Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
What is the difference between the Chicken Pox vaccine and the Shingles vaccine?
I know they are both effective live attenuated vaccines, and the shingles vaccine is only recommended for people 60 and over. Are the vaccines interchangeable? How often should children/adults get chicken pox boosters? Will most insurance cover these vaccines?
Is the same attenuated virus in both vaccines?-
ANSWER:
They are not interchangable. The shingles vaccine contains more of the virus antigen than the chickenpox vaccine. Chickenpox vaccine is given in 2 doses, shingles in 1 dose. Currently no boosters are recommended.Edit: Yes, the type of attenuated virus is exactly the same. The manufacturer of both vaccines (Merck) uses the same virus stock to produce the two vaccines (actually three vaccines, varicella, or chickenpox, MMRV- a combination measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox vaccine, and zoster, or shingles vaccine). It is the amounts that are different.
Sometimes insurance covers the vaccines and sometimes it does not but Merck has a patient assistance program for people who cannot afford the vaccines.
Here are some links to more information on the two vaccines.
http://www.vaccineinformation.org/varicel/qandavax.asp
http://www.vaccineinformation.org/zoster/
You can also look up the product information or the Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for each vaccine for more specific information.
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QUESTION:
I’m looking for a home remedy for shingles, read where they are a virus,needing a remedy?
I have shingles just below my lower lip, are there any good home remedies, I did read where if one had chicken pox in there life they are susceptible to this virus, no cure but need some good home remedy,-
ANSWER:
hiya, i feel for you – i had shingles when i was 16 – its a dormant virus stays in your body once you have had chicken pox – can be bought out by stress, illness, fatigue etc when i had it i didnt do anything about it until about 2 weeks later and was only perscibed ibrupfen – i used calamine lotion to calm the itching and soreness, ice packs – or a damp cloth also works to ease the itchiness/pain.i also pulled this from a website for u ………
Home Remedy Treatments for Shingles
While it’s imperative that you see your doctor if you suspect you have shingles, you may also want to try some of the following home remedies to ease the pain.
Cool the pain. Cold packs can help relieve the pain from hot, blistered skin. Gently place a cold cloth on the blisters or wrap a towel around the affected area and pour ice water on it. Apply for 20 minutes, then leave off for 20 minutes, and repeat until the pain decreases. You can also try a cold milk compress in the same manner.
Stay in bed. Rest will help your body’s defenses come to your rescue.
Take an anti-inflammatory drug. Ibuprofen helps reduce inflammation and is the first line of defense in fighting the pain. Aspirin may be another option. If you are allergic to ibuprofen and aspirin, take over-the-counter (OTC) acetaminophen (it can help relieve pain, although it doesn’t fight inflammation). If these don’t help, ask your doctor to prescribe something for the pain. Codeine or other mild narcotics can help reduce the pain in the early phase of shingles. For a list of precautions to take when using over-the-counter analgesics, click here.
Rub on relief. Your doctor may recommend or prescribe a topical local anesthetic cream to be used on your blistered skin. Be leery of OTC topical products that contain diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or any ingredient ending in -caine, however; these can cause an allergic reaction and thus may worsen the situation.
Don’t pop the blisters. The temptation may be unbearable, but you will only prolong healing time and open the door to scarring and secondary infection.
Don’t spread them. Although it won’t bring relief to you, stay away from people who are at risk: Avoid people with any sort of immune problem, such as transplant or cancer patients and children who haven’t yet been exposed to chicken pox.
Consider a hot-pepper fix. If the blisters have healed, but the pain persists, what options do you have? Apply hot peppers? Not exactly.
But applying an OTC cream (such as Zostrix) that contains capsaicin,
which is derived from hot peppers, may help. However, many doctors don’t recommend capsaicin therapy since it may actually worsen pain for the first two or three days. If you’re really suffering, ask your doctor for advice on trying this remedy.Try to relax. For lingering discomfort from shingles (or from any type of chronic pain, really), consider learning self-hypnosis, imagery, or meditation or engaging in some other activity that can help you relax. Coping with pain is stressful, and stress, in turn, may increase pain perception. Finding a reliable home remedy to calm yourself certainly won’t hurt you, and it may help you deal more effectively with the pain.
Try TENS. You may be able to relieve the symptoms of shingles with a TENS (which stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) device. In theory, TENS blocks pain signals from reaching the brain with a weak electrical current (which is painless, though you will feel a tingling sensation). You can purchase a TENS unit to use at home for around 0. Your doctor’s office or local hospital may be able to give you information on where to purchase one of these.
Consider an antidepressant. Some studies have shown that low doses of antidepressant medications help relieve shingles-related pain, even in patients who are not suffering from depression. How? Some antidepressants block the removal of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Extra amounts of circulating serotonin may keep pain signals from reaching the brain. Talk it over with your doctor to determine if an antidepressant might help you cope with continuing pain following a shingles outbreak.
From relaxation techniques to antidepressants, the home treatment options to ease the pain of shingles are varied. The good news is one of the home remedies just might work!
i hope some of this helps and that it goes away soon
![:)]()
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QUESTION:
What is the shingles shot and info about it? Do you have to be a certain age to get the vaccination?
Ok so heres the deal. Im wondering about this cuz i saw an add thing on tv and was curious as to the age you have to be and stuff. I have a very rare thing that happened to me when i was 6 monthes old. I got chicken pox. Since you have to be at least one year old in order to get the chicken pox vaccination i got the chicken pox before i could even get vaccinated. I remember in health class we were talking about how you are usually older (50-60) when you get shingles, but again similar to the whole chicken pox ordeal, i got shingles when i was only 8 years old and i have a chance of getting them again so im really really curious as to the information about this shingles vaccination. Any reponse would be great! Thanks!!!-
ANSWER:
The shingles shot is called Zostavax. It is currently only approved for use in patients 50 years of age or older.Basically, it is a super potent version of the chickenpox vaccine (Varivax).
There haven’t been any long term studies done on it since it’s relatively new. The marketing information says that if you have had chickenpox, you should get Zostavax. But you’ll have to wait a while, either until you’re 50 or the age of approval is changed.
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QUESTION:
How do you get rid of shingles?
A friend of mine has shingles and has had it for about 5 months now. She is pretty sure the diagnosis is correct, the medication is the best you can get but it still won’t go away. Does anyone have any ideas what else she could do or is the diagnosis incorrect??-
ANSWER:
You don’t say what treatment your friend is on. The correct treatment is famivir tablets, its an antiviral. If I remember correctly it a 5 or 7 day course.This is the excerpt from the British National Formulary (the drug book your GP probably uses)
FAMCICLOVIR
Additional information interactions (Famciclovir).
Note Famciclovir is a pro-drug of penciclovirIndications treatment of herpes zoster, acute genital herpes simplex and suppression of recurrent genital herpes
Cautions hepatic impairment (Appendix 2); renal impairment (Appendix 3); pregnancy (Appendix 4) and breast-feeding (Appendix 5); interactions: Appendix 1 (famciclovir)
Side-effects rarely nausea, headache, confusion; very rarely vomiting, jaundice, dizziness, drowsiness, hallucinations, rash, and pruritus; abdominal pain and fever have been reported in immunocompromised patients
Dose
Herpes zoster, 250 mg 3 times daily for 7 days or 750 mg once daily for 7 days (in immunocompromised, 500 mg 3 times daily for 10 days)Hope this helps
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QUESTION:
Why do people ask medical question on the internet?
Although the answer given are on the whole fairly accurate, I feel that often it is given in too much detail. Non-medically trained people tends to read small prints and they tend to worry about rare side-effects or complication that rarely happens. Do they really want to know the pathophysiology of the disease? Do they really want to know which gene and which molecules are responsible? Does it really matter? Is this really what the askers are looking for? Small prints that you don’t get during medical consultation, or are they looking for reassurance that they are not the only ones who have the disease?What I’ve seen so far people ask questions that can be easily answered by practice nurse or GP, which I personally feel is more appropriate then asking the internet community and get told about rare complications or wrong information sometimes.
I supposed another way to phrase the quesiton is “Are internet patients hypochondriac?”
Adrian (A&E doctor)
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ANSWER:
It scares the hell out of me that people are asking serious medical questions that they would be better off asking a doctor (like the person who worked with a pregnant woman and wanted this forums opinion on whether it was ok to go into work with Shingles). What worries me more is that these people may actually be taking some of the clearly suicidal advise given on this forum.Can I please ask that if you are asking about the best corn plaster to use, or the name of a decent antiseptic then this is the right place to ask, if you have a limb that has become detached during the night or have a serious medical problem then see a doctor, or at least somebody who is vaguely qualified to answer that question!!!!
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QUESTION:
Why would a mother not want to vaccinate her baby?
I am truly curious as to why?
I’m not talking about a certain baby just any mother (or father) who choose not to vaccinate?-
ANSWER:
The medical community doesn’t like to talk about it, but there are many risks of vaccines, including death, though rare. The parent should read up about the risks of the disease and the side effects of the vaccine and see if it seems worth it. It’s a very personal decision that no one else can make. See this website for more information: http://vran.org/I declined some of my baby’s vaccines, and pushed others back. Some, like the polio vaccine, I was very adamant about getting, since there are basically no side effects and polio is very serious. Some, like Hepatitis B, I pushed back because she is only around me and my family, so her risk of the disease is very low. Perhaps, when she gets older and is in the church nursery, I will have her vaccinated.
Other diseases, like chicken pox, I will never have her vaccinated against. Chicken pox is uncomfortable as a child, yes, but deadly as an adult, and there have been studies that have shown that the vaccine can wear off when the patient reaches teenager-hood. I will not risk her having an incomplete immunity. People have also gotten shingles after the vaccination, and other side effects, so to me, it’s not worth it.
Vaccination is a choice much like breastfeeding or staying at home with the baby; it is a deeply personal decision, and a difficult one at that. It’s hard to know what’s best for your child, but only you are able to decide that. Parents should stop criticizing people who do things differently, because they don’t know why they might have chosen that particular route. The last thing new parents need is someone telling them they’re doing it wrong and are a poor parent. That’s for both sides of the debate.
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QUESTION:
How long does it take to die from contacting HIV?
? and source if you could, please.-
ANSWER:
I think this version of a patient will help you!!Health Education AIDS Liaison, Toronto
Life after HIV
The following stories are from the recently published book by Christine Maggiore What if everything you thought you knew about AIDS WAS WRONG?
You may obtain this book from:
The American Foundation for AIDS Alternatives
11684 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City, CA 91604
(877)92-ALIVE Email: AFAA@aliveandwell.org——————————————————————————–
“In 1985, at the age of 25, having heard so much about the ‘AIDS epidemic,’ I decided to take the test. I tested positive. I went for a second opinion and again the result was positive. Since I had heard and read that the virus could be dormant for a long time, I opted to eat well, exercise, take high quality vitamins and limit ‘risky sex.’ However, my gut feeling was that something wasn’t adding up with AIDS, and I almost immediately chose not to accept the virus as a detriment to my health.
“Throughout the years I’ve lived my life almost as if AIDS didn’t exist but still gathered information from various sources. I seldom take prescription drugs and never get flu shots. I seldom see a general practitioner and see a homeopath for little things that come up once in a while. I’ve had shingles three times due to job stress but bounce back quite rapidly I don’t even take aspirin since I almost never get headaches. To this day, I have never been hospitalized and have not taken any of the drugs that are supposed to control or eradicate HIV”
Cirito Juarez, Los Angeles, CA
“After using heroin for four years, I went for an extended stay in Mexico to deal with my addiction. After successfully giving up heroin, I came home. Later, in 1987, 1 tested HIV positive. At the time, my T cell count was 400 and my doctor was very pessimistic about the future. Instead of giving up, I decided to make a longtime dream of going hiking in the Himalayas come true. It was 1988.
“When I returned from Nepal, my T cell count was 1220 and my doctor was completely baffled. I began to explore homeopathy After a period of good health, in 1990, 1 began to feel very tired. My doctor insisted, in spite of my high T cell count, that it was because of HIV I changed my diet to organic foods even though throughout all of this, I was repeatedly pressured to go on AZT. Finally, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B. I stopped drinking alcohol and, in 199 1, went to India and began a curative diet of fruits and coconut milk. After regaining my strength and returning home at the end of summer, I discovered that I was pregnant. Again, I was pressured to take AZT. I was also pressured to abort. I refused. My baby was born HIV positive and following the birth, my T cell count was very low and I was exhausted. Although I was continually pressured to expose my baby to numerous tests and to give him AZT, I declined. One year later, I consented to having my baby tested a second time. He tested HIV negative.
“Although I have had other health challenges since, I treat each problem individually and live a full life in France with my son and husband. It has been 13 years since I tested HIV positive.”
Sylvie Cousseau, Paris, France
“I tested positive in 1990, and nine years later I am healthy and medication‑free. When I was first told I was positive I went through the standard terror with my life flashing before my eyes. I followed my doctors orders for treatment with AZT and soon after I became ill. I had flu‑like symptoms day and night. It got to the point where I’d come home from work and just collapse on the couch. When I told my doctor how I felt he said ‘Well, what do you expect, you’re HIV positive!?’
“After a year of feeling sick, I listened to my inner voice and quit AZT. Except for a brief foray into ddl, I’ve been off meds ever since. I have three recommendations for anyone who tests p osffive‑edu cation, education, education about all aspects and points of view on HIV and AIDS. And remember, people do get sick sometimes, so if it happens, be realistic and don’t freak out. Don’t automatically assume it’s related to HIV My doctor now classifies me as a ‘long‑term non‑progressor! “‘
Erik Dahlgren, Los Angeles, CA
“I remember the day I received my positive result like it was yesterday I figured I’d test positive since I’d had unprotected sex with a couple of guys I later learned had died from AIDS. I really thought that I was prepared to hear the result. Nothing could have been further from the truth. I sobbed uncontrollably all the way home. I felt like I had become a character in some sci‑fi movie with an alien thing growing inside me that would come bursting out of my chest as I died a horrific death. A part of me did die that day, the part that dreamed and looked towards the future.
“Denial lasted for over a year. I wasn’t ready to start thinking about dying so I just ignored the whole thing. It wasn’t until I started dating someone else who was positive that I started thinking about trying to fight this thing inside me.
“My new love was a nurse who worked for a doctor who specialized in AIDS treatment. When I began a newjob that provided medical benefits I started seeing this doctor and after a confirmatory antibody test I was put on regimen AZT and Zovirax. I tried to be a good little pill popper for a while but I grew weary of the little beeping pill box and soon I was missing my meds half the time. The doctors reduced the dosage about a year later and then I became even more irregular with my meds. About two years later, I tested positive a third time and AZT and Zovirax were prescribed again even though my T cells were still a healthy 600 plus.
“Given that I knew I wasn’t taking my meds regularly I began to wonder if I was really sick since my T cells remained so stable with or without the drugs. For the next three years I took all my pills in the morning if I remembered and would go six months or more without them if I ran out. I’d worry that my next blood test would show that my T cells were dropping but this was never the case. I know now that a part of my lack of discipline came from the fact that I had already given up on the rest of my life. Looking forward was just too painful. Planning for the future seemed pointless. I never really made a conscious decision to stop taking the meds. I just never went back to get more pills the last time they ran out.
“A little over a year ago, an acquaintance introduced me to Inventing the AIDS Virus by Peter Duesberg. I went out and bought the book and read it cover to cover in a single sitting. As the sun rose that morning, I sobbed for hours. Then I became angry Since then I have been reading everything I can get my hands on about the controversy surrounding the HIV=AIDS=Death hypothesis.
“Today, I am actually able to look towards my future with hope. The nagging fear is hard to shake off, especially when you’re married to a healthcare worker who still finds it hard to believe all those doctors and scientists could be wrong. Everyday I seem farther from the fear and more excited about the possibilities of growing old‑ 12 years ago I didn’t think I would make it to 40.”
Michael Davis, Topanga, CA
“I am 28 years old and approaching a healthy 29, an age a doctor once told me I would never reach. When I was 20, 1 moved from Australia to Japan where 1 spent a year as an entertainer singing on a cruise ship and in various bars and restaurants in Osaka. Toward the end of my stay, me and my partner Ruichi and a group of friends visited the historic city of Kyoto. While we were there, we all went to an HIV testing clinic. I had been having frequent unprotected sex with Ruichi for about three months, and prior to that I had unprotected sex with one of the other guys getting tested, so it seemed that I should join them and take the test.
“At the time, my primary source of HIV and AIDS information, like the majority of the general public, was the media. I remember one TV commercial that aired in Australia that portrayed AIDS as the Grim Reaper in a bowling alley He used his deadly balls to knock out men, women and children who appeared as helpless bowling pins.
Our test results arrived by mail two weeks later, all in the same envelope, and we opened it together. The results were in Japanese so Ruichi read them out loud going down the list one by one. ‘Riuchi: negative,’ he looked at me and smiled. ‘David: negative, Renee: negative, Dean…’ and he paused, eyes wide. My heart skipped a beat as I waited for him to continue: ‘Dean: positive.’
“My first reaction was disbelief. I was healthy and so was everyone I had ever slept with. I figured I was going to die, and knowing so little about AIDS, I figured I had three to six months left before I would be bowled over. I was so ashamed. I called all my past sex partners advising them to be tested. All of them were negative.
“I went into a phase of denial. I convinced myself that my test result was wrong. I waited three months and then tested again in Australia. The sympathy I received at the testing clinic was not encouraging. The most optimistic doctor gave me 10 years to live but noted that at least two of those years would include devastating disease. This beat my own prognosis of six months, but did not give me much to look forward to.
“After a few months of soul searching, the existence of the mind-body connection occurred to me. I quickly discovered I was not the only one to recognize that disease was more than a random physical mishap. Since then, and for more than seven years, I have read everything I can find on alternative medicine, science, self-help and spirituality I’ve also tried many alternative therapies and techniques for improving the mind and the body I have never taken any medication, but have instead focused on maintaining health. I’ve learned to keep an open mind to new ideas, and not to believe everything experts have to say
“I no longer believe that HIV causes AIDS, and this belief is not denial. I experienced denial when I suppressed my fears of dying. My belief may not be proved by government-funded AIDS research, but the government has done little that would suggest it cares about the well-being of humanity above all else. Avoiding death is not my number one priority-living is.
“What I find hardest is living with the stigma of HIV I’m young, healthy, intelligent and very well-educated on HIV and AIDS, yet I am isolated by the fear and ignorance surrounding a condition I don’t even believe in. Being a leader rather than a follower can be lonely and difficult. Maintaining a stance against the majority of the human population is a trying task. I don’t have the time to educate everyone, even if they were interested, and when I do tell others about what I know, they are so convinced that HIV=AIDS=Death that they think I’m doomed and that my optimism is merely fear or hope or both.
“I do have hope, I hope that people will look deeper and listen more. That they will demand to be treated as precious beings more important than politics, money, and abstract theory It takes people like us to be the first and the most determined. Life goes on, chose to be a part of it!”
Dean W, Los Angeles, CA
“When I tested HIV positive 16 years ago, the road map for how to die with this condition seemed clear. Creating my own path has been challenging and rewarding. HIV has been a catalyst for personal growth, an inspiration to make changes I needed to make anyway My life is richer as a result.
“Although I deal with fear all the time, I never really internalized the HIV=AIDS=Death dogma. I instinctively believed that HIV was a cofactor and that I could manage my health successfully without drug therapies. I pursue an aggressive health management program that includes nutrition and supplementation, exercise and appropriate rest. I use Western, naturopathic and traditional Chinese medicine on an as‑needed basis.
“While I tend to my body with attention and dedication, I know that all healing is ultimately healing of the spirit. For this reason, I am devoted to my spiritual practice. I choose to put my faith in the power of God to heal me rather than in the power of a virus to destroy me.”
Duncan MacLachlan, Toronto, Canada
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QUESTION:
What do you really learn in medical school and what is it like?
How do you know? Thanks.-
ANSWER:
The first two years of medical school are for studying the Basic Sciences, such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, pharmacy and pathology. Although the names may sound familiar to course you might have taken in high school or undergrad, the intensity and depth of the information is nothing like you have experienced before. Learning these sciences does not teach you medicine, but it lays the foundation for what is to come in your last two years of med school.The last two years will be spent doing Clinical Rotations. You rotate through the various major specialties in medicine, such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Ob/Gyn and Psychiatry. Depending on the specialty, each rotation will be between 6-12 weeks in duration. On clinical rotations (this varies between schools) you will go on rounds at the hospitals with the attending physicians, residents and interns. You will be tasked with researching on of the patient’s conditions and reporting on it and being asked questions by the physicians. You will be able to watch some procedures being done, as well.
You will also be able to select elective rotations to go through this same process in specialty areas that might interest you.
If you’ve performed well and the physicians who instructed you on your rotations think you have the making of a physician, the school will award you the MD.
Then you apply for a residency position in the specialty you choose and hopefully, you’ll get the training program you want. The residency programs are a minimum of three years, usually four to five for a medical specialty and five to eight years for a surgical specialty. Some surgical specialties can even be longer.
Once you complete your residency you will take your certifying board exams. Presuming you pass, you can hang out your shingle and start seeing patients!
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QUESTION:
How long does the “Shingle” virus live outside the body?
On different surfaces such as a towel or a refrigerator handle.-
ANSWER:
Seeker_08,
The virus that causes shingles is the one that causes chickenpox and does not “live” outside the body because it is already there. The chickenpox virus, Varicella zoster virus (VZV), is one of eight herpes viruses known to infect humans and can live outside the body for up to 24 hours. I shall explain – shingles (also termed herpes zoster) is a disease caused by reactivation of the herpes zoster virus (varicella-zoster virus, or VZV) that results in a painful localized skin rash, usually with blisters (fluid filled sacks) on top of the reddish skin. This same virus causes the childhood illness chickenpox. The chickenpox virus (varicella) remains in a dormant state in the body in the root of nerves that control sensation. In about one out of five people, the virus “wakes up,” often many years after the chickenpox infection. The virus then travels along a sensory nerve into the skin and causes shingles. The majority of patients who get shingles are over the age of 60; it infrequently occurs in younger people. As a matter of interest, the term shingles is derived from the Latin and French words for belt or girdle, reflecting the distribution of the rash in a broad band. This band is usually only on one side of the body and represents a dermatome — the area that a single sensory nerve supplies in the skin.ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM – AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. – MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED.
It is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms.
The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
I add a link with details of this subject
http://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/Herpes_zoster
Hope this helps
matador 89
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QUESTION:
Who in Canada sells and has information about Neem products and should you avoid if you’d like more kids?
I’ve been researching this amazing tree from India which seems too good to be true. One drawback (or advantage) is that it may act as a natural form of birth control in both males and females.-
ANSWER:
Neem’s wide variety of reported benefits include use in the treatment of fever, gastrointestinal disease, dermatologic (skin) disorders, immune dysfunction, respiratory disease, parasites, inflammatory conditions, and infections by some bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Some components have been shown to have antimalarial properties. The seeds contain an insecticidal substance that is EPA approved for use on nonfood crops. Some viral diseases have been treated by components of neem. It may inhibit the multiplication of viruses and prevent them from entering and infecting cells. Some of the diseases that have reportedly been relieved include colds, flu, and conditions caused by herpes, such as chickenpox and shingles. Neem appears to be an appropriate treatment for numerous dermatologic indications. Its anti-inflammatory and pain relieving activity make it potentially useful against psoriasis, eczema, acne, dermatitis, and an assortment of fungal conditions. The neem leaf has been shown to have activity that suppresses the fungi that cause athlete’s foot, ringworm, and Candida. Seed oil and aqueous leaf extracts have been used to treat jock itch, another fungal infection. The oil and leaf extract may be applied externally in the form of lotions and soaps. Leaf preparations may also be used internally for the detoxification properties. Poultices made from the leaf have antiseptic and astringent properties that treat wounds and boils. Both internal and external parasites may be sensitive to the effects of neem. External parasites, such as lice and mites, are often treated in India with aqueous extracts of neem leaves. A medical research center in Nagercoil, India, found that a combination of neem and turmeric cured 97% of patients with scabies within 3–15 days of treatment. Teas are used against internal parasites, including intestinal worms. Perhaps one of the most interesting claims for neem is for the prevention and treatment of malaria. Leaf extracts are said to have the same effectiveness as quinine and chloroquine, the conventional medications that are used. Some studies show that even chloroquine-resistant strains of malaria are sensitive to neem, particularly a component called Irodin A. The recommended preventative measure is to chew and consume the leaves on a daily basis. Twigs and leaves of the neem tree may be used for oral hygiene, and neem bark extracts used in toothpastes and mouthwashes are active against gingivitis. Ayurveda holds that neem has healthful properties for teeth and gum tissue. Ayurvedic tradition holds that neem bark improves resistance to disease. It appears that certain carbohydrates contained in the bark do indeed stimulate the production of antibodies. One source recommends a cyclical use of neem to strengthen the immune system in order to lower the incidence of infections, particularly in people who have conditions that compromise the immune system. The long history of the use of neem in India appears to show that there is a low incidence of side effects when used appropriately. Infants have suffered severe sequelae, and even death as a result of internal use of neem. Avoid using neem products on children.I don’t know about Canada’s sellers but you may try Ebay or shopzilla
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QUESTION:
Do they give out MMJ cards for depression, anxiety, or Insomnia?
I have depression anxiety and insomnia, and Ive been told that Marijuana helps those. Would a doctor give me a card for these symptoms?-
ANSWER:
For your information, Here is a general list of sicknesses with symptoms and/or side effects that have been treated with medical marijuana:Agoraphobia
AIDS Related Illness
Alcohol Abuse
Alcoholism
Alopecia Areata
Amphetamine Dependency
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Angina Pectoris
Ankylosis
Anorexia
Anorexia Nervosa
Anxiety Disorders
Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease
Arthritis
Asthma
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Autoimmune Disease
Back Pain
Back Sprain
Bell’s Palsy
Bipolar Disorder
Brain Tumor, Malignant
Bruxism
Bulimia
Cachexia
Cancer
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
Cervical Disk Disease
Chemotherapy
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Pain
Chronic renal failure
Cocaine Dependence
Colitis
Conjunctivitis
Constipation
Crohn’s Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Damage to Spinal Cord Nervous Tissue
Degenerative Arthritis
Delirium Tremens
Diabetes
Depression
Diabetic Peripheral Vascular Disease
Diarrhea
Diverticulitis
Dysthymic Disorder
Eczema
Emphysema
Emphysema
Endometriosis
Epididymitis
Epilepsy
Fibromyalgia
Gastritis
Genital Herpes
Glaucoma
Graves Disease
Headaches, Cluster
Headaches, Migraine
Headaches, Tension
Hemophilia A
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
Hepatitis C
Hereditary Spinal Ataxia
HIV/AIDS
Hospice Patients
Huntington’s Disease
Hypertension
Hypertension
Hyperventilation
Hypoglycemia
Impotence
Insomnia
Inflammatory autoimmune-mediated arthritis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
Intractable Vomitting
Lipomatosis
Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Lyme Disease
Lymphoma
Major Depression
Malignant Melanoma
Mania
Melorheostosis
Meniere’s Disease
Motion Sickness
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Muscle Spasms
Muscular Dystrophy
Myeloid Leukemia
Nail-Patella Syndrome
Nightmares
Obesity
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Opiate Dependence
Osteoarthritis
Panic Disorder
Parkinson’s Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peritoneal Pain
Persistent Insomnia
Porphyria
Post Polio Syndrome (PPS)
Post-traumatic arthritis
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Quadriplegia
Radiation Therapy
Raynaud’s Disease
Reiter’s Syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizophrenia
Scoliosis
Sedative Dependence
Seizures
Senile Dementia
Severe Nausea
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Sinusitis
Skeletal Muscular Spasticity
Sleep Apnea
Spasticity
Spinal Stenosis
Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS)
Stuttering
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Tenosynovitis
Thyroiditis
Tic Douloureux
Tietze’s Syndrome
Tinnitus
Tobacco Dependence
Tourette’s Syndrome
Trichotillomania
Viral HepatitisIf you will go through this list, you will find depression anxiety and insomnia which means, 100% you qualify for getting medical marijuana card.
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QUESTION:
how long after the shingle shot will the shingles go away?
at the early staze this time .very small blisters.big patch of dark dry skin. got a shot on dec,6-
ANSWER:
What was the injection? The vaccine (Zostavax) is preventative for shingles (Herpes Zoster) and will not do anything if you already have shigles nor will it help help for post herpetic neuralgia (pain). I have no idea what shot you might have gotten. Need more information.You should know you are contagious due to the blisters you describe… until they dry up. The weepy drainage from the blisters shed the virus and contaminate hands and clothing. From the onset of symtoms until the blisters are gone can take up to (2) weeks. You need to stay away from immunosuppressed cancer patients transplant patients, people on immunosupressants (Enbrel, Humira Neoral, Remicade, Stelara), pregnant people, elderly and babies during that time period… until the primary crusts have disappeared. Fatalities have occurred in immunosuppressed persons.
I hope you got good education about the above. You can read the Herpes Zoster link below. Herpes Zoster (Shingles) is caused by the same virus and occurs in people that were infected with chickenpox prior. That is why children are suppose to get Varicella (Chickenpox vaccine) to provide immunity and not get Chickpox or Herpes Zoster.
Good Luck! They can be painful.
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QUESTION:
Anyone know any remedies for Shingles?
Hi
My sister went to the doc yesterday and she has shingles, they gave her a tablet and painkiller but does anyone have any tried and tested remedies to ease the pain and itching?
Lastnight we tried wet bandages, which worked for a while but she didnt sleep at all.-
ANSWER:
Please see the enclosed Home Remedy Treatments for Shingles:While it’s imperative that you see your doctor if you suspect you have shingles, you may also want to try some of the following home remedies to ease the pain.
1. Cool the pain. Cold packs can help relieve the pain from hot, blistered skin. Gently place a cold cloth on the blisters or wrap a towel around the affected area and pour ice water on it. Apply for 20 minutes, then leave off for 20 minutes, and repeat until the pain decreases. You can also try a cold milk compress in the same manner.
2.Stay in bed. Rest will help your body’s defenses come to your rescue.
3.Take an anti-inflammatory drug. Ibuprofen helps reduce inflammation and is the first line of defense in fighting the pain. Aspirin may be another option. If you are allergic to ibuprofen and aspirin, take over-the-counter (OTC) acetaminophen (it can help relieve pain, although it doesn’t fight inflammation). If these don’t help, ask your doctor to prescribe something for the pain. Codeine or other mild narcotics can help reduce the pain in the early phase of shingles. For a list of precautions to take when using over-the-counter analgesics, click here.
4.Rub on relief. Your doctor may recommend or prescribe a topical local anesthetic cream to be used on your blistered skin. Be leery of OTC topical products that contain diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or any ingredient ending in -caine, however; these can cause an allergic reaction and thus may worsen the situation.
5.One remedy for easing the pain of shingles is applying an OTC cream that contains capsaicin, which comes from hot peppers.
6.Don’t pop the blisters. The temptation may be unbearable, but you will only prolong healing time and open the door to scarring and secondary infection.
7.Don’t spread them. Although it won’t bring relief to you, stay away from people who are at risk: Avoid people with any sort of immune problem, such as transplant or cancer patients and children who haven’t yet been exposed to chicken pox.
8.Consider a hot-pepper fix. If the blisters have healed, but the pain persists, what options do you have? Apply hot peppers? Not exactly.
But applying an OTC cream (such as Zostrix) that contains capsaicin,
which is derived from hot peppers, may help. However, many doctors don’t recommend capsaicin therapy since it may actually worsen pain for the first two or three days. If you’re really suffering, ask your doctor for advice on trying this remedy.9.Try to relax. For lingering discomfort from shingles (or from any type of chronic pain, really), consider learning self-hypnosis, imagery, or meditation or engaging in some other activity that can help you relax. Coping with pain is stressful, and stress, in turn, may increase pain perception. Finding a reliable home remedy to calm yourself certainly won’t hurt you, and it may help you deal more effectively with the pain.
10.Try TENS. You may be able to relieve the symptoms of shingles with a TENS (which stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) device. In theory, TENS blocks pain signals from reaching the brain with a weak electrical current (which is painless, though you will feel a tingling sensation). You can purchase a TENS unit to use at home for around 0. Your doctor’s office or local hospital may be able to give you information on where to purchase one of these.
Consider an antidepressant. Some studies have shown that low doses of antidepressant medications help relieve shingles-related pain, even in patients who are not suffering from depression. How? Some antidepressants block the removal of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. Extra amounts of circulating serotonin may keep pain signals from reaching the brain. Talk it over with your doctor to determine if an antidepressant might help you cope with continuing pain following a shingles outbreak.
From relaxation techniques to antidepressants, the home treatment options to ease the pain of shingles are varied. The good news is one of the home remedies just might work!
Thanks – Maandeep
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QUESTION:
Does anybody know anything short of death that will cure shingles?
Doctors don’t know, I hoped maybe some ordinary person might know.-
ANSWER:
There are reports in the medical literature on the use of very high doses of vitamin C (a combination of daily injections and high oral dosing) for the treatment of shingles.Frederick R. Klenner, M.D. spent his career researcher the use of high doses of vitamin C for the treatment of a variety of viral diseases, including shingles. Thomas E. Levy, M.D. has written a book discussing Klenner’s work along with that of hundreds of others on the use of Vitamin C for these types of ‘untreatable’ conditions. The book is called: “Vitamin C, Infectious Diseases , & Toxins – Curing the Incurable”. It was published in 2002 by Xlibris Corp. It discusses hundreds of research studies on this issue.
Here is a quote from p.80 on Klenner’s work with treating shingles: “Klenner treated a series of eight adults who had shingles. A 2,000 to 3,000 mg dose of vitamin C was given by injection every 12 hours, and 1,000 mg was given orally every two hours. The severe pain associated with the skin lesions, which can often persist for weeks before completely resolving, was completely gone in seven of eight patients within two hours of the first vitamin C injection. Although no pain-killing medications were administered, the pain relief was permanent. The skin lesions, which can persist for weeks, had completely resolved in seven out of eight patients within 72 hours. Each patient received from five to seven total injections of vitamin C.”
Dr. Levy lists these medical journal references for the sources of the quoted information:
1) Klenner, F (July 1949) The treatment of poliomyelitis and other virus diseases with vitamin C. Southern Medicine & Surgery 111(7):209-214
2) Klenner, F (April 1954) The use of vitamin C as an antibiotic. Journal of Applied Nutrition 6:274-278
3) Klenner, F (1974) Significance of high daily intake of ascorbic acid in preventive medicine. Journal of the International Academy of Preventive Medicine 1(1):45-69
If you decide to try this approach you will need to find a Naturopathic Physician or that rare Medical Doctor that has knowledge of high dose nutrient injection therapy.
Best wishes and good luck.
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QUESTION:
What are the child labor laws for WI?
*I’m looking for things referring to minors working for their parents/guardians.
*Also looking for anything about minors operating machinery.I’ve been to the Department of Workforce Development (Wisconsin DWD) but there is so much there that I have not been able to find what I’m looking for.
http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/er/labor_standards_bureau/child_labor_laws.htm
ANY useful information from a RELIABLE source is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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ANSWER:
Children 12 and older are allowed to work in their parents’ business providing that it is a sole proprietorship and is solely owned by one or both parents.Employment Generally Prohibited To Minors
State law prohibits the use of minors to perform work hazardous to them selves, co-workers, or frequenters to those businesses. A complete listing of the work listed as hazardous can be found in the Wisconsin Administrative Code DWD 270.12. The regulations break the list of hazardous work into a list that applies to all minors and a second list that applies to persons under sixteen years of age. In some instances the hazard involves the entire work site while in other instances a particular machine or work activity is listed as the hazard. The following list contains some of the more common hazards.
Hazardous to all minors:
Adult bookstores
Use of Bakery machines
Erection of or operation of amusement rides at carnivals, amusement parks, ski hills, ad traveling shows
Any work with Asbestos, Actinolite, amosite, Anthophyllite, Chrysotile, Crocidolite, Tremolite
Work in any confined space
Mining
Operation, set-up, or cleaning of meat and food slicers
Excavations involving a trench four feet deep or greater operations
Any work in a facility that manufactures or stores explosives
Selling, serving, sticking or dispensing liquor
Set-up, operation, or cleaning of metal forming; punching and shearing machinery that are power-driven
Operation of motor vehicle on public roads as a regular job duty
Any work with radioactive substances and ionizing radiations
Operation of power driven circular saws, band saw, chain saw, or guillotine shears
Roofing operations
Slaughtering, meat packing or processing or rendering
Any work at an employer experiencing a strikes or lockouts or participating as a picketer in a strike or lockout
Work in a logging, including sawmill, lath mill, shingle mill or cooperage stock mill operation
Cleaning, set-up or operation of most power driven woodworking machines
Any work involving wrecking, demolition or shipbreakingHazardous for to minors under age 16 years of age:
Agriculture (certain power-driven equipment and some jobs are prohibited unless employed on own home farm outside school hours for parent/guardian, or on another farm with permission of parent/guardian if primarily for exchange purposes
Airports (in or about landing strip, taxi, or maintenance apron)
Gun clubs (skeet and trap loaders)
Operation of any power driven machines (other than office machines)
Personal care of patients in hospitals and nursing homes
Work in rooms where manufacturing, processing, storage, or warehousing takes place
Communications and public utilities work (other than office work)
Transportation of people or property by air, rail, or motor vehicle
Street carnivals and traveling shows
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QUESTION:
My elderly parent has been diagnosed as having shingles?
This is a follow on from my previous question – My dad saw the doctor today as he had painful legs which have now turned into sores, he feels he has to keep moving as when he sits the pain is not good, the doctor has told him that he will have to wait until it goes with time and told to take paracetemol – many of the responses I have already rec’d indicate that he should be on some anit-viral, or other medication – should he return to the doctor? I live 100 miles away and cannot keep a close eye. When will the high temperature set in? I am quite concerned as you can imagine – any further advice would be appreciated – and I have to say a big thank you to advice already rec’d.-
ANSWER:
Here is some more information:Are shingles catching?
Yes. Shingles can be spread from an affected person to children or adults who have not had chickenpox. Instead of developing shingles, these people develop chickenpox. Once they have had chickenpox, people cannot catch shingles (or contract the virus) from someone else. Once infected, however, persons have the potential to develop shingles later in life.
Shingles are contagious, to persons that have not previously had chicken pox, as long as there are new blisters forming and old blisters healing. Once all of the blisters are crusted over, the virus can no longer be spread.
What is the treatment for shingles? Should I visit my health care worker?
There are several effective treatments for shingles. Drugs that fight viruses (antivirals), such as acyclovir (Zovirax) or famciclovir (Famvir) can reduce the duration of the rash if started early (within 48 hours of the appearance of the rash). The addition of steroids may also limit the length of time that a patient has pain with shingles. However, the benefit of both of these drugs is limited.
In addition to antiviral medication, pain medications may be needed for symptom control. The affected area should be kept covered and dry. However, bathing is permitted and the area can be cleansed with soap and water. An aluminum acetate solution (Burows or Domeboro’s solution, available at your pharmacy) can be used to help dry up the blisters and oozing.
What are the complications of shingles?
Generally, shingles heal well and problems are few. However, on occasion, the blisters can become infected with a bacteria causing cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin. If this occurs, the area will become reddened, warm, firm, and tender. You might notice red streaks forming around the wound. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your health care professional. Antibiotics can be used to treat these complications.
A more worrisome complication occurs when shingles affect the face, specifically the forehead and nose. In these cases, it is possible, although not likely, that shingles can affect the eye leading to loss of vision. If you have shingles on your forehead or nose, your eyes should be evaluated by a health care professional.
It’s difficult to help someone 100 miles away. Perhaps, it would help to be able to talk to his doctor via phone and you can voice your concerns as well as getting a firsthand update on his treatment. Don’t let this fall through the crack.
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QUESTION:
What problem are pregabalin capsules prescribed for .?-
ANSWER:
Pregabalin is used for the management of Fibromyalgia. Pregabalin has also been used to manage nerve pain of diabetic patients and to treat pain resulting from shingles.http://www.prescription-drugs-information.com/prescription-drug/Pregabalin-Full-Listing.html
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QUESTION:
where do viruses live? What is the economic advantages and disadvantages of viruses?-
ANSWER:
Virus (Latin, “poison”), any of a number of organic entities consisting simply of genetic material surrounded by a protective coat. The term “virus” was first used in the 1890s to describe agents that caused diseases but were smaller than bacteria. By itself a virus is a lifeless form, but within living cells it can replicate many times and harm its host in the process. There are at least 3,600 types of virus, hundreds of which are known to cause a wide range of diseases in humans, other animals, insects, bacteria, and plants .regarding their habitat virus are CosmopolitanViruses represent a major challenge to medical science in combating infectious diseases. Many cause diseases that are of major importance to humans and that are extraordinary in their diversity.
Included among viral diseases is the common cold, which affects millions of people every year. Recent research has even indicated that the AD-36 virus, which causes cold-like symptoms, affects food-energy absorption and more than doubles the normal layer of body fat in animals. About 30 per cent of obese people had contracted AD-36 compared with 5 per cent of lean people, and so this virus may contribute to obesity in a percentage of people. Other viral diseases are important because they are frequently fatal. These diseases include rabies, haemorrhagic fevers, encephalitis, poliomyelitis, and yellow fever. Most viruses, however, cause diseases that usually only create acute discomfort unless the patient develops serious complications from the virus or from a bacterial infection. Some of these diseases are influenza, measles, mumps, cold sores (also known as herpes simplex), chickenpox, shingles (also known as herpes zoster), respiratory diseases, acute diarrhoea, warts, and hepatitis. Still others, such as rubella (also known as German measles) virus and cytomegalovirus, may cause serious abnormalities or death in unborn infants. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by a retrovirus. Only two retroviruses are unequivocally linked with human cancers (see Leukaemia and HTLV), but some papilloma virus forms are suspected. Increasing evidence also indicates that other viruses may be involved in some types of cancer and in chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis and other degenerative diseases. Some of the viruses take a long time to cause disease; kuru and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, both of which gradually destroy the brain, are slow virus diseases.
Aside from being the causative agents of many diseases, viruses are important tools in cell biology research, particularly in studies on macromolecular synthesis
Recombinant viruses can be used as vectors to carry (transduce) selected genes into cells. In this approach, viral genes required for the lytic cycle are replaced by other genes. The use of viral vectors for gene therapy is still in its infancy, but has great potential for treatment of various diseases.
further more ,The study of viruses and their interaction with host cells has been a major motivation for the host of fundamental biological studies at a molecular level. For example, the existence of messenger RNA, which carries the genetic code from DNA to define what proteins are made by a cell, was discovered during studies of bacteriophages replicating in bacteria. Studies of bacteriophages have also been instrumental in delineating the biochemical factors that start and stop the utilization of genetic information. Knowledge of how virus replication is controlled is fundamental to understanding biochemical events in higher organisms.The reason that viruses are so useful as model systems for studying events that control genetic information is that viruses are, in essence, small pieces of genetic information that is different from the genetic information of the cell. This allows scientists to study a smaller and simpler replicating system, but one that works on the same principle as that of the host cell. Much of the research on viruses is aimed at understanding their replicative mechanism in order to find ways to control their growth, so that viral diseases can be eliminated. Studies on viral diseases have also contributed greatly to understanding the body’s immune response to infectious agents. Antibodies in blood serum, as well as secretions of the mucous membranes, all of which help the body eliminate foreign elements such as viruses, have been more thoroughly characterized by studying their responses to viral infection. Intense scientific interest is now concentrated on studies designed to isolate certain viral genes. These genes can be used in molecular-cloning systems to produce large amounts of particular virus proteins, which can in turn be used as vaccines.
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QUESTION:
What could cause pain in your chest?
Its a stabbing pain that mostly gets my attention, like I’m being stabbed from the inside, it hurts really bad if i breath in but after a few seconds to about a minute it goes away. Its occuring more and more often lately, like 3 times a week or something, is it something to worry about or is it just a muscle spasm in my chest? What could cause this? Any information would help thanks. Oh also it worries me because the cardiologist told me at one point a few years ago that I have a slight heart murmur but he also told me that it was nothing to worry about.-
ANSWER:
A sharp stabbing pain which is worse when you breathe is classically called a “pleuritic” chest pain – ie pain originating from the pleura or lining of the lung. These pains do not always originate from the lung, in fact and may come from a number of sources in the chest wall:Skin – is there any rash, particularly the blistery rash of shingles?
Chest wall – muscles – strained a muscle recently? broken rib can cause this sort of pain too – chest trauma or a bad coughing bout in a patient with weak bones (osteoporosis) can cause this sort of pain, a viral inflammation of the rib cartilages or the lining of the lung (pleurisy)Lung: these are the more serious ones
Pneumonia (particularly with fever, cough, gradual onset), Pneumothorax – this can happen spontaneously – air getting between the lung and the chest wall
Pulmonary Embolism – (economy class syndrome) – a clot of blood which usually arises from the legs and shoots off into the lung with the rest of the venous bloodPericarditis – inflammation of the lining of the heart can cause this sort of pain as the lung moves against it. Again – often a viral cause.
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QUESTION:
What can I do about a rash?
I’ve got an annoying rash around my kneck and on the inside of my right elbow. A few weeks ago I had my nails done so I can’t scratch like I normally could when it would start to itch. The rash is maybe a week old (at most) and I can’t remember changing laundry detergent. I had to take off the necklace my boyfriend got me for my birthday (back the first week in April) because it was bothering the rash… any advice?-
ANSWER:
Rash 101 – Introduction to Common Skin Rashes
Medical Author: Alan Rockoff, MD
Medical Editor: Frederick Hecht, MD
The word “rash” means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, “a rash” can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are:Scaly patches of skin not caused by infection.
Scaly patches of skin produced by fungus or bacterial infection.
Red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
Although rashes are seldom dangerous, self-diagnosis is not usually a good idea. Proper evaluation of a skin rash requires a visit to a doctor or other healthcare professional. The following guidelines may help you decide what category your rash falls into.Related rash articles:
Rash – on WebMDCan Soaps & Detergents Cause a Rash?
Medical Author: Alan Rockoff, MD
Medical Editor: Frederick Hecht, MD, F.A.A.P.For years, patients have been coming to my office with eczema, complaining that they had changed their soaps and detergents but their rashes had not gone away.
The first thing I always tell them is: “Contrary to what you’ve heard, eczema is rarely, if ever, caused by soaps and detergents.”
I say this because it fits with my experience. People get rashes when they haven’t used anything different, and they don’t become consistently better if they keep shifting products in a futile effort to locate the culprit in the laundry.
And now — at last! — there is published scientific evidence to back up my experience.
Is soap to blame for allergic contact dermatitis? »
Top Searched Rash Terms:
heat rash, diaper rash, poison oak, Lyme disease, hives, scabies, lupus rash, chicken pox, roseola rash, shingles rashScaly patches of skin not caused by infection
Scaly, itchy skin patches usually represent one of the conditions referred to as eczema.
Atopic dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis is perhaps the most common form of eczema. This is an hereditary skin problem that often begins in childhood as chapped cheeks and scaly patches on the scalp, arms, legs, and torso. Later in childhood atopic dermatitis may affect the inner aspects of the elbows and knees. Adults get atopic dermatitis on the hands, around the eyelids, on the genitals, as well as on the body as a whole.
The word “dermatitis” means inflammation of the skin. “Atopic” refers to diseases that are hereditary, tend to run in families, and often occur together. These diseases include asthma, hay fever, and atopic dermatitis. In atopic dermatitis, the skin becomes extremely itchy and inflamed, causing redness, swelling, cracking, weeping, crusting, and scaling.
Atopic dermatitis comes and goes, often for no obvious reason. It is often worse in the winter months, when the air is cold and dry, however, moisturizing alone does not help much.
Patients with atopic dermatitis may have allergies, but most cases of atopic dermatitis are not themselves allergic. In general foods, soaps, and detergents do not play a meaningful role in producing this condition.
Atopic dermatitis is not contagious, even though patches may appear on various parts of the body. For more information, please read the Atopic Dermatitis article.
Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis is an often-misused term which refers to a rash brought on by contact with a specific material which causes allergy on the skin. Common examples are poison ivy and reactions to costume jewelry containing nickel. Contact dermatitis affects just those parts of the skin touched by whatever material causes the allergy.
Treatment of contact dermatitis involves avoiding a specific cause, if there is one. Most contact dermatitis is not allergic, however, and therefore can be treated but not prevented. Effective topical (external) include topical steroids, including over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone and many prescription-strength creams, as well as the newer nonsteroidal medications tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidil).
There are of course many other scaly rashes. Two worth mentioning are psoriasis, an hereditary condition affecting elbows, knees, and elsewhere, and pityriasis rosea, which produces scaly patches on the chest and back and generally disappears in about a month. Xerosis, very dry skin, may also appear as a rash during the cold, dry months of the year.
Scaly patches of skin produced by fungus or bacterial infection
When infections appear as rashes, the most common culprits are funguses or bacterial infections.
Fungal infections: Fungal infections are fairly common but don’t appear nearly as often as rashes in the eczema category. Perhaps the most common diagnostic mistake made by both patients and non-dermatology physicians is to call scaly rashes “a fungus.” For instance, someone with several scaly spots on the arms, legs, or torso is much more likely to have a form of eczema or dermatitis than actual “ringworm” (the layman’s term for fungus.)
Fungal infections have nothing to do with hygiene — clean people get them too. Despite their reputation, fungal rashes are not commonly caught from dogs or other animals, nor are they easily transmitted in gyms, showers, pools, or locker rooms. In most cases they are not highly contagious between people either.
Treatment is usually straightforward. Many effective antifungal creams can be bought that the drug store without a prescription, including clotrimazole 1% and terbinafine 1%.
Bacterial infections: The most common bacterial infection of the skin is impetigo. Impetigo is caused by staph or strep germs and is much more common in children than adults. Again, poor hygiene plays little or no role. Nonprescription antibacterial creams like bacitracin or Neosporin are not very effective. Oral antibiotics or prescription-strength creams like Bactroban are usually needed. For more, please read the Impetigo article.
Red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
Outbreaks of this sort are usually either viral or allergic.
Viral rash: While viral infections of the skin itself, like herpes or shingles (a cousin of chickenpox), are mostly localized to one part of the body, viral rashes are more often symmetrical and everywhere. Patients with such rashes may or may not have other viral symptoms like coughing, sneezing or an stomach upset (nausea). Viral rashes usually last a few days to a week and go way on their own.
Allergic drug rash: Most allergic drug rashes start within two weeks of taking a new medication, especially if the person has taken the drug before. It is very unlikely for medicine that has been prescribed for months or years to cause an allergic reaction. Because there is usually no specific test to prove whether a rash is allergic, doctors may recommend stopping a suspected drug to see what happens. If the rash doesn’t disappear within five days of not taking the medication, allergy is unlikely.
Although foods, soaps, and detergents are often blamed for widespread rashes, they are rarely the culprit.
Other rashes
Hives (urticaria) are itchy, red welts that come and go on various parts of the body. Most hives are not allergic, run their course, and disappear as mysteriously as they came.
Because the term is vague, some people use “rash” to describe pimply outbreaks of acne or rosacea on the face.
What should you do if you have a rash?
Most rashes are not dangerous to a person or people in the vicinity (unless they are part of an infectious disease such as chickenpox). Many rashes last a while and get better on their own. It is therefore not unreasonable to treat symptoms like itchy and/or dry skin for a few days to see whether the condition gets milder and goes away.
Nonprescription (over-the-counter) remedies include:
Anti-itch creams containing camphor, menthol, pramoxine, or diphenhydramine
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine, chlortrimeton, or loratadine
Moisturizing lotionsIf these measures do not help, or if the rash persists or becomes more widespread, a visit to a general physician or dermatologist is advisable.
There are many, many other types of rashes that we have not covered in this article. So it is doubly important, if you have any questions about the cause or treatment of a rash to contact your doctor. This article is really just as the title indicates: “Rash 101 – Introduction to Common Skin Rashes.”A word on smallpox vaccination in patients with rashes
People with atopic dermatitis or eczema should not be vaccinated against smallpox, whether or not the condition is active. In the case of other rashes, the risk of complications is much less. Consult your doctor about the smallpox vaccine.
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QUESTION:
how does neurontin work?
i was recently prescribed neurontin for chronic pain due to a sports injsry. i was wondering how does neurontin know where my pain is? or does it just block all pain in my body? if i light myself on fire (not that i am thinking about doing that) will it hurt?-
ANSWER:
Whenever I prescribe something, I give a handout from Epocrates for that medication. Here is the information on neurotin
-Pharmacology .
Metabolism: none; CYP450: none
Excretion: urine (100% unchanged); Half-life: 5-7h
Subclass: Seizure Disorders; Other Neurologics
Mechanism of Action
exact mechanism of action unknown
XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxWhat is gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain.
Gabapentin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures caused by epilepsy in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Gabapentin is also used with other medications to treat partial seizures in children who are 3 to 12 years old.
Gabapentin is also used to treat nerve pain caused by herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster).
Gabapentin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Patient Education – English
Show Spanish
•Generic Name: gabapentin
•Pronounced: GA ba PEN tin
•Brand Names: Gabarone, Neurontin
What is the most important information I should know about gabapentin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gabapentin.
Before taking gabapentin, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart disease.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking gabapentin. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Do not stop taking gabapentin for seizures without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking gabapentin suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking gabapentin.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking gabapentin, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.
What is gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant. It affects chemicals and nerves in the body that are involved in the cause of seizures and some types of pain.
Gabapentin is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures caused by epilepsy in adults and children who are at least 12 years old. Gabapentin is also used with other medications to treat partial seizures in children who are 3 to 12 years old.
Gabapentin is also used to treat nerve pain caused by herpes virus or shingles (herpes zoster).
Gabapentin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gabapentin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to gabapentin.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
•kidney disease;
•liver disease; or
•heart disease.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
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QUESTION:
Do you consider marijuana a good or bad drug?-
ANSWER:
For your information, Here is a general list of sicknesses with symptoms and/or side effects that have been treated with medical marijuana:Agoraphobia
AIDS Related Illness
Alcohol Abuse
Alcoholism
Alopecia Areata
Amphetamine Dependency
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Angina Pectoris
Ankylosis
Anorexia
Anorexia Nervosa
Anxiety Disorders
Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease
Arthritis
Asthma
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Autoimmune Disease
Back Pain
Back Sprain
Bell’s Palsy
Bipolar Disorder
Brain Tumor, Malignant
Bruxism
Bulimia
Cachexia
Cancer
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
Cervical Disk Disease
Chemotherapy
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Pain
Chronic renal failure
Cocaine Dependence
Colitis
Conjunctivitis
Constipation
Crohn’s Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Damage to Spinal Cord Nervous Tissue
Degenerative Arthritis
Delirium Tremens
Diabetes
Depression
Diabetic Peripheral Vascular Disease
Diarrhea
Diverticulitis
Dysthymic Disorder
Eczema
Emphysema
Emphysema
Endometriosis
Epididymitis
Epilepsy
Fibromyalgia
Gastritis
Genital Herpes
Glaucoma
Graves Disease
Headaches, Cluster
Headaches, Migraine
Headaches, Tension
Hemophilia A
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
Hepatitis C
Hereditary Spinal Ataxia
HIV/AIDS
Hospice Patients
Huntington’s Disease
Hypertension
Hypertension
Hyperventilation
Hypoglycemia
Impotence
Insomnia
Inflammatory autoimmune-mediated arthritis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
Intractable Vomitting
Lipomatosis
Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Lyme Disease
Lymphoma
Major Depression
Malignant Melanoma
Mania
Melorheostosis
Meniere’s Disease
Motion Sickness
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Muscle Spasms
Muscular Dystrophy
Myeloid Leukemia
Nail-Patella Syndrome
Nightmares
Obesity
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Opiate Dependence
Osteoarthritis
Panic Disorder
Parkinson’s Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peritoneal Pain
Persistent Insomnia
Porphyria
Post Polio Syndrome (PPS)
Post-traumatic arthritis
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Quadriplegia
Radiation Therapy
Raynaud’s Disease
Reiter’s Syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizophrenia
Scoliosis
Sedative Dependence
Seizures
Senile Dementia
Severe Nausea
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Sinusitis
Skeletal Muscular Spasticity
Sleep Apnea
Spasticity
Spinal Stenosis
Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS)
Stuttering
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Tenosynovitis
Thyroiditis
Tic Douloureux
Tietze’s Syndrome
Tinnitus
Tobacco Dependence
Tourette’s Syndrome
Trichotillomania
Viral HepatitisThus, I feel medical marijuana is a good drug.
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QUESTION:
Carrot Juice is beneficial in Treatment of Chicken Pox ?
so they will became less visible or any other juice-
ANSWER:
Chicken Pox Treatment
Chicken pox is a common, usually self-limited, infection caused by the varicella virus. Learn more about the presricption and over-the-counter treatments that are …
dermatology.about.com/cs/chickenpox/a/chickentreat.htm – Cached
#
Chicken Pox – Chickenpox – Symptoms and Treatment – Family …
Chicken Pox Symptoms and Treatment Guide. Covering chicken pox causes, symptoms and … Taking Control of Incontinence. Advertisement. Chicken Pox. Page 1 of 6 …
www.familyhealthguide.co.uk/chicken-pox.html – Cached
#
Chickenpox – Treatment
Information on Chickenpox from NHS Choices including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, risks and treatment and with links to other useful resources
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Chickenpox/Pages/Treatment.aspx – Cached
#
Chickenpox – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia* Signs and symptoms|
* Pathophysiology|
* Diagnosis|
* PreventionThe most common late complication of chicken pox is shingles, caused by reactivation … Chicken Pox Treatments. About.com. ^ Gleeson, Rachael. …
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_pox – 160k – Cached
#
Chicken Pox Treatment – Chickenpox – Family Health Guide
Chicken Pox Treatment Guide: Most patients with chicken pox will recover completely … Control of Incontinence. Advertisement. Chicken Pox – Treatment. Page 5 …
www.familyhealthguide.co.uk/chicken-pox/treatment.html – Cached
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QUESTION:
i have these black spots under my pee hole please help?
i am still a virgin i used to masturbate alot but i stopped (i do it 1-2 times a day before like 4 times) the black spots are not pimples they don’t look like pimples. i am a circumsied boy . the black spots don’t itch or burn no pain it dosen’t affect my life but i just want to know should i be worried. it started days ago not too long-
ANSWER:
Tough to say without seeing the lesionAcne – close-up of pustular lesions
Bone lesion biopsy
Chickenpox – lesion on the leg
Chickenpox – lesions on the chest
Erythema multiforme, circular lesions – hands
Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm
Gram stain of skin lesion
Herpes zoster (shingles) – close-up of lesion
Janeway lesion – close-up
Janeway lesion on the finger
Kaposi’s sarcoma – lesion on the foot in question. I would be screened for a variety of infectionsAcute cytomegalovirus (cmv) infection
Acute hiv infection
Asymptomatic hiv infection
Athlete’s foot
Breast infection
Cellulitis
Chlamydia infections in women
Common cold
Corneal ulcers and infections
Cystitis – acute bacterial
Ear infection – acute – no matter how little the risk. This can include a urinalysisUrinalysis as well as urineCalcium – urine
Calcium urine test
Chloride – urine
Cortisol – urine
Electrolytes – urine
Glucose test – urine
Hcg in urine
Ketones – urine
Kidney – blood and urine flow
Lh urine test (home test)
Ph urine test tests for gonorrhea and chlamydiaChlamydia
Chlamydia infections in women
Chlamydial urethritis – male.The prostateEnlarged prostate
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer – resources
Prostate gland
Prostate removal
Prostatectomy – series
Psa should certainly be looked at. A digitalDigital rectal exam rectalAnorectal fistulas
Colon cancer
Colorectal polyps
Digital rectal exam
Hemorrhoids
Imperforate anus
Imperforate anus repair
Inflatable artificial sphincter
Proctitis
Rectal biopsy
Rectal cancer, x-ray exam to evaluate for any tenderness or enlargement can be considered. Any prostatic fluid that is expressed via prostatic massage can be sent off for culture and analysis.If there are scrotalGenital injury
Scrotal mass
Scrotal masses
Scrotal swelling
Testicle ultrasound masses or lumpsLumps in the breasts present, you can consider a scrotalGenital injury
Scrotal mass
Scrotal masses
Scrotal swelling
Testicle ultrasound ultrasound17 week ultrasound
30 week ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound
Breast ultrasound
Carotid duplex
Doppler ultrasound exam of an arm or leg
Duplex/doppler ultrasound test
Echocardiogram
Eye and orbit ultrasound
Intravascular ultrasound
Pregnancy ultrasound for further evaluation.I would discuss these options with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essentialEssential hypertension
Essential tremor.This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice – the information presented is for patientKidney diet – dialysis patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
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QUESTION:
A new medicine for Fibromyalgia?
I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 11 years ago. I have it severe because I have all 18 tender points.
Right now the only medicine I can take for it is Neurontin, for the pain. Takes the edge off so that it’s bearable, but that’s about it…still have pain.
Anyway,
I heard there’s a new medicine that has been FDA approved for Fibro. I don’t know the spelling of it, but it sounded something like this:
Lyceria?
Has anyone heard anything about it or tried it?-
ANSWER:
Hey Chekota,It’s greenburg603, I found some information on Lyrica on www.webmd.com:
FDA OKs Lyrica as 1st Fibromyalgia Drug
Drug Relieves Fibromyalgia Pain for Some Patients
By Miranda Hitti
WebMD Medical NewsReviewed by Louise Chang, MDJune 21, 2007 — The FDA today approved Lyrica as the first drug treatment for fibromyalgia. Lyrica isn’t a cure, but it may ease fibromyalgia pain for some patients, according to the FDA.Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder of the muscles and related soft tissue, including ligaments and tendons. Its main symptoms are muscle pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tender points at certain points of the body.
Fibromyalgia affects about 3 million to 6 million people in the U.S each year. The disorder mostly affects women and typically develops in early to middle adulthood, according to the FDA.
There is no test for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Doctors make a diagnosis by conducting physical examinations, evaluating symptoms, and ruling out other conditions.
Lyrica is already approved by the FDA for the treatment of nerve pain caused by shingles and by diabetes. The drug also reduces some forms of epileptic seizures.
‘Important Advance’ for Fibromyalgia Treatment
Lyrica reduces pain and improves daily functions for some patients with fibromyalgia, notes the FDA.“Today’s new approval marks an important advance, and provides a reason for optimism for the many patients who will receive pain relief with Lyrica,” says the FDA’s Steven Galson, MD, MPH, in an FDA news release.
“However, consumers should understand that some patients did not experience benefit in clinical trials. We still have more progress to make for treatment of this disorder,” says Galson, who directs the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
Lyrica’s Fibromyalgia Trials
People with fibromyalgia have been shown to experience pain differently from other people. Studies have shown that such patients have decreased pain after taking Lyrica, but the mechanism by which Lyrica produces such an effect is unknown.The FDA approved Lyrica for the treatment of fibromyalgia based on two clinical trials that included about 1,800 fibromyalgia patients. The trials backed Lyrica’s use in treating fibromyalgia at doses of 300 milligrams or 450 milligrams per day, according to the FDA.
Lyrica’s Side Effects
In Lyrica’s clinical trials for fibromyalgia treatment, the drug’s most common side effects included mild to moderate dizziness and sleepiness. Blurred vision, weight gain, dry mouth, and swelling of the hands and feet also were also reported in the clinical trials.Side effects appeared to correlate with the drug’s dose, notes the FDA.
Lyrica can impair motor function and cause problems with concentration and attention. The FDA advises patients to talk to their doctor or other health care professional about whether the use of Lyrica may impair their ability to drive.
Lyrica is made by Pfizer, which has agreed to perform a study of the drug in children with fibromyalgia and a study in breastfeeding women.
Lyrica has been prescribed for 5 million patients worldwide for various uses, according to a Pfizer news release.
SOURCES: WebMD Medical News: “Lyrica May Help Ease Fibromyalgia Pain.” WebMD Medical News: “Lyrica May Relieve Fibromyalgia Pain.” News release, Pfizer.© 2007 WebMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
Related Links
Tricyclic antidepressants for fibromyalgia
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for fibromyalgia
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for fibromyalgia
FibromyalgiaIf you are going to have you doctor reccomend you this type of drug, there is another website that can help you with information on how mang mg you are taking for lyrica. For example say you are only taking 25mg, then this website will give you specific information on 25mg and here is the website www.walgreens.com and in the search box type in Lyrica and it will show the types of milligrams there are for each dose and the side effects with each milligrms.
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QUESTION:
how do I get out of a condition of neuralgia?-
ANSWER:
It can be difficult. Treatment of neuralgia is aimed at reversing or controlling the cause of the nerve problem (if identified), as well as providing pain relief. Therefore, the treatment varies depending on the cause, location, and severity of the pain, and other factors. Even if the cause of the neuralgia is never identified, the condition may improve spontaneously or disappear with time.The cause (if known) should be treated. This may include surgical removal of tumors, or surgical separation of the nerve from blood vessels or other structures that compress it. This can be the approach taken for certain cases of carpal tunnel syndrome and trigeminal neuralgia.
Strict control of blood sugar may accelerate recovery in people with diabetes who develop neuralgia.
Mild over-the-counter analgesics such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen may be helpful for mild pain. Narcotic analgesics such as codeine may be needed for a short time to control severe pain. These traditional pain-killers, however, often have disappointing results.
Other types of medications work in different parts of the nervous system and often provide better symptom control. For example, antiseizure medications such as carbamazepine, gabapentin, lamotrigine or phenytoin may be helpful for pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia. The most common side effects of antiseizure drugs are drowsiness, tremor, and incoordination.
Antidepressant medications, such as amitriptyline, may be helpful to control pain in some cases. The topical (local) application of creams containing capsaicin also may help to control pain.
Other treatments may include nerve blocks, local injections of anesthetic agents, or surgical procedures to decrease sensitivity of the nerve. Some procedures involve the ablation (surgical destruction) of the affected nerve using different methods, such as local radiofrequency, heat, balloon compression, and injection of chemicals (such as glycerolysis).
Unfortunately, these procedures do not guarantee improvement and can cause loss of sensation or abnormal sensations.
Another strategy sometimes used for resistant cases of neuralgia is called motor cortex stimulation (MCS), which consists of surgically placing an electrode over the sensory cortex of the brain. The electrode is hooked to a pulse generator pocketed under the skin. Such surgical procedures, however, are tried only when more conservative approaches have failed.
For some patients, post herpetic neuralgia can be treated with a combination of oral (taken by mouth) prednisone and antiviral medication.
Physical therapy may be helpful for some types of neuralgia, especially postherpetic neuralgia. Treatment of shingles with antiviral medication may decrease the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia.
http://www.medhelp.org/medical-information/show/858/Neuralgia
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QUESTION:
can i take valtrex for cold sores?
if i can take it, is it something ill be able to take every day so i dont have to worry about it or can i only take it when i feel one coming on?-
ANSWER:
yes valtrex for cold sores you see DRValacyclovir is used to treat cold sores (herpes labialis) and shingles (herpes zoster). It is also used to treat genital herpes in patients with normal immune systems. Valacyclovir can also be used to control genital herpes outbreaks in all patients, including those with HIV. This is also known as suppressive therapy. This medication helps control symptoms, but does not cure the disease.
Valacyclovir belongs to a class of medications known as antivirals.
If you are taking valacyclovir for treatment of genital herpes, it is important to follow safe sex practices to lower the chance of giving herpes to your partner, even if there are no symptoms present. Always use a condom made of latex or polyurethane. When you have symptoms or are experiencing an outbreak, do not have sexual contact with your partner.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This medication may be used to prevent or treat other types of viral infections (cytomegalovirus) in certain patient populations.
How to use Valtrex Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.Take valacyclovir by mouth, with or without food or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. When taking this medication to treat an outbreak, it works best if you take this medication when you first notice an outbreak is starting. The medication may not work as well if you wait more than 72 hours to start it. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
When treating an outbreak, continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear. When using this drug to suppress/control outbreaks, take exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not skip doses or stop taking this without your doctor’s approval. Stopping therapy too soon may result in ineffective treatment.
If using this medication to treat an outbreak, inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
What conditions does Valtrex Oral treat?
Valtrex Oral Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, stomach pain, painful periods may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations), confusion, speech problems, shaky/unsteady movement, vision changes.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, loss of consciousness, signs of other infections (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat).
This medication may rarely cause a blood disorder (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) or a severe kidney problem (hemolytic uremic syndrome). These problems are more likely to occur if you have HIV disease or if you have had a bone marrow transplant or an organ transplant. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: change in the amount of urine, easy bruising/bleeding, unusual fever.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Valtrex Oral have any side effects?
Valtrex Oral Precautions
Before taking valacyclovir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or to acyclovir; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, blood disorders, immune system problems (e.g., HIV disease, bone marrow transplant, organ transplant).
This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially confusion, agitation, and kidney problems.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
What should I know before taking Valtrex Oral?
Valtrex Oral Interactions
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: cimetidine, probenecid.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are also using other drugs which may be harmful to your kidneys such as: aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin), amphotericin B, cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), tacrolimus, vancomycin.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
Valtrex Oral Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: change in the amount of urine, sluggishness, loss of consciousness, seizures.NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., kidney function tests, complete blood count) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59-77 degrees F (15-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Information last revised August 2007 Copyright(c) 2007 First DataBank, Inc.
More Links Related to Valtrex OralVaginal Infections Pregnancy and UTIs Ear Infections Fungal Infections MRSA Infections Valtrex Oral RatingsOverall Rating by Condition Select a Condition Genital Herpes Cold Sore 13 reviews for this condition.
EffectivenessThis medication has worked for me.
Current Rating: 0Ease of UseThis medication has been easy for me to use.
Current Rating: 0SatisfactionOverall, I have been satisfied with my experience.
Current Rating: 0User Reviews
Sort By: Select One Most Helpful Date Rating Condition: Genital Herpes10/1/2007 1:18:09 PM
Reviewer Info: on Treatment for 5 to less than 10 years (Patient)Effectiveness
Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use
Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction
Current Rating: 5Comment: No outbreaks while on Valtrex. I have used it for several years.
Comment:No outbreaks while on Valtrex. I have used it for several years.
Hide Full Comment0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Report This Post Condition: Cold Sore9/30/2007 1:08:09 PM
Reviewer Info: vic, 35-44 Female on Treatment for less than 1 month (Patient)Effectiveness
Current Rating: 3
Ease of Use
Current Rating: 4
Satisfaction
Current Rating: 3Comment: My face broke out very bad. Is there anything I can use
Comment:My face broke out very bad. Is there anything I can use
Hide Full Comment0 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Report This Post Condition: Genital Herpes9/19/2007 4:18:58 PM
Reviewer Info: bigmama, 35-44 Female on Treatment for 5 to less than 10 years (Patient)Effectiveness
Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use
Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction
Current Rating: 5Comment: since use this product i have been out break free! thanks to yiu guys and my sister who told me about this p … Show Full Comment
Comment:since use this product i have been out break free! thanks to yiu guys and my sister who told me about this pill. the last out breack i’ve had sin finding out i havethis (1999) was the fall of 2000 thanks agin i think its wroth the money
Hide Full Comment6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Report This Post Sort By: Select One Most Helpful Date Rating
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QUESTION:
My mum was told by her doctor that she has Shingles at the side of her neck.And is very painfull.?
She can t sleep at night cos of the pain.-
ANSWER:
Shingles causes a painful rash of small blisters that typically appear on the body, often in a band on the chest and back. The virus that causes shingles is called varicella zoster. This is the virus that causes chickenpox.An antiviral medicine such as aciclovir, usually taken as tablets, is effective if taken at the early stage of the illness. The medicine helps control the rash and minimise damage to the nerves, reducing the likelihood of lingering pain and other complications.
The tablets may also be used to prevent an outbreak of shingles in people who have a weakened immune system and who come into contact with the illness.
The pain of shingles may be relieved by painkillers such as paracetamol. Always follow the instructions.
Calamine lotion may help to soothe the rash.
There is no cure for shingles. However, the symptoms can be controlled, especially if treated at an early stage before the blisters begin to appear. Most attacks clear up on their own. However, shingles can recur.
I have had some success with Accupuncture. This had been in the relief of pain while touching the patient.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice – the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
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QUESTION:
Do i have shingles or phn shingles ? what do i do?
I am showing signs of having phn singles pain. Here are my system’s : I am almost 100% I have have two shingles outbreak one 6 yrs ago and one about 4 years ago I never went to the doctors because it went away with in two weeks.both time I thought it was a rash. I went to the hospital last week for pains in my cheast, I thought I had a heart attack and was told their was possible tissue damage in my shoulder. followed up with my doctors and he said the Pimples on my chest and the pains were shingles. Then I start To put the pieces together. 8 yrs old have chicken pocs,10 tonsils remove, 11 some infection in my nostrol.Early 20s pancreas infected, in the hospital for week I’ve felt pains every morning for over 2 years and I would say it felt like twos on the “pain meter”. I was told the pimples on my leg where hay fever,those are now scars on my leg.What if for over 6-10 years I have had shingles and never been treated. That the dry skin/hay fever , I put lotion on it and NEVER Scratched it. The pains I just downed played, I mean who’s back,feet,arm dosent hurt once in a while. But I always had a overwhealming soreness in one part and never really said anything. The pain is now a 6, icant move my left arm and the pain travels from my cheast,back,feet. I went to the hospital with a 10+.I’ve taken some xrays and blood work is coming back soon. What should I do with work, they will have doctors notes saying I can’t work, I’ve been their for 5 years. When I was doing the research it was a little scary to see the pictures of stuff I had on me 4-6 years ago. The pains and sensations that I have really fit.8 am a postive person If stress is a factor the past years has taken a toll on me besides the pains described I’ve gone their a divorce my mother passing and girlfriend cancer has been alot . I am only 29 years old.-
ANSWER:
You may be having the after shingles pain. Currently, there is no cure for PHN, and it cannot be prevented in all patients. Because the virus is no longer present after the blisters dry up, the antiviral drugs used to treat shingles are not useful in patients with PHN. For some people, PHN may improve over time without treatment, although not common. However, there are several treatment options approved by the FDA for PHN and PHN pain.You can take some of these medications by mouth in the form of a pill. There are also two topical options, a lidocaine patch and a capsaicin patch, that are applied directly to the skin where you feel the PHN pain. It is important to realize that every PHN patient responds differently to these different treatment options.
Check here for more information.
http://www.aftershingles.com/after-shingles-pain/treatment.aspx
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QUESTION:
have anyone had a case of shingles that was over both”sides” of the body ?
My father got the live vaccine for shingles, and within a week I developed rash over my hands, face and feet, bilaterally…steroids made it worse. Health care providers are saying it is not because it is usually only on one side of the body, which I know not to be completely true, because I am a retired RN and I took care of a young man going through the worst case of shingles after chemo …it was all over his body. He made it through….Children’s Hospital National Medical Center in DC is the best. Now the shingles vaccine is now being marketed heavily, I am concerned, because my rash is horrible. I there anyone else out there with a similar situation? I would like to add that I am totally for the shingles vaccine. I am just trying to figure out if the live virus vaccine my dad received activated shingles in me. I thank you for your input.-
ANSWER:
annie42,
When the chicken pox virus Herpes Zoster completes its run, it – Zoster – lies dormant in the nerves. In most people, the virus remains dormant and they never experience any problems. However, in the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems, the virus can awaken and travel down the sensory nerves. Shingles infections normally occur on one side of the body, along the path of the nerve affected. However, in rare instances, bilateral outbreaks are possible, as you have discovered! The chickenpox vaccine is made from live, attenuated (weakened) varicella virus. Chickenpox vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus that causes chickenpox and are given to prevent chickenpox. On rare occasions, people who have received this vaccine can transmit chickenpox infection to others. If that person already has a natural immunity from chickenpox by having had the disease at an earlier age, the stimulation may provoke the Zoster virus to ‘awaken’ and produce shingles. For this reason, if a patient develops a skin rash within four to six weeks of having a dose of this vaccine, it is important that they avoid contact with people who could be at high risk of getting severe chickenpox, until the rash has cleared. If a person with shingles passes the virus to someone who has never had chickenpox, the newly infected person will develop chickenpox, not shingles. There are many “remedies” for reducing or treating the pain caused by the shingles rash. The two most effective are reported to be that of spreading raw honey on the lesions, and the other is painting or spraying the rash with a plastic skin – for example the surgical spray Nebecutane which tends to produce an almost ‘instant’ relief. (I thought that being a retired RN you would have known this!!)ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. – MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED.
It is extremely important to obtain an accurate diagnosis before trying to find a cure. Many diseases and conditions share common symptoms.
The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
Hope this helps
matador 89
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QUESTION:
Recurring Shingles?
Anyone else have this “problem”? I always get them on the same exact spot, “My Buttocks” On on side of my body, It’s been about 5 years now and the last two times it was so bad I ended up w/Postherpetic Neuralgia, a severe pain shooting, burning, hard to keep pants or anything for that matter touching my leg!My PCP acually came ito my room w/his computer and “Googled” shingles!!! HELLO…..
Anywho, he has me on some pain meds and now wants me on Methadone for the pain as well, ahhmm NO! As we all know Meth has a VERY bad rep, extreamly hard to get off of and has a history of well, Heroin users, I cannot have this on my record as I am a Nurse In a Major Hospital…. Any help welcome, WWYD?
I have been on it all!! Lyrica, Neurontin, Aclovair.. it all.. It just is so bad!
Oh and for the record , MY dr. pulled up GOOGLE!! I could have done that!!-
ANSWER:
So the PCP disappointed you because he actually used technology to find other suggestions for treatment, instead of acting like he knew all the answers off the top of his head? I’d rather have a doc look for answers than fly by the seat of his pants and make a mistake. Anyway- methadone was developed as a muscle relaxant, and the pain relieving qualities caught them by surprise. That was it’s first application, before it was used to wean off opiod addicted patients. It’s still a good pain reliever, come to that- especially when the standard narcotics aren’t working. Yeah, it’s got the reputation. But it shouldn’t be a problem on the record, as it’s being provided by prescription for a presumably already known diagnosis of recurrent shingles. There are immunosupressants and anti-virals out there you could try, I suppose. But working in a hospital, in the germ soup environment- I wouldn’t think supressing your immune system would be an attractive option. If you don’t like the suggestion, don’t go with it. Google yourself other options. I think you might have better luck discriminating between the answers than depending on the answers of the questionable experts here at YA. And don’t count the PCP out because he googled. I’ve seen plenty of mistakes made by doctors who were too cocky to admit they didn’t know it all, and would much rather see one look up the information. The key is not knowing all the answers, but knowing where to find them.
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QUESTION:
Has anyone suffered Bells Palsy, and what did you do?-
ANSWER:
The first priority in treating Bell’s palsy or any type of facial paralysis is to eliminate the source of damage to the nerve as quickly as possible. Minor compression for a short time period can result in mild and temporary damage. As time goes on with constant or increasing compression, damage to the nerve can also increase. If you decide to use medications that may help relieve the compression (Prednisone and antivirals), they should be started as quickly as possible. The “window of opportunity” for starting these medications is thought to be 7 days from the onset of Bell’s palsy. Prednisone may be prescribed later if it appears the inflammation has not subsided.Rest is important. The body has had an injury, and will heal most efficiently with enough rest to maintain strength and immunity at peak levels. It’s normal to feel more tired than is usual during recovery. If you choose to work or exercise immediately after onset, be smart about it – when your body tells you it needs a break, indulge it if you have that option.
Food particles can lodge between the gum and cheek, so take extra steps to maintain oral hygiene.
Wear eyeglasses with tinted lenses, or sunglasses (see eye care for additional important information).
Take extra care to keep your eye moist while working on a computer. Even under normal circumstances people tend to blink less frequently while at a computer. For a dry, non-blinking eye, this can be more of a problem. Keep eye drops handy, and remember to manually blink your eye with the back of the index finger.
If sounds appear painfully loud, don’t hesitate to ask people to speak softly. Exaggerated perception of volume isn’t a symptom that people are likely to be aware of, so you may need to explain that it’s a symptom associated with Bells Palsy. An earplug can help, although if you have a history of any inner or middle ear problems or have had surgery in the ear, check with your doctor before using an earplug.
Immediate exercising is not recommended. Unlike skeletal muscles, facial muscles do not immediately start to atrophy. Until the nerve starts to send a signal to the muscles, the muscles simply cannot move. Forcing movement before seeing signs that the nerve is starting to transmit signals again may create long-term problems. Even while the muscles appear flaccid, some nerve threads may be functional. When you try to force movement under these circumstances, you can inadvertently signal the wrong muscles to jump in and help. As time goes on, these inappropriate movement patterns can become automatic. They can result in asymmetrical and synkinetic types of motion. Instead of pushing it in the early days, try to be patient, and remind yourself that in time movement will return. Massage or tapping can provide gentle stimulation without risk.
For pain or discomfort, moist heat can help. There are gel packs and thera-bead packs that can be heated in a microwave for fast, easy and portable help with the soreness. They can usually be found in drugstores and pharmacies, in the section with old fashioned heating pads. In a pinch, ordinary rice in a sock can be heated in a microwave. For a treat, try an herbal heating pack. Doctors are not all aware that significant pain can be part of the ordeal. If you need medication, ask for it. If the doctor doubts the pain is real, refer him to the recently published “The Facial Nerve, 2nd Edition” for documentation. Severe, or long lasting pain is more consistently associated with Ramsey Hunt Syndrome. There are several medications that provide relief including Neurontin. This is a relatively new drug for neuropathic and post-herpetic pain. It’s effective for the pain caused by shingles and Ramsay Hunt syndrome, and has relatively minimal adverse effects. Common side effects include drowziness, dizziness and nausea. Interactions with other drugs are nearly non-existent.
hope this helps, and you feel better!
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QUESTION:
Do I have PHN after outbreak of shingles?
Over the past week I’ve had a rather severe outbreak of shingles. At first it was a very blunt pain around the right low skull/ Neck area. It eventually broke out in a rash, and my doctor diagnosed it as shingles. I was put on a regimen of Famciclovir, Zovirax and Panadiene forte. I’ve since taken all of the Famvir, and zovirax, but small remnants of the shingles are still visible, I still have a slight rash and redness at the affected area. My neck and skull also feel exactly the same despite the medication. The best way I could describe the pain is shooting, deep and twisting pain that feels like it may be a pinched nerve or twisted muscle. I’m on the ropes as to what to do, please if anyone can offer me some assistance, it would be greatly appreciated.Thanks in advance,
Luke
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ANSWER:
Hello, Luke….although I have never had Shingles (Herpes Zoster) myself
I have had several friends that have suffered mightally from it. The pain can certainly take it’s toll. The most serious feature of Shingles is pain
following the attack.The pain is consequence of damage to the nerves, causing strong nerve impulses to be constantly produced and passed
upward to the brain.The pain, which affects about one third of sufferers,
may be severe and may last for months or years. The older the patient
and the more pronounced the rash is , the more likely the pain will be severe and persistent. Generally the sufferer of Shingles is over 50 years old or already suffering from a weakened immune system from some other disorder. Unfortunately, other than the antiviral drugs you have already taken, there is little that will help you ease the pain. Many measures have been tried with brief or no relief at all. I hope this information helps…and good luck.
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QUESTION:
shingles mean you have HIV? DOCTOR HELP?
yesterday i went to the doctor to see what was this rash on my skin. It wasnt hurting me it was just annoying because I knew it was there. It was no pain but i felt it when i had to put on my clothes and things like that. So the doctor told me that I had shingles and said that I was HIV positive. I said that cant be because I was tested two months ago with my girlfriend at the time and everything was fine. He still tried to give me another one and i said no. and he didnt give me any good. information on it. So I just want to know if you have shingles does that mean your HIV positive? im 25 years old by the way-
ANSWER:
He probably drew his conclusion on your age. It’s pretty rare for a 25 yo to have shingles without an immune system issue such as HIV. Shingles are pretty common in HIV patients and the elderly.
In my 50 years, I’ve had numerous doctors draw wrong conclusions countless times. It wouldn’t hurt to do another test to be on the safe side though….good luck
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QUESTION:
PLEASE HELP WITH MY QUESTION NURSES OR DOCTORS?
I am a 23 year old male. I work out 5 times a week, consistantly for the last three years. I developed the shingles virus three months ago following the nerve pattern from the abs to the middle of my spine on the left side of my body. I recovered with little scars but i just recently have a lump in my throut the doctor says in is a thyroglossal duct cyst or it could be a swollon lymph node. Days after i noticed the lump i began to break out in boils on the face. This has been going on for a month now. The doctor didnt take x rays but she is going to let me know when she can take them. I am very nervouse as to why this is all happening at once. I had my blood takin and they said is was fine. It was also test for HIV virus and it was negative. What could be going on???? I Eat Pretty Good alot of chicken eggs steak and just recently began consuming more veggies. Please help me-
ANSWER:
Shingles( Herpes Zoster) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive (dormant) in your nerves. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shinglesSome people continue to feel pain long after the rash and blisters heal — a pain called postherpetic neuralgia.
Thyroglossal cysts can undergo changes that, in rare instances, evolve into cancer. A warning sign of trouble is a cyst that suddenly gets bigger. In those cases, everyone – doctor and patient – must know beyond the shadow of a doubt if cancer changes have occurred. Usually that information can be obtained only by examining the tissue with a microscope. Therefore, a biopsy is needed to determine if indeed it’s cancerous. .
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QUESTION:
Honest opinion of marijuana?
I`ve read a lot about this and I’ve realised that a lot of the information is really misleading. A lot of people try to make you believe that it’s all bad but I don’t really believe that myself. Now I’m not a critic. I’m not here to judge. But I really want to see what other people think about marijuana. Do you think that it’s good or bad? How does it affect you? (Preferably people who have used it) Please explain your opinion and don’t comment if you don’t actually have anything to add to this.-
ANSWER:
Here is a general list of sicknesses with symptoms and/or side effects that have been treated with medical marijuana:Agoraphobia
AIDS Related Illness
Alcohol Abuse
Alcoholism
Alopecia Areata
Amphetamine Dependency
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Angina Pectoris
Ankylosis
Anorexia
Anorexia Nervosa
Anxiety Disorders
Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease
Arthritis
Asthma
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Autoimmune Disease
Back Pain
Back Sprain
Bell’s Palsy
Bipolar Disorder
Brain Tumor, Malignant
Bruxism
Bulimia
Cachexia
Cancer
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
Cervical Disk Disease
Chemotherapy
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Pain
Chronic renal failure
Cocaine Dependence
Colitis
Conjunctivitis
Constipation
Crohn’s Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Damage to Spinal Cord Nervous Tissue
Degenerative Arthritis
Delirium Tremens
Diabetes
Depression
Diabetic Peripheral Vascular Disease
Diarrhea
Diverticulitis
Dysthymic Disorder
Eczema
Emphysema
Emphysema
Endometriosis
Epididymitis
Epilepsy
Fibromyalgia
Gastritis
Genital Herpes
Glaucoma
Graves Disease
Headaches, Cluster
Headaches, Migraine
Headaches, Tension
Hemophilia A
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
Hepatitis C
Hereditary Spinal Ataxia
HIV/AIDS
Hospice Patients
Huntington’s Disease
Hypertension
Hypertension
Hyperventilation
Hypoglycemia
Impotence
Insomnia
Inflammatory autoimmune-mediated arthritis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
Intractable Vomitting
Lipomatosis
Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Lyme Disease
Lymphoma
Major Depression
Malignant Melanoma
Mania
Melorheostosis
Meniere’s Disease
Motion Sickness
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Muscle Spasms
Muscular Dystrophy
Myeloid Leukemia
Nail-Patella Syndrome
Nightmares
Obesity
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Opiate Dependence
Osteoarthritis
Panic Disorder
Parkinson’s Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peritoneal Pain
Persistent Insomnia
Porphyria
Post Polio Syndrome (PPS)
Post-traumatic arthritis
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Quadriplegia
Radiation Therapy
Raynaud’s Disease
Reiter’s Syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizophrenia
Scoliosis
Sedative Dependence
Seizures
Senile Dementia
Severe Nausea
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Sinusitis
Skeletal Muscular Spasticity
Sleep Apnea
Spasticity
Spinal Stenosis
Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS)
Stuttering
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Tenosynovitis
Thyroiditis
Tic Douloureux
Tietze’s Syndrome
Tinnitus
Tobacco Dependence
Tourette’s Syndrome
Trichotillomania
Viral HepatitisUnlike Alcohol or other addictive drugs, Marijuana does’t kills anyone. Marijuana doesn’t contain nicotine in it. Hence, it is not addictive. Thus, I don’t think it is bad at all.
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QUESTION:
Did anyone else feel more like a hypochondriac after having cancer? Also does this sound like it could be….?
cervical cancer or something? I’ve been the opposite of a hypochondriac most of my life and typically under-react to medical situations and remain overly hopeful that something is nothing, but now I’m concerned that maybe I’m becoming a drama queen and just worrying for no legitimate reason. I’ve had several relatively minor illnesses and infections since going into remission in the summer of 2010 for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma that have primarily been due to a weakened immune system. I now have shingles for the second time this year and my oncologist said it’s probably because I went to Burning Man and my body wigged out in all the heat of the desert and I got really sick after wards and that wore my immune system out. I still have NED. Anyway, so now I’m freaking out because I’m having an extremely heavy, unexpected period and this strange tingling sensation in my face. It’s way too soon to be having it because the last one ended just 8 days ago. I’m anemic, so that’s probably why it’s making me woozy. I thought I’d gotten it under control. I already called her office and explained the situation and they said they would have her call me back as soon as possible. I’m slightly worried I could have something like cervical cancer, and am wondering if that’s a legitimate fear or I’m just being like all the ridiculous teenagers here who ask if they have cancer when they don’t. The only other thing that’s weird besides the shingles is that my lips are a little swollen and chapped……I’m embarrassed to tell my parents about the bleeding. I’m not pregnant or anything, but still, it would be awkward. Plus I don’t want to worry them unnecessarily.Did anyone else freak out over things that weren’t serious? Am I being ridiculous or should I be concerned? I did read online that it’s not unusual for teenage girls to have irregular periods.
ChemoAngel, the chapped lips actually did turn out to be very relevant because they were caused by a vitamin B deficiency. I am getting an ultrasound on Wednesday along with a MRI and literally a dozen other tests. I hope you continue to have good health and can see your doctor as minimally as possible.-
ANSWER:
It is pretty common for all cancer patients to think something may be a sign their cancer has returned.
Although people can get multiple cancers in their lifetime I can’t ever recall it happing in someone your age.
Not that I want you to be paranoid or that I am happy you are worried, but I am glad you do not feel quite as invincible as you once did. I think the shingles did it! It is a sign you might be a little bit more cautious than you used to be and that is a good thing, but you want to find a happy median.
Cervical cancer is unlikely at your age, especially if you have had regular normal pap smears. It does not present symptoms until the later stages and it just doesn’t progress that fast. Also the abnormal bleeding that is talked about as a symptom basically refers to after sexual intercourse. This is because many solid tumor cancers, including cervical cancer, often bleed when touched. This is seen all the time during surgery and in endoscopy exams.
This is not going to help your anemia and yes abnormal periods are common in teenagers and really I think they change from time to time for every female on the planet.
You should always keep your oncologist informed about any changes that persist more than a couple of days. It is not silly. It is their job and that is what they are there for.
I can understand feeling a little embarrassed telling your parents about the bleeding, but if it does not stop soon you should tell your mom. It is not worrying them unnecessarily it may actually be a little bit of a relief that your health concerning enough to you that you tell them about it, especially now that you are going away to school. They may be more worried that you shrug things off too easily and don’t say anything until it is serious and now that they will not see you as much they have to rely more on your judgment than before.
Your mother is a physician and even though it is a little different because you are her daughter she is still able to correlate the information in a professional manner and know what is important and what is not.
And you can keep asking your question here before you talk to them if you want. I would miss you if you ever went away.
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QUESTION:
Is becoming a doctor worth it?
I’m a senior in HS and have always been very motivated and prepared for all the years of education it takes to become a Pediatrician. I love math and science, money, and the kids most of all. I’d love to be a kindergarten teacher, but ofcourse the money is the issue I have with that.Anyways, assuming my information is accurate, I will graduate HS at 18, graduate college at 22, graduate med school at 26, and complete pediatric courses at 28. By then, I may have ,000 in school debts? By 26 I will have started working as a doctor and began paying off my debts? My question is how long will I be working on paying that tuition off, and during that time will I be struggling or can a family survive?
I know it varies on how much you start off making but basically I’m rethinking my future before I start it because a teacher of mine, not saying she knows what she’s talking about, told me I will be in school till I’m 30 and will be hurting till I am 40 paying off my debts.
That’s what scared me because I really didn’t know it would take until I’m 40 to start making good living… but is this true? and if so, is it worth it?
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ANSWER:
Worth what?If you are trying to get rich, no, likely not.
The hours are long, the people often unappreciative, and the cost high to get that education. You likely won’t have a great marriage… it is always “Mistress Medicine” first in your life.
Docs and dentists have the highest divorce rates of any profession.
So far, is it worth it???
Some women do well, by marrying other docs. Some join a group and limit their days so that they can practice and parent too. In fact, if you were to become a doc, by the time you get out, there will be fewer still who hang out a shingle and practice as a single doc…. only about 2% do that even now. Most join a medical group.
You won’t make much money at all during your residency, and the hours are long.
No one goes into medicine to get rich.
They do that because the cases are challenging, and they like to use their brain, and help people.
The typical Family Practice doc sees 4 patients an hour, x 7 hours, with one add on in the morning and one in the afternoon. From 5-7, pm, you are catching up on your chart work, and get home about 7:30pm.
You love medicine, or you don’t.
And if dealing with patients isn’t your thing, anesthesiology is a good specialty (most guys in this field believe “a good patient is an unconscious one.”) or pathology, where you work in a hospital with tissues. (“dead stuff”). Radiology, as well, has regular hours, but again, as in all of these, the $$$ are not huge.
Long ago, docs don’t make a ton of money. 20 years ago, an orthopedist would easily make 0,000/yr. Then insurances took over… private, for profit insurance companies.
The premium money went into the pockets of the companies, not the docs. My dad left one state and moved to Oregon because at the time they had no insurance companies. He did quite well until Oregon then allowed “for profit” insurance companies.
Husband out of school, joined a duo, and they shared call. But they were as well running a business. He left them, and went with 4 other docs, hiring 10 staff. Again, running a business. Not what docs do best. He hated the business part. All he wanted to do was practice medicine.
So, he left that group, and joined an even larger one as a salaried employee, and liked it much better. He didn’t have to worry about if towels got ordered, or if the ink for the printers were available. In fact, he didn’t even have to find staff…. that was provided.
And he was 35 before he got out of debt… practiced 8 years before it was all paid off. But this was 25 years ago. Costs are now higher.
EDIT: Lifecrym is incorrect. If you doubt this, when you see your fp doc next time, ask him what he makes. They’ll tell you.
All docs like medicare patients, and it is a government plan. It would be no different for any patient on any government plan. Just the waste gone.
As an example, have a friend who has had 4 MRI’s and 5 CT scans all for the same problem, because docs in groups want a piece of the action!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This simply wouldn’t happen with reform. There is no need to have 10 expensive tests because a new doc wants one, because he owns a lab where he can juice the system. This kind of abuse would stop, because records would be more easily shared.
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QUESTION:
What are some home remedies for Shingles that have worked for you?
I am a young woman who has no business having shingles, but, unfortunately, I get them several times a year (always in a small patch on my arm) and this has been going on for about 7 years.
The only thing that worked to avoid them completely was Valtrex, but it’s an expensive drug I can’t afford anymore. I use Neurontin for the pain once they go away, and it totally works.I currently use tea tree oil to try and help the outbreaks go away faster (I think it helps). But the itching is driving me crazy and I’m tired of all the scarring it causes! I see conflicting information on different websites suggesting treatment of symptoms, so if anyone can give me some pointers on what has worked for them to alleviate the itching, I’d appreciate it very much.
Thank you!-
ANSWER:
I found this info at health911.com while I was looking for wart remedies for my son. It looks helpful & very informative.Since shingles is a virus, boosting your immune system will help knock it out.
Changes to Make
Supplements
Lysine
Selenium
Vitamin A Take 25,000 I.U. daily.
Vitamin C Take 2,000 mg twice daily.
Zinc Take 25 mg daily.In addition to these recommended supplements, many people with shingles have low stomach acid which leads to poor digestion and nutrient absorption. This, in turn, will lead to a weakened immune system, chronic infections and other health concerns. Correcting your digestion will alleviate many of these problems. We recommend taking a digestive aid which includes hydrochloric acid. Your health food store will carry several brands.
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Remedies
Apple cider vinegar To relieve pain and discomfort apply apple cider vinegar directly from the bottle. Dab on affected areas, let dry, and repeat as often as needed. It is suggested that you apply the vinegar four times during the day and three at night if you are awake. The itching and burning will rapidly dissipate after the vinegar is applied, and the shingles will heal more quickly.DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) Dabbing it on the affected area twice daily stops the virus’ growth by penetrating right to the center of the herpes infection. It should get rid of the stinging and rash in three days.
Vitamin B-12 Indian researchers have had great success with shingles by injecting 500 mcg of vitamin B-12, a nutrient important to nerve health, daily. Dramatic results were seen after three days, with pain relief and drying of the rash. None of the patients tested developed neuralgia. This method is more beneficial than taking supplements because the vitamins bypass the digestive system.
Vitamin C This vitamin has also successfully been used to overcome shingles. Patients were injected with 2-3 grams every 12 hours and also took a gram orally every two hours. The patients were relieved of pain quickly, with blisters drying up and disappearing within a few days.
Vitamin E As mentioned above, post-herpetic neuralgia can last for years. Remarkable results were achieved with people who had long term neuralgia when they were given 1200 to 1600 I.U. of vitamin E daily for six months. In the study done, 75% of the patients were nearly or fully relieved of the neuralgia. Doctors have reported that using D-alpha tocopheryl acetate or succinate in the above dosages was successful when used for at least six months. These doctors also stressed the need to avoid medications and estrogens, as well as white flour, vitamin-enriched cereals, and vitamins containing inorganic iron.
Zinc Make a salve by combining a tablespoon of aloe vera juice, the contents of one 1,000 I.U. capsule of natural vitamin E (NOT DL-alpha tocopherol) with zinc ointment, and applying it to the blisters. This will bring quick relief from the pain.
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QUESTION:
Black specks when I urinate?
I’ve been having flank/abdominal pain for months. A lot of doctors/specialists dont think it’s anything. About 2-3 weeks ago, I’ve been seeing black specks when I pee. It does burn a little bit when I wipe. I do get bad bladder cramps, flank and abdominal pain, and nausea. What should I do? I’m not active either.-
ANSWER:
Tough to say without seeing the lesionAcne – close-up of pustular lesions
Bone lesion biopsy
Chickenpox – lesion on the leg
Chickenpox – lesions on the chest
Erythema multiforme, circular lesions – hands
Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm
Gram stain of skin lesion
Herpes zoster (shingles) – close-up of lesion
Janeway lesion – close-up
Janeway lesion on the finger
Kaposi’s sarcoma – lesion on the foot in question. I would be screened for a variety of infectionsAcute cytomegalovirus (cmv) infection
Acute hiv infection
Asymptomatic hiv infection
Athlete’s foot
Breast infection
Cellulitis
Chlamydia infections in women
Common cold
Corneal ulcers and infections
Cystitis – acute bacterial
Ear infection – acute – no matter how little the risk. This can include a urinalysisUrinalysis as well as urineCalcium – urine
Calcium urine test
Chloride – urine
Cortisol – urine
Electrolytes – urine
Glucose test – urine
Hcg in urine
Ketones – urine
Kidney – blood and urine flow
Lh urine test (home test)
Ph urine test tests for gonorrhea and chlamydiaChlamydia
Chlamydia infections in women
Chlamydial urethritis – male.The prostateEnlarged prostate
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer – resources
Prostate gland
Prostate removal
Prostatectomy – series
Psa should certainly be looked at. A digitalDigital rectal exam rectalAnorectal fistulas
Colon cancer
Colorectal polyps
Digital rectal exam
Hemorrhoids
Imperforate anus
Imperforate anus repair
Inflatable artificial sphincter
Proctitis
Rectal biopsy
Rectal cancer, x-ray exam to evaluate for any tenderness or enlargement can be considered. Any prostatic fluid that is expressed via prostatic massage can be sent off for culture and analysis.If there are scrotalGenital injury
Scrotal mass
Scrotal masses
Scrotal swelling
Testicle ultrasound masses or lumpsLumps in the breasts present, you can consider a scrotalGenital injury
Scrotal mass
Scrotal masses
Scrotal swelling
Testicle ultrasound ultrasound17 week ultrasound
30 week ultrasound
Abdominal ultrasound
Breast ultrasound
Carotid duplex
Doppler ultrasound exam of an arm or leg
Duplex/doppler ultrasound test
Echocardiogram
Eye and orbit ultrasound
Intravascular ultrasound
Pregnancy ultrasound for further evaluation.I would discuss these options with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essentialEssential hypertension
Essential tremor.This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice – the information presented is for patientKidney diet – dialysis patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
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QUESTION:
What if I wanted to get every single vaccination possible that’s approved in the U.S.A.?
I’m mostly concerned about preventable death; I realize that no matter what you have a 100% chance of dying some time. I just want to reduce my chances for preventable death earlier on in life. I was thinking about getting a vaccination for every single thing that’s approved in the U.S. Will this help me out? Would it affect my health if I got everything at the same time. I’m 26 and I want to get a vaccination for :Hib ( I heard my local health department only gives that to children, I wonder if there’s a way to get around a loophole?), Pneumococcus, Meningococcus, Yellow Fever, Rotavirus (also heard my local health department only gives that to children), Shingles (yes I’m 26 but there’s always the chance), Cholera (heard that’s not in the U.S. anymore?), Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis (health department says there’s a waiting list because of shortage), Rabies (vetinarians get preventative ones that give you extra time), Anthrax, and Smallpox (I heard they don’t offer that
anymore normally in the U.S., although for people scared of monkeypox because they own monkeys can sometimes get one. I wonder if that could be used as a loophole to get the smallpox vaccination, just say that I may be owning a monkey later on in life. That’s the only vaccination I didn’t ask my local health department about, because I kind of sensed after I asked about the Anthrax vaccination, they were kind of thinking I was paranoid).
It’s just that I don’t want to die from a premature preventable death. I had a friend who went to Brazil and died from spinal menigitus.
“that would be STUPID because you’re going to have to face death eventually”I realize that we all die, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t die prematurely if it’s quite preventable. I’m 26 and know a lot of people from high school who are now dead, most of them being from car accidents, and their deaths were quite preventable and what they were doing that directly lead to their deaths wasn’t helping them enjoy their lives to the fullest anyway, it was unnecessary.
Most people who get Anthrax is from working with animals. Although I don’t work with animals, there’s always the chance you can get it. Even if very unlikely, since it’s very preventable since they have the vaccination. Why not? Although some of these many vaccinations are very expensive.-
ANSWER:
I understand your concern, however, you are really at low risk for all of these things unless you travel or work with animals.Hib — fatal only to children. By the time you reach adulthood, you cannot catch this disease.
Meningococcus – Menactra is the vaccine for that. I would say that it might be a good option. — Meningitis occurs most often in situations where people are living in crowded conditions; however, you can catch it if you travel.
Pneumononia – really only recommended for those over the age of 65 or who have chronic lung problems – it is preventative because those patients (elderly or immuno compromised) tend to have worse prognosis if they catch it. It doesn’t provide 100% coverage for all the types of pneumonia – a young healthy person can easily be treated for pneumonia and it tends not have any long term repercussions (i.e. no death).
Yellow fever — is not present in this country. However, if you are planning to travel to countries where it is endemic, it is a recommended vaccine (check with the CDC) before you travel. It also doesn’t provide lifetime immunity – you have to get it every 10 years.
Rotavirus — again like hib, doesn’t affect adults. In infants, it can be serious – mostly because of dehydration.
Shingles — have you had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. If you have not had either, you cannot get shingles. And if you haven’t had them, then you need to get the chickenpox vaccine. Again, it is mostly to reduce adverse events in the elderly – in healthy adults it isn’t fatal (even in most of the elderly, it isn’t fatal).
Cholera — not in the US. Just don’t drink the water in third world countries.
Typhoid. See yellow fever. Again, you would have to repeat the vaccine every 2 years. Really only if you are traveling to countries that have it.
Japanese encephalitis – very very very rare and not endemic in the US. The only cases in the US are in servicemen who were bitten (mosquitos) in Asia and then came home to be treated. You can’t get it from anyone else, only if you are bitten by an infected mosquito. An option if you are going to travel to rural areas and farms in asia.
Rabies – there is a preventative vaccine, however, it is really only recommended for people who work with potentially rabid animals – field researchers and vets. Unlike in movies, if you encounter a rapid animal, about 99% of the time, you are going to be able to tell that something is wrong – animal is acting oddly, not running away when it should, foaming at the mouth – and you will have PLENTY of time to get away. They are not going to charge you. It is a series of three shots – again it doesn’t provide lifetime immunity.
Anthrax and Smallpox – both not offered to the general public, only to researchers working with the diseases. These disease DO NOT occur naturally and therefore you are not at risk. The only possiblility of exposure is if you are a researcher or there is a terrorist attack. After 9/11 and the anthrax letters, the medical community is extremely aware of the symptoms and treat aggressively. There is no loophole (the whole owning a monkey thing) that will get you these vaccines. And yes, you might be getting a visit from the govt since you asked about them).
Check out the CDC’s website – they give a lot of information on the vaccines and the diseases – including statistics on how common they are in the US. If you are planning on traveling to other countries, the CDC gives vaccine recommendations specific to each country.
Are you up to date on your recommended vaccines? The ones I would def. recommend that you have are Hepatitis A and B.
The biggest thing to reduce risk of preventable death – is to not smoke, not drink too much, no illegal drugs, maintain a healthy weight, good diet, exercise, and enjoy life.
You are welcome to email me if you have any more questions.
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QUESTION:
Infectious Disease – Viruses are NOT FOREVER?
I’ve noticed alot of posts that say that once you have a virus you will have it forever. This is true of viruses like HIV, Herpes, and the chickenpox viruses, BUT NOT TRUE OF ALL VIRUSES. Think about it. The common cold, hepatitis A, and the flu are both caused by viruses. You get rid of those – they are not forever. If you get the flu again, it is a DIFFERENT STRAIN (new infection). Here is an explanation of the immune system and how it handles viruses.You have two types of defense against viruses: humoral immunity and cellular immunity. The humoral immune system attacks viruses when they are loose in the body. The cellular immune system destroys viruses once they have taken up residence inside the body’s cells.
The humoral response consists of antibodies made to specific viruses. These antibodies remain present in the circulation and secretions, hopefully eliminating the virus and protecting against future infections.
The cellular response consists of certain white blood cells, such as cytotoxic lymphocytes or natural killer cells, which attack and destroy our own cells that have been altered by viruses. By killing infected cells, the immune system kills the virus and cures you.
Some viruses, however can avoid detection by the immune system. Herpes and shingles hides out in the nerves – places where the white blood cells can’t get to. HIV hides in the immune cells themselves.
HPV used to be considered one of those permanent viruses. It now appears that it can be removed from the body by white blood cells like influenza can. Most women can get rid of the virus on their own, although some people cannot- thus the need to be screened regularly. There is still a debate about whether you will have HPV “forever”. More than likely you will not.
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ANSWER:
Gardenzebra,
Your last statement – “There is still a debate about whether you will have HPV “forever”. More than likely you will not” – is misleading and based solely on a possibility. The human papillomavirus is a double-stranded DNA papillomavirus that encodes 10 viral proteins—two late gene products and eight early gene products. The late gene products consist of structural proteins for the viral capsid. The early gene products are proteins involved in viral replication and oncogenesis and are, thus, important in determining whether an HPV infection is active or latent. Proteins E6 and E7 from the high-risk HPV types, such as HPV 16 and 18, can bind to and inactivate the cellular tumor suppressor gene protein products p53 and pRb (ie, retinoblastoma protein), respectively, leading to malignant transformation. This transformation is a crucial process in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer. Recent studies suggest that the most commonly recommended precaution against STDs may not be completely effective in preventing the transmission of HPV. Skin-to-skin transmission of HPV is still possible, even with the use of condoms. Based on this recent research evidence, the CDC reported in 2004 that “available scientific evidence is not sufficient to recommend condoms as a primary prevention strategy for the prevention of genital HPV infection.” Yet the CDC added, “There is evidence that indicates that the [consistent] use of condoms may reduce the risk of cervical cancer.” This beneficial effect of condoms is related to the fact that condoms protect against other STDs, such as AIDS, chlamydia, and genital herpes—STDs that may depress the body’s immune system, thereby increasing the risk of cervical cancer. Some researchers believe that an inherited genetic condition may prevent the body from attacking HPV as well as it should, leading to persistent infection. However, the nature of the genetic defect and its precise mode of inheritance remain unknown.
Currently, there is no HPV cure (natural or otherwise). However, treatment is available for the changes HPV (human papillomavirus) can cause to the cervix. There is also treatment for the genital warts that are caused by HPV. Whilst there is no cure for HPV, in most people, the infection goes away within a year. Since an HPV infection does not usually cause symptoms, most people are completely unaware that they have even been infected. There is an approved vaccine available to prevent infection. There is also HPV treatment for the changes that the virus can cause on the cervix, as well as treatment for genital warts. Many people search the Internet looking for a natural way of curing HPV. However, there isn’t one. There has been limited research looking at some micronutrients and their impact on either preventing an HPV infection or speeding up the process of clearing the virus from the body. Studies testing the clinical efficacy of various HPV vaccinations are underway worldwide. As of mid-2007, only one vaccine, Gardasil (Merck & Co Inc, Whitehouse Station, NJ), had been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use against cervical cancer. Gardasil, which received approval in June 2006, is a quadrivalent, recombinant vaccine that targets the strains of HPV that are most often responsible for causing cervical cancer and genital warts—HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. Gardasil not only protects against high-risk HPV infection and cervical cancer, but against genital condyloma as well. Three doses of 0.5 mL of Gardasil are given to patients. The second and third inoculations are given 2 and then 6 months after the first.ALL ANSWERS SHOULD BE THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED, IN ANY FORUM AND ESPECIALLY IN THIS ONE. – MANY ANSWERS ARE FLAWED.
The information provided here should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
I add a link with some interesting details of HPV
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/
medicine/laureates/2008/adv.pdf
Hope this helps
matador 89
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QUESTION:
How do you deal with Molluscum Contagiosum?
I have what I think is a pretty mild case. I’m 21 and I had it show up in maybe July, the doctor said it was molluscum and gave me a little piece of paper with molluscum facts, it pretty much says to just leave it alone and hope it goes away soon. I’ve read up on it online now but I’ve mentioned it to a few people and different people have given me conflicting advice. I’ve read not to try to pop the bumps/zits because it’s spread by touching it, and that if I just leave it alone it’ll run its course and go away. It seems like most of the bumps are disappearing except under my waistband I had a couple more crop up. But a friend of mine with HIV says that he got it and that if you pop out the core white part it will go away. I have one on my chest and I tried that tonight and washed my hands and my chest afterward. I’m thinking the bumps might stop showing up in a month or so hopefully, and then the information the doctor gave me said that if the bumps don’t show up for four months I can consider myself cured. Am I really going to have to stay completely celibate? Is it the best idea to just stay clean and leave the bumps alone?-
ANSWER:
Lots of folks have had success treating them with plain apple cider vinegar-you may smell like a pickle for awhile, but heck, if it works, why not?!!Also check out the info on cimetidine (generic Tagamet) which one patient used to completely cure her child of the Molluscum Contagiosum virus. Cimetidine has been shown to be an anti-viral equivalent to other prescribed anti-viral meds–works on shingles and other herpes viruses, too, because I’ve used it with GREAT success for shingles!. You can buy generic cimetidine at Walmart for about . (Lady used it over 6 weeks, in 3-4 doses of 200 mgs per 15 kgs of weight.)
Check out the source below for some more home remedies others have used successfully to bring these things to a quick demise!
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QUESTION:
PLEASE hlep me shorten my english essay?
It is 644 words, i need it to be 500 words. You dont have to shorten it entirely, just give me some advice or sentences i can get rid of.A Passionate Individuality
What is senioritis? In medical terminology any disease ending with –itis means an inflammation. So, your senior is inflamed? I have never heard of such a disease. How can I let a simple disease control my passion? With my passion of learning, in general, and my intense passion in medicine, I do not think such a disease can ever affect me. I believe that success and happiness lies in passion–a passion so powerful that you have no doubt that it will fade.
I have always had an intense admiration of the sciences. The subjects of science and medicine are extremely bizarre and odd. I have this affinity for odd things. The reason for my odd interest in unusual things is directly related to the fact that I am myself an odd, unusual and unique being. I was told by my peers not to take two of the most rigorous science courses offered at Cranston High School West, chemistry and biology II-especially not concurrently with the toughest teachers. I immediately bypassed the advice and decided to challenge myself. An interest in medicine generally means an interest in science, and when you have pride and interest in the subjects that you take, knowledge and information will be a lot easier to absorb. No matter how difficult the classes get, they remain interesting which facilitates studying. As my passion for this field infinitely grows, I find myself searching for information beyond my studies in school.
I find myself reading medical books, watching medical documentaries and volunteering at a local free clinic. My fascination with medicine arises from my insatiable curiosity and desire for the field. Volunteering at the free clinic involves hands-on work that provides me with an excellent learning experience in medicine. At the free clinic, I have the opportunity to help people in need of healthcare, take blood pressure, fill in the data on multiple studies done with the patients, participate in the data analysis of those studies, and shadow a doctor who would gladly help me learn about a field for which I demonstrate an immense curiosity. On one occasion, a patient comes with a blistery rash. The doctor I shadow asked me a question on what may be causing the rash. I immediately responded: “it’s the shingles,” having seen my mother get it herself. The satisfying feeling of knowing the answer came to a halt, when the doctor asked me with what virus the disease is associated. I was not able to determine that it is associated with the Herpes Zoster virus. Overall, my experience was very fulfilling. I get to expand my knowledge base, help out people in need and satisfy my craving for medical knowledge.
The obsession and attraction I have with medicine is indescribable. My fascination is so strong and unique that I cannot have a profound conversation without linking the subject with something medically related. I cannot control my blissful chemical rush that results from medical conversation. My friends think that it is very abnormal that every conversation I join ends up linked with medicine. Although many people think that I know a great deal about health and medicine for my age, I still feel like I do not know anything. This leaves me wanting to learn as much as possible about this astounding field. Thus far, through my secondary education, I have only learned to crawl. I have far to go before I could start sprinting. I need to be able to walk, jog and then sprint. College is the next step. With my infinitely increasing knowledge in the field of medicine and science in general, I feel like a neophyte ready to intensify his medical knowledge and take on the medical world in a quest of healing and never ending medical discovery.-
ANSWER:
1: If you use a long word, or group of words, use a shorter word that means the same thing. example: “a great deal” = “a lot” or “much”.2: Get rid of excessive or overdone adjectives and adverbs. Example: “with my infinitely increasing knowledge” = “As my knowledge increases” & no, your knowledge is not infinitely increasing anyway. You do not need to say “this astounding field” because the reader will have already realized you’re crazy about this field … and is that rush really chemical? really blissful? Two words can go. It’s a rush.
Both the above mean “Don’t write to impress, write to express”.
If you say something one time, you need a really good reason to say it again. Don’t use two words where one will do. Don’t say anything twice.
One example of this is your sentences “I have only learned to crawl. I have far to go before I could start sprinting. I need to be able to walk, jog and then sprint.”You could write that as “I have just learned to crawl. I must learn to walk before I can run”. That removes 12 words. Or, also remove the first sentence and take out another 6 words.
Don’t say “I feel like a neophyte”, say “I am a neophyte”. Don’t say “never ending”, say “endless”.
You say your obsession with medicine is indescribable, but you carry on describing it. So don’t say it’s indescribable.Because you wrote in a conversational style, you could tighten up your writing by reading it aloud to yourself.
There is more, but it’s something you must do for yourself. It’s your writing, after all.
I believe it should be fairly easy to reduce it to less than 500 words by doing at least the above. It’s not all bad, just a bit looser than it ought to be.
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QUESTION:
Give some info on “Chicken-Pox”, “Measles” please?-
ANSWER:
CHICKEN POX
What is chickenpox?Chickenpox is a highly communicable disease caused by the varicella virus, a member of the herpes virus family. In temperate climates, chickenpox occurs most frequently in winter and early spring.
Who gets chickenpox?
Chickenpox is common in the United States. Virtually everyone who is not vaccinated acquires chickenpox by adulthood. Cases are expected to decline as vaccine coverage levels increase.
How is chickenpox spread?
Chickenpox is transmitted to others by direct person to person contact, by droplet or airborne spread of discharges from an infected person’s nose and throat or indirectly by contact with articles freshly soiled by discharges from the infected person’s lesions. The scabs themselves are not considered infectious.
What are the symptoms of chickenpox?
Initial symptoms include sudden onset of slight fever and feeling tired and weak. These are soon followed by an itchy blister-like rash. The blisters eventually dry, crust over and form scabs. The blisters tend to be more common on covered than on exposed parts of the body. They may appear on the scalp, armpits, trunk and even on the eyelids and in the mouth. Mild or unapparent infections occasionally occur in children. The disease is usually more serious in adults than in children.
How soon do symptoms appear?
Symptoms commonly appear 14-16 days (range of 10-21 days) after exposure to someone with chickenpox or herpes zoster (shingles).
When and for how long is a person able to spread chickenpox?
A person is most able to transmit chickenpox from one to two days before the onset of rash until all lesions have crusted. People who are immunocompromised may be contagious for a longer period of time.
Does past infection with chickenpox make a person immune?
Chickenpox generally results in lifelong immunity. However, this infection may remain hidden and recur years later as shingles in a proportion of older adults and sometimes in children.
What are the complications associated with chickenpox?
Newborn children (less than one month old) whose mothers are not immune and patients with leukemia may suffer severe, prolonged or fatal chickenpox. Immunocompromised patients, including those on immunosuppressive drugs, may have an increased risk of developing a severe form of chickenpox or shingles. Reye’s Syndrome has been a potentially serious complication associated with clinical chickenpox involving those children who have been treated with aspirin. Aspirin or aspirin-containing products should never be given to a child with chickenpox.
Is there a vaccine for chickenpox?
A vaccine to protect children against chickenpox was first licensed in March 1995. It has been recommended for persons over 12 months of age. To protect high-risk newborns and immunocompromised patients from exposure, a shot of varicella zoster immune globulin (VZIG) is effective in modifying or preventing disease if given within 96 hours after exposure to a case of chickenpox. Older children and adults who have previously had chickenpox do not need to be vaccinated. Contact your doctor or local health department for further information about the chickenpox vaccine.
What can a person or community do to prevent the spread of chickenpox?
The best method to prevent further spread of chickenpox is for people infected with the disease to remain home and avoid exposing others who are susceptible. If they develop symptoms, they should remain home until one week after the skin eruption began or until the lesions become dry and crusted. Pay particular attention to avoiding unnecessary exposure of nonimmune newborns and immunocompromised people to chickenpox.
Is there a treatment for chickenpox?
In 1992, acyclovir was approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of chickenpox in healthy children. However, because chickenpox tends to be mild in healthy children, most physicians do not feel that it is necessary to prescribe acyclovir.
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MEASLES
What is measles?
Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases. It is caused by paramyxo virus and is the most unpleasant and the most dangerous of the children’s diseases that result in a rash. This is due to the complications of the disease.
How is measles transmitted?
* Droplets transfer the infections. Although the sick person may be in isolation, the disease may still spread from room to room.
* Anybody who has not already had measles can be infected.
* Infants up to four months of age will not be infected if their mother has had measles herself because they will be protected by her antibodies.
* The incubation period – the time between infection and the outbreak of the condition – is usually one to two weeks.
* Patients are infectious from four days before the onset of the rash until five days after it appears.
What are the symptoms of measles?
After about 14 days the following symptoms start showing:
* a fever at about 39ºC.
* a cold.
* coughing, possibly with a barking cough.
* sore throat – the lymph nodes in the throat may swell.
* reddish eyes.
* sensitivity to light.
* greyish spots, the size of grains of sand may appear in the mucous membrane of the mouth just around the molar teeth. These are called Koplik’s spots and can be seen before the rash appears.
* after three to four days the temperature may fall, although it can run high again when the rash appears.
* the rash usually begins around the ears and spreads to the body and the legs within a day or two.
* at first the spots are very small – a couple of millimetres – but they double in size quickly and begin to join together.
* the spots are a clear red colour.
* the temperature, which may run as high as 40ºC, may stay that high for a couple of days. Then it disappears together with the rash, which may leave some brown spots.
* after a week the child will be fit again.
Children who have had measles cannot return to school or childcare before they recover and the temperature is gone.
The doctor should give children under the age of one who are exposed to the disease an immunity injection within five days.
In the UK all children between the age of 12 and 15 months are offered the MMR vaccination, which will protect them from measles, mumps and rubella.
How are measles treated ?
The treatment is to stay in bed in a cool room without any bright lights. Medicines for coughing and reducing the temperature should only be given after consulting a GP.
Future prospects
The doctor should be consulted immediately if the condition of the child gets worse or the temperature stays high.
The doctor must make sure there are no further complications such as:
* pneumonia
* inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media)
* inflammation of the nervous system. Luckily, this seldom happens and is the exception rather than the rule.
Once a person has had measles, they can never catch it again as the disease gives lifelong immunity.
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QUESTION:
what is gabapentin drug?-
ANSWER:
Gabapentin is used to help control certain types of seizures in patients who have epilepsy. Gabapentin is also used to relieve the pain of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN; the burning, stabbing pain or aches that may last for months or years after an attack of shingles). Gabapentin is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. Gabapentin treats seizures by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Gabapentin relieves the pain of PHN by changing the way the body senses pain.Gabapentin is also sometimes used to relieve the pain of diabetic neuropathy (numbness or tingling due to nerve damage in people who have diabetes), and to treat and prevent hot flashes (sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) in women who are being treated for breast cancer or who have experienced menopause (”change of life”, the end of monthly menstrual periods). Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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QUESTION:
lidoacaine a precription?-
ANSWER:
I believe the drug your refering to is called Lidocaine, and yes a doctors prescription is needed.Lidocaine (Topical)
Contents of this page:
Description
Before Using This Medicine
Proper Use of This Medicine
Precautions While Using This Medicine
Side Effects of This Medicine
Brand Names
CategoryLidocaine ( LYE-doe-kane) belongs to the family of medicines called local anesthetics (an-ess-THET-iks) . When lidocaine is applied to the skin, it produces pain relief by blocking the signals at the nerve endings in the skin. Lidocaine topical systems are used to relieve pain and discomfort associated with herpes zoster virus infection of the skin (shingles).
Lidocaine is available only with your doctor’s prescription, in the following dosage form(s):
Topical
Topical system (U.S.)Before Using This Medicine.
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For lidocaine, the following should be considered:Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to lidocaine or other local anesthetics given by injection or applied to any part of the body as a liquid, cream, ointment, or spray. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy—Lidocaine has not been studied in pregnant women. However, lidocaine has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in animal studies.
Breast-feeding—Small amounts of lidocaine pass into breast milk. Many medicines that pass into breast milk in small amounts may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are using this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children—Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of lidocaine topical systems in children with use in other age groups.
Older adults—Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing use of lidocaine topical systems in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are using lidocaine topical systems, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking or using any other prescription or nonprescription medicine.
Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of lidocaine topical systems. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Broken or inflamed skin, burns, or open wounds at the place of application—More of this medicine can be absorbed into the body quickly, which increases the chance of side effects
Liver disease (severe)—The risk of side effects may be increased because of slower removal of lidocaine from the body.Proper Use of This Medicine.
Unless otherwise directed by your health care professional, do not apply this medicine to open wounds, burns or broken or inflamed skin.Be careful not to get any of this medicine in your eyes, because it can cause severe eye irritation. If any of the medicine does get into your eye, immediately wash out the eye with water and protect the eye until sensation returns. Check with your doctor.
Use only as directed by your health care professional; avoid applying more than the recommended number of topical systems or using the topical systems for longer than the recommended wearing time.
Clothing may be worn over the area of application.
Dosing—
The dose of lidocaine topical systems will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of lidocaine topical systems. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For relieving pain caused by herpes zoster virus infection of the skin (shingles) in adult patients—Remove release liner and apply topical system to skin, covering the most painful area(s). Apply no more than 3 systems at one time and do not leave on for longer than twelve hours within a twenty–four hour period. Topical systems may be cut into smaller sizes with scissors prior to removal of the release liner.
Storage—
To store this medicine:
Keep out of the reach of children.
Keep envelope sealed at all times when not in use.
Store away from heat.
Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children and pets.Precautions While Using This MedicineReturn to top
If irritation or a burning sensation occurs during application, remove the system(s) and do not reapply until the irritation subsides.Wash hands after handling systems.
Avoid contact with eyes.
Store and dispose of topical systems out of the reach of children and pets. Chewing or ingesting new or used topical systems could result in serious adverse effects.
Side Effects of This MedicineReturn to top
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.Get emergency help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Symptoms of allergic reaction
Rare
Cough; difficulty swallowing or tongue swelling; dizziness or fainting; hives or swelling of eyelids, face or lips; itching or skin rash; stuffy nose; chest tightness, shortness of breath, troubled breathing, or wheezing.Signs of too much medicine being absorbed into the body
Rare
Blurred or double vision; confusion ; dizziness, light-headedness or drowsiness; feeling hot, cold, or numb; muscle twitching or trembling; nausea or vomiting; ringing or buzzing in the ears; shortness of breath or trouble breathing; unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness; unusual tiredness or weakness.The above side effects are not likely to occur when usual amounts of this medicine are used properly. However, they may occur if the medicine is used too often, applied to broken or inflamed skin, applied to very large areas, or kept on the skin too long.
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
Rash, hives, swelling, or abnormal sensation at the site of application.Incidence unknown–Observed during clinical practice, estimates of frequency can not be determined
Blurred vision; burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, “pins and needles” , or tingling feelings; disorientation; flushing ; headache; hearing loss; increased sensitivity to pain; increased sensitivity to touch; lack or loss of strength; metallic taste; skin irritation ; sleepiness or unusual drowsiness; taste alteration ; tremor; visual disturbance; vomiting.Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
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QUESTION:
Awesome strains of Marijuana?
Anyone know of some incredibly awesome strains of weed and where I can get them and please don’t say “it’s bad” and “you’ll kill yourself with that stuff”-
ANSWER:
My favorite strong strains are Grand Daddy Purp, Snowcap, Blue Dream, Jack Herer and Sour diesel are great too. They all have more THC content, thus helps me to get great high.For your information, here is a general list of sicknesses with symptoms and/or side effects that have been treated with medical marijuana:
Agoraphobia
AIDS Related Illness
Alcohol Abuse
Alcoholism
Alopecia Areata
Amphetamine Dependency
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Angina Pectoris
Ankylosis
Anorexia
Anorexia Nervosa
Anxiety Disorders
Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease
Arthritis
Asthma
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Autoimmune Disease
Back Pain
Back Sprain
Bell’s Palsy
Bipolar Disorder
Brain Tumor, Malignant
Bruxism
Bulimia
Cachexia
Cancer
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cerebral Palsy
Cervical Disk Disease
Chemotherapy
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Pain
Chronic renal failure
Cocaine Dependence
Colitis
Conjunctivitis
Constipation
Crohn’s Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Damage to Spinal Cord Nervous Tissue
Degenerative Arthritis
Delirium Tremens
Diabetes
Depression
Diabetic Peripheral Vascular Disease
Diarrhea
Diverticulitis
Dysthymic Disorder
Eczema
Emphysema
Emphysema
Endometriosis
Epididymitis
Epilepsy
Fibromyalgia
Gastritis
Genital Herpes
Glaucoma
Graves Disease
Headaches, Cluster
Headaches, Migraine
Headaches, Tension
Hemophilia A
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
Hepatitis C
Hereditary Spinal Ataxia
HIV/AIDS
Hospice Patients
Huntington’s Disease
Hypertension
Hypertension
Hyperventilation
Hypoglycemia
Impotence
Insomnia
Inflammatory autoimmune-mediated arthritis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
Intractable Vomitting
Lipomatosis
Lou Gehrig’s Disease
Lyme Disease
Lymphoma
Major Depression
Malignant Melanoma
Mania
Melorheostosis
Meniere’s Disease
Motion Sickness
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS)
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Muscle Spasms
Muscular Dystrophy
Myeloid Leukemia
Nail-Patella Syndrome
Nightmares
Obesity
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Opiate Dependence
Osteoarthritis
Panic Disorder
Parkinson’s Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peritoneal Pain
Persistent Insomnia
Porphyria
Post Polio Syndrome (PPS)
Post-traumatic arthritis
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Quadriplegia
Radiation Therapy
Raynaud’s Disease
Reiter’s Syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizophrenia
Scoliosis
Sedative Dependence
Seizures
Senile Dementia
Severe Nausea
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Sinusitis
Skeletal Muscular Spasticity
Sleep Apnea
Spasticity
Spinal Stenosis
Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS)
Stuttering
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD)
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Tenosynovitis
Thyroiditis
Tic Douloureux
Tietze’s Syndrome
Tinnitus
Tobacco Dependence
Tourette’s Syndrome
Trichotillomania
Viral HepatitisUnlike Alcohol or other addictive drugs, Marijuana does’t kills anyone. Marijuana doesn’t contain nicotine in it. Hence, it is not addictive. Thus, I don’t think it is bad at all.
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QUESTION:
is sweating a normal thing?
my brother sweats a lot…even wen he is sitting in an AC room..he seems like he has just completed his 200m race…or he has just came out after a shower
i m pretty tensed… our doctors says it is normal…is it??is it a harmonal imbalance ?
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ANSWER:
Hyperhidrosis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Hyperhidrosis
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 R61.
ICD-9 780.8
OMIM 144110 144100
DiseasesDB 6239
MedlinePlus 007259
eMedicine topic list
MeSH [1]
Hyperhidrosis is the condition characterized by abnormally increased perspiration,[1] in excess of that required for regulation of body temperature.Contents [hide]
1 Classification
2 Cause
3 Treatment
3.1 Medications
3.2 Surgical procedures
3.3 Other
4 Prognosis and impact
5 Epidemiology
6 References
7 External links[edit] Classification
Hyperhidrosis can either be generalized or localized to specific parts of the body. Hands, feet, armpits, and the groin area are among the most active regions of perspiration due to the relatively high concentration of sweat glands; however, any part of the body may be affected.Hyperhidrosis can also be classified depending on if it is a congenital or acquired trait. Primary hyperhidrosis is found to start during adolescence or even before and seems to be inherited as an autosomal dominant genetic trait. Primary hyperhidrosis must be distinguished from secondary hyperhidrosis, which can start at any point in life. The latter form may be due to a disorder of the thyroid or pituitary gland, diabetes mellitus, tumors, gout, menopause, certain drugs, or mercury poisoning.
Hyperhidrosis may be also divided into palmoplantar (emotional), gustatory or generalized hyperhidrosis.[1]
Alternatively, hyperhydrosis may be classified according to the amount of skin that is affected and its possible causes.[2]:700 In this approach, excessive sweating in an area that is greater than 100 cm2 (up to generalized sweating of the entire body) is differentiated from sweating that affects only a small area.
[edit] Cause
Further information: diaphoresis
The cause of primary hyperhidrosis is unknown, although some surgeons claim that it is caused by sympathetic overactivity. Anxiety can exacerbate the situation for many sufferers. A common complaint of patients is that they get nervous because they sweat, then sweat more because they are nervous. Other factors can play a role; certain foods and drinks, nicotine, caffeine, and smells can trigger a response.Hyperhidrosis of a relatively large area (>100 square cm or generalized)
In people with a past history of spinal cord injuries
Autonomic dysreflexia
Orthostatic hypotension
Posttraumatic syringomyelia
Associated with peripheral neuropathies
Familial dysautonomia (Riley-Day syndrome)
Congenital autonomic dysfunction with universal pain loss
Exposure to cold
Associated with probable brain lesions
Episodic with hypothermia (Hines and Bannick syndrome)
Episodic without hypothermia
Olfactory
Associated with intrathoracic neoplasms or lesions
Associated with systemic medical problems
Pheochromocytoma
Parkinson’s disease
Thyrotoxicosis
Diabetes mellitus
Congestive heart failure
Anxiety
Menopausal state
Due to drugs or poisoning
Night sweats
Compensatory
Hyperhidrosis of relatively small area (<100 square cm)
Idiopathic unilateral circumscribed hyperhydrosis
Reported association with:
Blue rubber bleb nevus
Glomus tumor
POEMS syndrome
Burning feet syndrome (Goplan's)
Casualgia
Pachydermoperiostosis
Pretibial myxedema
Gustatory sweating associated with:
Encephalitis
Syringomyelia
Diabetic neuropathies
Herpes zoster (shingles)
Parotitis
Parotid abscesses
Thoracic sympathectomy
Auriculotemporal or Frey's syndrome
Miscellaneous
Lacrimal sweating
Harlequin syndrome
Emotional hyperhydrosis[edit] Treatment
Hyperhidrosis can often be very effectively managed.[edit] Medications
Aluminium chloride is used in regular antiperspirants. However, hyperhidrosis sufferers need solutions with a much higher concentration to effectively treat the symptoms of the condition. Its main secondary effect is that it can cause irritation. Also, the solution is usually not effective for hand and foot hyperhidrosis. For severe cases of palmar and plantar hyperhidrosis there is some success using conservative measures such as aluminium chloride antiperspirants.[citation needed]Botulinum toxin type A injections are used to disable the sweat glands.[3] The effects can last from 4–9 months depending on the site of injections. This procedure used for underarm sweating has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Several anticholinergic drugs reduce hyperhidrosis. Oxybutynin (brand name Ditropan) is one that has shown promise.[4] although it has important side effects, which include drowsiness, visual symptoms and dryness in the mouth and other mucus membranes. A time release version of the drug is also available (Ditropan XL), with purportedly reduced effectiveness. Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) is another drug used on an off-label basis. The drug seem
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QUESTION:
Which specialist would be best for shingles? Neurologist or dermatologist? For an immune compromised pt?
Pt is 57 y/o male with a non-aggressive blood cancer. Has been active, working, receiving chemo. Developed a severe case of herpes zoster. Treated so far by his oncologist, but I don’t think that doc has beenaggressivee enough or anticipated the complications that occurred. (Not sure if he even put pt on vancovir or prednisone.)So which specialist would be best equipped to Tx this pt.
He developed complete urinary retention (from opiates?). May have more than 3 dermatones involved.
Also – are there any leading edge treatments for herpes zoster? I am familiar with the various website info.
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ANSWER:
You know, I was told by my neurologist less than 6 months ago that there *is* something new some docs are using for shingles, but she did not mention what it was. It came up because she finally noticed in my chart that I had an outbreak when I was 25–she wanted to verify that it was, in fact, shingles, since that’s an unusually young age.A dermatologist, or even a GP, for that matter, can treat the rash and the pain as well as any oncologist. I would suggest a neurologist, as he or she might have some other ideas for treating the neuralgia and pain, rather than just throwing opiates at the patient. I actually know one person, elderly, who was sent to an anesthesiologist last year and given an epidural for the residual pain from a shingles episode. They were referred by a neurologist.
I think that would be the best bet. It is, after all, primarily a neurological problem, not dermatological. I will try to contact the doc who spoke about the new thing some are trying for shingles, and I will come back and add an edit if I am able to get some information from her for you.
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