Vitiligo - white patches appears on the skin

Vitiligo is otherwise known as leukoderma and is a condition in which white patches appears on the skin. Medically it is known as achromia and is a skin disorder. Mostly Indians and Mexicans are affected by this. Depigmented area increase progressively. This causes more mental problems than physical ones.

Symptoms
Itching

White patches on skin

Dark spot within white patches

Pigmentation all over the body

Change in skin colour (skin turns to white)

More chance of sunburn

Causes
Body heat, exposure to wind are all likely to cause this disease. Excess heat may cause problem with proper blood circulation. Losing of skin pigment called melanin that gives colour to skin. Sunburn, viral infection and physical trauma to skin can trigger the condition. When exposed to sun skin reddens and then the out skin layers peels off and darker skin forms in the area. This can also happen if melain production is blocked. Melanin producing cells called melanocytes area attacked and destroyed by unknown factors. In such a case skin loses its colour. Genetic factors are another cause for vitiligo. Pressure of tight cloths, wearing of gloves etc are also likely to cause this disease.

Treatment
Certain Vitamins are helpful in treating Vitiligo. Folic acid, Vitamin b12 and Vitamin C are prescribed to those with this disorder. Light therapy is yet another method of treatment. It is found that supplementing with amino acid L-phenylalanine (LPA) is also helpful. Exposing to sun is also found to have some affect on Vitiligo. Restoration of normal skin by surgery is yet another method. Bleeching of normal skin is also done. Using sunscreens can help to reduce spreading of disease to more area. While using sun protection creams the Sun protection factor (SPF) must not be less than 30 SPF. Cover ups can be used like cosmetics. Topical Corticosteroid Creams or Topical Oxsoralen are used for spot treatments. Mini grafting is yet another method in which normal skin is transplanted to affected area. Tattooing (micropigmentation) is a method in which pigments are implanted in to skin with the help of surgical instrument.

Alternative medicine
PUVA (psoralen and ultra-violet A) is the primary treatment available. Psoralen is derived from a herb called Psoralea cordyfolia. Skin is exposed to Psoralens (acts as photoactivators) along with UV-A in a controlled amount to rejuvenate malanocytes. There are several other chinese herbal medicines which are combination of herbs. Some of them are Compound Tablet of Tribulus containing spirodela, ho-shou-wu, xanthium etc. Another one is a combination of herbs like astragalus, peony, raw and cooked rehmannia etc. In addition to this Shou Wu Decoction is also prescribed by chinese medicine. There are certain external treatments also. Among Chinese medicine Vitiligo resolving capsules, liniment, paste and lotion are also available. Homeopathy is found effective for treatment of vitiligo. Ayurvedic medicines are also found helpful in treating Vitiligo.

Links
http://www.medicinenet.com/vitiligo/article.htm
http://www.leucoderma.com/app/default.asp
http://www.vitiligoguide.com/
http://www.vitiligoguide.com/vitiligo-treatment/
http://www.vitiligoskindisorder.com/show/alternative-treatment/

Eczema - allergic condition of skin

Eczema also known as dermatitis is the allergic condition of skin. Most common among them is atopic eczema which exists through out your life. The disease causes physical as well as mental tension to patient.

Symptoms

Itching of skin

Dryness, thickening or scalp formation of skin

Red colour of skin

hardening of skin

Formation of rashes on skin

Cause
This is caused by over active response of immune system to unknown triggers. Those with a family history of asthma or allergies is also likely to be affected. For some people certain things like soap or animals contact is likely to cause disease. Cold is yet another cause that triggers eczema. Usually hte disease occurs to those whose skin is over sensitive.

Preventive measures

Moisturising the skin

Being in constant temperature and there b avoiding sweating

Reducing contact withthose materials likely to cause allergy

Avoiding soap, solvents and scratchy materials like wool

Reducing stress

Taking prevention against cold

Avoiding food that is likely to trigger eczema

Anti candida diet is another preventive method

Avoiding scratching

Avoid tight dress

Wear loose cotton dress during summer

Treatment
Mostly symptoms are treated as there is no effective treatment for the disease. Moisturisers, lotions or cold compresses are used to prevent dryness of skin. These are to be applied after bathing as this will help to retain moisture more effectively. Hydrocortisones or creams and ointments with corticosteroids are used to reduce inflation. Antibiotics and corticosteroids are also given orally to prevent bacterial infection. Antihistamines and tar treatments are given to reduce itching. Phototherapy and cyclosporine are also prescribed. Skin creams named Elidel and Protopic are topical immunomodulators (TIMs) that alter immune system and prevent flare-ups. Yet another immuno modulator is cyclosporine A but is only rarely used as it can cause severe side affects. . Calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are given in cases of atopic dermatitis to modulate immune system. These wont cause any side effects like skin thickening. Sedative antihistamines are prescribed to reduce itching. But this is likely to cause sedation or drowsiness.

Alternative medicine and home medicine

Growing probiotics will supress growth of bacteria that cause infection. Herbal gels and creams, those made from chamomile, licorice, and witch hazel are halpful to reduce symptoms of eczema. Gamma-linolenic acids (GLA) like evening primrose oil and borageoil helps skin lipids to fight against inflammation. Gamma-linolenic acids are fatty acids. Fish oils can also reduce the symptoms of eczema. As Vitamin B12 deficiency is likely to worsen the condition it is suggested that intake of this viamin is helpful. Herbs like Liquorice root containing glycyrrhizinic acid and a cream prepared with witch hazel and phosphatidylcholine is also helpful to prevent the disease. Hypnosis is found effective in treating eczema. Holistic medicine is found to be very effective to treat eczima.

Links
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/eczema.htm

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/skin_hair/eczema_treatment_003760.htm

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/TreatmentGuides/Eczema.html

http://www.holistic-eczema-treatment.com/

http://www.wellsphere.com/wellpage/alternative-treatments-for-eczema

http://www.eczematreatments.com/

Less sleep will lead to heart attack

This a email I got it today , Thought every one should know about the importance of sleep.

A month ago, many of us heard about the sad demise of Ranjan Das from Bandra, Mumbai. Ranjan, just 42 years of age, was the CEO of SAP-Indian Subcontinent, the youngest CEO of an MNC in India. He was very active in sports, was a fitness freak and a marathon runner. It was common to see him run on Bandra's Carter Road. Just after Diwali, on 21st Oct, he returned home from his gym after a workout, collapsed with a massive heart attack and died. He is survived by his wife and two very young kids.

It was certainly a wake-up call for corporate India. However, it was even more disastrous for runners amongst us. Since Ranjan was anavid marathoner (in Feb 09, he ran Chennai Marathon at the same time some of us were running Pondicherry Marathon 180 km away), the question came as to why an exceptionally active, athletic person succumb to heart attack at 42 years of age.

Was it the stress?
A couple of you called me asking about the reasons. While Ranjan had mentioned that he faced a lot of stress, that is a common element in most of our lives. We used to think that by being fit, one can conquer the bad effects of stress. So I doubted if the cause was stress.

The Real Reason
However, everyone missed out a small line in the reports that Ranjan used to make do with 4-5 hours of sleep. This is an earlier interview of Ranjan on NDTV in the program 'Boss' Day Out':
http://connect.in.com/ranjan-das/play-video-boss-day-out-ranjan-das-of-sap-india-229111-807ecfcf1ad966036c289b3ba6c376f2530d7484.html
Here he himself admits that he would love to get more sleep (and that he was not proud of his ability to manage without sleep, contrary to what others extolled).

The Evidence
Last week, I was working with a well-known cardiologist on the subject of ‘Heart Disease caused by Lack of Sleep’. While I cannot share the video nor the slides because of confidentiality reasons, I have distilled the key points below in the hope it will save some of our lives.

Some Excerpts:

· Short sleep duration (<5 or 5-6 hours) increased risk for high BP by 350% to 500% compared to those who slept longer than 6 hours per night. Paper published in 2009.
As you know, high BP kills.

· Young people (25-49 years of age) are twice as likely to get high BP if they sleep less. Paper published in 2006.

· Individuals who slept less than 5 hours a night had a 3-fold increased risk of heart attacks. Paper published in 1999.

· Complete and partial lack of sleep increased the blood concentrations of High sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-cRP), the strongest predictor of heart attacks. Even after getting adequate sleep later, the levels stayed high!!

· Just one night of sleep loss increases very toxic substances in body such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-alpha) and C-reactive protein (cRP). They increase risks of many medical conditions, including cancer, arthritis andheart disease. Paper published in 2004.

· Sleeping for <=5 hours per night leads to 39% increase in heart disease. Sleeping for <=6 hours per night leads to 18% increase in heart disease. Paper published in 2006.

Ideal Sleep
For lack of space, I cannot explain here the ideal sleep architecture. But in brief, sleep is composed of two stages: REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM. The former helps in mental consolidation while the latter helps in physical repair and rebuilding. During the night, you alternate between REM and non-REM stages 4-5 times.

The earlier part of sleep is mostly non-REM. During that period, your pituitary gland releases growth hormones that repair your body. The latter part of sleep is more and more REM type.

For you to be mentally alert during the day, the latter part of sleep is more important. No wonder when you wake up with an alarm clock after 5-6 hours of sleep, you are mentally irritable throughout the day (lack of REM sleep). And if you have slept for less than 5 hours, your body is in a complete physical mess (lack of non-REM sleep), you are tired throughout the day, moving like a zombie and your immunity is way down (I’ve been there, done that L)

Finally, as long-distance runners, you need an hour of extra sleep to repair the running related damage.

If you want to know if you are getting adequate sleep, take Epworth Sleepiness Test below.



Interpretation: Score of 0-9 is considered normal while 10 and above abnormal. Many a times, I have clocked 21 out the maximum possible 24, the only saving grace being the last situation, since I don’t like to drive (maybe, I should ask my driver to answer that lineJ)
In conclusion:
Barring stress control, Ranjan Das did everything right: eating proper food, exercising (marathoning!), maintaining proper weight. But he missed getting proper and adequate sleep, minimum 7 hours. In my opinion, that killed him.
If you are not getting enough sleep (7 hours), you are playing with fire, even if you have low stress.
I always took pride in my ability to work 50 hours at a stretch whenever the situation warranted. But I was so spooked after seeing the scientific evidence last week that since Saturday night, I ensure I do not even set the alarm clock under 7 hours. Now, that is a nice excuse to get some more sleep. J

Unfortunately, Ranjan Das is not alone when it comes to missing sleep. Many of us are doing exactly the same, perhaps out of ignorance. Please forward this mail to as many of your colleagues as possible, especially those who might be short-changing their sleep. If we can save even one young life because of this email, I would be the happiest person on earth.

Corns - Thickening of skin of toes

Thickening of skin of toes is called as corns. This may happen between the toes, on the top of the toes or on the tip. Mostly women are more affected by this disease.

Symptoms

Hard growth of skin on tip of toes

Pain on applying pressure to this hard growth

Swelling and redness along with severe discomfort around hard growth

Difficulty to wear tight shoes, socks or stockings

Dryness of skin then becomes waxy, transparent and ultimately the skin becomes a horny mass

Lack of proper treatment can lead to infection, development of ulcer or a fluid filled sack beneath hard skin

Cause
Tight fitting shoes, socks or stockings

Rubbing of shoe against toes

Deformed or crooked toes

Enlarged bursa

Manual labour

Bare foot or exposure of toes

Athletic events or activities causing pressure

Uneven distribution of weight on feet

Preventive measures
Preventive measures includes changing of footwear and using footwears of correct size. It is better to avoid high heeled shoes that can cause extreme pressure on toes. Using pads that can prevent pressure on toes can also help. Never rub the toes and make sure to use gloves on hands. Always keep hands and feet moisturized. For those who use shoes always try to go bare feet occassionally which can prevent toes from pressure. Proper hygiene of feet is also necessary. Long toenails need to be cut straight and short from one end to another. Applying some petroleum jelly before wearing shoes is helpful to prevent pressure caused by rubbing. Corn plasters need not be used especially by those having diabetes as they contain acid that eats away flesh and corn.

Treatment
Most common medicines for corns is Ibuprofen which helps relieve from pain and inflammation temporarily. Antibiotics will help to heal faster. Keratolytic agents can be used to break up hardened skin or this can be done with the help of surgery. Cutting the hardened skin or shaving to remove the dry skin is also good.

If the cause is deformed or crooked toe then surgical correction will be necessary to avoid the pressure leading to corns. Remedies that contain salicyclic acid can be used but with due care as the acid is capable to burn healthy skin surrounding the corn. A mixture of collodion (a combination of Salactic Film, Duofilm and Viranol), salicylic acid and lactic acid is a very common prescription.

Alternative treatment and home care
Homeopathy treatment includes medicines like Ruta grav, Bryonia, Pulsatilla and Belladona. Hydrotherapy is yet anothe effective treatment method where foot baths with lavender, geranium, camomile, peppermint are prescribed to get relief from swelling and other symptoms. Using protective coverings on the sore will decrease friction and this will help faster healing. Always keep the skin moist. For this oils or lotions can be used. Hard skin must be removed with a pumice stone or sand paper after soaking the area in water. If the disease has occured to hands, using gloves will be helpful to avoid pressure. Soak the skin in diluted chamomile tea and after washing use a moisturiser with 20% solution of urea. This need to be done everyday. Soaking of feet in Epsom salt is also good to soften the corns. After that dry the area with a towel and apply moisturiser. Then each feet has to be wraped in a plastic bag and must be kept for one or two hours. After two hours gently rub the corns using pumice stone. Make a mixture of lime juice, water and aspirin tablet and apply it to the corn. Keep this for fifteen minutes and then rub the corn using pumice stone and apply moisturiser. Persons with diabetes must not use pumice stone. Applying Castor oil with a cotton pad and fixing it using an adhesive tape before going to bed is a good remedy. Never apply castor oil to a wound or broken skin.Applying Calendula products or lotions with urea or lactic acid are helpful to keep skin moist. Applying raw pappaya juice or juice of green fig, to affected area is a home remedy which is very effective. Placing a piece of lemon, onion, indian squill or pine apple peel on affected area overnight is also found effective. Chalk powder mixed with water to form a paste is another simple home remedy. Another mixture is lemon juice and brewer's yeast. Juice of dandelion is also effective. Mustard oil or gingly oil is to be mixed with powdered liquorices to forma paste and this has to be applied twice or thrice daily. Castor oil, Wheat germ oil, olive oil and sesame oil are also good moisturising agents. Walking bare footed on wet sand is also found effective. Mix baking soda to luke warm water and soak the feet before rubbing off the corn with pumice stone. Intake of vitamin and mineral rich light food helps to heal the corn fast. Soak Ivy leaves in vinegar overnight. Soak some bread in same water and bandage it to affected area. Continue this for some days which will work. Wrap a cloth soaked with rectified turpentine and wrap to the affected area several times a day. Soaking the area with vinegar and rubbing the corn with pumice stone is also good. Boil some oatmeal and on cooling dip the ffet in that water. This helps to get relief from pain caused by corn.
Link
http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/64/main.html
http://www.naturesnaturalhealing.com/CornsandCalluses.shtml
http://www.medindia.net/homeremedies/corns.asp
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Alternative-Medicine-For-Bunions-and-Corns/965454