Showing posts with label skin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skin. Show all posts

Monday, November 26, 2012

Natural Remedies for Scabies Itch Treatment in Humans

Scabies is a skin condition that is caused by tiny mites and affects individuals belonging to all races and social classes. There are two basic forms of itch mites that affect humans, namely crusted and non-crusted. While, both the forms are equally virulent, crusted scabies are more contagious and often affects individuals with poor immunity. Though the most commonly prescribed lotion Permethrin (5%) is effective in the management of the condition, there are certain natural remedies and home based treatments that are equally potent and associated with fewer risks.

                       
What is Scabies Itch?
 
Images of Scabies
Scabies caused by Sarcoptes scabieiis extremely contagious and spreads rapidly via close physical contact. Since scabies is exceedingly transmittable, doctors advocate treatment for the entire family or contact groups to eradicate the mite completely.
There are two basic types of scabies- non crusted which is more prevalent in the regular population and crusted scabies, which affects high-risk groups, such as, those who have a chronic health condition that weakens the immune system, people in hospitals and old people. While experts suggest that both the forms are equally virulent, crusted scabies usually has a more severe manifestation and spreads rapidly.
 
Scabies Itch Causes
 
Scabies is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, an 8 legged mite. The female burrows underneath the skin and produces a tunnel where she deposits the eggs. The eggs hatch within 3 - 4 days, and the larvae come to the surface of the skin, where they mature and spread to other areas of the body and to other people. Close physical contact and sharing bedding and clothes with an infected person causes a spread.
 
Since the female burrows through the tunnels at night, the symptoms are typically aggravated at night.
 
Symptoms of Scabies in Humans
 
Common sites include: armpits, between fingers, inside of the wrists, inner elbow, around the waist, soles of the feet, buttocks, knees, around the breasts, scalp, and genitals. Here are some of the common symptoms associated with scabies or itch mites
  • Itching is the chief symptom; it is usually intense at night. Itching occurs due to the body’s allergic response to the mites, the eggs and their waste products.
  • Irregular and thin burrows made up of small blisters are present. The burrows appear in the folds of the skin.
  • Severe itching may result in scratching of the skin resulting in petechia or blood spots. These sites are prone to secondary infections due to exposure.

Natural Treatment for Scabies Itch
  
The treatment comprises of eliminating the infestation with medicines. A number of lotions and creams are available which have to be applied all over the body, and left on for eight hours. Your health care professional will recommend - Permethrin 5 percent, Lindane and Crotamiton; these contain chemicals which destroy the scabies mites and their eggs. Confer with your doctor to understand what is safe for you. These drugs kill the mites rapidly; however, you may find that the itching does not stop for several weeks,
Essential Oils Help Allay
Itching Significantly
  • Recent studies have shown that local application of tea tree oil is equally effective in elimination of these mites. Tea tree oil is considered to be a potent antimicrobial agent and should be applied at night, just prior to going to bed. Warm water bath with a few drops of tea tree oil can also be beneficial. Blend 5 drops of Lavender essential oil with 10 drops of tea tree oil and apply to the affected area. Lavender helps ease the itching significantly, whilst Tea tree is effective in the eradication of most infectious conditions.
  • Also maintain optimum skin hygiene, as this is considered to be the leading cause for the condition.
  • It is essential to treat clothes and bedding of the infected individual to kill live mites as soon as medicines are administered. Wash everything in hot water and dry them well. Items that can’t be washed or dry-cleaned should be placed in a closed plastic bag for a week. In case of crusted Norwegian scabies, wash the bedding every day, also, wash the floors, walls and furniture.
 
Home Remedies to Stop Scabies in Humans
 
While treatment options are available, there are certain home remedies that can help boost the natural immunity and help deal with the condition promptly,
  1. Apply a cool, wet cloth to the irritated areas of your skin; it will help reduce the discomfort and itching successfully.
  2. Vitamin C supplements: consult your doctor and start a Vitamin C supplements it will help boost the working of the immune system and expedite healing.
  3. Local application of turmeric powder and paste of garlic can help alleviate the inflammation and irritation. Apply the mixture to the affected site and the symptoms will get alleviated promptly. 

Friday, August 10, 2012

Scleroderma and Acid Reflux: Home Remedies and Natural Treatment for Systemic Sclerosis


Scleroderma Affects
the Working of the GI Tract
Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition with an annual incidence of 19 million cases. The condition, also referred to as systemic sclerosis, is three times more prevalent in females, though significantly higher in middle aged females. The prevalence is higher in specific races like African Americans and Native Americans.  The condition has several subsets and prognosis can be predicted only after the specific subset manifestations are clear. Home remedies and Natural treatments can provide palliation.
 What is Scleroderma?
The disease is characterized by tightening and hardening of the skin and connective tissues of the body, which is attributed to injuries to the small arteries. There are two basic forms,
·        Localized or limited scleroderma affects only the skin and prognosis is typically good.
·        Diffused scleroderma tends to impairs internal viscera, such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, and digestive tract.
 
This article will focused at complications of the digestive tract while kidney and heart symptoms are covered in separate sections.
 Systemic Sclerosis Causes
 
While there is no obvious cause linked with the condition, there are certain speculations which attempt to explain the onset of this condition,
·        Genetic predisposition is considered to be one of the leading explanations, explaining the specific high prevalence in certain races. Cytomegalovirus is also linked with the condition.
·        Some suggest an autoimmune mechanism which is triggered by circulating maternal blood in fetal cells, resulting in a foreign body reaction.
·        Certain chemotherapy agents and exposure to occupational solvents have also been linked with the onset of the disease.
Acid Reflux and Scleroderma
The clinical features of systemic sclerosis depend on the degree of internal and external involvement; it can badly affect the skin, blood vessels, GI tract, kidneys, and lungs. Here are some of the gastric symptoms of systemic sclerosis
·        Approximately 90 % of the patients diagnosed with scleroderma have some degree of gastro-intestinal involvement; with about half being symptomatic Acid reflux is a common manifesting symptom, which can damage the portion of the esophagus close to the stomach.
·        Additionally, some may develop a problem with absorption of nutrients if the muscles of the intestine do not move the food properly.
·        Severe GI problems are: malabsorption, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, diarrhea, constipation, decreased peristalsis, and bowel incontinence.
Home Remedies for Scleroderma Treatment
This article is specifically providing information on home remedies that can be beneficial in the treatment of GI symptoms associated with scleroderma,

Aloe Vera Juice
allays Acidity in
Scleroderma

1.       Mint soothes the lining of the GI tract. It is the best remedy for heartburn and acid reflux; and ameliorates acidity almost instantly. It is a carminative, expels gas and prevents crampy stomach pains. Make a decoction of 5 to 10 mint leaves and consume daily.
2.       Ginger is packed with a compound called gingerols. Gingerols are effective inflammation-fighting agents. They help allay inflammation, alleviate pain and discomfort and perk up digestion. Ginger tea, twice daily is an excellent medication for systemic sclerosis.
3.       Have ½ cup of aloe vera juice three times every day; aloe vera reduces acidity and stomach upsets successfully. It also helps manage constipation effectively and peps up the working of the alimentary canal.
4.       Having a bowl of yogurt everyday will help restore the GI functioning to normal. Yogurt is packed with beneficial bacteria; thus one bowl of yogurt will help reinstate the normal balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract and will effectively deal with both constipation as well as diarrhea.
Natural Treatment for Acid Reflux and Scleroderma
In addition to the home remedies, it is vital that you handle the stress that a chronic ailment such as scleroderma triggers.
·        Meditation and Yoga are very vital in dealing with stress and help enhance the ability to cope with the distressing symptoms of the condition.
·        Regular exercise like jogging, early morning walks, etc can also act as health boosters. Avoid heavy excercises like lifting weights as they may further aggravate the symptoms.
·        Nux vomica is a homeopathic drug which acts wonderfully on the gastro-intestinal system. It helps improve bowel movement, enhances digestion and absorption and effectively treats nausea, vomiting, heart burn and acidity. It is also useful for incontinence of the bowel. Frequent dosage is recommended, about 5 to 8 times daily.