What Is Ringworm?
Ringworm is a common fungal skin infection otherwise known as tinea. Ringworm most commonly affects the skin on the body (tinea corporis), the scalp (tinea capitis), the feet (tinea pedis, or athlete's foot), or the groin (tinea cruris, or jock itch). It often forms a ring-shaped rash. It can have a red center or normal skin tone inside the ring. Other rashes can look like ringworm, including spider bites, nummular eczema, and Lyme disease, a more serious infection that produces a bull's-eye shaped rash. These require different treatments, so it's important to consult a medical professional.
What Causes Ringworm?
Certain fungi can help the body, but the dermatophyte type that cause ringworm irritate the skin instead. These fungi live off the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails. Dermatophytes thrive in warm, moist areas, such as the skin folds of the groin area or between the toes. You’re at greater risk of getting ringworm if you sweat excessively or have minor injuries to your skin, scalp, or nails.
Ringworm of the Body (Tinea Corporis)
There are several types of ringworm (tinea) that can affect different parts of the body. When fungus affects the skin of the body, it often produces itchy, red, raised, scaly patches that may blister and ooze. The patches often have sharply defined edges. They are often redder around the outside with normal skin tone in the center, creating the appearance of a ring. Your skin may also appear unusually dark or light.
Ringworm of the Scalp (Tinea Capitis)
Ringworm of the scalp commonly affects children in late childhood or adolescence. This condition may spread in schools. Tinea capitis often appears as patchy, scaling bald spots on the scalp.
Ringworm of the Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Tinea pedis is an extremely common skin disorder, also known as athlete's foot. This fungal infection may cause scaling and inflammation in the toe webs, especially the one between the fourth and fifth toes. Other symptoms include itching, burning, redness, and stinging on the soles of the feet.
Ringworm of the Groin (Tinea Cruris)
Tinea of the groin (jock itch) tends to have a reddish-brown color and may extend from the folds of the groin down onto one or both thighs. Jock itch occurs mostly in adult men and adolescent boys. (Other conditions that can mimic tinea cruris include yeast infections, psoriasis, and intertrigo.) Jock itch may occur due to sweating, hot and humid weather, or friction from wearing tight clothes.
Ringworm of the Beard (Tinea Barbae)
Ringworm of the bearded area of the face and neck, with swellings and marked crusting, sometimes causes the hair to break off. In the days when men went to the barber daily for a shave, tinea barbae was called barber's itch.
Ringworm of the Face (Tinea Faciei)
Ringworm on the face outside of the beard area is called tinea faciei. On the face, ringworm is rarely ring-shaped. Characteristically, it causes red, scaly patches with indistinct edges.
Ringworm of the Hand (Tinea Manus)
Ringworm may involve the hands, particularly the palms and the spaces between the fingers. It typically causes thickening (hyperkeratosis) of these areas, often on only one hand. Tinea manus is a common companion of tinea pedis (ringworm of the feet). It is also called tinea manuum, ringworm of the nails
Spreads on Contact
Ringworm is highly contagious and can be spread multiple ways.
- You can get it from an infected person, animal, object, and even soil.
- Heat and moisture help fungi grow and thrive, which makes them more common in areas where you sweat.
- Fungi also grows in skin folds such as those in the groin or between the toes.
Catching Ringworm From Pets
Ringworm is an example of a zoonotic disease (transmitted from animals to humans). Cats are among the most commonly affected animals. If a cat has ringworm, a person in the house often gets the infection. Dogs, cows, goats, pigs, and horses can also spread ringworm to humans. People catch ringworm from touching the animals, or touching their bedding, grooming items, saddles, carpeting, etc.
How Is Ringworm Diagnosed?
Sometimes, the diagnosis of ringworm is obvious from its location and appearance. Otherwise, doctors can test skin scrapings for tinea fungus.
How Is Ringworm Treated?
Ringworm can be treated with antifungal creams containing clotrimazole (Cruex, Lotrimin), miconazole (Desenex, Monistat-Derm), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and terbinafine (Lamisil). In cases of severe or resistant infections on the scalp or nails, doctors may prescribe oral medicines.
Tips for Preventing Ringworm
Ringworm is difficult to prevent, but here are tips to reduce your risk
- Don't share clothing, sports gear, towels, or sheets.
- Wear slippers in locker rooms and public pool & bathing areas.
- Shower after any sport that includes skin-to-skin contact.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Change your socks and underwear at least once a day.
- Keep skin clean and dry. Dry yourself completely after showering.
- If you have athlete's foot, put your socks on before your underwear to prevent spreading to your groin.
- Take your pet to the vet if it has patches of missing hair, which could be a sign of a fungal infection.
As some of you may now, New York will be hit with a heads up forecast that midweek this week we may be seeing heavy rainfall remnants of a tropical system moving into the Gulf of Mexico.
Here are Tips for Pregnant Women in case the above occurs. Hurricane season is especially stressful for pregnant woman and to help reduce the stress, and
aid in the preparation for a hurricane, a list of helpful suggestions has been
provided. The more prepared you are the more comfortable and safe you will be.
Before
the Hurricane:
The following suggestions will serve as guidelines
to help you prepare for a hurricane or other disaster:
• Medications:
- Prepare a current list of all prescriptions and
prenatal vitamins you are taking. Put this list in sealable plastic bag then in
a secure place among the belongings you plan to take with you if you leave your
home.
- Bring at least a two week supply of all
medications with you if you choose to relocate or go to a shelter during a
storm.
- When possible, always bring medications in their
original prescription bottle. In an emergency, an emergency decree allowing
pharmacies to refill medications may be made, but you must have the original
bottle.
- Place your medications in a sealable plastic bag
to keep them dry and protect the information on the label in case you need to
obtain refills.
- Make sure you have an additional supply of
equipment needed to administer medications. For example, if you are diabetic
bring your insulin, testing equipment, and supplies; while those with asthma
may need a nebulizer.
• Call your Physician
- Communicate with your health care provider’s
office to let them know where you will be; if you plan to leave town bring a
copy of your medical records including prenatal record, immunizations, and
current medications with you.
- Make sure
that your health care provider has a current telephone number of where you will
be staying.
- If you had or are having complications in your
pregnancy, check with your health care provider to discuss whether it is safe
for you to leave prior to the storm or if it would be better for you to go to a
hospital or general shelter during the storm.
- If you have a chronic medical condition or
pregnancy related complication and decide to leave town, it will be extremely
important to bring your current medications, your recently updated medical
record information, and the name and telephone number of your health care
provider to assure proper treatment should you need it.
- If you choose to go to a hospital shelter you will
need to bring a few personal items, but remember space is usually limited.
Check in advance to see who may come with you to the hospital shelter and which
supplies you will need to bring. Call the hospital in advance to make sure they
have room and that this is where your doctor wants you to go.
• If you go to a hospital shelter or general shelter
during the storm:
- Do not go to the hospital shelter or general
shelter until you know that they are accepting people. Call the hospital or
general shelter in advance to verify that you can take shelter there; if you
go, please follow the directions for that shelter.
- Ask the hospital or general shelter if you should
bring food and water. They may recommend that you bring bottled water,
non-perishable snacks, and/or money to buy food.
- Bring all medications that you are taking as well
as your prenatal vitamins. If possible, they should be in the original bottle.
- Bring the following items unless the hospital or
shelter facility gives you other directions: Blanket, pillow, sleeping bag, and
any toiletries, flashlight, batteries, something to help pass the time, any
additional items the hospital or shelter recommend that you to bring.
After
the Hurricane
Once the hurricane has past, there will be a period
of cleanup and recovery. This is the time when you must be very careful not to
become dehydrated and/or over-tired. Dehydration can be a contributing factor
to premature labor. To prevent dehydration and exhaustion follow these
suggestions:
• Drink plenty of water or beverages that do not
contain alcohol or caffeine.
• Take a cool shower or sponge bath and try to stay
in the shade or an air conditioned area if possible. If you have to be outside
in the heat, bring water and an umbrella to provide shade.
• Do not lift heavy objects.
• Be sure you do not over tire yourself, take
frequent rests.
• Try to eat a healthy diet as soon as possible.
• Keep all doctor appointments.
When faced with a burn, distinguishing it can be difficult; ranging from a minor burn to a serious burn, the first step is to determine the extent of damage to body tissues. There are three burn classifications: first-degree burn, second-degree burn and third-degree burn.
1ST- DEGREE BURN:
This burn is the least serious of burns. Whereas only the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through.
2ND-DEGREE BURN:
This is when the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is called a second-degree burn.
For minor burns, including first-degree burns and second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 3 inches in diameter, take the following action:
Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.
The most serious burns involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.
For major burns, call 911 or emergency medical help. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:
Help from mayoclinic.com
1ST- DEGREE BURN:
This burn is the least serious of burns. Whereas only the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through.
- The skin is usually red
- Often there is swelling
- Pain sometimes is present
2ND-DEGREE BURN:
This is when the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is called a second-degree burn.
- Blisters develop
- Skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance
- There is severe pain and swelling.
For minor burns, including first-degree burns and second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 3 inches in diameter, take the following action:
- Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cool running water for 10 or 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cool water or cool it with a cold compress. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn.
- Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, or other material that may get lint in the wound. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burn, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.
Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.
- Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause a person's body to become too cold and cause further damage to the wound.
- Don't apply egg whites, butter or ointments to the burn. This could cause infection.
- Don't break blisters. Broken blisters are more vulnerable to infection.
The most serious burns involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.
For major burns, call 911 or emergency medical help. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:
- Don't remove burned clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
- Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause a drop in body temperature (hypothermia) and deterioration of blood pressure and circulation (shock).
- Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin CPR.
- Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible.
- Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist cloth towels.
Most schools are back at it already. This means that the school athletes are back at work too and lots of injuries will soon happen: sprains, strains, etc.
The treatment recommendation for a sprain or strain is usually RICE which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Unfortunately, by using ice and placing the ice pack directly onto the skin can cause ice burn!
Yes, ice can burn the skin and cause frostbite as well. When treating an injury with ice you need to make sure that you put a towel or sheeting between the ice and your skin. In some cases the ice burns look similar to a sunburn, and may not blister or cause any severe damage. You might realize you have an ice pack burn if you develop blisters, if your skin is yellowish-gray in color, or if it feels numb, itchy or painful with a burning sensation.
Treating Blisters
Treating Blisters
Blistering is a sign of an ice pack burn, just as with heat burns. Treating the blisters appropriately will help avoid infection and further complications. You may develop an open wound as a result of incorrect usage of an ice pack; treat the wound as you would any other, with antibiotic ointments, a barrier substance such as petroleum jelly, and gauze bandages to keep the area moist and free of infection. If the blistered area is large, you might need to change the dressings and re-apply first aid to the area for up to 10 days.
Professional Medical Attention
(212) 684-4700
An ice pack burn or frostbitten area that does not begin to tingle, burn or regain a pinkish hue may be the sign of more extensive damage of the blood vessels and muscles underneath the skin. If the burned area stays numb with skin that feels hard and cold, you may need professional medical attention. Contact your family doctor to determine what course of action to take to avoid complications such as nerve damage and gangrene. Remember, ice is good for injuries but cannot be applied directly to the skin.
For more information on ice burns you can visit our offices at:
205 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10016, 13th St. Urgent Care
Summer
may not be the first season you think of when it comes to being under the
weather, but the warm months can lead to infections, viruses, and
heat-influenced disease. To continue the New York Doctors Urgent Care series of Common Summer Ailments here is another: E-Coli.
Source: Bacteria found in sewage-contaminated lakes and other water
Symptoms: Sudden, severe and bloody diarrhea. Also, fever, gas, loss of appetite, and stomach cramping. Symptoms develop 24 to 72 hours after infection.
Treatment: None. Sickness disappears in a few days.
Most cases of these illnesses are fairly mild, but some can lead to serious complications -- and very rarely, death. Being aware of the causes and signs can help you protect you, your kids, and others -- and ensure your summer fun.
Though we are now in the month of August and Fall is soon to come, there are plenty more Common Summer Ailments to be discussed; such as: Swimmer's Ear.
Swimmer's ear (also called otitis externa) is an infection started by bacteria in the water left inside the ear after swimming. If you spend a lot of time swimming, especially in water with high levels of bacteria, you’re at risk for swimmer’s ear. Children are more likely to get it because they have a narrow ear canal.
Swimmer’s ear can start with discomfort. As symptoms get worse, they can get downright painful. Symptoms include:
• Itching in the ear canal
• Redness inside the ear
• Fluid in the ear
• Feeling of fullness inside the ear
• Muffled hearing
• Increasing pain, especially when wiggling the earlobe
If you notice you or someone you know states: “I can’t hear you” more frequently than normal, it’s good to see a doctor to try to stop the infection from getting worse. Worse could turn into something serious. Fever. Pain radiating in the face, neck and head. An infection that blocks the ear canal. Quite simply, the water left over in your ears after swimming can put you in the emergency room.
Other risk factors for swimmer’s ear include irritants such as aggressive cleaning of the ear canal with cotton swabs or sticking other objects in the ear, using a swimming cap that traps moisture or using hair sprays that get into the ear. People who overproduce earwax are also more vulnerable to swimmer’s ear.
Swimmer’s ear can start with discomfort. As symptoms get worse, they can get downright painful. Symptoms include:• Itching in the ear canal
• Redness inside the ear
• Fluid in the ear
• Feeling of fullness inside the ear
• Muffled hearing
• Increasing pain, especially when wiggling the earlobe
If you notice you or someone you know states: “I can’t hear you” more frequently than normal, it’s good to see a doctor to try to stop the infection from getting worse. Worse could turn into something serious. Fever. Pain radiating in the face, neck and head. An infection that blocks the ear canal. Quite simply, the water left over in your ears after swimming can put you in the emergency room.
Other risk factors for swimmer’s ear include irritants such as aggressive cleaning of the ear canal with cotton swabs or sticking other objects in the ear, using a swimming cap that traps moisture or using hair sprays that get into the ear. People who overproduce earwax are also more vulnerable to swimmer’s ear.
To avoid swimmer’s ear, keep your ears dry. After swimming, showering, bathing – anytime the inside of the ear is wet or saturated – tilt and shake your head to drain the water from the ears. You can use a hair dryer to dry out ears; just set the heat to low and keep the heat source far enough away from the skin to avoid causing any burns. You can also:
- Keep from sticking objects into ear, even cotton swabs.
- Avoid excessive earplug use and remove hearing aids often to keep earwax from building up and being pushed into the ear canal.
- Consider using over the counter eardrops after water exposure to prevent swimmer’s ear.
- Consider seeing an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) to discuss other solutions if they are prone to swimmer’s ear symptoms.
The summer sun can also affect our skin. Humidity and heat can create an inflammation known as heat rash, an uncomfortable condition caused by blocked sweat glands. The best way to avoid or reduce its occurrence is to keep as cool as possible, expose the affected area to air and wear light cotton clothing. Excessive sweating in the humid weather results in bacterial infections that are characterized by tiny red bumps or blisters on the skin. It is an itchy rash that generally occurs on that part of the skin where the sweat accumulates- like the forehead and the back. Though you may experience intense itching on the inflamed areas, it is important to resist the urge to scratch as it may lead to infection.
How to prevent it?
Have cool showers and wear soft loose cotton clothes. It is advised to wear light pastel colored clothes as they absorb fewer sunrays in comparison to dark colored clothes. Avoid remaining outdoors when the temperatures are at their peak (11am to 4 pm).
How to treat it?
Be in a cooler place and apply calamine lotion on the body after bath. Apply a paste made from sandalwood powder and rose water is also very soothing to the skin.
Natural remedies to soothe heat rash include:
- Mixing one cup of baking soda and four drops of lavender oil and adding this mixture to a tepid bath.
- Applying chilled chamomile tea topically to the area.
As stated in our previous post, sometimes it's hard to tell if an open wound is in need of stitches, which will help the cut heal properly and reduce scarring. If you're not sure whether or not it deserves stitching and want to save yourself an unnecessary trip to the hospital if it doesn't, here are some helpful tips and methods you can use to find out if your open wound is really in need of serious medical attention.
- Most importantly, try to stop the bleeding . Use a clean cloth or slightly damp paper towel, and apply firm pressure to the open wound for about 5 minutes. Remove to check if it's still bleeding.
- If it's bleeding uncontrollably, do not proceed to any other steps and go to the hospital immediately. If the open wound stops bleeding, continue reading.
- Is the open wound caused by a puncture from an object? Usually puncture wounds go into the skin and come back out or the item that caused the puncture can still be in the skin. This is called an "impaled object". Puncture wounds have more of a hole rather than a spread break in the skin like lacerations do.
- Lacerations are similar to puncture wounds since they both cause a break in the skin, but lacerations typically have length and depth unlike puncture wounds. Lacerations are what is commonly known to us as a "cut".
- Is it an accidentally re-opened surgical wound? Surgical wounds are caused by scalpels and are similar to lacerations, but the edges of the skin aren't as ragged and uneven. More in fact, smoothly cut.
- Is the open wound an avulsion? Avulsions are caused by skin being torn in sections, flaps or numerous areas torn away completely with no skin.
- Is it an abrasion? Abrasions are scratches, scrapes or minor cuts that go no deeper than the epidermis, the top layer of skin. However, determining if it needs stitching is the depth of the abrasions. If it's a deep cut, then it would be a laceration or can be an avulsion, depending on the shape.
- Now that you've got a good idea of what kind of wound you have, evaluate if the open wound needs stitching. Here are three ways to do so:
- Look at the depth of the open wound. Is the open wound deep enough to where you can see yellow, fatty tissue? Is bone exposed? Is there a lot of flesh exposed? Is the wound more than 1/4 inch (6 mm) deep? If so, the wound can be eligible for stitching.
- Look at the width. Can the wound be pulled together easily or pinched together with ease? Usually a bandage and gauze can do this for you, and the wound can scab over in less than 12 hours by itself to start healing. However, if the wound is too wide to be held together with bandaging easily, then it will need stitching as this will pull the skin together so it can heal correctly.
- Look at the location of the open wound. If the open wound is located on a specific area of the body where there is a lot of movement involved, it will most likely need stitching to prevent re-opening of the wound caused by movement and stretching of the skin. For example, an open wound on the legs or fingers (especially where joints connect) would be eligible for stitches whereas an open wound on the forehead would not really need stitching. However, the other two steps apply and should all be taken into consideration together, even if it's a cut on the forehead. Depth and length play a big part in the determining of stitching also. Keep this in mind.
- How long has it been since you have had a tetanus shot? Tetanus shots last no longer than 5 years and then you'll have to be re-vaccinated. If it's been longer than 5 years since you've had a tetanus shot, go to the hospital. While you are at the hospital, you can have the doctor evaluate the cut also to see if it will need stitching.
- There are also numerous types of wounds that should always immediately have the attention of a doctor such as: Animal or human bites
- Debris that are unable to be removed from the wound. Puncture wounds also qualify for this if the object cannot be removed without help from medical specialists.
- Uncontrollable bleeding. If so, immediately call an ambulance.
- If you or the victim is diabetic.
- Edges of the wound cannot be closed together.
Help and images from Wikihow.com
We have all heard of the nasty stuff, but what can you do to prevent it, and treat it?
The first step is learning to identify what Poison Ivy looks like, so you can avoid it. Since poison Ivy takes on many different appearances, it can be a bit tricky. The old saying of "leaves of three" does ring true. So learn its appearance and avoid it! Below are some pictures of how Poison Ivy may look.
The rash that appears is typically linear, or in patches. It is red with small blisters.
If the rash does appear, the treatment focuses on the reduction of symptoms(itching) and letting time pass for it to resolve on its own. Some self-treatment methods are baths or showers, antihistamines, Calamine lotion, or OTC Hydrocortisone cream.
Any of the following should prompt you to seek medical care:
If you are looking to do some yard work in an area that possible has Poison Ivy, cover up, from head to toe. If you are going to be attempting to cut or remove the Poison Ivy in any way, also wear a face mask.
If your think you have been exposed, before the rash starts, immediately wash yourself in a COLD shower, to try and remove the oil before it soaks in. Wipe down all of your shoes with Alcohol, wash all of your clothes twice in hot water.
Remember that pets cannot have a reaction from Poison Ivy, but they can carry the oil on their skin or fur. So if they have been in areas with Poison Ivy, you should cover up, and bathe them immediately, as to not spread the oil around your home.
If the rash does appear, the treatment focuses on the reduction of symptoms(itching) and letting time pass for it to resolve on its own. Some self-treatment methods are baths or showers, antihistamines, Calamine lotion, or OTC Hydrocortisone cream.
- Rash covering large areas of your body
- Rash involving your face, particularly your eyes or mouth
- Swelling of eyes or mouth
- Shortness of breath, chest pain, or burning in chest
- Rash is persistent despite over the counter remedies
To continue the Summer Ailments series, next is the all too common bites and stings.You can be bitten by a variety of insects including midges, mosquitoes, horseflies, fleas, lice and ants and some people react worse to bites and stings than others.
The site of the bite may appear red and swell or be itchy. This reaction is an allergic response to a chemical injected into the skin by the insect when it bites and cause a great deal of misery.
Stings from wasps, bees and jellyfish can also be very painful and cause a red itchy rash. Plants such as nettles can also irritate the skin, leaving a red mottled rash. Although the redness and swelling usually clear quickly, again, some people are very sensitive to stings and can develop a severe allergic reaction. This can cause swelling of the face, difficulty in breathing and dizziness, and it is vital to get medical help immediately.
Treatment
If a bee or a wasp stings you, the sting is often left behind. This should be removed immediately by scraping the skin with the blade of a knife or a fingernail. Do not squeeze the skin because this will only push more of the sting under your skin.
If a bee or a wasp stings you, the sting is often left behind. This should be removed immediately by scraping the skin with the blade of a knife or a fingernail. Do not squeeze the skin because this will only push more of the sting under your skin.
Bites and stings should be kept clean, and an antiseptic cream applied to stop an infection developing. And, however tempting, insect bites should not be scratched as this may increase the risk of infection.
A wide range of sprays, creams and lotions can be used to ease a bite or sting. These contain ingredients such as hydrocortisone to clear up the redness and lidocaine or benzocaine to ease the pain. Painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin can also be used to reduce the pain. A cold compress can be applied to bee and wasp stings and is very soothing. If you are bitten on the ankles or lower legs and experience swelling, raise your legs on a stool or coffee table.
CAUTION: If you have a very severe reaction - difficulty in breathing, dizziness, vomiting or swelling of the face - seek medical help immediately.
Prevention: What can you do to prevent bites?
- Use insect repellent to protect yourself from insect bites, especially when sitting outside on summer evenings
- If you know you are particularly susceptible and/or sensitive to insect bites, cover your arms and legs when outside
- Avoid eating sweet, sticky food, or drinking sugary drinks when outside in the summer as these attract insects.
Before we write about "When a cut requires stitches:, here's a small list on the type of wounds you may/may not encounter.
Types of Wounds
Wounds that cause a break in the skin are called open wounds. These are the types of wounds that may require stitches. Closed wounds do not have a break in the skin and are identified by swelling and bruises.There are several types of open wounds:
- Lacerations. This is what we are thinking of when we say "cuts." Lacerations are simple breaks in the skin.
- Incisions. Surgical wounds, which are usually made by a scalpel. These are similar to lacerations, but have very smooth edges.
- Punctures. It's hard to tell a puncture from a laceration if the item that made the wound is big enough. Lacerations tear through the skin, while punctures go in and come back out. If the item that made the puncture is still imbedded, it's called an impaled object.
- Avulsions. These are torn sections of skin, either a flap open on three sides or torn away completely.
- Abrasions. These are scratches. The difference between an abrasion and an avulsion is the depth. Abrasions leave the skin mostly intact, while avulsions remove the skin entirely.
Did You Know? Food Poisoning is a Common Summer Ailment. This is because, some foods are not properly cleaned or taken care of and sit in the summer heat before being consumed.
Food poisoning is a common, usually mild, but sometimes deadly illness. Typical symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal
- Cramping
- Diarrhea
These symptoms occur suddenly (within 48 hours) after consuming a contaminated food or drink. Depending on the contaminant, fever and chills, bloody stools, dehydration, and nervous system damage may follow. These symptoms may affect one person or a group of people who ate the same thing (called an outbreak).
Did You Also Know? 1 in 6 people become sick from eating contaminated food. In 2001, the CDC estimated that food poisoning causes about 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and up to 3,000 deaths each year.
Salmonella remained the top cause of foodborne illness last year. The second most common cause of illness was Campylobacter (a bacterium that causes acute diarrhea), which increased 14%. Campylobacter lives on live chickens and can taint meat during slaughter; it can also be found in raw, unpasteurized milk. Chicken and ground beef top a list of "risky meat."
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will examine you for signs of food poisoning, such as pain in the stomach and signs your body does not have as much water and fluids as it should.
Tests may be done on your stools or the food you have eaten to find out what type of germ is causing your symptoms. However, tests may not always find the cause of the diarrhea.
In more serious cases, your health care provider may order a sigmoidoscopy. A thin, hollow tube with a light on the end is placed in the anus to look for the source of bleeding or infection.
Treatment
You will usually get better in a couple of days. The goal is to make you feel better and make sure your body has the proper amount of fluids.
Getting enough fluids and learning what to eat will help keep you or your child comfortable. You may need to:
- Manage the diarrhea
- Control nausea and vomiting
- Get plenty of rest
Sunburn
What are the signs? The skin is red and there’s pain in the area of the burn.
When your skin is exposed to the sun for a period of time, eventually it burns, turning red and irritated.
Under the skin, things get a little more complicated. The sun gives off three wavelengths of ultraviolet light:
- UVA
- UVB
- UVC
Under the surface, ultraviolet light can alter your DNA, prematurely aging your skin. Over time, DNA damage can contribute to skin cancers.
How soon a sunburn begins depends on:
- Your skin type
- The sun's intensity
- How long you're exposed to the sun
If a sunburn is severe seek medical advice. If you have caught too much sun, below is a natural remedy to treat it:
- The first priority is to cool the affected area. Standing under a cool shower for 10 minutes will provide pain relief and prevent the sunburn getting any worse.
- Dab cooled chamomile tea gently on affected areas.
- Apply the gel from the inside leaves of the aloe vera plant for a cooling and regenerative effect.
- Lavender oil can be applied directly to the skin (only a drop or two is needed) to provide healing from sunburn.
- Make sure you drink two liters of purified water daily - more if it is hotter than usual or if you are recovering from sunburn or sunstroke.
- Homeopathics are extremely useful for sunburn and can be found in most pharmacies. The number one remedy for sunburn is arnica, which can be taken both internally and applied externally to the burn for additional support.
- Limit further exposure to the sun. The skin requires time to heal and regenerate. Use a sunscreen daily.
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