Have you been coughing up phlegm and the development is giving you a big challenge? Are you afraid you could be suffering from tuberculosis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or pneumonia? But let me quickly assure you that by the time you finish reading this article, you would have been able to come to term with what exactly the problem is.

Coughing up phlegm could represent so many things. While some could be potentially life-threatening, others are nothing to worry about – just a transient development that would get resolved in no time.

People always are alarmed each time they notice something strange about their health. Nobody wants to be debilitated, nobody wants to die untimely, and nobody loves to be seen as a potential source of infectious disease that could possibly spread to other people. You are not the only who is alarmed seeing such development in his health. Well, the reason we are here is to take care of that fear and get you the right information regarding your condition.

What is Phlegm?

Phlegm is the thick viscous liquid or substance secreted by the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (not including the nasal passages), especially when they are produced in an unusually high quantity, and particularly that which is expelled through coughing. The cells in charge of the production of phlegm produce up to 1 – 1.5 liters of phlegm daily, even when you are healthy.

Most of the times, a higher quantity of phlegm is produced during an ongoing disease process. Therefore, it is likely to contain bacteria, sloughed-off inflammatory cells, and debris. There is usually an inflammatory process that results in the production of phlegm. If phlegm is coughed out or expectorated, it becomes sputum.

Why am I Coughing up Phlegm?

You can cough up phlegm for several reasons. But if you are interested in knowing why you have such challenge, then we shall quickly let you know a few reasons why it happens. So, here are some of the reasons behind your coughing up phlegm.

Smoking

Smoking leads to the inhalation of hot, dry, polluted air which results in the drying of the vocal cords. Each time you take in a puff of cigarette smoke, you pollute the larynx, making it difficult for the larynx to recover immediately and rehydrate itself within 3 hours. The vocal cord, on the other hand, needs to be fairly hydrated in order for it to function effectively. With the continual deprivation of the larynx of water, it gets inflamed and begins to swell. The inflammation and swelling of the vocal cord lead to the body trying to go into a compensatory mechanism in order to minimize the dryness. This eventually brings about the production of phlegm. Sometimes, one could still suffer from phlegm after giving up smoking, due to the effects of the toxins released from the cigarette over time. The toxins released from the cigarette can lead to chest pain, irritation of the lungs, sore throat or make you have bad taste.

Air pollution

This works almost the same way like smoking, in that, air pollution leads to the release of potentially harmful materials which cause the dryness and irritation of the respiratory tract. The body eventually responds by producing phlegm in an attempt to remedy the situation and reduce the level of dryness.

Illness

In the course of an illness like cold, flu or pneumonia, the amount of phlegm secreted becomes more as the body tries to overcome the foreign bodies (such as viruses, bacteria, etc) that are responsible for the assault on the body. One good example of an illness that leads to an excess secretion of phlegm is acute bronchitis. In acute bronchitis, the offending organism is usually a virus. In that case, it is not advisable to treat the illness with antibiotics except where it is established that it is being caused by bacteria. In the elderly, phlegm production during illness can be quite much, making them spit every now and then.

Abuse of the vocal cord

The vocal cord (voice) can be abused in different ways – screaming, yelling, clearing of the throat several times, singing with wrong notes or talking loudly. Screaming and yelling lead to the vocal cord vibrating and hitting against themselves, leading to inflammation and the secretion of phlegm. Clearing of throat works pretty the same manner as screaming and yelling. Throat clearing helps to loosen or remove phlegm. However, throat clearing leads to the vocal cord hitting against each other, leading to inflammation of the cord as well as phlegm production. Excessive screaming, yelling and using of the wrong music note to sing can also lead to inflammation and eventual formation of vocal nodules (a mass of tissue forming on the vocal fold, causing hoarseness, frequent vocal breaks, painful speech production, etc). The vocal nodules can sometimes be felt as a lump in throat.

Hay fever

In hay fever, the inner linings of the bronchioles are inflamed, leading to the excess secretion of phlegm. The phlegm secreted in high amount can sometimes lead to the clogging of the airway.

Asthma

The excess secretion of phlegm in asthma happens the way like it does in hay fever. In severe chronic asthma, there could be coughing up of jelly phlegm from the respiratory tract.

Gastro-esophageal reflux

Heartburn can lead to the secretion of more mucus in the throat also. People who have this problem usually find it difficult to tolerate highly oily foods, some forms of proteins, etc.

Whooping cough

This is another medical condition known to cause persistent coughing with the hypersecretion of mucus. The condition is common in children, but can be prevented with regular vaccination.

Croup cough

This is a viral infection of the larynx or voice box and the tracheal, with visible signs and symptoms associated with viral infection, such as a runny nose, cough and high secretion of mucus.

How to Stop Coughing up Phlegm?

There are several ways you can reduce the secretion of phlegm and totally stop the embarrassment it brings to you. Have you been faced with the issues of excess phlegm secretion lately? Here are some of the things you can easily do to take care of and arrest the situation.

• Drink plenty of water: Water is a good liquefier. So, while your body’s immune system tries to take care of the offending organism, water is required to assist the system in getting rid of the offender.
• Spit out the mucus: Get ready to spit out the mucus when they are formed and accumulate in your throat. Don’t ever swallow the phlegm in order not to cause more harm to your body. Keep a toilet paper or handkerchief close by and make use of them to receive the sputum.
• Minimize exposure to hazardous fumes: Since hazardous fumes play a role in causing hypersecretion of phlegm, one way to get rid of the problem, therefore, is to minimize or entirely stop your exposure to the fumes.
• Stop consuming dairy foods: Individuals differ a lot. While dairy products like milk, yogurt, and others may not directly cause the secretion of phlegm in people, the fatty content in them makes the secretion of mucus thicker in some people.
• Stay away from smoking: We have earlier explained how smoking leads to excess production of mucus or phlegm. If you want to reduce or completely eradicate the problem, therefore, you need to stay away from smoking.
• See the doctor: if you are not too sure what the cause of the problem is or if the condition is what you cannot handle, it is better to see the doctor who would prescribe the right drugs for you.

Coughing up Yellow Phlegm

Coughing up yellow phlegm is a sign of something wrong going on in the respiratory system. Oftentimes, they are signs of lower respiratory tract infection, sinus infection, bacterial infection, bronchitis, allergy, flu or cold. This can, in some cases, be followed by wheezing, chest pain, and you may find it hard to breathe.

What do you do when you have yellow phlegm? It is always better to see the doctor since the problem may be deep-seated. The doctor knows exactly the kinds of investigations to carry out in order to determine the root cause of the problem, and then how to cure the problem.

Coughing up Rusty or Brown Phlegm

Respiratory tract infections are not limited to only yellow phlegm secretion. Occasionally, one can be amazed to see oneself coughing up rusty or brown phlegm. But what exactly does rusty or brown phlegm stand for? That may just be your greatest headache. But, don’t worry! We are here for you.

Rusty or brown phlegm occurs with too much inhalation of smog or dust. It is common in people who are exposed to dust such as bricklayers, construction workers or block molders. However, rusty phlegm can also indicate the presence of an infection or blood in the respiratory tract. When there is bleeding into the respiratory tract, some enzymes work on it if it stays there for a long time. This changes the color to brown or rusty color. It can occasionally come with black spots in the phlegm.

It is also present in people who smoke a lot. This is as a result of the excessive resin, tar and other particulate matters present in cigarette, which the body tries to reject by coughing them up. It can also result from the type of food one has eaten.

If you work in an area that requires regular exposure to dust particles, it is advisable to use special masks that make it difficult for dust particles to penetrate into your respiratory system. But when you see such development, see the doctor immediately for help.

Coughing up Bloody Phlegm

Bloody phlegm usually comes from bleeding within the respiratory tract. This is an indication that an organ has been injured. This can manifest as brightly colored phlegm or pink phlegm. Periodically, there could also be red spots in the coughed up mucus showing that blood is present in the mucus.

The main causes of bloody phlegm include injury to the respiratory organs, tuberculosis, pulmonary embolism, cancer, mitral valve stenosis, lung abscess, cystic fibrosis, parasitic infection, etc. If you have been involved in an accident and then started seeing bloody phlegm or you have been having a cough that won’t just go, it is good to see a doctor to find out if there has been major organ damage.

Dark green Phlegm

Phlegm could also come in dark green color. When such occurs, it most of the times, signifies the presence of bacterial, viral or other forms of infection such as pneumonia. Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses, chemicals, aspiration of foreign bodies and lot of other things.

When the infection occurs, the body tries to get rid of it by sending its white blood cells (neutrophils) to the area. However, the presence of green proteins in the white blood cells could turn the phlegm to dark green, especially if the number of white blood cells deployed is much.

Pneumonia or other lower respiratory tract infections can be quite disturbing and could be potentially life-threatening especially if not handled in time. Once you see your sputum turning green, it is time to quickly see a doctor without further waste of time.

White or Grey Phlegm

White phlegm also stands for something different from what we have already talked about so far. It is a sign of upper respiratory tract infection or sinus congestion. Infection in the sinus (viral or bacterial) will cause it to be inflamed and drain phlegm into your throat.

But when you have grey phlegm, it could be that the body is trying to overcome accumulated resin or tar from excessive cigarette smoking or from the inhalation of air pollutants like smog and dust.

Pink Phlegm

Pink phlegm results from the presence of edema (swelling) in the lungs which are caused by the accumulation of fluids. Periodically, it can show up as streaks or stains when there is mild bleeding in the respiratory tract. In people with a pre-existing heart problem, the pink phlegm could come with a frothy texture. In any case, you are advised to see the doctor for investigation and management.

Home Remedies

There are a lot of things you can do at home in order to ease the discomfort of the excess phlegm secretion. Here are a few ones to help you.

• Drink lemon tea with honey: Lemon tea is quite helpful in relieving phlegm secretion. Add 2 teaspoons of lemon into a cup of warm water. Add a teaspoon of honey to the mixture and sip. The acidity of the lemon juice helps to break up the phlegm or mucus, while the honey plays a role in soothing your throat.
• Eat spicy foods: Spicy foods like wasabi, chili pepper or horseradish are known to decongest the respiratory tract. That is why you start having a runny nose after eating them. If you are faced with excess phlegm secretion, one good way to decongest the system, therefore, is to take any of the aforementioned spices.
• Gargle with salt water: Gargling with salt water helps to decongest the respiratory tract too and make it easy to cough up the mucus. Simply add ½ teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and use it to gargle, while your head is tilted backward.
• Drink warm liquids/fluids: Warm liquids or fluids play an important part in helping to relieve the symptoms of excess phlegm secretion. Fluids that can help out include pepper soup, warm chicken soup, tea, etc. They play a dual role of nourishing the body as well as assisting in breaking up the phlegm in your throat.
• Use turmeric drink: Turmeric helps to make your immune system stronger. It also has antiseptic properties that can assist in killing the offending bacteria thereby reducing the rate of the production of the phlegm. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric to 1 glass of hot milk. Drink it twice daily. You can as well mix a tablespoon of turmeric and a pinch of salt in a glass of hot water and use it to gargle as many times as you can daily.
• Drink cider vinegar: You only need to take a teaspoon at a time. The taste may not be palatable but it sure helps in breaking that nasty phlegm. Swallow the teaspoon of cider as fast as you can and then wait for 5 – 10 seconds for the taste to clear off. But if the taste still remains after the time elapses, take some water to clear it off.
• Use ginger: Ginger is a natural decongestant and can help you clear the throat of that mucus. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger slices to 1 cup of boiled water and steep for a few minutes. Add 2 teaspoons of honey, and drink it several times a day. This will help loosen the phlegm and even assist in fighting the infection since ginger is known to possess some antibacterial and antiviral properties. You can as well chew raw ginger if you can, or you can add it to your dishes.
• Inhale steam: Inhaling steam helps to loosen the mucus and make it easy to cough it up. You can make use of a vaporizer if there is one handy.
• Eat toast: Toast can really help get the phlegm off your throat fast. Toast removes the phlegm as it softly scrapes the throat while being swallowed.

Coughing up Phlegm in the Morning

Phlegm could be coughed up any time of the day. But specific times could stand for different things. So, coughing up phlegm in the morning is mainly a sign of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). As is common with the condition, the cough is worse off in the mornings with high mucus or phlegm production. But symptoms ease in severity as the day progresses. You may find it hard to breathe especially when involved in a physical activity. Other symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, and sometimes, your chest hurts.

One major cause of COPD is smoking. COPD could include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. With emphysema, the elasticity of the air sacs of the lungs is gradually lost and the condition gets worse. But in chronic bronchitis, there is swelling in the linings of the lungs, which is the reason you find it hard to breathe.

Coughing up Phlegm but Not Sick

Understandably, phlegm secretion is made worse in illness. However, are you coughing up phlegm but not sick and with no other symptoms? Here are the possible reasons this is happening to you. It could be the normal production of phlegm by the respiratory tract which could be slightly more in some people than in others.

You may not be having any visible signs and symptoms of illness, but there could be something else going on in the system. Such conditions can be early pregnancy, irritants from the surrounding environment, allergy to dander, or after giving up smoking.

Coughing up Phlegm after Eating

The kind of food you eat can lead to coughing up of phlegm after eating. This is mostly common with eating oily foods, fried foods, caffeinated drinks, yeast infection of the vocal cord, and alcohol. They cause irritation of the throat thereby leading to more phlegm secretion into the throat.

The color of the mucus secreted and coughed up after food would, to a large extent, depend on the type of food eaten. For instance, it could be brownish after eating chocolate, drinking red wine or coffee.

Coughing up Phlegm for Days, Weeks and Months

It is expected that phlegm should last for just a few days and then be resolved. However, a few cases of the phlegm lasting for several days to weeks and months exist. In that case, there is either something the body is rejecting in the environment such as allergens, or the condition is as a result of other chronic illnesses like COPD, bronchitis or infections like tuberculosis, pulmonary emphysema, etc.

So long as the root cause is not addressed, the cough will continue to remain. If you suspect an allergen, then find out exactly what the allergen is and get rid of it. If due to a disease condition, see the doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion

Coughing up phlegm comes in different forms, colors, and gravity. It could be the body’s normal secretion or a sign of an infection, inhalation of pollutants or injury to the respiratory tract. Whatever the reason, we have outlined a lot of things you could do to alleviate the symptoms (home remedies and treatments). If you apply any of the suggestions we have made, you will surely get rid of the challenge.

Why is my left eye jumping? What does that mean? Is it good or bad? Find out the various causes of eye twitching, myths and superstitions and ways to stop your left eye from jumping.

Tiny nerve fibers which innervate the eyelids enable their precise and synchronized movements. Eyelid movements allow blinking, and blinking is important in order to keep the cornea (the front surface of the eyeball) from drying. Any slight disturbance in the nervous system, local or systemic, can cause inappropriate innervation, which results in eye jumping or eye twitching. In this case, the eyeballs do not actually move, but the twitches of the eyelid create that sort of sensation which is interpreted as eye jumping or twitching. You are about to find out what are the most common causes of eye twitching, some issues related with it, and how it can be managed.

Why is my Eye Jumping?

Chronic Fatigue

One of the most common causes of eye jumping is chronic fatigue, which stems from long working hours. If you are sitting in front of the computer all day and if your job is associated with stress, you have certainly experienced an eye jumping sensation many times during life. Chronic fatigue is a very common issue in modern population.

Alcohol consumption

Increased and prolonged alcohol intake can also cause eye jumping. Usually, this symptom appears after drinking and it can last for several hours. Alcohol withdrawal irritates the nervous system, so chronic alcoholics are at higher risk of this symptom, but also of more severe symptoms related to muscle cramps and even seizures. Vitamin deficiency in alcoholics contributes greatly to all the adverse effects they may experience from alcohol abuse.

Energy drinks

Energy drinks and a drinking a lot of coffee irritate tiny nerve endings and can cause eye jumping sensations.

Migraine

One of the causes which is neurological in nature is migraine. There are different types of migraines, associated with different quality of headache, but all of them can produce other neurological symptoms, including eye jumping and twitching. If you also notice blurry vision joined with headache, eye jumping, and some visual sensations, you are probably dealing with some type of migraine. The pain usually starts in one half of the scalp and then spreads to the whole head with characteristic pulsating quality.

Smoking

The nicotine from cigarettes is a strong stimulator of the central nervous system. That is why smoking can contribute to frequent eye jumping. This happens only in susceptible individuals, so not every smoker will experience this issue.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance or a sudden change in hormone levels can cause a variety of symptoms, one of which is eye jumping or twitching. This symptom is very common during pregnancy, especially in the early stage. It is not a sign to take any precautions or to visit a doctor, and it is usually transient and short-term.

Epilepsy

In people with epilepsy, eye jumping and eye twitching can sometimes represent a first sign of an upcoming seizure. If that is your case, make sure to take prescribed medication regularly, in order to prevent new epileptic attacks.

Stress

We came to the most important and most frequent cause of eye jumping, which is stress. Stress can produce this symptom, but it also can aggravate already existing neurological symptoms.

What does it mean when your Left Eye Jumps?

The eyelids are innervated by the ophthalmic nerve, which is a branch of one of the most important cranial nerves – trigeminal nerve. This nerve is originating from the brain stem, so it is very close to the brain. Also, it is designed to coordinate very precise movements, and any disturbance or over excitation of the nervous system can reflect on its function. Eye jumping is not a symptom which should be taken seriously. It is merely an indicator that you have been under stress, drinking a lot of coffee, smoked too many cigarettes, or that you are chronically tired, etc. You can actually consider it a useful reminder that you exaggerated with some non-beneficial behavior which puts stress on your nervous system.

Sometimes, the eye jumping is very subtle and unnoticeable, but in rare cases, it may seem to other people as if you are blinking or winking to them. This can be socially awkward, but still, not a big deal.

Left eye jumping and Superstition

If you are from India and you experience left eye jumping all day, you are in great trouble, especially if you are a male. Apparently, in Indian culture, it is a bad sign in men, but a good sign in women. It is fascinating how many cultures have implemented numerous superstitions about whether the eye jumping is good or bad. There are also specific situations defined, in which eye twitching is considered good or bad, depending on the culture, gender, and other circumstances. In some African cultures, for example, if your left eye is twitching, it means that you will probably cry that day. Interestingly, many cultures consider left eye jumping as a bad sign, while the right eye brings something good. In Hawaiian culture, left eye jumping means that someone will visit your home, while the right eye jumping suggests that a child will be born.

How to Stop your Left Eye from Jumping?

If you have persistent problems with your eye jumping, it can become very irritating. Although probably nothing serious is going on, you should visit your doctor in order to take some advice. These advice will most probably be related to lifestyle changes. Reduce smoking and alcohol intake if you think that it aggravates our eye jumping issue.

Also, lower the intake of energy drinks, coffee, and other caffeine rich drinks. Caffeine can really irritate your nervous system, thus producing these symptoms, and not everyone is equally susceptible to its effect.

requent headache associated with eye jumping might mean that you have migraine problems. In that case, your doctor will probably recommend typical analgesics – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but if they don’t help, don’t worry. There is also a specific therapy for migraines which includes triptans. What you can do yourself is try to get away from much noise and lie down for a while in a dark, quiet room in order to alleviate this and other migraine symptoms.

Taking vitamins and minerals that are good for nerve and muscle function can actually help with eye jumping. Some of them include vitamins B6, B12, C, calcium, and magnesium.

Try to avoid any type of stress as much as you can, as it is one of the main triggers of neurological symptoms, such as eye jumping. If you have problems dealing with stressful situations, you can always ask for professional help. It is better to consult your psychologist from time to time, than to let the stress destroy your body on many different levels.

Do you want to use toothpaste for pimples? Are you wondering how long to keep and does it work on not? Get more insights on the usage of toothpaste for treating pimples, possible side effects and other alternatives you can use.

Have you lately developed pimples that just won’t go away easily? Well, if yes, you must have surely heard about a lot of home remedies for getting rid of your pimples. Use of toothpaste for pimples must definitely be on top of the list of advices that you have got. But hold on! Before using toothpaste for pimples, make sure that you have read this article carefully so that you don’t end up leaving your skin red and inflamed.

Does using Toothpaste for Pimples really work?

Some people can vouch that toothpaste dries up their pimples really fast. Now you must be wondering where did this idea of using toothpaste for curing pimples come from. The idea of using toothpaste for pimples originated from the fact that most of the toothpaste consist of a compound called triclosan, which has antibacterial properties. Most of the acne treatment products also contain triclosan, however it is used as a preservative and not as an antibacterial agent.

Pimples occur when the hair follicles are blocked due to overproduction of oil which triggers a bacterial infection. Pimples may occur due to pollution, lack of nourishment, hormonal imbalance or even stress. Studies have proved that triclosan can kill the acne- causing organism (Propionibacterium acne). However, it has to be formulated and applied in a proper way to demonstrate its effect against acne. Using any product containing triclosan, for example, toothpaste won’t really prove to be beneficial always. In some cases, toothpaste may prove to be beneficial in getting rid of the pimples. Some toothpaste contain baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and silica along with triclosan.

Therefore, toothpaste may help in removing out the toxins and drying out the pimples. Silica is known to reduce inflammation on the skin. The contents of the toothpaste may also help in absorbing the excess oil on your skin.

Side effects of using Toothpaste for Pimples

Toothpaste may prove to be useful to immediately reduce the size of your pimples and make them less visible. Albeit, it may damage your skin irreversibly in the long run. Toothpaste contains chemicals that may cause your skin to peel off.

Also, it is important for you to know that toothpaste on the already red and inflamed pimple may just worsen the situation by causing irritation to the skin. You may also suffer from a chemical burn or your skin may turn sore after application of toothpaste on pimples.

Finding the Right Toothpaste for your Skin

If you decide to try using toothpaste to cure your pimples even after knowing the possible side effects, here are a few tips to help you choose the right toothpaste.

Choose a white- colored toothpaste

The triclosan that is going to help in healing your pimples is present in the white part of the toothpaste. Do not use colored toothpaste on the affected skin. It may cause irritation to your skin.

Use organic toothpaste

If at all you choose to use toothpaste to get rid of your pimples, organic toothpaste would be the best and safest option for you. Organic toothpaste generally do not have any added fluoride or any other compound that may potentially cause irritation to your skin. At the same time, it contains substances such as baking soda, tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil which will soothe your skin and help in healing the pimples.

Do not use teeth-whitening toothpaste

Teeth- whitening toothpaste contain bleach which may cause further irritation to your skin. In fact, it may even bleach or burn the part of the skin on which you apply it, especially if you have a dark skin. People with fair skin are less prone to blemishes occurring due to whitening toothpaste, as they have less melanin in the skin and therefore have less reactive skin. However, it is advisable to avoid the use of whitening toothpaste irrespective of your skin type.

Do not use gel based toothpaste

Gel based toothpaste have a different consistency and may not contain the antibacterial triclosan. Using gel-based toothpaste will not have any effect on your pimples; therefore, you might as well just avoid using it.

Check for the fluoride content in the toothpaste

Usually toothpaste contains nearly 95% fluoride in order to help remove the plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease. However, some people are allergic to fluoride and may suffer from severe skin rashes when their skin comes in contact with it. Therefore, to prevent any allergy or skin irritation, it is advisable to use toothpaste which have very little or no fluoride when you are using it to heal pimples.

Is Your Skin Suitable?

Before deciding to use toothpaste to cure your pimples, take the patch test to know whether your skin is allergic to the toothpaste. Apply the toothpaste you have chosen on a small patch on your skin. If you experience burning, itching or redness on your skin, back off! You may be allergic to the toothpaste. Therefore, you must not apply it on your face to get rid of your pimples.

Does Toothpaste help in Getting rid of Pimples Overnight?

You may get baffled if you have a very important event to attend the next day and unfortunately you have a breakout of pimples. If you are considering use of toothpaste in this situation with the hope that you can get rid of it overnight, you are wrong. It just dries the skin and may prove to be of temporary help in making the pimples look less prominent. However, you may just end up damaging your skin in the long run.

How to Apply Toothpaste on your Skin for Treatment of Pimples

1. First wash your face thoroughly using a mild face wash to ensure that there is no dirt or sweat on the skin of your face. Then gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
2. Squeeze a pea- sized amount of toothpaste on your index finger and apply it directly on the pimples without bringing it in contact with the surrounding skin. Never spread the toothpaste on the skin surrounding the pimple as it may cause irritation, burning and peeling of the skin.
3. Now leave the toothpaste on the pimple for approximately 2-3 hours. Then clean the toothpaste by wiping it off in circular motion using a damp soft cloth.
4. Once you remove all the toothpaste, splash some warm water on your face and pat your skin dry with a clean cloth. You may apply some moisturizer on your skin if you feel that your skin has turned very dry or tight. This procedure should be one for a maximum of four times a week.
5. You may add some honey, garlic oil, baking soda or tea tree oil in your toothpaste before applying it on your pimples. These act as natural antibacterial agents and may also provide relief to the redness and inflammation on your skin.

Alternatives to Toothpaste for Treatment for Pimples

Instead of toothpaste, you may use an acne spot treatment. These products contain compounds like sulfur, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide which will help in reducing the redness and speeding the healing procedure. You may alternatively try baking soda tea tree oil, sulfur based soaps, salicylic acid, steam cleaning or banana peels to get rid of your pimples.

Points to be kept in mind while using Toothpaste for Pimples

• Toothpaste contains menthol and fluoride that may cause a lot of irritation to your skin.
• Do not apply toothpaste on your pimples if it is already red and inflamed.
• Before applying toothpaste on the pimples, do a patch test to make sure you are not allergic to it.
• Make sure you do not apply any toothpaste that contains substances that you may be allergic to.
• Toothpaste dries out the skin and may make it look patchy and peeled off.
• Remember that toothpaste is only a quick fix for pimples and is not a dermatological cure. It should not be used if you experience any irritation on your skin after application.
• Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and drink lots of water to avoid pimples from occurring in the first place.
• Breathing exercises and meditation also helps in reducing the occurrence of pimples.
  If you get pimples on your face repetitively, you should visit your dermatologist to find a proper solution to get rid of your pimples.

What is an ingrown eyelash? Your eyelashes not only make your eyes look beautiful, but also act as a protective barrier preventing the entry of dust and foreign bodies inside your eyes. Eyelashes also prevent your eyes from drying out. Any damage or abnormality in the eyelashes therefore causes a lot of irritation and pain. Ingrown eyelash, medically called trichiasis, is one such painful condition in which the eyelashes curl and grow backwards into the skin surrounding the eye instead of growing out away from the eye. Ingrown eyelash may occur on both upper and lower eyelids and may at times obstruct your vision. People with hooded eyes are more prone to ingrown eyelashes. This condition is commonly observed in adults; however, toddlers, children and elderly people may also suffer from ingrown eyelashes.

Symptoms of Ingrown Eyelash

If you have ingrown eyelashes, you may often feel pain and irritation in the eyes because your eyelashes constantly rub against your eyes. Your eyes may turn red or become swollen due to the irritation. You may also experience sensitivity to bright light. In some cases, the ingrown eyelash may pierce the skin surrounding the eyelid and may lead to formation of pus.

What are the Causes of Ingrown Eyelash?

Some people are born with ingrown eyelash, whereas, some people may develop it at a later stage in their life. People who are born with ingrown eyelash may be suffering from a disorder called Epiblepharon. At later stages of life, ingrown eyelashes may occur due to conditions such as herpes zoster or chronic blepharitis. Trauma or burns to the eye and other medical conditions such as Steven-Johnson syndrome or trachoma may also cause formation of ingrown eyelash. The most common causes of ingrown eyelashes are as follows:

Eye injury

Any trauma or injury to the eyes may lead to formation of ingrown eyelashes. Injury to the eyes may occur due to hitting or piercing the eye with sharp objects or even due to burns. Injury to the eyelids may be caused due to an eye surgery as well. This occurs especially if the injury is left untreated.

Stye

Stye is a pimple- like red bump occurring on the eyelid or the base of the eyelash. Stye occurs due to an injury to the hair follicle or the oil glands of the eyelid or due to bacterial infections. Sometimes, the growth of the eyelashes get disturbed due to the presence of these bumps and infections and this may lead to the formation of ingrown eyelashes. Stye causes a lot of discomfort, but, is not a serious condition in most of the cases.

Trachoma

Trachoma is one of the most common reasons for formation of ingrown eyelashes. Trachoma is considered to be the major reason for blindness. Trachoma spreads in countries with poor hygiene and can be treated with oral antibiotics.

Autoimmune disorders

Autoimmune disorders are considered to be one of the major causes of ingrown eyelash. People suffering from autoimmune disorders like lupus commonly suffer from ingrown eyelashes. If a person is suffering from ingrown eyelash due to an autoimmune disorder, the person may experience blurred or double vision as a symptom along with pain, irritation and redness in the eye.

Steven-Johnsons syndrome is another autoimmune disorder that causes the skin to dry and shed off. This leads to appearance of rashes or blisters and may occur on the skin surrounding the eyelids which may lead to formation of ingrown eyelashes.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis is a rare autoimmune disease leading to inflammation in the eyes and causes formation of bumps and ingrown eyelashes.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition and it may occur in the regions surrounding the eyes. When a person is suffering from psoriasis around the eye, thick white patches of skin grows around the eyelid. This may impede the process of normal growth of eyelashes and may eventually lead to formation of ingrown eyelashes. Ingrown eyelash occurring due to psoriasis also causes inflammation in the eyes and in the area surrounding the eyelids.

Epiblepharon

Epiblepharon is a congenital disorder that may lead to formation of ingrown eyelashes. Epiblepharon is a condition in which the lashes of the eye are pushed inwards by muscles surrounding the eyes. It is commonly observed in people of Asian descent. This condition can be easily corrected by surgery.

Entropion

Entropion is a condition which affects the eyelids and is commonly observed in the elderly people. In entropion, the margins of the eyelids flip inwards towards the eyes. Inward flipping of the eyelids cause the eyelashes also to turn inwards and rub against the eyes.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a very common cause of ingrown eyelash. Blepharitis is a condition that affects the eyelash bearing area and causes chronic inflammation. It occurs due to blockage of oil glands (meibomian glands) in the eyelids, bacterial infections (streptococcal infections) or allergens. People suffering from blepharitis also suffer from redness, burning sensation, swelling and continuous secretion of tears from the eyes. It may also lead to sensitivity on exposure to light as well as blurry vision. Blepharitis takes approximately 4 weeks to get resolved completely.

Treatment for Ingrown Eyelash

If you are suffering from ingrown eyelash, you should visit your ophthalmologist immediately. Ingrown eyelashes do not go away on their own. Ignoring ingrown eyelash for a long period of time may cause abrasion in the cornea or formation of corneal ulcers.

Simple ingrown eyelashes can be plucked or removed surgically. Severe cases of ingrown eyelashes may require removal of the troublesome eyelashes using laser treatment, a method known as ablation. Alternatively, cryosurgery which involves removal of ingrown lashes by freezing or electrolysis i.e. permanent removal of ingrown eyelash using electricity may also be used as a mode of treatment.

Surgical removal

Surgical removal is the most preferred way for removal of ingrown eyelashes. Surgery is done under anaesthesia to correct the direction of growth of lashes. Surgical removal provides a permanent solution for removal of ingrown eyelashes.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis makes use of high frequency electric current for removal of ingrown eyelashes. This process is useful only if a few lashes have to be removed. However, this procedure proves to be ineffective if a lot of lashes have to be removed. Electrolysis is not a permanent solution for removal of ingrown lashes. It is a lengthy process and may also lead to scar formation. Antibiotics may be prescribed post electrolysis treatment to prevent infections that may occur as a result of the treatment. Some swelling may also be observed after electrolysis and cold or hot compress may be used to alleviate the swelling. Therefore electrolysis remains the last resort to removal of ingrown eyelashes.

Cryosurgery

Cryosurgery utilizes liquid nitrogen to freeze the affected eyelash and destroy the hair follicle. Cryosurgery is useful only if a few eyelashes are to be removed and is not a permanent solution to ingrown eyelashes.

Home Remedies for Ingrown Eyelashes

Removal of the vexing eyelash is the only definitive remedy for ingrown eyelashes. You may try these home remedies to reduce the pain, discomfort and inflammation caused due to ingrown eyelashes. However, it may not be helpful in getting rid of the ingrown eyelash. It is advisable to visit a doctor and not self-treat yourself. Albeit, you may try these home remedies for symptomatic relief.

Warm compress

Warm compress may prove to be useful in case of ingrown eyelashes, specifically to treat the inflammation, by improving the blood circulation to the affected area. Though warm compress may not treat the ingrown eyelashes per se, it may help in relieving the symptoms.

Tea bag compress

Tea contains tannins, which are natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory medicines. Tea bag compress may be used before or after removal of ingrown eyelashes to provide symptomatic relief of inflammation and pain. It may also help in preventing infections caused due to ingrown eyelashes. You may soak a tea bag in warm water for 5 minutes and then keep it in the fridge for about 10 minutes before applying it on the affected eye.

Removal of ingrown eyelash using tweezer

The appropriate method of treatment for ingrown eyelash is by carefully removing it. If you have a steady hand, you may remove the ingrown lash using a tweezer. Make sure that the tweezer you are using is clean and sterile in order to prevent any further infections. If you experience pain due to use of tweezers, it is advisable to visit an ophthalmologist to have the ingrown eyelash removed.

Application of natural antibacterial agents

You may apply natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents like coconut oil, aloe vera juice, turmeric paste or honey in order to reduce the pain, discomfort and inflammation. Take the natural antibacterial agent on a clean cotton swab and apply it on the ingrown eyelash. Let it stay on the eyelash for 15- 20 minutes and then wash off carefully using warm water. You may also place chilled cucumber slices on your eyes to relieve the irritation and pain due to ingrown eyelashes.

Have you ever felt a collarbone pain that just wasn’t going away? Did the pain remain on the right side of the collarbone or it spread to the left side also? How about the pain radiating to the jaw, neck, chest, back and upper arm? Well, these symptoms could mean something really dangerous and deeper than the collars where the pain seems to emanate from. Several times a lot of people have had to battle with pains they never could explain what they stood for.

If you have ever had such terrible experience, it is possible you have had a mild heart attack, angina pain, cancer of the bone, or any other deep-rooted medical problem. But not to worry! In this post, we shall teach you what collarbone pain stands for and how you can prevent it or treat it if it occurs.

The collarbones otherwise known as the clavicles are a pair or bones that run on both sides of the upper thoracic region (around the area where you have the collars of your shirt). They run from the shoulder blade (scapula) to join with the rib cage in front, usually above the sternum bone. They play a role in supporting the upper arms. This is why any injury to the collarbone could weaken the arms and make them unable to lift any weight.

Signs and Symptoms of Collarbone pain

Collarbone pain comes with some signs and symptoms that you need to familiarize yourself with. So, what are those signs?

• Pain in the collarbone
• Pain gets worse with movement
• Bruising
• Pain increases when the clavicle is touched
• Difficulty in moving the shoulder
• Grating sound upon moving the shoulder or upper arm
• There is sagging of the shoulder
• Numbness or tingling sensation in the shoulder
• Pain when running as the hands responds to the pull of gravity.

What Causes Collarbone Pain?

Collarbone pain is caused by different problems. Apart from injury, other factors could be responsible for the pain. Until investigations are done, one may not be able to make a proper diagnosis except where the cause is obvious. So, here are a few causes of collarbone pain you should know about.

Injury to the bone

The primary reason why there is collarbone pain is because of an injury to the bone. This may not necessarily be a fracture, but any high impact can bring about the pain. The injury could come from a blow to the collar area, a fall while running, etc. In this case, the pain may last for a few days and go off.

Fracture

Fracture of the collarbone would produce about the worst pain you have ever known in your life. This is because of the breakage of the pain, injury to surrounding tissues and nerves, pressure from the swelling that occurs, etc. The ends of the broken bones could also be piercing the surrounding tissues leading to constant and sharp pain. Fracture of the clavicle can lead to pain when breathing in (if the broken bones pierce the lungs), or when the arms are moved or even at rest.

Injury to the Acromioclavicular ligament

This can really be nasty and could become a lifelong problem if not properly treated. This is so because ligaments do not have a blood supply, and when they are injured, it takes a fairly long time for them to heal. Lifting or even sustaining the arms in a raised position becomes a major challenge. You need to rest the shoulders and arms for this injury to gradually heal. The collarbone could still hurt even when there is no injury. In that case, you need to look at other possible causes.

Bone tumour

Cancer of the bone (osteosarcoma) can be the source of the collarbone pain as the spreading bone cancer mounts pressure on nerves, surrounding tissues, and blood vessels.

Clavicular arthritis

Arthritis (inflammation of the joints) can also occur on the joints of the clavicles thereby leading to severe bone pain. The particular arthritis that has a widespread effect on bones of the different parts of the body is the Rheumatoid arthritis.

Bone infection

Repeated infection of any wound on the clavicular area could result in the chronic infection of the bone (Osteomyelitis). This is difficult to cure in a lot of cases.

Dislocation of the Sternoclavicular joint

The joint between the sternum and the clavicles can be dislocated during a body contact game like Rugby, football, wrestling, etc. This also produces a severe pain.

Heart attack

One of the signs of a heart attack is pain that spreads from the chest area to the shoulders, collarbones, jaw, back, etc. So, when next you have an unexplainable pain over the collarbone, it could just be a sign of a heart attack. In that case, you need to see the doctor immediately.

Bursitis

This is an inflammation of the bursa that cushions the joint of the shoulder. With the inflammation, the fluid gradually dries up thereby causing friction of the joint with each movement. The friction produced leads to shoulder and joint pain around the collarbone. This can make difficult for you to do some sports like swimming, weight lifting, tennis, etc.

Frozen shoulder

Adhesive capsulitis, as the name is often referred to, is an inflammatory condition that is distinguished by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The onset of the signs and symptoms is usually slow but become worse as time progresses. The condition can be triggered by any medical condition that makes it difficult for you to move your arm. Such conditions or procedures include a stroke or mastectomy.

Cervical rib

The cervical rib otherwise known as the “Neck Ribs” is an extra rib that originates from the seventh cervical vertebra. It is a congenital abnormality that occurs in 0.6% to 0.8% of the populace. Cervical ribs may occur on the right side or on the left side or both. They usually do not cause any symptoms. But in a few cases, they may mount pressure on nerves thereby producing pains.

Rotator cuff disorder

Rotator cuff disorder otherwise known as rotator cuff tendinitis (tendonitis) results from the inflammation of the tendons and muscles that assist in the movement of the shoulder. The condition is common in people who are involved in sports that require the frequent extension of the arm over the head, such as swimmers, pitchers, and tennis players. When the tendons and muscles are inflamed, pain can be felt in the collarbone. A lot of people with this condition can regain the full use of their shoulders after proper treatment, without experiencing further pains.

Fibromyalgia

This is a disorder that is characterized by extensive musculoskeletal pain which comes with fatigue, memory, mood and sleep problems. It is believed that the condition amplifies painful sensations by interfering with the way your brain interprets or processes pain signals. Most times, the symptoms are triggered by trauma, infection, psychological stress, or surgery. In some cases, however, symptoms accumulate gradually with time and are not traceable to any triggering factor. Women are more prone to this problem than men. Fibromyalgia has no cure, but a combination of some drugs can help relieve the symptoms. Other measures that can also assist in reducing symptoms include exercise, stress reduction measures, and relaxation.

Gallbladder surgery

Gallbladder surgery has been known to produce some pains in the abdomen as well as the site of incision and the shoulder. This pain occurs within a few days of the surgery. The shoulder pain is usually as a result of gas in the abdomen during the surgery. It goes off within 2 to 3 days. If pain persists, a few painkillers would get it resolved.

Collarbone Pain Treatment

Whatever be the cause, pain in the collarbone requires an urgent attention in order to rule out other potentially life-threatening conditions as well as to prevent any form of complication that should otherwise result from neglecting the early management. So, how should we handle collarbone pains? Here are some practical ways to take care of the collarbone pain and get some relief for yourself.

Use a figure of 8 bandages or clavicle brace

If it is a simple fracture of the collarbone, a figure of 8 bandages or a clavicle brace should be able to handle the situation without the need for surgery so long as you do not disturb the arm unnecessarily. The bandage or brace is applied by a nurse, trained first aider or one who has basic experience in handling medical emergencies. The bandage, when applied, will help to pull the shoulders behind, thereby stretching the entire length of the clavicle and assisting in aligning the broken edges of the bones automatically. The fracture will usually heal in about 4 to 6 weeks. A repeat x-ray after 2 weeks of the injury is advised so as to be sure that the ends of the broken bones have not been displaced. You will need to go through a physical therapy in order to prevent stiffness of the elbow and shrinking of the muscles.

Apply ice pack

Apply ice packs for about 20 minutes in each hour for the first day. Continue this for another 2 – 3 days for 20 minutes in every 3 – 4 hours. This will help to reduce inflammatory response, swelling and pain. Applying ice pack in the first few days works better in relieving pain and swelling than using a hot compress.

Prevent infection

If the pain has been caused by a compound fracture, make sure that an infection does not set into the open wound. You should see a doctor who should place you on i.v infusion of some antibiotics to at least cover the first one week after the injury, then followed by a regular treatment with antibiotics for a couple of weeks. In this case, it is easier to manage the wound when there are no infections.

Apply a sling

If there are mild sprains and there are no real injuries to the acromioclavicular ligament, applying a sling can help the sprain to heal within 2 to 3 weeks. Normal activities should be resumed within a short time after recovery from the injury.

Take painkillers

You may take painkillers which you can easily obtain over the counter. You need to control the pain that comes with this condition, whether there is or there is no injury. The Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs are quite suitable for the control of the pains and inflammation. These drugs need to be used with care and under the supervision of a medical doctor because of their ability to cause bleeding when used within the first 24 hours of the injury or cause peptic ulceration when used for a long time.

See the doctor

It is good to see the doctor who will help to investigate the cause of the collarbone pain and especially if it hurts to breath. This could be a warning that there might have been an injury to the lung from a broken piece of bone (if there is a fracture). The doctor would most likely ask for an x-ray of the affected area.

Steroid injection

If the pain is caused by rotator cuff disorder, it can be managed by the use of steroid injections. When the condition is not being managed by more conservative treatment, you may be placed on steroid injection by your doctor. The steroid is injected right into the tendon to help minimize the inflammation and consequently reducing the pain.

Home remedies for Collarbone Pain

There are a few home remedies that can help you take care of your shoulders and collarbones thereby reducing the pain you are experiencing. These steps can also go a long way in helping to prevent the occurrence of the pain in the first place.

• Stop lifting your hand over the head repeatedly
• Do not sleep on the same side every night
• Avoid lifting a heavy object or bag on only one shoulder
• Use good posture each time you sit down
• Carry things or objects close to the body when lifting
• Take some breaks from repetitive activities
• Avoid regular and vigorous push ups
• Avoid the narrow grips during bench press; instead, use the wide grip as it hardly causes pain on the collarbone. If the pressure on the shoulder joint is continued for a long time, degenerative arthritis of the acromioclavicular joint, as well as a chronic pain in the shoulders, could result.

Collarbone Pain Because of Bench Press

The shoulder comprises of three important joints which are the acromioclavicular, sternoclavicular, and the glenohumeral joints. The clavicle (collarbone) is a major part of these joints. The joints provide movement when doing a bench press, which helps to provide strength for your chest, triceps muscles and shoulders. During a bench press, you could mount so much pressure on the clavicle and other areas of the shoulder joint as you round your shoulders or keep your hands too close together.

Different gripping methods are adopted during a bench press – narrow grip, and wide grip. The narrow grip is particularly responsible for causing shoulder and joint pain during a bench press. It is therefore advised to avoid using the narrow grip in order to minimize the occurrence of collarbone pain.

Collarbone Pain and Thyroid disease

The thyroid gland is situated in the neck and remains symptom-less when there is no issue with it. But when there is goiter or hyperthyroidism, the activities of the gland increases and the gland also grows in length and size. The growth is usually downwards. This growth then begins to mount excessive pressure on the neck and the clavicle, leading to collarbone pain and pain near shoulder.

Collarbone Pain from Sleeping

Did you just wake up and can’t lift arm anymore? Sometimes it happens that when you wake up from sleeping, you suddenly realize that your collarbone hurts. You have no injury history and can’t remember having knocked your shoulder or collar before going to bed. The reason for the collarbone pain is simple. Your sleeping position has been the cause. You have been sleeping on one side of your body for a long time. The weight of your body has gradually been mounting pressure on that side of the body. Now the body is reacting to the cumulated effect of the pressure. It is advisable to change your sleeping position from time to time. This will help to distribute your body weight equally and reduce pain.

Conclusion

Collarbone pain is caused by a lot of conditions. But you can avoid collarbone pain if you follow the suggestions we made in this post. Whereby it is impossible to prevent and you already have one, you can as well relieve the pains and distress that come with collarbone pain. All you need to do is to follow the simple action steps listed in the treatment and home remedies sections respectively.

Have you ever suffered from a collarbone pain? What was responsible for the pain and how did you handle it? Please, share your experience with us here, using our comment box below.

Have you ever suffered from an infected pimple or do you have a friend who has? Infected pimple can be really nasty sometimes. The pain, the embarrassment, the swollen face, the psychological trauma – they are all things nobody would love to experience. Yet a lot of people have to cope with this ugly condition daily.

An Infected pimple can make you try all sorts of concoctions and potentially harmful topical applications on your skin in the quest to getting a lasting solution. But wait a minute! What happens if you create more facial problems while trying to solve one? We all know how disturbing this situation can be. But not to worry, we have a solution for your recurrent pimples.

A pimple or zit is a small inflammation which arises on any part of the skin as a result of an ingrown hair, excess skin oil, or puberty occurring in teenagers who have a lot of hormonal reactions. While pimples can be mild or grow sparsely on some skin types, it can be quite nasty on others, up to the point of creating a dent on the individual’s self-image or self -esteem. Some pimples stay for a short time and disappear without you doing anything special about them, while others keep recurring from time to time and remain troublesome.

Results from researches show that over 80% of teenagers suffer from pimples at a point in their life. A community sample of 14 to 16-year old’s conducted in the United Kingdom showed that 50% of them had pimples. A sample study conducted on adolescents in New Zealand showed that 91% of boys and 78% of girls had pimples.

Signs of Infected Pimples

Pimples come in different forms and each of these different types has distinguishable signs and symptoms. Let’s quickly take a look at them:

• Whiteheads: These are also referred to as a closed comedo. They are often small and stay under the skin, taking the appearance of a small papule, with the same colour as your skin.
• Blackheads: They are otherwise referred to as open comedo. They are usually dark brown or black in colour as a result of the oxidation of melanin (pigment of the skin), making them clearly noticeable on the skin surface. Blackheads are never caused by dirt. So, don’t over scrub your face and get yourself injured in an attempt to remove supposedly non-existent dirt.
• Pustules: They are pimples that are full of pus. They have a red base with pus on the top. They are obvious on the skin surface.
• Papules: They are small, solid, round bumps which occur on the skin surface. Most often, they are pinkish.
• Nodules: structurally, nodules are similar to a papule, but are quite larger than papules. They remain embedded deep in the skin and can be quite painful.
• Cysts: Cysts are filled with pus and are quite visible on the skin surface. Cysts can be really painful, and most times lead to the formation of a scar on the skin. In addition to those types and the way they manifest, the following obvious signs and symptoms easily tell when you have an infected pimple.
• Swollen lymph nodes: This is one of the signs that can occur when there are pimples on the arms. Infection of such pimples manifests with a swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits.
• Green or yellow pus drainage: When infection sets into a pimple, it can develop pus and even drain on its own if not treated for a long time. Besides, there could also be an offensive smell from the pus that is formed. Infected pimples not treated for a long time could develop further into large zits or boils and drain pus.
• Painful infected pimples and bumps: One other sign that shows that a pimple is infected is the presence of pain. This is usually due to white blood cells activities as they try to get rid of the infection. The pain comes because the problem is now deeper under the skin, close to blood vessels and nerves. Blind pimples or pimples without heads are known to cause a high level of pain.
• Cystic acnes and stubborn pimples: The fact that some pimples become red, painful and stubborn is a sign that they are infected cystic acnes. They are infected over and over several times, and they keep lingering for years.
• Pimples bleeding and scabbing over: When pimples are popped, they scab and heal fast without bleeding. But with an infection, the pimple would bleed and eventually scab after popping. However, the scabbing refuses to heal.

Causes of Infected Pimple

What exactly causes an infected pimple? There have been different factors responsible for infected zits on the skin. Unfortunately, a lot of people get the wrong information from people who, originally, are not qualified to speak on the subject. Nevertheless, it is our duty to tell you the real thing so that when next you suffer from these skin troubles or your friend does, you will know exactly what the problem is and how to take care of it. Pimples can be found in different parts of the body, such as face, forehead, arms, elbow, back, ear, nose, lips, and groin area. The causes of an infected pimple are:

Blockade of the sebaceous gland

Sebaceous glands responsible for the production of sebum are situated deep inside the skin pores. But the regular shedding of the skin layers leave behind dead skin cells which eventually mix up with the sticky sebum to block the skin pores. This process occurs more during puberty (during the period of transition from a child to adulthood) when the sebaceous glands secrete more sebum. The blocking of the pores by dead skin and sebum eventually creates a favourable environment for the growth of dangerous bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes, the slow-growing bacterium responsible for acne. This bacterium exists as a harmless commensal (normal dweller) on the skin. But when the condition of the place is altered, it can grow rapidly to cause an immune response which gives rise to skin inflammation and spots.

Yeast infection

A group of yeasts known as Malassezia has been identified as the cause of pimples. They usually inhabit the skin of the forehead and chest, but hardly on the sides of the face. They also do not live in the same pores with Propionibacterium acnes. This is why fighting against the cause of pimples can be a difficult war, as an attempt to eliminate one can eventually create a favourable environment for the other to thrive.

Staphylococcal infection

Staphylococcus can also cause an infected pimple. Staphylococcal infections are commoner with broken pimples, ingrown hairs, and bumps. The grown of the pimples are usually rapid, turning them into large boils or bumps with pus, fever and blister formation around the pimple.

Testosterone

Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone in males and females. But in people prone to acne, the skin is highly sensitive to normal levels of testosterone in the blood. As such, testosterone can easily trigger the excessive production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. This leads to the clogging of the pores of the skin, thereby creating a favourable environment for bacteria to thrive and cause infected pimples.

How to Treat Infected Pimples

Infected pimples can be dangerous as they easily cause severe inflammation, massive swelling, airway obstruction (if in the nostrils), severe pain, and other symptoms. Infected pimples can as well be difficult to handle sometimes. However, it is not a totally helpless situation. There are a lot of things you can do to remedy the situation and control the infection and the inflammation process.

You must avoid popping pimples because doing so is dangerous. This is because after popping a pimple, it could lead to a situation where the offending bacteria are released from the pustule into the surrounding pores thereby leading to further spread of the infection. Popping can also drive the bacteria deeper into the skin where they cause more damage.

If you also try to pop the zit and it is done wrongly, the skin may react to it and get further inflamed thereby causing you more swelling and severe pains. So, in the light of the foregoing, we would advise you to do the following:

Antibiotics medication

When pimples refuse to go away on their own (which they should normally do), then the doctor can prescribe some antibiotics medications you can take to cure the infection. Such antibiotic medications include Neosporin and Polysporin. Neosporin is usually considered the best choice because of its combination of antibiotics like bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B.

Benzoyl peroxide and Salicylic acid

You can easily get Benzoyl peroxide and Salicylic acid over the counter. They help to exfoliate the skin and remove the clogs that are blocking the skin pores. Once they clear off the dirt, the infection is put under control and that can cure the pimple fast. When using the medication, always be sure to abide by the manufacturer’s advice in order to prevent making the situation worse.

Use tea tree oil

The use of tea tree oil can assist in getting your skin rid of infected pimples. Tea tree oil is a home remedy that proved to be quite helpful. Its antibacterial property helps it to get rid of bacterial infections and also prevent re-infections. They should not be used on sensitive skins. To prepare the oil, put the oil in a small container and mix with water in the ratio of 1:9. Soak a cotton wool ball in the solution and apply it on the area containing the infected pimple. Leave it for about 10 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Apply a moisturizer that does not clog on the skin. Repeat the treatment every day. But if it burns on your skin, stop the treatment.

See the doctor

If the above steps fail to address the problem, see a physician or a dermatologist for further advice and management.

How to Reduce Swelling on Face from Infected Pimple

If you have a swollen face as a result of an infected pimple, you can do something practical to help to reduce the pain and the swelling, and also improve your look. Here are a few things you do to help yourself.

• Apply ice pack: This is quite helpful in controlling pains and reducing inflammation and swelling.
• Cleanse your face: This can be achieved by scrubbing the affected areas gently with a washed cloth soaked with a mild cleanser. At the end, rinse off with warm water and then dry your face with a clean piece of towel. This can be done at least twice every day in order to help minimize the oil and dirt on the skin.
• Rub with anti-bacterial cream: There are stipulated anti-bacterial creams that can assist in eliminating the bacteria and also in reducing the fatty acid responsible for the irritation of the pores. Get the anti-bacterial cream from over the counter and use according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Apply Aloe Vera gel: It is mild on your skin and yet, contains some natural antibiotics and antiseptic properties that can easily control the infection and reduce the inflammation.
• See a dermatologist: Should the above-listed measures fail to address your problem, book an appointment with a dermatology. You may need further medical investigations or a total change of prescriptions.

Infected pimple on leg

Picture of infected pimple on leg

Infected pimples on legs may look red sometimes. They can be inflamed and cause itching of the skin. They are usually not too serious. You must always be cautious to be sure you are not harbouring a serious infection. The red bumps that are on the skin of your leg may be caused by insect bites, allergies, other skin conditions, or infection. They could be keratosis pilaris, folliculitis, eczema, or hives.

Infected pimple on the face

Picture of infected pimple on face

These are the most common and most embarrassing pimples. Pimples in the face are common during puberty, pregnancy, etc. For signs and causes, look at the signs and symptoms of infected pimples mentioned earlier in this post.

Infected pimple on lip

When infected pimples are on the lips, they can be confused with fever blisters (herpes, cold sore), or other conditions that come with swollen blisters, such as zit, pimple or acne around the lips. However, cold sores (herpes or fever blisters) are caused by viral infections, and the symptoms include pain, tingling, burning, painful blisters, bumps, itching at the site of infection, and vesicles with yellowish fluid. On the other hand, pimples on the lips are caused by a hormonal imbalance which usually occurs at the various stages of life. Pimples on the lips are quite common during teenage as a result of their hyperactive glands as well as hormonal changes.

Other causes of pimples on the lips include allergic reaction, poor diet, some medications with harmful elements, poor personal hygiene, and expired or contaminated lip care products.

Infected pimple in the Nose

Infected pimple in the nose can come from blocked nasal pores, picking of the nose, excessive use of antibiotics, hair removal, or environmental irritants. Pimples in the nose can be by the base of the nose, tip of the nose, bridge of the nose, or right inside the nose. They are quite painful due to the sensitive nerve supply the area.

Infected pimple on the arm

Pimples are not commonly found on the arms. However, they can still occur in few individuals. And when they do, they are mostly caused by other conditions like keratosis pilaris. Some of its symptoms include bumps or boils on the affected arm, pain and swelling in the armpit as a result of the inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits. They can be treated with Bezoyl peroxide or with solutions containing Salicylic acid.

Infected pimple in the ear

Pimples in the ear usually result from infections from unwashed hands, unclean earphones, toothpicks, ballpoint pen, nails, pencils, pins, etc. The pimples are quite painful and could come in multiples. They could appear inside the ear canal (auricle) or behind the earlobes.

Other causes include wrong nutrition, hormonal disorder, serious chronic disease, stress, allergic reaction to cosmetics, vitamin complexes, clothes, and medicines.

Conclusion

Infected pimple is a nasty situation to face. It comes with pain, swelling, pus discharge, and emotional distress. But following the few steps we have highlighted in this post can help you take care of the problem.

What is a Bipartite Patella?

This is a medical condition that affects your patella, also known as your kneecap. It is when your patella occurs as two separate bones instead of fusing together as it would normally do during early childhood. Instead of one bone it stays two separate bones that are joined by a piece of fibrous tissue. Sometimes most of the bone will fuse but just a small fragment does not fuse. It occurs in at least one percent of the population but the percentage could be higher because the condition usually does not have any symptoms. Males are more affected by bipartite patella than females.

Anatomy

To help you understand the condition a little better it helps to know that your knee is the meeting place of two important bones in your leg, which are your tibia, the shinbone, and your femur, the thighbone. Your patella is the moving bone that sits in front of your knee and is wrapped inside a tendon that connects your lower leg bone to the large muscles on the front of your thigh.

Symptoms

Although this condition does not usually have any symptoms there can sometimes be a place, or bony bump, where the bone sticks out more on one side of your knee than the other side. If the fibrous tissue between the two bones becomes inflamed you could start to have painful symptoms over your patella. This pain is usually described as a dull ache and there could also be some swelling.

Moving your knee can also be very painful, especially when you are bending it. Climbing stairs, weight training, squatting, or any strenuous activity can aggravate your cause causing increased symptoms such as tenderness, swelling, and increased pain. If you are a runner, running downhill can also increase these symptoms. If most of the bone fused but there is still a fragment that did not it could rub and scrape against your surrounding muscle, bone, and connective tissue causing soreness, loss of motion, pain, and swelling.

Causes

Bipartite patella is considered a congenital condition, which means it is present at birth. Your patella starts out as a piece of fibrous cartilage but as you grow older it turns into bone as part of the process of growing. Most bones have one primary ossification center, which is where bones form but in some bones there is a second ossification center. In your patella the second ossification center is the upper outer corner where the problem usually occurs but it can happen along the side of your patella or along the bottom.

Diagnosis

Many times when bipartite patella is diagnosed it is an incidental finding, which means that an x-ray was taken of your knee for some other reason and it was seen when they looked at your x-ray. At times it has been misdiagnosed as a fracture of your patella. Bipartite patella usually affects both knees when they take an x-ray of the other knee it will show the same medical condition.

Treatment

Most of the time there is no treatment necessary but if you start to have symptoms you may need to have it treated. There are two ways in which bipartite patella can be treated, which are with surgery or using non-surgical treatments.

Nonsurgical treatment

This is the form of treatment that is usually tried first. This type of treatment involves using over-the-counter non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, activity modifications, and rest. You should avoid excessive use of stairs, resisted weight training and deep flexion like squatting. If the fibrous tissue has separated it can be treated with immobilization for a month to six weeks. Your knee would be placed in full extension by using:

• A knee immobilizer – the immobilizer is a splint that is removable and is usually only removed to wash the leg but stays on the rest of the time.
  Cylinder cast
• Dynamic patellar brace – this brace immobilizes your knee in a straight-leg position with limited flexion, which is up to thirty degrees. Using this brace will reduce your pain by decreasing the pull on your patella from the large muscles on the front of your thigh.

Once it has healed and you no longer need the brace or case it is removed and you will start on a prescribed exercise program of stretching exercises for your large muscle on your thigh, also referred to as your quadriceps muscle. If after three months of nonsurgical treatment there are no signs of improvement then you may need surgery. Nonsurgical treatment is often used to help with pain from overusing your knee.

Surgery

If the bipartite fragment that did not fuse is small then the surgeon will remove the smaller fragments of the bone. If the fragment is larger and also contains some of the joint surface then the surgeon may try to force the two fragments to fuse, or heal together. This surgery is called internal fixation In this type of surgery the first thing that is done is to remove the connective tissue between the two fragments and then using a metal pin or screw the two bony fragments are stabilized or held together. The two fragments will fuse together creating a solid connection between them. When having this surgery it may require you to endure several weeks of immobilization. One drawback of this surgery is that you may notice knee stiffness after immobilization. In order to regain motion and strength after the bones have fuse you will need to have physical therapy.

Rehabilitation

Nonsurgical rehabilitation

Most will respond well to immobilization and activity modifications so when your x-rays shows that complete ossification of the bone fragments you will be able to start doing regular activities.

Recovery

When it is a simple surgery you should feel prompt pain relief and have a quick recovery. If you are an athlete you can expect a stable knee and full range of motion and after one to two months you should be able to return to normal activity but if it was not a simple surgery it may take longer. With athletes and runners who have experienced an extended time of immobility, loss of normal joint motion, patellar tracking problems, and atrophy and weakness of their muscles may have to undergo a special prescribed rehab program. They will start their rehab program with quadriceps strengthening and range of motion exercise and then move forward with other exercises until they have full strength and range of motion. Because of so many months of activity due immobilization they may need to also do an aerobic program to help improve their cardiovascular endurance level. The rehab program often includes proprioceptive exercises, which will help to restore their joint’s sense of position and are necessary to help prevent further injuries and restore normal movement.

Pictures

This is how Bipartite patella looks like…

Are you having cramping after ovulation? Well, for a lot of women, that is a normal occurrence. But cramping could mean a lot of things to you if you are trying to get pregnant or you are not even prepared for pregnancy soon.

It is important to watch your signs, know if they are signs of conception or just what happens with other menstrual cycles. Could you really be pregnant? What if the cramping occurs 1, 2, 3, 4 or even 7 days after ovulation? Should it be a source of worry too or should that be seen as a sign of early pregnancy?

Never worry! We shall be addressing those concerns in this post. We shall present a vivid picture of what cramping after ovulation is, and also what it is not. So, be a little patient as you read on; be free to ask questions at the end of the post on areas where you still have doubts and we will try our best to answer your questions.

What is Ovulation?

Ovulation is the release of an egg (ovum) from the female ovary about 15 days before the next menstrual cycle (mid cycle). The release of this egg is programmed by nature to enable a woman in her fertile stage to be able to bring forth an egg that the male spermatozoon should fertilize in order for pregnancy to take pace. In a normal menstrual cycle of 28 days, you should expect ovulation to take place about day 12 to day 16 from the day the menstrual flow commenced. Since it is not possible to predict it with a high level of accuracy, it is better to give at least 2 days before or after mid-cycle as your expected ovulation day. For example, if your menstrual cycle is 28 days, mid cycle is between day 14 and 15. So, you have to count from day 12 to day 16 and expect your ovulation to occur within this period.

We have added extra 2 days to both sides because it is understood that ovulation can take place sometimes earlier than expected or be delayed by some factors in some cases. Whichever be the case, you are able to guess when your ovulation is taking place especially if there is any pain occurring during this period.

Is Cramping after Ovulation Normal?

Cramping after ovulation is a normal phenomenon, though the level of pain varies from one woman to another. In some women, the pain is dull while in others it can best be described as a sharp pain. Ovulation pain lasts from a few minutes to a few days. A lot of women have this pain only for a short time, with the pain lasting for a few minutes to a few hours. But in others, the pain could last as much as a few days (2 to 3 days). For some women, the pain can be quite disturbing and can even be mistaken for appendicitis. The pain eventually stops on its own at menopause.

However, you must understand that it is not all women that experience ovulation pain even as the pain is quite normal for others. Scientific researchers have not been able to explain these discrepancies. Nevertheless, genetic differences are believed to be the major reason why it happens that way.

Cramping after ovulation can be a sign of implantation taking place. This happens in about 20% of women. It is usually a sign that you are likely to be pregnant. However, not all women experience pain during implantation and yet they get pregnant.

Why am I having severe or mild cramping after ovulation?

Like I said earlier, the pain that comes with ovulation differs from one woman to another. Just as individual body chemistries are different, so also their ovulation cramps differ. So, in some women the pain is severe and that is normal for them. It is not a disease condition. Others are luckier that they have a milder pain to deal with.

Cramping after ovulation is a way of letting you know that ovulation has taken place. In some other cases, it is a probable sign of pregnancy. The fact that your cramps are more painful than other women’s shouldn’t make you look inferior, reduce your self-esteem, or cause you to feel that something has gone wrong with you. It is quite normal for you if your cramps are severe or mild.

What are the Causes of Cramping after Ovulation?

Cramping after ovulation occurs for varying reasons. Here, we shall discuss a few of the possible reasons why they occur. Please, take note of the reasons as they are going to help lay some of your doubts to rest.

Implantation

It is a sign of implantation taking place. This is quite normal in about 20% of women. However, it is not all women that experience cramping when implantation takes place.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is the major reason while there is cramping after ovulation. It comes as the embedded embryo tries to adjust itself to the wall of the uterus. Of course, you know that with pregnancy, a foreign body (the embryo) is introduced into the uterus. This introduction can cause some upset for a few days before the body eventually adapts to the reality of pregnancy.

Post ovulation constipation

About 2% of women have constipation or a slow-down in their bowel movement 7 to 10 days after ovulating. The progesterone hormone has been suggested to be the cause of this development. In this case, ovulation may not be the direct cause of the pain but constipation. Constipation produces a slight lower abdominal ache and pain. These aches and pains can sometimes be common symptoms of early pregnancy. But in this case, the symptoms are as a result of constipation. Some of the ways of preventing constipation include drinking enough water, eating foods rich in fiber, and doing regular moderate exercises.

Endometriosis

This is an uncommon medical challenge, yet a possible reason why cramping after ovulation occurs. Endometriosis could be the reason for the cramping when you are not pregnant or having your monthly menstrual period. This condition can prevent you from being able to get pregnant. It also causes a lot of pain. It is, therefore, advisable for you to see a doctor if you think that your ovulation pain is not caused by pregnancy or menstrual period.

Sign of ovulation

Cramping after ovulation can sometimes be one of the 12 signs that ovulation has taken place. But why should there be pain? You ask me. Well, when an egg is released, blood and fluid are also released alongside. The blood and fluid can lead to the irritation of the tissues in the lining of the abdomen.

The second reason is that bruising takes place during ovulation following the rupturing of the ovarian wall. This can also produce some level of pain, depending on how sensitive the individual’s body is. The third reason is that the fallopian tube muscles contract gently in order to move the released egg into the uterus. Thus, the contraction can produce pain depending on how gentle or vigorous they are.

This pain that comes with ovulation occurs about 15 days before the next menstrual period. It is otherwise known as ‘Mittelschmerz’ pain (from the German words for ‘middle’ and ‘pain’). Mittelschmerz does not suggest that pregnancy has taken place; instead, it indicates that ovulation is taking place. The phenomenon affects 1 in every 5 women and it is common in women between ages 14 and 40.

Cramping days after ovulation

Cramping after ovulation can last for as little as two days and then goes off on its own even if you don’t do anything special about it. Nevertheless, should the pain last for more than two days, you should see a doctor as it portends another more serious condition such as an ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cyst, or appendicitis.

Having seen the signs of cramping after ovulation and the number of days the symptoms are supposed to last, let us quickly examine the post-ovulation cramping on a day-to-day basis, providing you with explanations to the root causes.

Cramping one day after ovulation

Cramping that occurs a day following ovulation is quite normal for a lot of women. The cramp can last for a few minutes to a few hours, but it doesn’t last into days. Up to 6% of women in their child-bearing age experience cramping during ovulation.

Cramping 2 days after ovulation

Like we rightly mentioned earlier, cramping after ovulation usually lasts up to 2 days. So, if you have pain just 2 days after ovulating, it is normal for you. According to a research, 7% of women in their child-bearing age have cramps 2 days after ovulation. Therefore, you don’t need to worry over this.

Cramping 3 days after ovulation

There can still be cramping 3 days after ovulation. But it is hardly a sign of pregnancy because implantation cramping takes place a little later. We see cramping 3 days after ovulation as a normal occurrence as about 9% of women have cramps on the third day after ovulation has taken place. Follicular fluid responsible for the irritation can stay up to 3 days before clearing up. The ruptured ovarian membrane may still be healing by the third day.

Cramping 4 days after ovulation

Cramping or any form of abdominal pain that exceeds day 3 after ovulation could stand for something else, especially if it is accompanied by vomiting, vomiting with blood, fever, bloody stool, fainting attacks, swollen abdomen, difficulty in urination, difficulty breathing, increase in the cramp and pains, then you must see the doctor right away.

Cramping 5 days after ovulation

This could be a sign of early implantation, other underlying disease conditions, or a side effect of Clomid (if you used Clomid for infertility treatment earlier). About 12% of women have cramps 5 days after ovulation, with about 7.5% of them eventually being pregnant.

Cramping 6 days after ovulation

It is the beginning of implantation if fertilization has taken place. So, if you experience cramps or pain 6 days after ovulation, it is a sign that implantation has probably taken place. About 15% of women have cramps or pains at this point, with 11% conceiving.

Cramping a week after ovulation

Though quite unusual, this is still possible. About 16.5% of women notice cramps a week after they have ovulated and 11% of them ending up being pregnant. However, if you have a shorter menstrual cycle, having cramps on this day could be a sign of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) rather than post ovulation cramps. Nevertheless, it is possible for implantation to be taking place at this time, meaning that you could be pregnant.

Is Cramping after Ovulation a Sign of Pregnancy?

Good question! But let me quickly explain. Cramping after ovulation can be a sign of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome or a sign of early pregnancy. This occurs a few days after conception or fertilization has taken place. This should be between 6 and 12 days after fertilization of the ovum.

Cramping that happens after conception comes when the embryo embeds into the uterine lining. It could happen earlier than the commencement of the Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) and could be worse than the normal Pre-Menstrual cramps. But when these cramps are accompanied by breast tenderness, white or milky vaginal discharge, spotting as a result of implantation bleeding, backache, bloating, etc, then you are almost certain to be pregnant.

How long does cramping after ovulation last?

Earlier on, we did say that cramping after ovulation lasts for a few minutes to a few hours, or usually for few days (about 2 to 3 days at most). However, cramping has been known to last for as much as a week especially if conception has taken place.

Does Clomid cause cramping after ovulation?

Yes. Clomid can cause cramping after ovulation especially if you have been on it lately before you became pregnant. The pain comes from over stimulation of the follicles by Clomid. These cramps can last from a few days to several days in different women. It is one of the side effects of taking the medication.

How to deal with cramping after ovulation

Mild cramps after ovulation do not usually need any special intervention as they go away within a few minutes or hours. In this case, you can easily ignore the pains and forge ahead with your daily routines.

Take a painkiller

If cramps or pains last for several hours or days, or if they increase in intensity, you should get a few over-the-counter painkillers like Diclofenac, Naproxen, Ibuprofen or Aspirin to help reduce the pain.

Birth control pills

Some serious pains would need the use of birth control medication like the Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) which help to stop you from ovulating. When ovulation is successfully stopped, the pain is eventually controlled.

Apply a warm pack

Another way to relieve the pain is to apply a heated pad to the pelvic area. This works by improving blood circulation to the area and relax the muscles thereby reducing the pain. You can as well take a warm bath as this works the same way as the application of a warm pad.

Use cold compress

Some women have testified that cold compress works for them. So, if the warm pack does not work for you, try the cold compress.

Conclusion

Cramping after ovulation is a normal occurrence in a number of women. Now that you are aware of what it is and what it is not about, you can now live your normal life without stress. When these cramps occur, you can do a few things to help yourself out. Some of the things you can do include taking an over-the-counter painkiller (which is quite easy to get), or go on oral contraceptive pills (only if you don’t want to have babies anymore). You can also apply a heated pad to the pelvic area if the afore-mentioned drugs do not help much.

Have you ever had cramping after ovulation? How long did the cramping last? And what remedy did you apply? Please, share your experience with us as it can go a long way in helping someone here.

Definition

Hemosiderin is an insoluble form of tissue storage iron, being found at the level of different cells (not in the circulating blood). This is actually a protein that is insoluble and contains irons, being produced by the digestion of the hematin by the phagocytes. It is a ferritin complex and it is important to understand that the iron that it contains is poorly available for the rest of the body, when it is necessary. The hemosiderin can accumulate in excessive quantities, in the cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system but also at the level of major organs (kidney and liver – epithelial cells).

There are certain medical conditions that can lead to the accumulation of hemosiderin in different tissues, as you will have the opportunity to find out below. While the accumulation of hemosiderin does not cause any obvious symptoms, it is important to note that it will eventually lead to organ damage. Hemosiderin is also found in macrophages and it is believed to be produced in higher quantities, immediately after a hemorrhage has occurred. This has led scientists to believe that hemosiderin might result from the phagocytosis of the red blood cells.

What is the function of hemosiderin?

The main function of hemosiderin is to contribute to the repairs that are necessary after an acute hemorrhage. When a blood vessel has ruptured, the red blood cells will die and the hemoglobin (part of the red blood cell) is going to be released into the extracellular space. The reticulo-endothelial system has cells with phagocytic properties; these are also known as macrophages and they will consume the released hemoglobin, leading to the production of biliverdin and hemosiderin.

Hemosiderin staining

Hemosiderin staining is a medical condition in which one presents yellow or brown patches on the skin. These are in fact the result of the macrophages consuming the dead red blood cells, leading to the production of hemosiderin.

Causes

Hemosiderin staining occurs in patients who have undergone surgical intervention or in those who have suffered from hemorrhage. Those who suffer from cardiac problems also present an increased risk for hemosiderin staining. Patients who suffer from chronic high blood pressure can have such modifications on their skin, due to the breaking of the small blood vessels under the skin.

This modification is encountered in people who have suffered from different types of trauma, whether we are talking about a car accident, blunt force or falling from various heights. The hemosiderin staining can appear as a side-effect of a medical procedure, including after sclerotherapy or regular injections. Systemic health problems, such as venous insufficiency, are known to lead to hemosiderin staining in some patients.

Treatment

These are the most common methods of treatment recommended for hemosiderin staining:

• Topical treatments – cream, ointments, gels
• Vitamin K oxide
  • May help eliminate the deposits of hemosiderin
  • Available as gel (topical treatment)
• Laser treatment
  • Efficient method of treating hemosiderin staining
  • May require between one and four sessions of treatment
  • The treatment depends on the location of the hemosiderin staining (upper or lower body) and also on other factors: intensity and duration of the staining, skin type

Hemosiderosis (hemosiderin deposition)

Hemosiderosis is a medical condition resulting from the excessive accumulation of hemosiderin in different parts of the body. There are three main types of hemosiderosis, meaning: transfusion hemosiderosis, idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis and transfusional diabetes.

These are the most common situations that can lead to the hemosiderin deposition:

• Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage – leads to the accumulation of excessive hemosiderin in the lungs; such modifications can appear in one of the following medical problems:
  • Goodpasture’s syndrome – rare autoimmune condition, in which the body’s immune system attacks the lungs and the kidneys (leading to bleeding at the level of the lungs and also to renal insufficiency)
  • Granulomatosis with polyangiitis – systemic disorder, in which the patients suffers from both granulomatosis (collection of inflammatory immune cells) and polyangiitis (inflammation of blood vessels, including lymph vessels)
  • Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis – lung disease, in which the small capillaries of the lungs become broken and bleed, leading to the excessive accumulation of hemosiderin
• Mitral stenosis – valvular heart disease, in which the mitral valve of the heart becomes narrowed
• Hemochromatosis – iron overload, can be either a genetic disorder or appear as a result of transfusion (especially in the liver, leading to organ failure)
• Diabetes – metabolic disease, in which the levels of blood sugar are constantly elevated
• Chronic subdural hemorrhage – type of hemorrhage that is commonly caused by a traumatic brain injury
• Cerebral arteriovenous malformations – abnormal connection between the arteries and veins at the level of the brain
• Cavernous hemangioma – blood vessel malformation, the dilated blood vessels actually forming a tumor
• Bruising – the color will change as the bruise will heal (hemosiderin being removed from under the skin)
• Stasis dermatitis – medical condition, in which the blood collects in different parts of the body, due to the insufficient venous return
• Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria – the immune system attacks the red blood cells, practically destroying them (rare, yet life-threatening disease)
• Conditions that require frequent blood transfusions
  • Sickle cell anemia – type of anemia, in which the hemoglobin presents structural abnormalities
  • Thalassemia – type of anemia, in which the formation of hemoglobin is abnormal (autosomal recessive blood disorder)

Treatment

These are the most common measures chosen for the treatment of hemosiderosis:

• Phlebotomy
• Immunosuppression
• Limiting the transfusions of blood
• Iron chelation therapy
• In case of pulmonary hemorrhage:
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Blood transfusions
  • Supportive respiratory therapy
  • Mechanical ventilatory support
  • Immunosuppressive therapy
• Avoidance of milk and dairy products
• Gluten-free diet (for patients who suffer from both hemosiderosis and celiac disease)
• Corticosteroids
  • Management of the acute alveolar hemorrhage stage
  • Cannot be administered on a long-term basis, due to the wide-range of side-effects

In conclusion, hemosiderin plays a very important part in the human body but it can also cause health problems, when accumulated in excess. In the majority of the cases, the excess accumulation of hemosiderin is a sign of an underlying condition. The diagnosis of hemosiderosis can guide the doctor in discovering the underlying medical problem.

What is Arthrofibrosis?

This is a medical complication in which you have an excessive amount of scar tissue that forms in your knee. It limits how far your knee bends and straightens. How severe arthrofibrosis can be differs and can include anything from a small amount of scar tissue to severe scarring that can result in stiffness and chronic pain. Breaking down the word, arthro means joint and fibrosis means formation of scar tissue. Developing arthrofibrosis is very low with approximately one percent of all cases developing this medical complication.

Types of arthrofibrosis of the knee

• Primary arthrofibrosis – this type occurs without an inciting event in people who tend to normally produce excessive scar tissue in response to surgery or injury anywhere in their body or have a general problem with scar tissue biology. These are rare cases.
• Secondary arthrofibrosis – the scarring a local problem that was the result of a specific cause such as an infection and not a part of a generalized healing condition. Most people who have arthrofibrosis fall under this type.

Symptoms

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Limping
• Limited ability to straighten your leg
• Loss of motion in your knee, which is one of the more prominent symptoms.

Causes

Arthrofibrosis is because of the contractures and/or scar tissue that have developed within your knee joint. Contractures are the chronic loss of joint motion because of structural changes in your non-bony tissue such as your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When you have scar tissue inside your joint from a previous injury or surgery it can cause tightening and shrinkage of your knee joint’s capsule. It can also be a complication after having knee surgery and is not entirely preventable, requiring careful evaluation and treatment. It can also be the result of osteoarthritis over time and degenerative arthritis

Some of the other factors that could cause secondary arthrofibrosis can include:

• Serious injury to your knee such as a dislocation or fracture
• Infection
• Incorrectly done operation
• Non-existent or poor physical therapy

Diagnosis

The diagnosis will start with a thorough examination of your knee along with your complete medical history so the physician can see if there are any previous surgeries and/or injuries that might explain what is occurring with your knee. The physician will also have to have a MRI and x-ray taken in order to determine what caused your medical condition and the severity.

There are two types of motion that are use to assess knee arthrofibrosis, which are:

• Flexion contracture – this is the ability to straighten your knee out and if the contractures is more than seven or eight degrees when compared to the opposite normal knee have been shown to limit your function, cause secondary issues, lead to early arthritis.
• Inabilities to flex your knee – in order to function with the daily activities of living you need approximately one hundred ten to one hundred fifteen degrees of flexion.

Treatment

The first course of treatment would be to try nonoperative measures that include rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and ice. If it is a severe case then you may need to have orthopedic knee surgery. It is very important that you treat this medical complication because if not treated it can cause severe arthritis and a permanent dysfunction of your limb.

Surgery and postoperative care

One surgical method that is used is called the arthroscopic method. With this method, once the surgeon is in your knee, they will use a small camera to gain complete visualization of the scar tissue including where it is located and how severe the scar tissue is. During this procedure the surgeon will release any scar tissue that has built up.

After you have had this type of surgery you will have a rehabilitation program designed by your physician and will include stretching and strengthening your knee to regain full range of motion. This type of therapy will be progressive and can take several weeks. Using progressive therapy will help to make sure that relapse does not occur. It is crucial to a successful recovery that you do physical therapy. With the physical therapy after surgery it is usually the first day with two sessions of two hours each for one to two weeks and then daily until the knee is better. After two to three weeks you should be able to regain normal extension and flexion of your knee or at least demonstrate a normal progression of motion.

Prevention

The best way to help prevent arthrofibrosis after surgery or an injury to start to move your knee as soon as possible to prevent scar tissue from building up. If your physician wants you to start physical therapy you need to do it as soon as possible.