Risk Factors | Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Protecting Children From Ringworm

While anyone can get ringworm, children due to their level of interaction, tend to be more susceptible. The term might cause some alarm but there are no worms involved. It is a fairly common skin condition that is caused by various types of fungus. The name is likely due to the fact that the infection takes on a circular pattern. The affected area of skin is usually raised and rough looking.

The type of fungus that produces the infection will also influence its location on the body. It does not always cause itching, but when the groin area (jock itch) and between the toes (athlete’s foot) are the sites of infection, then itching is experienced. The condition is contagious, and it can also be spread from animals to humans as well as human to human.

Preventing Ringworm

There are steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of a ringworm infection. You can try to keep your children safe from ringworm infections by:

• Discouraging them from sharing clothing with other children
• Making sure they wear shoes or slippers in locker rooms and bathrooms
• Keeping them away from pets you suspect might have the condition
• Keep antibacterial and anti-fungal soap handy. Use these when contact with an infected person is suspected.

Ringworm Treatment

Thankfully ringworm is a condition that is easily treated. There are various antifungal creams which can be bought over the counter for this purpose. When the scalp is the site of infection, topical treatments are not recommended. Oral medication may be prescribed in these cases. The infection usually goes away within two to three weeks after beginning treatment.

Parents should always be on the lookout for any suspicious rashes on the skin. Keep the bathroom floor clean and dry as much as possible. Children who are physically active should also be encouraged to pay special attention to the care of their feet. Households with pets should look out for signs of infection such as fur loss. If there afre concerns, a vet should be consulted.

Filed Under: Health, Risk Factors | Tagged: Tagged With: Conditions and Diseases, Fungal, Infection, Ringworm

Dealing With Hives

: Image by Cyron via Flickr

The term hives refers to a common condition where the skin breaks out into bumps. Less commonly known by its medical name urticaria, it causes itching which can last for hours. It is often regarded as a food allergy but it can be triggered by other factors as well. While it does cause discomfort this usually ceases within a few hours. Aside from skin irritation and itching there are other potentially serious associated condition to be aware of.

Known Hive Triggers

Strawberries are well known to be a major cause of hives among sufferers. Other foods which can lead to this problem are nuts, chocolate, eggs and shellfish. Other things that can lead to flare-ups include:

•Insect bites
•Drugs such as aspirin
•Stress

Causes for Concern

Flare up can even lead to death depending on the severity of the allergic reaction. In extreme cases the allergic response can be so severe it can affect the throat and lungs. This can lead to difficulty breathing and there is the possibility of the person becoming asphyxiated. Once anyone who is known to suffer from hives shows any sign of breathing difficulty they should immediately be taken to the hospital.

Easing the Discomfort

When the condition is not severe soaking in cold water or applying a cold compress can help. Adding cornstarch to bath water can also relieve the itching. Antihistamines are sometimes used to provide as well.

The rashes caused by hives usually disappear after the flare-up has ceased. Sufferers can take their own health in hand by keeping detailed record of their daily food intake. Once there is a breakout it can usually be traced back to what has been consumed. Once known triggers are avoided, flare-ups are usually greatly reduced.

Filed Under: Health, Risk Factors, Symptoms | Tagged: Tagged With: Allergy, Disease, Health

Bedsore Advice for Caregivers

: Image via Wikipedia

Many of us are familiar with the lesions that appear on the skin of persons who are bedridden. These lesions are commonly called bed sores or more technically as pressure ulcers. They result from a number of causes. Constant pressure and friction have been identified as the leading factors in this skin condition. Age may also play a role. As surprising as it may sound bed sores can eventually prove fatal.

The Stages of Bed Sores

This condition starts out relatively innocuously, but eventually the sores will deepen. The phases of the condition are:

• Stage 1: this features damage only to the outer layer of skin. Skin may become reddish or rough in appearance.

•Stage 2: the damage goes a bit deeper with obvious irritation to the skin’s outer layer.

•Stage 3: here not only the skin is damaged but there may also be light tissue damage as well.

•Stage 4: the damage here goes so deeply, even the bone may be exposed

Stages 3 and 4 are the most difficult to heal, and it is with these 2 two that serious infection can result.

Avoiding Bed Sores

If you are caring for a loved one who is seriously ill or paralyzed, there are steps you can take to avoid the problem of bed sores. These include:

•Changing their position every two to three hours

•When they are lying on the side put a pillow between their knees

•Check the body periodically for signs of skin damage

•Buy special mattresses which help to alleviate pressure

Helping your loved one to move and rotate limbs will aid in circulation. There are also beds which are made for caring for patients in this condition. Caring for anyone who needs round the clock care can be physically and emotionally taxing. Getting enough rest will help the caregiver to provide quality care.

Filed Under: Alternative Medicine, General, Health, Risk Factors | Tagged: Tagged With: Bedsore, Infection, Lesion, Skin

What are Boils?

These little pesky infections below the skin are not only unattractive, but they can be quite painful too. There are a number of different types of boils (abscesses) such as hidradenitis suppurativa, carbuncles and cystic acne. The type of boil is dependent on how it forms. Boils result from a number of factors such as:

•Foreign matter that is lodged under the skin. This can happen when a splinter becomes embedded in the skin.
•Closed pores result in cystic acne. This type of boil tends to affect teenagers. Unlike acne, this boil affects skin tissues that are deeper than the surface of the skin.
•Ingrown hair is responsible for hidradenitis suppurativa. This type of boil is frequently found under the arms or groin area. It often affects the faces of African American men due to ingrown bread.

Prevention and Treatment

While not completely preventable, many types of boils can be avoided by practicing good hygiene. In other cases, medication can be prescribed to prevent a reoccurrence of abscesses such as hidradenitis suppurativa.

Treating boils takes a combination approach in some cases. For the simplest types of boils, home treatment is best choice. For small boils that are just forming applying a heat compress to the area is recommended. Some boils have to be lanced to drain the affected area and promote healing. Lancing or piercing the boil is not helpful for small boils that are not well formed.

Surgical intervention or lancing is most common with hidradenitis suppurativa. This can also be done for cystic acne. Sometimes scarring can be so bad that plastic surgery is required.

The good thing is that most types of boils are harmless even if somewhat painful. Persons with certain types of illnesses such as diabetes should get medical assistance if they develop a boil.

Filed Under: Health, Risk Factors, Symptoms | Tagged: Tagged With: Abscess, Boil, Conditions and Diseases, Skin Disorders

Perioral Dermatitis: Skin Condition Affecting Most Women

: Image via Wikipedia

Perioral dermatitis is one of those skin conditions that most persons have never heard about. While it can affect anyone it is most often seen in young women. Little is known about this condition. Some experts believe it is just another form of rosacea. It is also known as periorificial dermatitis.

Persons with perioral dermatitis have small bumps around the mouth. The bumps can sometimes have pus and often look inflamed. The band of bumps is most common in the area of the mouth leading up to the nostrils and around the lips themselves. Depending on the extent of the condition, the chin may also be affected and in rare cases the cheeks and eye area.

Like most skin conditions itching can be experienced. This may be accompanied by a burning sensation. The discomfort is generally mild.

Can Perioral Dermatitis be Prevented or Cured?

Not much is known about the causes of perioral dermatitis. Some dermatologists think that overexposure to sunlight may play a role in developing this disorder. This makes it difficult to have a plan of action to prevent its occurrence.

The following is suggested as ways to minimize the risk of developing perioral dermatitis:

Avoiding any type of tartar control products.
Avoiding toothpaste with fluoride.
Using cosmetic and skin care products that are known to be safe and do not cause allergic reactions.
Avoiding foods that cause the dilation of blood vessels in the skin such as very hot food.

Treatment for perioral dermatitis varies depending on the severity. The most common options are anti-acne medication, corticosteroid creams and antibiotics that can be taken orally.

The good thing about this condition is that it rarely returns after being successfully treated. Unfortunately some persons may have recurring breakouts. This normally happens if the affected person ceases treatment before the recommended time.

Filed Under: Health, Risk Factors | Tagged: Tagged With: Skin, Skin Care, Skin Disorders

What a Diagnosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma Means

No one wants to hear the word cancer after having tests, but that is exactly what basal cell carcinoma is. In fact it is the most common form of skin cancer. Thankfully, it is quite treatable and rarely results in death. The major concern is that it can spread rapidly causing damage to surrounding tissue.

Recognizing the Signs

Knowing when to be concerned about skin changes can go a long way in beating this cancer. It is most commonly seen in the tissues of the face and neck. Some signs of basal cell carcinoma are:

• The appearance of a reddish looking patch of skin that may sometimes be irritated. The patch may be rough or crusty looking.
• Open sores that fail to heal and tend to ooze.
• Any growth that is above the level of the skin or those with raised edges.
• Any patch or growth that is tender or painful to the touch.

Steps to be Taken

After a diagnosis the course of treatment will depend on the extent of the cancer. Treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy – the use of chemicals to treat the affected area.
• Removal by surgery – the cutting away of the cancerous cells.
• Radiation therapy – treating the cancer with a radioactive material.
• Cryosurgery – freezing the cancerous cells before removing them.

There are simple steps to be taken to avoid ever hearing the words ‘basal cell carcinoma’. People with a family history of this illness should be especially careful regarding sun exposure. The use sunscreen should be practiced even for children. Unless unavoidable, sporting activities should be restricted to indoor facilities or held during low light periods such as afternoons or early mornings.

Skin cancer is more common among persons with lighter skin. This is not to be taken that darker skinned individuals are immune. Anyone can get basal cell carcinoma regardless of race, skin color or age.

Filed Under: Health, Nursing, Risk Factors, Symptoms | Tagged: Tagged With: Basal cell carcinoma, Conditions and Diseases, Skin cancer