Allergic Reaction to Mosquito Bites: Treatment for Skeeter syndrome

Allergic Reaction to Mosquito Bites: Treatment for Skeeter syndrome









The Skeeter Syndrome is an allergic reaction to mosquito bites, and is characterized by inflammatory processes and fever. The condition develops because of allergenic polypeptides present in the saliva of the mosquito and hence, is not infectious.

The Skeeter Syndrome progresses over a couple of hours as against cellulitis that tends to characteristically progress over a period of several days. A detailed history is very vital when making the diagnosis. IgG and IgE are the chief markers in mosquito allergy; the diagnosis is made on the basis of an immuno-sorbent assay that measures the IgE and IgG levels to mosquito saliva antigens.

Symptoms of Allergic Reaction to Mosquito Bites

If you suffer from an allergic reaction to mosquito bites, you have what is called the ‘Skeeter syndrome’. The Skeeter syndrome is quite rare and affects those individuals who have a history of related allergic reactions.

The symptoms of an allergy may manifest immediately or after a period of time. The symptoms seen in association with the Skeeter syndrome are as follows:

• Swelling around the bite that itches.


• A red lump develops later, if the person scratches at the site of the bite.


• Thereafter, large bumps and swelling appear which are not restricted to the bite area.
  
  
  


• There will be bruising and blistering.


• Anaphylaxis and angioedema develop in rare cases.


• Asthma develops occasionally.


• Excessive scratching may lead to infection.

What to do, When Suffering from Mosquito Bites Allergy

• Treatment for the Skeeter syndrome involves administration of oral anti-histamines and corticosteroids.  These help alleviate pain, burning and itching effectively. They also check blistering and treat the symptoms of asthma well.


• To manage anaphylaxis, hospital admission is a must.


• Taking Cetirizine hydrochloride everyday, especially, during summers helps deal with mosquito bites and its allergic reactions.


• Aromatherapy has been proved to be highly effective and a natural way of dealing with mosquitoes. Essential oils such as lavender, juniper berry and citronella are decidedly beneficial. You can light an aroma lamp and use these oils in the dispenser. The emanating fumes will keep mosquitoes away. Also, you may add a drop of lavender or juniper berry essential oil to your moisturizer; they act as excellent mosquito repellents.


• Nevertheless, prevention is the best management option. Use mosquito repellent with DEET, they protect against mosquito bites. Children are more prone to the Skeeter syndrome, since their immune levels are relatively low.


• Also, it would be prudent to keep anti-allergy medicines when in a mosquito-inhabited area.


• Always, consult your physician, if you experience symptoms such as, gasping for breath, blistering of the skin, breathing difficulty or swelling of a body part.

Red Dots on Skin: Causes and Treatment for Itchy Skin with Red Dots

Red Dots on Skin: Causes and Treatment for Itchy Skin with Red Dots









Red dots on skin can appear due to many reasons. It can occur in any part of the body on trunks, legs, back and on the face. It is necessary to diagnose the condition responsible for causing red dots on the body. It can be an indication of some serious disease or some minor ailment.

Red dots can be non itchy and itchy. Red dots in other words is also called rash on the body.

Various disease and conditions responsible for red dot itchy or non itchy on skin are

• Fever.
  
  
  


• Acne.


• Rubella.


• Mumps.


• Viral disease.


• Allergic reaction.


• Prickly heat


• Mosquito bite or insect bite.


• Food allergy.


• Medications allergy.


• Scabies.


• Pityriasis rosea.


• Rocky Mountain spotted fever.


• Leukemia.


• Aging skin.


• Injury locally on the part.


• Exposure to some toxic substance.

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, it is more important to treat the condition which has caused red spots.

You can use yogurt as local application for the red dots on itching skin. It can also be taken orally.

Drink buttermilk when red dots are caused due to food allergy.

Mix a pinch of turmeric powder in yogurt and apply on the red dots. Turmeric powder acts as an antiseptic.

Aloe vera gel can be used on the red spot to get quick relief.


Sandalwood powder is also effective in healing red spots caused due to insect bites.

When the red spots remain for a week or two, especially if they are not itchy, you should consult your doctor.

Digestive Enzyme Deficiency: Enzymes for Better Digestion of Food

Digestive Enzyme Deficiency: Enzymes for Better Digestion of Food









Digestive enzymes are essential for digestion of the food we eat. Without these enzymes, digestion is not possible. Digestive enzymes are also important in curtailing the bacterial and other harmful organisms.

The food is majorly composed of three main nutrients; proteins, fats and carbohydrates. There are various enzymes secreted by the digestive organs, which act upon the food and break it for easy digestion. This digested food in turn supply energy to the body.

As a person ages, the secretion of digestive enzyme also decreases.


This leads to deficiency of digestive enzymes.  It is for this reason the food which once you used to tolerate is now giving you the problem and symptoms of indigestion.

Other reason of deficiency is poor diet, excessive fats and sugars, disease of pancreas or liver.

See more on Lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency

Deficiency of Digestive Enzyme can Cause Several Symptoms such as

• Gas and flatulence.


• Bloating


• Constipation.


• Heartburn.


• Diarrhea.


• Nausea.


• Food allergies.


• Acid reflux.


• Edema


• Acne.

Deficiency of digestive enzyme protease: this enzyme is needed for the digestion of protein. Deficiency of protease will lead to protein deficiency in the body.


Protein will indirectly get deposited in places such as joints and cause swelling and pain in the joints. Loss of libido and free radical damage is also associated with deficiency of protease deficiency.

Lipase is needed for the digestion of fats. Deficiency of lipase will result in decreased breakdown of fats, the remaining fat transforms in triglyceride. Raised triglyceride is harmful to heart and brain circulation.

Amylase is responsible for digestion f carbohydrates. Deficiency of amylase will result in fluctuation of blood sugar and

Lactase: deficiency of lactase is known to indigestion to milk and milk products. Gas, bloating and frequent diarrhea are commonly associated with lactase deficiency.

See more on Enzyme Deficiency

Cobalamin C Deficiency: Causes of non Breakdown of Fatty Acids

Cobalamin C Deficiency: Causes of non Breakdown of Fatty Acids

Cobalamin C Deficiency

The cobalamin C deficiency is an inherent error in the intracellular metabolism of cobalamin, which is presented in the form of methylmalonic aciduria and hyperhomocystinemia. It is a disorder of the organic acid and involves inability to break down and use fatty acids and some of the amino acids, from the food that we consume.

For our bodies to use the proteins we consume, they need to be broken down into smaller segments, referred to as amino acids.


Further, some specific enzymes then convert these amino acids, so that they can be used by the body. Similarly fat needs to be broken down into fatty acids for the body to use them for the production of energy.

In this rare inherited disorder, one of the specific enzymes is dysfunctional or absent. This results in failure to convert Vitamin B12 into a form that the body can use. As a result of this the body fails to use the vitamin which in turn results in building up of harmful substances like homocystine and methylmalonic acid in the body, which in turn is associated with severe health problems.

Cobalamin C Deficiency Diet

Diet plays a crucial role in the management of the condition. The diet should be low in proteins. Further supplementation with Vitamin B12, L-carnitine and Betaine is recommended in some of the patients.

Cobalamin C Deficiency Treatment

Treatment comprises of the rigid dietary compliance to low protein diet, taking the requisite supplements. Avoiding fasting for prolonged period of time and regular consultation with the doctors is mandated for effective treatment of the condition.

Also see on EFA Deficiency

Symptoms of Brain Cancer: Distinguish Primary or Metastatic Cancer

Symptoms of Brain Cancer: Distinguish Primary or Metastatic Cancer









Brain cancer is called meningioma or glioma. The cancer may be primary or metastatic. Below are mentioned symptoms of brain tumor, diagnosis and prognosis.

Symptoms of Brain Cancer

If the cancer originates in the brain it is called primary brain cancer. However, if it begins elsewhere in the body, and then spreads to the brain it is called metastatic brain cancer.

Primary brain tumor, may be malignant or benign, and is by and large limited to the Central Nervous System.


Metastatic brain cancer shows poor prognosis.

Symptoms of Brain Cancer in Women

These are the symptoms that are commonly seen in tumors of the brain

Primary Brain Cancer

• Visual disturbances


• Nausea and vomiting


• Headaches


• Seizures, convulsions


• Swelling of the brain


• Hydrocephalus


• Giddiness, vertigo


• Hearing impairment


• Motor problems


• Loss of memory and reduced recall capacity


• Behavioral disorders


• Cognitive problems


• Poor coordination


• Stumbling


• Altered gait


• Numbness and weakness of arms and legs


• Speech problems


• Issues with balance

Metastatic Brain Cancer

• Vomiting

• Convulsions and seizures


• Motor dysfunction


• Headaches


• Bleeding


• Hydrocephalus and raised intra-cranial pressure

What’s more, the precise symptoms may vary, depending up on the exact location of the tumor, and what part it is pressing on to.


The tumor may be present in the brain stem, parietal lobe, frontal lobe, or the hemispheres.

See more on Acquired Hydrocephalus

Brain Cancer Survival Rate

The prognosis and survival rate of brain tumor depends on the type of tumor, its location, the extent of spread and most importantly, when it is diagnosed.

Also see on Progression of ALS

How to Get Rid of Convulsions

How to Get Rid of Convulsions

How to Get Rid of Convulsions

Your son has been feverish for two days. You get a glass of milk for him and as soon as you return to his bed, you see his whole body shaking terribly. His body temperature has elevated, signaling only one thing --- a case of convulsion.

Convulsion usually occurs in children with ages ranging from under six months to six years. A child's body may shake incessantly because his or her temperature has risen tremendously over a short period of time.

The Culprit

The first seizure or moment of convulsion is considered the most frightening moment for any parent. Some parents worry about their kids developing brain damage or death. Don't panic. Convulsion does not cause learning difficulties, mental retardation, epilepsy, brain damage or death. Convulsion is also not a genetic disorder, although it is assumed by many.

In the past, convulsions occurred on the day children were given whole-cell pertussis, tetanus or diphtheria vaccination. Today, convulsions occur only eight to 14 days after a child is given MMR or measles-mumps-rubella vaccination, and only on very rare instances, because of advanced technology and medication.

A convulsion fit occurs when there is a problem with the brain's normal electrical activity. During convulsion, loss of consciousness and jerking movements or seizures are caused by waves of electrical activity in the brain. Children who are affected by this ailment are usually the sensitive ones. Other children do not experience convulsion at all during their childhood. Children who experience convulsion are those who have fever due to more serious health problems like kidney infections, pneumonia, virus infections, flue, colds, coughs and ear infections.

The Dreaded Symptoms

A doctor can diagnose your son with convulsion if he does not have a history of epilepsy and other seizure disorders. You should also rule out meningitis if it is your son's first time to have a seizure.

The first sign of convulsion is twitching or jerking of the face, legs or arms. Your son may pass out as the seizure starts. He may also not be aware of his twitching or jerking. He may throw up too. In some cases, children have a bowel movement or urinate without them knowing it. After the convulsion, your son may feel sleepy, confused and irritable. His face may also turn blue or red.

When Treatment is Needed

You don't need to do anything if the convulsion lasts only a few minutes, except when there is an infection involved. If the convulsion lasts longer, a certain medicine should be taken in to stop it. A physician may put a diazepam liquid inside the back passage or rectum so that the substance is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream. This way, the convulsion is easily stopped.

If your son is prone to recurrent convulsions, you have to learn how to put diazepam liquid into the rectum of your child. You may also be given additional supplies if the situation gets worse.

Convulsion Prevention – You may think that keeping your son's temperature down while he is suffering from a fever may help him stay away from convulsion but this assumption is barely supported by scientific evidence. While evidence is lacking, this technique is still encouraged to make your son feel comfortable. If the child feels better, convulsion is consequently prevented.

You can prevent convulsion by making sure your son is lightly dressed. If the room is warm, then take his clothes off. You can also give him medications like Disprol or Calprol, or anything that is under the generic name of ibuprofen or paracetamol. Cool drinks will also do him good.

First Aid – Remember what time the convulsion started. Allow your son to lie down on his side and put him to recovery position where his head is slightly lower than his body. Do not feed him or put anything into his mouth because this will affect his breathing. Do not shake him at all. Make him feel comfortable by lowering his temperature once the convulsion stops. If your son has recovered enough to eat, then let him take in ibuprofen or paracetamol. Take his clothes off too, to help him get rid of excess heat.

Treatment During Convulsion – If you want to stop seizure caused by convulsion, you don't need to lower the child's fever. Medications during a seizure are not necessary. For the same reason, you don't have to put your son in a tub of cool water. Just let your child lie on the bed because aside from this method being more comfortable and practical for you and your son, it is also safer for him. Seizures caused by convulsion usually stop in a few minutes. If the seizure is repetitive, it is time to call for medical attention.

Remember that when dealing with a child during convulsion, never panic and stay as calm as you can. Do not restrain him at all. Do not put your fingers or anything in his mouth. Watch what happens to him because you will need to describe everything to the doctor if you bring him for a check up. You need to record how long the convulsion lasts.

Call the ambulance if the convulsion does not stop in five minutes or if he doesn't wake up after the convulsion is over. If your son looks weak and sick after the convulsion stops, then it's also time to call for emergency medical attention.

Treatment After Convulsion –You need to keep a supply of ibuprofen or paracetamol inside the house all the time because chances are, your child may suffer from another fit next time he gets a fever. As soon as he gets a fever, treat him with ibuprofen or paracetamol. Take his clothes off immediately and do a tepid sponge bath to make him feel cooler and more comfortable. If your son is five or six years old and above, then he may have outgrown recurrent convulsions. Most children who went through convulsions do not suffer from long-term health problems.

While it is true that by the age of five or six, they grow as normally healthy individuals, you should still discuss issues with your local doctor to make sure that no convulsion fits will occur in the future. The important thing is that you don't panic, stay calm, and follow instructions carefully.

Click here for more information on how to get rid of convulsions.

Fungus on Skin Causes: Causes and Treatment for Skin Fungus

Fungus on Skin Causes: Causes and Treatment for Skin Fungus









Fungus on skin is contagious infection, which can spread from person to person by direct contact.

Fungus infection on the skin spreads fast if not controlled and treated; it also gives rise to secondary bacterial infection in some individuals.

Different types of Fungus on Skin are

• Jock itch.


• Candida infection.


• Athlete’s foot.


• Beard ringworm.


• Ringworm.

At times, when the immunity of the person is very low, fungus on the skin may spread in the blood and affect the vital internal organs.

Causes of Fungus on Skin

• Fungus likes moisture for its growth, body parts where perspiration is more is always vulnerable to fungus infection.
  
  
  Foot, thigh and groin, armpits, scalp and face are usually affected by skin fungus.


• Fungi get an opportunity to grow, when your immune system is compromised. Chronic illness, specific illness like AIDS, vitamin deficiency etc, accelerate its growth.


• Prolong use of corticosteroids and antibiotics.


• Diabetes, cancer etc.

General symptoms of fungus on skin infection are rash on the affected part, itching, redness, skin becomes moist and sheds on scratching, and there may be concomitant bleeding due to intense scratching.

Treatment of Fungus on Skin Infection

• Regularly wash your skin with antibacterial soap and dry it with a cloth.
  
  
  


• Keep the area dry from sweat and moisture by applying anti fungal powder.


• You may sprinkle little baking powder in your shoes, when you keep them in the rack. As this is the breeding ground for athlete’s foot.


• Apple cider vinegar is an effective home remedy for fungus on skin, especially ringworm infection. Take a small cotton ball and apply apple cider vinegar to it. Now massage the fungal area with it. Apply the lotion twice in a day. It takes a week or two to cure this infection.


• Eat green leafy vegetables, fruits as vitamins are necessary to improve the condition.


• Control diabetes if present.


• In some cases your doctor may advise antifungal tablets and ointment.