Signs, Symptoms and Diagnosis - Everything You Need To Know

By Anishka Gupta

Psoriasis is a skin disease which is caused due to overactive functioning of certain white blood cells called T-Cells which are controlled by the body's immune system. Psoriasis has several sub types depending on the part of body it affects and the severity of the disease and for each sub-type there are different signs and symptoms.
However, in general there are some common signs and symptoms of all the sub categories of Psoriasis. Most often, psoriasis is recognized by formation of thick scaly skin or small bumps in the skin which are covered by layers of dead skin. The bumps are often itchy but scraping away at the scales or bumps only lead to abrasions.
Typical Signs and Symptoms
The following signs indicate development of psoriasis skin disease:

• Patches of skin turn shiny or silvery in appearance and may also have scales.
• Scratching the scales leads to cracked bleeding.
• Extreme itching on the affected skin area, especially on scalp or in the groin area.
• Reddish, smooth and bright skin caused due to extreme exposure to sun or other skin injuries like cuts, bites or burns.
• Formation of plaques due to continued piling of dead skin cells.
• Formation of lesions, either small or large.
• Fungal infection inside the nails.
• The affected area tends to get worse because of mental stress or trauma.

Classification of Psoriasis
According to its symptoms and the area of body it affects, Psoriasis can be classified into many types:

• Plaque psoriasis - The most common form of Psoriasis which results in red, scaly and thick skin, usually occurring on elbows or knees.
• Guttate Psoriasis - Symptoms include tiny pink lesions less than one centimetre in diameter.
• Psoriasis Arthritis - It affects the joints, especially the fingers and causes inflammation and pain in movement.
• Inverse Psoriasis - This type of psoriasis occurs only as red shiny patch of skin in folds of skin like armpits and groin.
• Scalp Psoriasis - Formation of scales on scalp and extreme hair loss characterize this type.
• Nail Psoriasis - Psoriasis which results in deformation and discolouration of nails.

Tests
Usually a skin biopsy is recommended before diagnosis, especially if the disease appears to be guttate or inverse psoriasis. It involves taking a skin sample and studying it under a microscope to identify piling up of T-Cells which is the root cause of the disease.
Complications
Certain complications are associated with Psoriasis some of which are listed below:

• Obesity
• Increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes
• Cardiovascular diseases
• High Blood pressure
• Increased risk of eye infections like conjunctivitis
• Increased risk of other diseases related to immune system like celiac disease.
• Diseases or infections related to the kidney.

Author is a passionate writer and loves to share articles on medical issues.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Signs,-Symptoms-and-Diagnosis-of-Psoriasis---Everything-You-Need-To-Know&id=8874722

Welcome Tea Tree Oil to Your List of Favorite Essential Oils

By Evelyn Lerner

Tea tree oil has been used in Australia for hundreds of years and is now becoming increasingly popular in recent decades in complementary and alternative medicines. It is produced by steam distillation of the leaves and branches of the tree.

The primary uses of this oil have historically capitalized on the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions of the oil. This article discusses developments in our understanding of the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of the oil and its components, as well as its efficacy.

Antimicrobial Activity:

Of all of the properties claimed for tea tree oil, its antimicrobial activity that has received the most attention. The earliest reported use of this plant was by the Bundjalung Aborigines of northern New South Wales. Crushed leaves of the tree were inhaled to treat coughs and colds or were sprinkled on wounds, after which a poultice was applied. The oral history of Australian Aborigines also tells of healing lakes, which were lagoons into which the tree leaves had fallen and decayed over time.

Antibacterial Activity:

Reports of the antibacterial activity of tea tree oil appear in literature from the 1940's to the 1980's. Then in the early 1990's, many reports describing the antimicrobial activity of the oil appeared in the scientific literature. All of these effects confirm that the oil compromises the structural and functional integrity of bacterial membranes. A broad range of bacteria have now been tested for their susceptibilities to the resulting in positive proof that this oil could be beneficial as an antibacterial agent.

Anti-fungal Activity:

Comprehensive investigations of the susceptibility of fungi to tea tree oil have only recently been completed. Data now show that a range of yeasts and other fungi are affected by this oil. Subsequent tests have shown that germinated conidia (causing growth of common fungi) are significantly more affected by the oil than non-germinated conidia, suggesting that the oil inhibited fungal growth indicating that the oil could be helpful in stopping and eliminating fungal infections.

Antiviral Activity:

A study was performed with tea tree oil and eucalyptus proving they were capable of exerting a direct antiviral effect on HSV (herpes simplex virus) thus providing significant results for their possible application as antiviral agents in recurrent herpes infection is promising.

Anti-protozoal Activity:

Studies have shown that tea tree oil has antiprotozoal activity (something that destroys protozoa or inhibits their growth and ability to reproduce). A few of the protozoa of medical importance include Plasmodium (the cause of malaria); Entamoeba histolytica (the cause of amebiasis, amebic dysentery) and Trichomonas vaginalis (a cause of vaginal infection); and Pneumocystis carinii (a common cause of pneumonia in immune-deficient people).

Anti-Inflammatory Activity:

Recent studies now support the anecdotal evidence attributing anti-inflammatory activity to tea tree oil and demonstrating the oil's effect on a range of immune responses.

Benefits of Tree Tea Oil:

• Heals infected skin wounds
• Treats acne
• Cures fungus infection of the nails
• Improves athlete's foot
• Prevents lice
• Improves psoriasis
• Eliminates dandruff
• Heals gingivitis
• Reduces cough
• Improves ear infections
• Gets rid of ringworm

Safety and Toxicity:

Topical use is safe and that adverse events are minor, self-limiting, and infrequent. No evidence of irritation was seen when patch testing humans including those who had previous positive reactions to tea tree oil. Rarely, topically applied tea tree oil has been reported to cause systemic effects in domestic animals.

In conclusion we see a wealth of animal including human studies now supporting the long-held beliefs that tea tree oil has many beneficial attributes for many health conditions.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Welcome-Tea-Tree-Oil-to-Your-List-of-Favorite-Essential-Oils&id=8875778

Peeling Penis Skin - What It Means and How to Treat It

By John Dugan

Men's health specialists often hear from patients with concerns about peeling penis skin. Dry, itchy, flaky skin is unattractive, to say the least, and it can be alarming, especially for men who may have neglected to cover up during a recent encounter. Fortunately, in most cases, there is a simple explanation, and the itching and peeling can be treated easily at home through improved hygiene techniques and ongoing attention to penis care. On the other hand, some men may require more intensive treatment, including prescription medications, so it is best to check with a doctor for proper diagnosis.

Some common causes of dry, peeling penis skin

1) Eczema - Also known as dermatitis, eczema is a superficial inflammation of the skin that is usually caused by an irritant in the immediate environment. It can appear as a raised rash with peeling skin, and it can be moderately to severely itchy. Men who have a rash with peeling skin and an itchy penis may be treated with over-the-counter cortisone creams. As these medications can be damaging to the skin with long-term use, all instructions should be followed for use, and a moisturizer should be applied at the same time.

2) Psoriasis - This chronic condition is an autoimmune disorder in which the body overproduces skin cells, causing rough, reddened skin with flaky, whitish or silvery patches. On the penis, this can appear as dry skin, with a red layer underneath. Psoriasis is generally treated with topical creams.

3) Allergies or intolerances - Skin allergies or intolerances to environmental irritants can result in itchy, peeling skin, as well as redness and rashes. Men who have known allergies should avoid contact with allergens that might trigger a reaction and may use antihistamine creams or moisturizers to deal with any symptoms.

4) Candida (yeast) or other fungal infections - Fungal infections, including yeast infections (thrush), can cause itching, peeling and dryness of the skin, as well as swelling and a thick discharge. Fungal infections generally require treatment with a topical antifungal cream.

5) Balanitis - Swelling of the foreskin, along with itching, redness, soreness and peeling, are often diagnosed as balanitis, an umbrella term for inflammation of the foreskin and glans. This is most often caused by poor hygiene, although skin infections are also indicated by these symptoms. Cleaning the area well, and in some cases applying medicated creams, are generally recommended for treatment.

Checklist for dry penis skin care

Once the source of the problem has been determined, men should follow their physician's recommendations for care, including using any prescribed medications as directed. In addition, they can support the healing process and improve overall penis health by observing the guidelines here:

1) Keep the skin clean. Skipping a shower once in a while won't cause much harm, but men who neglect their hygiene on a regular basis are prone to recurring skin infections.

2) Wash with warm, not hot water. Hot water tends to leech oils from the skin, rinsing away the natural lubricants that keep the skin soft and supple.

3) Use sensitive skin cleansers and detergents. Body care and laundry care products often contain harsh soaps or detergents that wash away the oils from the skin, leaving it feeling dry, itchy, tight and uncomfortable. Using hypoallergenic or sensitive skin products can prevent overly dry skin from developing.

4) Drink plenty of water. Adequate hydration starts on the inside; men should follow the 8-glass-a-day rule for smoother, plumper skin.

5) Make use of a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). A top-drawer product made with natural emollients like Shea butter and vitamin E can soothe the skin, lock in moisture and provide a smooth, even, attractive appearance.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Peeling-Penis-Skin---What-It-Means-and-How-to-Treat-It&id=8867123