Thursday, June 12, 2014

HIV Rash – Pictures, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment

HIV Rash – Pictures, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment
HIV is abbreviation of Human Immunodeficiency Virus which is a preceding condition of AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This is a life threatening physical condition which destroys significant cells of the body.  The condition causes several symptoms. One of the common symptoms of the condition is HIV rash. This is a kind of rash on the skin which is commonly recorded in HIV patients. It is studied that around 80% of the HIV sufferers experience HIV rash symptoms. HIV rashes are often reddish in color. These rashes can be extremely itchy in nature. Appearance of these rashes may differ according to the severity of the disease. In most cases raised small bumps are also observed.










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  • 2 Causes of HIV rash
  • 3 Diagnosis
  • 4 HIV Rash Symptoms
  • 5 Treatment of HIV rash
  • 6 HIV Rash Pictures

  • HIV Rash Types


    There is no concrete description of HIV rashes in the medical records. But HIV rashes can be divided into four classes which are as follows:




    • HIV rashes due to medicinal reaction:


    There are antiretroviral medications that are known to cause skin rashes as side effects in some situations. These drugs are suggested as treatment for HIV infection and its associated symptoms. Some of such antiretroviral medicines include nevirapine, abacavir and amprenavir. These are few of the drugs that can lead to HIV rash. Ceasing the use of these medicines may possible ebb away rashes, but one should do this only after consulting your doctor.




    • HIV Rash of Acute nature


    These are acute rashes which occur due to HIV infection. These rashes are noticed within few days from the time of affliction of the infection. There are other symptoms as well which are recorded along with these rashes. Chest, back, palms, etc, are the common regions for these rashes to occur; nevertheless, they can be seen on any part of the body. These kinds of rashes are often difficult to be diagnosed and may need thorough investigation through several tests.




    • Symptomatic HIV Rashes


    The third phase of HIV infection may causes dermatitis which in turn leads to symptoms such as skin anomalies. These sort of rashes are usually pinkish or reddish in appearance as well as they may be itchy at times. These may last for 1 to 3 years according to records and estimation. Some of the common body regions where these symptomatic rashes can be found are groin, underarms, torso, facial skin and back.




    • HIV rashes due to Herpes


    HIV sufferer may also have herpes and such individuals are prone to skin problems. If HIV is also accompanied by herpes then it becomes difficult for the patient to handle the condition. HIV and Herpes are STDs or Sexually Transmitted Disease. This makes the mortality rate extremely high. There are other symptoms of herpes which may be experienced along with these rashes. In such a situation the rashes are often filled with fluid. After few days these bumps bursts and spread further. The condition is very serious and if not controlled earlier, it may also lead to death.


    Causes of HIV rash


    HIV rashes mostly occur in people suffering from HIV infection. The HIV virus is a dreadful virus which can affect the tissues in the vaginal and anal lining. The virus can also affect mouth or eyes. There are three stages through which the infection progresses gradually. Occurrence of painful rashes as well as other flu-like symptoms indicates the primary stage of infection. The dermatologic symptoms may take place during seroconversion when noticeable antibodies are generated in oppose to infectious agents present in blood.










    In some situations some antiretroviral drugs as mentioned above can also trigger allergic reaction or side effects causing rashes to appear. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus can severely influence and deteriorate the immune system causing the body to lose its ability to fight minor and major invaders of the body and infection. This also contributes to cause rashes on the skin.


    Diagnosis


    Chorionic skin rashes are often related with several skin issues which are usually difficult to diagnose through conventional physical screenings. In order to rule out HIV as underlying cause of rashes there are two routine tests suggested to the patient. The first test is specific to count of CD4 cells. People who are infected with the condition often have low CD4 count. The second test suggested is determining the amount of viral load in blood. Infected individual with high viral load are susceptible to reduced CD4 cells and faster progression of the condition as compared to those with low viral load. The efficacy of new treatments and medications can be evaluated by understanding the count of virus in blood.


    HIV Rash Symptoms


    HIV rashes has some features which makes it possible to recognized them; here are some aspects of HIV rashes



    • The patient suffering from the condition develops brown or else reddish lumps such as pimples. These appear similar to eczema and are in clusters

    • HIV infection may also lead to lesions due to skin peeling

    • In some cases HIV rashes can be itchy

    • HIV rashes can occur in almost any region of the body. In seldom cases even genitals, eyes as well as mouth is also infected

    • These HIV rashes may persist for up to 2 weeks but they are not transmissible


    Other symptoms that may occur along with these rashes can hint that the skin condition is due to HIV.



    • Memory loss

    • Loose motions

    • Unexpected unknown fever

    • Pain in muscle

    • Body ache and cramps

    • Gland enlargement

    • Blurred vision

    • Lose of appetite and reduction in weight

    • Pain in joints


    Treatment of HIV rash


    HIV rash often resolves in around 2 weeks. However they may become dormant or asymptomatic. There is no confirmed cure for HIV infection but there are some hypotheses which can be a potential treatment in future. The treatment of HIV rash would depend on the cause of the condition. If it occurs due to medicinal side effects then ceasing the use of the medicine can help.  There are some non prescription medicines such as hydrocortisone cream which may alleviate the itchiness. Best treatment to deal with HIV rash can be recommended by your doctor alone. HIV is a serious health condition and adopting any measure to deal with it or its symptoms should be done only after approved by your doctor.


    HIV Rash Pictures

















    Maculopapular Rash

    Maculopapular Rash
    Maculopapular rash is a skin disorder in which the victim may either suffer from macules or may suffer from papules or even both. The term Maculopapular is derived as a fusion of Macules and Papules. Macules are often flat non elevated region of epidermal skin layer which may also be discolored. On the other hand Papules are small protruded bumps appearing on the skin. It is also sometimes referred to as HIV rash. Maculopapular rashes are recorded in people of all age group. These rashes may occur at any region of body such as facial skin, torso and also extremities. In children with this disorder the rashes are prominent on palms as well as soles. Generally these rashes are often red in color but in advanced stage of Maculopapular rash the condition may become discolored.










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    Causes of Maculopapular rash


    There are various causes of Maculopapular rashes; one of such factor that may lead to the condition may include Epstein Barr virus. This virus is often associated with individuals affected with cancer in geographical regions such as Africa as well as China. This often originates through animal virus which may lead to fever along with painful blisters appearing on skin.  Syphilis is another condition wherein Maculopapular rashes may be noticed. In this condition the rashes may also rupture and become ulcerative blisters. The condition can be highly painful but patients are usually treated with conventional penicillin.


    These rashes are also recorded in case of scabies wherein these skin manifestations are often itchy, irritating and contagious. People affected with Rubella or German measles are also prone to such rashes. Since the condition is often of mild in nature it ebbs away in 3 to 4 days. Rashes can also be caused due to conditions such as Chikungunya wherein you may experience fever along with rashes. This condition is often resulted due to mosquito bite. Another condition that can occur due to mosquito bite is Dengue. In fact Dengue is believed to be one of the primary factors that cause Maculopapular rashes. Associated symptoms that a person may experience along with rashes include fever and pain in joints. The condition can also be fatal if the platelet level decreases significantly. This may cause excessive bleeding eventually leading to death.


    The reason why Maculopapular rashes are also called HIV rash is because it is recorded in case of Type-1 HIV these rashes are extremely common. Nevertheless, even condition such as low cholesterol in the body may be lead to such skin anomalies. This may occur due to surplus use of Niacin and Vitamin B3. Sometimes certain medicines such as amoxicillin, Cefobid, Cefoperazone, Chemotherapeutic medicines and other antibiotics may cause rashes.


    Diagnosing Maculopapular rashes


    One of the highly adopted measures to determine prevalence of Maculopapular rashes is through patient’s medical history and complete physical examination. Usually the doctor looks into the medical history and detects if any incidence of diseases have been experience by the patient. He may then closely asses the rashes to ensure that the rashes experienced are Maculopapular or some other kind of skin ailment. If the person is experiencing any additional symptoms then it should be informed to the doctor immediately.










    There are also some laboratory tests that can help in determining the cause of the condition. One of the tests that may be helpful is blood test wherein blood is examined for any irregularities. There are other screenings such as syphilis test, cerebrospinal fluid examination, pustules culture test, etc. These tests are performed by experts and possible anomalies are highlighted. There are also some additional examinations such as ENT, lung test, genital assessment, joints as well as nerve tests which may be suggested by your doctor.


    These rashes can also be classified through the symptoms experienced. For example, rashes appearing on facial skin can either indicate prevalence of measles or else viral infection of some other kind. If the patient is suffering from headache as well as confusion then the rashes may be a result of Gonococcemia. Meningococcemia may cause joint pain along with Maculopapular rashes. In case of purulent uretheral drainage, there are other associated symptoms as well such as pharyngitis, anaphylaxis or breathing difficulties.


     Treatment for Maculopapular rash


    The treatment of the disorder is often depended on the symptoms experienced along with it. However, the treatment is often focused on the causing factor. If it is determined that Chikungunya is the causing factor of resulted rashes then Chloroquine is suggested by the doctor which is the first possible treatment for chikungunya. Intravenous medicines and oral rehydration is suggested for people suffering with dengue, this may also help in alleviating experienced rashes. But in severe cases of dengue, people are suggested blood transfusion. If the rashes are due to EBV or Epstein Barr Virus then painkiller may help alleviating the symptoms. Since, the treatment would be according to the causing factor, a suitable and efficaciouss treatment for Maculopapular rashes can only be obtained by consulting a doctor.


    Maculopapular rash pictures



















    Cirhossis of the Liver

    Cirhossis of the Liver
    Liver is a crucial organ in the body which performs several significant processes within. It controls the infection by eliminating unhealthy bacteria as well as toxins in blood. Liver processes nutrients, drugs and hormones in the body. It is responsible for producing bile which is crucial for normal digestive function as they absorb cholesterol and helps in digesting fats. Cirrhosis of liver is a concerning medical condition. Under this condition the healthy tissues of liver gets replaced with scar tissue. This gradually causes deterioration of liver functions. In healthy state the liver can replace damaged cells with good cells. However, as cirrhosis advances the liver loses its self-repairing ability. This eventually results in symptoms that hinder the quality of life.











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    Symptoms of Cirrhosis of the liver


    Cirrhosis often manifests itself through various symptoms. Usually during the initial stages of the condition there is hardly any symptoms of the disorder recorded. Due to accumulation of scar tissue the functioning of the liver is undermined. Here are some reported symptoms of live cirrhosis.



    • Occurrence of blood capillaries on upper abdomen skin

    • Tiredness

    • Sleeplessness

    • Itchiness of skin

    • Reduced appetite

    • Reduction in body weight

    • Queasiness

    • Pain on the location of liver

    • Red blotches on the palm

    • Weariness


    Symptoms of progressed cirrhosis



    • Ascites, a condition wherein the fluids get accumulated in the abdomen causing the stomach to appear larger

    • Increased heartbeat

    • Alteration in personality

    • Bleeding from gums

    • Loss of mass in upper body and arms

    • Inability of body to process alcohol

    • Inability of the body to process drugs

    • Confusion

    • Drowsiness

    • Fluid accumulation on feet, legs and ankles

    • Bruising

    • Jaundice

    • Hair loss

    • Decreased sex drive

    • Memory issues

    • Frequents episodes of fever

    • Cramps in muscles

    • Bleeding from nose

    • Right shoulder pain

    • Breathlessness

    • Tarry or black stools or else pale feces

    • Darker urine

    • Bloody vomit

    • Staggered walking


    Stages of cirrhosis of Liver



    Stage 1:
    During the early stage of the condition there is often no symptoms exhibited by the body. However, if a close inspection is done jaundice, dryness of mouth, upper stomach enlargement, etc, are recorded in some cases. A person may also suffer from itching sensation. Proper medical diagnosis can help in detecting anomalous tissues in liver and inflammation of liver. 


    Stage 2:


    During this stage of cirrhosis of liver the anomalous tissues converts into rigid straps of connective tissues. This phenomenon is called fibrosis. This condition influences the portal veins as well as surrounding regions.


    Stage 3:


    During the third stage of cirrhosis of liver these bands starts merging with each other. This makes the affected area enlarged. Usually disruption of liver functioning is also detected during this phase. The person experiencing 3rd stage of liver cirrhosis will find it difficult to digest fats. Improper absorption of fat-soluble nutrients can also lead to deficiency of vitamin.










    Stage 4:


    The final stage of cirrhosis of liver is decompensating in nature. The 4th stage is considered as the most dreaded phase of the condition. In this advanced stage the patient is left with only one treatment option that is liver transplant. All the symptoms of the disorder worsen during the 4th stage of liver cirrhosis.



    Life expectancy during liver cirrhosis


    Stage 4 of liver cirrhosis can lead to severe health issues such as portal hypertension, liver hardening, kidney malfunction, spleen swelling and fluid accumulation in the body. Affected individual may also notice reduction in bone mass and density of bone becomes depleted. The body loses its potential to detoxify itself causing toxin concentration in the body. This may cause serious confusion or even lead to coma. It is recorded that cirrhosis of liver is ranked as third physical disease which can lead to death following heart condition and cancer. The type of cirrhosis is determined based on the cause of the condition. Alcoholic cirrhosis is said to have worst consequences as compared with biliary cirrhosis and hepatitis cirrhosis.


    If the condition is detected during its initial stages that the life expectancy of the patient may go up to 15 to 20 years. If the condition is detected during its second stage then the patient may have around 6 to 10 years of life expectancy. During these stages the affected person has the option of liver transplant or use of some sophisticated advanced medicines etc. However, if the condition is diagnosed during its last stage than the expectancy of life of the sufferer is unfortunately 1 year to 3 years. This would greatly depend on the overall health of the patient, intensity of the experienced symptoms and availability of effective treatment.


    Remember that cirrhosis of liver does not begin spontaneously, but it develops over years with constant damages to the liver. After damages the condition consistently deteriorates the liver causing it to stop functioning. If you overlook any underlying liver anomaly then you may become prone to serious health issues. Treatment of cirrhosis will help in stopping or reducing the progression of the condition.  It is crucial for you to undergo regular medical checkup to track the progression of the condition and accordingly treatment will be suggested by the doctor.


    Cirrhosis of liver treatment


    It is said that damages to liver cannot be undone. The patient has the option to control and prevent further damages by using available options. It is very crucial to cease alcohol consumption in order to avoid adversities of the condition. At the same time it is significant to monitor the medicines that you use. In some cases anti-inflammatory medications may also aggravate the condition so ensure that you take your medicines only after thorough consultation with your doctor.


    It is also suggested to restrict fat consumption while you are undergoing treatment. It is crucial to have healthy vegetables and fruits. Herbal medicines have showed impressive effects in many cases of cirrhosis of liver. But ask your doctor whether these herbal medicines can be administered simultaneously along with your regular medical regimen. Usually herbal medicines do not have any reaction or side effects which is why they are safe. Patients suffering from this condition can also try certain vitamins and minerals to improve and restore liver to its normal functioning.  Though early diagnosed cases can be handled with medicines in some severe situation transplant is the only option left. Hence, if presence of cirrhosis of liver is suspected it is crucial to consult a doctor.












    Bullous Pemphigoid

    Bullous Pemphigoid
    Bullous pemphigoid is a fatal skin disease that causes fluid- filled, large blisters (known as bullae) on areas of the skin which often flex such as upper thighs, lower abdomen, or armpits.  It is a rare disease and occurs mostly in people above the age of 60 years. It is an inflammatory, chronic, blistering, sub epidermal disease.  Bullous pemphigoid can persist for years and months if left untreated with periods of exacerbations and remissions.  For patients who are debilitated, it is more dangerous.










    Bullous pemphigoid is categorized under the type II hypersensitivity reaction.  The blisters developed in this disease are itchy and are filled with blood- stained, cloudy, or clear fluid. They may appear on inflamed or normal skin. A vague itchy, red rash may mark the beginning for several months or weeks before the actual blister appears. The rash may be mistaken as urticaria or dermatitis problems.  They are often in circular shapes and have a dry surface. They might get cured in early stages without or with treatment. Bullous pemphigoid may be confined to a small area or may even spread on the proximal limbs and trunk. In worse cases, the blisters may be widespread and occurs all over the skin and even inside the mouth.  After the blisters are healed, they usually leave brown colored marks caused due to post inflammatory pigmentation.  Other post effects may be small cysts called milia; these cysts might take a few months to disappear.


    The primary cause of bullous pemphigoid is an immune system attack on the outer layer skin tissues. The actual reason of this attack is still not known but it may be due to some type of medications. The treatment of this disease is done by suppressing the immune system using corticosteroids and other drugs. For older people this disease can prove to be quite fatal.


    Bullous pemphigoid Symptoms


    Bullous pemphigoid has many distinct clinical features such as:



    • The most common bullous pemphigoid are the generalized bullous form. Fluid filled bullae arise on the folded areas of the skin

    • The vesicular form is less usual than the  generalized bullous form, it occurs as a group of tensed, small blisters on the erythematous or urticarial base

    • The vegetative form is quite uncommon, in the areas such as neck, axillae, groin, and other intertriginous areas of the skin

    • The generalized erythroderma form is another infrequent presentation which may resemble atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, or other exfoliative erythroderma caused skin diseases

    • The urticarial form is initially marked by urticarial lesions that gradually convert into bullous eruptions. In some patients lesions may be the only symptoms of bullous pemphigoid

    • The nodular form is another unusual form, called pemphigoid nodularis. The symptoms may resemble prurigo nodularis

    • The acral form is associated with vaccination in childhood bullous pemphigoid. The face, soles, and palms are adversely affected by the bullous lesions

    • The infant form usually has generalized blisters that are prey to bullous pemphigoid. They mostly affect the soles, palms, face, and rarely the genital areas.


    The general features of bullous pemphigoid blisters are that they do not rupture easily on touch and the skin around them may be red or normal.  Apart from the folded skin areas they may occur in mouth and the mucous membrane of the eyes.










    Causes  


    As stated above the actual causes of bullous pemphigoid are still not well known and the cause of blisters is the abnormal reaction of the immune system.  In this reaction, the immune system changes its default behavior of producing antibodies against viruses, bacteria, and other harmful foreign bodies and develops antibodies against some tissues of the body in particular.  These antibodies cause inflammatory action on the skin’s basement layer. This is a thin fiber layer which connects the epidermis (outer skin layer) and the dermis (the next layer of the skin). Hence the itching and blisters of bullous pemphigoid are developed.


    Other contributing factors can be some of the medical treatments like the drugs prescription of etanercept (Enbrel), penicillin, furosemide (Lasix), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine).  Treatments involving light and radiation like ultraviolet light therapy and other cancer therapies.


    Bullous pemphigoid Treatment


    Unless severe condition, bullous pemphigoid can be treated without being admitted to hospital. The most common treatment involves steroid tablets, usually prednisone. The treatment usually continues for weeks until the blisters stops appearing. The dose of the drugs is adjusted and reduced gradually with time. There are many side effects of systemic steroids so other medications are included so as to reduce the quantity of prednisone to the minimum. The other medications included are:



    • Methotrexate

    • Dapsone

    • Tetracycline antibiotics

    • Azathioprine

    • Mycophenolate

    • Typical steroids such as clobetasol


    Prognosis


    The outlook for bullous pemphigoid is good and it is cured in about 1-5 years of treatment. The treatment reduces the blisters to a remarkable extent and the treatment may not be needed after 1-5 years.


    Bullous Pemphigoid Pictures















    White Tail Spider Bite

    White Tail Spider Bite
    The white tail spiders are found mostly in the homes of Australia hidden in the places like bedding, beneath leaves, tea bark and rocks, on nooks and crannies or anything lying on the floor. White tail spiders are common in Tasmania and few other countries including New Zealand. They are medium in size and are native to Australia. White tail spiders have got their name because of their whitish tips at the end of abdomen. Cylindrical body of 1 to 2 cm, dirty grey or brown colour and glossy legs are some of the main characteristics of these spiders.










    White tail spider are actively mainly during the summer season. Usually white tail spider bite does not cause any harm but in severe cases the bite may cause deep ulcers and skin necrosis. Skin necrosis is a condition when the skin and flesh around the bite dies. Usually white tail spider bite has mild reaction like itching and discoloration of skin which may last for up to few weeks.


    Usually spider venom is the mixture of substances having one or more components that causes clinical effects among humans. In the studies conducted, it is seen that white tail spider does not contain venom that can cause any harm to humans. Also, no such component was found that can cause skin damage. White spiders have weak venom, very less to cause envenomation.


    Lampona cylindrata and Lampona murina are the two common species of white tail spiders. White tail spiders are nocturnal hunting spiders and feed on other spiders especially grey house spiders which are found on fences, car mirrors and in the webs on the outside of houses. These spiders seek out prey instead of spinning a web.


    In case of white tail spider bite, there is no first aid treatment available as such except for one i.e. applying icepacks to prevent swelling. The victim should not be given antibiotic rather should be taken to doctor immediately.


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    Symptoms


    It is believed that white tail spider bite causes ulcers and skin damage but there is no scientific evidence for the same. The bite causes only mild local effects and is painful but only for short duration and pain does not lasts for long.


    Following the commonly seen symptoms associated with white tail spider bite:



    • Small lump

    • Swelling

    • Itching around the wound

    • Discolouration of the skin

    • Ulceration of wound

    • Vomiting & nausea


    Necrotising arachnidism


    Necrotising arachnidism is the condition characterized by the skin inflammation and ulceration caused by spider bites including the white tail spider bite. In very rare cases, the condition becomes so critical that the victim has to undergo extensive skin grafts.










    In a nutshell, symptoms like blisters, weal and local ulceration when put together medically are termed are necrotising arachnidism. Necrotic lesions, marked by the characteristics like skin breakdown, loss and death can be a result of few other factors. These factors include improper blood circulation, diabetic condition, fungal and bacterial infections and burns. The venom and bacterial infection are also the factors in causing necrotising arachnidism


    The treatments for necrotising arachnidism include medications such as antibiotics and corticosteroids, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and surgery.


    Self care tips for white-tail spider bite


    When the white tail spider bites, victim can expect the local pain for several hours and swelling around the bitten area for at least two days.



    • In order to relieve stinging, anti-sting ointment like Soov or paste of baking soda & cold water or simply ice cubes can be applied

    • Applying ice compress repeatedly after 2 to 3 hours will help reduce pain and swelling

    • Unless necessary refrain from taking pain reliefs but if required pain relief like Panadol can be used to relieve pain

    • To relieve itching and swelling, antihistamines like Claratyne, Phenergan and Telfast can be taken

    • If the spider bite has caused inflammation, creams containing hydrocortisone can be applied


    Generally, white tail spider bite does not require any medical treatment because it does not contain venom. The area around wound should be cleaned with a disinfectant. If the victim feels pain, which lasts for long, then an oral pain killing drug. In extreme cases, when the patients develop the feeling of being unwell, blisters develop and skin discolouration occurs then it becomes important to seek medical help.


    In order to prevent getting bitten from white tail spiders, certain measures can be taken. Since these spiders are active mainly during summers, care should be taken to shake out your clothes and bedding well before getting into it. Do not leave clothes lying on the floor; instead hang them up in the wardrobe because these spiders will get into the mounds of clothes left on the floor. Refrain from dark and shady places as these are the places where white tail spiders like to live.


    White tail spider bite pictures
















    Pink Eye – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Pictures

    Pink Eye – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Pictures
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    What is a Pink Eye?


    Pink eye is an infectious state of eyes, popularly known as conjunctivitis. It is a state where the conjunctiva lines, covering white part of eyes, get infected. As a result, blood vessels of our eyes become prominently visible and our eyes look red or pink in color. Conjunctiva lines or membranes retort to variety of bacteria, irritant, viruses, toxic agents and ongoing body ailments resulting in irritation and soreness of eyes.










    Is pink eye contagious ?


    Pink eye is a contagious disease and patient has to take proper care of his eyes during the course of treatment so as to avoid others from catching it. Though contagious, timely treatment and precautions help patients to get over with this disease easily. Pink eye is not restricted to people of specific age group, however, it has been found that people normally catch pink eye in their childhood. We shall now study various causes and treatment for pink eye along with precautions.


    Causes


    Pink eye or conjunctivitis is an infectious disease caused mainly because of virus, bacteria, allergies and irritant materials. It is a contagious disease when it is caused due to bacteria and virus, and can rapidly spread from one person to another by means of contaminated materials, water and air. Viruses responsible for pink eye are adenoviruses and are treated using medicines made out of acyclovir. Also, bacteria responsible for pink eye are staphylococcus aureus, haemophilus influenza, streptococcus pneumonia, N.meningitidis, neotrombiculaautumnalis and Moraxella lacumata. Various allergens and irritants responsible are chlorine, smog and dust ticks.


    Symptoms of Pink Eye


    It is very important to identify symptoms of conjunctivitis as it helps in timely treatment. Pink eye caused due to different reasons render different symptoms. Let us go through various symptoms in different scenarios.


    Pink eye due to viral infection


    When pink eye is caused due to viral infection, it is accompanied with common cold and sore throat as infection spreads through upper respiratory tract. Its symptoms are:  Excessive watering  Excessive itching  Usually infection initiates with one eye, spreading across other.


    Pink eye due to bacterial infection


    It is caused due to Pyogenic bacteria and like pink eye, due to viral infections, bacterial infection also begins with one eye and easily spreads through another. Symptoms of conjunctivitis due to bacterial infection are:  Redness of conjunctiva  Inflammation of eyelid  Mucus discharge










    Pink eye due to allergens and chemicals


    Conjunctivitis caused due to allergens and chemicals is not contagious and, generally, self-healing. Pink eye, due to chemicals is caused due to unwanted splash of alkaline or acidic substances which produce irritation in conjunctiva resulting in pain. Inflammation of conjunctiva also take place along with itching and excessive watering. It starts with inflammation of lower part of conjunctiva and gradually spread through all parts of eye. It can be diagnosed using litmus paper to measure pH level in water coming out from eyes. Anaesthetic eye drops are prescribed to patients to relieve pain.


    Diagnosis & Treatment


    In all cases of pink eye or conjunctivitis, precaution against dust and dirt particles is most important along with normal medication. Truthfully, no special medication is developed for conjunctivitis apart from precautionary measures as it run through its course and gets cured itself. However, let us understand different methods for different type of conjunctivitis. Pink eye due to viral infection: As discussed, viral conjunctivitis will run through its course and heal itself. However, one should rinse his eyes with fresh cold water 8-10 times a day for speedy recovery. One can also sooth his eyes by patting them with soft cotton cloth dipped in cold water. You should wear spectacles while going out as it protects our eyes from dust and dirt, and also prevent it from spreading. • Pink eye due to bacterial infection: In case of pink eye due to bacterial infection one must visit a doctor.



    Generally anti-biotic eye drops and ointments are prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis. Along with anti-biotic you should rinse your eyes 5-6 times a day with cold water or gently pat with soft cotton cloth soaked with cold water. • Pink eye due to allergens and chemicals: Medication for allergy is prescribed by doctor for conjunctivitis caused due to allergens. In all the cases of conjunctivitis, irrespective of root cause, one should properly rinse his eyes several times a day to keep them clean. As pink eye caused due to virus and bacteria is contagious you should wear spectacles to prevent it from spreading to others. Pink eye is a disease with no adverse effects and usually gets cured itself if proper precautionary measures are taken.


    Pink Eye Pictures

















    Walking Pneumonia in Children – Is it Contagious?

    Walking Pneumonia in Children – Is it Contagious?
    Walking pneumonia is an infectious pneumonia but is milder than any other kind of pneumonia. It is a non medical term and does not require hospitalization in most of the cases. It has derived its name “Walking Pneumonia” from the fact that the symptoms are too mild to stay at home or see a doctor and you can simply go on with your normal routine. Moreover if you see a doctor, you would not be even asked to have chest X-ray which is the only way to diagnose pneumonia. In addition to this, this illness does not require treatment with an antibiotic.











    Pneumonia is a lung disease caused due to lung infections. There are many causes of pneumonia including:



    • Bacteria

    • Virus

    • Fungi

    • Chemicals

    • Inhaled foods

    • Infectious agents like mycoplasma


    The most common cause of walking pneumonia is lung infection from bacterial microorganism called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In this condition the patient might be good to go to work and other regular routine. The body manages to counteract the infection without having bed rest or any regressive treatment as such. Now the question that tickles the mind is that how to identify that it’s walking pneumonia? The best way to identify walking pneumonia is to observe the signs and symptoms associated with it. Also, you can always see your doctor in case the identification becomes cumbersome or condition worsens.


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    Symptoms of walking pneumonia


    Symptoms of walking pneumonia begin to develop only after 15 to 30 days after exposure to bacteria Mycoplasma. Symptoms include:



    • Severe coughs with little or no phlegm

    • Flu-like symptoms such as feverish and chills

    • Sore throat

    • Severe and continued headache

    • Tiredness

    • Continued weakness

    • Muscular pain and backache

    • Rapid breathing or breathing with wheezing sound

    • Chest pain and stomachache

    • Vomiting

    • Loss of appetite

    • Feeling of discomfort


    Some people with walking pneumonia may also have conditions like anemia, skin rash and ear infection. Other problems associated with walking pneumonia are sinus infections, asthma and sore throat.


    Walking Pneumonia in Children


    Basically the symptoms vary from one patient to the other depending on where in their body the infection is concentrated. For example children with infection in the top or middle part of the lungs develop labored breathing that causes rib muscles to retract. On the other hand children with infection in the lower part of lungs will have upset stomach, vomiting rather than breathing problems.










    Typically, anyone of any group can get walking pneumonia. But the condition is most common among older children and adults less than 40 years of age. Also, people living and working at crowded places like schools, prisons and homeless shelters are at higher risk of developing the condition. Usually it is bought home by children who go to school and gradually family members are infected within a week or two.


    Is walking pneumonia contagious?


    It has been observed that children who are affected by this disease, pass it on the other family members too. The reason is that pneumonia is contagious and so it easily spreads to the person from someone who has it. Generally it spreads from droplets from nose and throat of person with pneumonia when he sneezes or coughs.


    Walking pneumonia is common during late summer and fall. However there are cases reported throughout the year and it spreads slowly because of its contagious nature. Researchers believe that it takes prolonged contact for someone to develop contagious walking pneumonia, still there are outbreaks reported every 3 to 6 years. In worst situations, these outbreaks can have one of every three cases with pneumonia.


    Treatment


    The symptoms of walking pneumonia are so mild that it is seldom required to confirm the condition with a test. Some clinicians prescribe antibiotics like doxycycline, Adoxa, Atridox, Oracea and Vibramycin to treat infection from Mycoplasma. Other antibiotics are erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin and tetracycline. If the person has developed pneumonia from Mycoplasma; then these medications will help get rid of the infection but if it is not, then these antibiotics won’t help.


    Generally, walking pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics and person easily recovers without any lingering problem. But in rare cases the symptoms might worsen. Pregnant women, children, elderly people and immunocompromised patients should immediately consult doctor because they can easily propagate to severe forms of pneumonia. Walking pneumonia in adults may become severe and intravenous antibiotics are prescribed in some cases. It is worth noticing that even if the patient takes treatment, dry cough persists until damaged lung tissues get healed up.


    Although walking pneumonia is a mild condition and allows you to carry on with daily chores. But it is important to note that it is contagious and hence should be taken care of. Infected individuals are contagious for at least 25 days and may spread the infection via contact with droplets from coughs, nausea and sneezing. Therefore it is advised to maintain proper hygiene and take precautions to prevent its transmission.