The skin may not appear to be as vital as the heart or the brain, but, nevertheless, a healthy skin is essential for life and a skin disease can make life unbearable. A person with an apparent skin disease avoids meeting people, while others keep away due to the fear of infection. In the last few years, in India, like in the west, a multicrore rupee industry has come up to manufacture skin care preparations, so much so that some years ago the Indian Parliament had to amend the Drugs Act of 1940 to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to include cosmetics in the Act, the use of which has been growing at a very rapid rate.
Scabies
Scabies is a contagious disease caused by a mite (Sarcoptes scabiei). This mite lays eggs in the burrows of the skin. The disease spreads through contact with infected individuals, clothing, bedding, or furniture. The commonly affected parts are the finger webs, the palm, wrist, front of the arm, the soles, areas around the nipples, and the groin and inner upper legs causing severe itching (pruritus), specially at night. A person suffering from itching in these areas and not suffering from allergy or pruritus (severe itching of the skin) can be suspected of scabies. This infection may cause small papules and there may be a rash.
The incubation period for the mite is long - about a month - and it can easily be transferred by normal social contact among a group of people living together.
All members of the house, whether afflicted or not, should be treated. The clothes, linen, towels, and so on, should be thoroughly washed and ironed.
It is also called lindane and is the drug of choice for scabies and lice infestation. In adults single application of its 1 % lotion or 2% cream may be necessary to provide a complete cure. If needed it may be repeated after one week.
Adverse Effects: It is an irritant to the eyes and mucosa. It may cause skin irritation if used excessively or for a prolonged period. Such overuse may cause the adverse effect of irritating the brain. In rare cases due to excessive use resulting in absorption into the body, convulsions may occur.
Precautions
Do not apply it on the eyes and cuts on the skin as it may cause irritation.
Do not apply it repeatedly without consulting a doctor.
If skin irritation occurs, which may be due to an allergy, wash it off and don't apply again.
Do not apply more than 3 g of the lotion or cream at a time.
Wash the body thoroughly after an overnight (8 to 12 hours) application.
Avoid its use during pregnancy and in infants.
If skin is broken due to scratches or ulcers do not apply either the lotion or cream.
Permethrin (Perlife, Permite)
A 5% cream and 1% lotion is considered to be highly effective and safe. It has to be applied only once and if need, repeated after one week. It can be used in children also.
Crotamiton (Crotorax)
It is less effective than gamma benzene hexachloride as it has to be applied for 2-4 night heights. Its irritant effect is, however, less than gamma benzene hexachloride. It is available as 10% cream and lotion. It reduces itching.
Its irritant effect on the skin is more than that of gamma benzene hexachloride and may cause a burning or stinging sensation on the area of application. It is applied for 2 days. Itching may continue for a few days. This drug is used in difficult cases only.
Sulphur Ointment
This is messy, but an inexpensive remedy. It has a bad odour, and stains clothes, but is very safe. It is preferred in infants, young children, and pregnant women. A 5% sulfur cream (Persol Forte) contains benzoyl peroxide 10%.
Lice Infestation
This is also called pediculosis as it is caused by common lice - pediculus capitis (head louse). Although lice infestation is not injurious to health, it is very annoying due to the itching sensation caused by it. Excessive scratching and excoriation may lead to secondary bacterial infection. The itching is caused by the saliva of the parasite deposited on the skin. If eye lashes are involved, plain vaseline is applied twice a day for about a week.
Permethrin 1% is applied to the scalp and hair and left for 30 minutes to 8 hours before a rinse.
A 1% lotion is very effective and takes 8-12 hours time to kill the lice. However, it has been banned in the USA due to its slow action and toxicity to nerves. It should be applied in a very well ventilated area, lest the vapours be inhaled.
An allergy is a harmful reaction to something and the resulting symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable. If you are someone whose body has reacted to food, air-borne particles, or chemicals you know the discomfort this causes. However, before resorting to an allergy treatment it is important to consider the following points:
Firstly, consider what it is that triggers your allergic reaction. The most complete allergy treatment is to stay away from the trigger. For example, are you allergic to particles of dust in the air? Then this could be a good reason to buy that new vacuum cleaner that eliminates dust bags. Or less expensive allergy treatment is to give someone else the responsibility of vacuuming and emptying the cleaner.
For those with reactions to airborne allergens clean your environment frequently. During this time, it is impossible to completely get rid of all dust particles as an allergy treatment. Still, you can reduce the amount of allergens during a cleaning job by putting on protective gear, such as a mask. This is a simple treatment for your allergy with benefits that outweigh the less-than-appealing look.
However, there are those allergy reactions that are more than just uncomfortable; they are death threatening. We are talking about severe food allergies that need total avoidance as an allergy cure. Foods such as peanuts and eggs mean that people must also avoid any food that might contain even tiny traces of them. If a mistake occurs, hospital is the next best allergy treatment.
Of course, not ever allergy reaction is severe. Mild symptoms can be taken care of with the purchase of over-the-counter allergy treatments from the pharmacy. These are not a cure but are successful at controlling the allergy symptoms. Your doctor can prescribe the best medication for you, and some are even available as a cure for your allergy, without a visit to the doctor. One of these common medications is Benadryl. Be careful though, it can cause drowsiness and may therefore affect your work and driving capabilities. It is not a long term allergy treatment, only to be taken for a few days at a time.
Do you take an allergy treatment of avoidance or medication? It is up to you. Now that you know there are side effects to medication you may decide that the reactions of itchy eyes and runny nose are safer than feeling sleepy. Whatever you do, follow directions carefully if using medication for managing your allergies.
Summary:
Every one of us suffers from allergy at some point or the other. The important thing to note is to identify the cause behind your allergy and avoid it. A mask would do well for those with frequent allergic reactions. Some reactions can be life-threatening as well. At such times the hospital is the best option.
Both Alien & Brooke Hayles are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Alien has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy Problems, Fitness and Get Rid of Bed Bugs. AdvCare is one of the leading . First established in January 2000, its mission is to become the number one site for. Alien's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.
Brooke Hayles has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, E Books and Online Dating. Author: Brooke HaylesCheck Out More Helpful Information About Allergy Treatment For FREE! Visit >Allergy Tre. Brooke Hayles's top article generates over 823000 views. to your Favourites.