Archive | July, 2010

Spongiotic Dermatitis – Medical Terminology for Acute Eczema

ad4 Spongiotic Dermatitis   Medical Terminology for Acute Eczema
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2714551428 8e91704c75 t Spongiotic Dermatitis   Medical Terminology for Acute Eczema

What is Spongiotic Dermatitis? Spongiotic Dermatitis is the basic terminology applied to the skin condition commonly known as acute eczema. This is a skin disorder that commonly affects the stomach, chest and often the backside areas. In most cases you will find that the condition will not be located on the head or scalp region. Spongiotic Dermatitis commonly appears as an unsightly reddish colored rash that can darken as the condition develops in severity. At its worst the rash appears to be completely black in coloration.

Spongiotic Dermatitis affects people of all ages and can be contracted at a relatively young age. It will affect babies in the form of a nappy rash. Research into the condition points to the fact that males are threefold more likely to suffer from this type of dermatitis than females. The most generally ascribed causes of Spongiotic dermatitis include allergic reactions, chiefly food allergies, in addition to a response to insect bites and even some types of drugs have been known to stimulate an eruption of the condition.

The most frequent early symptom of Spongiotic Dermatitis is inflammation on the skin. Usually the next phase comprises the visual aspect of blistering skin rashes, which are extremely noticeable and frequently have fluid inside the blisters. It is strongly suggested that you do not break open the blisters as this will oftentimes stimulate infections. Alternatively, you should immediately visit your doctor so that your condition can be properly diagnosed and evaluated. The doctor can then put forward an effective treatment program. Spongiotic Dermatitis, if left untreated, may result in an advancement of the skin rash and it is likely that it will become crust like in appearance.

Another common symptom of Spongiotic Dermatitis is irritation. Most people identify the Spongiotic Dermatitis condition as feeling similar to mosquito bites or even to having Chicken Pox. By maintaining a high degree of moisture on the skins surface the sufferer is able to enjoy some alleviation from the irritation and itchiness. This is crucial because scratching or rubbing at the skin will exacerbate the condition.

The actual causes of Spongiotic Dermatitis have yet to be determined although a good deal of effort has been assigned into exploring this skin condition. If you begin suffering symptoms of Spongiotic Dermatitis it is important for you to attempt to recall if you have been exposed to anything that might have contributed to its outbreak. It would be of value to create a list of all the matters that you have made contact with during the preceding three days as this could be of assistance once you undergo tests to identify the contributing factors.

If you are diagnosed with Spongiotic Dermatitis, you may be prescribed a regime of treatments that may include applying menthol lotions on the rashes and encompassing regions. This will help provide you with alleviation from the itchiness in addition to any burning sensation you might be feeling. Other remedies include consuming Vitamin A tablets over a period of approximately three to four weeks. If your condition is severe it is possible that your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications such as Prednisone.

Female sufferers who are pregnant or are nursing, should inform their doctor of their situation to ensure that any medications prescribed do not affect the baby or fetus.

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Is It Oily Skin or Seborrheic Dermatitis

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Seborrheic Dermatitis is also referred to as Dandruff, Seborrheic Eczema and Cradle Cap used in conjunction with infants who have seborrheic dermatitis). It is a condition which is characterized by inflammation, itching, and scales which form on oily or greasy areas of the skin (for instance, the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, sides of nose, behind ears, in middle body skin folds, and inside the ear). It sometimes has a red or pinkish tint to affected skin. Skin affected by this condition often looks oily and scaly.

The actual cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not known but it seems to be genetic as patients who have it usually have family members who also have or have had it. The condition may be worsened by stress, fatigue, extreme temperatures, infrequent cleansing of affected areas, using personal hygiene products which contain alcohol on affected areas, oily skin, and obesity.

Hormones may be a factor in seborrheic dermatitis as can a fungus called malassezia. This fungus, normal to the skin, can increase during illness, high stress, and other triggers. With such increases, skin problems result, including seborrheic dermatitis.

Head Injuries, Parkinsons disease, stroke, and HIV have also been linked to this skin condition. However, seborrheic dermatitis does not mean that you have one of these linked conditions. This oily skin condition occurs most as cradle cap in infants less than three months old and in adults between 30 and 60 years of age as dandruff. It appears more in men than in women.

Seborrheic dermatitis is not contagious, caused by poor hygiene, an allergic reaction, or dangerous to the patient. The biggest health issue associated with this oily skin condition is skin damage and/or open wounds caused by scratching. Broken skin from scratching can develop infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal); these infections are usually mild and easily treated but can be more insidious (such as staph infections).

Treatment of the condition depends on the body part affected and the patients age:

Dandruff generally has good results when treated with prescribed shampoos which may contain one of the following medications: salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, or pyrithione zinc. Usage is usually twice per week for the above prescribed shampoos, but may be three times a week if you are using an over the counter tar based shampoo. The tar based shampoos may be used daily when treatment is first begun; usage is reduced after the dandruff is better controlled. In addition to usage requirements, how you use the shampoos is also important. Massage the shampoo through very wet hair making sure it covers the scalp well, let sit for about 10 minutes, and rinse well with warm water. Topical corticosteroids in a cream or lotion form may be prescribed if the traditional shampoos do not control the scaly, oily condition. These are usually applied one to two times a day.

In cases of seborrheic dermatitis appearing in adults skin folds, corticosteroids are usually prescribed in a cream or lotion form. Dosage is usually one to two times per day.

Cradle Cap is usually relieved by careful cleaning, moisturizing, and massage (using a baby brush). Do not pick at the oily scales, let them loosen through cleansing and moisturizing then they usually come off when brushed softly with a baby brush. Picking at them or brushing too roughly can result in broken skin and the risk of infection. If you have tried this for several days and do not see significant improvement, you may want to talk to your babys pediatrician about the condition. Do not attempt to use over the counter shampoos (like the above mentioned shampoos) without consulting the doctor. Babies skin is extremely delicate and needs special treatment.

When the oily scales of seborrheic dermatitis appear in skin folds on babies, very mild topical corticosteroids in lotion or cream form are usually prescribed. Normal dosage is once daily.

While seborrheic dermatitis is greatly affected by oil gland production, it is not necessarily going to occur on everyone who has oily skin. Care for it is a combination of the care for other forms of eczema and the care regimen for oily skin. It is important to keep the area cleansed but not over cleansed and moisturizing is helpful in controlling this condition. Moisturizing the scalp is usually best done through good, moisturizing conditioners.

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Top 7 Tips to Treat and Prevent Sunburn

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The sun warms you, relaxes you, brightens your mood. But get too much, and you could end up with an agonizing burn. You can blame a too-tanned hide on Old Sols ultraviolet (UV) rays. They destroy cells in the outer layer of your skin and damage tiny blood vessels just below the surface. This produces the redness, swelling, and pain that you normally think of when you hear the word sunburn. While the inflammation subsides with time, a sunburn does have long-term effects. A burn is an injury to your skin, and the damage from it is cumulative. Repeated overexposure to the sun erodes elastic fibers in your skin, causing wrinkles. Even more serious, it could set the stage for skin cancer. Here are some tips that you can consider to adopt to ease your pain.

1.Safeguard Your Skin

To prevent another burn, always wear sunscreen when you head outdoors. It is recommended to have a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply it hour to 1 hour before you go out so it can soak in. and take it with you so you can reapply it. This goes for waterproof sunscreen, too. If you perspire or go in for swim, some of the sunscreens effectiveness will be lost. No product is absolutely waterproof.

2.Read The Label

Some ointments intended for sunburn relief contain allergy-causing ingredients. Skin that is inflamed is more susceptible to an allergic reaction. It affects only a small number of people, but when you have a sunburn, you dont want to experience an allergic reaction besides. If you are allergic-prone, you may want to ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a product.

3.Put It In Neutral

A cold compress helps neutralize a sunburn. To make the compress, dip a washcloth or towel in cool tap water, wring it out, and lay it on your skin. As the water evaporates, it has a cooling effect, which helps control the burning and pain. It is recommended a hour applications two or three times a day.

4.Wear Added Protection

The proper attire can protect your skin from suns UV rays. Tight-knit fabrics work especially well. But be sure to keep your clothing dry. If it is wet, about 50 percent of the UV rays will filter through.

5.Coat It With Cream

One percent hydrocortisone cream, available over the counter, helps to relieve sunburn pain. Use it directly on the affected area three or four times a day. And dont wash it off, just leave it on and keep reapplying it. For added benefit, it is recommended to first applying the cream and then placing a cool compress over the top.

6.Bathe With Care

To cleanse sunburned skin, use relatively cool water and a mild hypoallergenic soap such as Cetaphil or Oilatum. Dont scrub your skin or use a washcloth. And if you take a shower, aim the spray away from the affected area.

7.Pop A Pain Reliever

Both ibuprofen and aspirin can ease the pain and inflammation of a mild sunburn. A more severe burn may require a prescription-strength anti-inflammatory or corticosteroid. These can have gastrointestinal side effects, though. Ask your doctor about them.

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What Is Eczema ? – Treatment and Cure

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Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammation (reddening and swelling) of the skin which is very itchy. The severity of the disease can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy, whilst in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. In the United Kingdom, up to one fifth of all children of school age have eczema, along with about one in twelve of the adult population. The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. It is an allergic condition that makes your skin dry and itchy. It is most common in babies and children. Factors that can cause eczema include other diseases, irritating substances, allergies and your genetic makeup. Some people who have eczema scratch their skin so much it becomes almost leathery in texture. Others find that their skin becomes extremely dry and scaly. Eczema will permanently resolve by age three in about half of affected infants. In others, the condition tends to recur throughout life. Most affected individuals have their first episode before age 5 years.

Eczema is not contagious. Eczema can affect people of any age, although the condition is most common in infants.About 1-2 percent of adults have eczema, and as many as 20 percent of children are affected. Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. Sometimes the itching will start before the rash appears, but when it does the rash most commonly occurs on the face, knees, hands or feet. It may also affect other areas as well. Atopic eczema affects approximately 15-20% of young children in the UK. Atopic eczema clears up in approximately 70% of children by the time they reach their teens and in many it largely clears up by 4-5 years of age. If it persists into adult life, it usually affects the body creases, the face and hands. Soap removes dirt but also removes natural oils from the skin; making the skin dry, irritated and itchy. Try not to scratch the irritated area on your skin even if it itches.

Treatment of weeping lesions may include soothing moisturizers, mild soaps, or wet dressing. Moisturizing gloves can be worn while sleeping. Emollient bath oils should be added to bath water and then suitable agents applied after patting the skin dry. Chronic thickened areas may be treated with ointments or creams that contain tar compounds, corticosteroids (medium to very high potency), and ingredients that lubricate or soften the skin. Mild anti-itch lotions or topical corticosteroids (low potency) may soothe less severe or healing areas, or dry scaly lesions. Systemic corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation in some severe cases. Light therapy using ultraviolet light can help control eczema. UVA is mostly used, but UVB and Narrow Band UVB are also used. Ultraviolet light exposure carries its own risks, particularly eventual skin cancer from exposure. Tea-tree oil in a gel or diluted form has good antiseptic and antibacterial effects, and is helpful in calming down inflammation. Non-conventional medical approaches include traditional herbal medicine and others.

Eczema Treatment Tips

1. Emollients are necessary to reduce water loss from the skin, preventing the dryness normally associated with eczema.

2. Steroids act by reducing inflammation and are used in most types of eczema.

3. Ultra Violet light treatment and stronger medication may be considered for very severe eczema.

4. Avoid substances that stress your skin.

5. Diet restrictions and chemical skin-drying agents may also be offered, but their success is controversial.

6. Use warm water with mild soaps or nonsoap cleansers when bathing your child.

7. Avoid using scented soaps.

8. Apply cool compresses on the irritated areas of your child’s skin to ease itching.

9. Keep your child’s fingernails short to minimize any skin damage caused by scratching.

10. Try having your child wear comfortable, light gloves to bed if scratching at night is a problem.

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Learn What Is Atopic Dermatitis and How You Can Prevent It

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If you suffer from atopic dermatitis, you know how irritating – and even painful- it is. Yet, you don’t have to live always suffering because this condition can be managed and controlled. There are millions of people around the World that have this type of dermatitis and it is commonly known as eczema.

Atopic dermatitis seems to have its origin on a genetic predisposition, and it poses no threat to your life nor is contagious. In the majority of cases, the triggers are allergens or food.

Although it has a greater occurrence on babies, atopic dermatitis can be present throughout the life of a person with episodes called “flare-ups”. The symptoms can vary in intensity and they are different in different people. For a doctor, it is easier to identify this condition in children, because in adults it can be easily mistaken for psoriasis.

How to Prevent Atopic Dermatitis

Sufferers from atopic dermatitis really have to suffer a torture at times – just ask anyone suffering from it! It is important to know how to find relief and prevent the “flare-ups”, because this condition is not curable yet.

The first step to effectively treat atopic dermatitis, is learning about what triggers the skin inflammation, maybe is an irritant, maybe is a food, the complicated thing about this is that the trigger varies from patient to patient. According to some studies, there are trigger-foods present in many atopic dermatitis cases: nuts, milk and wheat.

Finally, we know that the environment can also influence the appearance of this condition, places where there is a lot of smoke and dust, seem to trigger flare-ups. If you have an animal allergy, you will have a skin reaction when a cat or dog is nearby, in these cases you should stay away from the animal.

As you see there can be different triggers for the rash, you may need to do some trials and testing in order to determine your won specific trigger.

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