Prader Willi Syndrome

Prader Willi Syndrome
Prader Willi syndrome causes a wide range of physical, mental and medical problems due to the deletion or absence of some genes in the long chain of chromosome 15. Children affected by this condition find it difficult to thrive as it results in poor growth, weak muscle tone and delayed growth and motor developments. Also, they are intellectually impaired and exhibit certain behavioral and speech problems. The syndrome often leads to obesity even at a very young age.

Living with Prader Willi Syndrome is not easy especially since it is incurable. Even so, treatment can give the needed help for the affected persons to manage the symptoms and prevent complications from happening. The syndrome is usually treated under the close supervision of a team of health care professionals who will design the treatment plan based on the special dietary, medical and behavioral needs of the patient.

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2 Symptoms of Prader Willi Syndrome

• 2.1 Distinctive facial features
• 2.2 Developmental delay
• 2.3 Hormonal imbalance and food craving
• 2.4 Delayed motor skills
• 2.5 Intellectual disability

3 Treatment of Prader Willi Syndrome

4  Prader Willi Syndrome Pictures

Cause of Prader Willi Syndrome

Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS) is brought forth by the absence or defects of some of the genes in chromosome 15. This genetic deletion causes the hallmark features of the syndrome. Experts had uncovered which genes are missing or defective in the case of PWS, and these are:

• 
  Small nucleolar RNAs
  

SnoRNAs are responsible in giving instructions for the production of molecules that will regulate other RNA molecules. The loss of SnoRNA genes causes the characteristic features of PWS.

• 
  OCA2
  

The OCA2 gene is involved in producing a certain type of protein that determines the pigmentation or coloring of eyes, skin and hair. The absence of the OCA2 gene in chromosome 15 results in the unusually light-colored hair and fair skin among PWS patients.

Genetic studies revealed that the paternal copy – or the genetic copy inherited from the father, is usually affected. PWS could arise due to:

• Deletion of the paternal genetic material in chromosome 15

The missing genetic material in the paternal copy of chromosome 15 comprises around 70% of PWS cases. The deletion of some genes also turns the maternal copy of chromosome 15 inactive.

• Paternal copy of chromosome 15 is completely absent

In around 25% to 30% of PWS cases, the paternal copy of chromosome 15 is completely absent. This means that the patient has two maternal copies of chromosome 15 instead of having one copy from each parent.

• Genetic mutation or translocation

In rare cases, PWS is the result of a genetic mutation or chromosomal translocation which makes the genes of the paternal copy of chromosome 15 to become inactive.

Symptoms of Prader Willi Syndrome

Studies have shown that people affected by PWS have a dysfunctional hypothalamus – the part of the brain that controls various bodily functions. How the chromosomal abnormality involving the paternal copy of chromosome 15 causes the hypothalamus to malfunction is still being investigated. One thing is sure though, a problematic hypothalamus affects hunger, temperature, emotions, pain regulation, fertility and many more.

Though the condition is already present at birth, the symptoms will likely be noticed within the first 12 months of the child’s life. Other identifying symptoms become more pronounced as the child grows older.

• 
  Distinctive facial features
  

Children with PWS have narrow foreheads, triangular mouths, almond-shaped eyes, thin upper lips and short stature. They have little hands and feet as well as unusually light-colored hair and fair skin.

• 
  Developmental delay
  

Infants born with PWS have incredibly low muscle tone making them appear floppy. They generally have a weak cry and unable to flex their knees and elbows. They are too small for their age and become somewhat malnourished due to feeding difficulties. Poor eye coordination, slow response to stimulation and unusual tiredness can also be observed.

• 
  Hormonal imbalance and food craving
  

Hormonal imbalance causes delayed puberty, underdeveloped genitals and infertility. In addition, Prader Willi syndrome is the leading cause of childhood obesity.  Furthermore, the afflicted children exhibit constant food cravings and even strange food-seeking behaviors.

• 
  Delayed motor skills
  

PWS also causes babies to sit and walk much later than their contemporaries. This is more pronounced during childhood up to adulthood when the patient is observed to be significantly much shorter compared to other members of the family.

• 
  Intellectual disability
  

Cognitive abilities could be slightly or moderately affected. Speech is also delayed and sufferers find it difficult to express themselves in speaking and writing.

Children affected by Prader Willi Syndrome also have behavioral problems, mental retardation, sleeping disorders as well as scoliosis. PWS rarely occurs, affecting 1 out of 10,000 to 30,000 live births, often as a result random events during conception.

Treatment of Prader Willi Syndrome

Having a child with PWS can be overwhelming and put a family in an emotional and mental turmoil. Being aware of the root cause of the condition will help take away feelings of guilt and drive them to seek treatment and live with the disorder.

The treatment will address the problems associated with Prader Willi Syndrome, such as:

• Poor growth


• Low muscle tone


• Obesity


• Delayed physical and mental development


• Speech and behavioral problems

 Prader Willi Syndrome Pictures

Is a sinus infection contagious ?

Is a sinus infection contagious ?
Sinusitis, commonly known as Sinus, is an inflammation of tissue lining the sinuses. In normal individuals, sinuses are filled with air but when they get blocked and get filled with fluid. This causes germs including bacteria, viruses and fungi to grow leading to infection.

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Is a sinus infection contagious?

Sinusitis caused from viral infections is contagious whereas those caused from bacteria are usually not. Common cold caused from viruses cause nasal congestion which over a time turns into sinus infection. These infections are highly contagious and are easily transmitted to the person who comes in contact with them.

Generally bacterial sinusitis is a result of complications in viral upper respiratory infections. Bacteria present in nose and throat find their path all to the sinus passages causing inflammation in tissues lining sinuses and nasal. These bacteria can also be transmitted to other person but will not be infectious unless right conditions exist.

Risk factors

Nearly 37 million Americans report at least one episode of sinus every year. People with following conditions are at a greater risk of developing sinusitis:

·         Blocked drainage ducts

·         Nasal polyps

·         Swollen nasal mucous membrane

·         Conditions which expose individual to higher risk of infections like immune deficiencies and medicines to suppress immune system.

Sinusitis is mostly caused due to infections but it can also be caused from allergies and irritation to sinuses. Generally sinus infection occurs due to irritation to nasal passages caused from environmental pollens. Irritants like chemicals, over-the-counter medications nasal sprays or drops and illegal substances taken through the nose.

Sinus infection among children is mainly from allergies and illness from other children at schools, play time, bottle drinking, pacifiers and smoke in the environments. In adults, sinus infection is caused due to infections and smoking.

Types of sinus infections

Sinusitis is of following types:

1.       Acute sinusitis: In this type, person develops cold-like symptoms like runny and stuffy nose, facial pain which lasts for almost 15 days. This infection goes away within a month.

2.       Sub acute sinusitis: In this sub acute sinus, the inflammation goes away in 1 to 2 months and so do the symptoms of sinus.

3.       Chronic sinusitis: In Chronic sinusitis the symptoms last for at least 2 months.

4.       Recurrent Sinusitis: As the name defines, when a person gets several sinusitis attacks in a year, it is categorized into recurrent sinus infection.

Signs and symptoms of Sinusitis

The most common signs of sinus infection include headache, nasal stuffiness, sore throat, facial tenderness, pain and pressure and fever. Symptoms of acute and chronic sinusitis vary to some extent, each of which is listed below.

Acute sinus infection is diagnosed if the person has more than two symptoms along with thick yellow or green discharge from the nose. Symptoms of acute sinusitis are:

·         Stuffy nose

·         Facial pain

·         Nasal discharge

·         Cough and  congestion

·         Loss of smell

·         Fever

·         Dental pain

·         Fatigue

·         Bad breath

People having symptoms from more than 2 months are diagnosed with chronic sinusitis. Following are the symptoms of chronic sinus infection:

·         Facial congestion

·         Blocked nasal

·         Pus in nasal cavity

·         Discharge from the nose

·         Fever

·         Headache and fatigue

·         Dental pain and bad breath

Diagnosis of sinus infection

Sinusitis is diagnosed mostly by the physical examination of symptoms. To examine sinus, the doctor may feel and press the patient’s sinus for softness. Also the doctor may tap your teeth to check for paranasal sinus.

The tests for sinusitis are mucus culture, nasal endoscopy, allergy testing, X-ray and CT scan of sinuses.

 Treatment

Depending upon the severity of sinus infection, treatment may vary.

Treatment for acute sinusitis: treatments including decongestants such as Sudafed and steam inhalations are the most commonly given for acute sinus infection. Decongestant nasal drops and sprays are also effective in treating the symptoms. These medications should not be taken beyond their recommended usage i.e. up to 7 days or so because beyond this these medications tend to increase congestion. Antibiotics for acute sinusitis are given for 11 to 15 days. Within 15 days of treatment with antibiotics, the symptoms usually disappear.

Treatment for chronic sinusitis: Warm moist air is a great way of reducing sinus congestion. Use of saline nose drops and vaporizer or inhaling steam are the most methods of treating chronic sinus infection. In order to relieve nasal pain, warm compresses are used. Non-prescription decongestant nasal drops and sprays are widely used for removing symptoms. In some cases doctor may also prescribe oral steroids.

In a general sense, to manage sinus infection it is important to address factors that trigger your sinus. Know the allergic factor and immediately get off it. People suffering from chronic or recurrent sinus infection and for those whom medications do not seem to work might also be asked to have nasal surgery.

Bubbles in Urine

Bubbles in Urine
Presence of bubbles in urine can be an indication of several conditions in the body.  It is certain that bubbles in urine after urination may panic anyone who experiences it. But the good news is that it is not always alarming for bubbles to be present in urine.

Infrequent episodes may not be a serious problem. It is also possible that there’s no problem at all and on the other hand it can be a serious issue too. Bubbles in urine can be from mixing urine with the cleaning chemicals used in toilets or can be sign of something as major as kidney disease.

Normal Conditions of bubbles in urine:

Pregnancy: It is found that in few cases pregnant women experience kidney enlargement which may result in bubble formation. In addition to this, kidney does extra work of filtering higher amounts of amino acid during pregnancy. If the amount of amino acids become more than the ability of renal tubules to absorb amino acids then protein may pass through the urine. Presence of protein in urine is a cause of bubble formation in urine.

Mild dehydration: This is yet another reason that causes urine to bubble. Dehydration is   caused from drinking inadequate amounts of water and the symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, headache, fatigue and reduced urine output which can be sometimes frothy. Dehydration causes urine to concentrate which further leads to bubble formation. The fact that diabetic patients experience dehydration a lot, it is most likely that they experience bubbles in urine. Drinking adequate amount of water or fluids can eliminate dehydration.

Mild dehydration: This is yet another reason that causes urine to bubble. Dehydration is   caused from drinking inadequate amounts of water and the symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, headache, fatigue and reduced urine output which can be sometimes frothy. Dehydration causes urine to concentrate which further leads to bubble formation. The fact that diabetic patients experience dehydration a lot, it is most likely that they experience bubbles in urine. Drinking adequate amount of water or fluids can eliminate dehydration.

Menstruation: It is quite normal for women to experience bubbles in urine during             menstruation. The reason for bubble formation is mainly dehydration which can be rectified by consuming plenty of water.

Rapid Urination: Going for urinating rapidly also causes bubbles.

Serious conditions causing bubbles in urine

It is equally possible that bubbles in urine are due to abnormal conditions like kidney failure and urinary tract infections.

Proteinuria: This is the most common reason that people experience bubbles in urine. Presence of high levels of protein in urine may be from intake of protein drinks containing large quantities of protein, protein supplements for body building, large fishes or any other source of protein. When body ingests excess amounts of protein, the extra amount is eliminated through urine. Usually in such a case infrequent bubbles occur.

Whereas frequent bubbles in urine can be a serious problem as it mostly associated with kidney problems or medical condition of body’s inability to metabolize protein. A normal healthy kidney removes all waste products from the body leaving only those required by the body. However, if the kidney is damaged or kidney disease in which glomeruli doesn’t function properly, protein from the blood enters the urine.

If the cause of bubbles in urine is due to excess of protein then protein intake should be reduced immediately.

Urinary tract infections: This is another cause that individuals can experience bubbles in their urine. In this, bubbles are formed when microorganisms enter into sterile urinary tract and release gas. If this is the reason of bubbles in urine then individuals might also experience pain and burning sensation.

This condition should be taken to a doctor who can analyze urine and determine if urinary tract infection is present.

Vesicocolic Fistula: Fistula is an abnormal connection between two organs or blood cells. In the current context it is the abnormal connection formed between urinary bladder and colon. This is most commonly seen is men as compared to women in a ratio 3:1. Swelling or inflammation in bladder occurs on the base of urinary bladder and fluids build up under the skin. The bubbles present in this fluid are released into the urine resulting in bubbles in urine.

Foamy urine: Sometimes it becomes difficult to differentiate between foamy urine and bubbles in urine. Foamy urine is nothing but urine which comes on forceful urination. The foamy appearance is a result of excess air which gets trapped in the urine. But getting foamy urine constantly might be a sign of protein in urine or kidney disease. It is important to note that bubbles in early morning urination can be due to the fact that morning urine is comparatively more concentrated which might cause bubbles.

Kidney disease: As discussed earlier, kidneys are responsible for urine formation and any damage or infection can cause protein to enter into the urine. Protein in urine results in bubble formation and more frequent urge to urinate.

If you witness bubbles in urine infrequently then it is perhaps not the matter of overly concern. However frequent bubbles in urine or foamy urine should be immediately reported to the physician particularly if this condition is accompanied by symptoms of kidney disease like swellings in abdomen, feet and hands.

Is a stye contagious?

Is a stye contagious?
Stye, also known as Hordeolum, is a swelling on eyelids caused by staphylococcal bacteria that live on the skin surface itself. It is a small painful lump that occurs inside or outside of the eyelid. This lump is nothing but a pus-filled abscess.

These are minor bacterial infections and do not last for long. Glands around the edge of eyelid are clogged and swell until reddish boil or lump appears. A normal individual can expect 2 to 3 styes in their lifetime but there are some who can experience stye very frequently. Styes are irritating and painful but are not serious.

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1 Is it contagious?

2 Symptoms of eye stye

3 Diagnosis of stye

4 Treatment of stye

5 Eye Stye Pictures

Types of stye
Stye is broadly classified into two types: External and Internal. Both are basically caused by staphylococcus bacteria which are present on the skin and can reproduce to cause infections.

External stye is the most common form of stye in which the abscess occurs at the edge of eyelid. The infection starts from the root of eyelash (the follicle) which consequently increases and cause swelling. Usually staph infection begins from the area near follicles known as gland of Moll and Zeiss.  The person feels pain and discomfort when stye swells and infects other glands in and around the eyelid. In this stage a reddish abscess filled with pus is formed.

External stye is usually formed in the upper eyelid but can also develop in lower eyelid. It is most likely that a small infected portion of the eyelid swells and very rarely entire eyelid is inflamed.

Internal stye is the other type of stye and is comparatively more serious form but less common. It starts from the gland called meibomian buried beneath the surface of eyelid. Since it is present in the central part of eyelid, it is much more painful than external stye. Unlike external stye in which pus drains on its own, this does not happen in internal hordeolum.

Is it contagious?

It is imperative to note that both external and internal stye are not at all contagious and are not the sign of cancer.

Symptoms of eye stye

The symptoms of stye can easily be identified visually. Following are the possible symptoms of this infection:

• Red, swollen bump inside or outside the eyelid


• Gritty and irritating sensation


• Tearing of eye


• Sensitivity to light


• Tender swelling of eyelid


• Pain in the eye

Aforementioned symptoms are usually accompanied by blurred vision and feeling of some foreign matter present in the eye. People with internal stye also develop fever and chills. Generally people get single stye but there are cases when people develop more than one stye at a time. A very few people get stye chronically and develop infection repeatedly.

It is possible that infection starts from the eye and expands gradually causing infection in many eyelash follicles. Infection might also spread in the tissues of eye and this result in increased swelling. A stye developed like this or the one that drains pus into the eye should be immediately reported to the doctor.

Diagnosis of stye

The diagnosis of stye is mostly dependent on physical examination of the eyelid. The doctor will closely examine the appearance of the eyelid. Apart from serious stye which may require drain and medical aid, stye can be easily diagnosed at home.

Treatment of stye

Symptoms of stye usually go away within a week provided that pus inside the lump gets drained without any help. Since a mild stye infection is not a serious condition, home treatment to treat infected pimples can be used for the ordinary stye. If the person has recurrent or severe stye that lasts for more than a week, antibiotic ointment or drops are used. Antibiotic pills can also be used to treat hordeolum.

In order to drain the pus and relief pain, a clean cloth can be used as compress. Alternatively warm teabags and hard boiled eggs can also be used as compress. Dip the compress in fairly warm water and wring it to drain excess water.  Apply this on to the affected part of the eye for 12-20 minutes thrice a day. This method of treatment will help relief symptoms rapidly. The symptoms will go away in a week or two.

Wash the eye thoroughly many times a day to prevent styes from recurring. If you have internal stye that does not drain with compress, do not try to drain it yourself or squeeze it. This will cause infection to spread and may cause cellulitis. In such a case, antibiotics and sterile treatment becomes necessary. If the symptoms persists without any sign of improvement then seek medical attention immediately and get your eye checked.

It becomes necessary to consult a doctor if swelling does not seem to subside within few days or a week. Also if the swelling in eyelid is causing vision problem then seek medical care immediately. Moreover if you have pain in the eye or you get styes frequently then medical advice is important.

Eye Stye Pictures

Mono Rash

Mono Rash
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What is Mono Disease?

Mononucleosis or mono is a viral infection which is accompanied by symptoms like fever, sore throat and swollen lymph glands. This viral infection is caused by human herpes virus type 4, also known as Epstein-Barr virus and several other organisms like cytomegalovirus. This virus is transferred from one person to the other through saliva, kissing and sharing glasses. The incubation period for this infection varies from 1 to 1.5 months.

Also known as “the kissing disease”, Mononucleosis can occur in any age but is most common in age group of 14 to 24.

Symptoms

Mono starts with fatigue, feeling of being sick, severe headache and sore throat which gradually becomes worse. Tonsils which were developed in the early phase of the infection get swollen and whitish-yellow covering is formed. Also lymph nodes in the neck are swollen and cause pain. The most common symptoms of mono rash are:

• Fever


• Drowsiness


• Loss of appetite


• Uneasiness and discomfort


• Muscle ache and stiffness


• Sore throat


• Rash


• Swollen lymph nodes


• Swollen spleen

Some less common symptoms are listed below:

• Chest pain


• Fatigue


• Headache


• Cough


• Hives


• Nose stiffness and nose bleed


• Hives


• Rapid heart rate


• Shortness of breath


• Sensitivity to light

The fever lasts for at least 8 to 12 days while it takes more than 3 weeks for swollen lymph glands and spleen to heal. In few cases fatigue goes off within a week while it may linger on for months in other cases.

How does mono rash develop?

Around 15% of the total cases of mononucleosis develop skin symptoms. Usually these are light, widespread rash which lasts for over a week or so. Known as maculopapular exanthem, these rashes are basically flat patches having small red spots. Rash develop first on the trunk and upper arms which soon spread on the face and forearms. Rash may also look like:

• Popular – small bumps


• Purpuric – bruise-like appearance


• Morbilliform -  small, measles-like patches


• Vesicular- little blisters


• Scarlatiniform – tiny spots

People with mononucleosis usually develop more intense rash than various forms mentioned above. Maculopapular or morbilliform rash develop on extensor surfaces when mononucleosis patient is treated with antibiotics like ampicillin, amoxicillin and cephalosporin. If such rashes appear then it is a clear indication of hypersensitivity reaction to antibiotic. But this is not a real allergy and does not mean that the person is allergic to such medications.

Sometimes the person suffering from the sore throat mononucleosis also gets streptococcal infection. It is also possible that person develops tonsil infections and sinus infection. This viral infection is also associated with tiredness right from the beginning till the symptoms disappear.

Mononucleosis can also affect other organs of the body. This includes enlarged spleen i.e. Splenomegaly, arthritis in joints, Hepatitis, glomerulonephritis, interstitial pneumonia and pericarditis. Sometimes nervous system is also affected by mono infection and causes bell’s palsy, transverse myelitis, meningoencephalitis and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Symptoms in eyes including swollen eyelids, uveitis, retinitis, conjunctivitis and keraitis. In rare case mononucleosis also affect blood system and produces symptoms such as autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, neutropaenia, immunodeficiency, cold agglutinins and thrombocytopenia.

Diagnosis

Mono or mononucleosis is mostly diagnosed with the blood test to detect the atypical lymphocytes. The doctor may also ask for monospot screening test because many viral infections other than mononucleosis can cause symptoms which will also give positive atypical lymphocytes.

Also, liver function test is conducted in certain cases. Some more tests would be required depending on which organ is affected by this viral infection. Antibody titer which determines the difference between present and previous infection is also recommended.

Medications

There’s no treatment available for mononucleosis and antibiotics do not work in most types of viral infections including mono viral infection. It is recommended to take bed rest and drink lots of fluid to fight against this infection. To ease sore throat, gargles with salt water prove to be very effective. To relive pain and fever acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be taken.

Simple analgesia like paracetamol will also help to treat mono viral infection. Sometimes doctor will also prescribe acicoliver but this medication is not much effective. Person who also has swollen spleen should stay away from sports till the swelling goes away.

In order to treat secondary infections which accompany mononucleosis, certain antibiotics are used. In mono infection there’s a likelihood of people getting rashes particularly with amoxicillin and some other penicillin derivatives. Therefore these medications should not be prescribed to people with mononucleosis. In fact one drug of this kind is sufficient to cause rash. However there are other antibiotics used to treat these secondary infections.

To relieve tonsil and swelling of the throat, doctors usually prescribe corticosteroid medications like prednisone.

The person is fully recovered once the symptoms go away but it takes several weeks or even months for symptoms to disappear.

Mono Rash Pictures

Here are pictures of mono rash, check out how it appears on the skin.

Brown Smelly Discharge

Brown Smelly Discharge
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Why do I have brown discharge ?

A certain amount of vaginal discharge is absolutely normal and is a regular occurrence. The glands present in vaginal walls and cervical secret this fluid that also keeps vagina clean. Normally the fluid is thick, clear, milky white and does not give foul smell. However there are certain types of discharge that can be a sign of infection. Abnormal discharge can be yellow, green or brown in color and may give foul odor.

It is very normal to have brown discharge before, during or after period. There’s no need to worry about it much. Brown discharge before period can also be a signal of onset of menstruation cycle. Also, women taking contraceptive pills are likely to get brown smelly discharge before periods.

What does brown smelly discharge indicate?

Generally brown smelly discharge is because of the long menstrual periods. Longer periods means the blood becomes oxidized and thus causes discoloration. If this is the cause of your brown discharge then there’s nothing alarming.

However in many cases the brown discharge would mean vaginal infections, stress, hormonal dysfunctions, fibroids, polyps and cancer. It is fine to have a healthy discharge smell but it can be frightening if this smell changes.

Causes for brown smelly discharge

Normal discharge from vagina is a normal bodily function and is body’s own way of cleaning and protecting vagina. Generally abnormal discharge is due to yeast or bacteria.

• Bacterial vaginosis is a common bacterial infection that causes vaginal discharge with strong, foul smell. Women having more than one sexual partner or have oral sex frequently are most likely to get this bacterial infection.


• Trichomoniasis is another type of infection caused by protozoan. This type of infection spreads through sexual contact, using common towels and bathing suits. The protozoan infection gives yellow or green smelly vaginal discharge. It may also be accompanied with few more symptoms like pain, itching and inflammation.


• Yeast or fungal discharge gives white cheese-like discharge along with the feeling of burning and itching. It is normal for the yeast to be present in vagina but it becomes a matter of concern if keeps on multiplying and eventually its number goes out of control.


• Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia are sexually transmitted infections that produce yellow or cloudy vaginal discharge.


• Pelvic inflammatory infection causes heavy, smelly discharge. It is caused by sexual contact and occurs when bacteria spreads into vagina and reproductive organs.


• Human Papillomavirus and cervical cancer produces blood brown colour or watery abnormal vaginal discharge which gives bad odour.


• Missed birth control pills or hormonal pills can result in spotting or breakthrough bleeding. It is even more dangerous if you miss hormonal pills in the beginning or end of menstrual cycle because this is just like increasing the interval when you don’t take pills.

There are many types of vaginal discharge based on colour and consistency; brown discharge is one among these. Brown or bloody colour discharge is normal as long as it occurs during menstrual cycle. Often late discharge during the last days of period looks brown instead of red. Brown vaginal discharge is nothing but old menstrual blood.

Sometimes women also experience brown smelly discharge between periods, known as spotting. If it happens during regular period days and you recently have had sex then it is a clear indication of pregnancy. Brownish discharge can be a result of implantation bleeding i.e. the bleeding caused by fetus getting implanted into endometrium lining.

In few cases, brown smelly discharge can be sign of cervical cancer. It is therefore advised to take up pelvic exam and Pap smear at least once in a year and know if there exists any cervical abnormality.

When to consult a doctor?

If you see unusual discharge and other symptoms such as fever, itching and burning sensation in vagina, abdominal pain, increased urge to urinate and abnormal weight loss then it is necessary to consult a doctor.

The doctor will preferably take up a physical examination including the pelvic examination. The doctor will ask several questions related to the symptoms, sexual activity, menstrual cycle etc. If the doctor could not diagnose the condition through physical examination then you may be required to have certain tests.

The tests will be conducted with the scrape from your cervix to check for the possibility of HPV or cervical cancer. The scrape might also be examined under microscope to fine out the presence of any infection causing agent.

Home remedies

In order to prevent brown vaginal discharge it is important to practice proper hygiene and wear cotton comfy underwear. Refrain from using douches as these will worsen the discharge by removing necessary bacteria. Make it a point to make safe sex and use protection every time to prevent the risk of getting sexually transmitted disease.

Yeast infections can be reduced by taking yogurt containing live and active cultures. In case you develop yeast infection, it can be treated with over-the-counter yeast infection creams

Hot Tub Rash

Hot Tub Rash
Hot tub rash, also known as folliculitis is an infection in hair follicles. Folliculitis can occur in any part of the body that has hair growth. However hot rub rash are most common on face, scalp and areas that are often rubbed by clothing like groin, armpits and thighs.  There are many types of folliculitis, most common of which is hot tub folliculitis or pseudomonas folliculitis.

Hot tub folliculitis is an infection that occurs on the lower part of hair i.e. hair follicles. It occurs when the person comes in contact with bacteria that live in warm and wet areas. Hot tub rash or folliculitis appears after 3 days of person being in hot tub or spa. These rashes or pimples generally appear on stomach, legs and arms. Usually these pimples go away on their own in 8 to 12 days.

These rashes or pimples look like acne and may turn into red, delicate nodules. The rash may be thicker especially in the area that were covered by swimsuit and where water contact with the skin was for longer duration. It is possible that person who shares the same hot tub will also develop the rash. But the rashes do not spread from one person to the other through contact with rash.

Generally the symptoms of hot tub rash go away with time without any treatment. But the problem may come back or become worse if the person continues to use same hot tub before it gets cleaned.

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Causes of folliculitis

Folliculitis is caused due to bacteria, yeast and other type of fungus. Hot tub rash is caused by bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa which survive in hot tubs particularly wooden tubs. This bacterium is most commonly found in contaminated swimming pools, whirlpools, water slides, loofah sponges and physiotherapy pools. Children are most commonly affected by folliculitis because they usually remain in water for longer duration.

Anyone who has damaged or infected hair follicle is likely to get folliculitis. Also it can be caused from shaving or wearing anything that rubs against the skin and thus irritate hair follicles. Additionally infection in follicles occur when hair follicles are blocked or injured because of machine oils, sweat, makeup or any other factor.

Symptoms of hot rub rash

The symptoms appear from few hours to 3 days after the person comes in contact with the bacteria. Following are some of the symptoms of hot tub rash:

• Red pimples appear on the skin with a hair present at the centre of each pimple. These pimples may also have pus, cause itching and burning sensation. When these pimples break they may drain off pus, blood or even both of them.


• Several small 0.3 to 3 cm red papules with central pustule.


• Mild fever


• Upset stomach

Diagnosis

The physician will check the skin and ask about recent activities that may affect your health. The doctor may also ask to take up few tests to confirm that it is actually folliculitis and what is the cause of rashes. These tests will be conducted mostly with the pus or blood coming from pimples.

Is Hot Tub Rash Contagious?

Yes, it does spread through physical contact with a person who is infected.  Therefore, it is advisable to avoid sharing clothes, towels etc with someone who already has folliculitis . Also avoid using hot tubs, until you are fully recovered.

Treatment

Although folliculitis does not require any treatment and go away on its own within 15 days but there are few ways to treat hot tub rash at home.

• To prevent itching and quick healing, warm compresses of white vinegar or Burow’ solution can be applied.


• Medicated shampoo can be used to heal up folliculitis in scalp and beard.


• Make sure the water in hot tubs have controlled acid and chlorine level.

If the hot tub rashes do not go away, then doctor’s recommended antibiotic and antifungal creams can be applied on the affected area. Alternatively antibiotic and antifungal pills can also be used. Anti-itch medication is also used to relieve discomfort.

Who can get hot tub rash?

Individuals who live in one or more of the following conditions are most likely to develop folliculitis:

• Using hot tubs, swimming pools or whirlpool that are not frequently treated with chlorine


• Staying in contact with substances that may block or irritate blood follicles such as tar, cocoa butter, makeup, oils, creams etc.


• Wearing tight-fit clothes


• Having an infection, wound or scrape where bacteria and fungi can spread to cause infection in nearby follicles


• Consuming steroids or antibiotic creams for longer time


• If person is suffering from diseases like HIV and diabetes that reduces immunity to infections.

It is necessary to consult a doctor if the folliculitis spreads and/or keeps coming back time and again. Along with this if the person has fever over 101 degrees and does not seem to lower down, it is a serious matter of taking the case to the doctor. Also if the affected area becomes red, warm, swollen with increasing pain then doctor’s advice is a must.

Hot Tub Rash Pictures