Eczema is not a disease per se, but is a name given collectively to a group of medical conditions, which can cause the skin to become inflamed and irritated. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common types of eczema.

Causes

While the exact cause of eczema is not known, the most commonly attributed reason is an increasingly sensitive immune system. The overactive immune system produces antibodies, which cause these skin reactions. It is also noted that people with allergies including hay fever and asthma are more likely to develop eczema.

Other conditions which can lead to eczema include allergic dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, scabies, fungal infections, xerotic dermatitis, lichen planus and scalp infections.

There is also a genetic predisposition, and children whose parents have had eczema are likely to develop eczema.

Symptoms

In most people, eczema is present in the form of small blisters, which are filled with fluid and can ooze. Gradually, there could be dryness, crusting, scaling and thickening of the skin with plaque formation. The most common symptom would be itching. The different types of eczema as noted above would have diagnostic features. For instance, when testing for irritant or contact dermatitis, there would be an irritant that is causing this. Stasis dermatitis would have circulatory issues and often affects the lower legs.

In fair-skinned people, these lesions begin as red and then turn brown. There also could be lightening of the affected skin area in people with slightly darker skin.

Diagnosis

For a trained medical eye, diagnosis of eczema is not a tough task. A complete physical examination may be done to assess the extent of eczema spread. Blood tests may be done to test for allergies. In very rare cases, a biopsy may also be required.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce itching and improve moisturization. Eczema, unless associated with an infection, is not contagious.

Using copious amounts of creams and lotions help in improving hydration and moisturization, as they are allowed to soak into the skin.

Topical steroids may be required if allergy is suspected. In most cases, hydrocortisone and corticosteroid creams are very effective.

Associated infections like scalp infections and fungal infections should also be treated with suitable products.

Immunomodulator creams like Elidel are useful by suppressing the immune system and preventing flare up of the allergic reactions.

Cold compresses may be used to relieve itching.

Prevention

Since there is a strong genetic component related to eczema, prevention is helpful.

Constantly keep the skin moist and hydrated by using moisturizers, especially during winters.

Avoid clothes and metals which can cause allergy- like wool, nickel, harsh soaps, detergents, etc.

Avoid or be careful about food items which are known to cause allergies.

Eczema - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments 

It is a slowly and gradually progressing disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, hence preventing the liver from proper functioning. The developed scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and slows the processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs, and naturally produced toxins. It also slows the production of proteins and other substances made by the liver. Cirrhosis is a complication of liver disease which involves loss of liver cells and irreversible scarring of the liver. In other words, Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver does not function properly due to long-term damage. Typically, the disease comes over months or years.

Although there are many other causes for cirrhosis, the commonest is excessive use of alcohol, viral hepatitis B and C infections and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Thus the scarring is most often caused by long-term exposure to toxins such as alcohol or viral infections.

According to the National Institutes of Health, it is the 12th leading cause of death. Men are more prone to develop cirrhosis than women. Globally approximately 57% of cirrhosis is attributable to either hepatitis B (30%) or hepatitis C (27%).Alcohol consumption accounting for about 20% of cirrhosis.

Persons most commonly affected: Adults of both sexes.

Unani approach to Cirrhosis of Liver (Talayyuf-e- Kabid)-

In Unani literature Cirrhosis of the liver is known as  Talayyuf-e- kabid ,  Sighr-al- kabid  or  Jigarki laghari . It is of two types.

1. AcuteType of Cirrhosis of Liver (Talayyuf-e- Kabid Hadd)-

It is rare but very dangerous. It is also called Yarqaan-e- khabees or Huzaal-e- asfar. Mainly occurs due to inflammation in hepatic cells, in which hepatic cells squeeze in few days resulting in improper functioning of liver. It is a disease in which cells throughout the liver are destroyed. Although they are replaced by areas containing normal new cells but also by much scar tissue, which alters the structure of the liver.

Causes and risk factors: Excessive use of alcohol/ chronic alcoholism, poor nutrition, highly toxic condition of the body system, viral infections caused by chronic viral hepatitis (types A, B and C), metabolic diseases such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, galactosemia and glycogen storage disorders,inherited diseases such as Wilson's disease and hemochromatosis, biliary cirrhosis, toxic hepatitis due to severe reactions to prescription drugs or prolonged exposure to environmental toxins and repeated bouts of heart failure with liver congestion etc.

Signs and Symptoms: The main signs and symptoms of this type are jaundice, pain at the site of liver, vomiting, headache, dizziness, increased body temperature, increased pulse rate, brownish coloured and dry tongue, increased thirst, initially whitish coloured diarrhoea, later on, colour becomes blackish due to contamination of blood, urine passes in less quantity and reddish in colour due to contamination of yellow bile in it,  haemorrhage from nose, stomach, intestine and uterus even abortion in women are seen. The size of the liver feels small on palpation.

2. Chronic type of Cirrhosis of Liver (Talayyuf-e- KabidMuzmin)

This type of the disease occurs due to the improper blood supply to the hepatic cells resulting in the size of liver very small in appearance but liver cells stay normal.

Causes and risk factors: The main causes of this type are the application of permanent pressure at the site of the liver such as ascites, alcohol abuse, hepatitis C virus infection, cardiomegaly, poor nutrition, highly toxic condition of the body system, peritoneal inflammation, improper diet in old age and starvation etc. Other causes which develop this disease are, obstruction of the external bile duct by stone, scar, inborn defect or tumour, use of certain medications, syphilis and passive liver congestion. Obesity has recently been recognized as a risk factor in non-alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Signs and Symptoms: It is a slowly progressing disease. In early-stage symptoms, of indigestion like flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea may be present. General weakness, the feeling of being unwell, loss of appetite, loss of weight, and a loss of interest in sex may also be there. There may be a dull abdominal ache, nausea and vomiting. Eventually, the patient dies due to anaemia or ascites. The feeling of dullness is the peculiar sign of the disease. Other symptoms and signs include low-grade fever, bad breath, jaundiced skin and bloated and swollen abdomen.

Complications and Risks associated with Cirrhosis of Liver (Talayyuf-e-Kabid)-

Ascites (retention of fluid in the abdominal cavity) is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infection and a poor long-term outcome. Other potentially life-threatening complications are hepatic encephalopathy (confusion and coma) and bleeding from oesophageal varices. Cirrhosis is generally irreversible, and treatment usually focuses on preventing progression and complications. In advanced stages of cirrhosis, the only option is a liver transplant.

Preventive measures for cirrhotic patients (Talayyuf-e- Kabid ke Mareezon ke liye Ehtiyaati Tadaabir):

Cirrhotic patients must completely avoid alcohol. Alcohol accelerates liver failure and hastens death in cirrhotic patients.
Avoid liver toxins. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), should be avoided because they can be toxic in cirrhotic patients.
Juice therapy helps the liver to detoxify toxins from the body. Cirrhotic patients should mix one part of pure juice with one part of water before drinking.
Cirrhotic patients are strongly advised to eat smaller meals. To avoid overworking the liver, five or six smaller, lighter meals per day are recommended.
Avoid fatty foods and processed foods, especially foods prepared with animal fats or hydrogenated oils. These types of foods put additional load on the liver.
Cirrhotic patients are also advised to eat only lean proteins (containing no fats) and in limited amounts.
Vegetable proteins are very beneficial in Cirrhotic patients. High protein intake causes increases of ammonia levels in the blood, possibly resulting in mental confusion, and in severe cases, coma. However, do not severely limit protein intake, as this may cause protein deficiency and impair the healing process.
Routinely increase consumption of fruits and steamed vegetables as fruits and vegetables are easy to digest, thus less work for the liver. In addition, they are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help the liver detoxify and heal.
Cirrhotic patients are advised to practice intermittent fasting.
They are also advised to protect against hepatitis B, C and E.
Fundamentals of Management in Unani Medicine-

Identify the cause of the disease and treat it accordingly
Correct the digestive processes
Use hot dresses
Use mild and early digestible diet
In case of ascites treat it
Management/ Treatment-

In Unani medicine, very effective treatment is available for the Cirrhosis of Liver by strengthening the Liver cells and restoring normal size and functions of the Liver. In Unani medicine, there is a number of hepatoprotective drugs that protect the Liver either acute or chronic type.

SootshekharRas Swarna yukta 125 Mg twice a day
PittariAvleh 10 gm twice a Day
Duration of the treatment: 3 to 6 months or it depends upon the condition of the patients. If the patients with cirrhosis have diabetes, then the treatment may take long time for curing the disease. Diet plays a key role along with Unani Medicines. Hence, it is strictly advised to follow a proper diet plan.

Talayyuf - E - Kabid Or Cirrhosis Of The Liver - Know More About It!

High blood pressure and sex

High blood pressure is a condition in which the pressure of the blood against the artery wall is high enough to cause health problems, including heart disease. No symptoms may be noticed in a person for years but the damage to the blood vessels and to your heart continues. High blood pressure can have an impact on your sex life. Although sexual activity does not lead to any possible threats to your health but high blood pressure can affect the pleasure you would have otherwise derived from sex.

In Men

High blood pressure leads to the wearing out of the lining of blood vessels and causes arteries to narrow and harden that decreases the blood flow. This results in decreased blood flow to the penis. In case of some men, this decreased blood flow makes it difficult for them to achieve and maintain an erection. This problem is called erectile dysfunction.

High blood pressure may also interfere with ejaculation and be a cause for low libido. The medications that are prescribed for treating high blood pressure may lead to this condition.

In Women

Just as in the case of men, high blood pressure results in the decreased flow of blood to the vagina in case of women. This may cause problems like low libido, vaginal dryness, or complexities in achieving orgasm. Sexual dysfunction in women results in stress, anxiety and even relationship issues.



High Blood Pressure and Sex

Pain in the joints continues to bug mankind till this very day. There are different types of joint pains, which might occur all of a sudden, with no signs of receding. The most common of them all are arthritis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, back pain and repetitive muscular strain. These joint pains are sometimes impossible to diagnose properly by the regular modes of diagnosis. In those cases, resorting to the homeopathic mode of medication might be a good idea as it is a medication based on treating the actual cause of the disease and sustained use might result in complete remission of the pain.

Some commonly used homeopathic medications for pain in the joints are as follows:
1. Rhus Tox: This is the most commonly used in homeopathic preparation for severe joint pains, the symptoms of which include severe pain after relaxation, pain triggered by slightly wet weather and pain after walking or running for a long time.

2. Arnica Montana: When the symptoms are pain in every joint of the body resulting in body aches and pertaining injuries due to accidents, Arnica Montana serves as the perfect medication.

3. Actea Spicata: This medicine is primarily used as a remedy for pains in the small joints of the hands. The symptoms for which the medication can be implemented are rheumatoid arthritis in the joints of the finger and swollen wrists after usage of the hand.

4. Colchium: This medicine can be used in case of Rheumatoid Arthritis (inflammatory and chronic form of arthritis).

5. Bryonia Alba: This medication can work wonders if the symptoms include severe pain in the knee joints while walking, severe swollen joints and osteoarthritis (affects the flexible tissues present at the bone ends).

However, it is always advisable to take medication as prescribed by your doctor, as the potency and frequency can only be decided by your doctor.

Homeopathic Treatment for Pain in the Joints

Also known as contact dermatitis or contact eczema, allergic eczema is a condition wherein one experience symptoms of skin rash on coming in contact with an allergen. Other symptoms include a burning sensation in the eyes, coughing and a runny nose.

Causes-

This condition is caused when you come in contact with an allergen. Some common triggers that cause your immune system to react in this manner are:

Perfumes in cosmetics

Hair dyes

Metals such as nickel found in jewelry

Latex based products

Chemicals present in soaps and other cleansing agents

Certain antibiotic creams and lotions

Adhesives

Symptoms-

With allergic eczema, the most common symptoms include itching and pain around the affected area, and tender skin. Inflammation and dry skin are some other common symptoms that one may experience. Pus-filled red bumps are common occurrences along with this disorder. The skin may start to thicken and turn scaly. The symptoms may show up when one is exposed to sunlight.

Treatments-

The treatment for this disorder begins after a thorough diagnosis of the symptoms. Based on how severe the symptoms are, the treatment is prescribed accordingly. The first step is usually to wash the affected area with warm water to wash away the allergens. In case of mild symptoms, you may not need any treatment. It is also advised to use apply moisturizing cream to maintain hydration of the skin. To reduce inflammation and itching, use of corticosteroid creams is recommended.

In case of severe symptoms, strong corticosteroid pills may be prescribed.

If the treatments are carried out properly, the symptoms tend to clear up within 15-20 days. However, it is important to remember that the condition may erupt again if you come in contact with the allergen once more. Thus identification of the allergen is very important for long-term treatment and preventive measures. By seeing an allergist contact dermatitis can be ruled out by doing an Allergy Patch Testing.

Allergic Eczema: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Hematuria is the medical name of what is commonly known as bloody urine. It s an unpleasant and particularly painful feeling where the discharge of urine from your system is either cola coloured with blood clots or just a light shade of pink. It varies in visibility, that is, it can either appear to the naked eye or it may only appear under a microscope when a sample is examined. If it isn t easily visible then it can only be detected as a part of your regular check-up as the symptoms are more often than not invisible. Which is why it is very important to get a full body check-up done as often as possible.

Hematuria is an indicator of other serious conditions that could be underlying and not easily apparent. You should not sit on it and definitely visit your doctor if you notice something similar or if you feel any sort of discomfort while urinating. The number of reasons that can cause bloody urine are:

UTI: Urinary tract infection is one of the reigning causes of most renal and gynaecological problems. It is when your urethra and bladder are affected and it causes a perineal urge to urinate which is also a painful experience. Along with this your urine might carry a strong stench. Bloody urine, in this case, is not visible to the naked eye so you have to go in for a check-up as soon as the other symptoms arise.
Stones: Stones in your bladder or kidneys are caused due to the accumulation of minerals from highly concentrated urine. These harden over time and become stone-like. Kidney stones are extremely painful and can cause bleeding both microscopic and visible.
Exercise: Exercise should be practised in moderation. If you are not used to regular exercise then the first time you start, take it slow and gradually build up from that point onwards. Even then, if after a workout you see blood in your urine, then visit your doctor immediately. It is rare for exercise to cause bleeding but it can be the trigger to other problems that might be the actual culprits behind the bleeding. If you have any injuries in your kidney from working out or from contact sports then you are likely to see blood in your urine.
Prostrate: This is a problem aging males are likely to face no matter how active and healthy a lifestyle they lead. The prostate gland can sometimes get enlarged and cause obstruction in the flow of urine by pushing the urethra into a compressed corner, as the prostrate takes up more space than is allotted to it. The signs include microscopic bleeding but also a painful need to urinate perpetually. There may also be a visible bloody discharge of urine.
Thus, hematuria can be sneaky or it can come with ringing bells. Either way, it is best to not avoid going to the doctor and most importantly get regular check-ups done for your own health and safety.

4 Underlying Causes Of Hematuria!

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