What is Leukopenia?

Leukopenia is a medical condition in which the number of white cells in the blood decreases, the risk for infection being increased. Also known as leukocytopenia, this medical condition presents several sub-types, depending on the type of white blood cells that are affected. One of the most encountered sub-types is neutropenia, a medical condition in which the number of neutrophils (a sub-type of white blood cells) are decreased. The neutrophil count is a good indicator for the risk of infection, as these are among the most numerous white blood cells.

In order to understand a medical problem such as leukopenia, you have to understand that the white blood cells in the blood are guardians of the immune system. These leukocytes are produced in the bone marrow by hematopoietic stem cells and their presences in the blood stream is considerably reduced (as time frame) than the one of the red blood cells. The different types of white blood cells are: neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes.

Leukopenia Symptoms

These are the most common symptoms of leukopenia:

• Fatigue
• Increased risk of bacterial, viral or fungal infection
• General weakness
• Fever and abdominal pain in more serious cases
• Pneumonia
• Appearance of blood disorders
• Sleepiness
• Increase of heart rhythm
• Shortness of breath, especially after effort
• Menorrhagia
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Hot flashes
• Inflammation of the oral area – cheeks, lips, tongue, tonsils. This happens because the immune system is compromised.
• Inflammation of the stomach lining
• Ulcers

Leukopenia Causes

These are the most common causes of leukopenia:

• Medical conditions that interfere with the production or functioning of the bone marrow, as this is the place where white blood cells are produced
• Infections – viral, bacterial or fungal. It is a well known fact that infections of any sort will send the white blood cells into battle. Prolonged infections are equal to a decreased number of white blood cells in the bloodstream and a sure risk for secondary infections
• Autoimmune disorders – in this situation, the immune system attacks the body, producing antibodies. As the white blood cells are responsible for the immune system, you can certainly understand the connection between the two. For example, in the case of lupus, the body’s immune system attacks certain tissues and organs
• Congenital disorders – certain congenital disorders are accompanied by the lack of immunity. As the immune system does not function very well, there are few white blood cells fighting the possible infections
• Cancer – patients who suffer from different kinds of cancer need to undertake immune-suppressing therapies. This leaves them unprotected, as their white blood cell count is really low
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy – these are often applied in cases of cancer and they contribute to the direct suppression of the immune system
• Prolonged treatments with antibiotics or diuretics – these can harm the immune system, causing a decrease of the white blood cells
• Anemia – this is a vicious circle, as low white blood cells cause anemia and anemia causes low white blood cells.
• Vitamin deficiency – if the body does not have enough vitamins, then the whole immune system is compromised and at risk for infection
• HIV/AIDS – this is a medical condition in which the immune system is at its lowest point, with really low numbers of white blood cells
• Thyroid disorders – hyperthyroidism. Hormonal imbalances, including the increased production of thyroid hormones can lead to the white blood cells to be reduced in number.
• Leukemia – as this is bone marrow cancer, the cancerous growth destroys the site where the white blood cells are produced and the immune system is 100% compromised.
• Infectious parasitic diseases – any parasite present on the body will be perceived by the body as an intruder and the immune system will work really hard to get rid of it, a lot of white blood cells being killed on the way.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – this is a systemic inflammatory disorder, with a clear influence over the immune system.
• Hypersplenism – this is a particular medical situation, in which the spleen is overactive and it basically kills the white blood cells.

Diagnosis

There are three basic methods for the diagnosis of leukopenia:

• Complete blood count – this is the easiest test in order to determine the number of white blood cells in the blood stream.
• Flow cytometry – this is an additional diagnosis test besides the blood count, recommended in cases leukemia is suspected.
• Bone marrow biopsy – this is a more advanced diagnosis test, used when the results of the complete blood count are inconclusive.

Treatment for Leukopenia

These are the most common courses of treatment for leukopenia:

• Corticosteroids – these are recommended in order to increase the white blood count in the blood stream
• Traditional medicine treatments are known to increase the production of white blood cells in the blood as well
• If the leukopenia is caused by certain medication that you are taking, such as diuretics, make sure that you reduce the dose or stop taking the medication altogether. Talk to your doctor about the alternatives you might have to this treatment, so that your white blood cell count is not affected
• If the leukopenia is caused by vitamin deficiency, then be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Also, you can take vitamin supplements, from the B complex and folate, copper and zinc
• In case of a bacterial infection, make sure that you take antibiotics for as long as the doctor prescribes them. If you stop taking them, then the bacteria will only become more powerful and it will develop resistance of the treatment, thus keeping your white blood cells to the lowest level possible
• Anti-fungal medication, administered orally and topically, is recommended for fungal infections
• Anti-viral medication in indicated in situations of viral infections
• Cytokine therapy can help to increase the white blood cell count

What are Fordyce spots?

Also known as Fordyce granules or Sebaceous Prominence, the Fordyce spots that appear on the lips are actually tiny and visible sebaceous glands. They were described by John Addison Fordyce, today bearing his name. These spots can sometimes take the form of bumps, being small and of different colors, including, pale red, yellow white or the color of the skin. It is important to understand that the appear on the vermilion border to the lip, meaning where the actual lip tissue (more colored) is separated from the rest of the face.

There is no gender prevalence, as this condition is common in both males and females. The only concern is cosmetic, as there are many people who are not satisfied with the way Fordyce spots modify their appearance. This is not a condition associated with a medical disease or illness and the most important thing is that it is not infectious, thus not contagious. Plus, it is painless, so you do not have to worry about suffering from upsetting symptoms.

What causes Fordyce spots on lips?

The exact cause that leads to the appearance of Fordyce spots on lips has yet to be identified. However, it seems that this condition is more frequent in people who have skin problems (increased production of sebum, for example, with greasy skin), rheumatoid disorders (including rheumatoid arthritis) and different types of cancer (colorectal cancer for example). Some studies have incriminated a genetic link in the appearance of Fordyce spots on lips.

The general mechanism of appearance is as it follows. Normally, any sebaceous gland will secret its sebum (natural oil for skin protection) into a hair follicle. However, these glands lack the hair follicles they need and the sebum gets easily trapped, causing these spots to appear on the lips.

Treatment

When it comes to the actual treatment of Fordyce spots on lips, there are many doctors who recommend against it, as they consider it to be a normal physiological phenomenon. However, there are several courses of treatment that can be undertaken in order to solve the cosmetic concern of Fordyce spots on lips:

• Electro-dessication – this is a form of laser therapy and it can make Fordyce spots on lips less visible
• Pulsed dye laser – this is a new form of laser therapy but the studies in which the efficiency of the treatment has been attested have yet to be conclusive
• Micro-punch technique – this new form of therapy has shown the most promising results, in both functional and cosmetic terms
• In case of inflammation of these sebaceous glands, topical treatments with clindamycin are recommended
• In case surgical excision is recommended, you should know there is absolutely no risk for recurrence
• Bichloracetic acid has also shown promising results when it comes to making these spots less visible
• Photodynamic therapy is indicated as well
• Chemical peels
• Oral isotretinoin – these will reduce the visibility of Fordyce spots on lips
• Liquid nitrogen freezing (cryotherapy) – there are several risks associated with using this particular treatment for this condition, including the risk of scarring.

Removal of Fordyce Spots on Lips

As it was already mentioned above, there are two main opportunities when it comes to the actual removal of Fordyce spots on lips. These are:

Laser therapy – this is a minimally invasive procedure and it presents the lowest risk of scarring.
Surgical removal – the surgical removal guarantees that the Fordyce spots on lips are not going to appear again.

Home remedies

There are several home remedies and measures you can take when it comes to Fordyce spots on lips. These are:

• Including garlic in your diet, including in the form of juice, as it has anti-bacterial properties and it can prevent secondary infections
• Apple cider vinegar has been demonstrated to help with Fordyce spots that are present not only on the lips but on other parts of the body as well
• Jojoba oil is recommended in case of Fordyce spots on the lips, as it is guaranteed to hydrate the skin and make the spots less visible
• Use natural sage extracts as these are excellent for this condition
• Maintaining an excellent personal hygiene and using health care products that contain natural ingredients.
• Change your diet to include more vitamins. Vitamin A is really good for the skin and it can be found in any of the following: sweet potatoes, dried apricots, cantaloupe, lettuce, squash, carrots, chilli, red and cayenne pepper. Vitamin B is also good, being found in any of the following: avocado, broccoli, beans, potatoes, cereals, lentils, yogurt and wheat. Keep in mind that dark leafy vegetables, such as spinach, contain a lot of B vitamins and folic acid. You will also need to include foods that contain vitamin C, D, E and K into your diet and, if your diet is not enough, then you might want to consider dietary vitamin supplements, as these will help you with Fordyce spots on lips.

Are Fordyce spots on lips contagious?

Fordyce spots on lips are sebaceous glands that are visible to the naked eye. They are not associated with any infectious medical condition and they are not infectious themselves, as there is no infectious agent (bacterial, viral or fungal) associated to them. When a disease is not caused by an infectious agent, then that means it cannot be transmitted to other people. Fordyce spots on lips are not infectious and thus they are not contagious either.

However, proper hygiene is a must, as secondary infections can appear and these are often times caused by bacterial agents. The moment a person has Fordyce spots on lips and a bacterial infection in that area, that moment the person becomes contagious. And be sure to keep in mind that bacterial infections can be transmitted through the usage of personal objects as well, not just direct interaction. It is important to remember that the next time you want to use another person’s towel or even toothbrush. It’s not for nothing that these are objects of personal hygiene.

Pictures

Collection of pictures of fordyce spots on lips…

What is Eosinophilic Folliculitis?

Eosinophilic folliculitis is a skin disease, primarily characterized by skin rash, itchiness and frequent recurrences. Its exact cause has yet to be identified. This medical condition is also known as eosinophilic pustular folliculitis, sterile eosinophilic pustulosis or Ofuji disease. The name of the disease comes from the eosinophils, which are immune cells found around the hair follicles. A skin biopsy performed on a patient suspected to have eosinophilic folliculitis will reveal the presence of eosinophils around the hair follicles.

This medical condition is rare and it seems that it affects predominantly more males than females. There are several main types of eosinophilic folliculitis, each with its own set of particular characteristics. The first is the classic type, commonly found and diagnosed in patients from Japan. The second is encountered in patients who are infected with the HIV virus. The third appears only in small children and particularly in infants. The fourth appears in patients who suffer from different forms of cancer. The fifth appears as a direct result of certain medications.

What does eosinophilic folliculitis look like?

Eosinophilic Folliculitis

Affecting in general the upper part of the body, the lesions in eosinophilic folliculitis are represented by bumps or papules that are red and itchy. These lesions are centered on the follicle of the hair. Sometimes, they can have the color of the skin and they can take the shape of a dome. Most of the times, the lesions transform into pustules and they are easily confused with some form of acne or even other forms of folliculitis. The main areas where the lesions appear are on the face, scalp, neck and trunk. In rare cases, the lesions might be more extensive, the skin presenting large patches that are red and irritated. A patient might also present lesions on the palms and soles, but this happens only rarely and it is technically not folliculitis, because there are no hair follicles on those areas.

Symptoms of Eosinophilic Folliculitis

These are the most common symptoms of eosinophilic folliculitis:

• Skin lesions of different types: bumps, papules, pustules. These are sterile and centered on the hair follicle
• Lesions present on the upper part of the body, mainly on the face, scalp, neck and trunk
• The lesions are red or they can have the color of the skin
• Urticarial lesions appear in rare cases, with red and irritable patches of skin
• Itchiness is one of the most common symptoms, encountered in all forms
• Lesions on the palms and soles in rare cases
• In children, the scalp and especially the vertex are the most frequent areas affected
• The papules and pustules can have a diameter of between 20 and 50 mm in the classic form. The diameter is smaller, ranging from 1 to 3 mm, in patients who have been diagnosed with HIV infection
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation of the skin may also appear
• Internal organs are not affected
• Atypical cases, with urticarial lesions or lesions on the palms and soles, appear mostly in patients with HIV infections or small children (infants in particular).

Possible Causes

These are the most common causes of eosinophilic folliculitis:

• Immunodeficiency, such as HIV infection, Sezary syndrome, Hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome
• Prolonged cases of dermatitis, especially if there is a lot of itching and scratching involved
• Even though secondary infections of any kind (viral, bacterial or fungal) have not been found to be causes of this medical condition, one recent study has indicated that the hair follicle mite might be a culprit in its appearance
• Another study has shown that immune system changes can lead to the eosinophiles attacking the sebum producing glands
• Silicone breast augmentation
• Stem cell transplants
• Bone marrow transplants
• Allopurinol – this induces a generalized form of eosinophilic folliculitis.

How is eosinophilic folliculitis diagnosed?

This medical condition can be diagnosed by performing:

• Skin biopsy – this will identify the eosinophiles around the hair follicle
• Blood test – this will identify a rise of eosinophilic cells. However, this increase never reaches alarming levels. The same test will reveal an increase of IgE and a decrease of IgG and IgA
• In patients who suffer from an HIV infection – the levels of CD4 lymphocytes are decreased
• Clinical symptoms can also be used for the initial part of the assessment.

Treatment

These are most common courses of treatment, depending on the type of the eosinophilic folliculitis:

• HIV infected patients benefit from a reduction of the existent symptoms by receiving HAART (Highly active antiretroviral treatment)
• Anti-inflammatory medication can help reduce the inflammation.
• Antibiotics are recommended in cases of secondary bacterial infections, including oral Metronidazole.
• Oral antihistamines are indicated in case the lesions are accompanied by severe pruritus.
• Topical creams are especially recommended for patients who also suffer from HIV infections.
• Indomethacin – topical and oral administration.
• Naproxen has shown promising results.
• Anti-mite drugs, such as Permethrin, are recommended in case of hair follicle mites.
• Topical Tacrolimus can help as well. This treatment is recommended in order to suppress the response of the immune system and topical preparations seem to deliver the best results.
• Phototherapy – here there are two recommendations. The first is UVB light and it has shown promising results. The second is the UVA light but this is indicated to be used along with psoralen.
• Corticosteroids – topical and oral administration. These should not be administered for prolonged periods of time, as they can have serious side-effects.
• Calcineurin inhibitors – these are prescribed for various inflammatory conditions, reducing the response of the immune system.
• Colchicine – this is a drug often recommended for patients who suffer from gout, having a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. This is why it also works wonders on this medical condition.
• Retinoids – these should be taken only under the careful supervision of a doctor, as taken for prolonged periods of time, they can have serious side-effects.
• Itraconazole is recommended as anti-fungal medication.

Eosinophilic Folliculitis Pictures

Here are some of the pictures of Eosinophilic Folliculitis…

What are Throat Polyps?

Throat polyps are fleshy growths that appear in the throat, without being cancerous or associated with any particular diseases or illnesses. They usually form on the vocal chords and the causes for appearance are varied, with one common point: vocal abuse. More severe cases of throat polyps are also known as polypoid degeneration or Reinke’s edema. As it was already mentioned, these are benign growths and they appear after repeated vocal abuse, ranging from soft, swollen spots to larger growths.

According to the medical literature, throat polyps are more frequent in women in the 20-50 age category and they can take a number of forms, appearing on one or both vocal chords. Some of these throat polyps tend to be large and bulge, affecting a person’s ability to speak. They are common among adults and some can disappear on their own, without requiring any particular treatment. Others require medical treatment and, fortunately, they respond well to that said treatment. Any abnormal growth on the vocal cords can cause damage and this is why you need to seek out medical attention. Depending on the nature of the throat polyps, you might suffer from a wide range of voice disturbances.

What are the Symptoms of Throat polyps?

The symptoms of throat polyps depend on the type and extent of the vocal abuse, from one person to the other and they can take from several days to weeks to develop. These are the most common symptoms of throat polyps:

• The voice can be:
  • Hoarse
  • Breathy
  • Rough
  • Scratchy
  • Harsh
• Shooting pain from one part of the head to the other
• Lump sensation in the throat
• Neck pain
• Decrease in the range of the pitch
• The voice fatigues easily
• Loss of ability to speak

Possible Causes of Throat polyps

The main cause behind throat polyps is vocal abuse. Below, you will find the causes that can lead to vocal abuse and thus throat polyps:

• Long term vocal abuse as occupational hazard
• Single traumatic event to vocal chords
• Prolonged and excessive smoking
• Excessive alcohol and caffeine intake (dries out the throat and vocal chords)
• Thyroid problems (hypothyroidism)
• GERD and other digestive disorders
• Yelling
• Allergies
• Tense muscles
• Improper pitch
• Speaking excessively
• Singing
• Coaching
• Screaming or yelling at concerts
• Using voice excessively and loud while sick (for example, in case of laryngitis)
• Cheer-leading
• Loud talking

Pictures of Throat polyps

List of pictures of throat polyps…

Treatment

Depending on the number of throat polyps, their size and symptoms presented by the patient, the treatment might go in three directions: medical, surgical or behavioral. These are the most common courses of treatment undertaken not only for throat polyps but also for the vocal abuse that has led to their appearance in the first place:

• Surgical intervention – this is recommended in order to remove the polyps from the vocal chords. The recommendation for surgery is made when the throat polyps that are present on the vocal chords are either too large for other treatments or they have been there for too long a time
• Anti-acidic medication for GERD and other digestive disorders accompanied by acidic reflux
• Hormone therapy for thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism
• Anti-histamines for allergy problems
• Smoking cessation therapy for those who are addicted on nicotine
• Stress control therapy, as constant stress on the voice can also lead to the appearance of throat polyps
• Inhaled steroid sprays can help with the inflammation, reducing the lump sensation in the throat
• Behavioral intervention – perhaps this is the most important course of treatment that one can follow, besides the obvious surgical intervention. This is also known as voice therapy and it is often practiced with the help of an experienced speech language therapist. The voice therapy can help you with the following aspects:
  • Learn vocal hygiene that will help prevent the formation of throat polyps in the future
  • Reduce or stop certain behaviors that actually lead to vocal abuse and thus to the appearance of polyps in the throat
  • Voice treatment in case of improper pitch. The speech language therapist can teach patients to alter their pitch to a normal level, one that is not harmful to the vocal chords
  • Voice therapy for loud speakers
  • Breathing exercises for improved speaking (less straining on the vocal chords reduces the risks of throat polyps)
  • Stress reduction and relaxation techniques concentrated particularly on the voice
  • Singing without straining
  • Voice therapy after the throat polyps operation

As you can see for yourself, throat polyps can have a clear influence on the quality of your voice and sometimes they can even prevent you from speaking. If you experience any of the symptoms that were presented in this article, then do not hesitate to seek out medical attention as soon as you possibly can. You will see that two of the most popular choices of treatment are surgery and behavioral intervention or voice therapy as it will also known. Sometimes, the surgery is performed in order to remove the throat polyps and voice therapy is recommended during the recovery period.

The surgeon might also decide to perform a biopsy in order to determine whether the flesh growths are cancerous or not. However, it is a general known fact that throat polyps are not cancerous and the biopsy is used for the confirmation of a benign growth. The speech language therapist will work on all the things that were mentioned above and he or she might also recommend that you take a temporary pause from speaking (or especially yelling and singing), allowing the vocal chords to recover after the surgery.

Allowing yourself that pause will not only allow the chords to properly heal but it will also guarantee the prevention of future throat polyps. You need that pause and it might be in your best interest to follow the advice of the speech language therapist, as this person has dealt with such cases before.

What is Chlorine rash?

As the name actually suggests it, a chlorine rash is a type of rash that appears after a person has been exposed to chlorine. In the majority of the cases, the persons who complain of having developed skin rash have recently been to a swimming pool. The symptoms do not take too long to appear after a person has been exposed to chlorine but their intensity can vary tremendously from one person to the other.

Chlorine is a very strong chemical and it has intense oxidant properties. This is usually used in swimming pools but it is also found in various places as disinfectant, making an environment sterile and killing off bacteria. However, people can be extremely sensitive to chlorine, developing a wide range of symptoms. Not only can a person develop an allergy to chlorine but the symptoms can vary, until they are life threatening (in a bigger exposure). Also, you might want to remember that the chlorine is so powerful that it will practically eliminate the natural oils you have on your skin.

What does chlorine rash look like?

If the exposure to chlorine was reduced as a period of time or intensity, then the rash will be not so extensive or aggravated but present however on the skin, as small clustered bumps. Often times, the irritation will extend to the eyes, leaving them red and even swollen. A high level exposure, however, can lead to the skin presenting blisters, severe burns and even ulcerations. We are talking here about the kind of exposure that was of high intensity but also has lasted a certain period of time.

Symptoms of a Chlorine Rash

These are the most common symptoms of chlorine rash:

Eye irritation – the feeling is compared to the one of having sand in the eyes, plus the person will experience the constant need to scratch. More severe exposure can lead to conjunctivitis (allergic or chemical), with the following symptoms:

• Redness
• Tearing
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Vision problems

Other symptoms include:

• As the chlorine strips the body of its natural oils, it should come as no surprise that the skin will be dry and there will be quite a lot of itchiness. In many cases, the affected skin area will peel in the end.
• Coughing and sneezing, as the nasal receptors are trying to prevent the harmful substance from entering further into the respiratory tract.
• Increased exposure to chlorine can affect the digestive system as well. The person exposed to chlorine can vomit, have abdominal cramps, be nauseous and even have a burning sensation anywhere the digestive tract.
• Prolonged exposure to high doses of chlorine can lead to breathing problems and even chest pain, requiring immediate medical treatment.
• Chronic exposure to chlorine can lead to allergy problems (rhinitis or asthma, for example), irritation of the airways, hay fever and even inflammation of the bronchi.
• People who have constant contact with chlorine because of their occupation can suffer from any of the following symptoms:
  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Wheezing
  • Inflammation of the airways
  • Lung disease.

Causes of Chlorine rash

The main cause of chlorine rash is exposure to chlorine. This can happen in any of the following situations:

• Prolonged swimming in a swimming pool
• Spending an increased amount in water while visiting water park attractions
• Constant, daily relaxation in hot tub
• Occupational hazard:
  • Chlorination
  • Cleaning swimming pools
  • Bleaching industry
  • Water treatment industry
  • Chlorine production.

Treatment for Chlorine rash

These are the most common courses of treatment for chlorine rash. However, you should keep in mind that the best way to avoid getting a chlorine rash is staying out of swimming pools where the water is treated with chlorine. Let’s see the recommended treatments or chlorine rash:

• Corticosteroids – these are recommended to be used as a cream and they can really help not only with the itchiness but also with the inflammation
• Anti-itchiness ointments – these can contain a wide range of substances but the most recommended ones are the ones that contain menthol or camphor, as these can really calm the skin and bring to you the much needed relief
• Anti-bacterial soap – as it was already mentioned, after chlorine exposure, the skin is dry and depleted of its natural oils. When the skin is dry, it also presents a high risk for developing bacterial infections. This is why it is recommended to use anti-bacterial soap and take really good care of your skin
• In case of ocular irritation, there are special eye drops that can help with all the symptoms: itchiness, redness and swelling
• In case you have breathed in chlorine out of accident or because of prolonged exposure, no treatment will be necessary
• However, it might be a good idea to step out of the room in which you have breathed and out into fresh air
• Anti-histamines can help with allergic reactions to chlorine
• Anti-inflammatory medication can be recommended in case there is swelling associated with the rash

Remedies

There are certain remedies you can try out for yourself and they will certainly help. These are the most common at-home remedies for chlorine rash:

• Cold compresses applied to the affected area
• Vaseline – this is recommended to be applied before going into the swimming pool, as it will help to prevent chlorine from affecting your skin
• Taking a shower before and after entering into contact with chlorine can help to prevent chlorine rash from appearing
  Bathing in water to which baking soda has been added can reduce the itchiness and inflammation
• Fresh Aloe Vera applied to the skin can help with the symptoms of chlorine rash as well
• Vinegar applied to the skin area where the rash has developed is helpful
• A mixture of almond oil and sugar applied to the site of the chlorine rash can help to reduce the experienced itchiness

Pictures of Chlorine Rash

Here are some of the pictures collection of Chlorine Rash…

What is Phytophotodermatitis?

In order to understand what this disease is all about, we should start by explaining its name. ‘Phyto‘ means plant, ‘photo‘ means light and ‘dermatitis‘ is often an inflammatory skin condition, accompanied by a rash. In conclusion, this is a medical condition in which dermatitis appears under two conditions: contact with a plant and light exposure. Phytophotodermatitis is also known as Lime disease (not to be confused with Lyme disease), Berloque dermatitis or Margarita photodermatitis.

The underlying mechanism of this disease is a chemical reaction to a plant, this reaction making the skin to react to the light. Often times, it is confused with other skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis or chemical burns. The truth is that it is caused by the contact with different plants and vegetables, including parsnip and citrus fruits (limes especially). The reaction to the chemicals contained in the plant, vegetable or fruit is triggered when the skin is exposed to UV light. The interesting thing is that instead of affecting areas of skin exposed to the sun, it affects only the areas exposed to the light but that had come in contact with the chemicals in the first place. You will see it in runners, joggers, hikers, bicyclists and bartenders or chefs who handle a lot of citrus fruits.

Symptoms of Phytophotodermatitis

These are the most common symptoms of phytophotodermatitis:

• Inflammatory eruption on the skin that has come in contact with plant, vegetable or fruit chemicals. This eruption appears within one day of exposure but the peak will be after two or even three days
• Blisters and burning sensation can accompany the initial skin eruption
• Skin aspect typical to the one of sunburns
• The skin can present red and itchy patches, having a similar aspect to the one of eczema
• When the eruption heals, it can turn brown
• The skin can become discolored, this lasting for months
• As the eruption appears only on the skin areas where the toxins have reacted when exposed to UV light, unusual patterns can appear on the skin

Causes of Phytophotodermatitis

These are the most common plants, fruits and vegetables that can trigger a chemical reaction and lead to phytophotodermatitis:

• Wild parsnip
• Parsley
• Celery
• Hogweed
• Carrot and wild carrot
• Blister Bush (South African plant)
• Citrus fruits (lemon, lime, Bergamot orange)
• Fig
• Wild flowers
• Grass

Often times, phytophotodermatitis is mistaken for a case of poison ivy and, in children, it is often confused with child abuse because of its unusual aspect. The important thing to understand is that the reaction depends on several factors, including: amount of chemical substances that have reached the skin (often, through juice or sap), the amount of furocoumarins in the plant (chemical compounds commonly found in plants) and the amount of exposure to actual UV light.

Treatment

There are a series of treatments and cautionary methods you can take in order to help with this condition. These are:

• If you know that you have handled any of the above mentioned substances, then you can reduce your chances for phytophotodermatitis to appear by staying indoors. In some cases, the condition will not be prevented as UV light can pass through the windows but, at least, it will be less severe
• Topical and oral treatments are recommended in order to reduce the inflammation
• Bleaching creams are indicated for the areas on the skin where hyper-pigmentation has produced. They can bring the skin back to normal
• Proper hygiene can also be of help. If you handle any citrus fruits and especially limes, then be sure to thoroughly wash your hands
• In case you have to go into the woods or areas where there are wild flowers and plants, be sure to cover as much of your body as you possibly can. Also, make sure to properly wash the areas that are not covered, hands especially
• Avoid throwing wild plants and flowers into camp fires. When burning, the chemicals contained by those plants are eliminated into the air and they can easily reach the exposed skin
• Wet, cold compresses can reduce the inflammation and soothe the skin
• Anti-inflammatory medication, such as topical steroids, are recommended in the early eruptive phase, especially if there are blisters on the skin
• Use sunblock with high SPF factor

As you have seen for yourself, the most important thing when it comes to phytophotodermatitis is self care. There are medications that can help with the symptoms but, often times, this goes away gradually on its own, provided you take the necessary measures to help faster healing. Most of these measures are related to hygiene and some they are of common sense. Plus, you have the medication to help in cases that are more severe.

Phytophotodermatitis Pictures

Collection of some of the pictures of Phytophotodermatitis…

The diaphragm is the main muscle responsible for breathing, being the part of the body that separates two of the most important cavities of the body, the abdomen and the thorax. When we breathe air in, the diaphragm acts by decreasing the amount of pressure in the lungs and helping the rib cage to expand. Diaphragm pain can be a symptom for a wide range of medical problems and it often appears in patients who had have heart surgery. In many cases, the etiology of the disease that also causes diaphragm pain to appear is unknown. It has been stipulated that even an inefficient breathing pattern can cause diaphragm pain.

Causes of Diaphragm Pain

Diaphragm pain can appear as a symptom in any of the following medical conditions:

Anatomic defects

• Congenital – these appear at birth and, most of the time, their cause is unknown
• Acquired – these can appear after different types of injuries, traumas and as post-operative complications but they also have idiopathic etiologies in many cases

Innervation defects

• Stroke – in many cases, hemiparesis appears as a direct result of the stroke, causing one side of the diaphragm muscle to be paralyzed as well. The muscle part on the healthy side will have to work more and thus pain will be unavoidable.
• Disorders of the spinal cord – traumas, ALS, motor neuron disease they can all lead to diaphragmatic pain.
• Neuropathy of the phrenic nerve – the phrenic nerve is responsible for the innervation of the diaphragm. It can lead to severe diaphragmatic pain, especially if there is a tumor involved. Also, it might be important to add that the phrenic nerve can also be injured during different types of surgeries in the area.
• Myasthenia gravis – this is a medical condition in which the breathing capacity is severely impaired and diaphragm pain is an additional symptom.

Other Causes

• Muscular disorders
  • Muscular dystrophy
• Diseases of the connective tissues
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
• Neurologic disorders
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
  • Poliomyelitis
• Thyroid disorders
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Hypothyroidism
• Malnutrition
• Radiation therapy
• Infection
• Trauma – the diaphragmatic rupture is extremely painful and it can be accompanied by respiratory distress and even cardiac dysfunction, representing a serious medical emergency.
• Hiatal hernia
• Inefficient breathing pattern
• Chiropractic manipulation

Treatment

In order to solve the diaphragmatic pain, one must solve the underlying condition that has led to the symptom in the first place. These are the most common courses of treatment undertaken for different pathologies involving diaphragmatic pain:

• Surgery for congenital and acquired anatomical defects
• Neurologic medication and physical therapy for stroke
  • The neurologic medication is meant to guarantee the faster healing of the area where the stroke took place and one can also recommend medication for coronary artery disease, as this is sometimes the main cause behind strokes
  • Physical therapy will improve the range of mobility and will help the patient to learn new moving patterns, including when it comes to getting out of bed and, for later stages, walking
• Neurologic medication and physical therapy can also help disorders to the spinal cord. Occupational therapy is also recommended in order to teach people how to handle daily living activities
• Phrenic nerve pacing is recommended for phrenic nerve neuropathy. This is also known as supportive management and it involve the placement of a pacemaker in the diaphragm, in order to guide respiration and eliminate upsetting symptoms, such as diaphragm pain. The process is similar to the cardiac pacemaker
• Oxygen therapy and specific medication for myasthenia gravis
• Physical therapy, occupational therapy, orthotics and muscle relaxers are the best way to handle muscular dystrophy. In more severe cases, oxygen therapy might be required
• Anti-inflammatory medication for rheumatoid arthritis
• Specific medication, physical therapy and occupational therapy are recommended for neurologic disorders
• Hormone therapy is indicated for thyroid disorders
• Slow food intake and vitamin supplements are recommended for malnutrition
• Surgery for trauma
• Repair surgery for hiatal hernia
• Improved breathing with respiratory physical therapy

There are symptomatic treatments available for diaphragm pain as well:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Corticosteroids for more severe cases
• Morphine in case of severe diaphragm rupture

Diaphragm pain during pregnancy

In the late stages of pregnancy, you will most likely experience diaphragm pain, accompanied by a feeling of not having enough air to breathe. What happens is that your uterus expands to accompany the growing baby and thus it pushes the diaphragm out of its rightful place. As the diaphragm is the main muscle responsible for breathing, you can understand that by rising with 4 cm from its usual position, shortness of breath and pain will appear. The shortness of breath is caused by the rise of the diaphragmatic muscle, that also decreases lung capacity. Choosing comfortable positions and learning breathing techniques can help you deal with such matters.

Diaphragm pain due to coughing

There are many respiratory conditions in which coughing is a main symptom. In cases of chronic coughing, the diaphragm is under a lot of pressure, as it constricts with every coughing fit. A patient diagnosed with tuberculosis for example is bound to suffer from diaphragm pain, as the constant coughing keeps this breathing muscle into a continuous stress. Learning more effective breathing techniques from an experienced physical therapist can help reduce the frequency of coughing and also the pain experienced at the level of the diaphragm.

Diaphragm pain after eating

This often appears in cases of hiatal hernia. In such situations, what happens is that the stomach bulges up into the chest, causing diaphragm pain among other upsetting symptoms. Overweight people present an increased risk for such problems and this is why losing weight can be a good way to prevent diaphragmatic pain from appearing. However, the most common course of therapy recommended is surgery, through a minimal invasive laparoscopic procedure.

Diaphragm pain after running

Running is the kind of physical activity that requires not only a lot of effort but also a certain breathing capacity. If you are not properly trained and you do not perform a short warm up before the actual running, then you stand a very high chance to suffer from diaphragm pain. This happens because the diaphragm is also a muscle and it is also the one responsible for breathing. If you are not trained, the diaphragm will contract and contract trying to keep up with the rest of the body and all that stress will lead to pain. Warming before running and taking things slow will help. Also, you might want to learn effective breathing techniques during running as this will help to prevent diaphragm pain as well.

As you have seen for yourself, diaphragm pain can appear in a wide range of conditions and situations. Do not wait before it is too late and make sure to contact your doctor, in order to receive the proper treatment. And, if the diaphragm pain is associated with running or eating, make sure that you take a step in making a change. Sometimes, the smallest changes provide the biggest results.

What is Crepitus?

Crepitus represents the entire range of sounds that can come from under the skin and often time from the joints, whether we are talking about grating, crackling or popping. Crepitus is often accompanied by a moving or crackling sensation and it can also appear in the soft tissues, being caused by the abnormal presence of air in that tissue. It is important to understand that the air has penetrated an area where it should not normally be and that the sounds can come from the abnormal interaction between air, different types of fluid and one.

Affecting the joints in particular, crepitus can be of different types. It is known as bone crepitus when a person can hear and feel fracture fragments moving against each other, as joint crepitus when the sounds appear with the passive movement of the affected joint and as bursitis crepitus when there are loose particles in the bursa fluid. One can also encounter tenosynovitis crepitus and crepitus around the lungs, both being a sign of different pathologies. In the many situations of joint crepitus, the direct cause is inflammatory arthritis but different joint injuries can lead to its appearance as well.

Knee Crepitus

Symptoms of Knee Crepitus

These are the most common symptoms of knee crepitus:

• Pain, exacerbated by walking
• Occasional swelling
• Joint stiffness
• Soft sounds with the passive movement of the knee, accompanied by a crackling sensation when the knee is touched
• The flexion and extension of the knee lead to an uncomfortable grating sensation.

Causes of Knee Crepitus

Normally, air can build up in the area surrounding the joint, with tiny bubbles being found in the synovial fluid. When the knee is bent or extended, these bubbles can burst and crackling sounds can appear. However, there are certain medical pathologies in which knee crepitus can appear. These are:

• Inflammatory osteoarthritis, accompanied by damage to the cartilage and bone
• Knee joint injuries
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Infectious arthritis
• Traumatic tear of the meniscus (knee cartilage)
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome – this appears in cases when the knee has been strained or more seriously injured, the patient experiencing a dull ache behind the knee cap.

Treatment

These are the most common treatments for knee crepitus:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs for pain and inflammation
• Ice pack application can reduce swelling
• Braces are recommended to guarantee knee support
• Physical therapy programs are meant to strengthen muscles around the knee, reducing stiffness and increasing the mobility
• Surgery for joint replacement
• Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can help in case of arthritis

Crepitus in Neck

There are many situations, especially when we wake up in the morning and we hear certain sounds from our necks as we try to stretch. However, the crackling sounds in the neck can not only appear from stretching or forcefully popping our necks, but they can also be a sign of a medical problem. Plus, as they are close to the ears, you can hear them infinitely better than if it were, let’s say, the knee. This can have a serious effect on your quality of life, that is guaranteed.

Often times, the crepitus in neck is caused by degenerative joints or osteoarthritis as it is also known. Aside from the crackling sounds, you will also suffer from joint stiffness and pain. In order to prevent such upsetting symptoms, it might be for the best of use a neck brace for support and have a gentle massage that not only will relieve the pain but it will also increase your range of motion. The tension release massage is recommended as well as physical therapy, with gentle passive stretching exercise.

Crepitus in Shoulder

This is a condition affecting people who do a lot of office work and especially at the computer. The moment they roll their shoulders back, they will hear different types of sounds, including popping, clicking or cracking in the shoulder area. The symptoms might subside on their own but if they are accompanied by stiffness and pain, then a clear diagnosis and treatment will be more than necessary. The cracking sounds come from the shoulder joint and often times the main culprit is arthritis. In some situations, the sounds can come from the air that has built up in the joint area and this does not require any particular treatment.

Once the cause of the crepitus in shoulder has been identified, the next step will be to receive the proper treatment. Anti-inflammatory medication can help with the pain and the inflammation and it will allow you to pursue physical therapy. This will be perfect for strengthening the rotators cuff muscles, increasing your range of motion at the same time.

Crepitus in Joints

When a joint is not healthy anymore, because of various medical reasons or previous injuries, you will hear a wide range of sounds coming from it. These may resemble cracking, popping or even clicking and they will most often be accompanied by a wide range of symptoms, including pain, stiffness and limited range of movement. Identifying the exact cause that has led to the appearance of crepitus in joints is important, as it will allow the doctor to pursue the right course of treatment.

If the crepitus in joints is caused by a meniscus tear for example, then the next step will be arthroscopic surgery in order to repair and perhaps even replace that meniscus. After the surgery, physical therapy will be recommended as well. If the crepitus is caused by osteoarthritis, then you will be given anti-inflammatory medication for the symptoms and chondroitin supplements in order to repair that joint (what it can still be repaired). And, in case of crepitus caused by bursitis, the liquid will be extracted with a syringe and the fragments of joint will reabsorb themselves. If that does not happen, then you will also have to undergo arthroscopic surgery, for the removal of those tiny fragments.

What is Subscapularis Tear?

The subscapularis muscle is one of the four rotator cuff muscles, being the largest and strongest one of the group. Situated in front of the shoulder, the subscapularis brings 53% of the total rotator cuff strength, having several key roles in the dynamics of the arm. First of all, the subscapularis is the main muscle involved in the turning of the arm inward and it is also responsible for any lifting movement you will be doing across your chest.

This muscle is often used by people who practice different types of sports, including swimming, racquetball and throwing spears or weights. The tear of the subscapularis muscle is less common then the tear of the other rotator cuff muscles, such as the supraspinatus, infraspinatus or suprascapularis. However, when it happens for the subscapularis to tear, then it is going to be extremely painful and it will also affect the tendon of the biceps, dislocating it from its normal position. The problem is indeed made worse by a painful and weak biceps tendon.

Symptoms of Subscapularis Tear

These are the most common symptoms that appear in the situation of a subscapularis tear:

• When torn, the subscapularis can impinge on the coracoid process, leading to pain and loss of mobility
• Pain and weakness in the shoulder – the areas where these symptoms are felt are the front of the shoulder and the upper arm, especially when the biceps tendon is affected
• Movement aggravates the pain felt in the shoulder – the pain becomes worse when the patient is trying to reach for something, by lifting the affected arm overhead
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Redness
• Loss of strength – this is especially noticeable if the patient is trying to rotate the shoulder and the arm inwards (this being the primary function of the subscapularis)
• The subscapularis tear will allow for more degrees of outward rotation of the shoulder than normal range of movement.
• Each movement of the shoulder will be accompanied by crackling sounds
• The biceps tendon is weak, painful and sometimes inflamed. The symptoms are made worse when the patient is trying to bend the elbow or lift the arm, putting the already weakened biceps to work
• Recurrent shoulder dislocations can occur because of the weakened rotator cuff muscle

Causes of Subscapularis Tear

These are the most common causes that can lead to the appearance of the subscapularis tear:

• Trauma – fall or accident, especially car accidents in which there is a direct impact with a solid object or work accidents where the shoulder joint is in full impact with a solid object or surface, leading to the partial or full tear of the subscapularis muscle.
• New injury to the shoulder and arm
• Previous injuries of the rotator cuff muscles
• Poor physical condition, especially in terms of strength and flexibility
• Inadequate warm up before playing a sport
• Not using adequate protection equipment during practice
• After surgery – both arthroscopic surgery and the surgery for shoulder replacement can lead to a tear in the subscapularis muscle
• Shoulder dislocation
• Occupation – handling heavy equipment can lead to a tear in the subscapularis muscle, especially if the shoulder joint is stretched beyond its normal range of mobility
• Shoulder joint forceful movements in sports such as baseball, football, volleyball or tennis
• Direct impact on shoulder joint and scapula in sports such as wrestling, football, soccer, boxing and rugby
• Repeated shoulder joint movements when lifting weights, beating the drums or conducting an orchestra

Treatment

These are the most common courses of treatment undertaken for subscapularis tear:

• Anti-inflammatory medication and oral corticosteroids for pain
• Muscle relaxers, such as Baclofen, for muscle spasms
• Manual therapy for tissue manipulation
• Massage therapy – this is especially recommended after the surgery done in the area, as there will be an increased need for the built-up lymph to be properly drained, thus allowing the area to recover as soon as possible.
• Physical therapy – this is recommended prior to surgery for a period of six to eight weeks but also after the surgery, after the initial critical period of four weeks. In partial tear, physical therapy might be enough in order to guarantee recovery. In full tears, passive and active stretching exercises combined with anti-inflammatory medication can guarantee the best recovery.
• The purpose of the anti-inflammatory drugs is to relieve pain, so that the patient can concentrate on rebuilding the strength of the muscle.
• Cortisone injections – these are applied exactly to the affected area, helping the injured tendon and muscle to faster recover.

Surgery

These are four main types of surgical interventions for subscapularis tear:

• Arthroscopic repair in case of partial or full subscapularis tears – the rupture site is visualized with the help of an arthroscopic camera and it is then sutured with the help of professional arthroscopic equipment.
• Open surgery is recommended for larger tears, allowing for the injured tendon or muscle to be properly sutured.
• Shoulder joint replacement is recommended in case of large tears associated with other problems.
• Muscle transfer – this operation is indicated in cases of tears that are old and chronic, being too large even for direct repair. A piece of the big pectoral muscle is transferred to the affected area.

Sling immobilization after surgery, for at least four weeks

Recovery time for Subscapularis tear

Depending on how extensive the tear was, the patient diagnosed with subscapularis tear can return to full functioning and activity in somewhere between six and twelve months. It is important to understand that he will have to wear a sling for for weeks after the surgery and that after twelve weeks after the physical therapy will concentrate on muscle strengthening. After a period of sixteen weeks, the patient will be allowed to practice different sports to increase mobility and flexibility, including these three choices: tennis, golf or swimming.

The tongue is an important part of the human body and one of the most complex muscles we have. This muscle helps us to chew food and it is the primary organ of taste, allowing to sense whether a certain type of food or liquid is sweet, bitter, salty or sour. The tongue receptors are also known as the taste buds and they are spread throughout the entire surface of the tongue. This muscle is kept moist by the continuous production of saliva and it has a lot of blood vessels and nerves coming into it.

As the tongue comes into contact with different types of foods and liquids, plus air, it is only normal that this muscle is constantly exposed. As a matter of fact, it seems that, after gums, the tongue is the second most affected tissue in the oral area affected by different pathologies. The fact that it has these small crevices in which food debris, dead skin cells and bacteria can gather is one of the major risk factors. One of the most common problems that one can have is an itchy tongue. Let’s see what are the causes of this problem.

Causes of Itchy tongue

These are the most common causes that can lead to the appearance of the itchy tongue:

Allergic reaction

This is the number one reason that can make your tongue itch, especially if you know yourself to be allergic in general (for example, you have hay fever). This is also known as oral allergy syndrome.

• A recent study has shown that the proteins found in some fresh fruits and vegetables are almost the same as the proteins that cause other types of allergies (for example, pollen or birchweed)
• Some of the most common fruits and vegetables that can cause itchy tongue as an allergic reaction are: peaches, nectarines, apples, cherries, plums, pears, melons, kiwis, bananas, carrots, celery, cucumbers, zucchini
• Nuts are also responsible for the appearance of the itchy tongue, the main culprits being hazelnuts and almonds
• Other types of foods can cause allergic reactions that are accompanied by itchy tongue, among others: fish, shellfish, soy, eggs, wheat, milk

Contact dermatitis

This can lead to the appearance of itchy tongue, after the tissue has entered into contact with harmful or irritating chemical substances. The same goes for certain cosmetics or any other product in the health care category. Contact dermatitis can appear if you use a toothpaste that contains powerful, allergenic ingredients. It can also appear as an allergic reaction to different types of medication.

Infection

Bacterial, viral and fungal infections in the oral area can cause the tongue to become itchy.

Burning mouth syndrome

An itchy tongue is one of the accompanying symptoms.

Treatments for Itchy tongue

These are the most common courses of treatment undertaken for itchy tongue:

• Anti-allergy medication in case of allergies (anti-histamines)
• Emergency epinephrine or adrenaline in case of a severe allergy reaction, followed by anaphylactic shock
• Corticosteroids can help reduce the inflammation and calm down the itchiness in the case of contact dermatitis. However, they should not be used as a treatment for a prolonged period of time or they can lead to serious side-effects.
• Anti-bacterial medication for bacterial infections (broad spectrum antibiotics)
• Anti-viral medication for viral infections
• Anti-fungal medication for fungal infections
• Antiseptic mouthwash
• Anti-inflammatory medication to help with the additional swelling

Home remedies

When suffering from an itchy tongue, using certain home remedies can help just as much as taking medication, if not even more. These are the most common home remedies you can use in case of an itchy tongue:

• Butterbur herb – the natural substances contained in this herb can help not only with the itchiness but also with the additional inflammation.
• Gargling – this is especially recommended if you have an infection in the oral area. Be sure to mix some warm water with salt and gargle at least two or three times a day for the best results.
• Honey is recommended for its anti-bacterial properties.
• Baking soda is indicated for oral care.
• Yogurt can help bring some probiotics into the area.
• Chewing ice chips can help with the itchy tongue. However, you should refrain from keeping your tongue cold for too long, or you might have circulatory problems.
• Chewing mint leaves can also help, reducing the intensity of itchiness.
• Lavender oil is also recommended for such problems.
• Glycerin can help reduce the intensity of the symptoms and also to repair any existing lesions.

As you can see for yourself, there are medical treatments and home remedies available for itchy tongue. It might for the best to take the medical treatment that the doctor has prescribed you and use the home remedies in order to alleviate the itchiness and other upsetting symptoms.