Candida Yeast Infection Treatment

candida yeast infection treatment

What is candida yeast infection?

Candidiasis is a fungal infection that can affect areas such as the:

• Skin
• Genitals
• Throat
• Mouth
• Blood

It is caused by the overgrowth of a type of yeast called Candida, usually Candida albicans. This yeast is normally found in small amounts in the human body. But certain medicines and health problems can cause more yeast to grow, particularly in warm, moist body areas. This can cause uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms.

Candida yeast infection symptoms
Symptoms and treatment depend on which part of the body is infected. 

• If it is in the mouth or throat, it is called oral candidiasis, oropharyngeal candidiasis, or thrush.
• If it affects the genital area, it is called a yeast infection. In women, it may be called a vulvovaginal yeast infection.
• If yeast infects the skin on a baby's bottom area, it causes a diaper rash.
• If the infection enters your bloodstream, it is called invasive candidiasis or candidemia.

Candida yeast infection treatment

Candidiasis is commonly treated with antimycotics; such as:

• topical clotrimazole
• topical nystatin
• fluconazole, and 
• topical ketoconazole.

Source:

http://www.webmd.com

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Flesh Eating Bacteria Symptoms

flesh eating bacteria symptoms

Flesh eating bacteria, or "necrotizing fasciitis" is a rare infection but can be fatal if not treated properly. It is a kind of bacterial infection that spreads quickly, and cause tissue death at the infection site and beyond.

People can get this disease after being infected by the group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteria. It is the same bacteria that causes strep throat. The bacteria can enter the body through insect bites, minor surgery, minor cuts, and abrasions. Once the body infected, the infection agressively destroys muscle, skin, and fat tissue.

Here are flesh eating bacteria symptoms.

• Local skin warmth. The infected skin appears red and hot when touched. The warm areas enlarge as the infection spreads. The skin color can change from red to dusky gray, and it is a sign of skin death. 
• Pain. Severe pain may be an early symptom of flesh eating bacteria. The pain can worsen prior to the development of an open sore. This pain is caused by nerve damage around the site of injury or wound.
• Tissue swelling. There is a swelling in the infected area that can progressively advances as the infection continues. The overlying area is shiny and taut. 
• Skin blisters. Skin blisters may develop on the infected skin. The characteristic of skin blister caused by flesh eating bacteria is crackling and popping sensation when the skin is pressed. It is called "crepitus".
• Skin ulcer. The ulcer grows as the infection spreads. It contains white fluid with bad odor.
• Foul odor. It caused by dead skin.
• High fever.
• Malaise. People infected by flesh eating bacteria often show the symptoms of generalized weakness.
• Fainting. It may be caused by low blood pressure as the disease progresses.

Flesh eating bacteria treatment

• Hospitalized is needed.
• Intravenous antibiotic therapy.
• Wound debridement (such as minor surgery to remove dead skin and damaged tissue to help stopping the spread of infection)
• Symptomatic medications: antipiretics, analgetics.

Please consult your physician to get complete examination and information about this disease.

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Dandruff Natural Treatment

dandruff natural treatment

Dandruff is a common hair problem, marked by white and itchy flake of the skin scalp. It is not contagious but sometimes can be embarrassing and not easy to treat. Dandruff is caused by a yeast-like fungus, named pityrosporum or malassezia. Actually the microorganisms are normally found in the scalp, but in certain conditions such as: stress, immunosuppression, hormonal imbalances, infrequent shampooing, illness, or increased oil production, there will be an inflammation on the scalp and then increase the dead skin cells production. The dead cells will appear as white flake called dandruff.

The good news about dandruff, now the experts have found dandruff natural treatment. What are they?

Biotin

It is a water-soluble vitamin B substance. The function is to help breakdown fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. There are biotin supplements in the market, and also found naturally in some foods, such as: egg yolk, liver, milk, barley, royal jelly, soy, and brewer's yeast. Biotin is also naturally produced by the microorganisms in the intestines. There are some conditions that cause biotin deficiency such as: long term use of antibiotics and raw egg whites eating habit.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Make a mix of 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup of water. Pour it into a spray bottle and spritz it on your hair until reach the scalp. After that, wrap you hair with warm towel for about 15 minutes. Do it regularly twice a week.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains antibacterial and antifungal substances. A study has concluded that 5% of tea tree oil used as shampoo solution can significantly reduce dandruff. Now there are many shampoos contain tea tree oil in the drug store and supermarket.

Tar Shampoo
Tar shampoos have been proven as dandruff natural treatment for hundred years. The tar works to decrease cell turnover effectively. It has a strong odor, may stain the shaft or lighter-colored hair but the staining is not permanent. For sensitive skin, it can cause irritation.

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Acne Scar Treatment

acne scar treatment

Acne is one of the most common skin condition that occurs up to 80% people, especially in their teens, and up to 5% of adults. Many people can spontaneously recover from acne without any permanent effects or scars, but others are left with acne scars. In the market, there are some topical skin care medications that can improve mild scarring, but most severe acne scars are treated with a combination of skin resurfacing and surgical procedures.

How to prevent acne scars?

Preventing acne lesions is the best way to prevent post inflammatory changes caused by acne. All you need to know is understanding the factors that cause acne and using the proper medications that are different from different types of acne.

Acne scar treatment

For early acne scar, be aware of these:

• Apply a good sunscreen and prevent direct exposure to the sun. They will cause more skin damage and delayed healing.
• Skin MUST be free of active acne. 
• Use tretinoin (Vitaquin, Retin-A) can fasten the skin's remodeling process and heal the post-inflammatory changes.
• Apply chemical peeling with combination of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that contain the correct combinations with suitable pH to help the skin's remodeling process.
• The use of antioxidant topically to the healing skin is still controversial. Many facts showed that it cause more harm than good, but others said that vitamin E can promote skin rejuvenation.

For severe acne scars, as quoted from About.com, there are some treatment options such as:

• Dermal fillers
• Punch excision
• Skin graft replacement
• Punch elevation
• Subcutaneous incision
• Laser resurfacing

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Whitening Injection Side Effects

whitening injection side effects

Many people want to gain a lighter skin, reduce wrinkles, spots, melasma caused by oral contraception. Whitening injection can be an option for that. Usually it is injected once a week for 2 months, and followed by once every months. It contains a fibrous protein called Collagen. The benefits of whitening injection are:

• Reduced fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and minor scars.
• Improve skin elasticity, makes more supple and moisture.
• Maintain the production of collagen that is used in cartilage and joints.
• As replenishment of reduced collagen caused by aging
• Reduce the appearance of pimples, blemishes, and acne, and minimize pores. 
• Prevent scurvy caused by vitamin C deficiency.
• Increased immune system.

Be careful of getting the whitening injection, because they also have many side effects such as:

• Long term use of large doses will cause:
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Increased CNS excitability
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Gastritis, dyspepsia
• Hyperglycemia
• Nephrolithiasis because of excessive calcium oxalate
• Renal impairment until renal failure
• High dose use intravenously can cause:
• Hemolysis of red blood cells
• Termination threat of pregnancy because of increased estrogen level

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Steven Johnson Syndrome Symptoms

steven johnson syndrome symptoms 

In the previous article (click here), we have talked about Steven Johnson syndrome. For you who have asked about the symptoms, now we make a resume about it.

Here are Steven Johnson Syndrome symptoms as quoted from Mayo Clinic:

1. Flu-like symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough, etc.
2. Lip swelling
3. Facial swelling
4. Tongue swelling
5. Skin pain
6. Hives
7. Skin rash (red or purple) that spreads in hours to days
8. Skin blisters especially around the nose, mouth, and eye.
9. Sloughing of the skin
10. Conjunctivitis

Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persists more than one day. Proper treatment is needed because Steven Johnson syndrome is a life-threatening condition.

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Psoriasis Vulgaris Treatment

psoriasis vulgaris treatment

Psoriasis is derived from "psora", a Greek word, that means itch. Psoriasis is a kind of skin disease that is chronic and recurring. The symptoms of psoriasis vulgaris varies from mild to severe. Severe cases may be life threatening. Basically all ages can get psoriasis, but the most common happens to people in 16 to 22 years olds. The late onset of psoriasis vulgaris affects people between 50 and 60 years old.

Psoriasis vulgaris: Causes

Many studies have proven that psoriasis vulgaris is a hereditary disease. The tendency to get psoriasis is stored inside the genes. However, certain stimuli can cause a psoriasis outbreak in people who already have predisposition. Basically there are two types of psoriasis: psoriasis vulgaris and psoriasis pustulosa. Psoriasis vulgaris is plaque form while psoriasis pustulosa is pustular form. Here are some stimuli that can generate psoriasis attack:

• Bacterial infection, such as: streptococcal infection in the throat
• Certain drugs
• Alcohol
• Any damage to the skin
• Sunlight exposure

Psoriasis vulgaris: symptoms

The symptoms of psoriasis vulgaris are:

• Red patches
• The patches become scally and wider
• If the scales are scrapped off, bleeding points can be seen
• Most common locations: skin folds (armpits, under the breasts, groin, buttocks)

Psoriasis vulgaris treatment

Psoriasis vulgaris needs comprehensive treatment. Psoriasis drugs can be both oral or topical. Choices of treatment depends on patient's age, general health, and the cause of psoriasis.

• Local/topical treatment:
• Skin moisturizer: to reduce dryness and scaling
• Specific treatment: vitamin D preparat, eg calcipotriol (Dovonex), tacalcitol (Curatoderm), calcitriol (Silkis), and coal tar preparat (Zorac)
• Corticosteroid: betamethasone, hydrocortisone. Corticosteroid can be used in conjunction with specific treatment above. It is good for chronic psoriasis vulgaris.
• Scalp treatment may consist of salicylic acid, coal tar, and sulphur. 
• Phototherapy (ultraviolet) and photochemotherapy are used by dermatologists to treat widespread psoriasis.
• Oral medications, for widespread psoriasis that is unresponsive with usual treatment:
• Immunosupressants such as methotrexate (Maxtrex), cyclosporine (Neoral)
• Vitamin A preparat : acitretin (Neotigason)

Psoriasis vulgaris treatment is basically individual and different from person to person. Please consult you dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and get the proper therapy.

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Food Allergy Test

food allergy test

Food allergy is an immune system reaction that happens directly after eating an allergen. The immune system reaction is variable between persons, from mild to severe and may be life-threatening known as anaphylaxis reaction. Food allergy is different with food intolerance while food intolerance is likely unserious condition that does not involve the immune system. To confirm the diagnosis of food allergy, you have to take food allergy test.

Food allergy symptoms

The symptoms of food allergy may be mild and severe. The symptoms can happen even the first time ingestion of food and develop between minutes to hours. The most common mild symptoms are:

• Itchy mouth
• Skin eczema
• Tissue swelling in many body parts: mouth, face, throat, tongue, etc.
• Difficulty in breathing, wheezing, nasal congestion
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Syncope, dizziness, headache.

Severe symptoms that can be life threatening is called anaphylaxis reaction. Please pay attention to these:

• Tightening of airways, very difficult to breathe caused by a swollen throat
• Shock, known by severe hypotension.
• Tachycardia, or rapid pulse
• Symptoms of brain ischemia, can be dizziness until loss of consciousness.

Food allergy test

There is no standard rule of food allergy test. According to Mayo Clinic, there are some diagnostic options that doctors may do to determine if you're allergic to a food or if your symptoms are caused by another.

• Specific description of the symptoms. Tell your doctor specifically about what food that seem to cause allergy, how much you ate, and if you or your family have history to food allergy or another allergies.
• Physical examination.
• Food diary. Your doctor may ask you to make a food diary about your eating habit and symptoms related to it.
• Blood test. It does not work for every possible allergen. The test used to detect IgE antibodies in certain allergen, called RAST, or Radio AllergoSorben Test. The score from RAST will be compared to known predictive value. If the score is higher, it is more likely that the allergy is present in that person. RAST can test many allergens simultaneously.
• Skin prick test. It can determine your reaction to a specific food. If you have allergy to a particular food being tested, you will have a raised reaction or bump. Remember that a positive reaction to this test alone is not enough to confirm the diagnosis of food allergy.
• Food challenge test. This test must be done in the hospital. The suspected allergen will be given to the person to be directly ingested. Doctor will look for signs and symptoms of food allergy. \

Food allergy treatment

In case of food allergy, the best way is avoiding the particular food. But you may still experience some symptoms, here are the food allergy remedies:

• Mild reaction: you can buy OTC drugs (antihistamines) to reduce symptoms. Take this drugs after exposure to relieve itching and nausea-vomiting. However, antihistamines alone can not treat severe reaction of food allergy.
• Severe reaction: all you have to do is going to the emergency room. Doctor will give you an emergency epinephrine injected under your skin. The next time you may visit the doctor to consult about the food allergy and he may give you an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, TwinJect). You have to bring it all the time.

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Herpes Simplex Virus Infection Symptoms

herpes simplex virus infection symptoms

Herpes simplex virus infection can occur at the mouth, face, buttocks, skin, anal and genital area. Most of herpes simplex virus infection symptoms are not specific, and may be asymptomatic. But in some cases, it appears as painful blister located at the port d'entree (area where the virus entered the body). Those blisters usually heal spontaneously complete but can reappear again in the future, in the same location when least expected. Between two attacks, the virus resides deep in the nerves that supply the involved area. People often refer herpes simplex virus infection as "cold sores" or "fever blisters", because the most common infected area is around the mouth and lips.

Once you're affected by the virus, it can hide in the body for years. Many things are considered as trigger for herpes simplex virus reinfection, include:

• Decreased immune system
• Having another viral infection such as influenza, common cold, etc
• Exposure to the sun
• Menstrual period
• Psychical stress

Herpes simplex virus infection can rapidly spread between persons. Infected saliva is a common means of virus transmission. Transmission via towels, washclothes, and surfaces are actually impossible. The most common area of cold sores are lips, under the nose, chin, and another facial area. Healing time needs 7-10 days without scarring.

Herpes simplex virus infection symptoms

• Some patients may have prodrome symptoms such as burning sensation that precedes the appearance of blisters.
• The most characteristic symptoms of herpes simplex virus is a group of blister on a red base. The blisters dry up shortly and leave scabs that last anywhere for days, depending on its severity and the host's immune system. What makes it different from another skin infection is, if something lasts for weeks, it is unlikely to be herpes simplex virus infection. 
• Area affected is itchy, dry and crusty. 

Herpes simplex virus infection: treatment

• There is no specific cure for herpes simplex virus infection.
• Cold sores often clear spontaneously without treatment
• The goal of herpes simplex virus treatment is to relieve symptoms and shorten an outbreak. 
• You can buy OTC drugs to relieve discomfort, such as paracetamol, benzocaine and L-lysine, and apply them to the blisters.
• Avoid sun exposure and stress.
• Put ice on the blister.
• Some drugs prescribed are antiviral groups and they can treat both types of herpes simplex infection. The can lessen the severity infection, frequency of relaps, and prevent viral transmissions:
• Acyclovir
• Famciclovir
• Valacyclovir

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Androgenic Alopecia Treatment

androgenic alopecia treatment

Androgenic alopecia refers to absence of hair from areas where it is normally present. It is very common on both males and females. The incidence of androgenic alopecia is greater in males than females. Androgenic alopecia is not a threatening condition, it is more about cosmetic disorder.

Androgenic Alopecia Causes

The causes of androgenic alopecia may be both genetic and environmental factors. There are so many risk factors causing androgenic alopecia, but most of them are still uncertain. This kind of hair loss is proven related to hormones called androgens, particularly dihydrotestosterone. Androgens are physiologic substances that are important for normal men sexual development, before birth and during puberty. But this hormones also have functions as hair growth and sex drive regulator in both sexes.

Androgenic Alopecia Treatment

1. Pharmacological. There are two drugs that are approved by FDA:
• Minoxidil. It is a good androgenic alopecia treatment for recent onset and small areas of hair loss. The 5% solution of minoxidil is considered effective. Women give better respond compared to men.
• Finasteride. It is an oral drug and the use is limited on men only since it can cause amibguous genitalia in a developing male fetus. Finasteride is good in stimulating new regrowth in most patients.
2. Surgical. In the recent decades, so many surgery have performed to give a better cosmetic effect in androgenic alopecia patients. The results are often satisfactory but the problem is covering the bald area with donor hair sufficient in number to be effective. Micrografting technique gives a more natural result than the old transplanting technique.

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What Is Steven Johnson Syndrome

What Is Steven Johnson Syndrome

What is Steven Johnson Syndrome? Steven Johnson Syndrome is a rare syndrome that occurs because of excessive reaction of the skin and mucous membranes to a drug or an infection. Once it attacks, the patient should be rushed to the hospital for intensive treatment, while the recovery itself need weeks until months. The very severe form can result in death.

Symptoms of Steven Johnson Syndrome

It begins with flu-like symptoms, such as mild fever and sore throat, followed by a red or purplish rash on the skin that feels like spreading and sore, or even a blister. In many cases, the cells in the outermost layer of skin will die so it manifests as skin-peeling.

What Causes Steven Johnson Syndrome?

Steven Johnson Syndrome is triggered by the use of most drugs (but no certain drugs; it's different between people), although in some people, Steven Johnson Syndrome can also be triggered by bacterial infection. In most cases, the exact cause is not always certain so that it makes difficulty in preventing.

Allergic reaction that occurs in Steven Johnson Syndrome is actually caused by substances that enter the body are considered as foreign objects by the immune system so they will cause an autoimmune response/reaction. Every drugs is likely to trigger Steven Johnson Syndrome, but different persons may give different reactions.

The following are drugs that are more likely to trigger Steven Johnson Syndrome:

1. Uric acid drugs, like allopurinol

2. Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAID), usually prescribed as pain killers

3. Antibiotics, especially penicillin groups

4. Anticonvulsions, that usually prescribed for epileptic patients.

In certain cases, but rare, Steven Johnson Syndrome can also triggered by physical stimulus like ultraviolet and radiation.

Treatment of Steven Johnson Syndrome

• All patients with Steven Johnson Syndrome must be hospitalized. 
• First important thing to be done to overcome the drug allergy in Steven Johnson Syndrome is stop taking the drugs. 
• Next is giving antiallergy medications (antihistamines) 
• Corticosteroids to suppress the autoimmune process.  
• Fluid intake must be monitored because fluid depletion can impair patient's condition.
• Adjunctive therapy can be given in the hospital as noted: rehydration by calculating fluid need. 
• Skin that is affected must be cleaned by NaCl and wounded with antibiotics zalf to avoid secondary bacterial infection.

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