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/

Acanthocytosis - digestive disorder

Acanthocytosis is rare disorder in which patient is unable to fully absorb dietary fats. Acanthocytosis is a digestive disorder that is characterized by the absence of very low-density lip proteins and chylomicrons in the plasma. The absence of lipproteins and of chylomicrons interferes with the absorption of fat and leads to excessive fats excretion (steatorrhea). The most frequent and most significant conditions include abetalipoproteinemia and spur cell hemolytic anemia of severe liver disease. It affects boys slightly more than girls.

Symptoms:

The most important symptoms are abnormal red blood cells (acanthocytes), a vision disorder (retinitis pigmentosa), and impaired muscle coordination (ataxia), development delays and digestive problems. Jaundice, bleeding pale,foul smelling and bulky stool, loss of appetite, vomiting, retarded growth, vision problems, abdominal pain, dark urine, cataracts, bulging eyes, decreased night vision, short stature, reduced touch sensation, reduced pain and temperature sensation, enlarged liver and spleen ,mental retardation, cold intolerance etc are other symptoms of acanthocytosis.

Causes:

Altered distribution or proportions of membrane lipids or membrane protein or membrane skeleton abnormalities are causes of acanthocytosis. The imbalance in membrane lipids causes cells to stiffen, wrinkle, pucker,and form spicules .The liver dysfunction can cause altered plasma lipid composition and acanthocytes because of acquired abnormal red cell membrane lipid composition. Changes in the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) gene cause a congenital absence of beta-apolipoprotein in the plasma, as well as decreased levels of cholesterol, very–low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

Treatment:

Treatment includes high doses of fat-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin A, D, E and K is necessary in large doses. Iron and foliate supplements are needed. Occupational and Physical therapy is recommended to treat progressive neurological disease. Treatment for liver disease is important, it includes careful fluid management, correction of metabolic disturbances, treatment of hypoglycemia, and careful nutritional management. Bleeding may require surgery. Hormone replacement is needed for endocrine disorders; lipid-lowering agents have been tried for hemolytic anemias of severe liver disease. Drugs prescribed by doctors are: Vitamin A (Aquasol A, Palmitate-A 5000) Vitamin E (Nutr-E-Sol), Folic acid, Polysaccharide-iron complex (Niferex, Nu-Iron)

Prevention:

Maintain healthy weight and normal cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Avoid excess alcohol and other substances that could be harmful to your liver, can help to reduce liver disease.

Alternative medicine:

Herbs and nutritional supplements help to improve liver health. This may include milk thistle, alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E, N-acetyl and omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, iron, valerian and comfrey. Consult the doctor before taking any vitamin and dietary supplement.

Links:

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com

http://www.webmd.com/

http://organizedwisdom.com/

www.emedicine.com

http://organizedwisdom.com/

Siddha -a new alternative Treatment method for rare diseases

Siddha system of medicine, like Ayurveda, is equally ancient system. The name seems to have been derived from siddhars, or saintly persons, and eighteen of them are believed to have contributed in its development. The principles and doctrines of this system, both fundamental and applied, have a close similarity to Ayurveda.
The strength of the Siddha system like in its ability in treating most types of diseases other than emergency cases. The system is effective in treating sexually transmitted disease, urinary tract infections, liver and gastro-intestinal tracts ailments, general debility, postpartum anaemia, diarrhoea, arthritis and allergic disorders.