Monday, January 05, 2009

Tips on Managing Scabies


Scabies is a highly contagious, severely itchy skin disease caused by infestation with an itch mite known as Sarcoptes scabei. It is a very common disease, but still misdiagnosed due to many clinical presentations. If proper treatment is not provided, it can remain in the family for months or years. No wonder it was called the seven year itch before effective treatments were discovered.
More on Tips on Managing Scabies

Herpetic Whitlow: An Occupational Hazard


Herpetic whitlow is a very painful infection caused by herpes simplex virus, typically affecting the distal phalanx of the fingers. Adamson first described herpetic whitlow in 1909, and in 1959, it was noted to be an occupational hazard among health care workers.

More on Herpetic Whitlow: An Occupational Hazard

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Treatment Options for Anogenital Warts


How to Manage the Sexually Transmitted HPV Infection.


Anogenital warts refer to a viral infection of the anal and genital area caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). The danger of HPV infection lies in the fact that they can cause cancerous changes in the skin and mucous membrane of the genital tract. There are many treatment options for anogenital warts.

Anogenital warts are quite common and current evidence suggests that more than 50% of sexually active adults have been infected with one or more HPV types, which number to more than 150 clinical types of which around 20 infect the genital area. Transmission occurs through sexual contact mainly, and through fingers and during delivery to the newborn. Following sexual contact with an infected person, the warts appear after an incubation period of 3 weeks to 8 months, with an average of 3 months. The chance of getting the disease after sexual contact with an infected person has been estimated to be around 60%.

Read on: Treatment Options for Anogenital Warts.

Molluscum Contagiosum


The Pearly White Domed Viral Skin Disease.


Molluscum contagiosum is a common, self limiting viral infection caused by a pox virus, the molluscum contagiosum virus. It appears as pearly white or skin colored bumps, and occurs in children and sexually active adults. More about Molluscum Contagiosum

Chickenpox: Frequently Asked Questions


Most Common FAQ about Chickenpox

Chickenpox's frequently asked questions will clear your doubts on how to manage this viral infection appropriately. Chickenpox is a common, highly infectious and vaccine preventable disease. The incidence of Chickenpox has steadily decreased after the introduction of the varicella vaccine.

Here are the 'Chickenpox: Frequently Asked Questions'.

All About Chicken Pox


The Common Viral Infection of Childhood.

Chickenpox or Varicella is caused by a virus called Varicella zoster . It is usually a disease of childhood, but those who have not had it in childhood, can get the disease when they are adults. The severity of the infection will be higher when adults get chickenpox.

A very effective vaccine is available to prevent chickenpox. It is known as Varicella vaccine or varilrix. In most countries, Chickenpox vaccine is routinely given to all children above 1 year of age.

Read all about chickenpox.

How to Manage Post Herpetic Neuralgia


Tips on Managing The Most Dreaded Complication of Shingles.

Post herpetic neuralgia is an extremely painful complication of herpes zoster or shingles. The excruciating pain and burning sensations are due to nerve damage caused by the severe inflammation caused by the varicella zoster virus which causes chicken pox and herpes zoster.

As the name indicates, the pain starts after an attack of herpes zoster, when the lesions start crusting over and begin to heal. The neuralgia is typically distributed over the area of the skin innervated by the affected branch of the nerve, called a dermatome. More on How to Manage Post Herpetic Neuralgia.