Scarlet Fever Rash – Pictures, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Scarlet Fever Rash – Pictures, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Scarlet fever which is also known as scarlatina is an infectious condition which makes a patient have fever, sore throat, and a rash. Group AStreptococcus infection is associated with this condition. This is the same bacteria, which is responsible in causing the strep throat condition and other skin infections like erysipelas and impetigo. The group Astreptococcus bacteria makes toxins or poisons, which cause the rash to appear on an infected child.

The rash is the most striking sign of the disease. Not all kids are sensitive to the toxin produced by the streptococci bacteria. In addition, not all streptococci bacteria produce this toxin. Scarlet fever occurs in childhood and mainly between the age of 2 and 10 years. However, it can also occur in older children and adults but on rare occasions. The condition is so contiguous meaning that it can easily be spread from one person to another.

http://www.Symptoms-Causes-treatment.blogspot.com detect diseases at an early stage symptoms, and find out the causes and treatments best suited.

Scarlet fever rash symptoms

The scarlet fever rash looks like sunburns and it feels like sandpaper. This rash begins on the face and neck and then spreads to other areas like the trunk, legs and arms. When the reddened skin is exerted with pressure, it turns pale. The skin folds on armpits, groin, knees, elbow, and neck are deeper red when compared to the surrounding skin. The face of the patient appears flushed and it has a pale ring around the mouth.

The tongue looks red and bumpy or what is known as strawberry tongue. The tongue is also covered with white coating especially during the early stages of the disease. Usually the rash on face lasts for about one week. When the red rash and red line as well as flushed face symptoms subside, the skin that is affected by the rash peels off. There are other symptoms, which are associated with scarlet fever rash, and they include fever, sore and red throat that at times form white and yellow patches. There is also a difficulty in swallowing. There is enlargement of glands in the neck or the lymph nodes. Nausea and vomiting as well as headache are other symptoms of the condition.

Causes

Scarlet fever is caused by a bacteria streptococcus pyogenes that produce exotoxins. The characteristic scarlet colored rash occurs as a result of release of particular toxins when a person is infected with the bacteria. In most of the cases, the scarlet fever is caused by pharyngeal streptococcal infection, which causes strep throat but at other rare occasions, the disease can be caused by infection by streptococcal at other sites like the skin.

This condition can occur anytime but it is more prevalent in winter and spring. The streptococcal bacterium is spread through airborne respiratory droplets from people infected with the condition. It may also be spread from individuals who carry the bacteria but they do not experience symptoms (asymptomatic carriers).

A person can also get the disease after being in contact with secretions from an infected person. In rare circumstances, it can be caused by food-borne outbreaks. The spread of the disease tends to be high in crowded environment where people infected with the condition come in close contact with uninfected persons such as in schools.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of the condition may be done by use of cotton swab that is placed at the back of the throat and tonsils. This helps detect scarlet fever associated with strep throat. A rapid antigen test or rapid strep test can produce results in a few minutes. A throat culture is more sensitive and may require a period of about 24 to 48 years to produce results. Complete blood count may be done to help determine the infection. If the streptococcal infection arises from other sites, other examinations may need to be conducted to confirm the disease.

Scarlet Fever Rash Treatment

Treatment is mainly done with use of antibiotics. These medications are curative and can prevent potential complications of the disease. They also shorten the duration in which the symptoms last by about one day. Moreover, use of antibiotics reduces the contiguousness of the disease. When people with scarlet fever take antibiotics for at least 24 hours, they are not contagious.

It is essential for patients to complete the prescribed full dozes of the antibiotics in order to prevent any complications. If an early cessation of antibiotics occurs, it can lead to insufficient treatment of the infection something that increases the risks of developing other complications like acute rheumatic fever.

Majority of the scarlet fever infections can be managed at home but when the complications are serious, further medical attention is needed. Unless there is serious complications of the disease, an individual with the condition can use over the counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever. Fluid intake and adequate rest is needed to help speed up the recovery. If a patient with the condition has pharyngitis, then throat lozenges may help offer short-term relief for minor sore throat. A patient may need to gargle with use of warm salt water.

Scarlet Fever Rash Pictures

Pilonidal Abscess

Pilonidal Abscess
Pilonidal abscess is an infection, which occurs in cyst at the pilonidal part of the body. Pilonidal is an area located beneath the tailbone. This area is specifically located under the tailbone and at the top part of the cleft in buttocks. This area is covered with hair and at time because of its location, it collects debris. A pocket sometimes is formed in the skin around the pilonidal area developing into a cyst. When the cyst is infected, it can swell and build up pus.

Although pilonidal cyst is mainly harmless, and may not need treatment, if it is infected, it can cause troubles. An infected pilonidal cyst or pocket leads to a condition known as pilonidal abscess. This condition requires treatment in order to get rid of the infection. The abscess can occur at one time or it can be recurring meaning that it comes and goes. When a person has pilonidal abscess, it may go away itself or it may have to be treated and drained. Pilonidal abscesses appear like large pimple in the area at the bottom of tailbone.

Causes of pilonidal abscess

There are different aspects that may cause pilonidal abscess and one is ingrown hair. Ingrown hairs occur when hair curls around and grows back to the skin. The hair does not grow upwards as it is supposed to and instead it grows inside the skin. Another possible cause is excessive sitting, which increases pressure on coccyx area.

Although trauma or injury is not believed to cause the pilonidal cyst, such events can lead to inflammation of an already existing pilonidal cyst. Excessive sweating may lead to pilonidal abscess. When moisture fills a stretched hair follicle, it can lead to low oxygen environment that enhances growth of anaerobic bacteria. The presence of such bacteria coupled with the low oxygen may impair wound healing and increase the chances of formation of pilonidal cyst. This condition is common in young people and rarely affects people over 40 years. Men are more likely to suffer the infection than women are.

Symptoms of pilonidal abscess

A pilonidal cyst or pilonidal abscess may have symptoms like pain at the bottom of the spine. The pain is caused by swelling that occurs in the same area. The infected area becomes red and drains pus. A person may also have fever. If you have any of these symptoms, you need to consult your doctor. Some people do not show symptoms of this condition however, those who develop symptoms, they include occasional pus, which accumulates in the cyst, or pocket.

To diagnose pilonidal cyst, a doctor may gather information about your past medical history. The doctor may ask questions on symptoms you have had regarding the cyst. A physical exam is performed by the doctor to determine the tenderness, redness, and swelling of the affected area especially the region between the buttocks and cheeks above the anus. Physical examination may also check on fever and increased white blood cells through blood sample, although this is not always taken. Inflammation of the surrounding skin is also examined.

Treatment of pilonidal abscess

Patients who suffer from acute pilonidal abscess need to get treatment for the condition. A doctor may use incision procedure to remove the pus. A local anesthesia is applied to numb the affected area. An incision is performed to drain of pus that has accumulated on the pocket. Such draining of pus relieves the pressure created and decreases pain. A patient needs to ensure the area is cleansed properly in order to keep debris and hair away from the wound.

A follow up is needed to ensure the wound heals. The healing of the wound can occur within a few weeks. If the abscess continues to recur, a surgery may be required to open, clean, and stitch the cyst. Wound hygiene is very important when treating this condition to ensure that no re-infection occurs. The area has to be cleansed and dressed properly to prevent premature closure of skin or a re-infection as these problems can occur after a surgery has been done.

Marsupialization is a procedure, which involves the use of incision to drain and remove pus and debris such as hair that may be present in the cyst. The area is sewed on the edges of fibrous tract and the wound edges to create a pouch. Although antibiotics do not heal cyst, use of these antibiotics may be recommended to help treat the bacterial infection.

Hot compresses and use of depilatory creams are other ways that can be used to treat this condition. There are home remedies that may help in relieving the symptoms like redness and swelling as well as pain. Sitting on warm tub can decrease the pain and reduce the chances of the cyst developing to a level where it requires incision and drainage.

Nummular Eczema

Nummular Eczema
Nummular eczema is a form of eczema or dermatitis that makes the skin to break out and form red marks that are round and shaped like coins. The skin rash may be itchy and burning. It is also highly visible in most parts of the body. The skin condition can affect anyone at any age. In men, the skin rash tends to occur after the age of 50 and in women, it mainly occurs before the age of 30, but this does not mean that the condition cannot occur in other ages. At times, young people both males and females can experience the condition.

http://www.Symptoms-Causes-treatment.blogspot.com detect diseases at an early stage symptoms, and find out the causes and treatments best suited.

 Causes of Nummular eczema

The exact cause of this skin rash is not well known and scientists believe there may be genetic changes involved in its formation. However, this is not always true as the condition may occur due to injury, damage or irritation on the skin. Lack of moisture on skin can cause dryness and increase the probability of suffering from nummular eczema. 

Exposure to certain elements such as metals, chemicals, and other substance can impair the defence mechanism of skin causing eczema or eczema to develop. Although family history of developing eczema may increase the chances of suffering from nummular eczema, the link between genetic predispositions and eczema is not clearly understood. People with a history of developing allergies are more likely to suffer from nummular eczema. 

Nummular Eczema Symptoms

A person with this condition has round or oval patches of lesions that mostly occur on extremities like the legs. They may also occur on hands, feet and trunk. The lesions are symmetrical. The condition may not affect the scalp and face. Because of the severe itching, excoriation may cause erosion on the lesions. 

Staphylococcal infection may occur in early lesions formation such as the vesicles producing yellow crusts. The plaque dries and becomes scaly after a few days. Thereafter, the lesions flatten and form brown hyperpigmentation as a result of inflammation but this colour lightens and at times, it may never completely fade out. The plaque may clear at the center thus appearing like tinea corporis. 

Many people who develop nummular eczema find that the condition forms coin shaped rashes on their legs. The rash may be mild and at other times, it becomes severe. The severe itching can cause discomfort. The lower back, hips, and forearms are other areas that develop the rashes. The rash may be present in a few parts or spread on entire limbs. The back of the hand is the most exposed and vulnerable part of skin of your body and the condition also affects this part. 

Some people first develop the rash on hand and it spread to other areas. Other people may only develop spots on the hands and no other parts of the body are affected. The sensitivity of skin to certain substances may vary in different people. Some people may develop nut allergy that can seem life threatening if it is not managed properly. Metals and chemical substances like Zinc, and formaldehyde can cause sensitivity on skin. 

Treatment of nummular eczema

This condition has no cure but proper management of the symptoms can help a person relieve the itching. Keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized helps in preventing the occurrence of the condition or the severity of the symptoms. In addition, the skin should be maintained clean but you need to check on the water temperatures. Extremely hot water may dry the skin and make it susceptible to irritation and skin rash. 

When the rash leads to an infection, antibiotics may be administered to prevent serious complications. Antibiotics may help prevent bacterial infection and enable the skin to start healing again. Treatment of nummular eczema symptoms should start as soon as the rashes appear. This makes sure that the rashes do not worsen and minimal medication is required to manage the problem. If treatment is delayed, the rash may become severe or cause secondary infection with bacteria. 

Using a hydrating moisturizer and luxuriant can help preserve the skin. Steroid creams and other oral medication may be needed to prevent itching and the burning sensation caused by the rashes. Severe cases of eczema may not respond effectively to topical steroid creams therefore a stronger treatment such as oral dose may be required. The medications also help in speeding up the healing process of the lesions thus ensuring the skin becomes healthy in a short time. 

Protecting the skin is the first treatment option you need to take to ensure that you prevent the rash from occurring in the first place. If you have the condition, you need to ensure that the skin is protected against chemical and metal exposure. The protection may also help prevent scratching the skin something that causes damage due to irritation and flare up of eczema. When there is severe irritation of the skin, you may be tempted to scratch the affected area causing damage and broken skin. It is advised that you avoid scratching the skin. 

Nummular Eczema Pictures

ALT Blood Test – High, Low, Normal

ALT Blood Test – High, Low, Normal
Alanine transaminase or ALT is a liver enzyme alongside AST, or aspartate aminotransferase. ALT helps in catalyzing the two parts of alanine cycle. This enzyme is also known as serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). The enzyme is also referred to as alanine aminotransferase (ALAT). ALT is mainly associated with the liver but it can be found in various tissues of the body including the plasma. The liver is a very essential organ, which performs different functions such as storing fuel from food, making proteins, and removing toxins from body, and synthesis of the bile. 

Bile is a fluid, which helps in digestion and absorption of fats in body. Liver enzymes are proteins that help the organ to build as well as break down proteins. The ALT is largely found in liver though it can be found in other tissues. It is an important enzyme for metabolism and the process of converting food into energy. 

In normal circumstances, ALT is found inside the liver cells however, when the liver is injured or damaged, this enzyme may be released into the blood. Doctors can measure the levels of ALT to establish the wellness of the liver. The levels of ALT may also help establish if liver organ is being affected by a drug, disease, or other conditions. 

ALT SGPT High – Causes

When there is a higher amount of ALT (SGPT) in blood, it may suggest the presence of a medical problem in body such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, hepatitis and problems with the bile duct. Elevated levels of the enzyme in blood may also indicate the presence of infectious mononucleosis or myopathy. 

ALT is mostly used to screen for liver complications. Higher levels of ALT in blood can also be caused by other factors like dietary choline deficiency. It is important to know that elevated levels of ALT may not necessarily mean that there is a health complication in body. There are times when the levels can fluctuate and deviate from the normal. The levels can also change in response to physical exercises that are strenuous. 

Higher levels of ALT may occur due to lead poisoning, liver damage such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, exposure to carbon tetrachloride, use of medicines like antibiotics, narcotics, and statins. The level of this liver enzyme may also rise due to growth spurts particularly in young children. The rapid growth witnessed in young children such as during onset of adolescence may spark elevated levels of this enzyme. 

When tests show an elevated level of ALT in blood, the exact cause of the increased amount of the enzyme may be narrowed down by testing other enzymes. For example, if the increased levels of ALT are caused by myopathy problem, creatine kinase enzymes may be measured to rule out the cause. Various drugs such as anti-inflammatory drugs, cholesterol medications, and antibiotics may elevate the levels of this liver enzyme. 

ALT Blood Test

Although low levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are usually found in blood stream, when there is increased amount of this enzyme, it may signify some problems in the health of your body. An alanine aminotransferase (ALT) may be done to help identify liver disease such as hepatitis and cirrhosis or other liver conditions caused by virus, drugs, and alcohol. 

The test results can help check if there is liver damage. In addition, the test may help determine the cause of jaundice such as a liver disease or blood disorder. If a patient is using cholesterol medication, the health of the liver may be checked by testing for the ALT enzyme in blood.

The normal readings for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test in males may range from 10 to 40 units per liter (U/L) and in women they may range from 7- 35 U/L. 

The results of the tests may be influenced by other factors and your doctor will determine if the levels signify health complications in body. The levels can be affected by strenuous exercise, recent surgery, taking certain herbal products such as valerian and use of other medications. Therefore, it is important when you are being tested of ALT levels to mention to your doctor any medication you may be using. The doctor may recommend that you stop taking the medication several days prior to the test. 

It is essential to mention that both ALT and AST concentrations in serum or blood may not reflect the function of liver. This is because, you may have elevated levels of these enzymes but still have a normal functioning liver. In addition, increased levels of these enzymes in blood may only be used to detect inflammation that occurs on the liver due to injury or damage from other sources. 

Therefore, elevated levels of both ALT and AST may not automatically be equated with liver disease. They can indicate either a liver disease or a condition arising from other parts of the body, but which affects the liver. For example, muscle damage can cause the level of these two enzymes to shoot up. A thorough clinical evaluation is needed to determine and interpret the results of the levels of these enzymes in blood.  

AST SGOT – High, Normal, Low (Interpretation)

AST SGOT – High, Normal, Low (Interpretation)
AST is one of the two liver enzymes. AST stands for aspartate aminotransferase. This enzyme is also known as SGOT, which stands for serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase. AST is a protein that is synthesized in the liver cells. When there is liver complication or damage, this enzyme leaks out and enters the blood stream, something that leads to increased level of AST in blood. AST is also found in other parts of the body apart from liver. The enzyme may be found in heart, red blood cells, muscle tissue, kidneys, and pancreases. 

An AST test is used to measure the amount of this enzyme in blood. Usually, there are low levels of this enzyme that are found in blood. However, when organs like the liver and heart are damaged or suffer from a disease, more AST is released into the blood. The amount of AST released to bloodstream may directly relate with the seriousness or extent of tissue damage. 

When there is severe damage of the tissues, the level of AST rises after a period of 6 to 10 hours following the damage and this level may remain high for a period of close to four days. AST test could be conducted when performing alanine aminotransferase test, another liver enzyme, which is also known as ALT. Sometimes, the levels of AST and ALT may be used to determine if a person suffers liver damage or damage of another organ. 

Both of these enzyme tests (ALT and AST) can be used to test for liver damage. However, AST levels alone may not be very helpful in determining the liver damage and therefore, ALT is also incorporated when testing for the liver damage such as hepatitis C. In addition, many patients who suffer from hepatitis C show normal AST levels. Moreover, patients may have very serious liver disease such as cirrhosis and still show normal AST levels in blood. 

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) – Procedure, Normal Reading

Test for AST are done to check for liver damage. They are also helpful in identifying liver disease such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. A liver disease produces pain in the upper abdomen and may show other symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and jaundice. The test is also used to examine the success in treatment of liver disease. This test may be done to determine if a jaundice condition may have been caused by a liver disease or blood disorder. 

Patients being treated of cholesterol levels may undergo AST test to help determine the effects of cholesterol medication such as damage to the liver. A blood sample is taken from a vein in a person’s arm. The patient is wrapped an elastic band around the upper arm and a needle is used to draw blood from the vein. 

The normal values for AST in males are 14-20 units per liter or U/L, which may be translated to 0.23 to 0.33 microkats per liter or mckat/L. In females, the normal ranges are defined as 10- 36 U/L, which may be translated as 0.17 to 0.60 mckat/L. These values can vary from one laboratory to another and the doctor may consider other factors to determine the normal ranges for an individual. Values that fall outside these ranges may still be considered as normal depending on other factors.

 Causes of high levels of AST

Elevated levels of AST may be triggered by damage of the liver due to conditions like cirrhosis and hepatitis. They may also be caused by decaying tumor or necrosis. Other conditions like heart attack, heart failure, kidney, and lung damage may also cause the AST levels to rise. Use of medications such as antibiotics, statins, narcotics, aspirin, chemotherapy, and harbutures may also cause the levels of AST to increase passed normal ranges. 

When a person takes high doses of vitamin A, it may cause the liver enzyme to rise. Some types of cancer also increase the level of AST in blood. The AST test is more effective when detecting liver damage caused by overconsumption of alcohol than alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test. At times, both tests may be used to establish if the damage of the liver was caused by alcohol dependence. 

Since other many conditions can elevate the levels of AST in blood, patients may undergo other tests to interpret the normal results. A high AST reading may indicate that there is a liver damage however; the damage may not necessarily be caused by hepatitis C. If a test shows that there is high amount of AST but the ALT enzyme is normal, this may indicate that the cause for the increased levels of AST may be emanating from other parts of the body. The exact levels of AST may not clearly indicate the extent of liver damage or whether the liver is getting worse or better. Usually, small changes of the enzyme in blood are expected time in time, which may not be course for concern.

Shingles Rash – Pictures, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Shingles Rash – Pictures, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
Shingles is a skin rash caused by varicella-zoster virus, a type of herpes virus, which causes a disease known as chickenpox. Shingles is an infection that occurs on the nerve and area of skin, which is supplied with nerve endings. People who have had chickenpox previously can develop shingles rash. Even those who have had mild chickenpox can also suffer from shingles. 

Herpes zoster virus is different from herpes simplex because the latter causes genital herpes, which is a different condition from shingles. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people are likely to develop shingles in their life. This condition can occur at any age but it is more susceptible to people over the age of 50. Rarely does shingles rash manifest more than once but about 1 in 50 persons are likely to develop shingles more than once. 

http://www.Symptoms-Causes-treatment.blogspot.com detect diseases at an early stage symptoms, and find out the causes and treatments best suited.

Causes of shingles rash

Mainly shingles rash may occur for no obvious reason but at other times, the condition may be caused by stress and illness triggers. The weakened and ageing immune system in older people may be one reason why they develop the rash. The immune system suppresses the virus and keeps it inactive thus preventing it from multiplying. Therefore, if there is slight weakened immune system, as it happens in older people, the virus may reactivate and multiply leading to development of shingles. 

Many people suffer from chickenpox at their childhood stage. When a child or a person suffers from chickenpox, the virus that causes this condition does not completely disappear and it remains dormant in body. Some virus particles remain in the nerve roots surrounding the spinal cord in an inactive state. When these particles are present in nerve roots, they do not cause harm there since they are inactive. They do not show symptoms. 

However, for reasons not clearly understood, these inactive virus particles may start multiplying or reactivating after some years of dormancy. When the virus is reactivated at the spinal cord nerve area, it travels along the nerve to the reach the skin where it causes shingles. Shingles is more prevalent in people with immunosuppressant or poor immune system. 

Young people with HIV and AIDS may suffer the condition. Similarly, people who have suppressed immune system as a result of use of treatment options like chemotherapy and steroids may also suffer from the condition. Being exposed to shingles may not cause the rash but if you get in contact with a person with shingles and you have not suffered from chickenpox before or you have not received chickenpox vaccine, there is possibility of suffering from chickenpox. 

You can be exposed to chickenpox if you come in contact with fluid from the shingles blisters.

Being over 50 years places you in a high risk of suffering from shingles. If you have recently had a surgery or you have been using cancer treatment medication like chemotherapy, then you may be susceptible to suffering shingles. Other risk factors include radiation therapy, AIDs, cancer, poor nutrition, stress, organ transplant, diabetes, and lupus, which suppress the immune system.  

Symptoms of shingles rash

The varicella-zoster virus mainly affects one nerve and on one side of the body. The skin area supplied with nerves begins showing symptoms like pain and rash. At times, two or more nerves that are close to one another are affected by the virus. The mainly nerves affected are those which reach the skin on abdomen, chest, upper face, and the eyes. 

Early symptoms of the condition include sensitivity to light, headache, and flu-like symptoms with no fever. The itching and tingling begin on the band of skin. A person with the condition has a localized band of pain. The pain can occur anywhere and it depends on which nerve is affected. The pain also ranges from moderate to severe. The pain may be constantly dull or at times, it may be gnawing pain. At other times, you may experience sharp and stabbing pain, which comes and goes. 

The affected skin becomes tender. A rash occurs within 2 to 3 days following the start of pain. First, red blotches appear and they develop into itching blisters. The rash appears like chickenpox but it only affects the area of the band of skin, which hosts the affected nerves. The tissue under and around the rash may become inflamed due to effects of the virus attack. The blisters dry and form scabs before they eventually fade away. The area where the blisters occurred may have slight scarring. 

Treatment of shingles

There is no cure for this skin condition but there are treatments, which can shorten the illness and prevent other health complications from occurring. Antiviral medicines are introduced to help relieve pain and shorten the duration of the shingles rash. To relieve pain, antidepressants and topical creams are applied. When treatment with antiviral is given in advance, it can help prevent later complications like postherpetic neuralgia. Antibiotics are used to stop infection of blisters. 

Shingles Rash Pictures

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fetal alcohol syndrome, abbreviated as FAS, is a condition that occurs to the fetus due to alcohol intake during pregnancy. There are significant problems that may affect the fetus; these may include mental retardation, learning issues, ocular issues, physical deformities and behavioral issues. The issues caused due to this syndrome may vary but unfortunately the defects caused by the condition cannot be reversed. Many women ask about safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy to avoid FAS. However, there is no such safe amount of alcohol that can have no influence on your fetus. If you consume even slightest amount of alcohol then your baby is at risk of developing the syndrome. If you doubt that your child may have this syndrome then consult your doctor immediately as it may help in reducing complications of the condition. 

http://www.Symptoms-Causes-treatment.blogspot.com detect diseases at an early stage symptoms, and find out the causes and treatments best suited.

Causes of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Alcohol when consumed during pregnancy can cross the placenta and reach your developing fetus through your bloodstreams. Fetus cannot metabolize alcohol as fast as adults can do; this is why alcohol concentration of your baby is higher as compared with rest of your body. Alcohol can also hinder the delivery of oxygen to the baby. It can also affect the nutrition supply to your unborn child’s developing tissues as well as organs such as brain. The higher is your alcohol consumption during pregnancy the greater is the risk of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome affecting your child. There is no period during pregnancy when it is safe to consume alcohol; the risk is present throughout the pregnancy.  However, it is believed that facial features, bones, nervous system and other organ may get affected due to consuming alcohol during the first trimester. This is the phase wherein these parts of the fetus are under development. Hence, it is essential to give-up alcohol if you suspect that you are pregnant as during the first few weeks of first trimester most women are not even aware of the pregnancy. 

Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome does not include only one birth defect; in fact it refers to group of associated problems. It is the most serious condition amongst prenatal alcohol exposure related consequences. The range of disorders is collectively referred to as FASDs or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Fetal alcohol syndrome is said to be a common cause of mental backwardness but it can be certainly prevented. The degree of mental severity may greatly vary with some children may have mild issues while others may have severe psychological problems. Some common symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome may include: 

• Unusual facial feature such as small eye, thinner upper lips, upturned nose, smooth skin between upper lips and nose etc


• Joint deformities, deformed fingers and limbs


• Delayed physical growth during pregnancy and after birth


• Ocular issues


• Hearing difficulties


• Small brain size called microcephaly


• Smaller circumference of head


• Improper coordination


• Delayed mental growth or retardation


• Learning disorder


• Heart defects

Some children with FAS may have distinct abnormal behavior. They may have shorter span of attention or may be hyperactive. Such children may be extremely nervous, have improper impulse control and may suffer from anxiety. The aforementioned issues associated with facial feature of FAS affected child may also occur in normal children. It needs expertise to distinguish normal facial features from that of a FAS affected child’s. Neurodevelopment disorder associated with alcohol is a term used to refer to mental impairment or behavioral anomalies which are often caused when fetus is exposed to alcohol. 

Experts cannot actually tell how much alcohol can be permitted for consumption during pregnancy without affecting your child. However, what they certainly know is, the more you drink the higher are the chances of your child becoming affected with the condition. In other words, even slightest consumption would make your child susceptible to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Doctors suggest ceasing use of alcohol if you suspect you are pregnant of even if you are attempting to become pregnant. If you are addicted to alcohol and you cannot stop drinking but wants your child to be safe, then consult a doctor immediately and seek medical help. 

Fetal alcohol syndrome diagnosis

Doctor cannot diagnose Fetal Alcohol Syndrome before your baby is delivered. However they can evaluate mother’s health and health of the fetus during pregnancy. By providing timing and quantity of alcohol consumption to an obstetrician or other doctors, you will enable them to detect the risk of FAS.  After pregnancy if you inform your doctor that you consumed alcohol during pregnancy, then the doctor can track the symptoms of the condition during initial months and years of your child’s life. There are certain areas on which the doctor will focus on to determine whether your child is affected with Fetal Alcohol syndrome; these are as follows: 

• Growth


• Facial development


• Heart


• Hearing ability


• Sight


• Language development


• Behavior


• Cognitive ability


• Motor skills 

If any anomalies are suspected the doctor may refer your child to genetic specialist to confirm whether your child is a Fetal Alcohol Syndrome victim. If one child is diagnosed positive with the condition, it is significant to also diagnose his/her siblings and check whether they are also affected with the condition. 

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Treatment

There is no treatment that can completely cure the syndrome. Physical deformities and mental issue often lasts for the lifetime. In case of heart related problems, surgery can be an option in some cases. However, other techniques can be adopted to reduce the daily living difficulties of your child. For example, learning problem can be reduced with help of special schools meant for such children. Counseling can help parents to care for their child and deal with its behavioral issues.  

It is better to prevent the condition from affecting your child then to struggle later. The only confirmed way to protect your child from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is by giving up alcohol completely before pregnancy. It is better to quit alcohol during your child bearing years and particularly when you are planning to have a child. You should not relapse from your practice of avoiding alcohol during your pregnancy and when your child is breast feeding. Giving up alcohol completely before and during pregnancy can certainly prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Pictures