All about Scabies; Introduction, how to discover and effective treatment.

The main symptom of scabies is intense itching that is worse at night when the skin temperature is warmer.
The skin rash that is associated with a scabies infection is made up of tiny red insect bites or spots. If you scratch the rash, you may also develop crusty sores.

Burrow marks can be found anywhere on the body but, in adults, they often appear in the some areas as shown in the picture:


-Your GP will usually be able to diagnose scabies from the appearance of your skin, and by looking for the burrow marks that are made by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite.

-Ink test
The burrows of scabies mites can be highlighted by using an ink test. The ink is rubbed around an area of itchy skin before being wiped off with an alcohol pad. If scabies burrows are present, some of the ink will remain and will have tracked into the burrows, showing up as a dark line.

In order to confirm the diagnosis, a skin sample may be gently scraped from the affected area so that it can be examined under a microscope for evidence of scabies mites and their eggs and faeces (stools).

Treatment of Scabies:
The two most widely used treatments for scabies are:

• permethrin cream
• malathion lotion

Permethrin cream is usually recommended as the first treatment. Malathion lotion is used if the permethrin cream proves to be ineffective. Both medications contain insecticides that kill the scabies mite.

Permethrin cream should be used under medical supervision for women who are pregnant and also for young children who are between two months and two years old. You should check with your GP before using this treatment.
.It is important that all members of your household, and any close contacts

Some advices for Scabies treatment:
1-Permathrin cream or malathion lotion should be applied to cool, dry skin and not after a hot bath. If the cream or lotion is applied when the body is hot, it will be absorbed quickly into the skin and will not remain on the area where the burrows are present.
2-Apply it to the whole body from the chin and ears downwards, paying particular attention to the areas between the fingers and toes and under the nails and areas where there are skin folds. Treatment can be massaged under fingernails and toenails using an old toothbrush (which should be sealed in a bag and thrown away afterwards).
3-Adults should not apply lotion above the neck. However, in children under two years old a thick layer should be applied to the scalp, face and ears, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
4-People with a weak immune system, the very young and elderly people should apply the treatment to their whole body, including their face and scalp.
5-If you wash your hands within 8–12 hours, reapply the cream to your hands, making sure that you also put it under your nails.
6-Permethrin needs to be left on for 8–12 hours, and malathion should be left on for 24 hours.
7-Follow-up treatment after seven days is recommended in order to make sure that the treatment is successful. This will ensure that any mites that have hatched from existing eggs will be killed by the second application.

How to know your baby teething? And how to deal with it?

9 month infant with right lower central incisor about to emerge

The process of teething has some symptoms that vary from child to child.Some may be a lot fussier than others while they are teething. The soreness and swelling of the gums before a tooth comes through is the cause for the pain and fussiness a baby experiences during this change.
Teething can begin as early as 3 months and continue until a child's third birthday.

Most babies show common symptoms include :
- drooling (which can lead to a facial rash) or dribbling, mood changes and feelings of irritability or crankiness and swollen gums. Note that the extra saliva may cause your baby to occasionally cough or gag whith is usually nothing to worry about as your baby seems fine and shows no signs of a cold or flu and does not run a high fever.
- Crying, sleeplessness, restless sleep at night, and mild fever are also associated with teething. Sometimes babies might refuse to eat or drink due to the pain.
Pulling on the ears is another sign of pain; the pain in the mouth throbs throughout the baby's head so they pull their ears believing that it will provide relief.

Also it is so important to know that teething has not been shown to cause the following:

* high fever ; diarrhea, runny nose and cough; prolonged fussiness; and rashes on the baby body.

How to deal with teething of baby ?
# Infants chew on objects to aid in the teething process.Teething rings, water filled and chilled rubber teething toys; mom and dads fingers can all provide counter pressure that can sometimes bring relief. Offering your baby cold food and a cold bottle of water can also help. If sucking on the bottle bothers your child, offer a cold cup of water. The water can also help replenish your baby’s fluid if they’re drooling a lot or have loose bowel movements.

# Medicines that are taken by mouth to help reduce the pain: Acetaminophen (Children's Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Children's Advil or Motrin) may also help with pain "but should not be administered to babies under 6 months of age".....Your doctor will tell you if it’s all right and what the proper amount is to give your baby.

Lists of Foods in case of Gastritis "Gastritis Diet"

It is so important for people with gastritis or those who suffering from inflammation of the lining of the stomach, Actually Gastritis is the medical term for almost any stomach upset, sometimes also referred to as gastroenteritis .

The most common cause of gastritis is a dietetic indiscretion such as habitual overeating; eating of badly combined or improperly cooked foods; excessive intake of strong tea, coffee, or alcoholic drinks; or habitual use of large quantities of condiments and sauces.

Foods you have to Avoid :

* Alcohol, black and red pepper, chilies, chili powder, and hot peppers often irritate the stomach lining. Foods with caffeine can increase the amount of stomach acid. These foods include coffee (regular and decaf), teas, colas, cocoa, chocolate. Avoid or limit these items if they cause you pain.

* Limit your intake of peppermint, fatty foods, tomatoes, tomato juice,and citrus juices. If they cause heartburn or pain in your esophagus. You may need to limit seasonings such as onions, garlic, cinnamon, and cloves if they upset your stomach.

How to get semen sample ?

1-The most common way to collect a semen sample is through masturbation, directing the sample into a clean cup.

2-A sample may also be collected during intercourse in a special type of condom known as a collection condom. Collection condoms are made from silicone or polyurethane, as latex is somewhat harmful to sperm. Many men prefer collection condoms to masturbation, and some religions prohibit masturbation entirely. Adherents of religions that prohibit contraception may use collection condoms with holes pricked in them.

3-A third option for collecting a sample is through coitus interruptus (withdrawal). With this technique, the man removes his penis from his partner near the end of intercourse and ejaculates into a cup.

4-Finally, if a blockage in the vas deferens is suspected to impede fertility, semen can be taken directly from the epididymis. Such a collection is called per cutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA). Alternatively, the testicular tissue itself, instead of the sperm produced can be investigated. Then, the collecting method is called TESE.

Diet pills, supplements and surgery

Diet pills and surgery can help with weight loss — when combined with a healthy diet and physical activity. But diet pills aren't for everyone. Neither is surgery. In fact, many doctors consider them only if you have weight-related health problems.

If you're in that group, you and your doctor need to carefully evaluate the potential benefits of diet pills or surgery and weigh them against the possible long-term risks. Your doctor will also counsel you about the lifestyle changes you'll need to make to be successful over the long term.

A word of caution: Although you can find diet pills and supplements at your local drugstore, supermarket or health food store and online, most haven't been proved safe and effective. And some are downright dangerous. Talk with your doctor before taking any diet pills or supplements

How to wash your hands properly

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Lowering Your Cholesterol

From the experts at one of the world’s most respected medical schools–your complete guide to managing cholesterol and staying healthy for life

Everybody knows that high cholesterol is something to be concerned about. But what does it really mean when your doctor tells you that your cholesterol levels are high, and what should you do about it? If you’re worried about your cholesterol, here’s your chance to get the answers you need from a top expert at the Harvard Medical School.

As founder and chief of the prestigious Lipid Metabolism Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Mason W. Freeman treats hundreds of patients each year and oversees breakthrough cholesterol research.

In The Harvard Medical School Guide to Lowering Your Cholesterol he explains:

* What cholesterol is and the difference between “good” and “bad” cholesterol

* How to assess your risk for high cholesterol

* How to work with your doctor to develop the best treatment plan for you

* Cholesterol-lowering drugs–who should take them, what to look out for, and how to be sure your doctor is monitoring you properly

* How to manage your cholesterol through diet and exercise

* The latest scientific findings on alternative therapies

About the Harvard Medical School health guide series

Each book from Harvard Medical School gives you the knowledge you need to understand and take control of your health. In every book, a world-renowned expert from Harvard Medical School provides you with the latest information on diagnosis, traditional and alternative treatments, home remedies, and lifestyle changes that can make a powerful difference in your health.