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Description

Hives are a sudden eruption of red and white bumps on the skin. While hives are usually itchy, and therefore bothersome, they are generally not dangerous-except in cases of bee or insect stings, when hives indicate a true medical emergency. A case of hives may last for less than 30 minutes or as long as a week.

When the body comes into contact with a substance it considers dangerous, it floods the skin with histamine to combat the problematic substance. Hives result when there is excess buildup of histamine on a particular area of skin. Substances that cause this histamine release differ from person to person, though common irritants include animal dander, pollen, aspirin, penicillin, insect bites, and foods to which the person is allergic.

Signs and Symptoms

A batch of raised, red or white bumps on a localized area of skin

Bumps may appear and disappear suddenly

The affected area may be mildly or severely itchy

Certain people can develop recurrent hives from sunlight, cold, pressure, vibration or exercise. These are called the physical urticarias. If hives develop from scratching or firmly rubbing the skin it is called dermatographism. It is the most common of the physical urticarias and it affects about 5 percent of the population. It doesn’t always itch. This condition sometimes also occurs along with other forms of hives.

Conventional Medical Treatment

Hives often do not usually require medical treatment, but if the hives remain for an extended period of time, see your doctor. After taking your medical history, your physician may ask about your exposure within the last two weeks to any possible irritants. Unfortunately, hives can be caused by such a wide range of irritants that your physician may not be able to identify the exact cause. If the cause is identified, you will be urged to avoid the substance that caused the outbreak. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a medication, usually an antihistamine, to treat the condition.

If the hives are accompanied by shortness of breath, fever, nausea, or abdominal cramps, immediately seek medical help. You could be suffering from anaphylactic shock. Many antihistamines are available without prescription, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), taken in doses of 25 milligrams and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), taken in a dose of 4 milligrams. These can be taken up to three times a day, but because these medications can cause drowsiness, they are often taken at bedtime.

Aromatherapy

German chamomile oil can help bring relief from itching. Simply place a drop directly on the itchy skin and massage in.

Ayurvedic Medicine

Hives come from excessive heat in the body, say Ayurvedic practitioners. To cool the heat and soothe the maddening itch, they favor eating watermelon as well as drinking coriander milk or cilantro.

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Description

Colitis, or ulcerative colitis as it is also known, is one of the two chronic disorders known as inflammatory bowel syndrome (the other is Crohn’s disease). The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is still unknown, but the condition most commonly affects people of Jewish descent between the ages of 15 and 35 and those who have a family history of the disease.

Ulcerative colitis occurs when tiny ulcers and small abscesses develop on the interior walls of the colon, causing moderate to severe inflammation of the intestinal lining. This inflammation causes diarrhea and abdominal pain. Sometimes the ulcers bleed, streaking the diarrhea with blood. Ulcerative colitis usually affects only a small segment of the intestine, though the entire colon can be effected.

Most individuals with colitis have remission periods-during which they do not experience symptoms-that alternate with flare-ups. In some people these painful flare-ups are brought on by stress; in others the cause of flare-ups is less predictable. In the majority of cases, the condition is more a discomfort than a serious health risk. But approximately 15 percent of sufferers whose entire colons are affected are at increased risk of developing colon cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

Abdominal pain

Diarrhea that contains either blood or pus

Painful, urgent bowel movements

Fever

Fatigue and muscle weakness

Weight loss

Joint pain, skin problems, and eye problems

Conventional Medical Treatment

After taking a detailed history of your symptoms, a physician may perform a barium X-ray, colonoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy to arrive at a diagnosis. Treatment for ulcerative colitis is generally limited to symptomatic periods and typically includes an anti-inflammatory medication, such as sulfasalazine or corticosteroids. An estimated 20 to 25 percent of colitis patients do not respond to medication and need colostomy surgery to remove the affected portion of the colon. If you have had colitis for eight years or more, your physician may suggest an annual colonoscopy to check for cancerous growths.

Also Recommended

flaxseed oil (as directed on label)-protects the lining of the colon

garlic (as directed on label)-has a healing effect on the colon

Multimineral complex with calcium, chromium, magnesium, and zinc (as directed on label)-minerals are not easily absorbed in colitis victims; calcium is needed for the prevention of cancer, which can occur as a result of constant irritation

vitamin C with bioflavonoids (3000 to 5000 mg in divided doses)-boosts immune function and heals mucous membranes; use in buffered form

(For an acute condition, take supplements until your symptoms subside. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of your health care provider. For a chronic condition, consult your health care provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

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Basic Description

A first-degree burn is the most minor type of burn. It only affects the outer layer of skin-the burn is at the surface only. First-degree burns can be caused by the sun (sunburns), chemicals, or heated objects or fluids.

With a second-degree burn, the top layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin has also been burned (though not burned through). Second-degree burns also can be caused by the sun (sunburns), fire, chemicals, or heated objects or fluids.

A third-degree burn is an extremely severe burn that damages the top and bottom layers of skin and the underlying layers of fat, nerves, muscles, and even bones. The area will be charred black or white and will be dry and Powdery. Third-degree burns are usually caused by fire, though they can also be caused by chemicals or electrical wires.

Signs and Symptoms

First-Degree

Pink or red areas that mayor may not be accompanied by swelling and blisters

Tenderness or pain at the site

Second-Degree

Mottled, intensely red areas

Blistering at the site, sometimes accompanied by oozing fluid

Intense pain

Swelling

Third-Degree

Charred black and/or white areas

Visible bone, fat, nerves and/or muscles

Victim may be in shock or unconscious

First and second-degree burns often accompany third-degree burns

Severe pain, or if the nerves have been burned, lack of feeling

Conventional Medical Treatment

Unless the first-degree burn is accompanied by more serious burns, or covers large areas of the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or major joint, you can treat it at home. If the second-degree burn is limited to an area 3 inches in diameter or smaller, it can also be treated at home. If the skin is unbroken, run cool water over the area or soak it in a cool bath. Either way, keep the area submerged for 2 to 4 minutes. Then cover the burn with a sterile bandage or clean cloth. Minor burns usually heal without further attention. If an infection sets in, see your physician.

If the second-degree burn is larger than 3 inches in diameter, or has occurred on the feet, face, groin, buttocks, hands, or major joint, immediately go to your physician or hospital emergency room.

If any part of the body contains third-degree burns, immediately call an ambulance. If you are a bystander, check to see if the burn victim is breathing. If not, perform cardiopulumonary resuscitation (CPR). (If you are not trained in CPR, find someone who is.) If the person is breathing, cover the burned areas with a cool, moist, sterile bandage or a clean sheet (make sure it is a flatweave sheet rather than a fuzzy one). Do not apply any oils, ointments, or lotions, and do not move the victim.

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