What is Xeroderma Pigmentosum

The skin is the outer layer of the human body that is designed to protect the body from foreign objects and infections. The skin of the body also helps with heat regulation and with several other important functions. One of the functions of the skin is the production of vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. The skin has several layers that are well supplied by blood. This allows the skin to regenerate itself and repair any damage.

An acute sensitivity to sunlight is what is xeroderma pigmentosum. A person without the symptoms of xeroderma pigmentosum may, at worst, experience sun burn. This is when the skin gets burned due to excessive solar exposure. In this case, the skin will gradually repair itself until it appears normal and healthy again. Individuals who suffer from xeroderma pigmentosum suffer from skin that does not repair itself when it is damaged by ultraviolet light. This leads to the development of patches of skin that have dead cells. The symptoms of xeroderma pigmentosum include pigmented spots on the skin that may appear similar to freckles. While this does not seem to be such a bad thing, the problem arises with what happens to the dead skin cells. Individuals suffering from symptoms of xeroderma pigmentosum are far more likely to develop skin cancer. Cancer develops from abnormal cells in the body. When the cells of the skin do not regenerate as they normally would, the individual will be susceptible to the condition of abnormal cell development. Therefore, individuals who suffer from symptoms of xeroderma pigmentosum cannot expose their skin to sunlight even for short periods of time.

Symptoms of Xeroderma Pigmentosum

Other symptoms of xeroderma pigmentosum include skin that is unusually sensitive to sunburn, excessive freckling of skin, thin skin and a large number of black spots on the skin. Excessive freckling of the skin tends to take place on areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun regularly.
One of the major xeroderma pigmentosum causes has mainly been identified in the field of genetics. Individuals who suffer from the condition of xeroderma pigmentosum receive faulty genes from both their parents. The genes involved in this condition are those that are associated with the function that helps the skin mend itself. An individual will suffer from xeroderma pigmentosum only if both parents have the genes in their DNA as this is the one of the major causes of xeroderma pigmentosum. The gene is a recessive gene which means that it needs two copies to be present for the condition to actually occur. It is not necessary that a parent who has the condition will pass it on to his or her child. Both parents need to be gene carriers for this to happen.

There are no xeroderma pigmentosum treatments. The condition is based on faulty genetics and, as of now, there are no xeroderma pigmentosum treatments that can fix the faulty gene. The only way in which xeroderma pigmentosum treatments are applicable is in the form of prevention of symptoms. This can be done by ensuring that an individual suffering from the problem is not exposed to direct sunlight. It is best that this form of care is taken at the earliest possible stage as this will avoid the development of harmful sunburn. During times when the sun is not excessively sharp, an individual may be able to spend time in mild sunshine using a strong sun block cream that contains ultraviolet protection. Beyond this, there are few things that can be done to manage the condition of xeroderma pigmentosum.
Patients who suffer from xeroderma pigmentosum should also have regular checkups to ensure that there are no permanent damaged patches on the skin. Checkups for skin cancer should also be scheduled regularly to ensure that this condition does not develop or spread.

Treatment for Hirsutism

It is a well known fact that almost all humans have some amount of hair on the body, including women and children. The amount of hair that each person has is determined by the genetic makeup to a great extent. However, in case a woman seems to have developed excessive or abnormally large amounts of coarse and pigment hair, especially around the face, chest and back, then she may be suffering from a condition known as Hirsutism.

What is hirsutism?

Hirsutism can be described as unwanted, male pattern growth of hair, seen in women. This problem usually arises from the excess of a male hormone in the body, which is known as androgens. However, at times a woman may have hirsutism if it runs in the family. There are usually no physical complications that are a result of hirsutism; however, women who have an excess of hair, especially on the face and the neck, are bound to go through a lot of emotional distress and embarrassment. In fact, many women who suffer from hirsutism claim that they feel less feminine, because of all the hair on their body.

Although women of all races and nationalities can get hirsutism, this condition is more likely to occur in women who are of Mediterranean, South Asian or Middle Eastern ancestry. Studies indicate that around 10% of all the women in the United States suffer from some degree of hirutism.

Causes of hirsutism

One of the most common causes of hirsutism in women is the excess of androgen hormone in the body. There are several factors that could lead to the increase in this hormone. Some of the most common causes of hirsutism in females are:

• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Cushing’s Syndrome
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• The use of certain medication
• Tumors

Hirsutism only becomes evident after a woman reaches puberty and therefore in case a young child seems to suffer from this condition, it is essential to bring to the to notice of a doctor and to check with a doctor about the causes of hirsutism in children.

Symptoms of Hirsutism

This condition is mainly characterized by the excessive growth of hair on those parts of the body, when men typically have hair. However, in case the levels of androgen in a woman go very high, it is quite possible to see other symptoms too, such as:

• Acne
• Deepening of the voice
• Increase in muscle mass
• Loss of hair only on the scalp
• Reduction in the size of the breast

In case symptoms like irregular period also become evident in a woman, it is absolutely essential to consult a doctor and undergo treatment for hirsutism.

Treatment of Hirsutism

Most women who suffer from hormonal problems that lead to hirsutism are apprehensive about using medication and therefore, they are more interested in opting for a natural cure for hirsutism. However, in most cases, the treatment of hirsutism is mainly aimed at managing the growth of hair. Some of the most common ways of doing so are plucking, shaving, electrolysis, waxing, threading, bleaching and laser therapy. Some doctors may also ask women to take oral contraceptives of anti-androgen drugs to balance their hormone. Common remedies for hirsutism problems are weight loss and preventing insulin resistance.

Women who have hirsutism are quite likely to have a condition known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) too. Moreover, women who are undergoing treatment for this condition and are taking medication are usually advised to refrain from getting pregnant. In order to avoid any complicated during the pregnancy, it is best for a woman to complete the treatment for hirsutism and PCOS, before planning a baby. Thereafter, it is also important to get a go ahead from the doctors, before getting pregnant.

Inguinal Hernia Treatment

What is inguinal hernia?

Inguinal hernia, more casually referred to as a hernia in the groin area, is a condition that occurs when a soft tissue juts out from, either a tear, or a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall. As a result a bulge occurs, which can lead to a lot of pain, especially when a person coughs; bends or lifts something heavy. The soft tissue that bulges out is usually a part of the intestines. Although inguinal hernia is not necessarily a dangerous condition, it neither goes away, nor does it get better on its own. However at times, inguinal hernia could lead to certain complications, which can be life threatening. Therefore, it may be important for a person to go through an inguinal hernia repair surgical procedure, especially if the hernia is painful and seems to the getting larger. The occurrence of inguinal hernia in women is not as widespread as it is in men. In fact, studies indicate that inguinal hernia is 25 times more common in men, than it is in women. It is also possible to see this condition prevalent in children too.

Causes of inguinal hernia

There could be several factors that lead to inguinal hernia in people. Some of the most common causes are:

• The increase of pressure, within the abdomen
• The presence of a weak point in the abdominal wall
• A condition known as ascites or fluid in the abdomen
• Applying a lot of strain during urination and while having a bowel movement
• Excess weight and obesity
• Lifting heavy weights on a regular basis
• Suffering from a cough and sneezing on a regular basis

This condition can also be seen in children; the causes of inguinal hernia in children are peritoneum, which is a birth defect. Pregnancy is also one of the most causes of inguinal hernia in women

Symptoms of inguinal hernia

At times, a person may not see any signs or symptoms, pointing out towards inguinal hernia and in such instances; the condition is only diagnosed while undergoing a checkup for another condition. However, in many people who are suffering form this type of hernia, a bulge is visible on the sides. Some of the other symptoms of inguinal hernia include:

• Weakness and pressure in the groin area, accompanied by pain and discomfort, which gets worse when a person bends over
• A bulge that is visible on either side of the pubic bone
• Feeling a gurgling, aching or burning sensation near the bulge
• Heaviness in the groin, at times accompanied by a dragging sensation
• Pain and swelling within the scrotum (in men)

The symptoms of inguinal hernia in children and babies are quite different, as the hernia may only be visible when the child is crying, straining or coughing or even during a bowel movement. In older children, the hernia may also be apparent when the child stands for a long period of time.

Inguinal hernia treatment

Getting a hernia treated may only be necessary in case it leads to any pain or even if it appears to grow. In case the condition worsens then a patient may need to undergo either a Herniorrhaphy or a Laparoscopy. Most doctors advise people to go through a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair procedure, to treat the problem or to prevent the hernia from getting larger. The main advantage of this procedure is that the laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair recovery time is much shorter, as the scarring and discomfort are considerably less. However, there are a few disadvantages of this procedure too, as the chances of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair complications are much higher.

Therefore, it is important to check with a doctor, before deciding to treat an inguinal hernia.

Remedies for Impetigo

The term “impetigo” is used to describe a highly contagious skin infection, which is mainly seen in children and babies, but can affect adults too. Studies indicate that this condition is the most common in children who are between the age groups of 2 and 6, as well as babies, since their immune systems are underdeveloped. This is not really a serious condition and it usually clears up on its own, without needing any treatment. However, the symptoms of impetigo usually last for anywhere between two to three weeks and can lead to a lot of discomfort. This is probably why home remedies for impetigo are used commonly. These home remedies do not cure the underlying condition, but they just reduce the symptoms. At times, impetigo can lead to more complicated conditions and when that happens it may be important to consult a doctor, without any delay. It is not common for an adult to suffer from impetigo, but if this condition does occur in a grown up, it is quite likely to be in the most severe form. Adults who suffer from diabetes or have conditions that have weakened the immune system are a lot more susceptible to impetigo, as compared to the others.

Causes of Impetigo

There are two common bacteria, known as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, which live on the surface of the skin of all human beings, without causing any problems. However, when a person suffers from a cut or an injury, these bacteria can enter the body, thereby leading to an infection. A person who has already been infected can easily pass on the condition to others, as the infection spreads from one person to the other, not only through personal contact, but also by touching the belongings of a person who has been infected. Hence, people who suffer from impetigo should make sure that they do not share their clothes, combs, towels, bed linen or any other objects with others. The causes of impetigo in adults however, are slightly different. Grown ups become more vulnerable to this disease when they sustain any injury to the skin, which has been caused by a dermatological condition, such as dermatitis.

Symptoms of Impetigo

Impetigo can be of three types and the symptoms of each type may vary a bit. Moreover, the symptoms that are seen in children are usually a bit different from those that are seen in adults. Given below are some of the most common symptoms of impetigo:

• Blisters that are filled with a fluid
• Red sores
• Severe itching
• White sores that are filled with pus

Natural remedies for impetigo

Unless absolutely essential, most people prefer to use simple home remedies for impetigo, in lieu of medical treatment. However, before using any remedies for impetigo, it is important to clean the area thoroughly, using water and mild soap. Also, any lesions that may occur on the skin should be covered by gauze and tape, to prevent the infection from spreading. Given below are a few effective home remedies that are a part of impetigo natural treatment:

• Applying garlic paste directly on to the affected skin and leaving it on for a while. Chewing garlic pieces is also good, but may not be the best option for a child

• Adding a few drops of tea tree essential oil to daily bath water and then rubbing the skin lightly with calamine lotion

• Rubbing Aloe Vera gel directly on to the area that has been affected by the sores

The home remedies for impetigo mentioned above are quite safe, if used correctly. However, it is best to check with a doctor, before trying any of them out. Moreover, if these impetigo natural remedies do not bring about any relief, then it may be best to consult a doctor for medical treatment options.