Causes and Symptoms of Backache or Back pain

BACKACHE / BACK PAIN
Backache is one of the most common ailments prevalent today. Sedentary living habits, hazardous work patterns and psychological conditions associated with emotional stress, which bring about spasm of the muscles, cause backaches. As the back bears the weight of the entire body, overweight persons feel the strain on the back when they have to carry an extra load.
Symptoms of Backache or Back pain

Pain in the middle of back or lower down
In most cases of backache, the pain is usually felt either in the middle of the back or lower down. It may spread to both sides of the waist and the hips. In a condition of acute pain, the patient is unable to move and is bedridden.

People suffer from cervical and lumbar spondylosis
About ninety per cent of backache patients suffer from what is called cervical and lumbar spondylosis. It is a degenerative disorder in which the different vertebrae adhere to each other through bony unions. As a result of this, the spine loses its flexibility.

Causes of Backache
Muscular tension, straining of the joints, poor posture

The main causes of backache and spondylosis are muscular tension, straining of the joints, poor posture, and incorrect nutrition resulting from dietetic errors and lack of exercise.

Kidney or prostate problems, female disorders, influenza

Acute or chronic illnesses like kidney or prostate problems, female disorders, Influenza, and arthritis, may also lead to backache.

Sitting for a long time, high heels

Other causes include stress and strain resulting from sitting for a long time, improper lifting of weights, high heels, and emotional problems which may cause painful muscle cramping.

Causes and Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

Causes, Symptoms and Remedies Calcium Deficiency?

Calcium is required for the growth and strengthening of bones and teeth. Calcium deficiency is one of the most common problems that begins at childhood and resurfaces during pregnancy or old age.
Causes of Calcium Deficiency
1. Inadequate intake of calcium rich foods
2. Defective absorption of nutrients in the stomach and intestine
3. Other conditions like vitamin D deficiency, liver disease etc.


Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency
1. Brittle bones
2. Joint pains
3. Yellowing of teeth
4.In extreme cases, rickets (soft bones) in children and osteoporosis (brittle bones) in adults
Remedies
Make these ingredients a part of your diet daily to chase away calcium deficiency.
1. Dairy products: Dairy products like milk, curds, paneer and buttermilk are the richest source of calcium.
2. Green leafy vegetables: Green leafy vegetables like spinach (palak), lettuce, celery (ajwain ka patta), fenugreek (methi) etc. are also good sources of calcium and hence should be consumed in abundance. Sai Bhaji a mixture of 3 green leafy vegetables is a very simple way to incorporate them in our diet.
3. Soyabeans: Soyabeans and its products like soya flour, soya milk, tofu etc. are valuable sources of calcium and protein. A quarter to half cup of soyabeans in any form is beneficial for those with calcium deficiency. A vegetable made with soyabeans in a gravy or chapatis made with soya flour are the most acceptable dishes both children and adults. Soya Mutter ki Subzi and Soya Upma are perfect examples of including soya in our daily meal.
4. Ragi (nachni): Ragi, a popular Maharashtrian cereal, is another rich source of calcium. A quarter cup of ragi, either whole or in the form of flour consumed daily helps to cure calcium deficiency. Try the calcium rich Nachni Pancakes to boost your calcium intake.
5. Sesame seeds (til): Consumption of 1 to 2 teaspoons of sesame seeds everyday is an effective way to keep calcium deficiency at bay. Try consuming it in salads or in the form of chikki as in the recipe of Almond Til Chikki.
Foods to be Avoided
Deep fried foodsRefined foods like refined flour, pasta, sugar and polished rice
Pointers for Increasing Calcium Intake

1. Include at least one source of calcium in every meal.
2. Have at least 100 to 125 grams of one leafy vegetable everyday, either cooked or uncooked.
3. Consume 2 to 3 glasses of milk in any form (like curds, paneer etc.) to supplement calcium in your diet. Overweight people can use low calorie milk products.
4.Restrict your consumption of fat, as excessive fat hinders with the absorption of calcium in our body.
5.Have a sunbath every morning, as early morning sunlight is good for the production of vitamin D which in turn helps in the synthesis of calcium in our body.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.The service is provided as general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor.

What are the symptoms of measles

The symptoms of measles can take anywhere from one to twelve days to appear after your child has been infected. It begins like a normal cold - hoarse cough, runny nose and fever. The temperature will fluctuate between 100 and 104 degrees fahrenheit. The child will develop a rash that will start on the throat and behind the ears, then spread to the face and the rest of the body. The rash will initially appear as small, scarlet, slightly raised spots that will transform into irregular areas of a ruddy brown colour. Your baby's eyes may become red and sore.

Hepatitis Causes and Symptoms

What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. Most adults who get hepatitis B have it for a short time and then get better. This is called acute hepatitis B.

You can have hepatitis B and not know it. You may not have symptoms. If you do, they can make you feel like you have the flu. But as long as you have the virus, you can spread it to others.
Sometimes the virus does not go away. This is called chronic hepatitis B. Over time, it can damage your liver. Babies and young children infected with the virus are more likely to get chronic hepatitis B.

What causes hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person. Hepatitis B is one of the most easily spread (contagious) forms of viral hepatitis, which includes hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. However, hepatitis has many other causes, including some medications, long-term alcohol use, fatty deposits in the liver, and exposure to certain industrial chemicals.

How HBV is spread?
HBV is spread when blood, semen, or vaginal fluids (including menstrual blood) from an infected person enter another person's body, usually in one of the following ways:

• Sexual contact:The hepatitis B virus can enter the body through a break in the lining of the rectum, vagina, urethra, or mouth. Sexual contact is the most important risk factor for the spread of HBV in North America.

• Sharing needles: People who share needles and other equipment (such as cotton, spoons, and water) used for injecting illegal drugs may inject HBV-infected blood into their veins.

• Work-related exposure: People who handle blood or instruments used to draw blood may become infected with the virus. Health care workers are at risk of becoming infected with the virus if they are accidentally stuck with a used needle or other sharp instrument infected with an infected person's blood, or if blood splashes onto an exposed surface, such as the eyes, mouth, or a cut in the skin.

• Childbirth. A newborn baby can get the virus from his or her mother during delivery when the baby comes in contact with the mother's body fluids in the birth canal (perinatal transmission) . However, breast-feeding does not transmit the virus from a woman with HBV to her child.

• Body piercing and tattoos. HBV can be spread when needles used for body piercing or tattooing is not properly cleaned (sterilized) and HBV-infected blood enters a person's skin.

• Toiletries:Grooming items such as razors and toothbrushes can spread HBV if they carry blood from a person who is infected with the virus.
In the past, blood transfusions were a common means of spreading HBV. Today, all donated blood in the United States is screened for the virus, so it is extremely unlikely that you could become infected with the virus from a blood transfusion.

Contagious and incubation periods

Symptoms appear an average of 60 to 90 days (although they can appear 45 to 180 days) after you have contact with the hepatitis B virus (incubation period). Blood, semen, and vaginal fluids (including menstrual blood), whether fresh or dried, are highly contagious (HBV can be easily spread) during this period and for several weeks after the onset of symptoms.

• Blood contains the highest quantities of the hepatitis B virus.

• Blood and other body fluids that contain the virus can remain contagious for at least a
week and possibly much longer, even if they are dried.
If you have a short-term HBV (acute) infection, you usually cannot spread the virus after antibodies against the surface antigen of HBV appear. This generally takes several weeks. If you have a long-term (chronic) HBV infection, you are able to spread the virus as long as the condition lasts.

A mother who has the virus can pass it to her baby during delivery. If you are pregnant and think you may have been exposed to hepatitis B, get tested. If you have the virus, your baby can get shots to help prevent the virus.
You cannot get hepatitis B from casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sneezing, coughing, or sharing food or drinks.

What are the symptoms?

Less than half of those with short-term (acute) hepatitis B infections have symptoms. Symptoms include:
• Jaundice (the skin and whites of the eyes appear yellow). Although jaundice is the defining sign of hepatitis B, it does not occur in most cases. Jaundice usually appears after other symptoms have started to go away.
• Extreme tiredness (fatigue).
• Mild fever.
• Headache.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Constant discomfort on the right side of the abdomen under the rib cage, where the liver is located. In most people, the discomfort is made worse when their bodies are jarred or if they overwork themselves.
• Diarrhea or constipation.
• Muscle aches.
• Joint pain.
• Skin rash.

Conjunctivitis Symptoms and Causes

CONJUNCTIVITIS

Conjunctivitis refers to an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent membrane covering the front of the eye. This is also referred to as having 'sore eyes' and is a very common form of eye trouble. It spreads from person to person through direct Contact. Overcrowding, dirty surroundings and unhealthy living conditions can cause epidemics of this ailment.

Conjunctivitis Symptoms:

Eyeball and underside of the eyelids become inflammed

The eyeball and underside of the eyelids become inflammed. At first, the eyes are red and itchy. Later, there may be a watery secretion.
Pus formation

In more serious cases, there is pus formation, which dries up during sleep, making the lashes stick together.

Causes of Conjunctivitis

Bacterial or virus infection or eyestrain

Conjunctivitis results from bacterial or a virus infection or eyestrain. Prolonged work under artificial light and excessive use of the eyes in one way or the other, no doubt, contribute towards the disease.

Catarrhal condition of the system from general toxaemia

Its real cause can be traced to a catarrhal condition of the system resulting from general toxaemia due to dietetic errors, and a faulty style of living. The patient generally suffers from colds or other ailments indicative of a general catarrhal condition.

Goiter Symptoms and Causes

Goiter refers to a swelling of the thyroid gland in the neck. Women are more prone to this disease than men.

Goiter Symptoms

Emotional upsets

Initial goiter symptom may be emotional upsets which gradually increase in duration.

Loss of concentration, irritability

Other goiter symptoms which appear subsequently are loss of power of concentration, irritability, and depression. The thyroid gland may swell but this has no relation to the severity of the ailment.

Causes of Goiter

Goiter Disease due to Iodine Deficiency

Goiter disease is caused commonly due to deficiency of iodine in the diet. The thyroid gland makes use of organic iodine in its secretion and a diet deficient in organic iodine is a predisposing factor towards the appearance of this disease, especially under physical and emotional disturbances. Goiter disease gradually affects those who habitually live on denatured foods and nut those who eat much of their food in a raw or uncooked state.

Diet for Goiter

Fruit juices

To begin with, the patient should take juices of fruits such as oranges, apples, pineapples, and grapes every two or three hours for five days.

Fruits and Milk Diet

After the juice fast, the patient may spend the next three days on fruits and milk, taking three meals a day of juicy fruits with a glass of milk, at five hourly intervals.

Food to avoid during Goiter

Certain foods and fluids are extremely injurious for goiter patients and should be avoided by them. These include white flour products, white sugar, flesh foods, fried or greasy foods, preserves, condiments, tea, coffee, and alcohol.

Other Goiter Treatment

Rest and bowel cleansing with lukewarm water

For the first five days of the treatment the bowels should be cleansed daily with lukewarm water. The patient should take plenty of rest and spend a day in bed every week for the first two months of the treatment. More and more physical exercise should be taken after the symptoms subside.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Goiter

Kanchanara Guggulu: This tablet is given in doses of four three times daily with mild or warm water. Also, kanchanara comes in a tree bark form that is given in the form of a dedoction. This second form of kanchanara is applied in 30 ML does on an empty stomach.

Aroqyavardhini Bati: Another tablet for the treatment of goiter is called Aroqyavardhini Bati. Further instructions for this particular medicine can be found on the back of the medicine bottle, and in the shipping package if ordered online. When a person follows the above diet recommendations and partake in one or more of the ayurvedic remedies, that person will be cured from goiter.When not sure about how to apply herbal remedies or diet tablets, one should be sure to consult a doctor. Doctors educated in the practice of ayruvedic medicine can help a person take diet supplements and herbs safely. In order to find other options for curing goiter, one can search online, or talk to an ayurvedic specialist nearby.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Symptoms and Causes for Osteoporosis

Common signs and symptoms for Osteoporosis:

Many people do not realize they have osteoporosis until diagnosis reveals it has subsisted for a long period of time. The following are some of the common signs and symptoms indicating osteoporosis maybe affecting you:

-Acute onset of back pain (mid- lower back) without any specific reason

-Fracture in the thigh bone, hipbone or lower arm bone above the wrist.

-Sharp pain in the back, ribs, hip or wrist

-A hunched forward or bent stature

-Loss of height due to collapsing vertebrae.

-Stooped posture.

-Limited mobility

Causes for Osteoporosis:

Most Common Causes for Osteoporosis

There are multiple reasons that could lead to osteoporosis.

Here are some of the most common reasons that have been known to cause osteoporosis:

-Among women the deficiency of Estrogen (a group of hormones) post menopause has been correlated to a rapid reduction in BMD.

-The increased risk of falling associated with aging, leads to fractures of the wrist, spine and hip.

-Other hormone deficiency states can lead to osteoporosis, such as testosterone deficiency. Glucocorticoid or thyroxin excess states also lead to osteoporosis.

-Not eating foods rich in Calcium, Vitamin D and Phosphorous can also cause bone loss. Calcium and/or vitamin D deficiency from malnutrition also increases the risk of osteoporosis.

-Some medicines can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb calcium. This may cause the bones to weaken. These medications include cortisone/corticost eroids, anticoagulants, thyroid supplements, and some anti-convulsive drugs.

-Other illnesses or diseases, such over-active thyroid, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis may also cause bone loss. A disease such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia can cause changes in a person's estrogen level and lead to osteoporosis.

-Other significant factors leading to the onset of osteoporosis include: smoking cigarettes, high intake of alcohol, tea or coffee, low levels of physical activity (weight bearing exercise), and family history.

Depression Symptoms and causes

Depression is one of the most common emotional disorders. It may be manifested in varying degrees: from feelings of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection. Depression is a very unpleasant malady and is far more difficult to cope with than a physical ailment. The growing complexities of modem life and its resultant crises, as well as the mental stress and strain of day-to-day life, usually leads to this disorder.

Depression Symptoms

Acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest
The most striking symptoms of depression are an acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest in the world around, and fatigue. A disturbed sleep is a frequent occurrence.

Loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability

Other symptoms of depression are loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability, impotence or frigidity, constipation, aches and pains all over the body, lack of concentration, and indecisiveness.

Low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering

Cases of severe depression may be characterized by low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering.

Causes of Depression

Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension

Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension can cause mental depression.

Excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs

The excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs also leads to faulty assimilation of vitamins and minerals by the body and ultimately causes depression.

Anorexia Symptoms and Causes

Anorexia means loss of appetite. It is a symptom of disturbed digestion and common in all diseases which lead to general weakness. This condition results from failure of the activity of the stomach and secretion of gastric juices due to low vitality which, in turn, can be due to various causes.


Anorexia Symptoms

Refuse to eat and suffers from insomnia:

Persons suffering from anorexia may refuse to eat and suffer from insomnia. In course of time, emaciation becomes severe.

Anorexia Causes

Faulty diet and don't do physical work:

People suffer from anorexia when they habitually take a faulty diet and hardly do any physical work.

Stress and strain:

It may also result from stress and strain such as domestic worry, emotional disturbances, difficult working conditions, and nervous disorders. General body disorders and diseases also lead to this condition.

Cigarettes smoking cause discoloration of the teeth and lip color

The side effects such as discoloration of the teeth and lip color caused by smoking can be changed by bringing about a few simple lifestyle changes which will enable prevention of teeth discoloration. One can also prevent the side effects of smoking by improving dental hygiene.

If discoloration of teeth appears to be of an abnormal color without a logical explanation and, if other symptoms are also present, it is advisable to see the dentist at the earliest.

Discoloration of the lip is another area that needs care and attention to regain the natural color.

Symptoms of Smoking on teeth and lips:

Apart from discoloration of the teeth and lip, smoking cigarettes or cigars can cause a number of other oral symptoms and side effects which include:
Sticky tar deposits
Brown tooth stains
Red inflammation on the roof of the mouth
Delayed healing of the gums
Chronic bad breath
More tooth decay than non smokers

Smoking reduces the flow of saliva

The symptoms are gross manifestations of the biological changes occurring in the body due to continuous addiction to smoking. Here are some key reasons that could lead to teeth discoloration:

Saliva is important for cleaning the lining of the mouth and teeth and protects teeth from decay. Smoking reduces the flow of saliva and thus handicaps its key function.
Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and cuts the supply of vital nutrients.
Vitamin C helps gums to stay healthy. Smoking reduces the level of vitamin C drastically.
Together, a reduced blood flow and diminishing vitamin C level, make treatment of gum disease in smokers a difficult proposition.
Smoking also raises the mouth's temperature, damaging and killing important oral tissue cells.

Other causes other than smoking that lead discoloration of the teeth are:
Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration.

Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration.

Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth.

Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive medications also cause teeth discoloration.

Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discoloration.

Reduce intake of coffee and cigarettes.

Swelling of Feet during Pregnancy Causes, Symptoms, Diet and Exercises

Swelling or puffiness of feet is generally seen in the pregnant ladies. This swelling is because of excessive fluid retention in the feet and improper blood circulation.

Causes for Swelling of Feet during Pregnancy

Fluid retention is the main cause of swelling of feet during pregnancy. There is a high production of fluid during pregnancy.

Continuous walking and be in upright position for prolonged period cause swelling of feet during pregnancy.

Hot atmospheric condition also causes swelling of feet during pregnancy.

Enlarging uterus during pregnancy applies high amount of force to the legs and its nerves, and as a result there is improper blood flow which leads to swelling of feet during pregnancy.

Drinking less water, excess coffee, and tea lead to swelling of feet and ankles.

Hormonal actions also cause swelling of feet during pregnancy.

Diet for Swelling of Feet during Pregnancy

Eat food containing good amount of proteins like pulses, milk products, and fish.
Eat green vegetable like palak, beans, and cabbage.
Eat fruits like papaya, apple, and guava.
Eat vitamins, calcium, potassium, and zinc rich foods.

Exercises

Regularly do yoga as it improves blood circulations and reduces swelling of feet during pregnancy. Pranayama is good for body and mind.
Sit on the carpet and stretch your leg in the front, rotate your leg 10-15 times in a clockwise direction and then in the same way rotate in the anti-clock wise direction for 10-15 times. This reduces swelling of feet and improves blood circulation in the feet.
Swelling of feet during pregnancy is very common, you do not need to be frightened from this, and it only needs care and pampering to reduce irritation and pain caused due to swelling.

Symptoms for Swelling of Feet during Pregnancy

Swelling of the face, feet, and neck because of excessive accumulation of serum fluid in tissue, and hormonal changes are seen in the pregnant ladies. Solid blood mass formation because of improper blood circulation, swelling in the both or one leg, headaches, felling that you will fall, high blood pressure, and improper vision are some of the symptoms which need a quick visit to the doctor.

Measles symptoms and causes

Measles, a highly infectious disease, is very common in childhood. It is so common at this stage of life that nearly all children in most parts of the world suffer form it.

Measles symptoms
Feverishness, cold, watering of the eyes
The first symptoms that appear for seven to fourteen days after exposure to the virus are feverishness, cold, watering of the eyes, and a dry cough. A rash appears on the skin four days after the onset of these symptoms. This rash, which consists of small rounded spots with reddened skin in between, initially appears on the sides of the face and the neck, and then gradually spreads allover the body, appearing last on the extremities. Initially pink in color, the spots grow darker as time passes.

Fever and diarrhea

Measles is usually accompanied by fever and diarrhea. In severe cases, high fever and delirium may occur. Complications which can arise from this disease include pneumonia, bronchitis, and abscesses in the ears. One serious but rare complication is inflammation of the brain.

Measles and the Symptoms:
First 2 to 3 days
· Very high fever (up to 105 degrees).
· Cold like symptom, including a runny nose: a dry cough: swollen glands: red, watery eyes, loss of appetite and aching muscles.
A day or two later
· Inside the mouth, painless small gray or white bumps, like grains of salt surrounded by red rings.
In another day
· Small red spots that first appear on the face and the neck. As they spread down the body, they join to form large blotches.

Measles causes

Virus
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases caused by a virus. This disease is easily transmitted in the early stages through the invisible droplets of moisture, which are discharged from a patient's nose or mouth when he coughs or sneezes.

Wrong feeding habits and unhygienic living conditions

The real causes of this disease, like other diseases of childhood, are however; wrong feeding habits and unhygienic living conditions.

Signs, Symptoms, causes and treatment of ichthyosis vulgaris

Sometimes called fish scale disease or fish skin disease, ichthyosis vulgaris is an inherited skin disorder that causes dead skin cells to accumulate in thick, dry scales on the skin's surface. These scales can be present at birth, but usually first appear in early childhood. Sometimes ichthyosis vulgaris disappears entirely for most of the adult years, only to return later.

Though most cases are mild, some cases of ichthyosis vulgaris are severe. Since there is no cure, treatments focus on controlling the signs and symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

Ichthyosis vulgaris is characterized by severely dry, scaly skin. The scales are small, polygonal in shape and range in color from white to dirty gray to brown. People with darker skin tend to have darker colored scales.

The scales usually appear on the elbows and lower legs and may be especially thick and dark over the shins. Ichthyosis may also cause scalp flaking and deep, painful fissures in the palms and soles. Though most cases of ichthyosis are mild, some can be severe.
Symptoms usually worsen or are more pronounced in cold, dry environments and tend to improve or even resolve in warm, humid environments.

Other less common forms of ichthyosis include:

· Lamellar ichthyosis. This severe form of the disease is present at birth and lasts throughout life. Infants with lamellar ichthyosis are born encased in a filmy membrane that's shed after 10 to 14 days, revealing skin that's covered in scales. The scales can range from fine and white to thick and dark and generally occur over the entire body, although they may be larger on the legs. Lamellar ichthyosis can be extremely disfiguring and may cause great psychological suffering for children and adults with the disease.

· X-linked ichthyosis. Starting soon after birth, this type of ichthyosis occurs only in males. The noticeable, dirty-brown scales that characterize this skin disease are most pronounced on the back of the neck, arms and behind the knees. Symptoms generally don't improve with age.

· Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis. This extremely rare form of ichthyosis is usually present at birth and begins with blistering skin. In time, the skin peels away in large sheets and becomes rough or wart-looking. It's most pronounced on the knees, elbows, wrists and other flexural areas.
Itching of skin
Burning and stinging sensation
Tightening and cracking of the skin
Dry flaking skin
Shedding of layers of the skin
Scaling of skin that gives skin the appearance of fish scales

Causes

The skin is an endlessly renewable organ. New skin cells at the base of the epidermis push toward the surface of the skin, where they eventually shrink, flatten and die. These dead skin cells flake off every day and are continuously replaced by more cells.
Ichthyosis, however, disrupts this pattern. It occurs when the production of skin cells is too fast or the skin's natural shedding process is too slow. This causes dead skin cells to collect into thick flakes that stick to the outer surface of skin. These thick flakes can resemble fish scales.

Most often, ichthyosis is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that a child has to inherit only one copy of the affected gene to develop the disease. Children with the inherited form of the disorder usually have normal skin at birth but develop scaling and roughness in the first few years of life. At times, ichthyosis vulgaris may disappear during the adult years, only to return later.

Ichthyosis not caused by genetics, referred to as acquired ichthyosis, is very rare. This type usually manifests in adulthood and is usually associated with other internal diseases, such as cancer, thyroid disease or chronic renal failure.
· Harsh soaps or detergents
· Genetic disorder that is passed from parent to child or that occurs spontaneously.
· Cold weather
· Frequent or prolonged bathing, especially in hot water.
· Side effect of the disease like sarcoidosis , lymphoma , under-active thyroid , AIDS etc. may also be a cause of the disease.
· Soaps or lotions containing certain scents or perfumes

When to seek medical advice

If you suspect you or your child has ichthyosis, consult your family doctor or a dermatologist. He or she can diagnose the condition by examining the characteristic scales. Also, be sure to seek medical advice if the symptoms worsen or they don't improve with self-care measures. You may need a stronger medication to manage the problem.

Treatment of Ichthyosis

· Solutions or creams with salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids may also help in promoting shedding of skin flakes.
· Some times exposure to sunlight can improve the condition.
· A large variety of non-prescription, unscented moisturizers.
· Use of moisture retaining creams or ointments such as Petrolatum,lanolin or urea-containing preparations after a bath or shower helps in maintaining the skin moisture.
· Disinfecting soap such as chlorhexidine can also helpfull in improving the condition.

Self-care

Although self-help measures won't cure ichthyosis, they may help improve the appearance and feel of damaged skin. These measures may be beneficial:
· Take long soaking baths to soften the skin. Then use a roughly-textured sponge, such as a loofa sponge, to remove the thickened scales.
· Choose mild soaps that have added oils and fats. Avoid deodorant and antibacterial soaps, which are especially harsh on dry skin.
· After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin.
· Apply the moisturizer or lubricating cream while your skin is still wet or moist from bathing. Choose a moisturizer that contains urea or propylene glycol — chemicals that help keep your skin moist. Petroleum jelly is another good choice. Cover the treated areas with plastic wrap to keep the petroleum jelly from staining clothes and furniture.
· Twice daily applications of an over-the-counter product that contains salicylic acid may help. Salicylic acid helps the skin shed its dead skin cells.
· Use a portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace to add moisture to the air inside your home.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

Symptoms and Causes of Peeling Skin

To understand the reasons behind peeling skin one needs to understand the structure of the skin. The skin consists of three basic layers: the outer layer or epidermis, the middle layer or dermis and the inner layer referred to as hypodermis. Each of these layers provides a particular function and is in a continuous state of change. Every 28 days the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, is completely replaced once. The 28 day change, in the outer cover of the skin, is influenced by various factors such as hydration, friction, sun exposure and various other environmental issues.

Peeling skin is therefore a temporary problem and is known to heal in a few days as the new skin surfaces. Though there are few exceptions such as: in case of infections or medications that cause the skin to peel or a hereditary disorder known as Peeling Skin Syndrome, all of which may require medical consultation to cure peeling skin. Some of the known causes leading to this skin disorder are: excessive perspiration, viral infections, or excessive sun exposure resulting in sunburn. Sunburn is one of the most common causes known that lead to peeling skin. As sunburn heats the top layers of the skin it begins to peel naturally. Therefore, peeling skin is rarely ever considered as a fatal or harmful disorder. One can regain natural skin in a couple of days or a quick visit to the general physician will ensure faster recovery.

Symptoms for Peeling Skin
Some known skin disorders that cause peeling skin symptoms
Peeling skin is a symptom in itself. Certain skin disorders also cause the skin to peel.

Here are some known skin disorders that lead to symptoms of peeling skin:

-Erythroderma, may cause thickening and flaking of the skin.
-Exfoliative dermatitis causes the skin to flake.
-Hand eczema, lead to rashes and itches on the hands due to increasing use of harsh soaps and detergents.
-Eczema causes chronic skin rash which progresses to skin inflammation and may lead to skin peeling
-Psoriasis surfaces on the skin by scaling and inflammation of the skin causing it to peel
-Ichthyosis is a rare disease caused mainly due to dryness, the resulting roughness leads to scaly fish-like skin
-Kawasaki disease, a disorder usually found among in infants and young children causes rash and swelling of the hands.
-Scarlet fever sometimes causes rashes over the upper body which spreads through the entire body.
-Vitamin A overdose shows symptoms of skin peeling.

Causes for Peeling Skin

Probable causes other than skin disorders that lead to peeling skin

Various skin disorders or medical conditions may lead to peeling skin as a symptom.

Here is a compilation of the most probable causes other than skin disorders that lead to peeling skin:

-Heavy perspiration due to tight gloves or boots
-Certain blisters contains fluid between the two layers of skin. When the blister breaks it leaves the skin open to be peeled.
-Rashes may cause skin peeling
-Dry skin and extreme cold weather can make the skin peel.
-Sunburn is a commonly known reason for skin peeling -Allergy to specific chemicals or irritation from chemicals can cause skin peeling.
-TEN (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis) or blisters which cover the whole body, is a rare disease that causes the skin to peel.
-The Peeling Skin Syndrome or Skin Peeling Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes continuous skin peeling may also be a probable cause.

Menstrual Problems problems, symptoms & causes

The two major female sex hormones in the body are estrogen and progesterone. They are produced in a pair of organs in the abdomen, known as the ovaries. The ovaries start producing large quantities of estrogen when a girl reaches about 12 years of age. This enables her to grow rapidly and develop into a normal young woman. The commencement of menstruation at this time heralds the reproductive phase of her life, when she can have children. The main problems relating to menstrual flow are pre-menstrual tension, painful menstruation, stoppage of menstruation, and excessive menstruation. These disorders are not uncommon.

Menstrual Problems symptoms & causes

Premenstrual Tension and Menstrual Cramps
A few days before menstruation, some women become nervous and irritable. They suffer from depression, headaches, and fullness in the breasts, insomnia, and swelling in the lower extremities. This may be due to a hormonal imbalance. These problems cease within twenty-four hours of the start of the menstrual flow.
Dysmenorrheal
Painful menstruation, as it is called in medical parlance, is a common condition. The pain may be felt either two or three days before or immediately before or during the flow. This may also be due to a hormonal imbalance.
Amenorrhea or Stoppage of Menstrual Flow
This is natural during pregnancy and at the menopause, but abnormal at any other time. It denotes a debilitated and devitalized condition of the body. The main causes contributing towards this condition are anemia, worry, grief, fright, or other serious emotional disturbances; malformation of the womb; tuberculosis; displacement of the womb; and debility, especially after a serious illness.
Excessive Menstrual Flow
This is common in some women. A variety of causes may be responsible for this trouble, including fibroids.

Pneumonia symptoms and causes

Pneumonia refers to the inflammation of the lungs. It is one of the most serious infectious diseases. The disease assumes alarming proportions if both the lungs are affected; this condition is called double pneumonia in common parlance.

Pneumonia symptoms
Cold in the head or throat, shivering fever
Most cases of pneumonia begin with a cold in the head or throat. The patient generally feels a chill, shivering fever, difficulty in breathing, and sharp pain in the chest. This may be followed by a cough with pinkish sputum, which may later become brownish. In young children, the disease may cause delirium and convulsions. The temperature may rise to 40.6 degree C and the pulse may go up to 150 beats per minute. A common complication of pneumonia is pleurisy.
Pneumonia causes
Germs and viruses
Pneumonia is caused by various types of germs such as streptococcus, staphylococcus, and pneumococcus. At times, certain viruses are also responsible for this disease.
Fungal infections and toxins in the body
Other causes are fungal infections, irritation by worms, inhaling foreign matter, irritant dust or noxious gases. The real cause of pneumonia, however, is a constitution weakened by the presence of toxins in the body, especially in the lungs and air passages. The accumulation of toxins is due to wrong feeding habits and a faulty lifestyle.

Symptoms and Causes of corns

A corn refers to a localized thickening of the skin, especially on the toes, and extending into subcutaneous tissue. A corn is usually small and painful.

Symptoms of corns
Found over the joints of the toes
Corns are usually found over the joints of the toes and on the soles of the feet. They are shaped like a pyramid with the apex pointing inwards. They are tender when touched. Sometimes painful and infective warts that occur on the soles of the feet are mistaken for corns.

Causes of corns
Pressure on the toes and skin surfaces of the feet through incorrect footwear
Corns are usually formed as a result of pressure on the toes and skin surfaces of the feet through incorrect footwear.

Symptoms and Causes of Ear Infection

Human ear is divided into three sections - outer ear, middle ear and the inner ear. Ear infection is often the reason to visit an ear specialist. There are two main types of ear infection - otitis media and otitis externa. Otitis media is the infection of the middle ear, found mainly among infants and children. Otitis externa also known as swimmer’s ear is the infection of the external ear. Ear infection is more commonly seen in boys and in winter season. Ear infection is not contagious.

Symptoms for otitis media

Following are the symptoms for otitis media

• Pain and itch in the infected ear

• Fever and falling sick

• Hearing problem in the infected ear

• Dizziness in some cases

• Fluid discharge from the infected ear

• Vomiting.
Symptoms for otitis externa
Following are the symptoms of otitis externa • Itch in the infected ear • Discharge from the infected ear • Pain getting more severe by movement of the ear lobe or the jaw • Temporary reduction in hearing • Slight fever • Inflammation in the ear.

Causes for otitis media

The main cause of otitis media is blockage of the Eustachian tube due to cold, allergy or some foreign particles in the ear. This causes fluid to build up in the middle ear. This fluid can cause swelling of the ear drum if infected by the virus. If adenoid glands interfere with the Eustachian tube it will cause otitis media. Weak immune system will not cure the infection.

Causes for otitis externa

Otitis externa is caused by the bacteria or fungi. Moist and wet conditions are favorable for the growth of these bacteria or fungi. Frequent swimming or exposure to water increases the chances of infection. Skin allergies can also cause otitis externa.

Other causes of ear infection

Besides all these some other factors like nutritional deficiency, allergy and other infections may also cause ear infection.

Common Cold / Running Nose Symptoms and Causes

A common cold, also known as acute coryza, is an inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by infection with common cold viruses. A common cold occurs more often than any other disease - hence, its name. A person may suffer from a common fold several times in a year. A cold usually lasts from three to ten days. The patient feels miserable for the first three days or so.

Common Cold Symptoms

Soreness of throat, congestion of nasal passages

The initial signs of a cold are a feeling of soreness of the throat and congestion of the nasal passages. Although the disease normally begins in the nose and throat, it affects all parts of the body.

Running nose, Sneezing, headache, chill

Its usual symptoms are a running nose, sneezing, a rise in temperature, headache, sore throat, chill, aches and pains in the body, and loss of appetite. The skin around the nostrils may become sore.

Causes of Common Cold

Exposure to the virus

A common cold results from exposure to the virus. Its intensity, however, depends upon the state of health of the person and environmental factors.

Exposure to cold, low vitality, dust, changes in temperature

Low vitality, exposure to cold, lack of sleep, mental depression, fatigue, and factors such as sudden changes in temperature, dust, and other irritating inhalations are important contributory causes.