MEDICAL EDUCATION ON THE TREATMENT OF SKIN CANCER

As we all know that Prevention is better than cure, so everyone should be aware of the causes & prevention of skin cancer so that we can take effective measures to prevent themselves from skin cancer so one should follow the preventive measures which we have already discussed in the previous article. To read that one article you can CLICK HERE to get access to the previous articles.

TREATMENT OF SKIN CANCER

The goal of treatment is to eradicate the tumor. The treatment of skin cancer depends upon the tumor location, involved cell type, depth, invasion, metastasis (spreading of the tumor to another organ) & cosmetic desire of the client. The treatment is of the following two types:

• SURGERY TREATMENT
• RADIATION THERAPY TREATMENT

SURGICAL TREATMENT: The primary goal of surgical treatment is to remove the tumor cell totally & also involves the some of the normal skin. In this the tumor is excised and the skin is sutured in layers to enhance the cosmetic appearance, if the tumor is large then grafting is done means skin graft is taken from another site & grafted there. Here are some of the surgical procedures which can be done to treat the skin cancer:

• Mohs’ microscopic surgery: This type of surgical procedure is most accurate method of skin cancer treatment. In this procedure the tumor is removed layer by layer, first layer removes all the tumor skin & small margin of the normal appearing cell & then the cells are frozen & analysed microscopically to determine whether all the tumor cells are removed or not, if not removed then the further surrounding cells excision is done keeping in mind the cosmetic appearance.
• Electro surgery: This type of surgical procedure is done for the tumor cells having diameter less than 2cm. in this the tumor tissue is destroyed by using the electric energy. The current is converted to heat which is then applied to the tumor tissue usually after scrapping the area with a curette. In this procedure healing occurs within one month.
• Cryosurgery: In this type of surgical procedure the tumor tissue is destroyed by freezing it. A thermocouple needle is used & liquid nitrogen is used to destroy the tumor cells. The tumor tissue is frozen, allow to thaw & then refrozen again, in this way the tumor destruction takes place. In this procedure healing occurs within one to two months.

RADIATION THERAPY: In radiation therapy the high energy rays such as x-rays or the particles such as electron or protons are used to kill the tumor cells. This is a painless procedure but require frequent course of radiations. Radiation therapy is beneficial for the patients who are not fit for the surgery because of the poor health or it is used as a primary treatment for large tumors to reduce their surface area. Radiation therapy can be used before the surgery or after the surgery as an adjuvant to completely remove the tumor.

Stay Healthy………..

We will continue with our Medical Health Education to aware the World regarding the various health problems….

MEDICAL EDUCATION ON RISK FACTORS AND SYMPTOMS OF SKIN CANCER

As our on-going topic is on medical education on Skin Cancer now in this post we are going to elaborate various risk factors along with sign and Symptoms for skin cancer. If you want to read our previous article on the “What is Skin Cancer” you can CLICK HERE to get the access.

RISK FACTORS FOR SKIN CANCER

These are the factors which increase the chances of skin cancer means they aggravate the existing or the occurrence of a disease. These risk factors may be environmental or hereditary. A person can change his/her life style to get rid of these risk factors. So here are some of the risk factors which increase the chances to get skin cancer:

FAIR SKIN PEOPLE: People having Fair skin, fair hairs, blue eyes are more prone to have skin cancer because these people have insufficient skin pigmentation to protect the underlying tissues from the harmful radiations & they get affected by ultraviolet radiations very easily & have skin cancer easily.

SUN EXPOSURE: The people who are having chronic sun exposure means the people who are exposed to sun since a long time such as in some type of occupations like farming, laboring etc. are more prone to have skin cancer.

CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS: Exposure of workers to some factory chemicals such as arsenic, nitrates, coal, tar, oils, paraffin etc increases the chances to get the skin cancer.

ELDERLY PEOPLE: Elderly people are prone to have skin cancer because they are having sun damaged skin due to prolong exposure to sun & due to ageing factors.

PREVIOUS X-RAY THERAPY: people who are having a history of previous x-ray therapy for acne treatment etc are at a increased risk to get skin cancer.

GENETIC FACTORS: People who are having first or second degree relatives with skin cancer they are also at an increased risk to have skin cancer because the cancerous gene can transfer from parents to children.

SIGN & SYMPTOMS OF SKIN CANCER

The features of skin cancer depends upon the different types of the cells which they involve so some of the features of skin cancer according to the cell or tissue involvement are here, which a person can identify only by seeing them:

Basal cell carcinoma usually begins as a small, waxy nodule with rolled, pearly borders & usually appears in the most sun exposed area. As these nodules grow they undergo crusting & these are usually not spread to surrounding structures.

Squamous cell carcinomas develop from the epidermis & are of greater concern because in these chances of metastasis are more. These are usually appear on sun damaged area but may be developed from the normal skin. These appear as rough, thickened, scaly tumor that may be symptom free or may involve bleeding. There is more inflammation (swelling) at the borders of these tumors as compared to basal cell carcinoma & are also wider. Exposed area especially upper extremities, face, lower lip, ears, nose & forehead are common sites.

Malignant melanomas are characterized by brown, black mixed with gray, blue black or white circular lesions with irregular borders. The margins of the lesion may be flat or elevated. Some types of malignant melanomas are also spherical, blueberry shaped with a smooth, uniform surface. These can be described as a blood blister that fails to resolve. These types of melanomas invade the dermis so these are metastatic means spread from one site (organ) to another site & this is the reason that the cure rate of this type of skin cancer is very poor.

In our Next Medical Health Education article we are going to discussed Various Treatment Techniques to get rid of Skin Cancer. So we with us continuously and we will post very soon….

HEALTH CARE TIPS TO PREVENT YOUR SKIN FROM SKIN CANCER

MEDICAL EDUCATION ON THE PREVENTION OF SKIN CANCER

Skin is the most important part of the body which acts as a protecting shield for body. Now as we are providing Medical education on Skin cancer in the last article we discussed about “What is Skin Cancer? And it’s Type”. If you wish to read that one article then CLICKS HERE. After that article, now we are going to share some important Health tips to take care of your skin and prevent your skin from major type of Cancer known as Skin Cancer. So here are some Basic Health caring tips to take care of your skin:

1). HOW TO USE SUNSCREEN ON YOUR SKIN

The most effective way to prevent your-self from skin cancer is to use sunscreen. These sunscreen creams or lotions provide a healthy shield to your skin and save it from skin tan, darkening caused by sun’s Ultraviolet (UVA) rays. These sunscreens protect our skin against all forms of UV damage, sunburn, premature ageing & skin cancer.

Use sunscreens of SPF (sun protection factor) which suits your skin. Sunscreens are rated according to SPF (Sun Protection Factor) & it is from SPF 4 (weakest) to SPF 50 (highest). The choice of SPF depends how long a person can stay in the sun without start reddening.

Before going outside always use a sunscreen to block harmful UV radiations.

Remember to apply the sunscreen to your body at least 30 minutes before going outside in the Sun.

Preferably use a water resistant sun screen.

Use a sunscreen of SPF more than 15 to protect yourself from both ultraviolet-A & ultraviolet-B radiations. SPF 15 sunscreen is mostly suitable to all skin types.

Reapply the sunscreen every 3 hourly if you are working for a prolonged period of time or you are sweating profusely to have the shielding effect for a prolonged time.

Use a lip balm of SPF 15 or more.

2). AVOID THE FOLLOWING THINGS

Avoid unnecessary exposure to sun, especially during the mid day when the ultra violet radiations are more intense that is from 11 am to 3 pm.

If your skin gets tanning & burning very easily then avoid too much skin exposure.

3). REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING THINGS ALWAYS

Always remember that ultraviolet rays can penetrate the loosely woven clothes so always use a sunscreen cream whenever, wherever you go out.

Always remember that ultraviolet radiations can penetrate clouds also so always use a sunscreen of appropriate SPF in cloudy weather also.

Always wear fully covered clothes that are full sleeves clothes, hat & sunglasses.

Awareness and prevention is the most important factor to save your family and yourself from such type of Health problems. So be careful and protect yourself from such type of cancers. We hope that you liked our initiation toward the Health awareness online to make each and every healthy.

MEDICAL EDUCATION ON DRY EYE SYNDROME ALONG WITH EYE CARING HEALTH TIPS

Medical Health Education on Eye Care Tips

TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES……

The dry eye syndrome is a common condition, caused due to various lifestyle factors like air pollution, smoking, vehicular smoke, excessive use of gadgets like computers, iPods, mobiles, and the also use of air conditioners, heaters etc. Other factors like sedentary habits, excessive use of various cosmetics and chemicals can have an impact on the quality of our vision.

Hormonal changes are also a cause of the dry eye syndrome (DES); causing changes in tear production e.g. menopausal women are most often affected by dry eye. Older men are also affected by this problem. Nearly 50 percent of the population suffers from this problem. However, it is more prevalent among women and older individuals.

What is Dry eye syndrome?

Sometimes people don't produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep their eyes healthy and moist. 

This condition is known as dry eye. In a normal eye there is a tear film in front of the cornea that lubricates, nourishes, and protects the eye from dust and other irritants. Spread by blinking (about every six seconds), it keeps the surface of the eye optically clear and smooth, and also protects from infection. 

This film has several layers of fluid viz. the lipid, or oil layer; the watery layer; and mucus layer and is not like ordinary water in its composition. 

All three layers of tears in human eyes are very necessary for the proper lubrication. The Persons with dry eye syndrome have tears that are mostly water and evaporate quickly, providing little protection to the eye.

Symptoms:

Dry eyes are dry, irritated and uncomfortable eyes. Sometimes excess production of water from the lachrymal gland in dry eyes results in watery eyes.

Other symptoms include eye strain, sensitivity to light, headache, blurred vision, pain and foreign body sensation, itching in the eyes, red or burning eyes. Even repeated splashing of water in the eyes does not give any relief, instead, it worsens the condition.

People prone to DES may also find their eyes feel more uncomfortable after reading or watching television at a stretch. Constant eye strain can result in headaches or neck-ache, which may be the leading symptom.

If not treated early the dry eyes can progress to ulcer formation and opacity of the cornea resulting in permanent loss of vision.

Health Tips to prevent dry eyes:

Avoid direct blowing of air in eyes from hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners or fans.

Add moisture to the air e g a humidifier can add moisture to indoor air.

While swimming wear wraparound glasses or eyeglass shields or swim goggles.

Take frequent breaks while reading some document or working on your PC (Personal Computer). Blink your eyes frequently.

Be aware of your environment. Air at high altitudes, desert areas and in the airplanes can be really dry. Close eyes repeatedly to minimise evaporation.

Position the computer screen below eye level. This will slow the evaporation of tears between eye blinks.

Stop smoking and avoid vehicular and other smoke.

Always Wear the sunglasses when you are outside to reduce the harmful exposure of sun, wind and dust to your eyes.

Do not use any eye drops meant for the normal eyes.

Avoid long term contact lens wear. Avoid surgery that involves making incisions in or removing tissue from the cornea i.e. laser correction of myopia, if you have dry eye problem.

Treatment: Eye drops called artificial tears are used as substitute tears. If you need to use artificial tears more than every 2 hr, preservative-free brands may be better for you. These lubricate the eyes and help maintain moisture. 

The use of cyclosporine drops, work by stimulating tear production. It treats the underlying inflammation that's causing the problem, but only 25 percent to 30 percent of patients are benefited and cyclosporine doesn't work in every patient. 

Steroid eye drops may also be used occasionally. Surgical options include Lacrisert, a tiny insert filled with a lubricating ingredient (hydroxylpropyl cellulose) placed just inside the lower eyelid, where it constantly releases the lubrication. 

Another option is to close outlet channels temporarily with plugs to conserve your own tears and make artificial tears last longer. One more option is to permanently seal the opening of tear ducts by using heat cautery. Supplementary measures may include drinking more water to improve general hydration of the body, treating any inflammation of the lids and the measures mentioned under prevention.

Some individuals may find dry eye relief by supplementing their diet with Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found naturally in foods like oily fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies) and flax seeds.

That’s it about this Medical education on Dry eye syndrome. Take care of your eyes by using these precaution and prevention. If you do not take it seriously then you will lose your vision….Have a healthy and bright life ahead….

Sources: News Paper and books.

WOMEN HEALTH EDUCATION ON MENOPAUSE - How homeopathy helps in menopause?

Medical Health Education on Women Health

How homeopathy helps in menopause?

Menopause Means when the Menses (period) of a Women Stopped suddenly…

THERE is often a fear in the minds of women about menopause. Many misconceptions are prevalent about this natural event in the life of a woman. It is important to understand what menopause is and why it happens. The literal meaning of the word is pause or cessation of menses. Menopause is a natural, physiological and perfectly normal event in a woman's life, so there is no need to worry because It is not a disease. It just signals the end of the fertile period in a woman. It usually happens in the early fifties to early sixties but some women may experience it earlier too.

The process: The ovaries contain millions of eggs at the time of birth. These eggs die as the age progresses. Only a fraction of these eggs remain when a woman reaches her fifties(50 Years). Moreover, the ovaries become resistant to the effect of the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), the hormone responsible for the occurrence of ovulation. The hormone oestrogen that is produced primarily by the ovaries has many roles in the functioning of blood vessels, the heart, the breasts and the uterus. At the time of menopause the ovaries stop the producing oestrogen. Reduction in the oestrogen levels in the body is responsible for a large number of symptoms that occur during and after menopause.

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Symptoms

The most common symptoms are mood swings, hot flashes, palpitation and anxiety, bouts of perspiration, headache, sleeplessness and irritability. Most of these symptoms occur because of the deficiency of oestrogen. Oestrogen is known to protect the body from coronary artery disease and brain strokes. That is why the incidence of heart disease and brain stroke is less in premenopausal women as compared to men. After menopause this protection is lost and the incidence of these diseases increases in women manifold. Bone density is also reduced much faster after menopause in women vis-à-vis men of a similar age and osteoporosis becomes more common. Lining of the vaginal wall atrophies and the mucous production is reduced causing dryness in the vagina. This leads to pain during intercourse and also frequent infections.

Diet and supplement Soya products have been found to alleviate heat flashes and perspiration as it contains high levels of phytoestrogen, also known as 'plant oestrogen'. To pre-vent loss in bone density, calcium intake, whether in form of diet as found in milk and yoghurt, or as supplements, is helpful.

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Role of homoeopathy

Homoeopathic medicines are made from highly-diluted natural substances. These do not contain any synthetic hormones and are perfectly safe for the treatment of symptoms associated with menopause. Homoeopathic medicines like Lachesis, Sepia, Sulphur and Pulsatilla are often used for the treatment of the symptoms being experienced by menopausal women. These medicines are highly effective in curing all problems that occur during the menopausal period. It is pertinent to mention here that all medicines mentioned above need the expert supervision of an experienced doctor and do not afford any chance of self medication.

For more article on various Health tips on women health as well as on Men health continue your visit with Tricky Health……

By: Dr. Harsh Sharma

Sources: News Paper and books.

HEALTH EDUCATION ON MAJOR SKIN DISEASES KNOWN AS URTICARIA (RASHES)

MEDICAL HEALTH EDUCATION ON COMMON SKIN PROBLEM KNOWN AS URTICARIA (RASHES)

INTRODUCTION: A common skin trouble that affects many people is the sudden appearance of red rashes on the skin, which may occur totally unannounced and take one by surprise. The moment one feels some itching, one is inclined to scratch the part and immediately after scratching the part, red rashes or wheals appear on the skin. These rashes or wheals may itch or burn and may stay for some time after which they settle down. In medical parlance, this condition is known as urticaria. Urticaria or “hives” as known in English is derived from a Latin word “urtica” which means nettles though urticaria has nothing to do with nettles except that it causes itching and stinging as caused by the weeds of the nettle family.

CHARACTERISTICS OF URTICARIA:

• Characterised by the development of red rashes that itch, burn and sting.
• Urticaria can crop up on any area of the skin, including the face, arms, lips or eyes.
• The red wheals may be small in size and separated from each other by areas of normal skin or may coalesce together to form a single large area of eruption.

CAUSES OF URTICARIA:

1). ALLERGY: Usually, allergies are the cause of this trouble though it is difficult to pinpoint the exact allergen. Most of the time the offending allergen is too inconspicuous to be detected accurately. This makes it difficult to avoid the recurrence of this trouble as one does not come to know the source of the trouble.

2). ALLERGY TO FOOD ITEMS: Some people may be allergic to common articles of food as chocolates, nuts, wheat or milk.

3). EXPOSURE TO EXTREME OF TEMPERATURE: Other known causes of urticaria are exposure to cold, heat, sun, alcohol, drugs, exercise and emotional stress.

TYPES OF URTICARIA:

• DERMOGRAPHISM: The urticaria caused by minor pressure or scratching of the skin is known as dermographism.
• SOLAR URTICARIA: Some people get hives on going out in the sun known as solar urticaria.
• COLD URTICARIA: Exposure to cold can also cause urticaria in some patients. In extreme cases of allergy, wheezing respiration and unconsciousness may accompany the skin symptoms.
• CHOLINERGIC URTICARIA: It is another form of urticaria which is triggered by exercise, heat or emotions.

CHEMICAL REACTION IN BODY DURING URTICARIA:

The swelling that is seen in the skin rashes is caused by the leakage of blood plasma out of the vessels into the extracellular space. This remains limited only to the superficial layer of the skin and is caused by histamine which is released from the mast cells. Besides allergic reactions certain chemicals in foods and drugs can also lead to the release of histamine.

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HEALTH CARE TIPS ON TREATMENT OF URTICARIA:

1). More often than not, the rashes and the wheals sub-side on their own after some time but are quite distressing for the time they last. They come suddenly, last for a while and fade away on their own. Intense itching prompts one to scratch and often there is bleeding from the areas as the skin is peeled off by scratching. In some cases, scratching does not relieve the itching and may even cause more itching and may spread to the adjacent areas.

2). Applying coconut oil or Vaseline usually helps in relieving the itching and is the better course of action as compared to scratching with one’s nail which can expose the skin to further infection by bacteria and viruses.

3). Role of homoeopathy: The commonly used homoeopathic medicines for the treatment of urticaria are Apis, Natrum Mur, Mezereum, Dulcama-ra and Calcarea Carb. It is very important that the right medicine should be selected after a thorough study of the symptoms. Constitutional treatment with the right medicine is able to cure this trouble completely.

Continue your visit with Tricky Health. We are here to make a healthy World by sharing various Medical Education on very common diseases…

By: Dr. S.L Sharma.

MODE OF INFECTION FOR HYPATITIS B VIRUS ALONG WITH HEALTH TIPS FOR PREVENTING INFECTION

Our Previous article was on Introduction to Hepatitis B virus along with the Symptoms. If you want to read that article you can CLICK HERE to read that one where we explained the basic medical education on Hepatitis-B virus. Now in this segment of Medical Health education on Hepatitis B we are going to explain various modes of Infections for this Virus along with TIPS FOR PREVENTING INFECTION.

Modes of infection: There are following mode through which this infection can spread:

1). Hepatitis B and C spread through unsafe injection practices means using the same injections to multiple persons.

2). Unprotected sex relationship with an infected person.

3). Transfusion of infected blood to a healthy person.

4). Infection may also spread from mother to baby at birth.

5). Sharing a razor or toothbrush with a hepatitis-infected person also lead to the infection.

6). Getting body piercing or tattoo done with infected tools, and using needles that have already been used by a hepatitis-positive individual (such as for therapeutic injections or taking drugs) spread the infection.

But one cannot contract hepatitis B and C through sharing food or drinks with an infected person or through casual contact such as hugging, kissing, sneezing or coughing.
HEALTH TIPS FOR PREVENTING YOURSELF FROM HYPETITIS VIRUS
HEALTH TIPS FOR PREVENTING INFECTION:(FOR PATIENTS)

❚To avoid contracting or spreading the Hepatitis virus:
❚Never share needles
❚Do not share toothbrushes or razors
❚Do not get a tattoo or piercing done with tools that are not sterilised
❚Be vigilant about the use of fresh syringe and needles by the health care providers in all settings
❚Always use a condom during sex

HEALTH TIPS FOR PREVENTING INFECTION:(FOR MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS)

❚Never forget to wear latex or plastic gloves (handbags) to avoid direct contact with blood of infected patients
❚Do not use the same syringe to medicate more than one patient.
❚Never recap needles
❚Do not access the bag with a syringe that has already been used to flush a patient’s IV or catheter
❚Do not use a shared medication vial with a used syringe to medicate another patient
❚Ensure that you and your staff are immunized against Hepatitis B
❚In case of accidental needle stick injury follow NACO guidelines on post exposure prophylaxis within 72 hours

Awareness is the most important thing to cure yourself from these type of dangerous viruses. That’s why we are here to provide you medical health education and health caring tips on various topics. So be aware about these health tips and live a health and fit life ahead.