Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Reactive Arthritis

Reactive Arthritis Arthritis refers to swollen joints. Reactive arthritis is the condition in which inflammation of genital parts or gastro intestinal systems take place. It often develops after a person had genital infection or problems in bowel movement. The symptoms of reactive arthritis are similar to that of psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis. This condition can occur in any part of the joint but often affects the eyes, mouth and the urinary tract. In rare cases it can infect the heart. Treatment is given for reducing the intensity of stiffness in the joints.


Reactive arthritis is marked by three conditions namely :



  • Inflammation of joints

  • Swelling of eyes or conjunctivitis

  • Inflammation of urinary and genitals and gastrointestine


This disease was also known as ‘Reiter’s syndrome’ in olden days. This type of chronic arthritis affects the people of age group 30-40 years largely but can occur in any age group.


Symptoms :


The signs of reactive arthritis occur often after an infection. The initial symptoms can occur anywhere from 1-3 weeks of urinary or eye infection. There will be intense joint pain due to swelling of joints in the knees and ankles. Some people may develop joint inflammation on the lower back. Swelling of eyes is common in reactive arthritis. Many people will develop urinary problems and there will be compulsive urge for urinating frequently. The extremities are swollen and there will be difficulty in writing and walking.


Causes :


Exact cause of arthritis is unknown. It is believed to be autoimmune disorder. People who are frequently infected have increased chance of getting reactive arthritis. Genetics play a role in causing this disease. The presence of HLA B27 genes is indicative of developing this disease in later ages. Bacterial infection can cause reactive arthritis. It can be caused by Chalmydia, shigella or salmonella bacterium.


Though this disease is not contagious still there is every chance for contacting it through unsafe sex. Chlamydia trachomatis is the bacterium causing venereal infections which is followed by reactive arthritis in many cases. An individual with infectious dysentery can develop this problem after few weeks of infection.


Risk Factors :


For reasons not known, men are more prone to develop reactive arthritis than women. People with HLA B27 genes inherited from parents have increased risk. A person having sex with multiple partners and having dysentery infection often have more chance for getting reactive arthritis.


Diagnosis :


The doctor may physically examine the body to check the signs of warmth and swelling. He may request for blood test and joint fluid test for confirming his diagnoses. A thin needle is inserted to the inflamed joint to draw sample of fluid for testing the WBC and infectious organisms.


Treatment :


No specific medications are available for treating reactive arthritis. But drugs are helpful to manage joint pain and further inflammation. Antibiotics are prescribed for controlling bacterial infection. Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs like Indocin is given for getting quick relief from joint pain. For severe pain corticosteroid is injected directly into the joints which will considerably reduce swelling.


Stiffness of joint can be reduced by rheumatoid arthritis medications like sulfasalazine or methotrexate drugs. Regular physiotherapy can make mobility easier for people affected with joint pain. Practicing strengthening exercise will give flexibility to joint muscles and reduce stiffness. People with autoimmune disorder like AIDS and severe viral infections have to be more precautious than others. Eye inflammation or conjunctivitis is treated with suitable anti-inflammatory eye drops.


Prevention :


You cannot do anything to prevent reactive arthritis. But you can always reduce the chance of getting bacterial and viral infection. Practice safe sex and always wear condoms while having sex with strangers. Eat healthy foods and fully cooked stuff to prevent bacterial infection. Do not send your child to school or day care center if he has developed dysentery since infection can spread to other children.


Astigmatism

Astigmatism Astigmatism is a mild imperfection in your eyes that can cause mild vision problems. It can easily be corrected by wearing contact lenses, eyeglasses or through surgery. It occurs due to minor imperfection in the curvature of the eyes. A person having astigmatism will have slightly different curvature in one or both of his eyes. The curvature may not be smooth in all the sides in the cornea. For some people it occurs if the eye is not fully in round shape having slight difference in corners or on one side.


How it occurs?


Eyes are normally round shaped resembling a sphere. On seeing an object, the light enters the eye and by reflection it creates an image of the object in the lens thus giving clear view of the object. But a person with astigmatism the reflection may not be even causing blurry images or wavy images of the object.


Symptoms :


Blurred vision, trouble in seeing distant objects, strain on the affect eye/eyes, and headaches are some of the indicators of astigmatism. If you have any of the above symptoms or if your vision is not clear as before or if you have trouble reading/writing then it is time for you to get your eyes tested with the doctor.


Risk Factors :


People who are above 50 years, people with diabetes (for long period), and people with high blood pressure are more prone to develop astigmatism than others. There will be some degree of astigmatism for all the persons who have crossed 40 years.


Causes :


Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is not evenly shaped leading to refractive error. When there is smooth curvature then the image will be perfectly shaped. But if the surface curvature is not smooth or bent on one side then it produces distortive image. An individual with astigmatism will have cornea that is not smoothly curved causing uneven focus producing refractive error.


Astigmatism can occur along with other errors like myopia and hyperopia. In the case of myopia (nearsightedness) the cornea is curved in excess which causes the light to be focused in front portion of the retina (not exactly on the retina) causing blurry vision. In the case of hyperopia (farsightedness) the cornea is curved very little causing focus on the back of the eyes. In most of the cases astigmatism is present from birth and not caused by watching television (for long periods) or by reading in poor light.


Diagnosis :


Your ophthalmologist will check for the above symptoms and conduct simple vision test or examine your eyes in special device called keratometer. She will study the nature of curvature of the cornea or the lens thoroughly. Retinoscopy is done to measure the extent of focusing light by the eyes and to assess the degree of refractive error in your eyes.


Treatment :


Depending on the nature of refractive error special eyeglasses or corrective lenses are prescribed. By wearing lenses the improper focus is corrected thereby giving a clear image of the object. Eyeglasses made of special lenses are given for correcting the uneven shape of the cornea. This would also help in correcting the refractive error.


Many people prefer to wear contact lenses in the place of eyeglasses and it comes in wide range of options. You can discuss with your doctor about the benefits of wearing contact lenses. But using lenses for long periods can makes one prone to eye infection.


Surgery :


Refractive surgery is done for reshaping the cornea of the eyes. Lasik surgery is done using a special instrument for making a small round shaped hinge is made in the cornea. The surgeon will gently resize the shape of the cornea in this procedure. Not all the people having astigmatism will have to undergo surgery. Your doctor will try different options for correcting the cornea shape before deciding on refractive surgery.


Spinal Meningitis

Spinal Meningitis The brain and the spinal cord are surrounded by soft membranes to protect the inner tissues. Spinal meningitis occurs when these membranes get swollen due to some reason and develops inflammation. An important feature of meningitis is high fever with a stiff neck. Meningitis is caused by viral infection or fungal infection. The disease can be treated by medications and early intervention but sometimes it can be serious and life threatening.


Symptoms :


Early signs of meningitis will be high fever or flu like symptoms. For this reason many people fail to recognize the disease leading to complications. Meningitis symptoms can develop within hours or few days depending on the intensity of infection.


Some of the important signs of spinal meningitis are:



  • Stiffness in neck region

  • High fever (occurs suddenly)

  • Muscle spasm, joint pain and more intense pain in spine region

  • Difficulty in concentrating or confusion of thoughts

  • Extreme tiredness

  • Severe headache/nausea/vomiting

  • Trouble in getting quality sleep and difficulty in waking up


In some cases, the affected person may get sudden seizures or skin rashes and he becomes sensitive to light.Spinal meningitis may develop in infants and newborns also. If the infant develops sudden high fever accompanied with stiff neck then you must rush to the doctor immediately.


Some infants will have symptoms like excess of sleepiness, inactivity, trouble in feeding and constant crying with irritation. In some cases a soft bulging may appear on the baby’s head and it has great discomfort.When compared with bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis is better since the symptoms can improve even without treatment. Delay in taking treatment can cause complications or severe brain damage. In severe cases meningitis can cause death.


Causes :


Meningitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infection. Bacterial infection is more serious and life threatening than viral infection.


Bacterial Infection :


Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through ear/sinus infection or sometimes it can directly attack the meninges (membranes that envelops the brain/spinal cord) causing infection. Streptococcus pneumoniae (which causes ear infection/throat infection), Neisseria meningitides (that cause respiratory infection), Haemophilus influenzae Type B and Listeria monocytogenes (present in hot dogs and cheese) are some of the bacterium that causes spinal meningitis.


Viral Meningitis :


Viral meningitis is often mild and symptoms can improve on their own. Enteroviruses are often responsible for causing spinal infection. Herpes simplex virus, West Nile virus and mumps are some of the viral infections that cause meningitis. Chronic meningitis can develop when the organisms invade the cerebrospinal fluid. Acute form of meningitis can develop suddenly but chronic form may take weeks together. In rare cases fungus can cause meningitis. Sometimes strong drug allergy, chemical reactions and other infectious diseases can cause spinal meningitis.


Who are at risk?


A child who skips his scheduled vaccine may develop meningitis in later ages. Infants and newborns are prone to bacterial infections at high rate. Individual living in community setting like that of military camps, dormitories, boarding schools or colleges have increased risk of developing contagious meningococcal meningitis. Pregnant women (with weakened immunity) have risk of developing listeriosis leading to meningitis.


In general, people with weakened immunity are vulnerable to many diseases including meningitis. Meningitis can cause various complications if not given proper treatment in time. Some of them may develop hearing loss, brain damage, learning disability, seizure and various other brain damage.


Diagnosis :


The doctor will look for the above symptoms and check for ear/nose/throat infections and skin rashes. Since the symptoms of meningitis are confusing it is difficult to detect spinal meningitis. He may order for blood profile to detect growth of micro-organisms, imaging tests (like X-ray, CT scan), and lumbar puncture. He would collect small amount of cerebrospinal fluid from the spine using spinal tap procedure and test it in the laboratory. Any abnormal increase in the WBC count can be due to meningitis. To diagnose viral meningitis your doctor may request for polymerase chain reaction test.


Treatment :


Firstly the doctor should make sure about the type of microorganisms that has caused meningitis. The treatment may vary depending on the infection the person/child has. Antibiotics are prescribed for treating bacterial meningitis. In severe infection, your doctor may give steroid medications (in high doses) and taper it slowly. The root cause of bacterial infection like ear infection or sinus should be treated.


Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics and the symptoms will improve within a week. Simple home remedies like drinking plenty of fluids and taking complete rest can give some relief. In severe cases, antiviral medications are prescribed. Antifungal drugs are given for meningitis caused by fungus.


Prevention :


Meningitis develops through infections and hence one should always practice good hygiene both at home and at workplace. Children should be instructed to wash the hands thoroughly before they eat and after using toilet. Avoid sharing foods and personal items with others. Cover your mouth while sneezing.


Vaccinations are available to prevent bacterial meningitis. Do not skip the doses of vaccination and follow instructions of your pediatrician for your children. Meningococcal conjugate vaccine is given in single dose for children of 11-12 years followed by booster shot at 16 years.


Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a condition associated with arthritis (inflammation of joints) where people will develop small red patches on the skin causing stiffness and swelling of joints. Often psoriasis develops first and after few days arthritis may develop but for some people initially they develop arthritis, a chronic inflammatory condition of joints and later they develop skin rashes on it.


This condition can affect any joints and even the fingertips causing severe pain. This disease will have remission period followed by flares. Treatment can be given for managing the symptoms but the disease cannot be cured completely.


Symptoms :


Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease where people may have flare-ups (symptoms worsen) and remission (symptoms disappear). Very often the joints on one side of your body get affected. It can affect any joints of the body causing inflammation and pain. This disease is characterized by swollen extremities. The fingers and toes become swollen causing severe pain. The affected person will have difficulty in lifting objects using fingers and may have problems with simple task of writing their names.


For some people there will be back pain (inflammation of joints of the spine) and foot pain affecting the ligaments of the heel and soles of the foot. Due to this the mobility of the person gets affected. The joints become rigid and stiff due to swelling giving intense pain while movement. In many cases, the stiffness is very severe in the mornings which may reduce in the afternoon. The symptoms can be mild to severe depending on the intensity of the disease. For some people it may take months together for showing initial symptoms but for others it can be quick and severe.


Causes :


The main cause for psoriatic arthritis is weakened immunity. The body’s immune system will attack the joints and tendons by mistake causing inflammation and pain. However it is still not clear what exactly triggers the immune system for self-attack. People with family history of psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis are likely to develop this disease. It is possible that physical injury on the joints or bacterial infection (left untreated) can trigger this condition.


Risk Factors :


People having family history of psoriatic arthritis, people having psoriasis with weakened immunity, and people who are in the middle age are prone to develop this disease.


Diagnosis :


Your doctor will look for the symptoms and check the joints for inflammation. He may do a biopsy by removing a small tissue from the joints and testing it in the lab.


Treatment :


There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis and it is a chronic condition. Medications are given to lessen the joint pain and for facilitating the mobility problem. NSAID drugs like Advil or naproxen sodium are given to reduce inflammation of the joints. But long term use of these drugs can cause side effects. Anti-rheumatic drugs are highly effective in slowing down the process of tissue damage on the joints. Some of the common drugs of this category are methotrexate, leflunomide and sulfasalazine.


Since this disease is an autoimmune disorder immune-suppressant drugs like azathioprine or cyclosporine are prescribed for suppressing the immune system. Alpha inhibitors like Enbrel, Remicade and Humira of tumor necrosis factor TNF is given for controlling pain and stuffiness in the joints. In severe cases, the person is given steroid injection for getting quick relief from pain. Surgery is done if the joints are severely damaged by the disease making movement impossible.


Pictures of Psoriatic Arthritis :


Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Psoriatic Arthritis


Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic Arthritis


Home Remedies :


Minimize the use of your fingers. Avoid opening the containers using fingers instead you can use tools or gadgets for opening the jars. Maintain your weight since obesity can give rise to joint pain and inflammation. Make it a practice to go for a walk daily. Walking and jogging can increase blood circulation and improves muscle flexibility. If you have severe pain due to swelling of joints, you can apply cold/hot packs alternatively to get some relief and to reduce stiffness. Reduce your stress by joining yoga class and meditation.


Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Poison Ivy Rash

Poison Ivy Rash Some plants contain oily resin like substance that causes itchy rash in men and women. Urushiol is one such resin found in the leaves and branches of poison ivy and oak trees that cause poison ivy rash. This type of resin can stick on to the clothing and boots of humans when they are walking through the plants. The same plant can produce worst type of infection in the lungs when it is burnt accidentally and the smoke is inhaled. Treatment can be given for poison ivy rash by medications like corticosteroid.


Symptoms :


The symptoms caused by direct contact of poison ivy plant are itching, swelling and redness on the area that is exposed to plants and its roots. It can also cause pus filled blisters or lesions on the skin. Red colored straight line is seen on the skin in the place where the plant has brushed your skin. Sometime it can cause bumps or blisters or even hives on the skin from which oily fluid oozes out.


Initial symptoms of itching and swelling will begin within a day of exposure to the plant. As such direct contact of the plant or its stem will not produce severe itching. But if a person has direct exposure to urushiol resin of the plant the infectious rash will become severe. This oily resin will cause high itching and has the quality of spreading to other parts of the body when the person rubs his finger over it.


Itching and swelling may continue to be there for 2-3 weeks and can be controlled by medications. Poison ivy rash is not contagious and it is the oily resin called urushiol that causes rapid spreading on the skin. In rare cases it can cause swelling of mouth or neck region or even the genitals.


Causes :


Oily resin by name urushiol is responsible for causing poison ivy rash. This oily resin is present in the leaves and stem and even on the roots of the poison oak plant. Due to its sticky nature this resin will easily attach to the skin and clothing. Pets can also spread the rash when its fur gets coated with oily resin.


There are 3 ways by which one can get poison ivy rash :



  • One way is by direct touching of the leaves or stems or roots of the plant.

  • Second way of spreading is by touching the objects that are contaminated with oily resin. You may touch the clothing or shoes or other tools used for cutting the plant through which you can get rashes. You can rub your fingers to other parts of the body accidentally after touching the sticky substance through which rashes can spread easily.

  • Third method of spreading rashes is by direct inhalation of smoke from plants. Poisonous smoke is emitted from the burning plant can cause great harm to your lungs.


Who are at risk?


The tendency of poison ivy rash is considered to run in families. It is because their skin is very sensitive for oily resin which when contacted can cause rashes. People who are directly in contact with the plants like foresters, farmers, gardeners and construction workers are prone to develop this rash. In severe cases poison ivy rash can cause skin infection when bacteria enter into your body through pus.


Tests :


Your doctor can easily diagnose poison ivy rash by mere physical examination and by looking for the symptoms of itching, red rashes and swelling. He may collect information from you by asking about your whereabouts the previous day.


Treatment :


Poison ivy rash will resolve on its own without wanting any treatment for mild cases. Self care methods are enough for reducing the symptoms of itching. However you need to visit the doctor if you have developed pus filled blisters and body swelling due to rashes. Steroid medication is prescribed for treating poison ivy rash. Prednisone is given in the form of oral pills and ointment. If the doctor suspects any bacterial infection he may give you antibiotics.


Home Remedies :


In case of severe itching with red colored lines on the skin, you can wash the skin with mild soapy water and apply calamine lotion on it. Antihistamines are effective in controlling itching. Benadryl or any other compound that contains diphenylhydramine is useful for reducing irritation and discomfort. If you have developed rashes on many parts of your body soaking in oatmeal bath is quite effective.


Pictures of Poison Ivy Rash :


Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Poison Ivy Rash


Poison Ivy Rash Poison Ivy Rash Poison Ivy Rash Poison Ivy Rash Poison Ivy Rash Poison Ivy Rash Poison Ivy Rash


Prevention :


You need to avoid the poison icy sumac and oak plants by identifying it. Stay away from these plants when you are involved in hiking schedule. Do not let your pets to wander in strange areas that contain many plants. Oily resin of the plants can stick to their fur which may then be contacted by you.


If these plants grow in your backyard you need to remove them carefully by wearing heavy clothing and covering your hands with gloves. You need to bathe completely soaking your body for 5-10 minutes in warm soapy water to prevent any rash reaction. It is wise to wash your clothing thoroughly if you suspect exposure to poison ivy oak.


Armpit Rash

Armpit Rash An armpit rash is medically known as Pruritus which can cause discomfort and irritation. It is a common problem in both sexes that causes itching in the armpits and redness on that area. The symptoms of armpit rash vary according to the intensity of the underlying problem. It would cause itching, irritation, redness and scarring in the armpits. Armpit rash is caused by many factors like lack of hygiene, allergen, excessive sweat, candida infection, exposure to hot climate and dermatitis. Armpit rash can be treated with suitable medications after examining the root cause of the rashes.


Symptoms :


Armpit rash appears anywhere under the arms and sometimes may appear deeper also. Some of the common symptoms of armpit rash are intense itching, inflammation of the skin in the area, redness and swelling of skin. For severe cases, the area of armpits become completely swollen and develops blisters. For others it can form black or red colored patches. The entire area becomes scarred and red due to continuous scratching.


Since the area of armpit has folded skin it is easy for the bacteria and fungus to thrive on the sweat and moisture created in it. The presence of hair follicles and sweat glands also makes it easy for the micro-organisms to thrive. Bacterial infections are also common in armpits since it has skin folds and sweat glands.


Causes :


Many factors (both external and internal) give rise to armpit rash. Some of the common causes of armpit rash are discussed below:


Lack of Hygiene :


Since the area of armpits is vulnerable to bacteria and fungus it should be kept completely dry and clean. It is the place where hair follicles and sweat glands are present. An individual who is not cleaning his armpit frequently is likely to develop armpit rash easily.


Infections :


Armpit rash is caused by allergy infections and due to various other skin problems also. Chemical allergy can develop in armpits when a person uses harsh soap or deodorants in armpit.


Yeast Infection :


Candida albicans is one of yeast varieties present in our body. When the immune system gets weakened, these organisms outgrow in number multiplying rapidly. The areas like armpits, groin and mouth are prone to yeast infection. Fungal infections are also common under the armpit causing severe itching and redness.


Excess of Sweat :


Some people sweat profusely for no reason. This gives room for micro-organisms to thrive on armpits causing irritation and discomfort. Excessive sweating can also stain the clothing apart from producing bad odor. This condition is medically termed as axillary hyperhidrosis. It can occur when the sweat glands is overly stimulated to produce excess of sweat.


Heat Rash :


If you are living in hot environment you are likely to develop heat rashes. Exposure to humid climate can increase the chance of rash formation in the body. Sweat glands are blocked due to sweat causing red bumps on the armpits which is known as Miliaria rubra.


Skin Problems :


If there is excess growth of skin cells it can cause inverse psoriasis. It can cause red patches on the armpits apart from severe itching. Some people will experience pain as well in that area. Skin inflammation can lead to the formation of skin lesions and bumps. This condition is described as dermatitis. It can develop due to skin allergy and overuse of antibiotics. There is chance for developing skin rash if you change your detergents. Excess use of deodorants will block the pores of the sweat glands leading to the formation of blackheads. This might cause itching and redness and for some people abscess may also develop in that area.


Diagnoses :


Your doctor can easily diagnose armpit rash by mere physical examination. He would listen to the symptoms mentioned above. No special test is needed to detect armpit rashes.


Treatment :


Home Remedies :



  • You should start practicing good hygiene. Take bath at least one time in a day and more times during summer.

  • Do not keep on changing soaps and detergents. Use only branded products that are soft to your skin.

  • Be careful while choosing deodorants since it can cause allergy on your skin.

  • Daily use of vitamin E product can keep your skin fresh and rejuvenated. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Add more of foods that contain vitamin C like citrus fruits.

  • If there is over irritation you can apply ice cubes on that area to reduce the symptoms.

  • Any type of microorganisms will thrive if the place is dark and moist. Hence ensure that you are keeping your armpits dry and clean. Apply soft talcum powder on the skin folds which helps in keeping it dry.


Pictures of Armpit Rash :


Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Armpit Rash


Armpit Rash Armpit Rash Armpit Rash Armpit Rash


Medical Treatment :


Your doctor will have to diagnose the root cause of the problem before treating it. Armpit rash can occur due to different causes given above. The method of treatment also varies according to the cause of the rash. However removing the symptoms is the first step for any treatment. Itching is controlled by taking oral pills, applying skin creams that contain antifungal medication. Candida yeast infection is treated with antifungal cream.


Mild ant-bacterial soap is recommended if the armpit rash is caused by bacterial infection. For people who sweat in excess special gel containing alum chloride hexahydrate is prescribed. Apply few drops of hydrocortisone cream on the armpits can also reduce excess of sweating. Apply calamine lotion on the affected area which provides good relief from the symptoms of redness and irritation. Aloe Vera creams is highly effective in controlling armpit rash. You can also try natural remedies like oatmeal baths. For severe infections, oral pills like antihistamines are prescribed. Benadryl is an effective drug that controls itching.


Heat Rash Pictures

Heat Rash Pictures Prickly heat rash are not refined only for babies but for adults too. Hot summer weather is the main cause of heat rash. Actually during hot climate due to excess of sweat the pores get blocked by dust particles and perspiration remains inside the skin leading to formation of blisters and lumps on the skin. Heat rash requires no special treatment except some home remedies and taking some precautions.


Symptoms :


Heat rashes are often found in the areas of skin folds in which there are friction. In babies heat rash is commonly found in the neck and shoulders and on the armpits. In adults heat rash appear on the chest, shoulder, and groin and on the back. Heat rash is seen as small red colored bumps on the skin causing itching and discomfort.


Types :


There are 3 types of heat rash based on the site at which the sweat glands are blocked.


Miliaria Crystalline :


It is the mild form of heat rash at which the sweat glands are superficially blocked. It causes fluid blisters and lesions that break away easily. Often, this type of rash is not painful and not very itchy and resolves on its own.


Miliaria Rubra :


In this type of rash the epidermis or outer layer of the skin is deeply blocked. There is no way for the perspiration to escape which causes lesions on the skin. People who are confined to bed and those who are overly exposed to hot weather develop this rash. They appear as red lesions that are itchy and painful.


Miliaria Profunda :


It is a rare type of heat rash that develops on adults. This type affects the dermis (inner layer of the skin) and occurs soon after workouts or excess of sweating. The lesions are more or like goose bumps and in some people it can cause dizziness and nausea.


Causes :


When the sweat ducts get blocked by dust particles heat rashes are formed. It is often the perspiration that gets trapped inside appear in the form of lesions causing inflammation of the skin. Hot and humid climate, immature sweat glands, severe workouts and use of certain fabrics (that does not allow perspiration) can cause heat rash. Intake of certain medications like clonidine can also block the sweat glands causing heat rash. Individuals who are confined to bed-rest without any movement for longer periods (due to illness) can also develop heat rash.


Risk Factors :


People living in hot climatic zones and those who are sweating more due to workouts can develop heat rash.


Tests :


Mere physical examination of the body is enough to diagnose heat rash.


Pictures of Heat Rash :


Heat Rash Heat Rash Heat Rash Heat Rash


Treatment :


Heat rash does not require any special treatment in most of the cases. Avoid roaming out in excessive heat and take comfort in a cool room with air conditioner. In case your heat rash does not get resolved you can use calamine lotion or use cream that contains anhydrous lanolin. Wear loose fitting cotton clothes that absorb perspiration. Do not go out in hot sun which is not good for your skin. Apply cool compress on the affected area.


Prevention :


Avoid using heavy dressing in summer and use only cotton and soft clothing. If possible stay in a cool room and avoid going out in hot summer. Keep the bedroom well ventilated and cool. Do not use creams that can block the pores of sweat glands.