Jock Itch

If you are male and engage in any type of rigorous exercise, then you undoubtedly have become familiar with a common, irritating condition called “jock itch.” There are a variety of other names associated with this affliction like jock rot, sweaty balls, or tinea cruris.

Although this condition is contracted principally by males, women are not immune to this infection and can suffer to the same degree as any man.

The symptoms are obvious. You feel a burning, sweaty, itching sensation in the groin area surrounding the genitals. The skin takes on a raw look and can begin peeling.

Your first instinct is to scratch the affected area incessantly and usually without much thought to it until you realize that the sensation is not dissipating and is actually spreading.

The infected area may also include the buttocks and inner thighs.

A look at the infected area canl reveal reddish, ring-shaped rashes and dampness. Although the infection is not serious, it can be extremely aggravating and embarrassing, especially if you are experiencing serious itching and are scratching the area in the presence of other people.

Causes

Jock itch, or jock rot, or whatever other appellation high school sophomores may give to this infection, is caused by a fungus called Trichophyton rubrum. It thrives in moist and damp areas of the body such as the genitals, groin or inner thighs. Sweating after exercise or even from being in hot, humid weather can cause the fungus to proliferate especially if you are wearing tight undergarments that can allow the fungus to proliferate.

Failing to bathe on a daily basis, especially if you exercise regularly or live in a humid environment, can make one susceptible. It has been suggested that a poor diet consisting of mostly junk foods, found in many an adolescent’s or teenager’s daily food regimen, can contribute to an infection. If you consume a great deal of fried, greasy or processed foods, you are weakening your immune system and not preventing this or any other infectious conditions from invading your body.

Risk Factors

It is obvious that maintaining a less than hygienic lifestyle is conducive to inviting infectious agents into your body. Other risk factors include obesity, which is nearing epidemic proportions in our country, as overweight people have a tendency to sweat easily. If they also fail to keep their bodies clean and dry, then their bodies are practically inviting any infection.

As noted above, eating a diet filled with greasy and fried foods will not stave off infections nor will the consumption of sugary foods and drinks or foods containing yeast. People who consume large amounts of alcohol which eventually becomes sugar are at risk as well.

Having a compromised immune system or having AIDS will put you at risk for this and any other infections, so it necessary to take any measures that will strengthen your immune system and lessen the chances of infection.

Prevention

Prevention of this common affliction is relatively easy. You could either just stop sweating or follow a healthier lifestyle that one should do in any event.

You should shower on a daily basis and take care to thoroughly dry the groin and inner thigh area.

Taking care to also dry the area between your toes will prevent athlete’s foot, another fungus that results in similar symptoms.

Dieting

A diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits will aid in prevention. These and other foods rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids aid in the prevention of free radicals and strengthen the immune and cardiovascular systems.

Although few people meet the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, one can at least severely limit, if not entirely omit, sodas, diet or otherwise, from one’s diet and stop frequenting fast food restaurants.

You might also consider adding garlic to your food. Small amounts are recommended as garlic can have an irritating effect on one’s stomach. Because garlic has long been regarded for its anti-fungal properties, and can add flavor to many dishes, this can be a welcome and tasty preventative measure.

If you exercise regularly, be aware that your body will continue to sweat for about 15 minutes after you have completed your routine and needs that much time to cool down. Taking a shower or bath immediately after exercising will not slow or decrease the time it takes your body to stop sweating, so wait 15 minutes before showering. Use an antibacterial soap and wash the groin and inner thigh areas.

Carefully dry these areas after your shower and apply a talcum powder to keep these areas dry and less likely to become damp or moist.

Treatment & Remedies

There are a variety of commercial lotions and sprays that you can purchase that are relatively costly, but are usually effective. These include a cold or freezing spray that provides instant relief, although you may have to use the entire contents of the can to achieve complete and lasting relief.

Home remedies work just as effectively and are much less costly. The following is a list of the more common home solutions to this irritating condition.

Garlic and Honey

An old but effective remedy is to combine garlic and honey. Chop the garlic into very fine pieces and mix it with organic or unfiltered honey and apply it to the infected skin. The garlic should probably be mixed with warm water first before combining it with honey. Many people regard this combination as an effective treatment for acne as the sulfur in the garlic acts to disinfect the bacteria.

The same theory should apply to the Trichophyton rubrum fungus that is causing the infection surrounding the genitals. The only side effect is that the garlic may cause some irritation, but the honey does act as a moisturizer and might counteract that effect.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has long been touted as a health tonic for digestion, joint pain, asthma, blood pressure, burns, cancer sores, cholesterol, and athlete’s foot among many others. The acids in the vinegar act as antibacterial agents.

The solution is made by combining equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and then placing it in the refrigerator in a spray bottle. The spray will have a cooling effect that will bring added relief when applied to the inflamed skin.

Bleach

Another suggested remedy is to dilute 2 tablespoons of bleach in 16 ounces of hot water. Soak a wash cloth in the solution and wash the infected areas. Bleach is a skin irritant, however, and failure to adequately or properly dilute it can result in damaging your skin even further.

Zinc Oxide

An easy remedy is to use zinc oxide commonly found in diaper rash cream. A drawback in using this substance is that there a number of people who are allergic to it. You should not use this as a topical remedy if you are also allergic to zinc, dimethicone, lanolin, cod liver oil, petroleum products, parabens, mineral oil or wax. If you suspect an allergic reaction, then you should consider an alternative solution.

Tea Tree Oil & Cornstarch

Tea tree oil is a popular alternative substance that has powerful antifungal qualities. It is also a natural antispetic and germicide. It has been used to treat canker sores, tooth and gum infections, head lice, yeast infections, and is a natural deodorizer.

One should take care not to use too much as it may irritate the skin, especially if you already have a sensitive skin condition. If you have a history of allergies, use a small concentration as a skin test to see if increased irritation occurs and to minimize any reaction. Tea tree oil is a topical solution and must not be ingested.

Cornstarch is another useful and common remedy for treatment of jock itch. Cornstarch is derived from dried corn kernals and is the primary ingredient in baby powders. It can help the skin achieve a fresh, dry feeling and soothe the burning, raw effects from scratching the infected areas. Cornstarch can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive or allergic to corn or to any corn products.

Calendula

Calendula, used in cream form, is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory substance. Derived from calendula flowers or marigolds, it possesses valuable skin healing properties and should be an excellent ointment to use.

It is also used for burns, cuts, insect bites, cracked and rough skin as well as athlete’s foot. Side effects from using calendula include dermatitis, allergies, lipid and protein reduction. If you are using narcotics or antidepressants or have blood pressure or glucose issues, you should consult with your physician even though you may be using relatively low doses of this substance.

Lavender Oil

Lavender oil, although mainly used for aromatherapy and as a remedy to relieve stress, headaches, depression and anxiety, is also known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties. It is useful in rapidly healing wounds, cuts and sunburn, and aids in the formation of scar tissue.

Because lavender is an herb and contains active compounds that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements or medications, one should probably consult with either a physician or a health care provider with an expertise in botanical ingredients before using. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid using lavender at all.

Vitamin E

Vitamin e has long been known to promote skin healing. It has traditionally been used in the treatment of sunburn and psoriasis and has been promoted for its anti-aging benefits. As a lotion, it protects the epidermis layer of the skin from UV rays.

Recent studies, however, have questioned the use of vitamin e creams and claim that it may worsen the appearance of scars. These studies are not supported by others that show that the beneficial effects far outweigh any preliminary studies to the contrary. If used topically, there are few if any known side effects.

Dandruff Shampoo

Some people have attested to the positive effects of dandruff shampoo for curing jock itch infection. Dandruff occurs as skin cells renew and shed old skin at a faster rate than normal. A severe case of flaking scalp may be related to an overgrowth of a type of yeast which occurs naturally on the skin. Many dandruff shampoos contain one or more ingredients of salicylic acid, sulfur, and zinc pyrithione.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a mild antiseptic and aids in the penetration of antifungal agents and causes shedding of the outer layers of the skin. Sulfur is an antifungal agent that is used to get rid of the yeast that causes dandruff in some people. It is easy to see how the use of this type of shampoo may be a healing tonic for jock fungus.

The side effects of using a shampoo on fungus causing jock itch are rare, but the salicylic acid and sulfur might cause some burning or increased itching of the skin. Zinc pyrithione has also been known to cause pimples, so one should look for this if using a product containing this ingredient.

Mix and Match

One final remedy is a combination of tea tree oil, calendula and vitamin e. These ingredients create a healing antiseptic that calms and soothes the skin and is said to be effective against inflammation. Vitamin e acts as a natural preservative as well as protecting the skin.

Use whatever remedy sounds plausible to you keeping in mind the possible side effects and using caution if you do have other medical conditions for which you are taking prescribed medication. Do not overuse any of these home remedies and stop applying them immediately if further irritation occurs.

Resources

nlm.nih.gov

Mayoclinic.Com

EmedicineHealth.Com

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a painful affliction that is also known as lateral epicondylitis, shooter’s elbow and archer’s elbow. Tennis elbow describes an affliction in which the outer area of the elbow becomes painful and tender, typically attributed to the playing of some sort of sport that uses the elbow such as tennis, racquet ball, and other similar sports. There is typically no inflammatory process identified with tennis elbow; however the pain can be quite severe.

Tennis elbow is typically an ailment that occurs when there is overuse of the elbow, causing the muscles to become strained and tighten.

Tennis is not the only sport that is involved with causing or aggravating tennis elbow, as there are many sports associated.

Experience of tennis elbow involves a sharp and sore pain throughout the tendons within the forearm muscles that attach to the elbow, which can spread to the wrist.

Symptoms & Treatment Overview

There are many symptoms and there are many treatments. There are several prescription medications and over-the-counter medications as well that offer a great pain relief.

There are some newer medical practices that involve herbal remedies, and there are many people that choose home remedies to appease the pain of tennis elbow.

Surgery is a rarity for the painful affliction as there isn’t much benefit that surgery can provide outside of other treatments in typical cases.

Tennis elbow worsens through time without treatment and with continued overuse of the elbow and wrist. In the event that treatment is successful, there can be a reoccurrence due to reuse of the arm with stress that causes the injury to return.

Symptoms

The three most common symptoms of tennis elbow in order of presence include

• Elbow pain that grows slowly worse
• Pain when grabbing or twisting in the back of the hand up the arm to the elbow
• Weakened grasp

There are more severe symptoms that indicate there may be an issue associated with the tennis elbow. These symptoms indicate that it is time for a visit to the physician as they could represent worsening conditions that require immediate attention.

If your elbow becomes hot to the touch and inflamed, with an accompanying fever, there could be an issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

Other symptoms include

• Inability to move and bend elbow
• Elbow begins to look deformed or misshapen
• Feeling and appearance begins to resemble a broken bone

These symptoms indicate there may be a broken bone or a fracture that needs to be reset and casted in order to enable it to heal. Ignoring these symptoms could cause long term disability and decreased use of the elbow.

Watching for the symptoms of tennis elbow and knowing to distinguish between those and that of a broken bone or fracture can ensure that the appropriate treatment and attention is given to the ailment. Knowing the difference can increase healing time and encourage a quick recovery.

Causes

Tennis elbow usually occurs when there is overuse of the elbow leading to the repeated contraction of the muscles in the forearm. This can cause stress within the tissue and can cause several tears to appear within the outer muscle.

This is a very painful condition that can cause a severe decrease in use of the elbow as it can get extremely painful to move or stretch the arm. Even moving the wrist can become very painful and the most extreme cases could lead to inhibited use of the arm altogether.

There are several ways this overuse can occur, including

• Playing tennis or similar sports
• Plumbing
• Painting
• Raking
• Weaving

Even repeated twisting of a screwdriver could cause this condition through overuse of the wrist. This condition can also be termed as insidious, or without a known cause, as it has been seen to sporadically afflict some individuals. This can be an occurrence without warning and without strenuous activity or any type of injury to the arm or elbow.

Risk Factors

There is a broad group that is at risk for developing tennis elbow. It is most commonly found in older adults between the ages of 30 and 50. Even young adults can be afflicted if there is strenuous and excessive stress on the wrists or elbow, causing tears in the extensor carpi radialis brevis.

Those in careers or recreational activities that cause this type of stress are at risk for the condition, but this does not ensure they will definitely develop it. It is also believed that other risk factors include starting these activities at an older age or performing strenuous activity as a beginner with no previous training or proper stretching procedures.

Prevention Tips

It is important that when beginning any type of job or recreational activity that puts stress on the elbow and wrist, appropriate stretching and warm-up is performed. This can ensure that the muscles are well toned and able to support the vigorous activity. It is also important to avoid repeating the same motion without breaking. Continuous repetition of a particular motion can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow.

When warming up, it is import to practice a bending and stretching warm-up that will provide some flexibility to the muscles. In the event repetitive motions were performed, proper cool down and application of an ice pack to the outer arm muscle extended from the wrist to the elbow is necessary and helpful in preventing tennis elbow.

Playing Safely

Ensure when playing sports that a professional critiques your movements to ensure they are correct. It has been seen that an improper tennis backstroke can cause tennis elbow, meaning that the improper moves could cause the condition.

Conditioning is important when playing sports as this builds the strength of the muscles and allows them to hold more restrain. When lifting, hitting, swinging, or any other arm movement, the wrist should remain as straight as possible to avoid excessive straight when bending or twisting. All equipment used during sports activity should be checked to ensure that there is a proper fitting and there isn’t a need for excessive strain on any part of the arm.

Test and Diagnosis Considerations

X-rays are an improper form of testing and diagnosing tennis elbow because the injury is within the muscle and won’t show up. The best way to diagnose the condition is by pressing the area to test for any tenderness and pain. If the pain seems to be more severe than common tennis elbow, then X-rays become a useful tool in identifying any breaks or fractures that could be causing the pain and need medical attention.

An X-ray can even identify if arthritis may be the culprit of the pain as well, however MRI scans are more commonly used for these identifications. These imaging studies are able to provide a more comprehensive, in-depth look at the muscles and all that may be afflicting the area.

An at-home test that is highly suggested is effective in identifying tennis elbow. There are specific steps that must be followed in order to properly perform the test and arrive at a credible result.

• Stand behind a sturdy chair.
• Place hands on top of chair’s back with palms down.
• Attempt to lift the chair from the floor.

If after following these steps, there is a sharp pain on the outside of the elbow, tennis elbow may be the condition you need treatment for.

It is important to inform the physician of any strenuous activity that may be causing the issue and any sports or activities that is participated in. This can help to identify if tennis elbow is the problem. If there is a family or medical history of arthritis or any other types of nerve disease or disorders, the physician should be made aware of that as well, in order to ensure that proper diagnosis is possible.

Treatment Options

Nonsurgical treatment is a main objective for treatment of tennis elbow. More physicians than not prefer to stick with nonsurgical means through the use of therapies and medical treatments.

About 80 to 90 percent of patients afflicted with tennis elbow are successfully treated without surgery.

There are several alternative remedies, as well as medications that are used to treat this affliction, even devices that can be used to encourage healing and reduce occurrence and risk of tennis elbow.

Herbal and Home Remedies

Rest is a key element of treatment for tennis elbow. The arm should be given the appropriate amount of rest in order to promote healing and allow the muscle to improve.

This means stopping activities and any significant motion with the arm that causes stress on the wrist and elbow. Therapy that can be done at home includes ice and heated massage, stretching, and conditioning of the muscles to promote a quick and healthy healing process. Using a brace can also reduce the symptoms allowing the muscles and tendons to rest during use.

Zostrix is another home remedy that is a derivative of hot pepper that can be wrapped around the afflicted elbow joint. It has been seen to be effective in relieving pain and any present swelling. Warm baked potatoes have also been seen to provide a great heat compress that lasts for quite a while.

There are also very useful home remedies including

• Drinking ten drops of celery extract and eating large amounts of celery
• Flax seed and salmon to provide omega-3 fatty acid
• Ginger tea consumed three times a day
• Elbow massage with calendula oil

Medical Treatment

There are various drugs that can be used to treat tennis elbow and alleviate the pain. Such medicines include NSAIDs including Ibuprofen, Advil, and Aspirin. These medications can reduce the pain and swelling that may occur.

Steroid injections are commonly used in order to provide an effective anti-inflammatory effect. Cortisone is the most commonly used anti-inflammatory steroid injection used. It has been shown to have various side effects such as indentation to the area around the injection site due to hypopigmentation and fat atrophy. There is also the use of vibration therapy that has proven to be quite effective in providing inflammation and pain relief.

Use of acetaminophen such as Tylenol with codeine as well as other medications including

• Motrin
• Naproxen
• Aleve

Side effects of NSAIDs include nausea, heartburn, peptic ulcer, or skin rashes, which are typically quite minor. More severe side effects include confusion, swelling of limbs, and decrease in urine. All NSAID medications should be taken as prescribed or directed on the packaging and with a full stomach.

Surgeries

If there have been unsuccessful nonsurgical attempts for 6 to 12 months concurrently, then surgery may be the most effective next step. This involves invasive surgery in which trained surgeons will remove the damaged muscle that shows disease and using healthy muscle to reattach to the bone.

There are different types of surgeries, mostly depending on the cause and scope of injury to the muscle, the physical health of the patient, and the personal needs as well. Open surgery is most common and involves an incision that is made above the elbow, typically performed as outpatient surgery. Arthroscopic surgery involves using tiny instruments in order to make small incisions to access and repair the diseased muscles.

There are various risks associated with performing the surgery to treat tennis elbow including

• Infections
• Nerve damage or blood vessel damage
• Prolonged rehabilitation
• Decreased strength and flexibility
• Need for more surgery

Physical activity can usually resume four to six months after surgery has been performed, with 80 to 90 percent of patients reaching a successful conclusion. Physicians will recommend introduction of light exercise to help strengthen the muscles around two months after surgery has been performed.

Other Treatments

There are several other treatments that have been shown to be slightly effective in treating the condition including:

• Acupuncture
• Blood injection
• Botulinum toxin
• Heat therapy
• Low level laser therapy

These treatments aren’t typically prescribed as the clinical trials to back them up have been less than credible and high quality. Acupuncture has been seen as somewhat effective and beneficial in the treatment of tennis elbow, but there has been no conclusive research to show that. If tennis elbow refuses to improve after various methods of surgical and nonsurgical treatments, there may be nerve entrapment present in the forearm that is inhibiting the healing of the muscles.

Tennis elbow can be a very difficult pain to deal with if treatment is not sought out promptly. Active individuals find this condition to be very debilitating as it eliminates the ability to participate in many sports and recreational activities.

Injury at the Workplace

If the job is the source of the aggravation to the wrist or elbow, there can be a decrease in productivity, leading to a decrease in income due to tennis elbow. There is no reason to not seek out treatment as the most common treatments and pain relievers are quite inexpensive and offer a simple and effective treatment. There are alternative treatments that are in use in some cases, but not widely promoted as they haven’t been shown to provide many benefits for those afflicted with the condition.

A physician should only be sought out after home treatment has been attempted and unsuccessful. The warning signs can signify that there may be something more complicated like a break or a fracture to the bone that may be masked by the signs of tennis elbow. If this occurs, it is imperitive that the appropriate treatment is immediately sought out to avoid long term deformation, pain, stiffness, and disability.

Effects of Non-Treatment

There can be severe effects of tennis elbow if allowed ot proceed with no attempts to treat or encourage healing of the muscles. When there is a presence of a more severe condition, it can typically be found most efficiently through an MRI or ultrasound.

This can aid physicians in providing the most comprehensive care and to ensure that all necessary treatments are in place. If there is a family history that shows instances that may have something to do with the pain that is felt, there may be further testing in order to provide a more thorough diagnosis and ensure that these illnesses or diseases aren’t causing the pain.

Maintaining Proper Treatment & Prevention

Once treatment has begun, it is important to maintain and manage the process. Ensuring that there is success along the way ensures that the treatments are beneficial and should continue. If there is a more severe case of tennis elbow, there may be more aggressive measures needed in order to properly treat and appease the affliction.

If tennis elbow does develop, or there is suspicion that it is developing, proper rest of the afflicted arm and appropriate care of the arm should be proceeded in order to ensure that it doesn’t get to an extreme level. Proper maintenance of the condition can ensure that there is a prompt and healthy healing process and that the condition adheres to the treatment that is used before more aggressive and invasive treatment is required.

Resources

MedTerms.Com

WebMd.Com

EverydayHealth.Com

Burned Mouth Syndrome (BMS)

Overview

Burning tongue syndrome (BMS) has many different alternative names including scalded mouth syndrome, burning lips syndrome, glossodynia, glossopyrosis, stomatodynia, stomatopyrosis, and oral galvanism. Regardless of the name, the condition involves chronic, burning pain in the tongue, gums, lips, and inside of the mouth.

While there aren’t any visible signs or lesions to observe, the very real pain can range from moderate to severe, and some have compared its intensity to that of a toothache.

BMS usually begins without any recognizable trigger, and may last for a few weeks, months, or even years.

Diagnosis is usually a process of ruling out other possible conditions, and treatment varies from lifestyle changes in diet and behavior to the administration of traditional drugs.

Two thirds of those reporting BMS will have recovered in 6-7 years as constant pain and discomfort becomes more episodic. There is no known prevention for this problem at present.

Symptoms

The most obvious symptom of BMS is an unpleasant to painful burning sensation on the tongue, lips, gums, palate, throat, or even in the whole mouth. It is also possible to have a numbing or tingling sensation in the mouth or on the tip of the tongue.

Interestingly, most patients report that they awake with little or no pain and the intensity increases as the day progresses, peaking by bedtime. They experience little or no pain during the night hours, starting the cycle anew each day. Some report having a very dry mouth and increased thirst. Another symptom may be a loss of taste or a change from normal to a bitter or metallic one that lingers in the mouth. These evidences of BMS may be continuous or periodic.

Causes

While the actual causes of BMS have yet to be been clearly established, it seems that the condition can be divided into two general categories. When the outbreak has no identifiable cause, it is treated as “primary” or “idiopathic” BMS. Researchers suspect that there is a dysfunction of the sensory and taste nerve of the peripheral and/or the central nervous systems.

The cranial nerves are also associated with the taste sensations. “Supertasters,” those people with a really high density of the small papillae that contain the taste buds seem to be slightly more prone to BMS, possibly because all those extra taste receptors are surrounded by basket-like clusters of pain neurons that may fire up if the taste buds stop functioning, as often happens during menopause.

Secondary BMS

If an underlying problem is identified and BMS becomes a symptom of the greater illness, the term “secondary” BMS is used. As mentioned previously menopause seems to be a key player in this health issue. As a woman’s estrogen levels drop in pre-menopause, it fades from her saliva as well.

With the loss of function of her bitter taste buds, it would appear that the pain neurons are activated and BMS may be the result. The fact that 40% of menopausal women suffer from this condition that starts about 3 years before menopause and lasts as long as 12 years after, seems to support this theory.

Other Possible Causes

• Oral candida (yeast infection of mouth)
• Hormonal deficiencies or abnormalities
• Diabetes (specifically Type 2)
• Dry mouth
• Blood abnormalities (anemia, dyscrasias)
• Medications (especially those given for high blood pressure)
• Endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism)
• Nutritional deficiencies (B vitamins, niacin, folic acid, iron, zinc)
• Allergies (food, gum, toothpaste, mouthwash)
• Gastric acid reflux
• Dental procedures
• Dental disease
• Unhealthy oral habits (biting tongue, thrusting tongue, grinding teeth)
• Chronic infection
• Inflammatory disorders
• Tobacco use
• Oral cancer
• Nerve damage
• Too many acidic drinks
• Mouth irritation (excessive tongue brushing)
• Use of ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzymes)
• Dentures (stressing muscles and tissues or causing allergic reaction in surrounding tissues)

Risk Factors

Most sufferers of BMS are middle-aged women between the ages of fifty and seventy years. They are seven times more likely to be affected than men, which may support the argument for hormonal imbalance experienced during menopause as the most frequent underlying condition.

There doesn’t appear to be an identifiable trigger, and the onset is usually spontaneous. Approximately 30% of those diagnosed with BMS report recent dental procedures, illnesses, or newly prescribed medications in their history intake.

Other important factors seem to be stress or a traumatic life event, allergic reactions, upper respiratory infections, and excessive taste bud loaded papillae.

Tests and Diagnosis

Because there is no present consensus on the origins or causes of BMS, most doctors will try to diagnose this condition by process of elimination, ruling out all other possibilities. The patient can typically expect a review of personal medical history and current medications being taken. The mouth will be thoroughly examined and cultures taken.

The doctor will want to know about the symptoms being presented as well as the oral habits and mouth care of the patient. Most doctors will want to do a complete general medical examination while they search for an underlying condition that may have triggered this attack. Blood tests will be part of that process as well. It may be necessary to have an imaging test such as an MRI or CT scan.

Allergy tests and saliva measurements are often included, as is a test for gastric reflux. Finally, the last item will probably be a psychological questionnaire to analyze the levels of stress the patient may be experiencing.

Complication

While each person who suffers from BMS is unique, some associated problems seem to be held in common. It is not unusual for patients to express difficulty in sleeping. Whether this insomnia is caused by increased levels of evening pain or the stress associated with having this illness is uncertain. In a similar fashion, it is not always clear whether the accompanying depression is a cause of the BMS or a result of trying to deal with this illusive illness.

Irritability and anxiety are understandably often part of the package too. Some patients report difficulty eating because of the persistent pain in their mouths or on their tongues or lips. Others stop or decrease their times of socializing because of the discomfort and distraction that BMS causes.

Treatment

Since there is no known cure or universal treatment for primary BMS, each patient will be dealt with according to the individual presenting symptoms. The goal will be to alleviate the pain as much as possible, or if that fails, at least to manage it.

There are several drugs currently available including Klonopin, a lozenge type form of the anti-convulsant drug clonazepam. Patients have reported some relief with this medication.

Secondary BMS Treatment

Concerning secondary BMS, the treatment protocol involves identifying the underlying cause and then addressing it as a way to eliminate the presenting burning mouth or tongue issues. Recommendations can include traditional drugs, alternative health care, and lifestyle changes. It would appear that the combination of lifestyle adjustments and alternative health practices offers the best results for many patients. However, some underlying conditions require very serious attention and become the primary focus of treatment, at least initially.

Alpha-lipoic acid is a strong antioxidant that seems to benefit BMS suffers. Oral thrush medications can be prescribed as well as saliva replacement products. There are also special oral rinses and mouthwash products that a doctor may include in the treatment regimen.

Home Remedies

Some of the simplest home remedies can actually bring almost instantaneous relief to the BMS sufferer. They are as uncomplicated as sucking on ice, keeping one’s mouth moist by sipping extra water, and increasing daily intake of certain foods. Eating “plain” food and lots of boiled vegetables is a good place to start. Foods high in Vitamin B need to be included in the menu.

Meat, brown rice, fish, wheat germ, whole grain cereals, and soybeans are all great sources of Vitamin B. Also, foods rich in iron such as red meats, liver, cashews, figs, and Special K cereal are recommended additions, especially in cases where the underlying condition may be anemia. Adding certain fresh fruits and vegetables to a healthy diet can also help.

Applying glycerin to the tongue has been reported to bring relief, as has eating honey with milk. It seems the combination increases the blood flow to the tongue which encourages a healthier response from the pain neurons.

More Homeopathic Remedies

Another homeopathic treatment involves applying lavender oil to the tongue and leaving it there over night. Lavender oil is actually a powerful antiseptic. Some doctors recommend topical Capsaicin, a cream pain reliever made from chili peppers. Its purpose is to desensitize the tongue and mouth from the burning sensations.

There are simple lifestyle choices that can also make a difference in reducing the pain from BMS. Sugar-free gums will keep the mouth and tongue moist. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco are also important. Both smoking and chewing tobacco can be problematic if BMS is diagnosed.

Ironically, while the doctor may have prescribed Capsaicin cream for your tongue, it is best not indulge in spicy foods because of added irritation within the mouth. Others to avoid include acidic foods and liquids such as some fruit juices. Eliminating soft drinks and coffee are important changes to one’s diet as well.

Toothpaste

It may be necessary to switch out a favorite toothpaste, especially if the one in question contains sodium laurylsulfate. Baking soda is always a good safe alternative. While in the bathroom, check out the mouthwash also, to make sure there is no alcohol in it.

Behavior Concerns

Although hormonal imbalances have taken first place as a plausible cause of BMS, to date there is no conclusive evidence that hormone replacement therapy has had a significant effect in successfully treating this problem. If a doctor determines that psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression are the causes and not the symptoms of BMS, antidepressants may be prescribed.

Cognitive behavior therapy has also been used to treat this condition. The bottom line may be to make as many lifestyle changes as possible to reduce the negative effects of stress and anxiety in one’s life.

Cost

The expense of finding relief from the pain of BMS is directly related to the number of professionals one may visit and the amount of health insurance in place. Many sufferers first consult their dentist because they view their mouth problems as dental care issues. From there, they may consult a family physician who will probably send them on to a specialist.

Add to these visits, the cost for all the preliminary tests, and the price continues to rise. Throw in a CT scan or MRI and it’s beginning to be really costly for the person without good health insurance. Some of the drug regimens are expensive, and so is a visit to the psychologist. If the patient doesn’t already suffer from anxiety or depression, rising health costs may do it.

The best approach would seem to be to try the easiest and least expensive treatment suggestions first. It may not be necessary to seek further expensive care. To the sufferers of BMS, this is no minor problem that can be easily overlooked. Imagine a toothache that lasted for years. For some, any price is worth getting relief.

Progress

In the past, because of the lack of physical symptoms in the mouth and on the tongue, many patients’ complaints were not taken seriously. Add that to the fact that the majority of complainers were middle-aged women in the throes of menopause, and the seriousness of the ailment often came into question. It was not unusual to be told that one was imagining the discomfort.

Today, however, the medical profession is more aware and sympathetic to this problem. Increased research seeks to understand the etiology and the pathogenesis so that more effective treatments can be prescribed. The dental field is also involved since dental procedures and problems seem to sometimes precede the onset of BMS.

It is to be hoped that in the near future, much more definitive knowledge will be available and better treatment protocols in place. Until then, trial and error of both traditional drug therapies and alternative health recovery plans, when combined with relevant lifestyle changes, are the best chance one has to find relief from the pain of BMS.

Resources

nlm.nih.gov

Mayoclinic.Com

MedicineNet.Com

Burns

Burn injuries are one of the most common reasons for visits to the doctor or emergency room each year. With so many ways to burn yourself, it’s not uncommon for someone to suffer minor or even serious burns while at work, home, or even on vacation.

There are many home remedies and treatments for burns available, some of which work and some of which do not.

See below for tips on curing burn injuries and preventing them from happening in the future.

Alternative Names

There are not that many different terms for a burn in the English language, although there are a variety of different types of burns.

They are known as “degrees” and include

First Degree Burns

These are superficial burns, only affecting the top layer of skin. These burns tend to scar less and hurt to a lesser degree than other burns.

Second Degree Burns

These burns are slightly more severe and affect the dermis, the second layer of skin. As the dermis heals from this type of burn, blisters and fluid buildup is likely to occur, both of which are accompanied by a fair amount of discomfort.

Third Degree Burns

The most severe type of burn, third degree burns penetrate both the epidermis and the dermis and are typically very painful. This type of burn can lead to nerve damage or death, and leaves the burn victim susceptible to infection.

Symptoms

Different levels of burns cause different symptoms, and it is often difficult to tell the severity of a burn from the symptoms alone. These symptoms show signs of physical distress and if shown, mean the injury victim should seek medical attention.

Minor Burn Symptoms

Local burn pain

This can range from a tingling to a burning sensation, and usually affects only the burned area of the skin. If the pain extends outward from the burn, it may be an indicator of a more serious injury.

Redness

The most common and immediate symptom of a minor burn, redness of the affected area indicates that the skin has been damaged.

Skin blistering

As discussed above, the skin may blister in the event of a second degree burn. This blister will eventually fill with fluid, which prevents it from worsening and lessens the sensitivity of the affected area.

Skin peeling

Often coming only after the skin blisters, peeling is a common symptom of a burn. The skin that is burned often dies, and the body then sloughs it off in a natural way.

Severe Burn Symptoms

Burn Pain – Different from local burn pain, this pain is far more intolerable and often affects a larger area than just the burn. For example, if the hand is seriously burned, pain may be felt throughout the entire lower arm.

Open Wounds

This can be the case if the burn is severe enough to go through the dermis and epidermis in a way that removes them from the body. This is a dangerous symptom as it leaves the burn and body open to infection.

Skin Loss

Similar to an open wound, very severe burns can result in loss of the skin in the affected area. This type of burn should be treated by a doctor as immediately as possible.

Lasting Effects of Burns

Depending on the severity of a burn, effects can last a lifetime if not treated properly. Some of the more adverse affects a burn can cause are permanent scarring, blistering, wound infections, shock, and even death. If any of the more serious symptoms of a burn are seen, visit a doctor immediately.

Causes

Many objects that people encounter on an everyday basis can lead to burned skin. There are different types of causes, none of which are entirely preventable.

Direct Heat

This cause of burns is the most common, and can come in the form of a hot stove or curling iron. If you touch your skin to the surface of something with an outside temperature of over 120 degrees, odds are that you will suffer some burn symptoms. Some common causes of burns to be cautious of include the following:

Kitchen products

• ovens
• stoves
• hot plates
• steam burns
• grills

Car parts

• exhaust pipe
• gasoline opening
• engine casing

Liquids

• hot coffee
• soup
• pizza
• any other hot food or liquid product

Topical Burns

These can be caused from the application of a topical treatment that causes the skin to react in a negative way, such as by reddening or blistering. Some common offenders in this category include peroxide products such as hair dye, retinol products meant for skincare, and certain acetone based products such as nail polish remover.

The Sun

The most common way to burn your skin is through exposure to the sun. Well documented is the case against repeated and unprotected exposure to sun rays as it can permanently damage the skin. Sunburns can lead to redness, great pain, blistering, peeling, and even the development of melanoma cancer in the most severe cases.

Prevention Tips

There are many ways to protect yourself and your children from obtaining a burn. Take measures to set your home up in a way that discourages burns: keep potholders near the stove, store fire extinguishers in the kitchen, and cover all open air vents with protective shields.

When out in public, be vigilant and aware of what dangers you face in terms of open flame or exposed car parts that may cause direct skin burns. Workplace burns are some of the most common, so if you work at a facility that causes burn risk, be sure to wear protective clothing like gloves and rubber soled shoes.

Sunburns are even easier to prevent as they are very predictable. One of the best ways to protect yourself is to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis as even 20 minutes of continuous sun exposure can cause a sunburn. There are also products available on the market that shield the skin from the sun such as wide brimmed hats and clothing with SPF made right into them. Be sure to stay out of the sun between noon and four P.M. and stay shaded if this is not possible.

Test and Diagnosis Considerations

Burns are notoriously difficult to categorize and also to determine the origin of. It is impossible to tell a heat burn from a steam burn, as hard as your doctor may try. The good news is that the symptoms of a burn are unmistakable, so treatment options may be planned accordingly once a burn injury has been identified.

Treatment Options

Herbal and At Home Remedies: At home remedies are the most commonly employed for the treatment and healing of burns as most are not severe enough to warrant a trip to the doctor.

Some of the ways people have found success in treating burns include the following

Soak the burn in water

In shorts bouts, about 15 minutes at a time, water can help soothe the pain and remove bacteria from a new burn.

Apply a topical ointment

These antibiotic ointments, such as Neosporin, help prevent infection and often release a cooling sensation onto the affected area.

Over the counter medicines

Pills are only necessary if the pain of a burn in severe, but some find medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen help relieve the pain, swelling, and redness that accompany a minor burn.

Apply aloe

Lotion with aloe helps ease the pain of a burn, and also encourages healing of the skin. This is particularly helpful in cases of sunburn.

Chamomile

Some find that bathing in a chamomile solution or rubbing calamine lotion on a burn lessens their pain and helps the wound heal faster.

Things NOT to do to your burn at Home: Some attempts at treatment can actually do more harm than good, so be sure not to do any of the following lest you make your injury worse.

Put ice on the burn

The cold temperatures of ice can kill any lingering living skin cells. There have been known cases of people contracting frostbite from ice left too long on a burn area where they no longer have feeling.

Wrap the burn tightly

While it is important to prevent the burn from getting infected, wrapping it too tightly can cause a lack of air flow which actually breeds bacteria growth. You want to allow your burn to “breathe” and have a chance to leak fluid and develop blisters if necessary as these are part of the healing process.

Put butter on the burn

An old wives tale, some believe rubbing butter on a burn will relieve their pain and stop it from blistering. In fact, the grease from the butter may clog the skin pores that are attempting to heal from the injury, doing more damage to the surrounding tissue.

Pharmaceutical Remedies

There are relatively few options in terms of medications that treat burns as they are primarily a topical skin condition. Medicine that may be taken is more for the affect of lessening pain as opposed to healing a burn. One of the most popular pharmaceutical options for burns is Mederma for scars or Burn-X, both of which encourage healing and decrease the likelihood of developing a scar.

Internal medications taken for burns that are prescribed by a doctor are mostly used to combat infection rather than heal the burn itself. If your burn is severe enough that you believe you need medication, seek a doctor’s assistance immediately.

Surgical Remedies

Performed only by a licensed Dermatologist, there are few skin surgeries available for minor burn victims. The options include:

Laser Therapy

This treatment is used to lighten scars and prevent the development of calloused skin from a burn. Primarily for aesthetic affect, this option is expensive and can be very painful.

Skin Removal

Only appropriate in cases of bad blisters or a harsh sunburn, your dermatologist may choose to remove the skin that has been affected by the burn. Again, this option is more for aesthetic affect than comfort and may include your doctor using instruments to remove dead or peeling skin from around your burn.

For severe burn victims, there are also few options, most of which are designed to lessen the likelihood of infection or minimize visual impact of a burn. These operations are only performed at a hospital and may be used for life-saving in the worst of cases:

Closing a wound

If the burn is so severe that the skin has come open and the wound is raw, such as in the case of a direct heat contact burn, a doctor may need to remove the infected skin area and/or close up the wound using stitches or staples to prevent it from becoming even more infected. This is a costly procedure and is most often performed in cases where a patient’s life is in danger.

Skin graft

Done most often for aesthetic affect or to close up an open sore, skin grafts are extremely expensive and known to be some of the most painful surgeries available. The procedure is done as a doctor removes skin from somewhere else on the burn victim’s body, like the back or legs, then place the healthy skin on top of the area that way burned. In this way, both areas eventually heal over with skin, but scarring can be extreme and recuperation time is lengthy.

Burns are a very painful but very preventable medical occurrence. Our skin is designed to protect the insides of our bodies, but is therefore more vulnerable to injury itself. Take care to avoid situations where you may come into direct contact with flame or heat, and be sure to protect yourself daily from sun exposure.

While there are treatments available for burns, there are no cures, so often burn victims find themselves waiting patiently for their injuries to heal. If your burn is severe enough to cause blood loss, confusion, or fluid retention, be sure to see a doctor immediately. All physicians, EMTs, and emergency room personnel are highly trained to deal with burns of varying degrees.

Resources

Firstaid.WebMd.Com

EmedicineHealth.Com

EverydayHealth.Com

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder in which a person’s breathing pauses repeatedly during sleep and one or more breaths are missed. The disorder is considered clinically significant, and therefore in need of further investigation, if the pauses last for ten seconds and occur at least five times per hour.

The consequences of sleep apnea range from daytime fatigue resulting from disturbed sleeping patterns to much more serious complications.

At the more dangerous end of the spectrum, sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Symptoms

A person with sleep apnea may be completely unaware of the condition, and it is not unusual for the problem to be first noticed by someone observing him sleep.

Symptoms include loud snoring, dry throat on awakening, waking up gasping for breath, waking repeatedly, morning headaches and fatigue during the day.

Causes

There are three distinct forms of sleep apnea, each with its own cause.

Obstructive sleep apnea is by far the most common type, accounting for 84% of cases. It is characterized by a physical blockage of the person’s airway which interrupts normal respiration despite the person’s attempts to breathe.

Blockage of the airway can be caused by

• obesity, which can increase the amount of soft tissue comprising the airway
• old age, with concomitant decrease in muscle tone
• structural features of the skull and jaw which result in a narrow airway
• brain injury or other neurological problems
• drug or alcohol use that contributes to decreased muscle tone in the airway
• illness, such as an upper respiratory infection, which causes swelling of the soft tissue

Central sleep apnea, accounting for 0.4% of the cases, involves a problem in the area of the brain that controls respiration, the brain stem. In this type of sleep apnea, the brain’s ability to effectively signal the muscles responsible for breathing mechanics.

Central sleep apnea is different from obstructive sleep apnea in that the affected individual does not try to breathe. Its presence is typically associated with serious illness or injury, particularly those involving the brain stem, including:

• severe arthritis which has damaged the cervical spine
• damage caused by injury, radiation or complications of surgery to the brain stem or cervical spine
• neurological diseases
• excessive use of drugs and alcohol that act as central nervous system depressants

Mixed, or complex, sleep apnea is a combination of the above two types. It accounts for some 15% of cases and often includes a pattern that begins with central sleep apnea and transforms into obstructive sleep apnea. Although its causes are not well understood, it is associated with many of the conditions linked to the other two types.

Risk Factors

With the exception of specific diseases and injuries implicated in central sleep apnea, risk factors for sleep apnea are similar regardless of the type.

Among those factors are

• obesity
• a neck size over 17 inches for men and 16 inches for women
• male gender
• smoking
• heavy drinking
• over age 40
• large tongue or tonsils
• cranial structure that includes a small airway
• obstruction of the nasal passages
• family history of sleep apnea

Prevention Tips

Mild sleep apnea can be helped by several strategies, each contributing to minimize recurrences.

Among them are

• losing weight
• avoiding alcohol
• avoiding sedatives and tranquilizers
• sleeping on your side
• quitting smoking

It may help to get a special pillow, known as a cervical pillow, designed to keep your head elevated and in a position that reduces constriction of the airway.

Test & Considerations

Once you have discussed your symptoms with your doctor and the signs point to a sleep disorder, whether apnea or one of the many other disorders, the first order of business is typically a sleep study, or polysomnogram. The study is most often conducted by technicians at a sleep center located in a hospital or in an independent medical office, but the patient can sometimes arrange to take equipment home overnight and perform some of the tests there, returning the equipment the next morning.

A complete polysomnogram requires at least 22 connections that record eleven sets of data collected while the patient falls asleep, during sleep and on awakening. Standard equipment consists of an EEG, or electroencephalogram, that records and measures brain waves, an EMG, or electromyogram, that tracks muscle movements, an EOG, or electro-oculogram, that records eye movements and help to distinguish among stages of sleep, and an EKG, or electrocardiogram, that keeps track of the heart.

Monitoring Nasal Airflow

Sleep technicians may also use a device to monitor nasal airflow, a device fitted over the finger or earlobe that tracks blood oxygen levels, a microphone to record snoring and video camera to monitor patient movement.

As it is collected, the data is fed into a computer that can display multiple data streams in graphical form. That data, supplemented by the observations of the sleep technician, is preserved for later review and analysis.
Until recently, sleep studies were performed over more than one night.

The first night was devoted purely to diagnosis. A second night was then scheduled in order to do the same tests while the patient used whatever treatment device was recommended and the device was adjusted to provide optimal benefit.

Sleep Centers

Sleep centers now lean toward “split night” studies as their method of choice. In a split night study, a patient who shows clear indications of sleep apnea within the first two or three hours of the study is awakened and fitted with a special mask, described in more detail below under “Treatment Options,” that helps to regulate airflow.

Adjustments to the mask can be made throughout the rest of the night as the patient returns to sleep. The split night approach is both less expensive and more convenient for the patient, although its shorter duration may not provide enough time to properly complete both phases of the study. In such cases, a second night may still be necessary.

Treatment Options

Appropriate treatment is tailored to the type of sleep apnea and its severity. Options range from simple home remedies that cost nothing to sophisticated surgical procedures that, like all surgeries, have risks of their own.

Home Remedies

For mild sleep apnea, home remedies can be effective. Lifestyle changes are key. Most can be accomplished at no cost and many provide overall health benefits above and beyond the relief of apnea symptoms.

Among the approaches to use are

Lose weight

Obesity is often accompanied by increased soft tissue around the airway and low muscle tone, both strongly implicated in obstructive sleep apnea.

Quit smoking

In addition to the well-known dangers of smoking, cigarette smoke tends to irritate the airway and cause swelling in the soft tissue.

Avoid excessive alcohol

Alcohol acts on the central nervous system as a depressant, and its depressant effects extend to the respiratory center in the brain.

Avoid sedatives and tranquilizers. As with alcohol, these can act as central nervous system depressants.

Elevate your head

This can be done by elevating the entire head of the bed or with pillows, including special cervical pillows. Elevating the head helps to keep the airway open by countering the gravitational force that works to collapse the airway when the head is not elevated.

Sleep on your side

Cervical pillows can help with this, or you can try sewing a pocket into the back of your pajama top and putting a tennis ball in the pocket, making it uncomfortable whenever you try to sleep on your back.

Treatment Devices

If home remedies are ineffective, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most often used and most effective choice of treatment, especially for obstructive sleep apnea.

CPAP consists of a machine that provides a continuous flow of air to a mask that is worn over the nose and/or mouth. Positive air pressure helps to prevent the airway from collapsing when air is being inhaled.

The amount of pressure needs to be tailored to the specific needs of the patient and, as explained in “Test and Diagnosis Considerations,” this is done during the second phase of a sleep study. Once the optimal adjustments are determined, the patient receives a prescription that sets out the calibrations for the device.

Usage

CPAP is not a cure for sleep apnea and must be used every night in order to be effective. In fact, discontinuing the therapy is almost a guaranty that apnea symptoms will return. Patients discontinue therapy despite this, often because of CPAP side effects, including:

• Discomfort. It can be difficult to get used to wearing the mask, and the air pressure itself can be uncomfortable for some.
• Nasal congestion or runny nose.
• Irritation where the mask comes in contact with the skin.
• Sore throat.
• Nasal dryness.
• Noise. The noise made by the CPAP machine can be bothersome.

The following strategies may help overcome side effects

• Try different masks to get the right comfort and fit.
• Use a saline spray for nasal irritation.
• Ask your doctor about using a nasal decongestant.
• Use CPAP equipment that includes a humidifier.
• If the air pressure is uncomfortable, consider a unit that offers a “ramp” feature so that pressure starts at a comfortably low level and gradually increases as you fall asleep.
• If air pressure is still an issue, consider a Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) device in which air pressure is reduced when you exhale, requiring less effort.

CPAP equipment, including the machine, mask and hoses, ranges in price from around $300 for the simplest machine to several thousand dollars for devices that are smaller and quieter and that offer more options, including extensive data gathering, heated humidification, ramp settings and a variety of mask comfort features. BiPAP devices are among the most expensive choices.

Health Insurance Providers

Many health insurance providers, including Medicare, offer coverage once a sleep study has confirmed the diagnosis of sleep apnea and a CPAP prescription has been issued. Be sure to confirm in advance that the particular sleep study will satisfy the insurer and that the qualifications of the person prescribing meet the insurer’s criteria.

CPAP devices are available from many internet sources, frequently at greatly discounted prices. Be aware, though, that many internet sellers will not handle any health insurance reimbursements for you, and that you will have to navigate the insurer’s requirements yourself in order to be reimbursed. Therefore, it is even more important to pay close attention to insurance requirements when purchasing over the internet.

Dental devices are also available for the treatment of mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. These are custom fitted appliances that should be designed by a dentist with expertise in apnea treatment. Dental devices work to reposition the lower jaw or tongue so as to bring them forward, opening the airway during sleep. The devices are simpler than CPAP but can have their own side effects, including soreness and damage to the mouth or teeth.

Surgery

If nonsurgical measures have been ineffective, there are several surgical procedures available, among them:

• Maxillmandibular Advancement (MMA) enlarges the airway space by bringing both the upper and lower jaw forward and is among the most effective options.
• Genioglossus Advancement, often performed in concert with MMA, moves the tongue forward in order to achieve the same effect.
• Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is a procedure whereby tissue is removed from the airway, and may include removal of part of the roof of the mouth and excess throat tissue.
• Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy involves removal of enlarged tonsils or adenoids that may be blocking the airway and is often the treatment of choice for children with apnea.

Surgery Risks

While any surgery carries with it risks and side effects, this is especially true when apnea is present, for two reasons. First, the surgery, although intended to decrease airway blockage, may actually render the airway temporarily smaller because tissue tends to swell after the operation.

Second, surgery requires the use of anesthetic medications that act as depressants on the brain’s respiratory center, necessitating especially careful monitoring of post-surgical apnea patients. These side effects are temporary, though, and should resolve over time.

Surgery can be covered by insurance, but all aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of the condition should be carefully documented. Prior to authorizing surgical coverage, the insurer may require evidence that less drastic means are either medically inappropriate or that they have been unsuccessful.

Surgery does provide a unique benefit. Regardless of its expense and of the risks and side effects it entails, surgery is the only approach to sleep apnea that can effect an actual cure. Successful surgery eliminates the apnea patient’s reliance on symptomatic treatments that manage the condition without touching its root cause.

Resources

cdc.gov

Mayoclinic.Com

Backache

Having a backache is not uncommon. In fact, about 80 percent of people in this country will have some type of injury or other condition that results in a backache at some point in their life.

Lower back pain is just about the biggest reason that people miss work or visit their doctor.

Luckily, 80 percent of these backaches will go away on their own or can be reduced with simple things that can be done at home or by some non-invasive mainstream treatments.

Surgery is always a last resort to solving back pain issues and is not often required.

There are a number of things that can cause a backache and there are simple preventative measures that can be taken every day to avoid having back issues.

Alternative Names

Backaches are sometimes referred to as low back pain or lumbar pain since this is the most common area in which backaches occur.

Causes of Backaches

There are any number of reasons you may suffer from a backache. The source of the pain can be muscles or ligaments, nerve damage, disc issues, or decompression of the spine.

The most common causes of backache are

A sprain or strain

A sprain happens when ligaments in the back, usually the lower back, is injured. A back strain is the result of injured muscles. With a sprained ligament or a muscle strain these soft tissues have stretched too much or have even been torn. These injuries can easily be caused with improper lifting, bad posture, or being overweight.

Disc degeneration

This often results when fluid it lost from the discs as the body ages. Loss of fluid makes the discs become dry which can cause them to crack. When this happens, chemicals leak out of the disc into the spinal canal and irritate the ends of the nerves, resulting in back pain.

Spinal stenosis

Another common affect of the aging process, spinal stenosis, is the pain caused by pressure on the nerves when the spinal cord narrows.

Facet joint syndrome

The facet joints are the part of the spine that allow for movement. Each of the nerves in the spinal cord has small branches that come out through these joints. If any of the bones in one of these joints rub together or if there is some type of inflammation, the nerves send out pain signals. This type of pain occurs most commonly in the lower lumbar section of the back.

Sciatica

This type of pain usually results when disc degeneration irritates the sciatic nerve. The pain starts in the back and ultimately extends to the thigh and the outer leg.

Arthritis

In the spine, osteoarthritis can cause stiffness and pain in the neck or in the lower back. This condition often leads to spinal stenosis.

Osteoporosis

Aging can cause the bones in the spine to become spongy and brittle. This can eventually cause compression fractures

Symptoms

Symptoms of a backache often depend on the underlying cause. Symptoms can be:

• Muscle ache or spasms
• Stabbing or shooting pain
• Aching
• An electrical shock sensation
• Pain that extends from the back down the side, back, or front of the leg
• Limited movement and flexibility
• Being unable to stand up straight

Sometimes the pain from a backache can get worse with any kind of activity or may be worse at night or when sitting for a long time. Depending on the cause of the backache, there can occasionally be weakness or numbness in a leg affected by a compressed nerve. This can result in the inability to flex the foot upward or downward or raise the big toe.

Risk Factors

To avoid recurrent backaches there are a number of risk factors. Not all of these things can be avoided, but many are lifestyle issues that can be corrected.

Smoking – Smoking can make you one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half times more apt to have backaches because it decreases the blood supply to the back. A lower blood supply can make the discs less elastic and lead to degeneration.

Body Weight and Body Size – Obesity is one of the largest risk factors for backache. A lot of additional weight puts more pressure on the spine and can bring on degenerative disc disease and other back problems.
For women, having large breasts can placde extra strain on the back ligaments and muscles and cause pain in the upper back.

Aging – As the body grows older the back changes. The vertebrae get thicker and the discs dry up and lose shape. This results in a narrower spinal canal causing excess pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. All this can add up to pain.

Other risk factors for backaches include certain occupations that are physically strenuous and jobs that are sedentary like those that involve sitting in front of a computer all day.

Prevention

Since there are statistics that show there is an 80 percent chance of something happening that will cause a backache, it makes sense to start implementing the measures that may lower your chances.

Most of these are simple things based on improving your overall physical conditioning and the mechanics of your body.

Exercise

Low impact exercise like swimming and walking can do wonders to strengthen the muscles in your back.

Exercises that build muscles and improve flexibility are very important for making a stronger back that is less likely to have pain. When all of these muscles are strong they can more easily keep the spine stable. Yoga is one of the best ways to improve your flexibility and strengthen muscles.

Pilates exercises concentrate on the muscles in the trunk of the body. When all of these muscles are strong, they can more easily keep the spine stable. There are a number of other core strengthening exercise programs that are ideal for the back.

Stretching

It is always important to stretch before any physical workout. But there are a number of stretches you can do any time to keep the back muscles in the lower back more flexible. One such example is lying flat on the floor with the knees bent and bringing one knee at a time to the chest and holding it in position for 10 seconds.

Body Mechanics

This refers to ensuring that the posture when sitting and lying down as well as standing is correct.

Poor posture is a big cause of lower backaches because when the spine is not in proper alignment, the ligaments, muscles, and joints in the back are stressed.

Bad posture can cause muscle strain and ultimately a backache.

The proper posture when standing is to be sure that the middle part of your head, your shoulders, torso, knees, and feet are lined up.

While sitting you should make sure that your bottom is somewhat forward in the chair. Having the body at 90 degrees while sitting is not good posture.

If you lay on your back, it is best to put a pillow under your knees. A pillow should also be placed between your knees when you lay on your side. The pillow keeps the spine properly aligned. You should really never sleep on your stomach as this make the back arch and your head turn to the side.

Lifting

Always bend at the knees so that the legs do the bulk of the lifting. Keep the back straight and hold the object close to the body.

Test and Diagnosis

Most backaches will heal on their own or with home remedies given enough time. But if the pain has gone on for more than four to six weeks, it may be time for a professional opinion from a doctor.

For doctors, determining the actual source of a backache can be frustrating. A doctor has no way to quantify pain and when a physiological reason can’t be readily found, it is difficult to define a specific treatment.

However, often times a bevy of diagnostic tests are not required. Simple things like examining your back and ascertaining how well you can sit, stand, walk, and lift up your legs as well as testing your reflexes can help the doctor find out what part of the back the pain is coming from.

Finding out just how much you can do before the pain becomes too great may aid in eliminating some of the more serious possibilities.

If there are some specific conditions that the doctor believes could be causing your backache such as a fracture or disc problems, you may require testing such as:

X-rays

An x-ray can show if there is a broken bone or if you have arthritis. It can also show the alignment of the bones in the spine. X-rays cannot, however, reveal problems with muscles, nerves, spinal cord, or discs.

MRI or CT

A magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography scan can show if there are any herniated discs or issues with muscles, bones, tissues, tendons, nerves, ligaments, or blood vessels in your back.

Nerve studies

An electromyography (EMG) is used to measure the electrical impulses that the nerves make and the way in which the muscles respond to them. This test can confirm if there is a compressed nerve from a herniated disc or stenosis.

Tests used less frequently are blood and urine tests to look for an infection and bone scans to test for a compression fracture.

Treatment

Since the majority of all backache pain will go away with time and care, there are certain things you can do at home to speed it along. If the pain remains and you visit a doctor, most mainstream treatments will take care of the pain, but some people prefer to use alternative, more natural treatments.

Surgery is usually the last option for treatment and is usually only recommended when all other traditional treatments have been tried and have failed.

Home Remedies

Backaches are often the result of things like twisting the back awkwardly during some activity, lifting incorrectly, or even playing a sport or exercising. There are several things you can do to treat yourself at home that can help with the pain.

Taking an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen can ease the pain and help the back heal quicker. An anti-inflammatory has ingredients that can both lessen the pain and reduce the swelling that may be the cause of the pain.

If the pain comes on suddenly and is debilitating, it is a good idea to rest in bed for the first 24 hours or so on your back with your knees up or on your side in the fetal position.

Even during a day of bed rest, you should get up and move around occasionally. Light stretches like those used to prevent back issues should be done to keep the muscles from tightening up.

When a backache first appears, apply ice two or three times a day for the first day or two. After that, you should apply moist heat with a heating pad. By the 4th day, if the backache still persists, alternate heat in the morning and ice at the end of the day before bed.

Pharmaceutical and other Mainstream Treatments

Depending on the diagnosis a doctor may provide, there are a number of different treatments that he or she may prescribe.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is a conventional method of treatment for back pain and probably the most prescribed by doctors. Pain that lasts beyond one month is often treated with physical therapy. This is a very effective way to reduce your pain and help you regain mobility and function.

Physical therapy usually starts with what is called “passive” therapy in which the therapist may use a variety of treatments on you to help reduce the pain. These treatments may include heat and ice, electrical stimulation, techniques to release the muscles, and even ultrasound.

Once the pain is better you go on to the “active” therapy. The therapist will teach you exercises that will improve your posture, increase the flexibility in your back, and strengthen the muscles in the back and abdomen.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic, once considered an alternative therapy to treat backaches and other back-related issues, is now very commonly used. The belief of chiropractic is that if something is restricting the movement of the spine, pain will be the result. Chiropractors use their hands to manipulate the spine and return it to the proper position. They include massage and stretching techniques to help the muscles in the back to relax.

Injections

Back doctors will often use injections to relieve the pain from a backache. They can also be an excellent way to diagnose what the problem is because of the way the pain responds or not to the injection.
Different injections that can be used include

• Cortisone
• Nerve blocks
• Steroids
• Lidocaine combined with saline

These injections are done directly into the spine and can help with severe bouts of pain. The saline mixed with the lidocaine in an injection can aid in flushing out the inflammation that may be causing the pain.

Side effects are minimal with these traditional treatments and in most cases health care insurance will pay for physical therapy or chiropractic treatments that are prescribed by a doctor.

Alternative Medicine

Massage

Massage therapy can be very helpful in getting rid of a backache. Muscles that are in spasm often are at the root of back pain. Muscle spasms can occur when there is not enough blood flowing into them. Massage therapy relaxes the muscles, thus releasing built up lactic acid. When the lactic acid is released, the muscles are able to receive more blood and oxygen.

Acupuncture

Many people swear by Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. This involves the inserting of sterile stainless steel needles into points on the body that are connected to the painful area. It is believed that the normal flow of energy is restored to that area, relieving the pain.

Herbal treatments

There are some dietary supplements that contain certain herbs that have the properties of an anti-inflammatory that can reduce backache pain. These include willow bark and devils claw. Capsicum made into a plaster that is applied topically can also help with pain and inflammation.

There are few known side effects of any of these treatments and cost is minimal as compared to more mainstream treatments.

Surgery

Ultimately, there are certain back problems that can cause chronic backache that do require surgery to correct. Generally, surgery can be of benefit when the pain is radiating beyond the back because of a compressed nerve. Surgery is also used when there are structural issues with the back that have not been helped with more conservative treatments.

Some of the more mainstream back surgeries include:

Discectomy

A discectomy can be performed to take out the part of a herniated disc that is applying pressure to a nerve. The rest of the disc is left as it is so that it can continue to absorb the shock between vertebrae. This surgery can be done traditionally, requiring a long incision and general anesthesia. However, there are techniques that use x-ray imaging and a small probe that require only small incisions and less recovery time.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion surgery is used when the pain is caused by the movement between vertebrae due to an injured disc or degenerated disc. A spinal fusion can also be done to connect two adjacent bones in the spine in order to stabilize a break.

Laminectomy

This is the type of procedure performed to relieve the pain caused by spinal stenosis. During the surgery, the part of the bone in the spinal canal that is applying the pressure on the nerve is removed. This widens the opening and relieves the pressure.

Surgery is the treatment option with the most possible side effects and the highest cost. After spinal fusion surgery, for example, it is possible to experience degeneration in the areas that are adjacent to the fused segment.

Cost may depend on where you live and the size of the city. More minor surgeries done on an outpatient basis can run between $5,000 and $9,000. Back fusion averages around $14,000 and a laminectomy to correct stenosis can be over $75,000. Depending on your health insurance coverage, the costs to you can be considerably lower.

Resources

nlm.nih.gov

EverydayHealth.Com

MedicineNet.Com

Bloating: Symptoms, Cures, Causes & Remedies

Abdominal bloating, also known as meteorism, is a common condition tin which the abdomen feels full and tight. It is a condition that originates in your stomach and seems to travel throughout your body. Virtually everyone has had to endure the uncomfortable feeling of bloating at one point or another since it occurs as a result of your body attempting to break down food for fuel. The feeling of fullness that bloating causes in the stomach is not only uncomfortable but can also be embarrassing as it sometimes results in gas and burping.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of bloating is the feeling of fullness and tightness in the stomach that usually takes place after eating. The medical term used to describe this is dyspepsia.

Other common symptoms of bloating are burping, flatulence, noises in the stomach, decreased appetite and constipation. Symptoms vary in degree from person to person.

Bloat can be much more serious in some than others and, depending on the seriousness and affect it has on daily life, medical attention should be sought to treat it.

Often times, bloating will result in acid reflux after food consumption and further add to the uncomfortable feeling caused by bloating.

Causes of Bloating

Bloating is a condition that occurs as a result of the bodies inability to break down food properly during digestion. As the body breaks down food, it is broken down into components that then turn into energy and nutrients.

Once all of the energy and nutrients are derived from the food that has been consumed, the additional waste turns into gas. Under normal circumstances, these gases are easily managed by the intestinal tract and released through burping and/or flatulence.

Both burping and flatulence, although embarrassing, are a normal part of the digestion process and work to relieve the possibility of stomach bloat. When these gases are not able to escape the body, they result in the sometimes painful problem known as bloating. Bloating occurs when large pockets of sulphur-bearing gases stretch the stomach and intestinal walls.

While bloating is common and much of the population experiences it often, it can be adjusting your diet, minimizing the intake of foods or beverages that seem to increase bloat and limiting sodium intake.

Some of the common dietary causes of bloat are:

• Soft drinks
• Packaged foods
• Fried foods
• Milk products
• Sugar free foods
• Minimal water intake
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS)
• Colon Cancer

Soft drinks, including soda and other carbonated beverages, increase bloating because of the carbon dioxide in the bubbles that slow down food breakdown. Packaged foods, cured meats and soups often times have a high sodium content resulting in the body’s inability to release water, therefore aggravating the release of fluids and causing bloat. Milk and milk products cause bloat but they also provide necessary nutrients to the body.

In addition to dietary reasons, bloating is also caused by common some medications, conditions and diseases. The contraceptive pill, Crohn’s disease, Colon cancer and IBS are all common causes of bloating as well.

Prevention Tips

While soft drinks, packaged foods, dairy products, sugar-free foods and certain vegetables may increase bloating, many of these products also provide certain health benefits so they should not be entirely eliminated from a diet.

Packaged foods often contain high amounts of sodium, however, they are a good option for lunch or dinner on the run when compared to some of the high fat fast food options available. When there isn’t enough time to prepare a fresh, healthy lunch or dinner, a packaged meal such as a Lean Cuisine or canned soup, would be a much healthier option than typical fast food options available.

Milk & Dairy

Milk and milk products are also common culprits of bloat but, at the same time, contain nutrients that the body needs. An individual looking to decrease bloating could substitute some or all dairy products consumed with soy milk and other lactose-free options. There are also dairy options containing smaller amounts of lactose such as frozen yogurt and aged cheeses.

Sugar Free Foods

With the high rate of obesity in the United States and increased risk of diabetes, sugar free foods have become a more common ingredient in foods. Sorbitol, Xylitol, Maltitol and Erythritol are all common ingredients used in sugar-free foods and diabetic diet staples. These sweeteners are naturally-occurring sugars that are added to food and beverages to make them sweeter without the added calories of sugar.

When these sugars are broken down in the body by the large intestine, it results in gas causing excess bloating. Foods containing these ingredients should be consumed at a minimum, if at all possible, since they cause excessive gas and, at times, diarrhea.

Drinking Water

Another misconception is that drinking too much water causes one to be bloated. Many people assume that, the more water they drink, the more bloated they will feel. Just the opposite is true. Drinking more water will alleviate bloating and water retention because it will help the body flush out the excess sodium. Women also tend to regularly complain of bloat in the days or week prior to their menstrual cycle because of the body’s tendency to retain fluid during this time.

Adjusting  Your Life Style

General prevention tips for bloat also include changing not only the foods you eat but the way you eat. Eating more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day can help in avoiding the feeling of fullness that’s associated with bloat. Eating slowly and drinking plenty of fluids can also help with digestion and minimize gas.

In addition to adjusting diet and nutritional needs, seeing a doctor to help with other medical conditions may also help prevent bloat. Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Colon cancer are two common causes of bloating and should not be left untreated. Treating IBS may be a solution in completely eliminating bloating all together.

IBS

IBS is a problem in the colon consisting of irregularities in the digestive process and, most commonly, associated with constipation. Some common remedies to IBS are increasing fiber intake and drinking more water. Avoiding coffee, cigarettes and spicy foods could also decrease the symptoms of IBS, therefore, improving bloating.

Colon cancer and other problems in the colon cause serious bloating problems as well because the colon is the major part of the digestive system. Getting a colonoscopy can provide early detection of colon cancer and can give a patient insight as to what may be some of the factors contributing to the bloating.

Risk Factors

In general, bloating is not a serious condition that causes many health risks. It is a problem that much of the population endures as a result of certain eating habits, medications taken and/or medical conditions. One of the potential risk factors that could be associated to bloating is confusing symptoms of bloating with those of more serious conditions, such as a heart attach or stroke.

If it is suspected that symptoms may indeed be the cause of something more serious and possibly not from excess gas or bloating, they should not be ignored and an individual should seek medical attention immediately.

Natural Treatment Options & Remedies

There are a variety of ways that bloat can be treated and, often times, even eliminated. Dietary and lifestyle changes can make significant changes in the way the body digests foods. Probiotics, a good bacteria found in most yogurts, can help relieve symptoms. The active bacteria in yogurt and probiotics produce lactase and can supplement the body’s on levels of this enzyme. This will lead to increased regularity, resulting in less gas and bloating.

Changing Up Your Diet

Changing your diet is one of the easiest ways of relieving bloating. In general, those that suffer from bloating often should minimize their intake of foods high in carbohydrates and soluble fiber. Foods containing carbohydrates and/or soluble fiber tend to cause the body to retain a lot of water, increasing the feeling of being uncomfortable associated with bloating. They are not easily digested and, the amounts not completely digested cause gas in the large intestine.

Foods that are easily broken down by the large intestine and help minimize bloat are lean beef, fish and white meat poultry. In addition, consuming vegetables that are considered to be good sources of insoluble fiber such as spinach, romaine lettuce, green beans, kale and other leafy greens will also help. Reducing the intake of refined carbohydrates in conjunction with increasing the consumption of protein and vegetables will have a significant effect in reducing bloating.

Antacid Relief

Active charcoal supplementation and Pepto-Bismol are also options. Active charcoal is also sometimes taken before or after eating to prevent gas. It will usually at least reduce the amount of gas produced during digestion. A negative affect of this treatment option, however, is that it may cause constipation. Pepto-Bismol or any other generic option to it containing Bismuth will also relieve bloating.

Taking it before or after a meal will reduce swelling caused by food allergies and neutralize the odor of gas. It’s a great option and it’s 100% natural. Peppermint oil has also been praised as a natural alternative remedy for bloating. Drops can be added to warm beverages such as green tea after a large meal.

Keeping Track of Progress

Keeping a food diary may also help minimize bloat. This method can help identify foods that trigger bloat as well as identify foods that relieve it. Eliminating foods one by one that lead to bloat can help narrow down the list of dietary changes that need to be made. In addition, this method can also keep track of foods that do or do not improve bloating.

Stress & Exercise

Stress is another common culprit of bloating. Relieving stress through relaxation, massages, acupuncture and aromatherapy can help. A heating pad or a hot bath may also ease the discomfort of bloating and stress at the same time. Placing a heating pad on top of the abdomen while lying down will ease stomach gases.
Exercise is another method that will relieve bloat.

Although exercise can be uncomfortable when bloated, it can improve digestion and stress levels. In general, individuals should aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day. Walking, jogging, swimming, yoga and pilates are all options that will alleviate symptoms.

Medical Treatment Options & Remedies

In addition to natural remedies, there are also several options in bloating medicine and gas medication.

For those that are resistant to changing their diets, this may be the only option to reduce bloating.

Gas-x, Beano, Flatulex and other remedies containing polyethylene glycol and simethicone are all options that provide bloating relief.

Alka-seltzer is also a common remedy for relief after a large meal.

All of these options are low in cost and available over the counter without a prescription.

If bloating and gas are causing more pain than is bearable and/or the over the counter medications do not help, a physician can prescribe stronger medication.

Resources

nlm.nih.gov

WebMd.Com

EverydayHealth.Com

Fevers

Fevers are your body’s way of letting you know something is off – your internal temperature is rising because your body is attempting to fight off an invading virus or infection.

There are many causes for the common fever, most of which are mild or only slightly worrysome. Some causes, however, can be an indication of something more serious and should be treated by a doctor immediately.

A fever is ultimately a symptom of a larger problem, some of which go away on their own and some of which must be resolved through medication and medical intervention.

Increase in Body Temperature

A fever is the technical term for an elevated body temperature, which may be measured in a variety of ways. Normal resting body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, but may fluctuate up to a degree either way. To be technically declared a “fever”, the body must reach a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Temperatures of over 104 degrees Fahrenheit are potentially serious and even deadly, so medical attention should be sought immediately. The elderly and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects a fever can have, so seek medical attention immediately if someone in this category attains a fever of more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Alternative Names

There are no alternative names for fever as it is not a disease in and of itself. Often referred to as a “common fever,” fever is generally associated with hot skin, uncontrollable body temperature, and other diseases or infections.

Symptoms

The common fever can have many outward symptoms and is relatively easy to spot and diagnose. As the fever itself is actually a symptom, other symptoms accompany fever with any virus:

Sweating – Profuse sweating and feelings of relentless heat are the hallmark symptoms of fever.

Shivering – Caused by the chills that sometimes come with fever, shivering usually comes in bouts and can be stopped through the application of clothes or blankets.

Headache – Caused by the fluctuating hormone levels via your fighting immune system

Loss of Appetite – Common with an cold or virus, many people do not feel hungry until their body temperature has stabilized

Dehydration – One of the more dangerous side effects of fever, dehydration is a direct cause/effect and should be monitored carefully

Hallucinations – Common in high fevers, many patient become delirious as their bodies attempt to regulate themselves

Convulsions – Only found in the most severe of all cases, the body may go into a state of shock if the fever and subsequent virus have weakened it to this degree

Causes

There are many different reasons a person may contract a fever, all of which have to do with exposure to an outside influence. These causes include:

Viruses

These are among the most common causes of fever in adults, and contain the dreaded influenza virus. Viruses also cause nausea, vomiting, and sore throat, and can be very contagious.

If you suspect you have a virus, choose to quarantine yourself for the first 3 days of illness to avoid spreading it to other people. Viruses cannot be treated by antibiotics or other means and usually must be allowed to exit the body naturally. Viruses usually cause a fever only at onset, and can themselves last anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks.

Bacteria

Bacteria can affect almost any part of the body, and a fever is the body’s natural defense mechanism in this case. Bacterial infections can and should be treated with antibiotics to minimize spread.

Some of the more common types of bacterial infections include central nervous system, which affects the brain and spinal cord and can be life threatening, and respiratory system, which include pneumonia and bronchitis.

Other types include genitourinary system, which affects urination, and gastrointestinal, which causes stomach discomfort and pain. One of the more common and severe causes of fever can be bacterial infection of the skin. Difficult to treat, this type of infection can spread quickly and is hard to track down within the body.

Fungus

Much like a bacterial infection, fungi can create an inhospitable environment within the body for blood cells. This causes a fever as white blood cells attempt to fight off the fungus.

Traveler’s Fever

This is a blanket classification for all types of fever that can be caused by diseases and bacteria contracted while traveling. These include hepatitis A, yellow fever, and measles, and travelers should take caution to get vaccinated before traveling to affected areas. Many of these viruses and infections are entirely preventable.

Risk Factors

There are no hard and fast rules for who is at the greatest risk for fever. Certain people, like those with underdeveloped immune systems, seem to be more susceptible than others to viruses and bacteria, particularly while traveling or in a new environment. People who work with children or animals also more prone to contracting disease, which ultimately may cause a fever.

Fevers can and do affect people of both genders, and of any age. The elderly are particularly vulnerable and likely to obtain fevers and should be monitored with care if the contract one. Ethnicity does not seem to play a part in fever contraction.

Prevention Tips

There is no sure-fire way to ensure you will not contract a virus or get a fever. It’s never possible to completely isolate yourself from disease, but there are a few simple steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of contracting a disease or fever-causing bacteria.

Wash your hands

Often and thoroughly! Each time you eat, use the restroom, or touch a public surface you should wash your hands or use hand sanitizer to kill the germs you’ve picked up. These germs cause and spread viruses that may lead to fever.

Avoid contact with sick people

The spread of disease is not limited to those who are already ill, but coming in close contact with sick people raises the risk of contracting their virus.

Clean wounds thoroughly

As many of the worst fevers are caused by infection, cleaning an open wound thoroughly and promptly prevents the spread of bacteria. Bacteria found in even the smallest cuts and scrapes can cause an infection that could bring with it a fever.

Testing & Diagnosing

There are numerous options for taking the body’s temperature, some more effective than others. The standard “hand on the forehead” measurement, while somewhat comforting, is hardly accurate at measuring body temperature.

The following are a few of the ways doctors and nurses use thermometers to take temperature measures:

• Axillary – Under the armpit
• Eardrum – Via the ear canal
• Oral – Through the mouth, under the tongue
• Rectal – Using a standard straight thermometer
• Electronic – Can be used orally or rectally

Treatment Options

The treatment options for fever, while they may temporarily reduce redness, swelling, or feelings of heat, do not actually treat the fever. Rather, they treat the disease that’s causing the fever itself. There are many over the counter and home remedy solutions available for treating and “curing” a fever, though most only help ease discomfort while the fever runs its course through the body.

Herbal and At Home Remedies

Drink Water

You have a fever because your body is working hard to cool you off and fight off disease.

This means you may be losing a lot of water through sweat and perspiration, so naturally, replacing this lost water can help bring your internal temperature down.

Drink Juice

Some say the vitamins and antioxidants found in fruit and vegetable juices help replace the fluid lost through fever as well as shore up your immune system against persistent diseases.

Drink Tea

Certain teas, including those made from Linden, Willow Bark, and Black Elder have long been touted to have fever reducing properties, particularly when served cold.

Sponge Yourself Down

Rather than taking a bath, use a washcloth or sponge to add moisture to your skin. The evaporation of the water will provide a cooling sensation and encourage your body back to regular temperature levels.

Use a Compress

Cold, wet compresses offer similar relief to sponge baths as they encourage the body to reach homeostasis with the cooler compress that has been applied. When the compresses become hot, remove them and start over with fresh, cool compresses.

Pharmaceutical Remedies

There are several over-the-counter medication options when it comes to relieving a fever. The good news is, many of these pills help relieve the additional symptoms of your virus as well, such as headache, chills, and congestion. Use them sparingly or under a pharmacist’s or doctor’s care, particularly in the case of children.

Acetaminophen

Commonly found in Tylenol, Acetaminophen is designed to regulate the body’s internal temperature. This medicine should be used with particular care when given to children.

Ibuprofen

Found in Advil or Motrin, Ibuprofen is known for its ability to decrease pain sensitivity. Take 2 at a time for maximum relief, but never on an empty stomach.

Aspirin

The classic solution, aspirin is often given in cases of fever. Particularly harsh on the stomach lining, aspirin should never be given to children or taken in large doses as it can cause ulcers or hemorrhaging.

Surgical Remedies

There are no surgical remedies specifically for fever as it is not an isolated bodily injury. The only surgery related to fever relief is that which removes an infection or infected tissue. The infected tissue could be causing fever throughout the body and once it is removed, fever may be lessened.

Things NOT to do for your fever at home

Take a hot or cold bath – While the thought of submerging yourself in a cool tub can seem tempting, shocking the body so quickly can cause adverse reactions, like shivers or heat stroke, both of which are much worse than the offending fever.

Starve Yourself – The old adage of “Feed a cold, starve a fever” doesn’t hold much water. If you have a fever and find yourself hungry, eat. This is your body’s way of asking you to do something specific to make it better. If you’re not hungry, don’t feel as if you need to eat until you are.

Smother Yourself in Blankets – Oftentimes a severe fever is accompanied by chills, both of which can make you want to cover up then quickly cool off. Resist the urge to wrap yourself in blankets or sit directly in front of a fan as your body has a hard time adjusting to such sudden changes in external temperature.

Body Rash

Dermatitis is a general term that covers a wide spectrum of different skin rashes. From an irritant as simple as laundry soap to a rash incurred by brushing up against a coral reef on a deep-sea dive, they all fall under the same category.

Broken down into basics, a rash is an abnormal reaction of the skin to a condition. That condition could be as simple as a diaper rash or be an indication of a more serious underlying disease. A rash can occur from stress, infection, plants, insects, allergies, or inflammation. It is a symptom and a primary cause.

Rash Occurences

A rash can happen to any culture, population or age group. It can appear quickly and disappear just as fast. It can happen fast and furious or take a long time to appear on the surface of the skin.

It accompanies childhood infections, infestation of parasites, such as head lice, and chronic illnesses. It can be an escort for menopause, Lyme disease or methamphetamine abuse. It can be a clanging alarm alerting the doctor of diabetes, meningitis or toxic shock syndrome in women.

Categories of Rashes

However, broadly speaking, there are five subcategories that may help diagnosis and treat a skin rash.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, which is a chronic itchy rash that is sporadic in nature.
Neurodermatitis, a rash caused by irritants such as detergent or an allergy-inducing substance like poison oak.
Perioral dermatitis occurs mainly around the mouth as a bumpy, red rash. Seborrheic dermatitis, a common rash that appear on the face and scalp. It is the root cause of dandruff of the scalp.

Stasis dermatitis, a rash caused by buildup of fluid under the skin, primarily on the legs.

While many professionals say that dermatitis is not a life-threatening or contagious disease, it is scant comfort when all you can think about is scratching and finding relief from a rash that can keep you from focusing on anything else. Many forms of dermatitis can share the same characteristics and make them difficult to diagnosis.

Common symptoms include

• Itching, often the primary complaint of a skin rash.
• Redness
• Skin lesions, white, red or oozing bumps that may feel prickly, hot or uncomfortable.
• Swelling, which can make skin feel tight, tender and sensitive to clothing.

If that were not confusing enough when trying to find a solution for an inflammatory rash, irritants that cause the initial outbreak often categorize dermatitis. The following section combines both categorizations of a rash along with simple treatment options.

Allergic dermatitis (Neurodermatitis)

This condition is rather straightforward in its causal origin. It is a rash that develops with allergies. It can take on any appearance, white or red, bumpy or smooth, dots, and spots or appear over a large area. The number one symptom is itching.

It can greatly affect individuals who suffer from asthma or hay fever and can actually be a genetic predisposition handed down through a family line. It usually starts in infancy, peaking in the childhood or teenage years, and then abating as an individual reaches maturity.

It is nearly impossible to become allergic to these substances as an adult if there is no evidence of an infancy or childhood onset. Allergic dermatitis is attributed to a breakdown in either autoimmune deficiency or genetic predisposition.

Contact dermatitis (Neurodermatitis)

This is a condition that is an allergic outcome to common factors such as soap, detergent, chemical cleaning products, metal, perfumes, dyes and cosmetics. Even some antibiotic creams can cause a contact dermatitis because of the ingredients in the product. This is another form of neurodermatitis that can take on almost any form and is again characterized by itching as the primary symptom.

An allergic reaction to a product will cause contact dermatitis to flare significantly faster than contact with a chemical or substance that builds up over time. Exposure to poison oak or poison ivy falls in this category because it is the contact with the plant that causes irritation to the skin.

Simple Treatment Options

• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications
• Antihistamines
• Covering the affected area to prevent scratching.
• Hydrocortisone or steroidal lotions and creams
• Wet compresses

Eczematic Dermatitis (Atopic)

This dermatitis has an underlying condition that causes the rash to appear. Eczema, psoriasis, a chronic irritation or dry skin are the common culprits in this category of dermatitis. The outbreak is generally confined to the extremities or limbs, such as the ankles, arm or forearm, wrist and the nape of the neck.

On rare occasion, it will appear on the torso but it is highly uncommon. Its main symptom is itching, which is worse at night. The developing rash is red, patchy and can develop fluid-filled sores that ooze or crust over. Or it can exhibit a scaly, dry, rough skin texture that may toughen over time from constant scratching.

Simple Treatment Methods

• Healling infection prone cracks in the skin
• Mild astringents with wet dressings>
• Light therapy
• Antihistamines

Glandular dermatitis (Seborrheic)

This condition is caused by an overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands. It produces a red rash, with yellow or white flakes and scales. It occurs most often on the scalp and is common for people with oily skin or hair. It can be a seasonal affliction when a systemic flare up of symptoms is caused by factors of the different seasons. Possible external causes may be neurological afflictions such as Parkinson’s disease, travel and stress. Infants can suffer a form of this dermatitis known as “cradle cap.”

Simple Treatment Methods

Medicated shampoos containing tar, salicylic acid, pyrithione zinc and ketaconzaole
Hydrocortisone creams for non-scalp eruptions
Antihistamines

Circulatory dermatitis (Stasis)

This form of dermatitis is caused by an accumulation of fluid in subcutaneous tissues of the legs. It is caused by a slow return of blood to the heart from the leg veins.

The extra edema in the tissue affects the body’s ability to moisturize and nourish the skin and places extra pressure on the skin itself. Known causes of this dermatitis are varicose veins, chronic infections and poor circulation. It can present itself with swelling in the legs, itching, thin skin, open sores, discoloration of the skin resulting in reddish brown discoloration or violet-colored lesions.

Simple Treatment Methods

• Elastic support hose
• Varicose vein surgery
• Wet dressings for infection control
• Antihistamines

Oral Dermatitis (Perioral Dermatitis)

This form of dermatitis is centered around the nose and mouth. It is characterized by a rash that is red, and slightly bumpy. It is one of the few rashes has only mild itching or burning associated with it. However, it can spread up to the eyes if rubbed and then transferred to the eyes. It occurs most frequently in women and may come and go for a long time.

Simple Treatment Methods

• A mild corticosteroid cream
• Limit tartar toothpaste use to once a day

Homeopathic and Home Remedies

Many mild rashes can be helped by simple solutions. Cold compresses or washes can alleviate the redness, tenderness and inflammation of the rash. A simple paste of baking soda and water can be applied to the affected area for relief of itchiness.

Aromatherapy & Oils

Aromatherapy can be extremely effective in the lessening of rash symptoms. One of the best conduits for essential oils is a salve that already contains comfrey or calendula. On the other hand, you can use a base cream of non-toxic glycerin and aloe vera and mix 15 drops of essential oil into one ounce of salve. Mix and apply to the affected area.

Essential oils that have been shown to be beneficial are birch, chamomile, lavender, peppermint (for itching), rosemary, tea tree. Tea tree is very effective as an antiseptic bringing relief to those sufferers of eczema and other secondary skin infections.

Additional Home Remedies

Other home remedies include applications of chamomile, evening primrose oil or doses of cold-pressed flaxseed oil. Try a crush of vitamin C tablets and water directly on skin. This may cure many rashes because of the vitamin’s antioxidant properties.

Bach Flower Remedies has a cream that contains essences of Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum & Crap Apple. It is an excellent cream for mild rashes, razor burns and diaper rash.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has also been proven highly effective at treating underlying conditions that may cause a rash. There are protocols and techniques that have brought substantial alleviation of dermatitis and the skin eruptions that accompany it.

Acupuncture may provide immediate relief from itchy, hot skin built up by a histamine reaction. Since acupuncture treats the root cause of a rash, over time the manifestation of skin conditions can abate entirely.

Complications

Any of these forms of dermatitis can be a sign of an underlying disease. Meningitis, diabetes, chicken pox, measles, toxic shock syndrome, menopause and rheumatoid arthritis are all conditions where individuals can suffer an irritating rash.

Other complications can arise as the result of a dermatitis outbreak. Impetigo is open sores and fissures that can become infected. Cellulitis is red streaks that appear on your skin and are warm, red and tender to touch. Both of these complications indicate an underlying bacterial infection and a doctor should be seen as soon as possible. Scarring, scaling and skin thickening can also be long-term effects of a skin rash.

When to See the Doctor

There are times when a rash is painfully severe or the complications so uncomfortable that it is best to seek medical attention. If your skin is painful to the touch, infected, or you are miserable to a point that you cannot perform activities of daily living or you are losing sleep, see your doctor.

Your doctor will either treat you for the condition or refer you to a specialist known as a dermatologist. An expert medical opinion will consider triggers, options, treatments and tests to determine the best course of action.

Visting the Doctor

The doctor will take a complete history, noting allergies, types of laundry products, cosmetics and lifestyle is ascertaining the cause of the skin condition. It is helpful for you to take a list of anything that may prove to be relevant in your everyday life, work environment and hobbies. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more informed you are the better choices you will make.

The resulting diagnosis will lend itself to the proper treatment for your type of dermatitis. The doctor will probably tell you to continue the wet dressings and cold compresses at home. He may add a prescription strength hydrocortisone or steroidal cream. He may prescribe anti-anxiety or Immunomodulator drugs, a non-steroid medication.

Treatment Costs

The costs for dermatitis control and eradication can be expensive if there is a long-term or chronic element in the equation. Nominally, the costs of over-the-counter creams, lotions and soaps will not be prohibitive especially if they are replacing a more inflammatory product that you previously used.

The highest cost of dermatitis therapy will be the cost of the initial doctor visit and the subsequent follow-up, especially if patch tests are employed to determine the cause of a rash. Acupuncture sessions can run anywhere from $50.00 to $250.00 per session depending on the location and the technique used in treatment. Homeopathic treatments, lotions and creams will cost about the same as other over-the-counter salves and ointments.

Prevention

To help avoid skin irritations in the future, there are simple rules that can be followed.

Eliminate trigger elements. Wear gloves when performing household chores and handling products with chemical irritants. Change personal and cleaning products to non-toxic and organic cleaners, cosmetics and hair care supplies. There are several great products on the market today for both home and personal use.

Bathing Products

Eliminate soap. Soap is a drying agent and can aggravate skin irritations and rashes. Use a pure glycerin or shea butter product for bathing and hand washing.

Use colloidal oatmeal in a cool or warm bath. This is a soothing relief for hot, swollen, itchy skin.

Lotions & Scratching

Use traditional lotions such as Calamine. These products have been used for years for their cooling effects and can have a high success rate.

Do not scratch. If the temptation is too great, wear comfortable, thin cotton gloves, especially at night. The gloves will prevent any possible infection from microscopic bacteria under the fingernails.

Apply cool, wet compresses. You can add a couple of drops of lavender or tea tree oil to the compress for added relief.

Sunscreen and Moisturizing

Use sunscreen. Extreme heat and sweating can make your rash seem ten times worse than it is. Take cool showers and exercise in the evening,

Bath less often. Too much bathing can actually dry out the skin, leaving it prone to scaling, flaking or cracking. Dry off completely, patting your self dry with a towel.

Moisturize your skin. Products like Aveeno and Eucerin carry a line that combats elements that cause dermatitis. Use natural products made only of shea butter for lubricating the skin.

Lifestyle Changes

Avoid processed foods that can contain additives and preservatives that can aggravate your rash. Wash all organic food before eating or food preparation.

Up your water intake. This can help nourish the skin and flush out toxins. Increase your portions of foods high in Omega-3s. These foods contain properties that help heal the skin.

Conclusion

Rashes are an inconvenient truth in every person’s life. Almost of all of us will experience a rash sometime in our life. With the tips presented here, you have a very good chance of alleviating the itchy, swelling purgatory of a person who only wants to scratch.

Resources

Children.WebMd.Com

EverydayHealth.Com

Mayoclinic.Com

Boils are complete individual hair follicles that build up with pus and dead tissue caused by a staphylococcus infection.

Alternative Names

These nodules are most often referred to as boils, but there are alternative names for this same condition that include:

• Carbuncles
• Carbunculosis
• Furuncles
• Furunculous
• Infection of the hair follicle
• Hair Follicle Infection
• Skin Abscesses – this can include a variety of skin infection conditions.

Symptoms

A boil usually begins as a tender, swollen nodule that is ranges from the size of a pea to around the size of a golf ball. It has a feeling similar to a water filled balloon. The outer skin area around the boil is pinkish to red in color.

As the boil fills with pus and dead tissue, the nodule becomes more painful. A white or yellow center, also known as a pustules, develops. When the boil begins to drain, it may appear to weep, ooze or even crust over. The pain will get better as the pressure is released when the boil drains. If a boil does not drain on its own, it may be necessary for a patient or medical professional to make an opening in the boil themselves.

Some other symptoms that may occur when a patient has a boil includes

• A feeling of fatigue or severe tiredness
• A fever that can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the infection within the boil and the stage the boil is at.
• An overall ill feeling
• Severe itching in the area prior to any visible signs of a boil being present.
• A redness in the surrounding skin of the boil and inflammation.

Causes

Boils are a very common skin infection that are generally caused when a staphylococcus infection that is present on the skin enters into the tissue of the skin through a damaged hair follicle. Damage to the hair follicle can be caused by an ingrown hair, cut, scrape, injury, underlying medical condition or by an object piercing the skin, such as a gunshot, stabbing, ect. Boils can occur within any area of the body that has hair follicles.

Most patients report boils in or around:

• The face
• In the armpit areas
• On the back of the neck
• Within the buttocks area
• On the inside of the thighs
• In the groin area
• On the inside of their nasal passage, especially true in diabetic patients

Risk Factors

Anyone can be at risk for developing a boil. This is especially true for a person who has come into contact with someone who has had a boil or have come in direct contact with the infection that is within a boil. There are, however, certain groups that are at a higher risk of developing boils.

This includes:

People with a compromised immune system. A person who has a weak or compromised immune system are unable to fight off infections adequately and are unable to heal properly.

This includes people with mild, temporary conditions, such as the flu, colds, allergies or other minor health conditions. Their bodies are already working overtime to fight the virus or infection that afflicting other parts of their body.

It also includes people who have more severe medical conditions that have left their immune system weak and vulnerable, such as an AIDS patient, HIV patients or cancer patients.

Diabetes

Patients who have either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. Diabetics have a difficult time healing from illnesses or injuries that they may have suffered. They do not fight off infections, heal infections or mend very easily due to their diabetes disease. That is why it is especially important for diabetic patients to practice pristine personal hygiene techniques and seek medical treatment immediately for any boils that do occur.

Human Contact

A person who has been in contact with someone who has boils or comes in contact with the infection that causes boils. When someone within your home has boils, special precautions should be taken to eliminate the transfer of the infection from one person to another.

You should make sure that all towels, washcloths and bedding are washed in boiling hot water to kill any of the germs or bacteria that may be present. Hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer should be a common practice within the home while the staphylococcus infection is present. It is also possible to come in contact with the infection if you use public restrooms, share clothing with a person who has boils or even have hand to hand contact if you do not wash your hands prior to touching any part of your body.

Hygiene & Nutrition

People who have poor hygiene or a poor level of nutrition. Whenever proper personal hygiene habits are not practiced it leaves a huge opportunity for a person to contact a variety of illnesses, viruses or infections. It is important to bathe or shower regularly using an antibacterial soap or shower gel.

This will help to eliminate germs and bacteria that may be growing on your skin and get into any damaged hair follicles you may have on your body. It is also important to make sure that a person has proper nutritional practices. People who suffer from weight and nutritional issues are at a higher risk of developing boils because their bodies are not able to properly fight off infections.

Weight Problems

This includes people who are obese, have anorexia or suffer from bulimia. If a person knows how they are at risk and make lifestyle changes, their risk for developing boils can be decreased.

Skin Ailment

People who suffer from other skin ailments. People who suffer from skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, rashes or even sunburns, have an increased chance of developing boils. This is due to the fact that their skin is damaged and weak which allows infections and viruses to enter the tissue easier.

Complications

In most cases, boils will develop quickly and drain on their own. If you have a boil that is not draining, then you should seek the assistance from a physician or other medical professional.

Some complications that can arise from boils include

• Abscesses that can develop on the skin, brain, kidneys, spinal cord or other vital organs.
• Infection within the brain.
• The inside lining of the heart chambers or heart valves can become swollen and inflamed, which is a condition known as Endocarditis.
• The development of Osteomyelitis, which is an infection that gets into a person’s bones.
• Permanent scars and marking from damage inflicted to the skin where a boil was located.
• An infection in the blood caused by bacteria building up in the blood stream.
• Infection that gets into the spinal cord.
• The spread of the infection from one part of the body to another.
• These complications range from mild and temporary to more serious cases that can cause permanent damage up to and including the death of a patient.

Prevention Tips

Regardless of any degree of preventative measures a person takes to decrease their chances of developing boils, there is no fool proof plan to completely eliminate the possibility of getting a boil.

Some things that can be done to help prevent a person’s chances of getting a boil are to

• Practice good personal hygiene. Shower and bathe regularly using an antibiotic soap of shower gel.
• Wash hands frequently. Using hot water and antibacterial soap or hand sanitizer, wash your hands often.
• Wash clothing with special measures. Using the hottest water temperature setting and a good detergent, make sure all clothing or beddings and linens used by a person within the home who has boils is washed. If possible wash these items separately from other household members clothing items.
• Practice proper nutritional habits. To keep your body in its best shape to fight infections and bacteria, eat properly and control your weight related health issues.
• Try to eliminate the use of public restrooms if possible. When it is possible, do not use public restrooms. These places are breeding grounds for a large variety of viruses, bacteria and infections because you cannot control who has used them prior to you.
• Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer with you. Carrying a bottle of hand sanitizer helps you reduce the chances of coming in contact with the staphylococcus infection that causes boils. When you cannot wash your hands the sanitizer can be substituted.
• Properly treat any cuts, scrapes or injuries. Since pre-existing cuts, scrapes and injuries can become infected, it is important to treat them right away to prevent your body from becoming susceptible to secondary viruses and infections.

Test and Diagnosis Considerations

When diagnosing a patient who has a boil, doctors and health care professionals usually just conduct a visual inspection of the swollen nodule for redness, inflammation, heat and visible characteristics. Samples of the pus can be tested to determine if there is a secondary infection that is of concern.

However, extensive testing is only usually conducted if there is a serious risk of a more severe infection or if the area is not healing correctly. A physician or other medical professional may conduct a biopsy of the swollen nodule that continuously develops to rule out any type of underlying medical condition or disease.

Treatment Options

There are a variety of different treatment options that people use when treating a boil. Some people prefer to use one of many home remedies that may have been passed down through generations and has provided results. Other patients prefer to use over the counter medications and remedies that may be available on pharmacy shelves.

Doctors and medical professionals also have medical procedures that they can perform to help provide relief and comfort for patients who have boils that may not be draining on their own, or the person themselves suffer from other health conditions that make it necessary to seek immediate treatment for any infection within their system.

Over the Counter Remedies

Topical Antibiotic Ointments

There are a variety of topical antibiotic ointments available to help people who have boils find some relief from the pain. These ointments help to ripen the boil and help bring drainage of the infection within the boil outward. Some of the brand names of these ointments include Boil Ease, Drawing Salve and Neosporin. A patient can also use any name brand of Triple Antibiotic Ointment to produce the same results.

Bactine

Bactine is an over the counter spray that can be used on a boil to help it from becoming too large and helps to bring some relief from the pain associated with the boil. A person can apply the spray to the boil once in the morning and once at night until the boil is completely gone.

Campho Phenique

Apply Campho Phenique to a piece of gauze that is large enough to cover the boil and the affected skin around it. Using some pressure place the piece of gauze over the boil and hold in place for five minutes. A person will see noticeable results within this time. It is okay to leave this gauze in place over night to see even better results for the boil.

Epsom Salt

Using water that is as hot as can be tolerated without scalding the skin, run a bath. Pour in one half to one cup of Epsom salt around the bottom of the tub. Soak in this bath for a minimum of thirty minutes each day until the boil is completely gone.

The hot water and salt mixture will help out infection that is within the boil. Make sure that the towels, wash clothes and clothing that the person uses is washed properly and separately from other people’s clothing items. It is also recommended to wash out the tub using antiseptic cleaners before being used by anyone else.

Medical Treatments and Procedures

Lancing

Doctors and medical professionals can lance the boil to help drain the staphylococcus infection. This can bring about relief from the built up pressure associated with the boil. It may also be necessary to have a doctor do this if you are suffering from a boil that will not drain on its own.

Antibiotics

Doctors can prescribe antibiotics that are designed to fight off staphylococcus infections. This is a recommended treatment plan for people who suffer from another serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and low immune systems.

Home Remedies and Natural Cures

Onion and Garlic Juice

Using the juices from an onion and clove of garlic, mix them together. Apply this juice mixture to the boil and surrounding skin area. This will help to ripen the boil and help it to drain in a very short period of time. This juice mixture should be applied two to four times a day.

Baking Soda Paste

Mix some baking soda with some water until a paste like material is formed. Apply the paste mixture directly on the boil and affected skin area. This paste mixture will help to draw out the infection within the boil and start promoting the healing of the boil right away.

Cumin Seed

Grind Cumin seed in water, mixing well to for a paste like substance. Apply the paste to the boil and surrounding skin. Cover with gauze and leave on overnight. This can be repeated until the boil is completely gone.

Vinegar

Pour a small amount of vinegar on a gauze pad and cover the entire boil and surrounding skin with the gauze pad. Leave on the boil over night. This will help to ripen the boil and cause the drainage of the infection within the boil. Repeat this as necessary until the boil is completely gone.

Turmeric and Castor Oil Paste

For anyone who suffers from painful boils on the inside of the nose, these can be very difficult to treat. One effective method for doing this is to create a paste with turmeric powder and castor oil. Mix the two together until a paste is formed. Using a cotton swab dipped in the paste, apply to the inside of the nose on the boil. This will help bring about healing and help to eliminate some of the pain associated with the boil.

Resources

WebMd.Com

MedicineNet.Com

EmedicineHealth.Com