Discolored Toenail - Causes and Treatments
A discolored toenail is usually caused either due to physical trauma (such as bumping the tow against furniture) or by common fungal infections (such as athlete’s foot). In cases of trauma, the discoloration is caused due to bruising and accumulation of blood under the skin’s surface. In these cases, a cold water foot bath helps to ease any pain by numbing the area. If there is no bleeding and the toenail is not broken, the bruise heals itself in a few days. However, it is advisable to visit a doctor if the skin or toenail is broken, as such wounds can lead to secondary bacterial infections. At home, the patient can apply an antiseptic ointment as a first-aid measure. Tea tree oil and aloe vera are also useful, since they have effective antibiotic properties.
Natural Home Remedies For Fungal Infections
These two natural wonders are also helpful in the case of a fungal infection. In most cases, such an infection occurs when the feet are constantly exposed to wet and humid conditions. Typically, this occurs when sweat is trapped by tight shoes or socks whose material cannot “breathe”. Fungi multiply rapidly in such an environment and the foot develops scaly skin that peels off. In many cases, one of more toenails may also appear discolored due to the infection. Luckily, a foot bath in water containing tea tree oil is very effective against fungal infections. Crushed garlic can also be added to this solution, since it contains allicin, an excellent anti-fungal substance. After the foot bath, aloe vera gel can be applied directly to the foot, helping to destroy the fungi. Using such natural home remedies, the patient can recover in a matter of days. However, certain precautions must be taken to avoid any re-infection.
Tips to Avoid Fungal Infections
Keeping the feet clean, dry, and comfortable is the best way to avoid any fungal infections. Feet should be washed regularly, especially by individuals who have an active lifestyle or whose occupation requires long hours of standing or walking. Instead of regular bathing products, medicated soaps are recommended for people prone to fungal infections. During the infection, it is advisable to use a separate towel for the patient’s feet to avoid accidental infection of other individuals. Tight, closed shoes should be avoided and socks should be made of natural materials such as cotton, which “breathes” easier. Over-the-counter anti-fungal powders also help to absorb extra moisture from the feet, while acting as a preventative measure against infections.
Sleep Paralysis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Sleep paralysis is a form of sleeping disorder that leads to temporary loss of voluntary movements. As you can imagine, this causes extreme anxiety, since the patient finds she is unable to move her body or limbs for several seconds at a time. This “paralysis” can occur either at the start of sleep (hypnogogic type) or right after waking up (hypnopomic type). Physically, sleep paralysis affects the major skeletal muscles. Some patients also report mild hallucinogenic episodes during such an attack, including the presence of someone else in the room or a heavy weight on their chest. Luckily, this disorder does not affect any of the involuntary muscles required for functions such as breathing, so patients are in no physical danger. However, the psychological affects can be unsettling and have a negative impact on the patient’s lifestyle.
As little as a couple of hundred years ago, sleep paralysis was attributed to paranormal events or psychological disorders. However, medical science has yet to identify any particular cause for the condition. There is some evidence that people with anxiety problems are more susceptible to sleep paralysis. This is based on studies that showed over 30 percent of patients also reported panic attacks while awake, while around 15 percent could be diagnosed with panic disorder. Sleep recordings (polysomnograhies) of patients also show disturbance in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is the “deep sleep” required for the mind and body to be completely refreshed. Such disturbances in REM sleep are usually due to poor sleep hygiene.
Sleep Paralysis Treatment and Cures
Most cases of sleep paralysis respond well to basic lifestyle measures designed to provide better REM sleep. The most important one is to maintain a regular sleeping schedule. This allows the body to maintain a steady circadian rhythm, which is the natural day-night cycle. Doctors also advise against eating any heavy meals for at least 4 hours before bedtime, since the digestive process keeps the body awake and disrupts relaxation. The old remedy of having a glass of warm milk can help, since it soothes the mind and body. A cup of warm soup or a small snack can provide similar relief. Skipping evening meals is avoidable, since the body will miss the required calories, disturbing the sleep pattern. Exercise is also a great way to get the body ready for sleep, provided it is done at least 2 hours before sleep, allowing the metabolism to come down to normal. Patients with a history of anxiety or panic attacks can also benefit from relaxations techniques such as yoga or meditation.
Schizophrenia - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Schizophrenia is one of the many psychotic disorders that affect the brain, causing the person to experience perception distortions. Thus, those who suffer from this condition may hear, see, taste, and smell things that are hallucinatory in nature. They may experience bizarre delusions and paranoia; exhibit disorganized speech with dysfunctional social or occupational behavior. A number of factors that contribute to this disorder include genetics, upbringing, neurobiology, psychological, and societal influences. Recreational drugs and prescription drugs have been observed to worsen symptoms. However, research has still not been able to pinpoint any organic cause for schizophrenia. People with schizophrenia often think that other people are out to hurt them. Oftentimes they don’t make much sense while talking. This disorder creates difficulties for them to the extent that they are unable to hold on to a job or care for themselves. Both men and women from any ethnic group can develop this disorder that mostly affects people in the age group of 16 to 30. It is not normally seen in people above the age of 45.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, and movement disorders, among others. Other symptoms include poor social skills such as, speaking in a low voice, showing no facial expressions, unable to enjoy recreations, trouble in planning and concentrating, not being able to converse with others. Cognitive symptoms include, trouble in making decisions, trouble in using the information after learning it, and inability to concentrate.
Schizophrenia and Treatment
Treatment might have to be a combination of medication and psychosocial therapy. Anti-psychotic drugs can help the patient to some extent. The person may have to try a number of different medications before settling for one that works. Of course some of these medications tend to have side effects, such as blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, and skin rashes. The patient needs to keep the doctor informed about any negative effects of the drugs. Medications should be taken regularly and not stopped because of the risk of worsening the symptoms. Psychosocial treatments are helpful after the patient has found the medication that works for him or her. Psychosocial treatments include family education, where the family learns how to manage the illness and care for the loved one. Other treatment includes illness management, which empowers the patient to care for himself on a daily basis. Rehabilitation, therapy, and self-help groups encourage the person to get a job, discuss the illness with others and get support from family and friends.
Eye Glaucoma - Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve in the eye. This nerve is responsible for sending and receiving information from the retina to the brain and is what causes us to see. The front portion of the eye is protected by a fluid known as the aqueous humor that circulates around the inner eye. The trabecular meshwork of the eye is responsible for draining this liquid from the eye. A malfunctioning of this drainage structure because of blockage or some other reason causes liquid to build up inside the eye. After a while this liquid build up causes pressure on the optic nerve resulting in partial blindness and if left untreated it could lead to complete blindness. There are a number of different types of glaucoma, such as, Open Angle, Acute Angle Closure, Secondary Glaucoma, and Congenital glaucoma.
Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma
Symptoms of glaucoma are rarely noticeable. It is therefore called the ‘sneak thief of sight’. Prevention through early detection is the only effective way of avoiding this condition from worsening. However, some forms of glaucoma do exhibit some symptoms, such as: sudden decrease of vision, severe eye pain, headache, queasiness, sensitivity to light, and enlargement of the cornea among others.
Treatment for Glaucoma
Before treatment can be given, an eye examination is needed to determine the type of glaucoma and its cause. The doctor will look for cupping of the optic nerve. Treatment mostly focuses on reducing the pressure on the optic nerve by releasing the build up of aqueous humor. This is mostly done through a combination of eye drop medications. Some of the commonly administered eye drops contain beta blockers which decrease the formation of aqueous humor. Over the years, these drops have proved quite successful in treating glaucoma. They have to be used twice every day to be effective; however, these drugs have side effects that include fatigue, worsening of asthma, impotence, among others. Drugs like alpha 2 agonists reduce fluid production, while increasing the outflow or drainage. These are used two to three times a day. Oral medication includes Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors in the form of pills. These are used to reduce swelling caused by fluid retention. Parasympathomimetic agents constrict the pupils and work by opposing adrenalin-like substances and increasing outflow of aqueous humor from the eye. However, some of the side effects of these drops include blurred vision, retinal detachment, and pain in the brow. Other options to treat glaucoma include laser treatment or traditional surgery to create new channels for fluid outflow.
