich in vitamin D
Fortified whole-grain cereals, halibut, salmon, mushrooms, sardines, milk, yogurt, and egg yolks are some of the foods that are rich in vitamin D. Also known as the sunshine vitamin, its main function is to absorb calcium and phosphorous. This contributes to a healthy immune system.
Foods with omega-3 fatty acids
Nuts are a great source of omega 3. Further, fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and sardines provide just what you need to maintain a strong immune system. Also, these fatty acids play a key role in keeping your skin healthy.
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Natural and fresh fruits and vegetables not only keep you healthy but also provide you with a ton of vitamins and minerals, needed to maintain the health of your skin.
Probiotics
Probiotics such as yogurt, fermented products, and kefir can help you maintain the health of your gut. It is a well-known fact that the health of your gut has a strong connection with the immune system of your body.
Whole grains
Have foods with whole grains instead of refined flours. This will help in providing your body with the right nutrients and ample dietary fiber. Sometimes, certain foods trigger flare-ups, and if you have a gluten allergy, it is best to stick with whole grains.

All in all, to manage eczema, you need to be aware of the triggers and symptoms. This way, you can seek medical help at the earliest and control your condition. Monitor sleep and stress as well, to ensure that you do not experience frequent flare-ups. Eat healthily, exercise enough, and try out natural remedies to manage the signs.

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An Overview Of Colon Polyps

An overview of colon polyps Colon polyps are small clumps of cells formed on the lining of the colon. The majority of these polyps tend to be harmless, but with time, there are certain polyps that can easily grow into colon cancer. This is a serious condition, especially when found in the later stages. Almost any individual can develop colon polyps. People who are over 50 years of age are at an increased risk of suffering from this condition. Even smokers and overweight individuals or people with a family or personal history of colon polyps might be at an increased risk of suffering from this condition. Colon polyps – causes are slightly known, but this condition rarely causes any symptoms. Therefore, for individuals who are at risk of developing the condition, it is important to have screening tests on a regular basis. These will include a colonoscopy. Polyps found in the early stages can conveniently be removed. They can be removed completely in a very safe manner. Regular screening is the best step for the prevention of colon polyps. What are the colon polyps – causes? Doctors do not exactly know the causes of colon polyps, but they are of the view that polyps are a result of abnormal tissue growth. The human body develops healthy cells in a periodic manner, thus replacing the old cells that tend to be damaged or are no longer required. The division and growth of these new cells is regulated. However, there are cases when the new cells develop and then divide before they are actually needed. It is this excessive growth that results in polyps. Packaged red meat is also one of the most common colon polyps – causes. Fiber deficiency in the body. High-fat diet taken in excessive amounts. Smoking cigarettes. Obesity is also one of the major colon polyps – causes. Inherited conditions such as Gardener syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome might also put an individual at an increased risk of having colon polyps. What signs and symptoms do colon polyps show? Majority of the individuals suffering from colon polyps do not show any symptoms. They are actually unaware of the fact that they have polyps, because they feel very well. Bleeding from the rectum is one of the most common symptoms of colon polyps. Blood in the stool can also be a sign of colon polyps. Blood might make stool look black, or there can be red streaks in stool. A feeling of tiredness due to anemia and not having sufficient iron in the body are common symptoms. It is the bleeding from the polyps that can result in an iron deficiency and anemia. Several other health issues might also result in these signs. Nevertheless, if rectum bleeding or blood in the stool are everyday phenomena, a consultation with a doctor is vital. How can colon polyps be prevented? Knowing the colon polyps – causes can help prevent the condition. However, there are other important steps that can be followed in trying to prevent this condition. They are as listed: Regular screenings. Lifestyle changes can also be of help in doing away with the colon polyps – causes, and, consequently, prevent them. Adopting healthy habits such as eating fruits, whole grains, and vegetables and reducing fat intake can help in the prevention of colon polyps. Limiting the intake of alcohol and quitting tobacco. Staying active physically and maintaining a healthy body weight is also important. When should one see a doctor? A general physician must be consulted in case of the following: Blood in the stool Abdominal pain Changes in bowel habits for more than a week It is important for one to have a word with their physician regarding their intake of vitamin D and calcium. This is because studies have proved that increasing the intake of food items rich in vitamin D and calcium can help prevent the recurrence of polyps. However, this is not completely clear. It is important to consider all the options, especially if one is at a very high risk of suffering from colon polyps.

The Types Of Colon Polyps And Their Prevention

The types of colon polyps and their prevention Growths that occur on the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) and usually protrude into the colon are known as colon polyps. They form when the genetic material within the cells that line the colon changes and becomes abnormal. Under normal circumstances, the immature cells that line the colon multiply, mature, and then die in a timely fashion. On the other hand, the genetic changes in the lining cells prevent the cells from maturing, and they don’t die. Resultantly, immature and genetically abnormal cells start accumulating in the colon, eventually resulting in the formation of polyps. This article intends to raise awareness about colon polyps, its types, symptoms, diagnosis, the colon polyps – causes, and more. What are the types of colon polyps? Inflammatory colon polyps : Also known as false polyps, it is mostly found in people who have inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. These polyps are inflammatory manifestations of IBD, are benign, and are unlikely to become cancerous. Adenomatous colon polyps : Also known as adenomas, this type of colon polyps make up about 70% of all polyps found in the colon. They can become cancerous, but the process takes years. Hyperplastic colon polyps : The term hyperplasia means fast growth, which indicates an abnormal increase in the number of cells resulting in the gross enlargement of the colon polyp. Despite the rapid growth, hyperplastic polyps have a low risk of turning cancerous. Villous adenoma : This type of colon polyp has a greater potential of becoming cancerous. It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of villous adenomas develop into a malignancy. These polyps require surgery for the removal of their cauliflower-like protrusions. What are the causes of colon polyps? Experts are not sure about the colon polyps – causes. However, the causes are believed to be a mix of environmental and genetic factors that result in an abnormal tissue growth. What are the known risk factors of colon polyps? Age : The risk of developing colon polyps tends to increase with age. Family history : A close relative with colon cancer or polyps raises the risk. Sex : Men have a slightly higher chance of developing polyps. Race : Black men and women have a higher risk. Alcohol : Alcohol consumption is closely linked to colon cancer risk and is known as one of the colon polyps – causes. Red meat : If not had in moderation, red meat can serve as one of the colon polyps – causes. Having too much red meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer as well. Lack of dietary fiber : A good intake of fiber has many benefits, including colon benefits. It decreases the risk of colon cancer. Smoking : Smoking increases the risk of all types of cancers, and colon polyps or cancer is no exception. Obesity : Obese people are at higher risk of developing colon polyps and cancer. How are colonic polyps diagnosed? The following tests help diagnose colon polyps: Colonoscopy Sigmoidoscopy Barium enema CT colonography Stool test What are the symptoms of colon polyps? Change in stool color Rectal bleeding Iron deficiency Anemia Change in bowel habits Abdominal pain Blood in the stool Fatigue How common are colon polyps? They are very common. They increase in prevalence as people age. If one has colon polyps, they are more likely to develop polyps elsewhere in the colon later. Only a small proportion of polyps cause symptoms or signs, which usually are the result of bleeding from the polyp. How can colon polyps be prevented? Adopt healthy habits : Adopt healthy habits and increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit fat intake, alcohol consumption, and quit tobacco. Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight. Avoid all the estimated colon polyps – causes. Seek advice if at high risk : If there’s a family history of colon polyps or its other risk factors affect one, seeking prompt medical advice and counseling is important. With regular colonoscopies, one can prevent the colon polyps – causes from developing, and hence preventing the colon from developing.

Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumors – Prognosis And Life Expectancy

Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors – Prognosis and life expectancy The neuroendocrine system is a complex regulatory mechanism comprised of cells spread throughout several organ systems, including our lungs and digestive system. As they have characteristics of both nerves and endocrine cells, they are called neuroendocrine cells. The nerve cells transmit signals using electrical impulses, whereas endocrine cells make thyroid and insulin-secreting glands. This article intends to discuss the carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor that starts in these cells in detail. What is a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor? A carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor starts in the cells of the hormone-producing organs in our body. A carcinoid tumor is a type of neuroendocrine tumor that most commonly arises in the gastrointestinal system, which includes intestines, stomach, and esophagus. Carcinoid tumors account for about 1% to 2% of lung cancers. As carcinoid tumors originate from tissue that produces hormones, the main side effect of the condition is the inappropriate release of various hormones in the bloodstream. Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor can arise in a number of locations categorized into three areas: the foregut, midgut, and hindgut. Lungs and stomach form the foregut area. The midgut comprises of the small intestine, colon, and appendix. The hindgut includes the end of the large bowel, the rectum, and genitourinary tract organs (ovaries and testes). What factors raise a person’s risk of developing a carcinoid tumor? A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 : This hereditary condition increases an individual’s risk of developing tumors in the pituitary gland, pancreas, and parathyroid gland. Age : Age seems to be a major factor that plays an integral role, as children rarely develop carcinoid tumors; the average diagnosis age is 55 to 65 years for this condition. Race and gender : Carcinoid tumors are more common among black people than white people, and black men have a higher risk than black women. White men and women have the same risk levels, and after treatment, women tend to live longer. Other medical conditions : Some medical conditions that damage the stomach and reduce acid production increase the risk of developing a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor. What are the symptoms of a carcinoid tumor? Signs and symptoms of a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor depend on where the tumor develops: Carcinoid tumors in the lungs : The symptoms of a tumor in the lungs are chest pain, wheezing, diarrhea, shortness of breath, skin flushing (redness and a feeling of warmth on the face and neck), weight gain, particularly around the midsection and back, and pink or purple marks on the skin, which look like stretch marks. Carcinoid tumors in the digestive tract : The symptoms, in this case, are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, intestinal blockage, causing an inability to pass stool, rectal bleeding and pain, and skin flushing. What are some effective management tips for the symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Facial flushing : Avoid stress and ask your doctor about specific foods that cause facial flushing so that you can avoid them. Diarrhea : Ask your doctor for anti-diarrheal medication. Wheezing : Ask for medication that relaxes muscles in the lungs to make breathing easier. Heart problems : Discuss your heart issues with your doctor so that they can prescribe diuretics, which lower the blood pressure. Carcinoid syndrome : Use octreotide on prescription, which is the most effective medication to treat carcinoid syndrome. What is the prognosis for carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor? Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign carcinoid tumors are small and can be removed completely. They don’t come back and don’t spread to other parts of the body. They don’t produce any symptoms as well. Malignant carcinoid tumors are large, and their cells can invade and damage the surrounding tissues and organs. Additionally, malignant cells can enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and can even form new tumors in other parts of the body. Lymph nodes, lungs, bone liver, and skin are the common sites for carcinoid metastases. Carcinoid tumors grow slowly in comparison to other cancers, such as lung, colon, pancreas, or liver cancer. Patients with larger malignant carcinoid tumors (with or without metastasis) can survive and have a good quality of life after proper treatment. Adenocarcinoids, a rare form of carcinoid tumors, are more aggressive than the typical malignant carcinoid tumors.

What Are The First Signs Of Liver Damage

Liver damage – What are the first signs? On the right side of the abdomen, below your rib cage, is an organ called the liver. It is the size of a football and is one of the most important organs in the human body. The liver aids in the digestion of the food we eat and also helps in flushing out the toxins from our body. When there is any kind of disturbance in the normal liver functioning, then it can cause a significant damage to the human body. Once you start exhibiting the signs of liver damage, it is important to get the exact diagnosis and take the next steps accordingly. What are the causes of liver damage? There can be a number of causes for liver damage: Liver infection is one of the most common causes of liver damage. Viruses and parasites can cause infections that affect the normal functioning of the liver. Hepatitis is the most common liver infection, which includes Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Some diseases will affect your immune system thereby damaging your liver too. This is called autoimmune hepatitis. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Primary Biliary Cirrhosis are of the same kind. If you have inherited an abnormal gene from any of your parents or family members, it can lead to a build up of various substances in the body and hence can damage the liver. Build up of liver cancer can be a cause. A person who is an alcohol addict is more prone to liver damage. What are the first signs of liver damage? There can be several signs of a liver damage. Here are 10 signs of liver damage that you need to pay attention to: Your eyes and skin turning yellow, which is usually a sign of jaundice. Abdominal swelling and pain are also symptoms of liver damage that you should watch out. Your ankles and legs begin to swell.. Your urine becomes dark yellow in color. There can be many reasons for dark yellow urine, but it can also be a sign of liver damage. Excessively itchy skin is also a symptom of liver damage. Loss of appetite. Getting bruises easily as your liver fails to create proteins needed for blood clotting. Vomiting and nausea for no reason. Blood in the stool or pale stool. Chronic fatigue. How is liver damage diagnosed? In order to get started with the liver damage treatment, it is very important to diagnose the symptoms of liver damage correctly. In order to start the diagnoses, your doctor will start with a physical examination, followed by requesting details of your health history. Liver function tests, which are blood tests will be done at the initial stage. MRI Scan and CT scan kind of image tests are done. Tissue analysis is also done to get an accurate idea of the problem . How is liver damage treated? The treatment for the liver damage depends on the type and severity of damage. Some stages can be treated with just slight modifications to the diet and lifestyle like weight reduction, no smoking or alcohol. Further stages will require medication and severe condition will need a surgery. If your liver has failed completely, then you will have to go for a liver transplant, which is an expensive and time consuming process. How can liver damage be prevented? Certain changes in your lifestyle can prevent liver damage. You need to stop drinking alcohol or only drink a moderate amount to decrease pressure on your liver. Get vaccinated to prevent getting hepatitis infections. When you are spraying insecticides or other aerosol sprays, make sure that you cover your nose and also make sure to protect your skin. You need to maintain a healthy weight as there are chances of fatty liver damage as well. You should take only medicine that is prescribed to you and make sure that you do not take any medicine in excess or without talking to your doctor.