A Simple Guide to Atopic Dermatitis

A Simple Guide to Atopic Dermatitis
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What is Atopic Dermatitis?
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Atopic Dermatitis is a common skin condition which presents as a chronic, relapsing, and very itchy rash at some point during childhood.

Atopic Dermatitis clears and often disappears with age.

What causes Atopic Dermatitis?
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The causes of Atopic Dermatitis is unknown.
However some possible causes are:
1.Genetic

Genes play a part in Atopic Dermatitis as the condition runs in families

2.External causes

a.abnormal response of the body’s immune system play a part in the development of Atopic Dermatitis.

b.damage to the skin barrier may lead to dryness and inflammation of the skin

c.irritating substances overacts, causing itching and scratching.

Atopic Dermatitis is not contagious .

Who is at risk of Atopic Dermatitis?
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Atopic Dermatitis occurs in both children and adults, but usually appears during infancy.

1.Those who are genetically predisposed

2.Those exposed to environmental triggers

a.rough or coarse materials coming into contact with the skin causes itchiness.

b.feeling too hot and/or sweating will cause an outbreak.

c.certain soaps, detergents, disinfectants,

d.contact with juices from fresh fruits and meats,

e.food allergens in childhood such as cow's milk, hen's egg,peanuts, nuts, shellfish

f.dust mites,

g.animal saliva and faeces may trigger itching.

h.Upper respiratory infections (caused by viruses) may also be triggers.

i.Stress can also sometimes aggravate an existing flare-up.

Many people who have Atopic Dermatitis also suffer from Atopic rhinitis and asthma, or have family members who do.

Atopic Dermatitis affects both sexes equally.

Where does Atopic Dermatitis appear?
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Atopic Dermatitis can occur on just about any part of the body

In infants, Atopic Dermatitis typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck.

In children and adults, Atopic Dermatitis typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles.

In some people, Atopic Dermatitis may "bubble up" and ooze.

In others, the condition may appear more scaly, dry, and red.

Chronic scratching usually make the skin worse taking on a leathery texture because the skin thickens (lichenification).

What are the symptoms and signs of Atopic Dermatitis?
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Typical features of Atopic Dermatitis are:

1.dry,

2.red,

3.extremely itchy patches on the skin.

4.Oozing of the rash

5.Thickening of the skin

How is Atopic Dermatitis diagnosed?
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1.History and appearance of the rash

2.Screening test for food allergy

3.Blood test for specific antibodies to food substances

How can Atopic Dermatitis be treated?
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Treatment of an Atopic Dermatitis treatment routine is:

1. prevent scratching.

2. application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible after bathing (within three minutes is a common recommendation) so that the moisture from the bath is "locked in."

3.Cold compresses applied directly to itchy skin can also help relieve itching.

4.application of nonprescription corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce inflammation
if the condition persists, worsens, or does not improve satisfactorily.

Hydrocortisone cream and ointment are preferred to prevent side effects such as skin thinning.

5.For severe flare-ups, your doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids (this treatment is not recommended for long-term use).

6.topical or oral antibiotics may be needed for the skin infection which may affect the dry inflamed skin.

7.sedative antihistamines are sometimes used to reduce the itch

8.Tar treatments can have positive effects; however, tar can be messy.

9.Phototherapy requires special equipment (lights).

10.cyclosporine A, which modifies immune response; however, this is used only in extreme cases because of its association with serious side effects.

How can Atopic Dermatitis be prevented?
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Atopic Dermatitis outbreaks can usually be avoided with some simple precautions.

The following suggestions may help to reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups:

Moisturize frequently

Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity

Avoid sweating or overheating

Dress the child in breathable cotton clothes

Reduce stress

Avoid scratchy materials (e.g., wool or other irritants)

Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, and solvents

Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander)

Be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods

A Simple Guide to Nasopharyngeal Cancer

A Simple Guide to Nasopharyngeal Cancer
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What is Nasopharyngeal Cancer ?
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Nasopharyngeal cancer, commonly referred to as NPC, occurs when the cells lining the nasopharynx(area behind the nose and above the back of the throat) become abnormal and proliferates giving rise to cancer cells.
It affects more men than women.

What are the causes of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
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Various causes may be involved:
1.Genes. -males between the ages of 20-50 from southern China and Southeast Asia are at higher risk.

2.Diet. such as preserved foods ( salted fish, vegetables and meat) can cause a higher risk of NPC. Cooking of such food releases toxic substances called nitrosamines into the fumes that we breathe.
Many NPC patients consumed much less fresh fruit and vegetables.

3.Virus. There is evidence that NPC patients have higher levels of the Epstein-Barr virus in their blood. The Epstein-Barr virus activating substances have been detected in a number of these preserved foods.

4.Smoking. People who smokes have a higher risk

What are the signs and symptoms of Nasopharyngeal Cancer?
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The following are symptoms of nasopharyngeal cancer:

1.A painless lump in the neck-usually a lymph node infiltrated by cancer cells

2.Nosebleed or blood stained sputum

3.Blocking of one or both nostrils

4.Loss of hearing, or ringing in the ear

5.Discharge from the ear

6.Blurred or double vision

7.Difficulty in breathing or speaking

8.Persistant Sore throat

9.Paralysis of one side of the face

10.Headaches

How can Nasopharyngeal Cancer be detected?
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Examination of the upper part of the nose for swelling or lumps.
An endoscope is inserted into the nose. The ENT specialist may extract tissue(biopsy) which can be sent for testing, to confirm if there is a cancerous growth.

If a tumour is found, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to assess its size.

Patients may also be tested for the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus in their systems. This is used to indicate the likelihood of contracting NPC.

How can NPC be prevented?
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No one can be fully protected from NPC.
However, you can modify your lifestyle practices to reduce your chances of contracting NPC.
Avoid preserved foods at an early age.
Eat fresh fruit and vegetables. Studies ave found that citrus fruits (rich in Vitamin C) and orange-coloured vegetables (eg, carrots and sweet potatoes), tomatoes, and dark green vegetables (all rich in carotenoids) also help lower the chances of contracting NPC.
Don't smoke. Smoking increases the risk of NPC by two to four times. Those who smoke, can still lower their risk by cutting down on the number of cigarettes smoked a day. Better still, quit smoking.

How can Nasopharyngeal Cancer be treated?
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Radiotherapy.
This is the most common treatment. This involves the use of radiation to attack cancer cells, stopping them from growing or multiplying.

Chemotherapy.
This involves the use of anti-cancer medication to treat the cancer.
For both methods, the patient may experience side-effects such as tiredness and nausea.

Surgery
Surgery is seldom used because of the danger of cutting tissues too close to the brain.

Early treatment is recommended as it increases the patient's chances of survival.
Delayed action could result in the cancer spreading to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat.