White Spots on Toenails

White Spots on Toenails
White spots on toenails can be caused due to varied reasons. They are generally harmless and tend to disappear on their own.

Causes

Listed below are some of the varied causes -

1. Vitamin and minerals deficiency

One of the major causes of white spots on toenails is deficiency in different vitamins and minerals. A number of women tend to suffer from such abnormal, unusual spots due to deficits in calcium intake. Such spots may also arise if your diet lacks adequate amounts of zinc. When the white spots occur along with a slow immune system and hair fall, then it usually signifies deficiencies in diet.

2. Injuries

Most of us tend to injure the toenails and the areas around them during manicures or nail-clipping. Such injuries are mostly minor and often ignored by us. The injuries can lead to formation of white spots on toenails, generally some days or weeks after the injury has occurred.

3. Infections

An infection is another common cause of white spots on toenails. Our feet are usually covered in shoes for most of the day and hence we generally are not aware of any sort of nail infections. A fungal infection tends to grow after getting under a nail and causes development of a whitish patch.

Toenails are normally affected by 3 types of fungal infections, that is, molds, yeast, and dermatophytes. Such infections typically occur at the tip or end of the toenail. Individuals who sweat a lot at their feet are at greater risk to such infections. Spread of the infection can result in growing discoloration and tinning or thickening of the affected nail. It may also experience splitting or flaking, or may come apart.

4. Anemia

It is a blood disorder caused due to deficient RBCs and hemoglobin. Pale or whitish nail beds can be a symptom of anemia

5. Allergies

The presence of allergies to certain products can also lead to development of white spots on toenails. The allergic reaction may occur due to contact with chemicals present in nail hardeners, nail polish, or nail polish removers. Patients who experience the abnormal spots just after changing the brand can consider the new product as being allergenic.

6. Diseases

In some cases, white spots may also signify liver or kidney diseases. It may however be noted that kidney disorders usually cause partial whitening, while liver conditions affect the entire nail.

Treatment of white spots on toenails

The condition is typically not dangerous. It is however necessary to consult a doctor when affected by prolonged instances of this nail anomaly.

• Changes in diet, varied natural remedies, good personal hygiene, and certain lifestyle changes can also help in removal of the white spots.Fishes like sardines and salmon, dairy products, kale, broccoli, and spinach are calcium rich, while zinc can be obtained from lamb, beef, sea foods, and legumes like peas, beans, and lentils.


• It is important to avoid injuring the nails when cutting them. Topical and oral medications can be used to treat minor injuries. Fungal infections can be treated via application of anti-fungal creams on the affected toenail.

White Spots on Fingernails

White Spots on Fingernails
Healthy fingernails have always been considered to be sign of good health. Such fingernails tend to be smooth without any discoloration, ridges, deformities, or spots. Nails consist of several layers of a protein known as keratin. This hardened protein is also present in the skin and nails. Fingernails offer protection to the fragile tissues present in the fingers.

The occurrence of white spots on fingernails refers to a condition known as leukonychia. It can be caused due to varied reasons such as diet deficiencies, injuries, allergies, etc. The term leukonychia has its origins in two Greek words, i.e. Leuko meaning white, and Onyx meaning nail. White spots on fingernails is a harmless condition and tends to disappear on its own.

Types of leukonychia

Leukonychia has been classified into four different types as per the amount of discoloration and its severity. They are:

• Leukonychia Punctata: It is the most common form and is identified by formation of tiny white spots on fingernails


• Leukonychia Partialis: The fingernails experience partial discoloration or whitening


• Leukonychia Striata: It results in formation of discolored or white stripes on the fingernail.


• Leukonychia Totalis: The complete nail is discolored or whitened

Causes

Some of the varied causes of white spots on fingernails are listed below:

• Injuries: One of the most common causes of abnormal white spots on fingernails is an injury. Even minor injuries that may result from mild bruises or a bump against hard objects can lead to development of the white spots. A harsh injury which causes elevated trauma to the affected fingernail can result in formation of blood clots under the nail. Such clots will eventually turn into white spots after some time. Injuries may also arise when clipping or manicuring the fingernails.


• Infections: This condition may also be caused due to fungal or bacterial infection of the nails.


• Drugs: Chemotherapy or intake of certain medications can also result in white spots on fingernails.


• Allergic reactions: Chemicals present in nail hardeners or enamels may trigger an allergic reaction leading to formation of white spots on fingernails.


• Diet deficiencies: Insufficient intake of calcium and zinc can also cause this condition

It may be noted that leukonychia can be an inherited condition or an acquired one. The latter may result from varied diseases such as cirrhosis, typhoid fever, leprosy, medicines, trauma, or hypocalcaemia.

Treatment for white spots on fingernails

Leukonychia is a harmless condition and the associated white spots tend to vanish on their own without treatment. Patients should however consult a doctor when the discoloration persists or spreads across the nail, as it can indicate the presence of a serious underlying condition.

Normal cases of white spots on fingernails can be treated with changes in diet, good personal hygiene, and taking care to avoid injury or trauma to the nails.

Fungal and bacterial infections of the fingernails can be treated with topical anti-fungal drugs or antibiotic creams. One can prevent such infections by thoroughly washing the hands after being outdoors.

Ears Feel Clogged ?

Ears Feel Clogged ?
Clogged ears may be quite a bother and it is important that one understands causes that lead to this issue so that an appropriate line of treatment can be administered. This problem can occur to any person in all ages and the condition may cause severely pain and increased sensitivity to the ear.

Children tend to suffer clogged ears when they experience cold infection symptoms. Different aspects can cause this condition and the symptoms also vary depending on the cause. The problem is caused by accumulation of fluid in the ears. Please bear in mind that ignorance or casual outlook of the condition may lead to ear infection which in turn, can cause other complications, including hearing disability.

There are medications as well as home remedies that you can use to treat or unclog blocked ears. When using home therapies, you need to do so after seeking help from a doctor especially if you suspect that an infection may have caused the problem. You should ensure that you do not use things or substances that can damage your delicate eardrums.

Causes of clogged ears

Different aspects can cause clogging in ears including environmental factors and infections. Earwax accumulation in ears is another common cause. When a person uses ear cleaning instruments, they can at times, push wax further inside your ear something that causes pain and pressure. Other causes of clogged ears are sinus infection as well as allergies. When infections like sinus occur, they can block the Eustachian tube of your ear.

Eustachian tube is a passage or tube that connects the back of nose to the middle ear. Such blockage of the Eustachian tube can result to ear infection. Swimming also causes clogging in ears. As you swim under water, the liquid builds up in your ears. This may also happen to divers in sea when they dive in the waters. Because swimming waters are often contaminated, the water in ears can cause bacterial build-up resulting to inflammation and pain in your ear.

A rare non-cancerous tumor known as acoustic neuroma can grow around the acoustic nerve found in ears. This may cause sensational ringing, feeling of fullness, and unsteadiness. This condition is caused by a gene malfunction and especially within chromosome 22. Another cause of blocked ears is change in pressure when traveling with aeroplanes. Airplanes are pressurized in an effort to increase the amount of oxygen in the cabins to help passengers get sufficient oxygen essential for breathing.

Hypoxia, a low amount of oxygen in tissues, can occur when there is insufficient amount of oxygen to breath. When you travel by flight, you experience plugged ears because of the differential pressures created as the plane changes altitude. The variation in pressure that occurs between the air inside the middle ear and the external part of the ear results to plugged or clogged ears.

Identical pressure is required in either sides of the Eustachian tube, but cabin pressurelization can create significance change in air pressure. During the takeoff or landing of a plane, there is variation in air pressure, which exerts pressure on eardrums, something that induces pain and blockage. Such air pressure differentials also cause conditions like flu, otosclerosis, infections, and unusual growth within the bones in middle of the ear. Other aspects like upper respiratory illnesses, allergies, hay fever, insect bites, and muscle strains may also cause clogged ears.

Symptoms

Plugged or clogged ears cause a number of symptoms, which include pain, headache, and inability to sleep. A discharge from the ear can occur especially if the clogging is caused by an infection. The ear may bleed when the vessels supplying blood inside the ear rapture from an infection or increased pressure. This condition may also make a person feel faint and loss of balance. Hearing loss may be a possibility if the problem escalates. The pain in ears is usually severe causing discomfort. A ringing sensation in your ear, also known as tinnitus, may also be experienced in a person suffering from this condition. The symptoms may vary depending on the causal factor.

Clogged ears – treatment

The treatment depends on the cause and the symptoms experienced. If wax build-up is the cause for the clogging, the wax may be cleared with use of hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide dissolves the wax and clears it out of the ear. Another substance used to get rid of wax formation is boiled or cooled coconut oil. There are also over-the-counter wax softeners that can be used to get rid of the wax buildup in your ear.

If blockage is caused by chronic infection in the Eustachian tube, medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, decongestants, and antihistamine are used. These drugs help in relieving the inflammation and pain. Antibiotics are applied to treat infections especially if the ear is painful and discharging fluids. If blockage is caused by swimmer’s ear or water from swimming pool, then different techniques can be applied to remove the water.

You can put back a few drops of water inside the ear, wait for a few minutes like 3 minutes, and then turn the ear down or the other way so that you allow the water to come out. Suction effect may also be applied to drain away the water from ears. If clogged ears are caused by acoustic neuroma growth, medical attention is needed. Treatment may entail use of surgery to remove the non-cancerous growth.

When treating clogged ears in children, it is advisable that you avoid using home remedies and seek help from the doctor. This is especially so if the wax buildup is accompanied by inflamed ear. The doctor administered various medications like antibiotics, eardrops, and painkillers to help relieve the symptoms but this also depends on the cause of the plugged ears. In essence, clogged or plugged ears can occur as a result of different aspects like infections or change in atmospheric air pressure and the treatment depends on the relevant causes.

Sun Poisoning – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Rash Pictures

Sun Poisoning – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Rash Pictures
Sun poisoning is a form of allergic reaction to exposure to the sun. However, the condition does not occur every time that a person is in the sun. According to scientists, the allergy occurs when there has been prior contact with an allergen, which is then activated by the sun, to cause the eczematous reaction which is sun poisoning. The condition is also called photoallergy, or photodermatitis. People with light skin, which has low melanin content, are more susceptible to sun poisoning. The skin will run red in the affected area and may also form blisters and rashes.

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What does Sun poisoning look like?

People who suffer from sun poisoning will get a rash on the skin, but the type of rash differs from person to person, and also from one attack to another. Similarly the severity will be determined by the type of allergen that you came into contact with. The skin may peel, form blisters and get an angry red color. There may also be blister which will have a lot of fluid. In another type of sun poisoning called solar urticaria, the skin may also itch a lot, become red in color, and then develop into an appearance that is seen in hives sufferers. The skin develops a scaly appearance in patches.

What are the symptoms of sun poisoning?

The allergens in your body are affected by UV radiation, causing your skin to have an allergic reaction which is what causes the condition to occur. There are three types of sun poisoning and the symptoms are usually distinct. Solar urticaria – This is characterized by itchiness, and the reddening of the skin. The patient may also get bumps similar to those of hives. The patient develops wheezing, and may become dizzy, and sometimes lose consciousness. Polymorphous light eruption – The patient develops an itchy rash and the exposed areas will develop bumps. The bumps will be in dense clumps, and your chest, arms and lower legs may develop a hive-like appearance. Polymorphous light eruption (inherited) – The patient develops fatigue, nausea, headaches, and chills. Slight symptoms – In all cases there are symptoms of a slight attack, and these include the reddening of the skin, blisters on the skin, the skin may swell to form bumps, and it will have a tingling sensation. Severe symptoms – There are symptoms of a severe attack, and these need immediate medical attention. These include fainting, diarrhea, dehydration, headaches, chills, swelling in the face. The blisters may also be very painful, and appear over most of your body. Your skin will begin to crust, scale, and crack. The cracked areas may bleed. There is an onset of fever, after the chills disappear, and the patient may be confused.

What are the causes of sun poisoning?

Apart from over exposure to the sun, there are other causes that lead to the development of the condition. People with low melanin levels People who have fair skin have low levels of melanin. This is the pigment that helps in filtering the UV radiation from the sun. Blondes, people with light colored eyes, and redheads are the most common sufferers of this condition. The condition is rare among Afro, or dark skinned people.

Medication and Treatment Options

Certain medicines will make you develop this condition since they make the skin more vulnerable to UV rays. Industrial cleaners and some soap may also have the same effect. If you use tranquilizers, birth control pills, and blood pressure medication you may develop this condition. Sunscreens that contain PABA, and some antifungal creams can cause the condition to occur. You should also check the information on antibiotics since they can make you develop the condition. If you are not used to being out in the sun for long periods, you should be careful, since a sudden increase in the UV radiation caused by sudden exposure to the sun, can cause the condition to flare up. This may happen if you live in temperate climates then take a vacation to the equatorial beaches where temperatures are extremely hot, and longer hours of sunshine. This is what is called polymorphous light eruption.

What is the treatment of sun poisoning?

The treatment will depend on the type of sun poisoning that you are suffering from. When you see the first signs, you should try to use wet and cool dressings to reduce the irritation. Cooling down your body may counter the effects of the allergen, so you should also take a lot of cool water. Taking ice-cold water is not advised since it may have a negative action. You can also take a cool shower to achieve this end. Antihistamines are recommended for an attack of solar urticaria. Corticosteroids may also be used to bring down the reaction. If the patient loses consciousness, then urgent medical help should be sought.

Sun Poisoning Rash Pictures

Dry Skin on Eyelids

Dry Skin on Eyelids
Dry skin on eyelids may be caused due to various reasons and underlying conditions. Some of the causes and treatment options for dry skin on eyelids are discussed below.

Symptoms of dry skin on eyelids

There are many symptoms such as redness, soreness, itchiness, and irritation, etc., which may accompany dry skin on eyelids. It is important to note down such symptoms as it helps in effective diagnosis and treatment.

Some of the signs and symptoms accompanying dry skin on eyelids are listed below:

• Increased sensitivity to light


• Crusting of eyelashes


• Eyelids itchiness and swelling


• Peeling of eyelids skin


• Blurry vision


• Burning sensations in the eyes


• Watery eyes

Causes of dry skin on eyelids

• One of the most common causes of dry skin on eyelids is blepharitis. It is an eye disorder that causes chronic inflammation of the eyelids. Some of the additional symptoms of blepharitis are itchiness, dryness, redness, and overall discomfort and irritation of the eyelid skin.


• Corneal anomalies can also result in dry skin on eyelids


• Dryness and eyelid inflammation is also caused due to dermatitis of the eyelids. It is accompanied by other symptoms which are similar to those dermatitis cases which occur in the rest of the body. In addition to dry skin on eyelids, patients may also experience itchiness and irritation of the eyelids.


• Decrease in the production of tears due to abnormalities of the tear glands can lead to lowered eye lubrication. This can ultimately cause dry eyes, which can later progress to eyelid and eye irritation, severe ocular dryness, and dry skin on eyelids.


• Eye shadows, mascara and other similar kinds of eye makeup may contain ingredients that damage the eyelid skin or cause an allergic response. Increased use of such items can activate a bout of dry skin on eyelids.


• Allergic reaction to bee stings can also result in dry skin on eyelids, swelling, and reddening.


• Excessive use of shampoos or soaps to rub and cleanse the eyes can result in dry eyes, which can later cause an episode of dry skin on eyelids


• Various kinds of eye infections can also cause dry skin on eyelids in addition to dryness, swelling, and inflammation of the eyelids.


• Contamination of the eyelid skin can occur when people touch their eyes directly after consuming food or handling chemical items, without washing their hands. This can lead to dry eyes, thereby increasing the risk to dryness of eyelids’ skin.

Treatment of dry skin on eyelids

Treatment of dry skin on eyelids is aimed at finding out the cause, managing the symptoms, and curing the underlying disease.

• Blepharitis and eyelid dermatitis can be treated with medications, while dry eyes can be cured with eye drops


• Mild instances of dry skin on eyelids may be alleviated with the use of moisturizers. It is however important to ensure that the moisturizer does not contain allergenic ingredients.


• Patients also need to regularly clean the affected eyelids with little amounts of baby shampoo and lukewarm water, so as to wash away the crusts. Avoid the use of makeup till the time the eyelid problem is completely resolved. 

Underactive thyroid symptoms in women

Underactive thyroid symptoms in women
The thyroid gland is a tiny, butterfly-shaped located in the throat. It plays an important role in the body’s metabolism. An underactive thyroid is one which secretes decreased quantities of thyroid hormones. The condition is referred to as hypothyroidism.

An underactive thyroid affects both men and women, but is more common in women. Hypothyroidism may cause infertility and increase the vulnerability to infections and cardiac conditions. It is therefore very important to know about the symptoms of an underactive thyroid, especially for women. It can help in prompt treatment and prevention of health complications.

Symptoms of an underactive thyroid in women

Women should always be on the lookout for below listed signs and symptoms that indicate the presence of an underactive thyroid. In case the symptoms are present, you should consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and remedial measures.

• An underactive thyroid will result in abnormal sensations of coldness in the hands and feet in all types of weather. Such sensations may be minor or serious and can occur in the feet or hands, or both.


• There may be loss of hearing and blurry vision. These symptoms may have a sudden onset or may occur gradually over a period of time.


• Patients may put on weight despite a noticeable loss in the appetite. The eating habits may also be erratic, which can result in decreased levels of energy, lethargy, constipation, as well as a general feeling of exhaustion and fatigue.


• There may be mood swings or emotional changes without any known cause. A number of women suffering from an underactive thyroid may also have difficulties in sleeping, which in turn can result in stress, frayed nerves, and short tempers.


• Women with an underactive thyroid may also experience a number of other symptoms. There may be a noticeable change in their sex drive or menstrual cycles. The muscles and joints may hurt or experience weakness without any explainable cause. The sound of voice may alter and become hoarser. The skin may become coarse and dry along with a pale complexion. Intellectual abilities may suffer resulting in forgetfulness and memory loss.

Causes of underactive thyroid in women.

• Destruction of the thyroid gland during radiotherapy or its surgical removal to cure hyperthyroidism can cause underactive thyroid symptoms in women.


• Conditions like chronic hepatitis, and diabetes produce anti-thyroid antibodies which results in an underactive thyroid. One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism in American women is an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.


• Anomalies of the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus, and intake of drugs like lithium can also cause an underactive thyroid in women.


• Congenital hypothyroidism can be detected with early screening procedures.

Treatment 

• Underactive thyroid symptoms in women are treated with hormone replacement therapy. The hormones may be given in the form of pills that have to be taken orally.


• The hormone therapy will continue for the lifetime of the patient.


• The doctor will advise on the daily dosage which has to be strictly adhered to. Lower or higher than recommended dosage can result in health complications.

Helix Piercing

Helix Piercing
Helix piercing is a perforation of the helix part of the ear or the cartilage.  The helix is the outer part of the ear which forms the edge of the ear.  The piercing is done to use jewelry or other decorative ear pieces for ornamentation. There is a specialized hollow gauge needle used for piercing. During the process of piercing a sterile needle is used and pushed through the helix and then kept positioned until the jewelry is added. This process can be painful; for some it can be intolerable while for others it may cause more than moderate pain. This would depend on the person’s capacity to bear pain. Bleeding and swelling if occurs should no be a matter of concern. These are common occurrence experienced in almost all cases.

Though piercing guns are considered advanced way to create puncture they are not recommended as they cause sudden shock and may take longer time to heal, approximately 6 to 8 weeks.  Cartilage or helix is furthest to the canal and can be said as the longest part of the ear. It is actually a rim to the extreme exterior of the ear. Since it is long it provides you an option to decide on which part you want the perforation to be done. You can have a puncture in the lower cartilage or also in upper cartilage; the decision is yours. Some people go for multiple piercing to make their embellishment more prominent. This has become a common practice.

Piercing the helix will allow you to add style to your persona. If the puncture is in the upper cartilage and you have sufficiently longer hair you can also hide the adornment. Nevertheless, you have the liberty to remove your ear-piece and wear it whenever you want (after around two months from piercing). This way you can also maintain professionalism and switch to create style statement within no time.  You should be careful about the placement of the perforation. This is because it should not cause obstruction or it may get snagged on hairs, combs, cloth, etc. The pain caused due to such snagging is mostly intense at least until the puncture is healed. Such entangling can cause redness and sore for the rest of day. You have to be extra careful about your ears when they are recently pierced and are still tender. If in case you get your ear entangled and pulled by mistake it may start bleeding if the puncture is fresh. In such a case you need to clean your ear using some anti bacterial soap. This would help you avoid infections. 

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Helix Piercing Healing Time

Cartilage piercing takes long time to heal. If you are not considering appropriate aftercare then the healing may take even more time. One thing you need to know is that cartilage heals from outside in. This makes the outer layer heal first while the inner layers are still healing. This creates a misconception in people who presume that the piercing is healed and in such situation if you turn less careful then the puncture may become sore again. The piercing actually needs at least 2 to 6 months to heal. In some unfortunate cases it may also take up to 8 months. During the healing process you need to clean the perforation at least 2 times a day. 

Helix Piercing Pain

Most people wonder whether helix piercing is painful. When any part of the body is pierced it pains certainly, so obviously helix piercing is also painful. However, the intensity of the pain would differ. Everyone has different level of pain. To your information not many people find helix piercing to be excruciating but for some people it may be the worst pain of their life. Initially, the pain is a sudden pinch which may measure approximate 5 to 7 on the pain scale. After the piercing your ear may hurt for a long time after the process. The pain can be controlled using pain relieving medicines, but this could not be always used. Using a pain killer daily is not suggested. Perhaps you can adopt alternate measures to deal with the pain. Discomfort caused due to the puncture can also be handled using ice packs. You need to ensure keeping the area protected from frictions, bumps and hits. 

Helix Piercing and Infections

Getting helix pierced is not a great concern but the maintaining the piercing and its symptoms is a big deal. You should understand that the perforation is an open wound which can get affected with bacteria or other infections. You need to be careful when you touch it and essentially wash your hands before doing so. Do not allow anyone touch it as they may not only transfer the bacteria but may hurt your ear causing soreness. This is crucial because punctured cartilage is susceptible to infection. In order to ensure hygiene try cleaning your ears at least two times daily. Sometimes you may feel that the jewelry is glued through the puncture. This happens because the blood or puss (in some cases) becomes dried. Try twisting the jewelry while cleaning, but do it gently. You should also use sanitized pillows, bed sheets, etc.  Avoid changing the jewelry unless the pierced helix is healed. You may want to get a better jewelry short after getting the piercing done and you may also try to speed the process. It is suggested to allow the puncture heal conventional. Any inappropriate measure will not only hinder the process of healing but may also cause infections. Just by looking at the punctured area and tracking the progress for one two weeks will enable you to understand how fast the healing is happening. You should go according to the flow and avoid taking unsuitable measures such as using harsh chemicals, creams or changing jewelry without consulting a doctor. 

 Home remedies for helix piercing

You can adopt some effective home remedies to avoid infection and speed up healing process. Try applying warm compresses using chamomile tea bags.  You can apply hot water compresses or sea salt soaks if your punctured helix develops boils filled with puss. If any dried crust is left try removing it with cotton swab dipped in hot water. Make cotton swabs and dip it in lemon juice and apply on the pierced spot. This would help in if hypertrophic scars have developed. If possible, drain the puss out of the boil and get rid of crust if any. Tree oil can be used in case of recurrent boils and scarring; you can apply this again using cotton swab.  Certainly piercing is not an issue, but what makes it a slightly difficult is the aftercare. Some people also use warmed coconut oil which is said to be an effective remedy to treat the healing faster. Nevertheless, you can always opt for doctor’s consultation.

Helix Piercing Pictures