Itching Tips

Pubic lice, also known as ‘crabs’, is a condition which occurs when certain parasitic insects are present in the genitals. These insects cause red spots to form on the vagina which result in itching. Crabs are also known to affect other parts of the body such as eyebrows, eyelashes and beards. This disease is extremely contagious in nature; it can be passed on from one person to another via sexual intercourse, hugging and kissing. In some cases, this condition can also be passed on from the parent to the child.

Symptoms
If you are affected by crabs then you will have itching and pain in the genitals. The saliva of the insect can cause allergic reactions on the skin, resulting in the itch. The itching tends to worsen at night. Bluish or red spots may appear on the affected area. The lice are usually around 2 cm long and can’t be spotted easily.

Causes
Contrary to popular belief, pubic lice or carbs are not caused by poor hygiene. This disease spreads via bodily contact with an infected person and they feed on human blood to survive. Lice usually spread via sexual intercourse which may be anal, vaginal or oral.

Treatment for pubic lice
Treatments for pubic lice involve shampoos, lotions and insecticide creams. Some of the treatments for pubic lice need to be applied locally while others require full body treatment. Apart from following the treatment procedures, you need to take preventive measures to prevent infestation. Avoid sharing personal items such as toiletries, as lice can spread through it. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a gynaecologist.

Seborrheic dermatitis refers to a kind of chronic skin rash affecting the scalp or face of a person. It has symptoms similar to that of eczema. Excess oil and greasiness could lead to this condition. This is a commonly noticed condition among children and adults. Seborrheic dermatitis is characterized by red patches, persistent dandruff, and flaking skin. This kind of skin disorder needs immediate treatment as neglecting the upsetting signs can turn out to be fatal; you may face a neurological breakdown after suffering for days together.

Take a look at the causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis: 

1. This skin disease could develop in response to psoriasis. Inflammatory responses often result in reddish patches on the skin.
2. Malassezia could cause Seborrheic Dermatitis. Malassezia is a type of yeast present in the oil secretions of a human body. 
3. Such a condition could be worsened by the predominant weather conditions. Extreme winters or early spring can make your skin peel off.

Symptoms a person may face:

1. The first and foremost symptom is red colored skin. The skin will appear as itchy and tender.
2. A stinging sensation is experienced in affected areas. The pain could be serious enough to prevent you from working or resting. 
3. The eyelids of a person are at times under threat. This condition is more popularly known as blepharitis. The skin of your eyelids becomes red and crusted. 
4. Dandruff can be found on your beard and moustache and even on your eyebrows. 
5. Oily, flaky skin can be found on the scalp, ears, face, chest, armpits and also on the scrotum.

Skin disorders are taken lightly by most people. Many fail to realize how important skin is to the rest of our biological system. Skin is the primary barrier to all kinds of infections and diseases. A person should be aware of possibilities that can happen to trigger a skin condition like Seborrheic Dermatitis. Poking acne or scratching the skin of one's face, diabetes or obesity, psychological trauma, and weak immunity as noticed among patients of pancreatitis can actually increase your risk of contracting this disorder.

Cholinergic Urticaria is a skin problem that a dermatologist can diagnose and treat. The most common cause of this condition includes sweating. It may be of four types including poral occlusion, generalised hypohidrosis, sweat allergy and idiopathic. Mostly, the common triggers include heat and consequent sweat which can cause a variety of symptoms in the internal organs. Let us find out more about the signs, symptoms and treatment of this ailment.

Signs: There are many signs of the onset of this ailment including a rise in the body's core temperature after physical pursuits like running, workouts, eating spicy food, fever, hot showers and even emotional stress. When there is a persistent rise in the temperature every time you indulge in such activities, it may be time to take a look at symptoms so that the dermatologist can make a proper diagnosis.

Skin Related Symptoms: Itching and burning sensation on the skin can point at the presence of this disease. One may also find rashes that can appear on the arms and neck, as well as the areas where the skin folds and sweat percolates. Also, you may find tiny welts that can form in a cluster to give the appearance of a large growth or swelling.

Digestive Tract Symptoms: The digestive tract may also get affected which can lead to loose motions and cramps in the abdomen.

Respiratory Tract Symptoms: There are a variety of symptoms of this condition, including breathless and wheezing as well as changes in the respiratory tract.

Other Symptoms: Headaches, palpitations, nausea and salivation are other common side effects and signs of overall discomfort. In very rare cases, Anaphylaxis can also set in as a symptom of this condition.

Treatment: Ample measures will also need to be taken so as to avoid a heart attack due to sudden cooling and drops in temperature. The dermatologist can prescribe beta blockers like Propranolol as well as anti histamine drugs that can contain the symptoms of the allergic reaction. Regular everyday use of antihistamine drugs may be required for these patients. Immunosuppressants and leukotriene inhibitors can also be used in such cases.

Lifestyle Changes: The best treatment in such cases is avoiding the allergens that trigger or cause the condition. In many cases, the patient may have to stop exercising so as to avoid the severe symptoms. The patient will also need to avoid too much exposure to ultraviolet rays which can lead to rapid desensitisation as well as autologous sweat.

Patients suffering from this condition should record and report even the smallest change to the dermatologist so that there are no serious health implications in the long run.

Skin irritants are everywhere. Even in your house, there is practically no place where there are no skin irritants. Laundry detergents, air fresheners and floor polishes are just a few factors that cause skin itching. The reason why this happens is that products like air fresheners and floor polishes take away essential oils and water from the skin which leads to dryness and irritation. This type of dry, itchy skin can also progress to skin conditions like eczema. Here are some ways you can stop your skin from becoming dry and itchy:

1. Moisturize - To make up for the lack of moisture in the air, religiously apply moisturiser over your skin after having a shower. This helps hydrate the skin and keeps the moisture in your skin from escaping.

2. Right Moisturiser - In most cases, creams work better than lotions when dealing with dry skin. Creams that contain natural oils such as olive oil or jojoba oil work well to deep moisturise dry skin. Other ingredients your skin cream should contain are lactic acid, urea, lanolin, petrolatum, hyaluronic acid, etc.

3. Shower Wisely - Limit your showers to a maximum of 10 minutes and try to use warm water instead of hot water. Though standing under a hot shower may feel good at the moment, it rids the skin of its natural oils and hence dries the skin. 

4. Use Gentle Soaps - A cream-based soap that is fragrance-free is great for dry skin. This soothes the skin and moisturises as it cleanses.

5. Protect Your Skin - Limit your skin’s exposure to natural elements in the winter. If you must step out, cover yourself well and be sure to put on a pair of gloves and socks. Limit tasks that need you to wet your hands.

6. Shave Smartly - Shaving not only removes unwanted hair but can also irritate the skin. The ideal time to shave is after a shower as this is when your hair is most flexible. Also, always use a sharp, clean blade and shaving cream or gel to protect your skin.

7. Get a Humidifier - A humidifier can help regulate humidity levels within your house. However, excessive humidity is not good either as it can also adversely affect your skin.

8. Apply Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that make up for the loss of moisture in the skin. The ideal time to apply coconut oil on the dry skin is before going to bed or after having a bath.

9. Be careful about laundry detergents - The soap being used to wash your clothes may not always be completely washed off. This can irritate sensitive skin and cause itchiness and flaking. When choosing laundry detergents pick one that is hypoallergenic.

10. Wear fabrics that love your skin - Avoid synthetic fabrics that stick to the skin instead, pick gentle fabrics like cotton or silk that allow the skin to breathe.

In case you have a concern or query regarding skincare consult doctor online, you can always consult the best dermatologist online & get the answers to your questions.

Some parts of our body like our eyelids are ignored until we face a problem related to it. One such ailment that affects our eyelids is the swelling of the eyelid. This can affect both the upper and lower eyelid and may or may not be painful. This is triggered by the inflammation of fluid in the connective tissues around the eye as a result of eye infections, injuries and allergies. It could also be a sign of a more serious health condition such as Graves disease, orbital cellulitis or ocular herpes.

Some of the symptoms you may notice with swollen eyelids are:

1. Itchiness in and around the eye
2. Excessive tearing
3. Redness of the eyelid and white part of the eye
4. Dry, scaly skin on the eyelid
5. Obstructed vision depending on the extent of swelling

As mentioned above, these symptoms can be triggered by a number of factors. Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, dander, makeup and certain eye drops are the most common causes of swollen eyelids. The swelling of blood vessels in and around eyes is a common effect of histamines. Conjunctivitis or the inflammation of the inner lining of the eye can also result in swollen eyelids along with making the eyes water and itch. Bacterial infection or the inflammation of the meibomian gland in the form of styes can also make the entire eyelid swell. In such cases, the eyelid is also very tender to the touch. A blocked meibomian gland can also trigger the formation of a chalazion. This later develops into a hard sebaceous cyst which makes the eyelid swell.

An injury to the eye can also trigger inflammation and make the eye look swollen. Another common cause of eye infections is improper use of contact lenses such as not keeping them clean or swimming with lenses on.

The form of treatment best suited to you will depend on the underlying factors triggering the condition. In cases of allergic reactions being the trigger, antihistamine drops or lubricating ‘artificial tears’ could help relieve the symptoms. In more serious cases, your doctor may also prescribe mild steroid drops. Infections caused by conjunctivitis or ocular herpes usually respond well to antiviral and anti-inflammatory medication in the form of eye drops or ointments.

To prevent further aggravation of the condition, avoid rubbing your eyes and minimize touch to the area. Applying a cool compress over the eyes can also help relieve the itchiness and swelling. In addition to this, splash your face with cold water as many times a day as possible. Lastly, avoid wearing contact lenses for the duration of the infection.

Blessed are the people who enjoy a healthy, flawless and glowing skin with minimum effort, throughout their life. Of late, dermatological problems like acne, pruritus, psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema have been affecting all and sundry. People, irrespective of their age, sex and occupation suffer from skin diseases. While some of the ailments are minor problems, others might be grave enough for one to seek an expert opinion. A number of factors, both internal as well as external, contribute to the skin ailments.

The dermatological problems, if not treated timely, can leave a person physically, mentally and emotionally drained out. In such cases, a person's self confidence is the worst affected. A lot of conventional and Allopathic options are available to treat skin diseases. Ointments, antihistamine tablets and antibacterial medications, though effective, often provide temporary relief. In many cases, it has been observed that in due course of time, the problems tend to relapse. The disease, thus, never really leaves the body, piling on the agony. 

In this regard, Homeopathy has taken the medical world by storm. It works effectively to completely eliminate the dermatological problem out of your system, providing permanent relief. Homeopathy adopts a holistic approach to treat a disease. It lays great emphasis on identifying and treating the underlying cause. Homeopathic treatment can be a little time consuming, but the time is worth waiting for. Over the past few decades, homeopathy has been the most sought after and reliable medication to deal with dermatological problems. Problems as grave as psoriasis and herpes can be completely cured, all thanks to the goodness of homeopathy.

Some of the homeopathic medications that have effectively dealt with skin diseases include:

1. Natrum Muriaticum and Rhus Toxicodendron: Both the medications, Rhus Toxicodendron in particular, are very effective against eczema. Natrum Muriaticum has been found to soothe a person suffering from mental depression greatly.
2. Thuja Occidentalis: Acne problems, warts, freckles, dry and itchy skin, ulcers (anogenital region) can throw life in jeopardy. Embrace the goodness of Thuja Occidentalis and the mentioned skin problems will be a thing of the past.
3. Arsenicum: If psoriasis and chronic urticaria are giving you sleepless nights, Arsenicum is what you need. Arsenicum is equally effective against chronic eczema.
4. Sepia: Herpes can make life miserable. Sepia is a powerful medication that gives one a lot to cheer about. People with psoriasis and dry skin can greatly benefit from Sepia.
5. Cantharis: It provides great relief from blisters, skin eruptions and burns (second and third degree).     

To enjoy the everlasting benefits, one needs to be a little patient with the treatment.

Weather-induced disorders and illnesses are quite common in tropical countries like India. Till some years back, general hygienic conditions prevailing, particularly in the rural areas were causing many such diseases. But there has been a dramatic improvement in the environment now. However, overexposure to climatic conditions like cold and frost can be harmful. Chilblain is a typical condition brought on by frostbite and due to lack of adequate protection to the feet and the hands. Homeopathy has effective remedies for this condition.

1. Chilblains brought about by exposure to severe cold and/or due to frostbite.
2. Though the feet (toes) and hands are the most affected parts, the condition can affect the other parts of the body as well, like the ears and face.
3. Typical symptoms include lesions on the skin, red hot inflammation and in some cases swelling too can be seen.
4. The affected skin can become itchy and burning sensation can also be sensed.
5. The elderly, women and children, are the most vulnerable to contract Chilblains though other groups are not immune to it if they too are exposed to the cold for long periods.
6. Physical examination is the only diagnosis needed by the medical practitioner before the treatment is started; in a rare case, a skin biopsy is recommended
7. Keeping the affected area dry and warm is very important before, during and after the treatment
8. Within Homeopathy, the most frequently recommended remedies for Chilblains are Agaricus and Pulsatilla
9. Both the internal medicine route and external application of suitable cream/ointment are adopted for treatment
10. The internal medicines Agaricus and Pulsatilla are taken in the form of granules and the dosage in terms of the grams to be taken and the number of times in a day will be advised by the homeopathic medical practitioner; for external application, the same are used in tincture form
11. The dosage also varies according to the severity of the condition and the age of the person suffering from Chilblains.
12. There are other formulations also prescribed by the practitioners
13. In general practice, Homeopathy advises that people prone to this condition should start taking the medicines even before the severe cold conditions start

Homeopathy is a stream of medicine that reaches the root of the disorder and takes a long term position that prevention is better than cure. These treatment methods, including for conditions like Chilblains, are recommended after taking a holistic view of the person’s age, body structure health condition and so on.

Burning and itching, along with an unpleasant odor, are common symptoms which indicate a vaginal infection. Vaginal infections, also known as vaginitis are common in women. All women experience some form of it during their lifetime. A vaginal infection may occur when the normal vaginal balance is affected. The balance may be disturbed by factors such as douches, changes in hormone level, certain antibiotic medicines, pregnancy and vaginal intercourse. There are several different types of vaginal infections, which commonly occur in women.

The most common of them are as follows:

1. Yeast infections: This is the most common form of vaginitis. It is caused by a species of the Candida fungus. This fungis dwells in the body naturally in small numbers. They thrive in a moist, warm and airless environment, and commonly cause a vaginal infection if they grow in numbers in the vagina. A thick, white discharge is indicated in some women as a symptom of yeast infection. The discharge may resemble cottage cheese. Vaginal itching and redness of the vulva and vagina are also likely.
2. Bacterial vaginosis: Along with yeast, bacteria known as lactobacilli naturally thrive in the vagina. When the count of this bacteria reduces too much, bacterial vaginosis or BV is triggered. The normal lactobacilli gets replaced by other harmful infection-causing bacteria. A common bacteria associated with this condition is gardnerella. A woman may experience a thick, whitish discharge or a clear and slippery discharge. A fishy odor during sexual intercourse may also be noticed.
3. Trichomonas: This condition is the only vaginal infection, which is considered to be a true sexually transmitted infection. It is commonly called trich and is caused by a one-celled parasite known as trichomonas vaginalis. It is commonly transmitted during sexual intercourse. The symptoms of the condition are similar to other vaginal infections like burning, swelling of the vulva, vaginal discharge of yellow-grey and green color. Pain during urination and the presence of a fishy odor during sexual intercourse are also indicated.
4. Chlamydia vaginitis: This is an STD which leads to the inflammation of the vagina. A discharge with Chlamydia is also likely in some women. Bleeding after sexual intercourse is another common symptom of this condition, which occurs from vaginal infection. Women above the age of 26 who are sexually active should undertake tests for this condition as in many cases it strikes without showing any symptoms. It is also capable of damaging a woman’s fertility.

It is recommended for you to consult a doctor upon experiencing the symptoms of any kind of vaginal infection. This will ensure proper and early diagnosis so that the condition does not deteriorate further.

Actinic keratosis is a medical condition in which there is a formation of rough scaly patch on your skin due to excess and prolonged exposure to the sun's rays. It is also known as solar keratosis and is commonly found in the areas of ears, lips, forearms, scalp and neck. They take years to develop and a small percentage of cases can even develop into skin cancer. Read on more to find out all about the different causes and symptoms of actinic keratosis.

Causes: The primary cause for actinic keratosis is due to frequent or intense exposure to the UV rays either from the sun or from tanning beds. It has been seen that although people of all ages can be affected by actinic keratosis, people who are above the age of 40, people who live in sunny climates, people who have a history of frequent or intense exposure to the sun or sunburn, people with a history of actinic keratosis and people with a weak immune system are more prone to be affected by actinic keratosis.  

Symptoms: Actinic keratosis has distinct features and if you have developed such symptoms, then you are more than likely to be suffering from actinic keratosis. 

1. Existence of rough, scaly or dry patches of skin concentrated in certain parts of the body. These patches are usually less than 1 inch in diameter. 
2. They are usually flat and in some cases can be slightly raised in the form of a bump on the top most layer of the skin.
3. In some instances, however, they can have the form of a hard wart like surface.
4. These bumps or lesions can be pink, red, brown or flesh colored. 
5. Intense itching and burning can occur in the affected area.
6. Actinic keratosis occurs primarily in the areas of the body, which have been exposed to the sun's rays the most. These include the face, ears, lips, back of the hands, forearms, scalp and neck.

As it is very difficult to differentiate between cancerous and noncancerous spots, it is recommended to consult a doctor and opt for treatment.

Pityriasis rosea is a medical condition concerning the skin, which when contracted causes a rash. This condition can affect people of any age but it is usually seen to occur in people between the ages of 10 and 35. Pityriasis rosea is usually harmless. Read on more to find out all about the different causes, symptoms, prevention and treatments of pityriasis rosea.

Causes: Experts are unsure about the exact reason for the cause of pityriasis rosea. It is very different from other skin diseases as it is not caused due to an allergic reaction or caused due to fungal or bacterial infections. The rash is not contagious.

Symptoms: 

1. Pityriasis rosea forms a rash which begins with a single, oval or round in shape pink patch which is scaly in nature and consists of a raised border. The size of the patch varies and can vary between 2cm to 10 cm in diameter.
2. After a few days of the initial infection, salmon colored patches which vary in size from 1 to 2 cm in diameter appear in clusters in the chest, arms, back and abdominal regions.
3. The patches which occur in the back often form vertically in an angular fashion such that its appearance is similar to that of a fir tree.
4. The affected regions can cause severe itching in almost half the people who are affected by pityriasis rosea. The rash usually is cured in a span of 6 to 8 weeks but in certain cases it can persist for several months.

Treatment: Pityriasis rosea usually does not require any treatment. It usually goes away in the time span of 6 to 8 weeks. Itching can be subdued by using certain skin lotions and lubricants. If the itching is severe, your doctor might prescribe you certain anti-inflammatory medication. Certain antiviral medications also decrease the duration of the rash if they are taken at the beginning of the infection. In some cases exposure to sunlight also cures the rash very fast, but excess exposure to the sun can also cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.