What is Achlorhydria?

Achlorhydria is simply the lack of hydrochloric acid in gastric secretions. It is seen as a secretion of acid, which at its maximum output, is less than 6.9m/mole/h on men and less than 5.0 m/mole/h in women.

Another definition sees achlorhydria as a condition whereby the serum pepsinogen I/pepsinogen II ratio is less than 2.9. Achlorhydria has been connected with intestinal metaplasia of the mucosa of the GIT, which may give rise to dysplasia. This is why it is regarded as a premalignant condition.

Symptoms of Achlorhydria

The cause notwithstanding, achlorhydria is known to be a product of bacterial overgrowth and intestinal metaplasia. Therefore, the symptoms are usually in tune with those diseases. Some of the noticeable signs and symptoms of this disease include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Malabsorption of food
• Abdominal discomfort
• Bloating of the abdomen
• Stomach carcinoma
• Constipation
• Stomach infection
• Diarrhoea
• Anaemia
• Weight loss

Causes

This condition has diverse causes. Below are some of the popular causes of achlorhydria:

• A slow-down in Basal metabolic rate, as a result of hypothyroidism
• Excessive use of antacids or drugs that reduce the secretion of gastric acid (like H2 receptor antagonist), or drugs that slow down the transport of gastric acid (like proton pump inhibitors)
• Radiation therapy that involves the stomach
• Pernicious anaemia, where the body produces antibodies to attack the parietal cells that are in charge of gastric acid production
• It is a symptom of stomach cancer or atrophic gastritis
• It is also a symptom of Helicobacter pylori infection. Helicobacter usually causes a decrease in secretion and neutralization of the gastric acid in order to be able to survive in the stomach
• Gastric bypass procedures like duodenal switch which involves the removal or blinding of the largest acid producing parts of the stomach
• A deficiency of potassium, sodium, chloride, iodine and/or zinc, which are an essential part of stomach acid production
• It is a symptom of a rare disease like mucolipidosis (type IV)
• Sjogren’s syndrome: This is an autoimmune disorder which results in the destruction of many moisture-producing enzymes of the body
• It’s a sign of Pellagra, a condition which results from the deficiency of niacin
• Vipomas (Vasoactive intestinal peptides) and somatostatinomas which are both tumours of the islet cells of the pancreas.

Treatment

Achlorhydria can be treated in several ways. The inadequate secretion of gastric acid is usually as a result of some other underlying conditions. Therefore, in order to get a tangible result, those underlying causes need to be treated. We shall take a look at the different possible ways of taking care of this condition.

Treat Helicobacter pylori

This bacterium responds to a combination of antibiotics. The first line of antibiotics treatment include: proton pump Inhibitors (PPI) such as Omeprazole 20mg twice daily, plus Clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily), plus Amoxicillin (1g twice daily). In the case of patients who are intolerant to Amoxicillin, Levofloxacin (250 mg twice daily) can be used to replace Amoxicillin.

The duration of treatment is slightly different in the US and in Europe. European guidelines recommend a 7-day course of treatment, whereas the US recommends 14-day treatment. While there is a 12% higher success rate for a 14-day treatment, the rate of side effects also increases with prolonged treatment. It is also easier for patients to comply with a 7-day treatment.

Apart from the above triple therapy, the quadruple regimes can also be adopted. These include:

• Proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) + amoxicillin + clarithromycin + metronidazole
• PPI + amoxicillin or metronidazole + tetracycline + bismuth
• PPI + amoxicillin or tetracycline + furazolidone + bismuth
• The rate of resistance to furazolidone is relatively low. However, the drug is not readily available in all countries. It is currently unavailable in the UK.

Sequential therapy regimens:

• PPI + amoxicillin for 5 days, then PPI + metronidazole + clarithromycin or levofloxacin for 5 days (making a total of 10 days therapy)
• PPI + amoxicillin for 7 days, then PPI + clarithromycin + amoxicillin + metronidazole for 7 days (all making a total of 14 days therapy)

Treat bacterial overgrowth

Normal bacteria that reside in the wall of the gut do not cause any symptoms or problems. But bacterial overgrowth can result in bacteria colonizing over 100,000/ML in the upper gut. When this happens, the individual presents with symptoms like diarrhoea with malabsorption, D-lactic acidosis and a higher risk of endogenous infections.

An overgrowth of the bacteria of the small bowel also manifests with macrocytic anaemia, steatorrhoea, and enteropathy that result in protein loss. Microecologic changes also come with hypovitaminosis, B12 deficiency, protein deficiency, spread of bacteria and their toxins from the intestine into the bloodstream, etc.

To treat the bacterial overgrowth, therefore, you need to make use of antimicrobial agents like Amoxicillin/Clavulanate potassium, metronidazole, rifaximin, and ciprofloxacin. If you are not sure of the right dosage, see your doctor for advice. These drugs are prescribed in different doses for different conditions.

PPI dosage adjustment

Since Achlorhydria is known to result from long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) usage, it would be wise to reduce the dosage of the drug if the problem is traceable to it. Another wise thing to do is to completely withdraw the drug.

Gastric re-acidification

You can also correct Achlorhydria that is provoked by excessive use of PPI, by administering hydrochloric acid supplements like Betaine hydrochloride (BHCL). You can easily get it over the counter. Though BHCL has been proven to temporarily decrease the gastric pH in healthy volunteers with pharmacologically induced hypochlorhydria (Reduced secretion of gastric acid), stopping the PPI therapy is usually enough to stop the achlorhydria that is induced by medication.

Corticosteroid

Low doses of corticosteroid also help in reducing the inflammation of the parietal cells that are in charge of gastric acid production/secretion.

Pepsin

Pepsin has been used in medicine for a long time and is quite safe to use in assisting digestion. It is mostly used in combination with hydrochloric acid.

Surgery

This is the best way to treat carcinoid tumours. Surgical antrectomy helps in normalizing serum gastrin level and makes the multicentric gastric carcinoids to varnish as quickly as possible. Gastric resection can be used in treating patients with type I GI carcinoid tumours especially large-sized tumours. The success rate is quite high and encouraging.

Natural Remedies

Treatment of Achlorhydria also includes natural remedies. Some of the potent natural therapies are:

Herbs

Some supplements like grapefruit seed, oregano oil, enteric-coated peppermint oil and garlic are believed to play a vital role in helping to overcome bacterial overgrowth.

Ginger Tea

In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, ginger is regarded as tonic that aids digestion. Ginger helps in improving digestion and minimizing abdominal bloating.

Multivitamin

Achlorhydria is known to result in malabsorption of nutrients and consequently, in vitamin deficiencies. To correct these imbalances, multivitamins and mineral supplements are recommended. Adding the B12 vitamin is particularly advised in order to help compensate for the malabsorption of nutrients.

Bitter herbs

According to some alternative practitioners, bitter herbs may stimulate the stomach into secreting more acid and digestive enzymes. Some of the bitter herbs include gentian and dandelion, which are believed to aid the release of digestive juices. They are usually taken in capsule or liquid forms. You can also take herbal tea that has bitter herbs. You should drink a cup before food.

Peppermint

One major challenge with Achlorhydria is digestion problem due to the absence of gastric juice. But peppermint has the ability to aid digestion as a result of its antibacterial and gastric-acid-producing properties. It equally assists functions of digestion by reducing gas, improving bile flow, as well as healing the liver and the stomach.

Conclusion

Achlorhydria is caused by several factors and as such, it requires treating the individual root causes to be able to eliminate the problem. For Achlorhydria triggered by the use of certain drugs, stopping or reducing the dose of such drugs usually takes care of the problems.

However, we have listed drug therapies, natural remedies and surgery. If you are diagnosed with this problem, you will definitely find one of our recommendations useful. But whereby they fail to address your problem, it is advisable you see the doctor.

Do you occasionally feel like impressing your friends and neighbours through neck cracking? Or do these sounds or crepitus occur on their own without you playing any active role in making them happen? Well, neck cracking can be both safe and dangerous, depending on the actual cause.

If you are consciously clicking the neck and it does not cause you any pain, you may not be in danger. But whereby the sound comes on its own, especially when accompanied by pain, you could be at risk. However, no matter the cause of the problem, the good news is that the problem has a cure and therefore, it should not cause you any fears. In this post, we shall be talking about neck cracking, its causes, whether the condition is good or bad, treatment, pain relief, and when to see a doctor.

What is neck cracking?

Neck cracking or ‘clicking neck’ is the audible sound which occurs when you tilt (lateral flexion) or rotate (turn) the head. Majority of the sounds are generated when the tight neck muscles cause the vertebrae (bones of the neck) to rub against each other when some movements are performed.

Apart from the cracking or clicking sound produced upon certain movement, the sufferer may be symptomless, meaning that there is usually no pain. But in some cases, the condition may lead to headache, upper back or neck pain, or swelling as a result of the continual spasms of the muscles.

Causes of Neck Cracking

Neck cracking is caused by several factors. We shall be taking a look at the various causes, one after the other.

Changes in pressure of the synovial joint fluid

There have been contradictory reports as to the actual cause of crepitus or popping that occurs with movement of the head. Several experiments were conducted by cracking the synovial joints of the fingers in order to determine the actual cause of the noise.

While a study result published in 1971 posited that the noise was created by bursting the gaseous bubbles in the synovial fluid of the joints, another study made in 2015 counteracted this opinion by saying that the clicking noise was from the bubble being created in the synovial fluid.

Herniated vertebral disc

Another possible cause of the popping or grinding sound is when two neighboring bones of the spine (vertebrae) lie too close to each other and rub against themselves when there is movement. When there is poor lubrication of the joints and poor flexibility as seen in certain conditions, the articulating vertebral facets (the rubbing point of two vertebrae) could also produce the clicking sound.

Ligament or Tendon moving round the bone

One other possible cause of the crepitation or clicking sound on the neck is the snapping sound produced by ligaments and tendons as they rub over the bones in the course of movements. This happens mostly when there is enough force in the opposite direction (this can be from spasm of the muscles).

Bone on bone grinding

This is possible if one bone grinds against another one due to a worn-out cartilage. This is common in osteoarthritis, a condition which sets in as one gradually ages. The condition can also be aggravated by traumatic injuries like sports-related injury or whiplash.

Adhesions

When there are adhesions on the joint, it can lead to a clicking sound otherwise known as grating, when the head is turned or twisted (as a result of impairment of movement).

Cavitation

The thick synovial fluid which surrounds the seven joints of the neck lubricates the bones and makes movement easier and free. The fluid is made up of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases capable of forming bubbles. Pressure within the bubble can increase as a result of movement, leading to popping or bursting of the bubbles. This is heard as cracking sound and is one of the major reasons why there is neck cracking.

When undergoing chiropractic adjustment, the cracking sound is produced due to a temporary vacuum created within the joint, which eventually collapses to create the clicking sound.

Neck Muscle Spasm

Spasms of the neck muscles contribute in no small measure to clicking neck. Spasms lead to involuntary movement and stiffening of the muscles of the neck, especially the Sternocleidomastoid and the Trapezius (muscle of the back) thereby leading to a cracking sound as one tries to move the head in certain directions. The different causes of neck muscle spasm include:

Whiplash

When there is a trauma to the muscles of the neck (as seen in whiplash injury), the muscles go into spasm, leading to a pull on the cervical vertebrae (bones of the neck) thereby causing an abnormal curvature of the cervical vertebrae (a condition known as Lordosis).

Poor posture

Stooping over a desk and hunching when sitting or walking can lead to neck muscle spasm especially when done for a long period. Adopting a bad position when sleeping (like sleeping on an uneven surface or sleeping on too many pillows) can also cause spasm of the muscles of the neck.

Dehydration

Excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes such as calcium and magnesium can also bring about spasm of the muscles. This may continue until the deficiency and the electrolyte imbalance are corrected.

Muscle strain

Excessive strain or overexertion of the muscles especially when you exercise without first stretching the muscles before the workout can lead to neck muscle spasm and consequently to neck cracking. Excessive exercise of the muscle may give rise to reduced oxygen and a build-up of lactic acid in the muscle. These factors combine to reduce the muscles ability to stretch properly and relax.

Stress

Psychological stress sometimes causes cramping of the muscles of the neck. This has been linked to the propping up of the shoulders during periods of anxiety and psychological stress. With prolonged psychological stress, the muscles experience some cramping.

Is Cracking neck good or bad?

Cracking neck is simply a situation where you experience some popping sound as you roll your neck after sitting in the same position for a long time. Those who crack their necks do so mainly to relieve the stiffness in the neck joints.
It is a bad and risky practice to crack your neck. This is because the practice can cause further damage to the muscles that are already overstretched from whiplash injury, for example.

Cracking the neck repeatedly can also produce more stiffness and pain on the neck rather than creating the relief you seek. With the stiffness and pain, movement could be further restricted on the neck.

Besides, for those below the age of 60 years, repeated cracking can cause some blood vessels to rupture and produce a blood clot which eventually hinders adequate supply of blood to the brain. This can lead to stroke. However, if the cracking is occasional and unforced, the possibility of complications is minimal and remote.

In a nutshell, neck cracking can result in neck pain, headache, stroke, joint degeneration or osteoarthritis, and some other problems. Therefore, it is not advisable to crack your neck for any reason.

Treatment

Neck cracking can be treated in various ways, including treating the underlying cause of the problem. In the light of the foregoing, the problem can be treated in the following ways:

See an osteopath or a chiropractor

Seeing a spinal doctor who specializes in establishing the normal motion of the neck and putting the neck back to it normal function is a good place to start. Adjustment (manual manipulation) of the joint would be performed to loosen those stiff muscles of the neck. The osteopath or chiropractor may even apply the traction or massage techniques in relieving the problem.

Acupuncture

This involves relieving the pain, tension and swelling in the muscle by sticking very thin needles into specific points of energy at the muscle/skin level. Acupuncture can be used as a primary or auxiliary management for the problem. This can be carried out by naturopaths, physicians, massage therapist, physical therapists or chiropractor. The acupuncture point that would provide the relief may be located at far away areas of the body, not necessarily on the neck.

Professional neck massage

Clicking neck can also be treated through professional neck massaging that helps to lessen spasm, minimize inflammation and promote muscle relaxation. Such result can be achieved by massaging the deep tissues of the neck to handle the original muscle strain that could have resulted from whiplash, sports injury, etc.

Change your work

Neck cracking sometimes results from minor injuries from physical activities or repetitive motions in the course of work. You can make a few adjustments in your work environment if it is contributing to your problem. If the position of your computer is making you strain your neck, change its position to a friendlier one. However, if your job is such that you can’t change the environment, suggest to your supervisor to move you to another environment that is free from the same challenges.

Reappraise your sleeping position

Your sleeping position could be responsible for the strain on your neck. Sleeping on an excessively hard/high pillow or extremely soft mattress could cause a strain on your neck and upper back. If these are responsible, readjust them. Try an orthopaedic pillow or mattress that keeps your body on a straight alignment.

Use a neck collar

When the stiffness becomes uncomfortable, then there is the need to consider using a neck collar especially if there is spondylosis. This will help to minimize unnecessary movement of the affected muscles and reduce pains and further degeneration of the joints.

Exercise

Some forms of exercise are helpful in treating this condition. Since the pain is usually caused by neck muscle spasm, you have to apply an exercise that assists in reducing or easing the spasm. Bend your head forward and allow your chin to touch your chest. This will help to stretch the muscles of the back of the neck and also strengthen the neck. In addition, bend your head sideways to help in easing the strain on the neck muscles. Do the exercises up to 2 to 3 times daily.

Joint movement

Since joint stiffness contributes to clicking neck, a gentle range-of-motion exercise can help release the stiff muscles and reduce pain and improve free movement. Stretch your neck muscles gently to ease the tension in the muscles of the neck. Exercise the weak muscles in order to increase the supply of blood to the area and reduce pain.

Neck Cracking and Headache

Neck cracking can sometimes lead to a nasty headache. While some people believe that cracking is a way of relieving the tension built up in the neck joint, it is good to understand that cracking itself builds up pressure in the neck joint. Occasionally, as you try to crack your neck you get the muscles overstretched and injured. This can manifest with headache.

Besides, cracking can lead to trapping of nerves around the neck. When this happens, you are sure to receive a warning that something has gone wrong. This comes in form of severe headache.

Pain relief for neck cracking

The pain that comes with neck cracking can be relieved in any of these ways:

• Warm fomentation: Applying warmth with a hot water bottle or heat bag can help in relieving the pain caused by muscle spasm, by improving blood supply to the area and causing the muscles to relax.
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: These are potent drugs that perform two major functions of reducing inflammation/swelling and relieving pain. Examples include Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Indomethacin, Piroxicam and Diclofenac.
• Icepack: Applying icepacks can also help in controlling inflammation and relieving pain in the affected muscles of the neck. Make sure to wrap the icepack in a towel before applying it to the neck to prevent burns.

When to see a doctor?

Not all cases of neck cracking require the attention of the doctor. But you must consider seeing the doctor immediately if you have the following:

• Neck pain with swelling: The presence of pain and swelling could be an indication that you could be having osteoarthritis or other forms of inflammatory process going on in the joint. This needs to be investigated by your doctor and the proper treatment commenced.
• Accompanying symptoms: Neck cracking that is accompanied by headache, swollen glands or fever needs to be investigated by your doctor so that appropriate care can be given.
• Recent surgery: Periodically new cracking sounds may show up in the neck weeks after undergoing surgery. This can be normal in some cases and shouldn’t be a cause for concern. However, your surgeon needs to be aware of this development in case there is something serious that has to be taken care of.
• Recent injury or accident: Neck cracking sounds could also show up after an injury or trauma such as sports injury, a fall, road traffic accident, etc. This can be a pointer to the fact that there is a structural change that needs to be handled by a professional doctor.
• Constant or frequent crepitus: If the crepitus on the joint becomes constant or occurs regularly with almost every movement, then you must see the doctor who would investigate if there is any functional problem at the joint.

Other reasons why you should see the doctor include:

• Pain that comes out of nowhere
• Weakness or numbness in the neck
• Inability to bend the neck forward
• Pain radiates to your extremities
• Pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Inability to move your hands or arms.

Conclusion

Neck cracking should not be seen as a solution to stiff or painful neck muscles. If you are ever tempted to crack your neck, you must be sure that it does not pose any health danger to you and that it is done under the supervision of a professional doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist or naturopath.

However, if you have a cracking sound in your neck that needs attending to at home, the tips we have presented in this post will help relieve your problem without posing any danger to your life. But if the suggestions fail to address your problem, see the doctor for further investigation and appropriate management of the condition.

Definition of Menometrorrhagia

This medical condition occurs when a women experiences abnormal uterine bleeding, which is a broad term that is used to identify any form of blood discharge from their uterus. It occurs in up to twenty-four percent of women between the ages of forty and fifty-five. There are two classifications of menometrorrhagia, which are:

• Menorrhagia — this classification causes abnormally, heavy, prolonged menstruation at regular levels
• Metrorrhagia — this classification is characterized by uterine bleeding that occurs at irregular intervals, normally between the anticipated dates of the menstrual periods.

Symptoms of Menometrorrhagia

• Unusually heavy flow
• Disrupted or irregular menstrual cycle
• Have the need to change tampons or pads every two hours or less and even more frequently when they use any devices designed for a heavy flow
• Their menstrual period may last longer than normal, which is normally seven days
• It is not uncommon to have spotting between periods, which can at times become quite heavy
• More than thirty-five days or less than twenty-one days between menstrual periods
• Constant aching around and in your lower abdomen during periods

If there is extreme blood, loss that causes anemia you may experience symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness
• Depression
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Numbness along with a tingling sensation in your fingers and toes
• Decrease in your body temperature
• Poor concentration

Causes of Menometrorrhagia

There are many possible causes of why a woman might experience menometrorrhagia.

• Tumor or other malignant growth
• Tubal pregnancies — this is when the fertilized egg is implanted somewhere other than the main cavity of your uterus. It is also called an ectopic pregnancy
• Uterine fibroids — these are benign, or non-cancerous, tumors that form on the wall of the uterus that develop during the childbearing years
• Endometriosis — this a chronic, and painful, medical condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus attaches itself to areas outside the uterus and creates lesions.
• Hormone imbalances
• Miscarriage
• Major surgery
• Severe trauma to the uterus or surround area
• Hormonal imbalance in the hormones progesterone and estrogen that could result in an excessive production of endometrium, which is the mucus membrane lining your uterus.
• Dysfunction of your ovaries — sometimes during menstruation the production of progesterone is held back due to lack of ovulation. It is also another reason for a hormonal imbalance
• Polyps — these are small benign, or non-cancerous, outgrowths on your uterine wall
• Adenomyosis — this medical condition is when your endometrium sometimes becomes embedded in your uterine muscle
• Intrauterine device (IUDP) — this is a non-hormonal device used for the purpose of birth control
• Cancer, such as uterine, ovarian, primary fallopian tube, cervical, and endometrial cancer
• Inherited bleeding disorders such as Von Willebrand’s Disease, which is a blood coagulation disorder
• Medications like the improper use of various medications including several hormone, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant medications.
• Thyroid problems
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) — an infection of your reproductive organs
• Liver diseases
• Kidney diseases
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Various stress-related disorders

Diagnosis

If you are experiencing any of the characteristics of menometrorrhagia, you should see your gynecologist for a full exam at which time they will usually take various samples for a laboratory analysis to see what is causing the abnormal bleeding. They would take biopsy samples from your uterus to check for cancer or lesions and blood samples to check your hormone levels. The gynecologist will also rule out pregnancy, including a tubal pregnancy and cancer by doing a pelvic exam, a gynecologic ultrasound, and a pregnancy test. During the pelvic examination, the gynecologist will look for any indication of a mass in the uterus or ovary. They will also do a complete medical history.

Menometrorrhagia Treatment

The exact treatment used will depend on the underlying cause. If it is not treated, menometrorrhagia can become a problem.

• A woman can become anemic if there is a very high rate of bleeding
• If it is caused by cancer, it could become deadly.

If you do not have a history of problematic or irregularity menstrual cycles you should see your gynecologist to find out the cause. If they find your hormonal levels are unbalanced the gynecologist may prescribe birth control pills to help lighten the flow and regulate your menstrual cycles. For at least ten days of each of your menstrual periods you may have to take oral progesterone to also help correct your hormonal imbalance. It is also possible that you may need surgery to correct the abnormal bleeding. If you have uterine fibroids they may do surgery to remove them. This type of surgery is called a myomectomy. As a last resort, in extreme cases you may need to have a hysterectomy.

If it is diagnosed that you have anemia you will normally be given a prescription for an iron supplement. You may also be given this supplement if you just have a low iron level. In addition, to help reduce the menstrual flow your gynecologist may have you take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen. They can also help with menstrual cramps. If you are using a non-hormonal intrauterine device for birth control you may be switched to a hormonal intrauterine device instead. When using a hormonal intrauterine device it helps to relieve cramping and reduces the menstrual bleeding by releasing a type of progestin called levonorgestrel, which will assist in the thinning of your uterine lining.

Home remedies

Although you can do these things it is still advisable to see your gynecologist to find out the underlying cause so it can be treated.

• Drink two cups of rosehip tea daily to help reduce your heavy menstrual flow by increasing the intake of vitamin C and flavonoids
• Boil fresh parsley leaves in a cup of water, strain, and drink the liquid three times a day during the first three days of your menstrual cycle
• Fenugreek water can help to alleviate menstrual cramps and decrease the bleeding.

What does a Cyst behind Ear mean?

Generally speaking, a cyst is just a collection of dead cells that are observed in the form of a bulged area or lump and can appear anywhere on your body. The most common type of cyst found is called a sebaceous cyst, which can result from a collection of excess oil secreted by your oil glands or an accumulation of dead cells. Usually a cyst is not dangerous but there are times that they will require medical attention. A cyst can become dangerous if it affects your breasts or a major organ, if it ruptures, or grows particularly big. Even if they are benign, or non-cancerous, they can still cause problems. In addition to having a cyst behind ear they can also occur inside your ear, on your earlobe, or even in your ear canal.

Identifying cyst behind ear

There are many ways to identify if the bump behind your ear is a cyst but to be sure you should see your physician. Here are some ways that can help you identify cyst behind ear.

• The growth is very slow
• Many times it is painless but if becomes infected you may have pain that ranges from normal pain to severe pain
• It will usually go away on its own after a period of time
• It is generally a small soft skin lump
• You may also see a white fluid oozing from the cysts and sometimes there is keratin, which is a strong protein that is a major component in your hair, nails, and skin. If it is keratin that is oozing out of the cysts then it is known as a keratin cyst and can cause an earlobe cyst that is painful

Using your hand is one of the best ways to find the cyst behind ear.

What to Do and What Not To Do

When you have a cyst behind ear there are some things that you should and should not do.

Do:

• Remove any earrings, especially if the cyst is on your earlobe and the earring surrounds the cyst. The germs that may be on the earrings could penetrate into the cyst and make it worse.
• Wash your hair, which is very important if you have long hair or hair that can rub against the cyst behind ear. If you do not wash your hair the oil that is on your hair could work its way down to the cyst and cause more problems. It is recommended that if you have a cyst behind ear that you use a anti-dandruff shampoo to help clear out the pores.

Do Not:

• Pop the cysts as it can aggravate the cyst. It can also be very painful
• Apply any oily products to the skin behind your ear and around the cyst

Pictures of Cyst Behind Ear

Cyst behind ear Picture – Big hard lump behind ear lobe

Picture – cyst behind ear filled with pus

Picture – small painful sebaceous cyst behind ear

Causes of Cyst Behind Ear

Although the exact cause of a cyst behind ear is not known there are several possible reasons that you might develop one there.

• Excess oil is secreted by your oil glands
• Your body has a faster production of oil in your body
• Excess exposure to the cold environment
• Enlarged lymph node, which can be due to inflammation, cancer, or infection
• Hereditary
• Basal cell nevus syndrome, which is a rare genetic condition that affects your endocrine system, nervous system, skin, bones, and eyes
• Gardner’s syndrome, which is also a rare genetic condition that can cause non-cancerous growths
• Mastoiditis, which is infection of your mastoid bone due to an ear infection that is not treated. The infection develops in the bony protrusion behind your ear called your mastoid. This infection can cause a pus-filled cyst behind ear.
• Abscesses, which is when the area behind your ear becomes infected and as a result your body responds to the infection by trying to kill off the invading virus or bacteria. Your body will send white blood cells to the area and they begin to accumulate in the area. When this happens pus starts to develop. They can be painful and be warm to the touch
• Lymphadenopathy, which is when many infection-fighting cells build up in your lymph nodes causing them to swell.
• Acne vulgaris, which is a skin condition where your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells resulting in pimples, bumps, and cysts behind ears.
• Sebaceous, which is the most common type of cyst behind ear. This type is associated with acne and could be the result of a wound or skin infection. If you have this type of cyst behind ear it emits keratin protein that smells. They usually disappear on their own but if they are exposed to any type of infection they can abscess and cause inflammation and aggravated pain.

Treatment – How to get rid of Cyst Behind Ear

How the cyst behind ear is treated depends on what the underlying cause is.

Mastoiditis

This will be treated by an antibiotic prescription from your physician

Swollen lymph nodes

The treatment for this cause depends on what is causing your swollen lymph nodes. You will need to see your physician to find out the underlying cause in order to get the right treatment plan. If the cause is cancer early detection will help determine the success of your recovery.

Sebaceous cysts

If you see your physician for this type of cyst behind ear they can do light therapy to get rid of it. This is done by exposing the cyst to artificial or natural light. You may also have to take an oral antibiotic such as tetracycline or use a mild corticosteroid cream. At your physician’s office if the cyst behind ear is irritated or inflamed they may give you an injection of steroid medication into the cyst or the surrounding area. This will help to reduce any inflammation.

Surgical Treatment

If the condition of the cyst behind ear becomes complicated, your physician may recommend that you have surgery to remove the cyst. This is done you making the affected area of your ear numb. A small cut will be made over the cyst to allow the fluid to ooze out and once it is completely drained it will be cleaned and washed using an iodine solution. The empty space where the cyst behind ear was will be filled with antiseptic ribbon. If it was a large cyst you may need a few stitches. You will also have to change the dressing regularly to keep out the infection. Your physician will give you instructions on how to take care of this wound. The cure rate is one hundred percent.

Home Treatment

• Mastoiditis — in addition to the antibiotics you can treat it at home using a mixture of strained olive oil mixed with garlic oil that has been boiled for ten minutes. To make it use two cloves of garlic that has been peeled and two teaspoon of olive oil. When cooled put a couple of drops in the infected ear. After putting the drops in your ear lean to the side so the liquid does not immediately drain out of your ear. Leave it in five minutes and then you can drain it out onto a gauze pad or cotton ball. You can do this two times a day.
• Sebaceous cysts — you can take an over-the-counter pain medication if you are experiencing any pain. If you have itching with these cysts you can also take an oral antihistamine. You can also use a warm compress or heating pad on low on the cyst behind ear for fifteen to twenty minutes. The heat will help to melt the hard contents of the cysts so it can be reabsorbed by your body and cause the cyst to gradually shrink and heal. You can also use a topical lotion that has the ingredient aloe Vera and rub it on the sebaceous cyst.

One important thing that you must always remember to do is maintain good hygiene. Wash your hands with hot water and antibacterial soap before you touch the cyst behind ear to avoid passing any germs or infection into the cyst.

The iron infusion actually refers to the intravenous iron supplementation, which is recommended for people who are suffering from anemia. This method is often used in patients who cannot take oral iron supplements, the iron being delivered directly into the bloodstream (parenteral therapy).

Iron-deficiency anemia

The human body contains a number of minerals, with iron being one of the most important ones. Iron contributes to the formation of hemoglobin, the red blood cells being responsible for supplying the body and its organs with adequate quantities of oxygen.

When a person does not have sufficient quantities of iron in the body, this means that hemoglobin will also not be available in the right amount, which leads to the appearance of iron-deficiency anemia. This is indeed one of the most common forms of anemia that are diagnosed, having a wide range of causes: a diet that is poor in iron, medication (the iron deficiency appears as a side-effect of the medication, due to the fact that the body is prevented from absorbing the mineral in adequate quantities) and increased need for iron (such as it happens in pregnant women). One must not forget that blood loss can also be a cause of iron-deficiency anemia, as it happens in those who suffer from stomach ulcers or different types of cancer. In women, menstruation can lead to such problems as well.

Iron-deficiency anemia can cause a lot of symptoms, making the person feel tired all the time. It can lead to a pale skin, cause difficult breathing and a faster heartbeat. It can also cause headaches, make one more sensitive to cold and it can affect the immune system, increasing the risk for infection. Women, older people and those who take blood thinners are at risk for such health problems. The same goes for those who are suffering from kidney failure, being on dialysis or those who have an impaired mechanism of iron absorption.

The diagnosis of anemia is often made with the help of blood testing, highlighting the level of hemoglobin and iron. Anemia can be treated through a rich-iron diet, by taking oral iron supplements or through intravenous supplementation (iron infusion).

Who is suitable for the iron infusion?

As it was already mentioned, the iron infusion is considered as an alternative in patients who cannot take oral iron supplements. At the top of that list, you can find those who are suffering from stomach ulcers, with active bleeding at the level of the gastrointestinal tract. In such situations, the purpose of the treatment is to compensate for the blood loss as quickly as it is possible. The iron that is administered directly into the vein will be absorbed immediately, as opposed to the one administered through oral means.

In the situation that the patient suffers from inflammatory bowel disease, oral iron supplements are not recommended. This is because they can aggravate the symptoms that they already experience, such as the abdominal pain, accelerated intestinal transit and subsequent weight loss. The patients who suffer from kidney failure and are on dialysis can also benefit from iron infusion. The same goes for those who suffer from iron-deficiency anemia and they need to have a surgical intervention in the near future (the iron infusion is the quickest method to ensure the necessary amount of hemoglobin in the blood). Suffering from celiac disease or gluten intolerance makes you a candidate for iron infusion as well. Last, but not least, patients who suffer from different types of cancer qualify for this kind of treatment.

Iron Infusion Procedure

The iron is administered intravenously, which means directly into the bloodstream, through a vein. The procedure can be performed in a medical practice, clinic or hospital and it can last for a couple of hours, depending on the actual quantity that was prescribed in the first place. In general, several iron transfusions are necessary, in order for hemoglobin to reach its normal level.

In preparing for the iron infusion, the doctor will review the patient’s health history, discussing about potential allergies or sensitivities. The patient will have to reveal to the doctor whether she is pregnant or trying to get pregnant. The doctor might also ask about previous allergic reactions, which have appeared specifically to the iron infusion. The patient will have to provide information on pre-existing conditions, such as hemochromatosis or infectious conditions. A complete list of current medication will have to be provided as well.

It is worth mentioning that the iron infusion can cause an adverse reaction when it comes into contact with certain substances, such as: phytic acid, zinc, mycophenolic acid and minocycline. It is not necessary to discontinue the medication but an adjustment of the dosage might be required (in accordance to the specifications of the doctor).

It is possible that, before the actual administration of the iron infusion, the doctor might decide to inject a small dose. In this way, he/she will know for certain whether you can tolerate the iron or not. If no adverse reaction appears to the administered dosage, the doctor will increase the amount with each day, until complete tolerance is obtained. The careful administration of the iron infusion guarantees that there will be no side-effects or that these are going to be kept down to a minimum. In some cases, antihistamines are administered at the same time with the iron infusion, so as to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.

There are three types of preparations recommended for the iron infusion, meaning: iron dextran, iron sucrose and ferric gluconate. It is important to remember that both iron sucrose and ferric gluconate require for the dosage to be more frequent and spread over the course of several weeks. As for iron dextran, this presents an increased risk for allergic reactions. In the situation that the patient presents such a reaction, the doctor might decide to switch to another preparation.

Iron Infusion Side Effects

In the majority of the cases, the iron infusion only causes minimal side-effects. The patient might experience slight bloating at the level of the extremities, nausea and abdominal cramps. It is also possible to feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially when changing positions. Breathing problems, skin rashes and pain at the level of the chest are among the potential side-effects. In rare situations, the blood pressure might decrease or the patient experience an anaphylactic reaction. This is a severe allergic reaction to the recently-administered iron, with the patient having difficulties breathing and a severe rash over the entire body, with intense itchiness.

In some patients, it is possible that a brown discoloration or staining appears around the injection site. This appears as the iron leaks into the surrounding tissues. Unfortunately, this change might be permanent.

How to prepare for the iron infusion

Start your day with your regular breakfast, as there is no need to refrain from food for the iron infusion. You can also take your medication, provided you have talked to the doctor about the adjusted dosages. Unless complications arise, you can leave the center on your own and even drive your car. Prepare yourself to spend a couple of hours receiving the iron infusion, as the preparation is administered through a regular IV drip. In the situation that you experience any burning, swelling or pain at the level of the injection site, be sure to notify the staff about it (as you might be experiencing an allergic reaction to the iron infusion).

Is iron infusion an effective form of treatment for anemia?

First of all, the level of efficiency of the iron infusion depends on the severity of the anemia and on each individual patient. In general, it takes a certain period of time and several sessions, in order for the symptoms experienced by the patient to improve.

When people notice a lump on their gums, the first tendency is to worry. However, this modification does not necessarily equal a serious health problem. Instead of spending your time worrying about it, it is for the best to go to the doctor. A medical professional can make an accurate diagnosis, based on your symptoms. In many situations, the lump is caused by a bacterial infection or a dental abscess. If the problem is caused by an infection, it is for the best to visit the doctor as soon as it is possible. Left untreated, this infection can enter the bloodstream and lead to sepsis (generalized infection).

Symptoms of Lump on Gums

These are the most common symptoms that are associated with the lump at the level of the gums:

• Pus formation (infection)
• Pain or tenderness (sometimes the patients describe a throbbing sensation in the lump area)
• Inflammation
• Fever (suggestive of a more serious infection)

Pictures of Lump on Gums

Picture of Hard lump on gums

Picture of painful soft lump on gums

Picture of White lump on gums with pus

What Causes a Lump on Gums?

These are the most common causes that may lead to the appearance of such a lump at the level of the gums:

• Gum irritation
  • Common in people who grind their teeth
  • Repeated friction leads to such problems
  • Irritation can appear as the response of the immune system (form of protection)
• Canker sore
  • Often caused by a spicy diet
  • May also be seen because of infectious factors
  • White, pink or red in color
  • The lump is painful upon touch (with the tongue)
• Gingivitis
  • Inflammation of the gums
  • The gum tissue presents one or more lumps (progressive condition)
  • Often found in association with bacterial overgrowth
  • Can lead to tooth loss if left untreated
• Dental problems
  • Most common – tooth abscess
  • Pus forms at the level of the gum, leading to the appearance of the lump
  • Because of the infection, the gum suffers from an inflammation process (more prominent lump)
• Dental treatments
  • Most common – dental extraction
  • Lump can be represented by the blood clot resulting from the hemorrhage, caused by the actual dental extraction
  • The lump can also appear because the gum was irritated, as the result of the dental extraction
• Other causes
  • Oral cancer
  • Local trauma or injury
  • Hormonal changes (pregnancy).

Diagnosis

These are the most common methods for diagnosing the type of lump that is present at the level of the gums:

• Medical history of the patient
  • When did the lump appear for the first time
  • Other symptoms (bleeding gums, inflammation)
  • Similar problems in the past
  • Family medical history (risk of oral cancer)
  • Chronic smoker or not (smoking – higher incidence of gingivitis and other dental problems)
• Dental examination
  • Identification of tooth abscess
• Imaging studies
  • Dental X-ray – confirm the type of lump (gum irritation, abscess etc.)
  • CT scan or MRI – performed in the situation that there is a suspicion of oral cancer (better visualization of the tissues)
• Biopsy
  • Often performed at the same time with the removal of the lump
  • Can confirm whether the removed tissue is of malignant or benign origin, guiding the doctor towards the right treatment measures.

Treatment for Lump on Gums

These are the treatments recommended for the lump at the level of the gums:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Recommended choices – naproxen, ibuprofen, acetaminophen
  • Oral administration
  • This medication should be administered with care in those who suffer from chronic liver disease
• Antibiotic treatment
  • Recommended in case of bacterial infection
  • May be administered before or after a dental treatment
  • The treatment has to be taken for as long as it is prescribed, otherwise the bacteria will become resistant to the respective antibiotic
  • During the treatment with antibiotics, it is recommended that one takes probiotic supplements, so as to maintain a healthy intestinal flora
• Surgical intervention
  • Often performed in the dental office
  • Most common – root canal
  • Also possible – tooth extraction or other surgical interventions (periodontal surgery)
  • Surgical removal of lump – recommended when there is a suspicion of oral cancer (the biopsy will be performed at the same time with the removal).
• Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy
  • Recommended in patients who have been diagnosed with oral cancer
  • May be performed before or after the surgical intervention, so as to increase the chances for survival.

Home remedies

These are the most common home remedies recommended for such problems:

• Saline solution
  • Salt water rinse – disinfecting properties
  • Also brings the necessary pain relief, especially in combination with clove oil
• Mouthwash
  • Antiseptic and antibacterial properties
  • Can be also used for prophylactic measures.

When should you consider going to the doctor?

In the situation that the lump at the level of the gums prevents you from properly chewing or speaking, you need to go the doctor. The same goes for the situation in which you experience intense pain and inflammation at the level of the jaw, as you might be suffering from a serious infection. Other signs that you make you consider a visit to the doctor include bad breath, bleeding at the level of the gums or fever.

How to Prevent of Lump on Gums?

As you have probably understood, often times the lump at the level of the gums is caused by dental problems. You can prevent such matters by maintaining an excellent oral hygiene. That means you have to brush and floss on a daily basis, not to mention visit the dentist on a regular basis (every six months). Keep in mind that, when it comes to dental problems, it is far easier to prevent than treat.

You should also think about the type of toothbrush that you use, avoiding those that have an irritating effect on the gums. Electric toothbrushes are more recommended, as they guarantee a thorough cleaning of the teeth, without irritating the gums. Also, it is important to change the toothbrush regularly, so to prevent getting an infection from your own toothbrush. Do not cover your toothbrush or keep it in a container, as the excess humidity will only promote bacterial overgrowth.

In regard to risk factors, be sure to quit smoking, as this is one of the most common habits associated with a high incidence of gum disease. It is a known fact that chronic smokers suffer from inflamed and bleeding gums, so be sure to quit this habit as soon as it is possible. Apart from the dental problems that smoking can cause, it also increases the risk for oral cancer, so be sure to keep that in mind.

Having a painful pimple can cause a lot of discomfort, not to mention concerns about one’s physical appearance. In the majority of the situations, the painful pimple is the direct result of clogged pores, to which bacteria overgrowth is added. Apart from the actual pain, it is possible to present other symptoms, such as itchiness. As acne has become a common problem, it should come as no surprise that there are many treatments available, with oral and topical administration. Apart from that, one can try out a number of natural remedies for the painful pimple.

Signs and Symptoms of a Painful Pimple

These are the signs and symptoms associated with a painful pimple:

• Pain – varies from mild to moderate; some people describe a throbbing or pulsating sensation (suggestive of infection)
• Tenderness upon touch
• Inflammation surrounding the area of the pimple
• Because of the inflammation, the area appears red in color
• Whitehead visible in the center of the pimple
• Pressure sensation (as the pus collects to the surface of the skin)
• Purulent discharge (if the pimple breaks or gets broken)
• Blood discharge (may be mixed with the pus)
• Crust formation (sign that the pimple is healing).

Natural Remedies for Painful Pimple

These are the most recommended natural remedies for the painful pimples:

• Tea tree oil
  • Natural remedy for acne
  • Can be applied as such or introduced as ingredient of a clay mask
  • Best results – when left overnight
• Apple cider vinegar
  • Best results – diluted in lukewarm water
  • Can be used as such but only in a small quantity
  • Can be applied over the pimple with a Q-tip
  • Rinse with warm water to clear the skin of the vinegar
• Lemon juice
  • Recommended – freshly-squeezed lemon juice
  • Apply it directly to the painful pimple and leave it on for a couple of minutes
  • Best to be applied during the night
  • When you have applied the lemon juice on the face, refrain from going out (lemon juice can increase the sensitivity of the skin to the UV rays)
• Green tea
  • Recommended – green tea ice cube
  • Apply it directly to the painful pimple (anti-inflammatory effect)
  • Also has antimicrobial properties
• Tomato juice
  • Recommended – tomato slice applied directly to the painful pimple
  • Astringent properties
  • Number of applications – two per day
• Garlic
  • Antibacterial properties
  • Best application – garlic juice
  • Rinse with warm water after the garlic juice application
• Aloe vera
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Can also speed the healing process, reducing the pain caused by the pimple
  • Best application – fresh aloe vera gel (store-bought gel also available)
• Honey + cinnamon
  • Honey – anti-bacterial properties
  • Cinnamon – anti-inflammatory properties
  • Best results – left overnight
  • In the morning, rinse the honey and cinnamon mixture with warm water
• Yoghurt + oatmeal
  • Soothing effect on the painful pimple area
  • Reduces both the pain and inflammation caused by acne
  • Natural exfoliating effect
  • Unclogs the pores
  • The application should be maintained for about half an hour and then rinsed with lukewarm water.
• Milk
  • Main benefit – unclogs pores (contains alpha hydroxy acids)
  • Smooth skin
  • Recommended to be applied with a cotton ball
• Epsom salt
  • Anti-inflammatory properties
  • Can bring relief from the pain associated with the pimple
  • Recommended – Epsom salt diluted in warm water
  • Applied with the help of a cotton ball
  • Recommended to be applied two or three times per day
  • A thorough rinse with warm water is required after the application
• Alcohol rub
  • Disinfectant properties
  • Soothing effect in the area of the painful pimple
  • May also help to unclog the blocked pores
  • Anti-inflammatory properties as well
  • Lukewarm water should be used to clean the face after the application

Pictures of Painful Pimple

Self-care measures

An efficient beauty routine can help you escape the painful pimple and also to prevent such problems. As such problems are often present at the level of the face, it is recommended that you wash it with lukewarm water and a mild, antibacterial soap. There are also special skin care products that are recommended for the oily skin, helping you prevent the excess buildup of sebum. Refrain from scrubbing your face too often, as this will only cause redness and expose your face to the risk of bacterial infection.

A cleansing cream is a must have element, especially if you have painful pimples on a regular basis. It is recommended that you choose one that contains active ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. And if you want the best results, make sure that you apply a warm compress to the face before actually applying the cream. In this way, you can be sure that the pores are open and that the cream will work its magic.

Treatment

These are the recommended treatments for the painful pimple:

• Antibiotics
  • Topical/oral administration (depending on the severity of the acne)
  • If prescribed orally, the antibiotics have to be taken for as long as they prescribed, otherwise the bacteria will develop resistance to the treatment
  • Probiotic supplements are administered at the same time with the antibiotic treatment, so as to maintain a healthy intestinal flora
• Isotretinoin
  • Main ingredient – vitamin A
  • Efficient treatment for acne (topical administration)
• Corticosteroids
  • Form of administration – corticosteroid injections
  • Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
  • Faster healing period for the pimple
  • Cannot be administered for prolonged periods of time, due to the negative side-effects over one’s health.

When should you consider going to the doctor?

You should consider going to the doctor in the situation that the pimple becomes too painful, without the suggested natural remedies bringing any improvement. The dermatologist can suggest a proper treatment for the pimple, so as to guarantee a fast and efficient healing process, without any risk for secondary infections or scarring. Keep in mind that the dermatologist can also stop a pimple from progressing; however, in the situation that you present cysts at the level of the skin, the dermatologist can drain them, eliminating the infection from the respective area.

Have you ever felt like someone’s stabbing your face with an ice pick? What you had wasn’t just an ordinary headache; it’s likely you had a “Primary stabbing headache” otherwise known as ice pick headache. This kind of headache is enough to cause you an intense pain and make you entertain the fear of death in your mind. But not to worry, ice pack headache is not as dangerous as you think, and it can be easily handled.

A lot of the sufferers of this form of headache are confused because of the fact that the real causes are not understood. However, this post will shed light on the causes, signs and symptoms, and how to get rid of the problem.

What is an Ice Pick Headache?

Ice pick headaches are short, severe, stabbing headaches that can be extremely frightening. Generally, these headaches only last for between 5 and 30 seconds during an attack. They normally come out of nowhere and can hit any part of your head, producing a feeling as if your head is being struck with an ice pick. The pain disappears as soon as possible, even before you realize what has just happened. Sometimes, it looks like the pain is occurring in or behind the ear.

Under the International Headache Society’s (HIS) criteria, the headache is officially known as “Primary Stabbing Headache”. The term “ice pick headache” has been used because it describes the headache better, though some other terms like jab and jolts, idiopathic stabbing headache, and ophthalmodynia periodica have all been used to describe it.

In some cases, ice pick headaches happen before or during an attack of migraine, though they are not a part of the migraine attack. They are known to occur in about 2% of the population, mostly in people with cluster headaches or migraine.

What does an Ice pick headache feel like?

Ice pick headaches can best be described as sharp, stabbing pains that occur as a single stab or succession of stabs, usually in the eye, orbit, parietal regions or temporal. Some sufferers have also described it as stabbing pain behind the ears. When the stabs occur, they usually stay for a few seconds, but they may recur several times a day, usually at irregular intervals.

Ice pick headaches are commoner in people who suffer from migraine. The headache is difficult to treat because of the way it comes and goes fast, before you can even consider taking anything for it. The headache can come alone or in company of migraine or cluster headaches.

People who have ice pick headache often describe it as “it looks like someone is stabbing their face with an ice pick”. The pain feels sharp and stabbing in nature. It does not last long but may sometimes recur several times.

Are ice pick headaches something to worry about?

Ice pick headache is not something to worry about as their attack is usually transient and may not even require any medication before it goes off. Since there are also no known severe symptoms that accompany the problem, there is no need to worry about it. The condition is usually not harmful and there are no known complications following attacks.

However, when the frequency of attacks becomes too much, then it should give you a cause for concern. Excessive attacks could be a signal to something more than what you are seeing on the surface. In that case, seeing a doctor would be advisable.

Ice pick headaches are first noticed in people between ages 45 and 50 years. It is usually not found in children. So, if you notice it quite earlier, that should be a cause of concern. Otherwise, it is not what you should really worry about.

Symptoms

It is difficult to associate ice pick headache with any other symptoms and signs as they normally occur alone without other known symptoms. Studies have also not been able to establish a link between them and any neurological disorder. The condition is not a symptom of something else but a diagnosis in itself. This is why it s difficult to pinpoint the symptoms.

However, here are the symptoms that enable you understand what ice pick headache is:

• Pain in the head occurring as a single stab or sequence of stabs
• Pain predominantly or exclusively felt around the eyes, orbit, parietal or temporal.
• Stabs that stay for a few seconds and come back again with frequencies that are not regular, varying from one to several of them daily.
• Pain has no other symptoms that come with it
• Headache is not attributable to any other known disorder.
• Swollen watery eyes
• Drooping eyelids
• Constriction of the pupil (on one eye or both)
• If the above describe your condition, then you are most likely to be suffering from ice pick headache or idiopathic stabbing headache.

Causes

The actual cause of ice pick headache is unknown, hence the name “Idiopathic stabbing headache”. However, doctors have tried to link the condition to certain problems. The main condition they have linked it with is head injury. It has been posited that head injury leads to an abnormal signal from the brain which eventually produces the stabbing headache. The mechanism behind this has not been fully understood.

Some doctors also think that ice pick headache is not caused by any injury; they simply conclude that the brain sends out an abnormal signal for unknown reasons, thereby causing the stabbing pain which the sufferer receives. Whatever be the case, there is a consensus that the brain is sending out an abnormal signal which gives rise to the pain.

Other suggested causes include cranial lesion, blood vessel disease, herpes, etc. However, it must be noted that none of the suggested causes has been scientifically proven to actually be the culprit. Ice pick headache is believed to be a diagnosis in itself; it is not the symptom of another disease condition or something more serious.

Triggering factors

Apart from brain injury which has been suspected to be the main cause of ophthalmodynia periodica, certain predisposing factors have also been implicated as triggers that bring about the attack. These triggers are not the actual cause of the problem, their presence only helps to activate the attacks. These triggers include:
Stress: Stress is generally known to trigger headaches or other health problems, through the release of the stress hormone that causes complex reactions in the body. This may explain how stress triggers ice pick headache.
Sudden movement: The way this triggers the attack is not quite clear.

How do I get rid of Ice pick headache?

Since some causes and triggering factors for this condition are known, it would be wise to handle those factors in order to put it under control. So, what do you do?

• Minimize stress: Since stress has been implicated or suspected to be a triggering factor, you should try as much as possible to reduce stress. You need to observe adequate rest and sleep. Adequate sleep for an adult is between 6 and 8 hours per night. Observing some rest means taking some time off your extra activities and schedules. Avoid working round the clock.
• Some even recommend practicing stress-relieving meditation techniques. Meditation brings relaxation and helps in getting rid of stress. If you understand how to do them and apply the right ones (there are different types of meditations), you are sure to get some relief from this monster.
• Exercise: Exercises help in relaxing the muscles, improving blood supply to the vital organs of the body, including the brain, and in reducing stress. Simple aerobics and other forms of exercises like walking, jogging, cycling, swimming and running can be of help in fighting the effects of stress and reducing the occurrences of ice pick headaches.
• Besides, yoga practices can also help to relieve the frequency and severity of ice pick headaches.
• Eat balanced diet: It is also suggested that eating healthy, balanced diets could go a long way at helping to put the condition under check. Junk foods are not good for the body and they usually put the body under stress as well. So, you must try as much as possible to avoid them. Eating the right quantity of diets with the right proportions of nutrients helps to work optimally and reduce any form of stress mounted against it.
• Indocin: The use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs like Indocin also helps in relieving the pain. Because of the mode of occurrence of this condition, taking treatments are a bit tricky and difficult. However, over-the-counter drugs like Indocin (Indomethacin) at just 12.5mg to be taken 2 to 3 times daily can help prevent frequent attacks or handle an ongoing attack. This drug must not be used on a regular basis because of some unpleasant side effects associated with it. Some of those side effects include heart burns, intestinal bleeding, impaired vision, stroke and renal problems.
• Melatonin: Melatonin is also believed to play a major role in managing ice pick headaches. Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the body for the regulation of sleep and also used as medication for insomnia (lack of sleep). Melatonin is a non-prescription medication which you can easily get over the counter. This should help to relieve the stress that comes with sleeplessness. But it has some side effects which you need to be careful of. The side effects include fatigue and dizziness.
• Antidepressants: Some antidepressants are thought to help in relieving the problems too. But a word of caution here: don’t go on any antidepressant drugs without first consulting with your doctor as their side effects could make something worse for you. Your doctor or psychiatrist should be able to determine what kind of antidepressant you should take if you really need them. Taking the wrong antidepressant could push you into some over-excitement. It’s really not too advisable to go on this; other recommended drugs have to be tried first before even giving it a consideration.
• See your doctor: Your doctor is in a better position to determine what type of headache you have, and the possible causes as well as the best treatment to adopt. It is possible your ice pick headache may be something more serious than you previously thought. Though not usually a serious condition, there is the need to see a doctor if the frequency and intensity of ice pick headache are getting worse than usual.

Note: It is not easy to determine what really works for ice pick headaches. While some advocate preventive management, others feel it is okay to take some over-the-counter drugs like the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory drugs whenever there is an attack. Unfortunately, both advices have their own limitations. For example, preventive measures would mean taking those non-prescription drugs like indomethacin for the purpose of preventing an attack. But such drug is known to pose a danger when used for a long time. Again, waiting to treat the condition when there is an attack, also mean that you may not be able to do anything as attacks usually disappear even before you go for your drugs.

However, as an individual, you should watch yourself properly to know what works for you and what does not. If your attacks occur at frequent intervals, then you should consider using the recommended painkillers

Conclusion

Ice pick headache or Primary stabbing headache is not quite common; it only affects just about 2% of the population. It should also not be a source of excessive worries since its attack is usually transient. However, if you have the condition, you can get relief by following the tips we have outlined in this post.

Observing adequate rest and sleep, minimizing stress, eating a balanced diet, taking some Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, and practicing yoga are a few advices we have provided. The tips we outlined in this post are known to work very well and you can try any of them to help solve your ice pick headache issue. But if you notice that none of the suggestions has worked for you, you must see your doctor for further investigations and management.

There are many people who present black spots on their lips, with the majority being displeased about this change in the physical appearance. However, not many people are aware that there are a number of factors that contribute to the appearance of these spots, such as the diet, medication or even lifestyle habits. Fortunately, it is possible to diminish these black spots, thanks a number of home remedies.

Causes of Black Spots on Lips

These are the most common causes that can contribute to the appearance of the black spots on lips:

• Vitamin/nutrient deficiency – vitamin B deficiency (most common)
• Hormonal imbalance – thyroid disorders (black spots – long-term effect)
• Expired lip care products – when the lip care products are used beyond their expiration date, they can have a harmful effect, leading to the appearance of black spots on the lips
• Inadequate dental fixtures – because of the constant pressure on the lips, black spots can appear
• Dry lips – when the lips become excessively dry, the skin on them has the tendency to break and bleed; when the bleeding stops and a clot forms, this can appear as a black spot on the lips
• Increased quantity of skin pigment – this condition is also known as hyperpigmentation and it can be reason why black spots appear at the level of the lips
• Neoplasm – in extremely rare cases, the black spots at the level of the lips can be a sign of cancer; those who work in the open outdoors present the highest risk for developing such problems, due to the constant sun exposure (especially at the level of the lower lip)
• Smoking – the nicotine that is contained in the cigarettes can stain not only the teeth but also the mouth, causing the appearance of black spots at the level of the lips (alcohol can have a similar effect, if consumed in excessive quantities)
• Iron – when iron is present in excessive quantities at the level of the body, it can cause black spots to appear on the lips
• Caffeine – the caffeine that is contained in coffee and other similar beverages, including tea, can stain both the teeth and the lips
• Bad habits – if you have grown accustomed to biting or licking your lips, you might cause them to become dry and bleed, with the small blood clots appearing as black spots on the skin.

How to Diagnose Black Spots on Lips?

In the majority of the cases, the diagnosis made by taking the medical history of the patient and also be performing a physical examination (with a dermoscope). In the situation that a suspicion is raised about a potential neoplastic growth, the doctor will perform a biopsy – a small sample will be taken from the respective area and analyzed into the lab, so as to determine whether it is a malign or benign growth. Often times, the biopsy is performed at the same time with the excision (if possible).

Natural Remedies to Remove Black Spots on Lips

These are the natural remedies you can consider for the black spots on lips:

• Lemon juice
  • Recommended because of its bleaching properties
  • It is indicated that freshly-squeezed lemon juice is applied to the lips, before going to bed, every night, until the results become noticeable (less visible spots)
• Apple cider vinegar/beetroot
  • Both of these two natural remedies are recommended because of their bleaching properties
  • They can eliminate the black spots that are present at the level of the lips, restoring their normal, healthy-looking appearance
• Glycerin + rose petals
  • Mixture with moisturizing effect
  • Recommended to be applied on the skin before going to bed
  • This natural remedy is especially recommended for smokers (diminish the black spots caused by nicotine).

Pictures of Black Spots on Lips

Picture 1 – Multiple black spots found on the lips

Picture 2 – Thick black/brown colored spots and patches on the lips

Self-care measures

These are the self-care measures that you can consider for such problems:

• Healthy diet
  • Adequate water intake, so as to prevent dehydration (no more dry lips)
  • No hot foods or drinks – can aggravate the already-existent black spots
  • No more tea or coffee (limited period of time) – they can exacerbate the spots on the lips
  • Reduced iron intake – watch out for both the supplements and the diet
  • Medication – it is for the best to check out the leaflet that comes with each drug, for potential side-effects; in the situation that the black spots appear as a side-effect of medication, it is recommended to switch it with another drug, one does not have such side-effects
• Vitamin C
  • Especially recommended for smokers
  • Vitamin C – essential role in the production of collagen, which helps the tissues of the skin to be replaced → no more black spots, healthy aspect of the lips
• Lipstick
  • Alternative for women – cover the black spots with lipstick, until they disappear or improve
  • Refrain from using old or expired lipstick, as this may be the source of your problem
• Chapstick
  • Ensures the necessary moisture for the lips
  • Should be especially used in the winter season, when the weather is extremely dry
  • It will also prevent you from biting or licking your lips (two favoring factors for chapped lips)
• Sun exposure
  • Avoid the prolonged and constant exposure to the sun, especially in the hot season and in the middle of the day
  • When going out, use lipstick with high SPF
  • Alternative – Vaseline petroleum oil (ensures the necessary moisture of the lips)
• Bad habits
  • No smoking
  • No alcohol abuse.

When you should consider going to the doctor?

In the situation that you have tried natural remedies and the black spots did not improve, you should consider going to the dermatologist. If you have noticed that the black spots are actually small lumps, you should definitely make an appointment to the doctor. Keep in mind that, in rare situations, these black spots can be signs of cancer. Skin cancer is very aggressive and it has a high mortality rate. The longer you delay going to the doctor, the further the skin cancer will progress and it might not be possible to treat it anymore.

How to get rid of Black Spots on Lips?

In the situation that the black spots do not go away with natural remedies, it is possible to remove them with the help of laser surgery. This type of intervention presents a number of risks, such as scarring. If the problem is caused by inadequate dental fixtures, a visit to the dentist is required, in order for these to be re-adjusted and properly fitted. In the situation that the black spots have turned out to be cancerous lesions, both chemotherapy and radiation therapy are recommended as treatment. If possible, the doctor will recommend the excision of the neoplastic growth, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy (in order to ensure that there are no more cancerous cells in the respective area).

Prognosis

In general, the prognosis is excellent, especially if the patient changes his/her habits and also avoids the above-mentioned risk factors. The prognosis is more reserved in the situation that the black spots are actually cancerous growths. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the higher the chance of survival is.

Angiolipoma can be defined as a benign subcutaneous tumor, being primarily composed of blood vessels and fat. According to the studies made on patients diagnosed with this condition, it seems that this condition can be inherited (5% of all the cases). Angiolipoma is more often diagnosed in people who are young.

In the medical world, this condition is also known as hemangiolipoma, fibro myolipoma or vascular lipoma. Depending on its characteristics, the soft tissue tumor can be classified into two main categories, meaning infiltrating and non-infiltrating.

Symptoms of Angiolipoma

It is possible that the angiolipoma does not cause any symptoms. In some patients, the growth can be tender to the touch. Due to the similar aspect with the lipoma, the diagnosis is often mistaken. The lesion is soft to the touch, having a similar color with the one of the skin and appears as a plaque or a nodule. As for its actual location, it is commonly found on the forearms, arms and trunk. Solitary growths are uncommon, as multiple growths are present in the majority of the people.

The growths are rather small in size, being in general under 2 cm in diameter. Apart from the above-mentioned areas, the angiolipoma is frequently encountered in the subcapsular area. The blood vessels that are part of the angiolipoma are actually capillaries and it is possible that small fibrin thrombi are also present.

Angiolipoma Diagnosis

As it was already mentioned above, the different diagnosis can be made with lipoma; however, due to the clinical resemblances, it can be quite hard to decide on the final diagnosis. The confirmation of the diagnosis is obtained through biopsy, showing the composition of blood vessels and fat, which is characteristic for angiolipoma.

Apart from the lipoma, the differential diagnosis can be made with any of the following conditions: Kaposi sarcoma, spindle cell hemangioendothelioma, angioleiomyoma and angiomyolipoma.

Imaging studies can be of use in confirming the diagnosis of angiolipoma, showing the mixture of fat cells and blood vessels. The MRI is generally performed with contrast, so as to highlight the prominent supply of blood. As for catheter angiography, this demonstrates the blood vessels that are part of the tumor as well.

Treatment for Angiolipoma

The standard treatment for angiolipoma is represented by the surgical intervention. However, given the fact that we are talking about a benign growth, the surgical intervention is recommended only in the situation that the patient experiences discomfort or is bothered by the aesthetic appearance. The surgical removal of angiolipomas is not difficult to perform and there are no complications associated to it. The only situation in which the surgical removal is difficult is if there are too many nodules that have to be cut. It is also considered that infiltrating angiolipomas are more difficult to be removed. However, in the situation that the angiolipoma has been successfully removed, there is no risk of recurrence. On the other hand, it is possible that new tumors appear, without any connection to the ones that already exist.

Pictures of Angiolipoma

Angiolipoma Pictures – How does Angiolipoma look like?

Epidural angiolipoma

The epidural angiolipoma is a distinct medical condition, having a similar composition as the rest of the angiolipomas (fat cells and blood vessels). However, epidural angiolipoma is more often diagnosed in women, especially in those who have reached the middle age. This benign tumor is characterized by gradual growth, with some of the most common symptoms including paraparesis and back pain (as the growth compresses the spinal cord). Sensory changes and exaggerated reflexes are highly likely to occur, particularly in the lower limbs.

This particular type of angiolipoma can be divided into infiltrating and non-infiltrating as well. However, the non-infiltrating angiolipomas are more commonly seen at the level of the epidural space. These are found in the thoracic region, more specifically in the dorsal part of the epidural space. On the other hand, the infiltrating angiolipomas are seen in the anterior part of the epidural space. Characteristic for this type of angiolipoma is the fact that it infiltrates not only the soft tissues but also the vertebrae in the area.

The diagnosis of epidural angiolipoma can be made with the help of imaging studies. On the CT scan, the components of epidural angiolipoma are revealed. The MRI can be used for similar purposes, demonstrating the prominent vascular supply of the benign growth. As for the differential diagnosis, this can be made with the following conditions: epidural metastases, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, epidural lipomatosis, Hirayama disease and spinal meningioma.

The treatment for the epidural angiolipoma is represented by the surgical resection. This is especially recommended for the tumors that fall in the non-infiltrating category. Epidural angiolipoma does not present any risk for malignant transformation. In some patients, for which the surgical removal would be mutilating, interferon therapy is used to reduce the size of the tumor. Once the tumor has been reduced in size, it can be more easily removed.

Prognosis

In the majority of the cases, it is possible to completely remove the benign growth, which guarantees the disappearance of the symptoms and, thus, an excellent prognosis. It is possible that some tumors are difficult to remove, especially if they have infiltrated into the adjoining tissues. The total resection of the tumor is especially important in the patients diagnosed with epidural angiolipoma, as this can guarantee the relief from the symptoms caused by the spinal cord compression. The fact that these tumors grow slowly is also one of the reasons why the prognosis is considered positive. Moreover, these tumors do not present any change for malignancy, which is another advantage.

In conclusion, even though this condition does not threaten life, it can have a negative impact on the quality of life. One must seek out medical advice as soon as possible, before the tumor grows even further. The doctor will perform the necessary investigations, in order to determine whether the tumor belongs to the infiltrating or to the non-infiltrating category. Once this has been established, the doctor can present you with all the information that you need to know on the surgical resection or with other therapy alternatives (such as interferon therapy).