What is Erysipelas?

It is a kind of skin infection or cellulitis. This skin infection is usually caused by the bacteria group A Streptococcus. This infection can affect both adults and children.

The Risk Factors for Erysipelas are

• Problems with drainage thru the lymphatic system or veins
• Cut in the skin
• Sores of the skin known as ulcers

During the past, the most common site of infection has been the face. Currently it accounts for approximately 20% of cases. 80% of cases today are affected on the legs.

Symptoms and signs of Erysipelas are

• Fever, chills as well as shaking
• Blisters
• Very swollen, red as well as warm skin under the sore or lesion, painful
• Lesion on the skin with a raised border
• Erysipelas lesions on the bridge of nose as well as the cheeks

To eliminate the infection antibiotics such as penicillin need to be used. In really severe cases, these antibiotics need to be given thru intravenous line or IV. Those with repeated episodes of this infection may need antibiotics long-term.

Complications of this infection in some individuals are caused by traveling to the blood stream. This result is an infection called bacteremia. This infection can spread to the joints, bones, as well as heart valves.

Erysipelas Complications

• Infection returning
• Septic shock

An individual needs to call their primary care physician if they have lesions or skin sores which look like erysipelas.

To prevent this infection an individual needs to keep the skin healthy by avoiding skin that is dry and preventing scrapes and cuts. This can reduce the risk for erysipelas.

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What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

This is a disorder also known as FAS and results from alcohol exposure prenatally. If a woman drinks during pregnancy, the baby is at a risk of FAS.

The defects which are a part of FAS are unable to be reversed and can consist of severe mental, physical as well as problems with behavior – but this can vary from child to child.

There are approximately 4000 babies born each year in the US with some sort of damage that is alcohol related.

If you believe your child has FAS, you should speak to your primary care physician as quickly as possible. A diagnosis which is early can lessen the threat of any problems connected with FAS, including problems at school, with breaking laws as well as with substance abuse.

Fetal Alcohol syndrome is not a single defect of birth. It is a group of problems which are related and the most serious of a cluster of problems of alcohol exposure prenatally. Together, the collection of disorders is known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders also known as FASD.

FAS is a very common yet very avoidable cause of mental retardation. The seriousness of mental challenges can vary, with a number of children having them to a much larger level than others.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Symptoms and Signs

• Facial features which are very distinctive, including eyes which are small, a upturned, short nose, an extremely thin upper lip as well a very smooth surface skin between the upper lip and the nose.
• Defects of the heart.
• Joints, fingers as well as limbs which are deformed
• Physical growth which is slow both prior to and after birth
• Hearing and vision difficulties
• Small brain size as well as head circumference
• Coordination which is poor
• Problems with sleep
• Delayed development as well as mental retardation
• Disorder with learning
• Behavior which is abnormal, such as hyperactivity, shortened attention span, poor control of impulses, anxiety as well as extreme nervousness

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What is Granuloma Annulare?

Granuloma annulare is a long-term skin condition characterized by elevated, red to skin-colored lesions that form circular patterns typically emerging on the hands, feet, elbows and knees. It is common in children and adults and to some extent more common if the female population and is also associated more often with diabetes mellitus.. The condition was first described in medical literature by Thomas Colcott Fox and was coined by an English dermatologist named Henry Radcliffe Crocker. It can be categorized into different types, namely, localized, generalized, patch-type, subcutaneous, perforating and HIV disease-related.

Apart from the noticeable rash, Granuloma annulare is commonly asymptomatic in nature. But in some cases, the rash burns and itches. Firm papules may appear due to the clustering of T cells underneath the skin. Irregularly, multiple rings can be found.

For the reason that Granuloma annulare generally produces no symptoms, treatment is not necessary apart from cosmetic purposes. If treatment is desired, it is helpful to seek advice from a dermatologist. For rapid clearing of the rash, very strong steroid creams and ointments can be sometimes applied. Subdermal steroidal injection directly on the ring patterns is also effective. Freezing the bumps with the use of liquid nitrogen may not be effective. For serious and widespread cases, an ultraviolet light therapy and other potent methods are needed.

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What is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome?

Firstly described by doctors, Edvard Ehlers and Henri Danlos, the Ehlers–Danlos syndrome which is also known as Cutis hyperelastica, is a collection of more than ten distinctive hereditary disorders of the connective tissues caused by a genetic defect in collagen and connective tissue synthesis. In this syndrome, the joints become hypermobile, the cutaneous become fragile and hyperextensible. The extent of severity can range from mild to severe depending on the mutation, and affects about 1 in every 5000 population around the globe.

Normally, the collagens present in the connective tissues help the structures to defend against deformation. But with increased elasticity due to genetic alterations associated with the disruption of normal collagen production in type IV, the end result is Ehlers Danlos syndrome. The connective tissues such as the skin, tendon, cartilage, tendons and blood vessel walls become weak and wobbly, as mutation alters the normal enzyme activity of hydroxylase and lysyl oxidase in type V and VI.

The clinical symptoms vary from patient to patient and from type to another type, but the most frequently exhibited are stretchy, fragile skin and hyperflexible joints. The disorder is divided into several types. The classical type which includes type I and II has signs and symptoms such as wobbly joints, extremely elastic, velvety fragile skin that may bruise and rips easily, redundant skin folds, poor wound healing process, heart valve problems, muscle exhaustion and pain and benign rubbery growths on pressure areas. The second category is the hypermobility type which is known formerly as type III has signs and symptoms which include the same clinical manifestations in the classical type plus loose, unstable joints with many discolorations, chronic degenerative joint disease and advanced premature osteoarthritis with persistent pain. The third category is the vascular type which is formerly the type IV Ehlers–Danlos syndrome which is presented by fragile blood vessels and organ prone to rupture, thin, translucent skin that bruises easily, prominent eyes, thin nose and lips, sunken cheeks and small chin, pneumothorax and heart valve problems.

There are no obtainable cures for Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, yet symptoms can still be managed to prevent advance complications. To reinforce the muscles without causing any injury, a doctor may collaborate with a physical therapist to lead the special exercises. With this method, the joints will be stabilized and muscle fatigue and muscle pain will be reduced. Specific braces may also be recommended by the physical therapist. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anesthetics are prescribed to patients who experience joint and muscle pain.

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What is Erythrasma?

It is a bacterial infection which is long-term and normally develops in areas of skin folds or between overlapping skin. It is infected by the bacteria Corynebacterium minutissimum.

This infection usually effects individuals of any age or ethnicity, but is most common among those who live in humid, warm climates. It is also most common in those with dark-skin. Although both sexes can be affected, males tend to have the infection of the groin area more often than females. You are most likely to develop this infection if you have diabetes or are overweight.

Erythrasma appears as a patch of red to pink, scaly skin. The border edges of erythrasma are well-defined which means there is a sharp edge between the area that is affect and the surrounding skin which is normal. Over a period of time, the red or pink color will fad to brown or tan.

Erythrasma is normally located in body folds which are moist such as

• In the groin as well as inner thighs
• Under arms
• Between toes, especially between the 4th an 5th toes

Erythrasma is less commonly found in the crevice of the buttock or in the folds under the breasts. In some individuals, like those with diabetes, this infection can become widespread and can develop on the arms, legs as well as trunk.

Erythrasma normally causes no symptoms or signs, but some individuals can develop burning or mild itching especially in the area of the groin.

To treat this infection scrub gently the infected patches with soap that is antibacterial. A prescription of erythromycin gel which is used to cover the skin can also work to treat this inflammation. With severe cases, the individual should see their primary care physician who can prescribe oral erythromycin.

These self-care methods can lower the chances of developing erythrasma

• Good hygiene maintenance
• Keeping skin dry
• Wear clothing that is clean and absorbent
• Avoid excessive moisture or heat
• Maintain body weight which is healthy

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What is Fragile X Syndrome?

Fragile X syndrome, otherwise known as Martin-Bell syndrome is the most common genetic syndrome which causes mental retardation affecting 1 in 3600 males and 1 in every 5000 females. Normally, the involved gene produces protein needed for the development of the brain. If there is FMR1 gene mutation, the system cannot produce adequate amount of protein needed by the brain cells to perform normally or worst, will produce none at all.

Common signs seen in individuals with Fragile X syndrome are mild to severe intellectual disabilities, poor concentration, fear in new situations and speech and language difficulty. Behavioral problems seen in these patients include stereotypic hand flapping, shyness, limited eye contact and problems with face encoding. Many are easily distracted by certain stimulations such as noise and bright lights. Physically the affected person may have long face and jaw, prominent ears, high-arched palate, flat feet, double-jointed thumbs, loose, hyperextensible and flexible joints and poor muscle tone.

Because this is a genetic disorder with brain involvement, 100% cure is impossible. However, people can be treated to diminish and remove some of the abnormalities in learning, speech, language, as well as social, physical, emotional and sensory problems. Better outcomes are anticipated if the therapies are started earlier; therapies may include behavioral therapy and special education.

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What are Fungal Rashes?

Fungal rashes develop because of the overgrowth of bacteria and germs in the body. Most fungi are neither serious nor contagious but infections which are serious can cause difficulties. When these infections develop as rashes, it is mostly due to bacterial or fungal infections. A rash which is caused by fungi appears fiery red in color and can develop in a large area of the body. They also can be very extreme at the center of the rash and become less distinct along the border areas. Symptoms of rashes which are fungal depend on the area of the body which is infected as well as the kind. These rashes are often confused with rash caused by other skin infections such as eczema.

Signs of a fungal rash of the skin are

• Spreads slowly
• Itching
• Red or pink rash with scaly, raised border
• Lesions can appear darker than the surrounding skin

Treatment for this type of skin rash involves using antifungal topical cream, antifungal oral drugs as well as antihistamines for itching.

Risk factors for skin rashes caused by fungi include:

• Nursing homes
• Living conditions with poor sanitations
• Daycare centers
• Poor personal hygiene
• Working with animals
• Use of topical corticosteroid creams
• Humid, warm environments
• Weakened immune system:
• Chemotherapy – taking drugs which kill cancer cells
• AIDS
• Diabetes
• Organ transplants

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What is Eye Stye?

A stye is an acute condition of the secretory glands in the eyelid which is characterized by a small, red, painful bump at the base of an eyelash which is caused by Staphylococcal bacteria. This bump may get larger and a white or yellow center develops. Because of eye irritation, there is excessive watering in the affected eye. A patient experiences a gritty feeling that there is something in the eye.

This is not a serious condition and does not affect vision. Usually, it responds well to proper treatment. In some cases when they stye is left untreated; the condition may progress to cellulitis of the eyelid.

Apply a warm compress against the affected eye for about 10 to 15 minutes in duration. The procedure is repeated four times each day until the seventh day, the maximum time when the stye is expected to drain. It is important to use new cloth each compress so as not to perpetuate the infection. Dispose properly the used compress so that others cannot handle it. Never attempt to squeeze the stye; just let it drain on its own. Trying to squeeze the stye before it is ready to burst will just push the pus into the tissue next to the stye causing further infection. Doctors may even prescribe antibiotic eye drops and ointment. If the stye does not drain and becomes larger, the doctor may lance it.

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A bone spur is growth which is bony and forms on normal bone. In the case of heel spurs, these boney growths occur on the heel. Many individuals believe this would be sharp because of the word “spur” but in fact, any bone spur is simply extra bone. It is normally smooth but it can cause pain as well as tear and wear if it rubs or presses on any other soft tissues or bones such as nerves, tendons or ligaments. Places which are common for bone spurs besides the heel also include the shoulders, spine, hips, knees, hand as well as feet.

When a bone spur develops it is simply the body trying to repair itself by the process of building extra bone. This forms generally in response to rubbing, stress or pressure that has continued for a long time period.

Bone spurs can also develop as another part of the process of aging. As the body ages, cartilage which is a slippery tissue which covers the ends of bones within joints start to breakdown and will ultimately wear away and this is known as osteoarthritis. As well, discs which provide padding between bones of the spine can with age start to break down. Over the years, this can cause swelling and pain, and also bone spurs can form on the edges of the joints. Bone spurs caused by aging are very ordinary in feet and spine joints.

Spurs on the bone can also develop in the feet because of ligaments which are tight because of some activities like running or dancing that causes stress to the feet as well as the pressure of being overweight and also shoes which fit poorly.

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What is Herpangina?

Herpangina is a painful oral virally-induced infection characterized by the formation of lesions inside the mouth typically caused by a specific strain of Coxsackie virus. Although it can occur in any age bracket, this condition is frequently observed in children who are three to ten years of age.

Though some cases of Herpangina can be asymptomatic in nature, affected children may develop hyperthermia painful swallowing and sore throat and eventually two to six red macules appear at the back of the throat, soft palate and tonsilar pillars which progress to vesicles and ulcers which can be about 2 to 4 millimeters in diameter. The ulcerations may appear as sores with white to whitish gray base and a reddish margin. Because of these very painful ulcers, the individual rejects food and fluid intake which increases the risk of developing dehydration. Normally, these lesions go away on its own within 7 to 10 days.

Symptoms can be managed by taking prescribed anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen for high fever and applying topical anesthetics directly on the affected area. It is also necessary to increase oral fluid intake such as cold products for prevention of dehydration. Other methods include gargling with cool water, eating popsicles and avoiding hot foods and citrus fruits and other foods which are too acidic.

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