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Eczema Is This Causing My Baby’s Rash?

Eczema is a skin irritation that results in small, itchy blisters that ooze or weep. It can occur at any age but is common in infants and children under the age of 5.

Eczema Symptoms include itchy reddened skin with numerous small blisters, scales, or crusts. The irritated skin may produce a watery discharge.

The rash may occur for no known reason but is many times an Allergic Reaction to such things as foods (seafood, eggs, or milk), clothing (especially wool), lotions, soaps, topical medications, and detergents. Eczema is not contagious.

Treatment of eczema includes removal of irritating factor such as food, clothing, etc. Avoid scratching the area which can cause the inflamed area to expand. You can place gloves on the hands of infants and children when they sleep to avoid scratching.

The use of topical ointments may control symptoms. Antihistamines may be prescribed if necessary for older patients.

How To Treat Diaper Rash and How To Avoid It

Diaper rash is a form of contact dermatitis that causes irritation to the skin in the diapered area. It is caused by an infection from yeast or fungus. These infectious organisms thrive in warm moist environments, such as a wet or soiled diaper.

Symptoms of diaper rash include a red, painful rash around the genital and anal regions.

Diaper rash is most likely to occur after prolonged contact with urine or feces in the diaper. If the infant has sensitive skin, the symptoms may be worse or occur more often. The incidence of diaper rash will increase in hot, humid weather.

Treatment is focused on keeping the child dry. Change diapers frequently and leave diaper off as long as possible between changes.

Do not use baby oil or lotions unless specifically recommended for diaper rash. Many over-the-counter ointments are available to treat diaper rash such as petroleum jelly, or zinc oxide ointments.

If the rash persists, or worsens, seek a pediatricians advice to assure no complications result such as secondary bacterial infections.

To learn more about diaper rash symptoms, causes and treatments, follow the link.

How Are Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 and Type 2 Different?

There are two forms of diabetes mellitus. In Type I (sometimes called insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes if it begins in adolescence), there is a total inability to secrete insulin (insulin is needed for the body to convert carbohydrates to energy). In Type II (sometimes called non-insulin dependent or adult-onset diabetes), insulin is not produced sufficiently to properly use carbohydrates for energy.

Symptoms for both types of diabetes mellitus are similar, and include: excess thirst, increased frequency of urination and an increase in hunger, fatigue, and possibly itchy skin.

The cause of diabetes mellitus type 1 is not well understood but is thought to be an autoimmune disease that may result from a viral infection of the pancreas. There may also be a family history that may skip a generation. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is more common than Type I and is associated with many risk factors such as obesity, stress, or Pregnancy.

Observation of the aforementioned symptoms should prompt an evaluation by a physician. The evaluation may include a physical examination and analysis of urine and blood (i.e. fasting blood glucose).

As for treatment,diabetes mellitus type 1 is controlled by insulin injections or an insulin pump prescribed by a physician. Diabetes mellitus type 2 may need to be controlled by oral medication, but many with diabetes mellitus type 2 can avoid medication if measures are taken to control diet and weight.

Complications can occur if diabetes mellitus is not controlled, such as heart disease or artery disease, vision impairment, kidney disorders, decreased blood flow to legs and feet, and sexual impotency in males. If too much insulin is used to treat the disease, blood sugar levels will drop to dangerously low levels (insulin shock).

To find more on the similarities and differences between diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2 click go to our page on Diabetes Mellitus Symptoms.

Diabetes Insipidus – The Other Form of Diabetes

Diabetes Insipidus is a rarer condition than Diabetes Mellitus (abnormality of insulin production). Diabetes insipidus is due to an inadequate production of the hormone ADH (antidiuretic hormone).

Diabetes insipidus symptoms may include extreme thirst and excessive urination. This condition may also lead to dry skin and constipation.

Cause of dibetes insipidus are due to insufficient secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This may be caused by trauma to the head or a tumor growth or infection that disrupts the pituitary gland. Kidney damage may also be responsible. Approximately 1/2 of cases have an unknown cause.

Diagnosis is based on observation of the aforementioned symptoms and requires an evaluation by a physician. The evaluation may include a physical examination or other tests to determine the levels of ADH in the body.

Treatment may include surgery if the underlying cause of the disease is a brain tumor or other surgically correctable cause.

The disease may spontaneously resolve if it is due to a complication of head trauma. Diabetes insipidus of unknown cause can be effectively controlled through the use of prescription nose drops or injections that contain synthetic ADH (vasopressin support therapy).

Uncontrolled, diabetes insipidus can cause electrolyte imbalance in the body and lead to heartbeat irregularity and fatigue.

To learn the complete details on Diabetes Insipidus click on the link.

Sleep Apnea is More Serious Than Just Terrible Snoring

Sleep apnea is the stoppage of breathing during sleep. The stoppage can last from about 10 seconds up to a minute or longer and can occur hundreds of times during the night.

Sleep apnea symptoms include periods of sleep without breathing, loud snoring or snorting during sleep, and excessive sleepiness in the daytime.

The most common form is caused by excess tissue in the back of the throat. You are at higher risk if you are obese or a middle-aged male.

Other types of sleep apnea may also be associated with chronic respiratory disorders or central nervous system disorders (i.e. brain tumor, stroke).

The diagnosis of sleep apnea is typically based on observation of the symptoms by someone other than the sufferer. These symptoms should be evaluated by a physician. The evaluation may include a physical exam complete with respiratory tests and possibly sleep analysis in a sleep laboratory.

What is the treatment for sleep apnea? Since sleep apnea is closely related to obesity, steps should be taken to lose weight. It may be necessary for some persons to wear a mask at night which supplies oxygen or keeps the airway open. Certain cases may require surgery.

For an in-depth look at sleep apnea and your options for treating this condition go to Sleep Apnea on SymptomSpy.com

A Deviated Nasal Septum Can Cause Loud Breathing

A deviated nasal septum is a misalignment of the wall that separates the two sides of the nose and divides the nostrils.

Deviated nasal septum symptoms may lead to difficult breathing, loud breathing during the day and snoring at night. A deviated septum can be a factor in developing Sleep Apnea, which is a dangerous condition that results in period without breathing during sleep.

If you have a deviated septum, you may notice a crooked appearance to your nose and be prone to nose bleeds and sinus infections.

A deviated nasal septum may be a congenital (present at birth) problem or it may be the result of an injury to the nose that results from a fight, fall, or accident.

Diagnosis is typically based on the observation of the earlier mentioned symptoms as well as an nasal examination by your medical doctor.

If your symptoms are not resulting in a high level of discomfort, you can live with the condition without the need for treatment.

In cases where minor discomfort is experienced, the use of  nasal decongestant medication may be helpful.

For severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

You can learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of a deviated nasal septum by clicking the link.

Myositis a Muscle Disease With or Without a Rash

Myositis is defined as an inflammation of a muscle. The disease has different categories.

• Polymyositis causes muscle inflammation

• Dermatomyositis is muscle inflammation that is accompanied by a purple-red rash on the skin

The symptoms can appear in both men and women and at any age. However, women age 50 to 70 are more susceptible, as are children between 5 and 15.

Myositis Symptoms may include swelling, tenderness, and weakness of the muscle. A person may have associated flu-like symptoms such as a fever.

The cause of myositis is not completely understood but may be due to an infection (infectious myositis) or autoimmune disease (polymyositis, dermatomyositis).

Treatment of myositis involves anti-inflammatory and immunosupressive medications. Corticosteroid drugs are often an early treatment option.

Learn more about myositis, it’s different forms, and how it is treated at Myositis.

Polymyositis A Serious Muscle Disease Learn Who Is Affected

Polymyositis is an inflammatory disease involving muscle tissue. This disease most commonly affects women between the ages of 50 and 70. Children are also susceptible between the ages of 5 and 15.

Polymyositis symptoms include weakness of the shoulder, hip, neck, and throat muscles (the weakness may involve other muscles as well). This may cause frequent falls, difficulty speaking or swallowing. Some may also exhibit signs of a skin rash (dermatomyositis).

The cause of polymyositis not fully understood but thought to be an autoimmune disorder. The disease may be linked to bacterial or viral infections in the body.

Diagnosis is based on the observation of the aforementioned symptoms and an evaluated by a physician. The evaluation may include a physical examination, blood tests, muscle biopsy, and/or an electromyogram (measures muscle contraction).

As for treatment of polymyostis, the goal is to slow the progression of the disease. This disease is a chronic condition that may get worse leading to confinement to a wheelchair.

Spontaneous remissions may occur in some cases, especially children. A physician may prescribe cortisteroid drugs until acute, inflammatory symptoms are alleviated. Some cases may respond to medications designed to suppress the immune system (immunosuppressive medications). It is likely that some medications will be required for life.

Dermatomyositis in Children Ages 5 to 15

Dermatomyositis is actually a muscle disorder that is characterized by a purplish rash on the body.

It is inflammatory condition of the skin and connective tissues that produces a skin rash, which may appear on the face, eyelids, arms, chest or back.

Other dermatomyositis symptoms may include muscle weakness, swelling, fever, discomfort, weakness, and possibly difficult swallowing or talking.

Children may develop hard deposits, bumps, under their skin (calcinosis).
Children are also more prone to have gastrointestinal ulcers and perforations in the intestine lining.

The cause of dermatomyositis is unknown but may be an autoimmune disorder. Other possible causes include certain drugs or infections.

Diagnosis is based on observation of the symptoms and physical exam complete with lab studies.

Treatment typically involves a physician prescribing corticosteroid drugs. Muscle weakness may be extensive and require bed rest.

For a complete description of dermatomyositis, click the link.

DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis Can Make It Hard To Grip Objects

DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis is a condition involving the tendons of the wrist and thumb. These tendons have a sheath around them to protect from excess friction. However, when exposed to chronic overuse (i.e. working long hours with hands and fingers), the tendon sheaths can develop adhesions and become inflamed.

Symptoms of DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis include pain or ache at the outer portion of the base of the thumb. This may intensify with activities that involve the hand or wrist.

The cause of DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis is typically repetitive movements of the wrist of thumb which causes irritation to the tendon sheaths in this area.

Diagnosis is based on observation of the DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis symptoms that you can read about in detail by following the link. When symptoms are present the thumb should be evaluated by a physician.

The evaluation may include a physical examination complete with orthopedic tests and possibly x-rays to assess the presence of any problems involving the bone.

To treat DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis you will need to rest or eliminate any offending activity. A physician may recommend a brace to limit motion in the affected area, and ice or anti-inflammatory medication may be used to reduce swelling.