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Rashes - Symptom Evaluation

The lesions in rashes vary from small skin discolorations to large fluid-filled bullae.

A rash is a skin eruption that results in change in color or texture of the skin. A rash could be due to a local cause like a fungal infection of the skin or due to a problem affecting the whole body like chicken pox. In some cases, a rash may be a sign of a serious infection. Rash may be accompanied by fever in some cases.


A careful examination of different types of rashes will show that the spots of the rash vary in different conditions. In some cases, the rash consists of small flat spots with a change in color over them. These are referred to as macules. Slightly raised small lesions are referred to as papules. Larger raised lesions are called nodules; if they have a flat top, they are called plaques. Wheals or hives are raised and pale pink. They are commonly seen in allergies. Vesicles are small fluid-filled raised lesions; larger vesicles are called bullae. Pustules on the other hand contain pus. Different types of rashes may be present in a single condition.

The causes of rashes are multiple. We thus present here a brief overview and description of some common types of rashes.

Causes

The cause of a rash can be diagnosed based on the type of lesions and associated symptoms.

Some common causes of rashes are listed below:

Viral Infection: Viral infections are common causes of rashes that spread all over the body. The rash of viral infections is commonly associated with fever. Diagnosis is usually based on the pattern of appearance of the rash. Some of the features associated with common viral rashes are given below:

The rash of chicken pox is accompanied by intense itching. It appears as small red spots or macules on the face, scalp, trunk and later the limbs. The macules then get converted into papules and vesicles. The base of the vesicles is usually reddish in color, giving an appearance of “dewdrops on a rose petal.” The vesicles may get converted into pustules, which heal by crusting.

The rash of shingles usually appears along the course of a nerve and is accompanied by pain along the nerve.

The rash in measles is preceded by high fever and respiratory symptoms like sneezing and sore throat. The rash appears as small papules on the face and behind the ears, which may join together to form larger lesions. The rash then spreads to the trunk and the extremities including palms and soles. It fades in the same order of appearance.

The rash of German measles is a fine rash with macules and papules. It is accompanied by swelling of lymph nodes.

Bacterial Infection:

Impetigo is a contagious skin disease caused by either staphylococcal or streptococcal bacteria. It commonly affects the face and other exposed parts of the body. The rash contains superficial blisters filled with pus. The blisters rupture easily resulting in crusting.

Meningitis or inflammation of the tissues covering the brain can result in a rash that does not blanch with pressure. The presence of a rash in meningitis indicates a medical emergency. The patient also shows the presence of other symptoms of meningitis like fever, headache, stiff neck and altered mental status.

Sexually transmitted diseases may be accompanied by a rash especially in the pubic area. The type of rash varies according to the underlying condition.

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) results following infection with staphylococcal bacteria. The bacteria release a toxin in the blood, which causes the rash. The rash may vary from small blisters, to large blisters with separation of sheets of superficial skin resulting in erosions.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a condition similar to staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome and involves fever and loss of sheets of superficial skin. The condition was especially observed with infection following the use of tampons. It can also follow superficial skin infections, surgical wound infections, infections following delivery, or the use of infected nasal packing. TSS is a medical emergency.

Fungal Infection:

Ringworm is a type of fungal infection of the skin. The skin lesions are ring-shaped with an advancing scaly border and central clearing. It appears on the exposed skin surfaces like between fingers and toes, or the trunk. Itching over the lesions may be present.

Pityriasis versicolor is a common skin condition that appears as velvety, tan, pink or white macules, usually in the face and upper trunk. Scales are not obvious over the lesions but are obtained on scraping.

Allergy: The skin is among the most common organs that mirror the symptoms of an allergic reaction.   Allergic skin reactions vary from mild to severe. Reactions that appear when a person comes in contact with an allergen are called contact dermatitis. Mild allergic skin reactions include itching and rashes over a part or all over the body. Itchy swellings called hives may occur. The patient may also suffer from dry skin with raw areas from scratching. Severe reactions could involve swelling of the skin and mucus membranes. The skin may develop blisters with oozing.

Autoimmune Disease:

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where skin lesions appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, and between buttocks. The skin shows the presence of plaques covered with silvery-white scales. Removal of a scale may reveal pinpoint bleeding.  Itching over the lesions may be present. Variations in the type of rash are also observed.

Some people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a typical rash on the cheeks, which resembles a butterfly. Other features of SLE include joint and kidney disease.

Medications:

Medications could also cause skin reactions. Drugs that frequently cause allergic reactions include penicillins, cephalosporins, ACE inhibitors and rifampicin. These could cause different types of rashes usually over the whole body. A serious form of allergic skin reaction is Stevens - Johnson syndrome. Drugs like penicillins, sulfonamides, phenytoin and NSAIDs have been found to cause SJ syndrome.

Arthropod Bite:

The rash in scabies is itchy in the form of vesicles and pustules especially in the finger and toe webs and the wrist creases. The burrows through which the scabies mite burrows into the skin may be obvious.

Bedbug rash usually appears in the morning when the person gets up from sleep. The rash typically appears in a line and as small bumps, which are very itchy.

Other Causes of Rash:

Acne: Acne causes a rash after puberty. It usually affects the face and neck area. It consists of small swelling with a black or white head at the tip, which is sometimes filled with pus.

Heat rash: Heat rash, also called prickly heat, appears in the summer season as tiny, itchy or prickly blisters especially over the neck and trunk area. It occurs due to the blockage of the sweat pores.

Diaper rash: Diaper rash is a bright red rash observed in the diaper area of a baby. It occurs due to a fungal infection beneath the diaper.

Liver and Kidney disease: Diseases affecting the liver and kidneys are associated with rashes all over the body. The patient usually shows symptoms of the underlying conditions.

Stasis Dermatitis: Stasis dermatitis occurs due to lack of drainage of blood from the lower limbs. It results in red, itchy rash on the lower legs. The rash may be dry and scaly or may show the presence of fluid-filled vesicles and form crusts. If the condition is present over a long duration, the skin color may change to brown or purple.

Cancer: Cancers like leukemia and lymphoma can result in a rash. The rash in leukemia appears as small red spots under the skin called petechiae. Patients with lymphoma may suffer from an itchy and red skin.

FAQs

1. Which doctor should I visit in case I suffer from a rash?

You should visit a skin specialist or a dermatologist in case you suffer from a rash. He may refer you to another specialist if necessary.

2. Is a rash life threatening?

Rashes are usually not life threatening but they cause troublesome symptoms like itching. They are often a mirror of an underlying disease or condition, which may be serious in some cases. Some rashes like Stevens – Johnson’s syndrome can be life threatening and should be treated as a medical emergency.

3. How are rashes generally treated?

Some rashes like those following viral infections or mild allergies may subside without any treatment. Others like those caused by liver and kidney disease subside with treatment of the underlying condition. Yet others like ringworm require local and/ or oral medications for the treatment of the rash.

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Scalp Itching / Itchy Scalp - Symptom Evaluation

Itching of scalp is a common problem. It could be due to dry skin, infection, inflammation, or a psychological cause.

 

An itchy scalp is often a cause of embarrassment in a public place. However, it is not always necessary that itching is a result of bad hygiene. Some skin diseases like psoriasis can also cause itching of the scalp. Sometimes, the itching is localized only to the scalp area. In other cases, it may extend to the rest of the body. Repeated itching can result in scratches or excoriations of the skin. This could promote bacterial infection.


Treatment of itching depends on the cause. Hence, it is necessary to arrive at a diagnosis of the cause of itching at the earliest.

Various causes of an itchy scalp are:

Dry Scalp: Some people have a dry skin including that of the scalp. The dryness results in itching. The itching could get worse in the winter months or following repeated washing of the hair with harsh shampoos. Such shampoos should be avoided and moisturizing creams and lotions should be used. Regular use of hair oil can help to reduce this problem.

Infestation with Lice: Infestation with lice, small parasites which suck blood, is common in females in crowded areas. The lice spread from one person to another through close contact. The bites of the lice result in itching especially behind the ears. Repeated scratching of the scalp results in excoriation of the skin. Bacteria may grow in the skin scratches resulting in infection. The condition is diagnosed by the presence of lice and the eggs of lice called nits in the hair. Use of special medicated shampoos and lotions helps to control the condition.

Fungal Infection

Dandruff: Dandruff is a common scalp condition that appears after adolescence. It follows infection of an oily scalp by a small fungus called Malassezia furfur. The patient repeatedly scratches the scalp, which is followed by falling off of scales. It may be accompanied by temporary loss of hair. Dandruff in the presence of an excessively oily scalp with additional inflammation of the scalp is referred to as seborrheic dermatitis. In severe cases, scales may also be observed in the face area. Dandruff can be treated with shampoos containing ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide.

Cradle Cap: Cradle cap is a condition that affects newborn children of 3 months or younger. In these cases, there is crusting over the head with loss of hair. The exact cause of this condition is not known. It may be due to excess secretion of sebaceous glands due to the influence of maternal hormones. The yeast, Malassezia furfur, may also play a role in causing this condition. The condition is usually harmless and gets better after the baby is around a year old.

Ringworm Infection of the Scalp: Ringworm is a fungal infection that results in circular thick lesions. In the scalp, the area over the ringworm is accompanied by marked itching and breaking of hair. It responds to treatment with antifungal medications.

Bacterial Infection:

Bacterial Infection of the Scalp: Bacterial infection of the scalp results in itching. Besides pus formation, oozing, crusting and matting of hair is also observed. Local or oral antibiotics are used to treat the condition.

Hair Folliculitis: Inflammation of the hair follicle is called folliculitis. Folliculitis occurs because of bacterial or fungal infection. Besides causing pain, folliculitis can also result in itching.

Viral Infection

Chickenpox: Varicella zoster is a virus that causes chickenpox. Chickenpox may be associated with blisters in the scalp, which result in itching. The virus can also affect the nerves in older individuals resulting in shingles. Fluid-filled blisters are found along the nerves, with pain and itching along the nerves.

Inflammation

Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction of the skin to certain chemicals applied to the skin (in this case, the scalp) like shampoos, dyes etc. The itching is usually absent the first time the chemical is applied. However, subsequent applications may produce itching, oozing, crusting and scaling. The patient should avoid contact with the allergen and may require local steroid creams.

Psoriasis of the Scalp: Psoriasis is a condition where the skin is covered with thickened flat areas called plaques. The plaques are covered with silvery scales. The plaques on the scalp are usually accompanied with plaques over the rest of the body, thus helping to diagnose the condition. Psoriasis of the scalp may also be accompanied by arthritis.

Lichen Planus: Lichen planus is another inflammatory disorder that affects the skin including the scalp. It results in scarring and loss of hair over the affected part. It is treated with steroids.

Psychological Cause

Stress and anxiety can result in repeated scratching of the head, with subsequent loss of hair.

FAQs

1. Which doctor should I visit in case I suffer from itching of the scalp?

You should visit a skin specialist or a dermatologist in case you suffer from itching of the scalp.

2. How can lice infestation be treated?

Lice infestation is treated using medications that contain pyrethrins or permethrins. Recently, a medication containing ivermectin has also been approved by the FDA for the treatment of lice. The patient’s clothes and bed linen should be washed with hot water. Combs and hair brushes should be well cleaned. The furniture of the house should also be vacuumed to remove any lice around the house.

3. How can I know if I am suffering from a fungal infection of the scalp?

Your doctor will usually be able to diagnose a fungal infection of the scalp on examining the scalp. He may scrape out a few flakes and examine them under a microscope or a magnifying glass. In some cases, if the diagnosis is doubtful, he may take a biopsy of the lesion.

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Simple Tips to get Perfectly Straight Hair / Straighten Hair Naturally

Those of us with straight hair yearn for curly locks and wavy kinks, although straight and silky hair is more popular.

It’s not asking for the impossible because you can step into a Hair Salon and get your hair chemically treated for permanent straightening which can last up to a year. Of course you pay for the treatment which is definitely not cheap, and your hair texture also pays due to chemicals and hot irons.

These are some methods to get the kinks and curls out of hair, at home, using ingredients from your shelves.

• Chop a bunch of celery leaves and extract juice by blending and straining through a muslin cloth. Store this in a bottle overnight. Next day apply the juice to length of hair and scalp. Comb with a broad toothed comb so that all the hair is covered and leave it on for an hour. Rinse hair well. Blow dry gently, using a circular brush with natural bristles.

• A very popular technique is to mix ½ cup of water with ½ a cup of milk and pour this into a spray bottle. Comb out the tangles before starting. Spray this milk on hair and scalp. Comb again. Leave milk on for ½ hour before washing gently with water. Comb with a broad toothed comb. Repeat this technique 2 -3 times a week. Can blow dry with and brush for a finished look.


• Another trendy tip is coconut milk treatment – extract milk from 1 coconut by first grating and then blending the tender fruit or meat of coconut. Add the juice of 1 fresh lime to this. Mix well and keep in the refrigerator. Next day a creamy layer has formed - use this on hair and scalp. Cover the head with a hot towel and keep for an hour. Wash with water and comb with a wide toothed comb. Repeat 2-3 times a week for good results. Blow drying is an option.


• Take a cup of "Fuller’s Earth" or “Multani Mitti” and mix 1 egg white and 2 spoons of rice flour to this. Add water to make a paste which should be runny enough to coat the hair but not flow at the same time. Leave for ½ hour and comb with a wide toothed comb. Repeat this 2 -3 times. Wash hair with water and a gentle shampoo after 2 hours.


Hair Straightening Side Effects

Hair straightening is a common trend nowadays. People straighten their hair to make it look more stylish and beautiful. However, it has some side effects that can damage the hair that are caused by the heat and chemicals while straightening the hair. Here are some of the side effects caused due to hair straightening:

•Dryness of hair is the most common side effect of hair straightening. The heat and chemicals that are used can damage the hair and losing the natural moisture in the hair to a great extent can make the hair look dull and frizzy.


•Allergy is another risk that is commonly associated with hair straightening. The allergy is mainly caused due to the chemicals that are used during hair straightening. Allergy sets off itching on the skin and scalp, redness of scalp, scalp rash and itching of the eye. In such cases you should consult a doctor immediately to address these side effects.

• Straightening hair can make your hair styles monotonous. In cases of permanent straightening, you can hardly change your hairstyle and it is impossible to do different hairstyles at times.


• Hair straightening can also cause hair fall. The use of poor quality chemicals and improper techniques to straighten hair can break the hair from the roots. It also makes the hair follicles become weak and leads to continuous falling of hair.


Hair Straightening for Men and Women

The methods for hair straightening are almost the same for both men and women. You can straighten your hair either by visiting a beauty salon or you can just do it by yourself at home. People usually go to salon if they want to do a permanent straightening as it has more to do with chemical products to straighten the hair and the effect lasts longer. For temporary hair straightening, people prefer to straighten their hair at home by using a hair straightener. The cost for hair straightening differs from one beauty salon to another; it also depends on the thickness, length and type of the hair.


The result of these tips may not be as finished and neat as a salon straightening, but you are saving on the expense and hair from effects of harsh chemicals.

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Health Benefits of Papaya

Papaya is a delicious tropical fruit which has a great taste, mouthwatering flavor and great health benefits. Originally from the tropics of America the taste and its numerous health benefits made it popular in all the continents.

Papaya enjoys a rich history, and has been used since very long for medicinal uses in day to day life. The Mayans used to worship papaya trees and called it the “Tree of Life”. It is said to be one of the favourite fruits of Christopher Columbus. The story goes that when his crew landed in America after a long sea voyage on meager meal, the native people welcomed them with extravagant feast, which caused digestive problems. The natives took the voyagers to the forest and offered them papaya and they got cured. The leaves, seeds and the milk of the papaya tree are used to cure intestinal problems and kill intestinal worms and parasites. Women from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh use them to prevent pregnancy and for abortion. Above all, papaya is a very delicious food that has been enjoyed lavishly by people as a part of cuisines and salads.

Nutritional Values of Papaya:

Papaya comes loaded with nutrients. Every part of a papaya tree, from the fruit to the leaves contains some medicinal properties. The nutritional values of papaya per 100 grams are:

Energy- 163 kJ
Calories- 39 kcal
Sugars- 5.90 gram
Carbohydrates- 9.81 gram
Dietary fiber- 1.8 gram
Fat- 0.14 gram
Protein- 0.61 gram
Vitamin A- 328 micrograms (41%)
Vitamin B1- 0.04 milligram (3%)
Vitamin B2- 0.05 milligram (4%)
Vitamin B3- 0.338 milligram (2%)
Vitamin B6- 0.1 milligram (8%)
Vitamin B9- 38 milligram (10%)
Vitamin C- 61.8 milligram (74%)
Calcium- 24 milligram (2%)
Iron- 0.10 milligram (1%)
Magnesium- 10 milligram (3%)
Phosphorus- 5 milligram (1%)
Potassium- 257 milligram (5%)
Sodium- 3 milligram (0%)

Health Benefits of Papaya:

1. Skin & Papaya- It is great for the skin and can be used as a face pack to get its benefits. It helps to get rid of acne and skin infections as it helps to open clogged pores. The fermented flesh of papaya also called as papain helps to dissolve the dead cells, giving fresh and glowing skin as a result. It is good to cure the skin infections and wounds that don’t heal quickly.

2. Cholesterol & Papaya- As it is a fruit that is rich in fiber it lowers blood cholesterol levels. It contains enzymes that help prevent oxidization of cholesterol, which in return helps to prevent heart-attacks.

3. Anti-ageing & Papaya- The antioxidants in papaya help in controlling premature ageing. This quality of the papaya helps you to get a younger look.

4. Intestinal Worms & Papaya- The seeds of papaya too possess medicinal properties. They are very good in treating intestinal worms in the body.

5. Constipation & Papaya- Papaya helps in preventing constipation and aids in digestion. The enzyme papain is a digestive enzyme that helps in natural digestion.

6. Colon & Papaya- Its juice helps in curing infections of the colon by clearing the pus and mucus from it. You need to take it regularly to heal quickly.

7. Weight Loss & Papaya- It is low in calories and high in nutritional values. Hence, it is a good food for those who want to lose some weight.

8. Morning Sickness & Papaya- In pregnant ladies, regular consumption of a small slice of papaya helps to cure nausea and morning sickness.

9. Osteoporosis & Papaya- It contains anti-inflammatory enzymes that help in relieving pain for those who are suffering from arthritis, edema and osteoporosis, and it also possesses anti-cancerous properties that can help prevent cancer.

10. Immunity & Papaya- It is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C that help in boosting the body’s immunity and hence is very good for those who are suffering from fever, cold or flu.

11. Shampoos & Papaya- Shampoos containing papaya are very good to control dandruff.

12. Menstrual Irregularities & Papaya- It helps in controlling the menstrual irregularities in women. Papaya helps to ease menstrual cramps and helps in promoting regular flow of menstruation.

13. Liver cancer & Papaya juice- As it has anti-proliferative effect on liver cancer cells it stops or slows down the growth of the cancer cells of liver and helps in its cure.

14. Contraception & Papaya- Research with adult male langur monkeys has shown that it has contraceptive capability and maybe it has similar effect in adult males too.

15. Kidney disorder & Papaya- In poison related kidney disorder it was found that the aqueous seed extract of the unripe mature fruits of papaya induces antioxidant and oxidative free radical scavenging and help kidney to recover.

16. Dengue Treatment and Papaya - Researchers have found that the juice obtained from the papaya leaves helps in the dengue fever treatment. The extract obtained from the papaya leaf increases the platelet count also known as thrombocytes in patients with dengue fever.

How does Papaya get Spoilt?

1. Usually they get overripe if not eaten in good time and they lose their taste.

2. Viral infection of the papaya ringspot virus (PRV) can cause premature molting and malformation of the leaves of the plant. In the 1990s, the virus threatened to wipe out Hawaii's papaya industry completely.

3. The papaya is also susceptible to the fruit fly, a small fly-like insect that lays its eggs in young fruit.

How to Buy & Shop for Papaya?

Step 1- Papayas are very delicious fruit. Asian, Hawaiian and Carribean variety are available.

They come in various sizes and shapes. Hawaiian are usually smaller and pear-shaped, while Asian and Carribean papayas are long and large.

Step 2- If you want to eat the papaya after 1 or 2 days, buy a green skinned papaya which is firm to feel. Normally as it will ripen after 1 to 3 days.

If you want to eat the papaya on the same day look for a ripe papaya in which the skin is turning from green to yellow or orange. If you gently press your finger into its flesh, it will yield but it will be not be too soft – otherwise it is overripe.

Papaya is a fruit worth considering in your daily or weekly grocery list. Consume them at least once in a week. Papaya can also be taken with fruit salads, or in other cuisines. If not eaten you can also apply it directly on the skin, it is bound to show some positive results and benefit your health.