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(HealthDay News) -- Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes red, flaky patches on the skin. It frequently occurs on the bottoms of the feet.
The American Podiatric Medical Association offers suggestions for treating the condition:
Take an oatmeal bath to soothe the itch.Use a hypoallergenic moisturizer regularly to keep feet well moisturized.Talk to your doctor about whether phototherapy (light therapy) is safe for you.Visit a podiatrist if your foot psoriasis doesn't improve.-- Diana Kohnle
Copyright © 2013 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
TUESDAY, Sept. 17 (HealthDay News) -- A gene mutation explains why some people develop cold sores while others do not, according to a new study.
Cold sores -- blisters that appear on and around the lips -- are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Between 80 percent and 90 percent of people are infected with the virus, but only about one-quarter of them get frequent cold sores.
Scottish researchers analyzed blood samples from people affected by cold sores and found that they have a mutation in a gene called IL28b. This mutation means the body can't mount an adequate immune response to HSV-1.
"Most people carry the cold sore strain of the herpes simplex virus, but until now we never knew why only some of them develop cold sores," Professor Juergen Haas, of the University of Edinburgh, said in a university news release.
"Knowing that susceptibility to the virus involved relates to people's genes reinforces the need to research not only the evolution of viruses themselves, but also the susceptibility of hosts to infection," Haas said.
The study was published in the journal PLoS Pathogens.
The IL28b gene also is linked to treatment responses for hepatitis C patients. If this gene is mutated, patients are less likely to respond as well to treatment. The research provides further evidence that a single genetic mutation can be linked to different viruses, Haas said.
-- Robert Preidt
Copyright © 2013 HealthDay. All rights reserved. SOURCE: University of Edinburgh, news release, Sept. 16, 2013
A cyst is a closed, saclike structure that contains fluid, gas, or semisolid material and is not a normal part of the tissue where it is located. Cysts are common and can occur anywhere in the body in people of any age. Cysts vary in size; they may be detectable only under a microscope or they can grow so large that they displace normal organs and tissues and cause symptoms. The outer wall of a cyst is called the capsule.
Cysts can arise through a variety of processes in the body, including
"wear and tear" or simple obstructions to the flow of fluid,infections,tumors,chronic inflammatory conditions,genetic (inherited) conditions,defects in developing organs in the embryo.Most cysts arise due to the types of conditions listed above and are only preventable to the extent that the underlying cause is preventable.
Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR on 9/24/2013Pilonidal cysts arise at the base of the tailbone (coccyx) of the lower back, just above the natal cleft (the cleavage between the buttocks). Doctors sometimes use the term pilonidal disease to refer to the range of problems that can affect this area. In simple cases, a small, solitary cyst-like area containing fluid is present without evidence of infection.
Boils A boil is a skin abscess, a collection of pus localized deep in the skin. There are several different types of boils. Among them are the following: furuncleOvarian Cysts Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled, sac-like structures within an ovary. Causes of ovarian cysts are numerous. Symptoms of an ovarian cysts may be pain inSty (Stye) A sty (sometimes spelled stye) is a tender, painful red bump located at the base of an eyelash or on, inside, or under the eyelid, which is the resultRosacea Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness of the forehead, chin, and lower half of the nose. In addition to inflammation of the facial skin, symptomsThyroid Nodules Thyroid nodules are the most common endocrine problem in the United States. The term "thyroid nodule" refers to any abnormal growth that forms a lump inPolycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptomsAcne (Pimples) Acne is a localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of oil glands at the base of hair follicles. This inflammation, depending on its location,Blood In Semen Blood in semen is also known as hematospermia. Blood in semen can be caused by many conditions affecting the tubes that distribute semen from the testiclesFibrocystic Breast Condition Fibrocystic breast condition (sometimes called fibrocystic breast disease) is characterized by lumpiness and usually discomfort in one or both breasts.Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer is cancer of the entrance to the womb (uterus). Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous changes in the cervix. PrecancerousChalazion Chalazions are cysts that form on the eyelid when a meibomian gland becomes inflamed. The meibomian glands secrete a mixture of oil and mucus (sebum) thatCystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis is a disease of the mucus and sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease. The outcome of the disease leaves the body malnourished,Breast Lumps (In Women) Breast lumps in women can have a variety of causes such as breast inflammation, infection, injuries, cancer, and non-cancerous growths. Breast lumps inPilonidal Cyst A pilonidal cyst is a cyst that forms near the cleft of the buttocks. The cysts are thought to be caused by the penetration of loose hairs into the skin.Polycystic Kidney Disease Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is characterized by numerous cysts in the kidneys. Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder. There are two majorGanglion A ganglion is a fluid-filled cyst that forms from the joint or tendon lining. Ganglia are most frequently found in the ankles and wrists and are usuallySteroid Abuse Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances that are related to testosterone and promote skeletal muscle growth and the development of male sexual characteristicsMolluscum Contagiosum Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by the poxvirus. Molluscum contagiosum appears as small tan or pink bumps on any part of the skin. SymptomsBreast (Anatomy and Function) The breast generally refers to the chest, however, more specifically, to the mammary gland. The mammary gland is a milk producing gland comprised largelyCysticercosis (Pork Tapeworm Infection) Cysticercosis is an infection caused by Taenia solium, the pork tapeworm. Symptoms include seizures, lethargy, nausea and vomiting, headache, vision changes,Branchial Cyst A branchial cyst is a congenital remnant from embryologic development that appears on the side of the neck. The cyst may develop a sinus or drainage pathway var nl_tracking = 'cu-btm-mnwl'; function adjustForm() { $('#nl_module_1 iframe').contents().find('#email').css('width', '230px'); //$('#nl_module_1 iframe').contents().find('#lid').val('45494'); }Get the latest health and medical information delivered direct to your inbox FREE!Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure used to restore a woman's breast to a shape and size after mastectomy (entire breast removed) or after lumpectomy (part of the breast is removed). This can be achieved by either using the patient's own tissue or using implants (prosthetics). If the nipple and areola (darker area around the nipple) are also removed during the mastectomy, then both can be reconstructed following completion of breast “mound” reconstruction.
Although breast reconstruction is considered to be an integral part of the healing and recovery process, it is not appropriate for everyone. Reconstructive efforts should not interfere or complicate the treatment of breast cancer. The primary goal of the initial surgery is to treat breast cancer and at the same time plan for a reconstruction if the patient is a good candidate.
First and foremost, everyone should be aware of the of the Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 which mandates insurance carriers to cover the cost of restorative procedures following mastectomy. Restoration after cancer treatment does not necessarily include surgery. For some women it may be as simple as just wearing an external prosthesis or a form-fitted bra. Reconstructive surgery is another option for restoring ones femininity and womanhood, but it is clearly more involved.
The decision to have breast reconstruction is one that is highly personal and one that should be made by the patient without any outside influence from others. Sometimes reconstruction becomes secondary as one is learning how to cope with the diagnosis and treatment. Reconstruction is considered if the patient does not have any medical conditions that would significantly complicate the healing process (such as diabetes, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, and history of chest wall radiation). Although breast reconstruction can improve a woman's self-image following a mastectomy or lumpectomy, it is likely that there will be some emotional adjustments in order to accept the results of breast reconstruction. Although breast reconstruction procedures can result in a natural looking breast, a candidate should be prepared to accept that a reconstructed breast may never look or have the sensation of their natural breast.
When considering restorative options, the first decision for a woman to make is whether or not they are interested in a reconstructive procedure. If so, then one has to consider the next question of whether reconstruction should be done at the time of the mastectomy or be “delayed” until the breast cancer treatment is completed. At times, even if a patient desires to have “immediate” (at time of mastectomy) reconstruction, their surgical team may recommend that a “delayed” procedure carries less of a risk and less interference with the cancer treatment.
(HealthDay News) -- Keeping your fingernails and toenails trimmed and clean helps keep germs at bay and reduces your risk of infection.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests how to keep nails clean and healthy:
Trim nails frequently.Use a nail brush or soap and water to scrub underneath your fingernails, whenever you wash your hands.Before using any tools to groom your nails, wash or sterilize the tools first. Don't chew or bite your nails, including a hangnail. Instead, use a clean pair of clippers.Unless they stick out or hurt, don't cut cuticles. They can help protect against infection.-- Diana Kohnle
Copyright © 2013 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
THURSDAY, Sept. 26 (HealthDay News) -- Using people's own stem cells from their body fat could aid in plastic surgery procedures such as post-cancer breast reconstruction, a small, preliminary study suggests.
The study, published in the Sept. 28 issue of The Lancet, looked at whether stem cells might improve the current technique of "lipofilling" -- where fat is removed via liposuction from one part of the body, purified, then injected into another area of the body.
Doctors use lipofilling in cosmetic procedures to create smoother skin or fuller lips. But it also has a range of medical uses. Fat injections can help reshape the breasts in women having reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. They can also be used in correcting facial deformities caused by an injury or congenital defect, or helping certain burn injuries heal.
The problem is that transferred fat often doesn't last, explained lead researcher Dr. Stig-Frederik Kolle.
"It's unpredictable," said Kolle, of the plastic surgery department at Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark. "And you often have to repeat the procedure to get a [satisfactory] result."
So Kolle's team tested a different approach: Take stem cells from people's body fat and use them to "enrich" the fat tissue being transplanted from one body area to another. Stem cells are primitive cells that develop into more mature ones.
The researchers recruited 10 healthy volunteers who underwent liposuction to have fat taken from the abdomen. The fat was then purified and injected into the volunteers' upper arms. In one arm, the fat transplant was enriched with stem cells; the other arm received a traditional transplant.
After about four months, the researchers took MRI images of the fat transplants, then removed them. It turned out that the stem cell-enriched transplants had retained about 81 percent of their initial volume, on average -- compared with only 16 percent among the stem cell-free transplants.
Dr. J. Peter Rubin, chair of plastic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, said the study is "very" important.
"We've known that this works in animals. What's been missing is good data on humans," said Rubin, co-author of an editorial accompanying the study.
These early results offer a "proof of principle," and need to be followed up with clinical trials of actual patients, rather than healthy volunteers, Rubin said.
One question is whether the transplanted fat will hold up over the long term, experts say. "We have no reason to believe that it won't last," Kolle said, but it still needs to be shown in studies.
And why do the added stem cells help? It's not clear, said Kolle. One possibility is that they spur the growth of small blood vessels and give the transplanted fat a better blood supply. The stem cells may also develop into mature fat cells, or send out "signals" that cause other cells -- such as fat or blood vessel cells -- to increase in number.
As for safety, Kolle and Rubin said there is a theoretical concern in using stem cell-enriched fat in women who've been treated for breast cancer. Some of the benefits of stem cells -- such as releasing "growth factors" that stimulate other cells -- could potentially feed a breast cancer recurrence.
"There's no evidence to suggest that this is true," Rubin said. But it is a possibility that everyone should be aware of, he added.
Kolle agreed. "We need to move forward carefully," he said.
Even if stem cell-enriched fat transplants prove safe and long lasting, there will be practical hurdles, since the approach would add costs and complexity. Kolle said the process of harvesting the stem cells, then growing and expanding them in cultures, is actually relatively simple -- but the facilities have to be in place.
"No, not every center will be able to do this," he said.
Still, editorial author Rubin said that new technology is needed. Breast reconstruction, he noted, has been done by the same methods for decades. It's possible, said Rubin, that stem cells could help allow some women to have reconstruction done solely via fat injections -- without the major surgery or implants used now.
The current study was funded by the Danish Cancer Society. None of the researchers reports any financial conflicts of interest. Rubin has submitted a patent application for an instrument that harvests body-fat tissue.
(HealthDay News) -- An ingrown toenail occurs when a toenail, usually one that's trimmed too short, begins to grow into the toe's skin.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says symptoms of an ingrown toenail include:
A toe that feels hard to the touch, and appears swollen.Pain, soreness or tenderness in the toe.Redness on the toe.Signs of infection around the nail, including visible pus.Skin growing over the nail.-- Diana Kohnle
Copyright © 2013 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
FRIDAY, Sept. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Alisha Bridges spent most of her life covering up and hiding. She didn't want the world to see the scaly patches of psoriasis that cover a significant portion of her body.
She's tried almost every treatment that's out there, with varying degrees of success, she said. Topical corticosteroids tend to work best for her, but because they can be used for only limited periods of time, she tries to restrict their use to when she has a special occasion coming up and as warmer weather approaches.
As much as 90 percent of her body is often covered with psoriasis, Bridges said.
She was only 7 years old when she was diagnosed with the autoimmune skin disease after a bout of chickenpox. Bridges said she's spent most of her life worried that people would stare, or that they'd think she had something that was contagious.
"I was hiding and being ashamed -- I was my own worst enemy," admitted Bridges, who just turned 26.
But then she started blogging about what it's like to live with psoriasis, and people took notice. She was invited to the National Psoriasis Foundation meeting in Washington D.C., where she attended a number of workshops, including one on using social media to raise awareness and connect with others.
Since then, she's been busy raising awareness through Facebook and Twitter, and she's continued to blog about living with psoriasis. She's also become a National Psoriasis Foundation community ambassador.
"Finding support is imperative in the battle with psoriasis," Bridges said. "It's so important to know that you're not alone -- that other people are also dealing with this. And, don't be afraid to speak out. When you start talking about it, people are more understanding than you expect them to be. The majority of people don't know what psoriasis is, but many are open to hearing more about it."
Support groups, she said, are great places to learn about what works and what doesn't for psoriasis, and to pick up tips -- like learning to be persistent and patient with your medication.
"Sometimes treatment won't work until months later, so you have to be persistent in using them, even when you don't see results right away," she said.
Bridges also recommends getting comfortable with your disease.
"No matter what you show of your psoriasis, talk about it until you're comfortable with it," she said. "It's a process that takes time. Three years ago, I didn't talk about it at all. Now, I'm working on exposing my psoriasis," Bridges explained.
"I won't say I'm comfortable enough to go to the grocery store in shorts just yet," she said with a laugh, "but I'm working on it."
FRIDAY, Sept. 13 (HealthDay News) -- For the legions of Americans living with the red, scaly patches of psoriasis, doctors have good news.
"We are at a point where we can help almost anyone, and we can do it fairly safely," said Dr. Mark Lebwohl, who chairs the National Psoriasis Foundation's medical board. "If you have psoriasis, there's usually a treatment out there that will make you better."
Some 7.5 million people in the United States have the autoimmune disease, yet it's unknown to millions of others.
The telltale scaly patches often occur on the outside of the elbows, knees and scalp, but they can appear anywhere on the skin and may itch, sting or burn. Some people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes stiffness, pain, throbbing, swelling and tenderness in one or more joints.
Symptoms vary from person to person, as does severity of the disease. Some people are affected mildly, while others have signs of the disease over most of their body.
But Lebwohl said there are more treatment options available today than ever before, and more are on the way. "We have medicines that are pretty safe and incredibly effective for the large majority of patients," he said.
For most people, the first line of treatment is a topical medication. Topical corticosteroids are probably the most common first treatment, he said, and they often work very well but are prone to such side effects as thinning skin and stretch marks.
Dr. Janet Lin, a dermatologist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, also noted that people can develop a resistance to topical corticosteroids, which means the medication won't work any longer.
Another topical treatment is a class of medications known as vitamin D analogues, which Lin said "help normalize the growth of the skin cells, and they don't have the side effects of corticosteroids." Examples are calcipotriol, calcitriol and tacalcitol.
Two other topical formulations approved for psoriasis treatment are salicylic acid and coal tar, according to the foundation.
Lin said that steroids injected into areas with psoriasis patches can help thin out the scales, but they can be used only in limited areas.
Light therapy can also help people with psoriasis. "There are certain wavelengths in the UVA and UVB spectrum that help suppress inflammation," she said. The problem with light therapy, though, is that it must be administered in a doctor's office two to three times a week, which makes it inconvenient.
Oral medications also are available and are often the first ones tried for widespread psoriasis. "If someone is covered from head to toe with psoriasis," Lebwohl said, "it's useless to try topical treatments."
Examples of oral medications are acitretin, cyclosporine and methotrexate. He said that most insurance companies prefer that people start with methotrexate because it's effective and considerably less expensive than some of the alternative treatments. Most oral drugs, however, are not considered advisable for use by women during their childbearing years.
The newest and perhaps most helpful drugs for people with psoriasis are called biologics and include such drugs as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade and Stelara. They work by suppressing certain parts of the immune system, and are given by injection or intravenously, Lebwohl said. Because they affect the immune system, however, they carry some increased risks.
"People usually do very well on these medications," Lin said, but she added that "they may see an increase in colds or in infections like strep throat."
For people with psoriatic arthritis, Lebwohl said, methotrexate and most of the biologics are the preferred treatments.
Many people end up using a combination of medications -- a biologic and topical corticosteroids, for instance.
Even more options are in the treatment pipeline.
Lebwohl said there are "at least two pills on the near horizon, and at least five new biologics in the works." And, according to the foundation, more oral medications and new topical treatments are currently being tested in clinical trials.
"There are good medications to control psoriasis, but there's no cure yet," Lin said, but she added that, with all the new medications in development, there's reason to be hopeful.
The physical symptoms of acne are generally obvious to anyone who sees them. Painful-looking, blotchy red patches of skin which can, if left untreated, lead to breakage of the skin and aggravated problems are a common symptom of acne vulgaris. What people looking from the outside often don’t see is the severe mental and emotional torment that can be caused by acne. As it is well established that acne affects predominantly teenage victims – who are already at a stage in their life when they are most emotionally insecure – the importance of tackling it as early and as effectively as possible is clear.
The reasons for acne having such a profound psychological effect are easy to see. During our teenage years we experience a very pronounced surge in hormones which affects almost everything about us. We grow in height, our voices change, and as puberty takes its effect our bodies change beyond all recognition. In addition to this our minds change considerably too, as we become acutely aware of our burgeoning sexuality and that of our peers. It is a pressurised time for anyone, and adding the self-esteem problems generated by acne means it is hardly a surprise that it is seen as a cause of teenage depression.
There have been studies which point to a link between acne and problems as severe as suicide. Problem acne can be so profoundly affecting for an individual that they feel there is no prospect of ever being happy. If necessary, it can be helpful to have counselling alongside whatever acne treatment you decide on.
It is fair to say that the list of possible treatments for acne stretches a long distance when written on paper, and some of the treatments listed would be as effective if that is where they remained. Acne treatment, and any other kind of medical treatment for a skin condition, will always be a potentially lucrative market because of the large numbers of people with skin conditions, who are keen to get rid of their blemishes by one means or another. Many of the products available for treatment of acne or other skin conditions, however, are at best temporarily or superficially effective. Those which are powerfully effective are more likely to have side-effects, leaving the sufferer with a choice between ineffective and detrimental.
It seems clear that prevention of acne is considerably better and more reliable than any known cure. This prevention depends on a system that does not merely treat symptoms, but combats the underlying root causes of the skin condition. Anti-inflammatory medication, for example, will prevent the skin from becoming reddened and blotchy. Hormone supplements which level out the amount of testosterone – frequently overproduced in acne sufferers – are also beneficial. Other treatments have differing effects but, taken in combination, the overall effect can be to deal with each of the separate problems which together cause acne blemishes to appear on the skin. There are other measures which can be taken – not least dietary changes and washing regimes – to produce a holistic acne prevention system. Treating the problem globally in this way is perhaps the best bet for long-term effectiveness.
What we often refer to as “acne” is, in fact, a symptom of the condition rather than the problem itself. Acne vulgaris is the condition itself and is caused by a range of factors, while the problems that appear on our skin are more properly referred to as “lesions”, “blemishes”, “spots” or “blackheads”. All of the above problems are directly attributable to the condition Acne vulgaris. They are all external symptoms which are, in the main, visible to the naked eye. In many cases, people will witness the external symptoms and seek to get rid of those without thinking much about the causes. This is a major part of the problem – if the symptoms are treated and the causes get ignored, the cycle is destined to repeat itself.
In many cases, people will assume that the symptoms of acne – in particular blackheads – are a result of insufficient hygiene. This is not generally true, however. Blackheads are actually caused by a bodily chemical known as keratin which causes blockages deep within the follicles where they cannot be washed away. The keratin then oxidises and hardens close to the surface of the skin, and looks like dirt on the pore. A good facial cleansing regime can do a job to get rid of blackheads, but will not necessarily prevent their formation.
Another symptom of acne vulgaris is inflammation of the skin causing it to itch, redden and appear blotchy. To counter inflamation it is worthwhile taking paracetemol or other anti-inflammatory medication, which will offer respite for long enough to address the root causes.
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