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  • Causes Of Swollen Thumb And Treatment For Swelling Of Thumb Joint

    Usually a swollen thumb is painful condition. Many people ignore the swelling in its initial stage, which may worsen as time passes. A swollen thumb may cause pain and discomfort if not timely intervened and may ultimately interfere in your day to day activities.

    There are several causes responsible for thumb swelling; some of them may heal after few days without any treatment, while others may require to be treated in order to reduce the pain and swelling. In order to treat swollen thumb it is important to know the reason behind the swelling.

    What Causes Swelling Of Thumb Joints?

    As mentioned earlier, there are several contributory factors responsible for swollen thumb; following are some of the common causes for thumb swelling.

    • Trauma and injury to the thumb, hand and wrist, is the most common cause for thumb swelling. Injury while playing or occupational injury to the thumb may cause swelling of thumb. Sometime an injury may cause fracture of the thumb bone. In such cases, X-ray of the thumb may be necessary to detect the fracture.
    • Overuse of thumb while text messaging or playing guitar and violin can put stress and strain on the thumb joint. It may result into swelling, pain and immobility of the thumb joint.
    • Arthritis and osteoarthritis of small joints may affect the thumb joint. It may lead to thumb swelling, pain and restricted thumb movement. Together with thumb, other fingers may also get affected with Arthritis.
    • Thumb tendonitis and bursitis can also cause inflammation and pain in the thumb. In thumb tendonitis, the tendon attached at the base of the thumb gets irritated due to repeated hand and wrist manipulation. In bursitis there is inflammation of the bursa, a space between the bones and ligaments.
    • Insect bites and stings can also cause thumb swelling. Local inflammation, itching, burning and swelling can result after an insect bite, it may persist for few hours before healing on its own.
    • Infection of the thumb can also cause its swelling. It can be a secondary infection due to trauma and cut on the thumb. If the patient is suffering from diabetes it is necessary to control his blood sugar.

    Treatment For Swollen Thumbs

    Since there are many reasons for swollen thumb, it is necessary to know the exact reason that has caused thumb swelling in order to plan its treatment. For example if the swelling is due to fracture of thumb bone, it needs an immediate medical treatment. Sometimes anti-inflammatory and painkiller medicine may be required to reduce the pain and swelling. Your doctor may apply splint and bandage to immobilize and restrict the movement of your thumb for healing the bone.

    If there is an infection and formation of pus, use of prescription antibiotics may become necessary for reducing the thumb swelling and pain. Though the treatment may be different for different causes, certain common methods may help to reduce the swelling of thumb.

    • Apply cold compress to the thumb area. Take few ice cubes in a clean towel and apply the towel to the swollen thumb for 10 to 15 minutes. Apply cold compress at least two to three times in a day to reduce swelling.
    • Rest: when the cause for swollen thumb is due to excessive overuse of thumb, there is no better treatment than giving rest to your thumb. For example if the reason of swelling is due to text messaging or due to playing guitar, try to take a break from your work, or abstain from such activities for few days until the swelling recedes.
    • Hot water fomentation: it is also considered to be an effective home remedy in reducing pain and swelling of thumb, especially in certain ailments such as arthritis of thumb joint. Pour warm water over the affected thumb for 10 minutes two to three times in a day.
    • Alternate warm and cold application may increase the blood circulation and thus reduce the swelling and pain.
    • Wearing a splint prevents unnecessary movement of the thumb and allows it to rest.

  • Effective Home Treatment for Rash from Chlorine Allergy

    Rash from Chlorine

    Chlorine is typically known as a skin irritant. A chlorine rash can occur following an exposure to the chemical. It is often associated with exposure to chlorinated water like in swimming pools or hot tubs. Preventing the rash includes avoiding or minimizing exposure to chlorine.

    Swimming pool and hot tub water is usually infused with chlorine to retard bacterial growth. At the right limits chlorinated water won’t cause a reaction, but excessive amounts or prolonged exposure to the irritant can lead to a rash. Direct exposure to concentrated chlorines can also lead to a rash.

    The symptoms of a chlorine rash include the following. These can last for only a few hours, but it can also last for a few days following exposure.

    • Itching, this can be localized or generalized.
    • Redness
    • Bumps on the skin
    • Dry Skin, some crusting on the top of the affected area may be present.

    Chlorine Allergy

    A rash that develops form exposure to chlorine or chlorinated water is a form of dermatitis, but in some cases chlorine exposure can lead to an allergic reaction. The signs of severe chlorine allergic include:

    • Breathing Problems – the patient may have swollen airways, which can make it difficult to breathe.
    • Swollen lips, face, or tongue
    • Dizziness
    • Syncope

    These symptoms can appear immediately or a few minutes to a few hours following exposure to chlorine.

    Patients need to seek immediate medical attention an allergic reaction to chlorine is suspected.

    What are the Treatment for Chlorine Rash

    The following treatments may be given to patients who have chlorine rash.

    • Anti-inflammatory Medication
    • Corticosteroids, these can help bring down the swelling and can also help to relieve the itching.

    Home Care Treatment for a Chlorine Rash Includes:

    • Warm and cold compresses, as these can help to relieve the itching and can relieve the swelling.
    • Sitz bath or a starch bath, soaking in water with corn starch mixed in is a good way to help soothe the itching. This can be done in a bathtub for generalized itching or with a basin if only a small part of the body has a rash.
    • Aloe vera gel or fresh crushed aloe vera is a topical treatment that can help soothe the itchiness. It can be applied directly on the skin.

    Prevention

    • Bathing right after exposure to water that has high concentrations of chlorine.
    • Limit exposure to public pools and tubs with levels of chlorine.
    • Keep chlorine levels of the water in swimming pools at an acceptable level.

  • Itchy Rash On Buttocks: What Are Its Causes And Home Remedies?

    Rash refers to any change in the skin either in its appearance, texture or color. A rash may be localized to a single part of the body or may affect the entire body. There are a host of causative factors and types of skin rashes that may manifest in different forms including itching, burning, bleeding and pain.

    Rash on the buttocks is characterized by localized red and itchy bumpy papules on the skin. Itchy rash on the buttocks is more common among young toddlers, though it may be present among adults. In most cases, itchy rash on the buttocks doesn’t require any specific treatment & is often a self limiting condition.

    Causes Of Itchy Rash On Buttocks In Toddlers

    Itchy rash on the buttocks is most common among toddlers wearing diapers for long duration of time at a stretch (i.e. more than the recommended eight to ten hours a day). The diapers are meant to soak urine and keep the child’s buttock dry. However prolonged use of diapers, at a stretch limits their ability to absorb/ soak the urine, which in turn can lead to irritation and itching.

    Further, a toddlers skin is highly sensitive and needs kept uncovered to avoid friction or skin allergies. Constant use of diapers (though changed frequently) can also cause itchy rash on the buttocks. Occasionally itchy rash on the buttocks can be a result of a side effect of a vaccination in toddlers.

    In adults, itchy rash on the buttocks may be attributed to poor personal hygiene or excessive sweating, especially during summers.

    Less frequent causes of itchy rash on the buttocks, which can affect both adults and toddlers include:

    • Fungal infections like ringworm.
    • Exposure to an allergen like insect bite, metal, medicine or a food allergen.
    • Repeated friction to the skin.

    Home Remedies For Itchy Rash On Buttocks

    There are a host of home remedies that can help deal with itchy rash on the buttocks. These home remedies can be used for toddlers and adults alike,

    • Local application of tea tree oil can help deal with rash on the buttocks, associated with a fungal infection. Tea tree oil has potent anti-bacterial and anti fungal properties, which helps fight inflammation naturally. It is recommended to add a few drops of tea tree oil to Aloe-Vera gel and apply it gently on the buttocks.
    • Local application of vitamin A and vitamin E oils also has a soothing effect on the skin. Both the vitamins are essential for healthy skin growth. Their regular application will help in improving skin health and prevent itching.
    • Ensure that you don’t wear wet undergarments. Keep the buttocks as dry as possible. Local application of powder talc can also help in keeping the skin dry, especially during summers. Maintain utmost personal hygiene and ensure that you wash your undergarments regularly after each use.
    • Homeopathy is very useful in the treatment of itchy buttocks. Homeopathic remedy Graphitis and Nux Vomica are considered to have a profound effect on the skin and hasten healing. Both the remedies help alleviate inflammation, redness and itching.

    In case simple home based measures don’t help, consult a dermatologist. It is important to have the condition diagnosed correctly to ensure appropriate treatment.

  • Mottled Skin in Infants and Babies: Causes and Treatment

    There is no cause for alarm if a mother gives birth to a newborn that shows evidence of mottled skin. Mottling of skin is just development of uneven patches on skin. There are many natural causes for mottling of the skin in infants and young children. Most cases disappear on their own without any treatment.

    Skin mottling is also known as dyschromia. It is a result of blood vessel changes under the skin. The skin may be colored red, brown, purple depending on the condition. These patches are nothing but blood under your skin.

    Causes of Mottled Skin in Infants

    Skin mottling or Cutis Marmorata can be typically seen in newborn infants.

    • During the time of delivery, skin mottling can develop as a result of broken blood vessels present on the upper layer of the skin.
    • It produces a typical marbled appearance of the skin.
    • Cutis Marmorata or skin mottling also appears when the infant passes stools.
    • An intensely cold environment can also cause mottling of the skin. This is due to dilatation of a few capillaries on the upper surface of the skin as a result of the cold temperature.
    • The skin changes consist of circumscribed, pink patches measuring 2 to 3 cms. in diameter, bordered by a bluish discoloration. They produce a striking marble polish effect.
    • Mottled skin in infants usually involves trunk and extremities in varying degrees. The nose, lips and genitalia are seldom involved.

    Casues of Skin Mottling in Babies

    Throughout their growth and development, parents can sometimes observe skin color changes on their babies. These skin color changes can be described as a mottling of purplish, pink, and sometimes blue on different areas of the baby’s body.

    • A change in skin color is due to an underdeveloped circulatory system.
    • Babies often exhibit mottling of the skin due to their immature circulatory system.
    • The nerve supply to the fine blood vessels on the upper skin layer is still immature. This can result in uneven contraction and dilatation of the blood vessels on different parts of the skin. This can cause skin mottling.

    Mottled Skin in Children: Causes

    As babies grow up to become young children, mottled skin should no longer be a worry for parents. Usually, by this time their circulatory system is well developed.

    • During development, parents may notice that a child’s hands and feet are bluish as compared to the rest of the body.
    • Parents may also observe that a child is pink on one side and blue on the other side.
    • When children cry, mottling may be exhibited.
    • Mottling also occurs when children are cold.
    • These are all signs of an immature circulatory system.
    • A child may feel withdrawn and have low self esteem as a result of skin mottling.
    • Over time, these symptoms will vanish as the circulatory system develops fully.
    • Mottling or bluish discoloration that persists should be reported to the doctor immediately.

    Treatment of Skin Mottling

    The main cause for mottled skin or Cutis Marmorata is the immature circulatory system of an infant or child.

    • No medical treatment is indicated at this time for mottled skin in infants or children.
    • Treatment is often symptomatic. Parents are encouraged to address the mottling as it occurs.
    • When a child is cold, tuck him under a blanket and keep him warm. Adjust the room  temperature to a level where you child feels comfortably warm.
    • When a child appears flushed, check his body temperature around the neck or along the face.
    • The child may need psychological support, especially when somebody mentions the visible patches that makes him feel low and self-conscious.
    • Skin mottling vanishes gradually as the child grows into adolescence.

  • What Does High Oxygen Levels In Blood Mean & What Causes It?

    Oxygen is vital for the sustenance of life. The normal level of oxygen in the blood is a measure of the saturation of oxygen in the blood. RBCs contain hemoglobin which binds to atmospheric oxygen, and carries it to the various tissues of your body. Variation in the oxygen levels in the blood can lead to health complications.

    The normal level of oxygen in the blood tends to hover around 95 – 100 %. A reading that is below 90 % is considered a huge cause for concern, and must be evaluated by your health care provider.

    Oxygen levels in the body are measured by employing several methods. The most common method of establishing whether oxygen levels are healthy is with a blood test used to examine the arterial blood gas. Another suitable method is by using a pulse oximeter. The oximeter is a tiny gadget which measures oxygen levels in the blood by means of a light sensor.

    What Causes High Oxygen Levels In Blood?

    High levels of oxygen in the blood occur as a result of breathing in concentrated oxygen. It is considered a grave condition and can result in cell damage and cell death, chiefly in the eyes, central nervous system, and lungs.

    Those who could develop this condition are – scuba divers, given that, they are subjected to high atmospheric pressure. Scuba divers use a breathing apparatus. They breathe a mixture of gasses which includes oxygen. A mixture known as nitox decreases the risk of decompression sickness by replacing oxygen for part of the nitrogen content. Nonetheless, breathing in nitrox can trigger hyperoxia because of the high partial pressure of oxygen if used for a protracted interval of time.

    The rules for the safe and sound usage of oxygen partial pressure in diving are entrenched and followed meticulously by scuba divers as well as military combat divers. People sent on space missions make use of high levels of oxygen too; and people who are going through hyperbaric oxygen therapy. A major risk of hyperoxia is in hyperbaric oxygen therapy where there is huge likelihood of it happening as a side effect of the treatment such as – chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

    How To Maintain Oxygen Level In Blood?

    Symptoms include – breathing problems, disorientation, and impaired vision. In severe cases, there could occur extensive damage to the cells, deflation of alveoli in the lungs, detachment of the retina, and convulsions.
    In order to avoid the incidence of these symptoms, those who need to breathe in concentrated levels of oxygen need to endure careful training vis-à-vis the use of oxygen cylinders as well as spacesuits under different atmospheric pressures.

    Oxygen saturation level is a vital factor that is used to look for the existence of a lung disorder or anomalies in the level of hemoglobin in your blood. It is crucial to make sure that the level of oxygen in the blood ought to fall within the optimal range, since any kind of deviation from the normal, even for a little time interval, can set off irreparable damage to the organs in the body.

    Supplementation of oxygen is a very common modus operandi of pre-hospital treatment. Guidelines emphasize about the usage of 28 % oxygen masks and ask you to be careful about hyperoxia. Long term usage of supplemental oxygen definitely increases the survival in patients having chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, but can cause hyperoxia.

  • Leg Blisters Home Remedies: Causes And Natural Treatment For Blisters

    Leg blisters are fluid filled tiny pockets on the upper layer of the skin. You may often come across leg blisters in elderly persons. The reason for leg blisters can vary from poor blood circulation in the leg to minor burn or skin injury or repeated skin friction or infectious diseases like chicken pox in children.

    When the blisters burst, the fluid oozes out from it and the skin underneath heal in a natural way. But in some cases where there is poor circulation in the leg as a result of atherosclerosis of the blood vessels, or due to varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, they do not heal quickly and an ulcer develops.

    Causes Of Blisters On Legs

    The following are the causes and triggering factors for leg blisters:

    • Poor blood circulation due to atherosclerosis also called peripheral vascular disease.
    • Diabetes.
    • Sun burn, chemical burns.
    • Repeated frictions as in poorly fitted shoes, or wearing tight clothes.
    • Exposure to extreme colds and heat.
    • Obesity and lack of activity.
    • Smoking.
    • Skin allergies such as detergent allergy, soap allergy etc.
    • Varicose veins.
    • Fixed drug eruptions due to allergy to that particular medicine.
    • Chicken pox and herpes zoster.

    Home Remedies For Leg Blisters

    The task of treating a disease always becomes easy when you know the underlying cause. The same should be followed for leg blister treatment. First understand the primary cause of blisters on your leg. If they are due to minor injury or due to a minor burn caused while cooking, it will certainly heal on its own. It may not require any treatment.

    • Apply aloe vera gel on the blisters caused by improper fitting shoes. Avoid those shoes for some time when you are suffering from foot blisters.
    • Cold compresses on the blister with may provide relief from pain.
    • Garlic effectively increases blood circulation. Eat two to three cloves of garlic every day. Simultaneously you sprinkle garlic powder or rub garlic oil on the blisters for quick healing.
    • Vitamin C is a very important anti oxidant in healing blisters and ulcers. Eat guava, oranges, green vegetables, broccoli, parsley etc for natural source of C vitamin.
    • Apply witch hazel 2 to 3 times in a day on the leg blister. It helps to dry the blister as it contains astringent tannin.
    • Abstain from cigarette smoking, and alcohol.
    • Avoid sugar and starch and follow a diabetic diet to control diabetes.

  • Stages and Home Remedies for Molluscum Contagiosum

    Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin disorder that can easily spread from one person to another. Almost anyone is susceptible to this skin ailment but children and sexually active people carry the most risk of contracting molluscum contagiosum.

    Home Remedies for Molluscum Contagiosum

    Despite being able to disappear in a couple of months, the tiny bumps can be treated easily in the comfort of one’s home using any of the following remedies.

    • Apply salicylic acid directly on the bumps to accelerate the disintegration. This method is widely popular and is often the first course of treatment for molluscum.
    • Doctors will prescribe self-administered prescription topical medicines to be applied on the bumps.
    • Povidone-iodine, an antiseptic used for treating wounds, can be applied to the irritated areas. Though it is strongly discouraged for open infections or broken skin.
    • Essential oils can help reduce the appearance of the skin lesions. One such product is Australian Lemon Myrtle mixed with olive oil and applied for 3 weeks.
    • Tea tree oil works as an astringent to stop the spread of the lesions. For a more soothing experience, drop tea tree oil in the bath and soak for at least 15 minutes.

    Causes of Molluscum Contagiosum

    • Molluscum contagiosum is usually transmitted through direct contact with an infected individual or his personal belongings.
    • The virus that causes it, pox virus, is the also the culprit behind chicken pox, which explains similarities between the two skin ailments.
    • People can also get the disease through places with poor hygienic standards. Dirty bathrooms and swimming pools can carry the virus.

    Stages of Molluscum Contagiosum

    Molluscum works in three stages

    • On the first stage, the marks resemble tiny bumps, which look like goose bumps.
    • The bumps will progress into the second stage where the lesions now look like flattened moles.
    • When the lesions look like pimples, it signifies the onset of the third stage.
    • Extra attention should be given to the patient to prevent him from scratching the bumps and risk infection and widespread contamination.
    • Bumps usually disappear within 6 to 12 months.

    Other Treatments of Molluscum Contagiosum

    • Cryotherapy is the process of freezing the cells using liquid nitrogen or nitrous oxide.
    • Benzoyl peroxide is a famous home remedy for this skin disorder.
    • Doctors can drain the contagious fluid inside the bumps, so it dries up quickly.

  • Diet for Dandruff Prevention | Foods to Prevent Dandruff Growth

    Dandruff Diet Treatment

    Sometimes dandruff is brought about by certain deficiencies in your diet. Sometimes they are also triggered by the ingestion of some types of food. Here is some dietary advice to help you keep dandruff away:

    • You should boost your intake of raw food like fresh fruits and vegetables to increase your resistance to such problems like dandruff. Nuts, whole grain cereals, and similar foods should be part of your every day diet.
    • Some foods that are high in zinc, omega3 fatty acids, and vitamin B complex can help keep dandruff away.
    • Some of the things you should avoid when you are prone to suffering from dandruff are foods like red meat, strong tea, coffee, sugary foods or sweets, and processed foods. Junk foods, candies, and even pickles should also be avoided when you are prone to dandruff.
    • Try to take your vegetables raw and as fresh as possible. You should also do the same with fruits. Do not buy fruits that are canned or processed and opt for fresh ones. Include in your list fruits like melons, apples, and pineapples.
    • Caffeinated drinks should also be avoided. Soft drinks are a big no-no since they are very sweet drinks that are carbonated, laden with sugar and caffeine so avoiding them is also important to your diet.

    Dandruff Foods

    Eating meat which is raised organically and food which is free from oil is effective in preventing dandruff. For healthy hair growth, intake of Vitamin B3, B5 and B6 is beneficial whereas vitamin C and E helps in blood circulation on scalp and encourages strong hair growth. Nutritional elements contributing to the dandruff free hair are zinc, iron and folic acid. Reducing intake of sugar, drinking skimmed milk and foods that contain yeast viz. cheese, soy sauce, condiments helps to control dandruff.

  • What are the Causes of Pale Lips and Its Effectve Home Treatment

    Pale Lips

    Healthy lips are red in color and do not have surface cracks but a pale skin accompanied with pale lips is not a serious problem. However, pale lips alone can be an indicator of an underlying sickness. That is why people having normal coloured lips turned pale should seek advice from a doctor to determine the real condition.

    Pale lips can be symptoms of anemia or iron deficiency. It can also indicate heart and lung disorders as well as thyroid problems. Generally, paleness affects the entire body and can be seen mostly in the lining of the lips and in the entire face. Local paleness on the other hand can only be seen in one limb. It is important to keep the lips moisturized and healthy by taking proper care of it. Chapped and bitten lips are unpleasant to see therefore people should be taking proper care of the lips is essential.

    Pale Lips Causes

    Having pale lips is not so bad after all. It is normal especially when it is accompanied with pale skin, tongue, palms of the hand and lining of the eyes. It is also caused by a lot of factors that contributes to making the lips entirely pale. Pale lips are caused by the following:

    • Cold
    • Fainting
    • Anemia
    • Shock
    • Hypoglycaemia
    • Lack of sunlight exposure
    • Frostbite
    • Chronic diseases including cancer

    Pale Lips Treatment

    Treatments for pale lips are readily available. However, before a person considers taking some medicated drug for treatment, conditions affecting the paleness of the lips must be considered. If the condition of the paleness of the lips is diagnosed to be abnormal, pale lips treatment can be done which includes:

    • Honey intake for 3 to 4 times a week can make the pale lips turn back to its natural color.
    • Get enough rest since pale lips can be an indicator of a weak body and lack of red blood cells.
    • Take iron-rich food to get the natural color of the lips back to normal.
    • Avoid caffeine and teas since it is known to absorb iron that supplies red blood cells in the body.
    • Sun exposure to get enough color back on the lips.
    • A mixture of lemon juice, rose water and glycerine is equally effective to bring a rosy glow to the lips.
    • Lemon juice and honey is also a good remedy for pale lips.

  • How to Store Fresh Aloe Vera Leaf after Harvesting

    Aloe vera is a plant that predominantly grows in arid climates. The plant is popularly known for its health benefits such as healing of wounds and minor skin infections and many more. In fact, many commercial products on the market have aloe in it because of its wonderful properties on the skin and on overall health. Aloe isn’t only available in commercial products. Any individual, who has an aloe plant or can get a hold of it, can make use of its extracts and its healthy properties.

    How to Store Aloe Vera

    • Caring for an Aloe Vera plant is easy. In fact, its maintenance is very similar to other houseplants.
    • Caring for an aloe leaf and its gel is another matter.
    • With improper storage, the gel and the leaf can turn brown and dry up. When this happens, the Aloe is of no use.
    • But why is Aloe Vera very important and useful as a house plant?
      • It helps to heal wounds such as cuts and burns.
      • It helps to heal skin conditions such as rashes and acne.
      • It helps alleviate pain from a sun burn.
      • It speeds up healing.
      • It has wonderful moisturizer properties that work great on the skin and hair.
      • It has anti-inflammatory properties.
      • The plant grows easily and needs little maintenance.
    • When talking about storage, this does not mean the whole plant.
    • Storage is very important after harvesting the extracts or cutting and filleting of the aloe leaf.
    • When storing aloe, it is important to know which parts of the aloe leaf and which to avoid.
    • The rind or the outer layer of the aloe leaf can be used for composting.
    • The yellow sap or the second layer from of the aloe leaf should be avoided at all costs because it can cause diarrhea as well as other problems when taken orally.
    • The inner layers of the aloe leaf, the mucilage and the gel, are the most important parts of the aloe leaf.
    • Once the aloe leaf is harvested, it should be processed and stored as soon as possible in a period of a couple of hours to avoid oxidation which spoils the aloe extracts.

    Store Aloe Vera Leaf

    • In storing both the aloe extract and the leaf, cold temperature is important.
    • Storing the aloe extract and the leaf in the refrigerator can make it last longer for as long as a year.
    • It is best to store aloe extract in a brown or dark container to block out light.
    • Adding a drop of vitamin E, grapefruit seed extract, and citric acid powder can help discoloration of the aloe and make it last even longer.
    • Only use glass or a plastic container that is food-safe.
    • The whole leaf can be stored in the refrigerator and a small portion is cut only when it needs to be used. This keeps the extracts fresh.
    • It is better to fillet the leaf rather than just squeezing aloe juice out from the relief. Filleting the leaf and scraping the gel or extracts yield a larger amount.
    • Aloe vera is always best when used fresh.