Psoriasis is an unusual skin condition that influences the skin cells to multiply a lot faster than usual. It is marked by the development of red, bumpy patches covered in white scales. The condition usually occurs during early adulthood and affects either a small or large area of the body. Here are the symptoms and causes of psoriasis, as well its treatment options, that you must be aware of: Symptoms The symptoms of psoriasis are diverse and differ from person to person. Here are some of the most common signs of the condition: Tiny, scaly spots on the skin Thickened or ridged nails and nail pitting Unusual itching, soreness, or burning in affected areas Psoriatic arthritis, in which the joints swell and stiffen Cracked, dry skin that may itch and bleed Causes There isn’t much clarity on what causes the abnormal generation of skin cells. However, based on research, psoriasis tends to be hereditary and can skip generations before affecting a biological member of the family. Some studies suggest that apart from genetics, environmental factors also trigger the condition. Here are some known causes of the condition: Strep throat or skin infections Extremely dry or cold weather conditions Physical, psychological, psychosocial, and psychospiritual stress Excessive alcohol consumption Cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke Skin issues that include cuts or scrapes, bites from bugs, and severe sunburns Blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers Treatment There is no cure for the disorder, but there are treatments that can greatly help reduce its symptoms. Some of the common treatment options include: Corticosteroids These are medications commonly prescribed by doctors to treat mild to moderate psoriasis. They come in the form of ointments, creams, lotions, gels, foams, sprays, and also shampoos. Vitamin D analogs Vitamin D in synthetic forms, such as calcipotriene and calcitriol, can help slow the growth of the cells responsible for the condition.

Winter is approaching soon and you will have to use a modified regime for your skin to keep it healthy and moisturized. Primarily, this indicates the inclusion of a good face moisturizer. This apparently is because your skin will change as the atmosphere around you becomes increasingly dry. Whether you have a normal, oily or a naturally dry skin, a face moisturizer is a must for all the skin types. At the same time, it is important that you choose the right kind of moisturizer for your face. Here are some of the factors that you should keep in mind before buying a face moisturizer for dry skin. Age: You will find some products that are targeted towards consumers of a certain age. For instance, if someone is over forty then the moisturizer offered will not only hydrate their skin but will also help with skin related issues such as aging and wrinkling. Similarly, a person in their late twenties can opt for a moisturizing product that nourishes their facial skin as well as fights signs of premature aging and dullness. Type of skin: Your skin texture is a critical feature while choosing the right face moisturizer. For example, if you have an oily skin, a light face serum would be an apt choice. On the other hand, if you suffer from flaky and sensitive skin, then choose a heavy face moisturizer for dry skin which comprises of natural ingredients. Climate: If you live in an extreme chilly region, then you might need a moisturizer with rich and creamy elements. But if you happen to reside in a place where the winters are relatively balmier then you can choose a face moisturizer for dry skin that is mild but effective. Skin concerns: If your skin is dictated by problems like acne, pimples, patches, dullness, etc.

Why do you need skin care? Skin is the outermost layer of the human body. It’s exposed to dust, sunlight and a range of pollutants from the environment we live in. So, taking care of our skin has to become an integral part of our lives. Keeping your skin fresh, young, and clean enhances your appearance. It makes you look better, feel happy, and gives you healthy, glowing skin. Skincare is a process with no end. This is because it’s the part of your body most frequently exposed to pollution, dust, smoke and other dangers. Your skin can be oily, dry, or even sensitive, depending on your skin type. You should pick your skin care options based on your skin type. In the time we live in, skin care treatments have become more popular with the general public. They’re now a widespread phenomenon with multiple industries pitching in. Natural skin care treatments Some of the most popular natural skin care treatments include: Greek yogurt Greek yogurt contains lactic acid, which is very good for the skin. Applying greek yogurt to the affected area can help reduce skin redness immensely. It also helps by opening up the clogged or otherwise blocked pores, re-hydrating your skin, and killing off harmful germs that could potentially ruin your skin. Apple cider vinegar If you’ve been struggling with acne, applying apple cider vinegar to the affected patch of skin can be a huge relief. Apply apple cider vinegar with a swab of cotton on the parts of your skin affected by acne and leave it to dry. This helps by tightening your skin’s pores, killing off harmful bacteria, and leaving you with healthier, glowing skin. Raw honey Raw honey is the best of all natural skin care treatments for dry skin. Honey is a humectant, which means it’ll draw out the moisture from deep within your skin, to replenish and revitalize your skin.

Urinary tract infection or UTI is a disease that affects a portion of the urinary tract. It could be either the lower tract that leads to conditions like bladder infections, or it can be the upper tract which causes kidney infections. Symptoms due to infection in the lower urinary tract involves—urge to urinate often, pain while urinating, or even urge to urinate even when you are having an empty bladder. On the other hand, signs caused due to an infection in the upper urinary tract involve—fever and pain in the flank area. Blood in the urine is another symptom, however, it is quite rare. Various treatment options including medications such as antibiotics can help in treating UTI. However, different people react differently to them, i.e., some patients might experience side effects. Therefore these are only to be taken under a doctor’s guidance. How to cure UTI naturally? Water Drinking plenty of water is the remedy for several health conditions and it works well for UTI too. Water helps in flushing out the harmful bacteria from the system that are causing the infection. It also helps in diluting your urine which further helps in reducing pain and burning sensation during urinating. Make sure that you consume enough water throughout the day so that your body can quickly expel the UTI causing bacteria. Cranberry juice Cranberry is a popular natural remedy for treating UTI. Certain research regarding the effectiveness of cranberry juice suggests that having it regularly can minimize the count of UTI developments over a period of a year. Cranberry juice is believed to hamper the growth of bacteria such as E. coli that leads to UTI in most people. Vitamin C Consuming foods which are rich in Vitamin C helps in treating UTI naturally. Vitamin C is said to make the urine more acidic which in turn hampers the rise of E.

Having a cold and flu at the same time can be an exasperating condition, especially if you are down with a range of symptoms such as fever, muscle ache, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, headaches, sneezing, chest congestion, nasal stuffiness, nausea, loss of energy, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, it can undoubtedly interfere with your everyday activities. However, the good part is that there is a range of cold and flu treatments which can assist you in alleviating the discomfort. The following cold and flu treatments comprise the use of home remedies as well as OTC (over-the-counter) medications. The best aspect is that most of the home remedies can be easily found in your kitchen. OTC medications – Based on the signs, you can use OTC drugs to ease the distress caused by cold and flu. You can get a variety of medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, antipyretics, pain relievers, expectorants, combination medications, etc. For instance, if you are particularly suffering from a stuffy nose and fever, you can use nasal sprays, nose drops, antipyretics, combination medicines, etc. to get rid of the congestion. Likewise, if you are suffering from body ache and fever, you should opt for pain relievers and antipyretics to gain quick relief. You can get the mentioned cold and flu medicines in pharmacies. However, before consuming them seek the advice of your medical practitioner, especially if you have any existing allergies or are already on certain types of medicines. Similarly, if your child is suffering from a cold or flu, ensure that you don’t give them any medications without the doctor’s approval. Chicken soup or broth – Grandma’s secret recipe for swift recovery, a bowl of warm chicken soup or broth is a delicious way to bid farewell to cold and flu. It is especially beneficial for easing chest congestion.

With so many auto-injectors out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Follow these tips to ensure you are using the right one and in the right way. Epinephrine or adrenaline is one of the fastest-working medications in the world. This drug is used in emergency situations so as to effectively and quickly treat allergic reactions to foodstuffs, drugs, insect bites and stings, etc. Epinephrine works by quickly raising blood pressure, stimulating the heart, easing breathing, as well as immediately reducing the swelling of the lips, throat, and face that are characteristics of anaphylaxis. Keeping this medication handy is made easy owing to the invention of the epinephrine pen. This device allows you to self-inject a dose of the medication in case of a severe or life-threatening allergy problem. Though epinephrine works quickly, it has to be injected immediately during anaphylaxis if it is to have any positive effect. Delaying the use of an Epinephrine pen can and does result in complications and anaphylactic deaths. The Food Allergy Research & education (FARE) recommends that you keep two epinephrine pens with you wherever you are so as to ensure quick access to this life-saver in times of need. If you have been prescribed epinephrine, then you are ready to buy your auto-injectors. Most people have the misconception that all epinephrine pens are made equal. They are not. While the dosage remains the same, the directions for preparing it as well as using the injector differ in different brands. Here are a few tips to help you choose and use the right Epinephrine pen for your needs. The doctor who prescribes epinephrine for you already knows everything about your case as well as the severity of your allergy. The first thing to do is to consult your doctor about which epinephrine pen is the right one for you.

Medullary Breast Cancer is a rare type of cancer with a better than average prognosis. Here’s everything you need to know about the disease. Similar to most other types of breast cancer, medullary breast cancer may not manifest in any type of visible symptoms during its early stages. This is a rare type of breast cancer that accounts for only about 5 percent of all breast cancer cases. However, the good news is that medullary breast cancer actually offers a better prognosis and survival rate as compared to other breast cancers . If you have been diagnosed with medullary breast cancer, here’s everything you need to know about its symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. What is medullary breast cancer? Medullary breast cancer is a rarely-occurring type of invasive ductal breast cancer. One of the pivotal risk factors of this cancer is a genetic mutation known as BRCA-1. People who are carriers of this genetic mutation have a higher chance of getting medullary breast cancer. Similar to other types of invasive ducal breast cancer, this type of cancer also starts in the milk duct of breasts before spreading to other tissues eventually. The word “medullary” comes from the fact that the epidemiology of the tumors of medullary breast cancer resemble the graying soft tissue matter in the medulla or the brainstem. How is medullary breast cancer different from other breast cancers? As compared to other types of ductal breast cancers, medullary breast cancer differs on a number of counts. The medullary tumors are actually smaller than average at about 2cms or so. Even though they are small, the cells of this cancer are high grade ones. This means that the cells look very distinct from normal cells, and are generally dividing very rapidly. Known as triple-negative tumors, these cells generally test negative for progesterone and estrogen receptors, as well as the protein HER2 or neu.

It’s the final and most fatal form of cancer, but did you know these facts about your breast cancer metastasized diagnosis? While being diagnosed with any type of cancer is a frightening experience, learning that you have reached the breast cancer metastasized stage can be very overwhelming for anyone. As you battle the feeling that your worst nightmare has come true, it is important for you to know a few essential things about MBC or breast cancer metastasized. Education and active management of this condition has ensured that many women continue to live active and full lives even after their breast cancer metastasized diagnosis. Here are a few things that you probably did not know about your breast cancer metastasized diagnosis that will help you understand your forthcoming journey better. Breast Cancer Metastasized is Fatal Accepting the truth about your condition is perhaps the first step to understanding, and then aiding your own recovery journey. Breast cancer metastasized diagnosis means that your breast cancer has reached its final stage or Stage IV. This fatal stage means that your cancer has metastasized or spread to areas beyond the breast. More often than not, breast cancer metastasized spreads to parts such as the brain, liver, lungs, and bones. Accounting for approximately 40,000 annual deaths in the United States alone, this cancer is chronic, progressive, and eventually fatal. There is No Cure Scientists and researchers are yet to understand exactly why the breast cancer metastasized outside the breast area. Once the breast cancer has metastasized, there is no cure to be had. However, this does not mean that there is no hope. There are a number of treatment options that are designed to control the condition and allow you to live a rich life even after your breast cancer metastasized diagnosis. Being aware and educated about breast cancer metastasized becomes even more important when you consider that it is a disease that will need to be treated for the rest of your life.

Is this new treatment option as “promising” or “revolutionary” as it is touted to be? Here’s what they do not want you to know about Cancer Immunotherapy treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute , approximately 1.6 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2015, while around 600,000 people are likely to die of the disease this year. The most common cancers in 2015 were breast cancer, lung and bronchus cancer, prostate cancer, colon and rectum cancer, bladder cancer, melanoma of the skin, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid cancer, kidney and renal pelvis cancer, endometrial cancer, leukemia, and pancreatic cancer. However, the statistics also show that the number of people who will live beyond a cancer diagnosis will touch 19 million by 2024. This indicates an improvement in early detection techniques as well as cancer treatment options. The newest treatment option is that of cancer immunotherapy treatment. Touted to be a “revolutionary” approach to solving the cancer problem, and one of the most “promising” and “encouraging” treatment options out there, here’s the truth about cancer immunotherapy treatment that you ought to know. What is cancer immunotherapy treatment? Also known as biologic therapy, cancer immunotherapy treatment is a type of treatment that is designed to improve the body’s immune system and natural defenses to fight cancer. Unlike most other diseases, cancer is not an invading disease. In case of invader diseases, the body’s immune system is designed to fight and target the foreign cells. However, because cancer cells are the body’s own cells that have gone rogue, the immune system is not designed to target them as they are not recognized as foreign cells at all. Cancer immunotherapy treatment uses immunotherapy drugs to switch the immune system back on and target the cancerous cells as they would other foreign bodies. What are the main types of cancer immunotherapy treatment?

Get all your questions pertaining to haemophilia in children answered here. A first aid kit is your best friend as a parent. Children seem to know just how to walk in an unbalanced gait and topple over without any external help. The result is an extraordinary number of bumps and bruises that need more than a mother’s kiss to make better. While bruises and scrapes are a normal part of childhood, haemophilia children need extra care. A bruise or cut would heal and scab over for others, but for haemophilia children, even the smallest cuts are a cause of concern. If you are a parent with haemophilia children or would just like to know more about the condition to help your loved ones handle it better, here are the answer to the most common questions when it comes to haemophilia in children. What is Haemophilia? When you get a cut, there are clotting agents in your blood that act quickly to curb the bleeding. However, for haemophilia children, the disease actively stops blood from clotting properly. The result is an excessive loss of blood, which can be very dangerous to the health of haemophilia children. This genetic disorder tends to affect more boys than girls. In fact, statistics show that one in every 5-10,000 boys have this condition. Even though many girls inherit this gene, they are generally not affected by the condition. However, these girls become carriers of the gene and can pass it on to their kids. Haemophilia in children is generally caused by inheritance of mutated genes, or gene mutations that happen during the development of the child in the womb. Bleeding in haemophilia children may be external where the cut and excessive bleeding is visible, or internal where the bleeding happens inside the body and is not visible.