*Skin Allergy and Itchy Skin this Rainy Season? Common Monsoon Diseases, Skin Rashes, and Dermatitis?? | Dr Ashwani Kansal

 

 

*Skin Allergy and Itchy Skin this Rainy Season?

Common Monsoon Diseases, Skin Rashes, and Dermatitis??

 

The monsoon heat and humid weather invite viral and fungal infections, a perfect setting that *encourages skin infections. Skin Eczema, Scabies, Acne, Dermatitis, Heat Rash, Warts, Skin rash, Itchy Skin, Acne Pimples, and Skin allergy are the most common monsoon season skin infections during this season. 

 

When the humidity in the atmosphere rises, our skin becomes suspectable to skin rash and allergies. Thus, it is important to take skincare seriously this rainy season, *it triggers excessive oil secretion in the body which leads to itching. Thus, skin and hair related issues are very common, let us discuss them in detail-

 

*Fungal Infections/ Ringworm

Fungal Infections also called Ringworm is the most common infection during the monsoon season which occurs due to the increased humidity levels during the monsoons. Ringworm thrives in areas that are more prone to sweating transmitted through fomites. A fungus may transmit from the sharing of towels, utensils, public toilets, etc. Once acquired, fungal infection can spread across the body when a patient scratches the infected area through fingernails. 

 

Ringworm Skin Fungal Symptoms

Red, circular patches around the neck, armpits, or soles of feet. Itching and inflammation around body fold like armpits, the groin area, the inner area of thighs, which is bothersome among obese adults and children.  Skin itching could lead to secondary infection of the nails, which may become brittle and yellowish-green.

 

*Ringworm Skin Fungal Infection Prevention Tips-

Wear open footwear, that allows air circulation.

Wear clean and dry clothes, change wet clothes, socks, and undergarments after exercise, or you get wet in the rain.

Consider using anti-fungal dusting powder on foot sole while wearing socks, and after taking a shower. 

Keep your skin clean, use an antiseptic soap for a mild warm shower.

 

*Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s Foot can be identified by itchy, scaly, and itchy patches on the feet. The athlete’s foot is caused by fungi called candida resulting in infection of the toenails and eventual splitting of the nail.

 

Athlete’s Foot Symptoms-

Burning sensation, blisters, foul-smelling feet, and cracked skin. The skin in toe webs may break down.

 

*Athlete’s Foot Prevention Tips-

 

Wash your hands regularly.

Apply anti-fungal powder in shoes, and socks to prevent infection.

Never stay in wet socks and wear clean pairs of socks.

*Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a humidity related skin disorder caused when skin melanocytes become hyperactive due to the direct exposure to the sun. Hyperpigmentation causes overproduction of melanin when the sunlight is not too intense.

 

Hyperpigmentation Symptoms-

Dull, dark patches specifically on the face. Hyperpigmentation is symptomatic of some autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases, and metabolic disorders.

 

*Hyperpigmentation Prevention Tips

 Consider a Sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher to protect the skin and apply it 20 minutes before you go outdoors.

Wear protective clothing like hats, sunglasses, stoles when you step out after lockdown along with your face mask to protect the skin from the harsh rays of the sun.

 

*Facial Folliculitis

     Facial Folliculitis or inflammation of hair follicles causes excessive hair breakage in the monsoon season. Facial Folliculitis is primarily caused by a bacterial and fungal infection that occurs due to sweating, dehydration, and excessive monsoon humidity. 

 

Facial Folliculitis Symptoms-

White-headed pimples or mall red bumps throughout hair follicles. Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over causing itchy, burning skin. A painful large swollen bump or mass.

 

*Facial Folliculitis Prevention Tips

Avoid tight clothes, wear clean loose cotton clothing.

Dry out your rubber gloves, coronavirus prevention facemasks between uses.

Avoid shaving, else shave with care not to hurt skin layers.

Reach out to a skin doctor to consult for a skincare antibiotic cream, lotion, or gel.

*Eczema

Eczema is skin rashes, and skin allergies that are caused by inflammation of dermatitis. Both external and genetic factors like humidity and changing temperatures are the behind Eczema.  Besides, itching and scratching can further damage the skin, leading to bleeding, and secondary bacterial infections. Eczema affects 18-21% of children across the globe, an increased incidence of atopic dermatitis and nappy/diaper rash is not uncommon in the rainy season.

 

Eczema Symptoms-

Red, inflamed, dry, and sensitive skin characterized by bad itching, dark-colored, and scaly patches of skin. Oozing or crusting around swelling areas.

 

*Eczema Prevention Tips-

Stay away from dirty water or other allergy-inducing allergens like pollens, animal fur, dust, and dirt.

Keep your skin dry as excessive sweating aggravates itching with Eczema patients.

Establish a skincare regime to follow skincare tips and for keeping your skin healthy.

Wear gloves for cleaning, dusting your home and office space, prevent putting hands in water.

 

*Scabies

Scabies is a skin allergy classified as a water-borne monsoon disease by skin doctors. Scabies can be extremely contagious, transmitting through the skin to skin contact, or any infected material. The monsoon season causes scabies to spread from an infected person in constant contact with contaminated water.

 

Scabies Symptoms-

Thin, irregular burrow tracks on the skin that result from tiny blisters or bumps on the skin. Continuous scratching the itchy rash may cause sores. Thick crusts on the skin leading to a severe type of scabies- crusted scabies.

 

Scabies Prevention Tips-

Avoid direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.

Don’t share your clothing, commonly used items like utensils used by an infected person.

*Insect Bites and Stings

Insect bites and stings are common in the rainy season which can cause an immediate skin reaction. Be cautious from fire ants, wasps, hornets, and bee stings, which are can be very painful. Add to that mosquitoes, fleas, and mite bites adding to that itching and pain.

 

Insect Bites and Stings Symptoms-

Immediate skin reactions like redness, swelling and skin irritation.

 

*Insect Bites and Stings Prevention Tips –

Cover exposed skin by wearing long sleeve clothes and trousers.

Wear shoes when you go outdoors.

Apply insect repellents that contain 50% DEET (diethyltoluamide) crème to exposed skin

*Monsoon Diseases Hygiene Tips-

Avoid tight-fitting accessories like headbands, belts, tight clothes or socks made up of synthetic fabric. They restrict skin pores to breathe and cause excessive sweating. Prefer wearing cotton clothes.

Don’t forget to consult your virtual doctor for regular check-ups of pre-existing diseases like diabetes, and thyroid problems.

Dry and wipe your body properly after a bath. Especially focus on skin folds like behind the knees, underarms and between the toes.

 

*Reaching to a Doctor for Monsoon Care

Monsoon diseases can be highly infectious for your skin. As discussed, if you are experiencing any skin rash or skin allergy symptoms, it is advisable not to delay your diagnosis. To prevent the risk of waterborne skin disease transmission this rainy season, prefer to consult a  doctor.

स्वस्थ नींद के उपाय | Dr Ashwani Kansal

 

 

स्वस्थ नींद के उपाय

 

1. रोजाना सोने और जागने का समय निश्चित रखें। देर से नींद लगने पर भी सुबह उसी निश्चित समय पर उठें।

 

2. 8 घंटे से ज्यादा बिलकुल न सोयें। भले ही पिछली रात नींद कम आयी हो।

 

3. कोशिश करें कि दिन में न सोयें। यदि सोयें तो 30 मिनट से ज्यादा नहीं और दोपहर 3 बजे के बाद बिलकुल नहीं।

 4. सुबह सूर्य की तेज़ रोशनी घर के कमरों में आने दें, परदों से कमरे में अँधेरा न रखें। शाम 7 बजे के बाद तेज़ रोशनी से यथासंभव दूर रहें।

 

5. रोजाना व्यायाम करें। सुबह का समय सबसे उपयुक्त है, परंतु शाम 7 बजे के बाद बिलकुल नहीं।

 

6. शाम 6 बजे के बाद तरल प्रदार्थों का सेवन कम से कम रखें। रात में बार-बार पेशाब आने से नींद प्रभावित हो सकती है।

 

7. चाय, कॉफ़ी अथवा कोल्ड्रिंक का सेवन कम से कम रखें। शाम 4 बजे के बाद बिलकुल भी नहीं।

 

8. सिगरेट, तम्बाकू और शराब का सेवन नींद पर बुरा प्रभाव डालता हैं। इनकी आदत छुड़वाने के लिये साइकेट्रिस्ट (मनोरोग विशेषज्ञ) का परामर्श लें।

 

9. रात्रि का भोजन अत्याधिक मात्रा में होने से नींद प्रभावित हो सकती है, मात्रा उपयुक्त ही रखें।

 

10. रात्रि में शयनकक्ष 'शोर रहित' 'प्रकाश रहित' तथा अनुकूल तापमान का होना चाहिये।

 

11. गद्दे और ताकिए का अत्याधिक मुलायम या अत्याधिक कठोर होना नींद को प्रभावित कर सकता है। अनूकूल न होने पर इनको बदल दें।

 

12. सोने से पहले बिस्तर पर इन बातों से बचें----बिस्तर पर खाना खाना, फ़ोन पर बात करना, किताब पढ़ना या टीवी देखना।

 

13. यदि किसी विषय की चिंता की वजह से नींद लगने में परेशानी हो रही हो, तो एक कागज़ पर नोट कर लें तथा उसका निष्कर्ष सुबह निकालने का निश्चय करें।

 

14. नींद के लिए एल्प्रैक्स (Alprax/Alprazolam) नामक दवा का सेवन बिलकुल न करें। बिना परामर्श के नींद की गोलियाँ लेना हानिकारक है।

 

15. नींद में परेशानी किसी अन्य बीमारी का लक्षण भी हो सकती है। उपरोक्त सभी उपाय अपनाने पर भी यदि नींद की परेशानी बनी रहती है तो साइकेट्रिस्ट (मनोरोग विशेषज्ञ) का परामर्श लें।

 

 

रक्त दान | Blood Donation | World Blood Donor Day

 

 

रक्त दान

हम सब रक्त से जुड़े हुए हैं

क्या आप रक्त दान कर सकते हैं? रक्त दान के लिए क्या तैयारी करनी चाहिये? रक्त दान करने के बाद किस तरह की देखभाल की जरूरत है? इन सब सवालों के जवाब, एक जगह।

 

रक्त दान के लिए योग्यता/ रक्त दान कौन कर सकता है

 

• कोई भी स्वस्थ व्यक्ति जो फिट है और जिसे कोई संक्रामक रोग नहीं है, वह रक्त दान कर सकता है।

• रक्त दाता की उम्र 18 और 60 के बीच होनी चाहिए और वजन कम से कम  50 किलो होना चाहिए। कुछ ब्लड बैंक  वजन 45 किलो से अधिक हो तब भी रक्त दान की अनुमति देते हैं।

• हेमोग्लोबिन का स्तर कम से कम 12.5 प्रतिशत होना चाहिए।

• एक बार रक्त देने के बाद अगला रक्त दान 3 महीने के पहले नहीं करा जा सकता।

• स्पंद दर (नब्ज़, पल्स रेट) प्रति मिनट 50 और 100 के बीच होना  चाहिये और उस में कोई अनियमितताएँ नहीं होनी चाहियें।

• रक्त चाप का नीचे वाला नंबर (डायस्टोलिक) 50 और  100 एमएम एचगी के बीच होना चाहिए और ऊपर वाला नंबर (सिस्टोलिक) 100 और  180 एमएम एचगी के बीच।

• शरीर का तापमान सामान्य होना चाहिए और मुंह से नापा गया तापमान 37.5 डिग्री सेल्सियस से अधिक नहीं होना चाहिए।

 

रक्त दान के लिए अयोग्यताएं / रक्त दान कौन नहीं कर सकता है

 

• रक्त दाता को दिल का दौरा, उच्च रक्तचाप, गुर्दे की बीमारियाँ, एपिलेप्सी, या मधुमेह नहीं होना चाहिए। (कुछ ब्लड बैंक मधुमेह वाले व्यक्ति को रक्त दान करने देते हैं अगर व्यक्ति का रक्त शर्करा स्तर नियंत्रण में हो और व्यक्ति इन्सुलिन पर  नहीं है। पढ़ें:)

• यदि कोई महिला गंभीर  गर्भस्राव/ गर्भपात (मिसकैरेज) से गुज़री है तो वह अगले 6 महीने तक रक्त दान नहीं कर सकती।

• यदि पिछले तीन महीने में उसने या तो रक्त दान करा है या उसका मलेरिया का इलाज हुआ है।

• यदि पिछले एक महीने में व्यक्ति ने कोई टीका लिया है।

• यदि व्यक्ति ने कोविड का वैक्सीन लिया है तो नेशनल ट्रांसफ्यूज़न कौंसिल के अनुसार रक्त दान करने से पहले 28 दिन रुकना जरूरी है।

• यदि रक्त दाता ने गत 24 घंटे में मद्यपान करा है।

• यदि व्यक्ति एचआईवी पॉजिटिव है।

• यदि व्यक्ति ने दांतों पर कुछ काम कराया है तो 24 घंटे रुकें। यदि कोई प्रमुख दन्त प्रक्रिया की गयी है  तो एक महीने तक प्रतीक्षा करें।

 

रक्त देने के लिए तैयारी

 

• रक्त देने की सुबह से पहले की रात पर्याप्त फलों का रस और पानी लें।

• खाली पेट रक्त दान न करें। रक्त दान करने से तीन घंटे पहले खाना लें। वसायुक्त भोजन से बचें।। ऐसा खाना खाएं जो लोहे (आयरन) में समृद्ध हो, जैसे कि साबुत अनाज, अंडे, मांस, पालक, पत्तेदार सब्जियां, संतरा, और खट्टे फल

• रक्त दान करने से पहले शराब या कैफीन वाले पेय न लें।

• यदि आपका कोई बड़ा ऑपरेशन हुआ है, तो 6 महीने तक रक्त न दें।

 

रक्त-दान के बाद देखभाल

 

1. रक्त दान के बाद 5 से 20 मिनट के लिए आराम करें. रक्तदान के बाद यदि आप कमजोर महसूस करते हैं तो 6 घंटे तक गाड़ी न चलाएं।

2. अधिक मीठे जूस और स्नैक लें, जिस से रक्त शर्करा का स्तर फिर से बढ़ कर सामान्य हो पाए

3. ऐसा खाना लें जो प्रोटीन में समृद्ध हो - जैसे की चिकन, अंडे, मांस, पालक, पत्तेदार सब्जियां वगैरह।

4. रक्त देने के 8 घंटे बाद तक शराब का सेवन न करें।

5. रक्त देने के बाद एक दिन तक भारी व्यायाम न करें (जैसे कि जिम , डांसिंग, )

 

रक्त दान करने के मुख्य फायदे:

 

1. शरीर फिर से अपना लोहे (आयरन) का भण्डार बनाने पर मजबूर हो जाता है (खून में लाल रक्त कोशिकाओं बनाने के लिए)

2. हृदय स्वास्थ्य को बनाए रखता है

3. कैंसर का जोखिम कम होता  है

4. रक्त दान कर पाने के लिए योग्यता देखना खुद में एक छोटा चेक-उप है

5. रक्त दाता को गौरव का एहसास होता है

 

Thyroid Nodules,Cause, Effect,Diagnosis & Test,Treatment & Prevention | Dr Ashwani Kansal

 

 

Thyroid Nodules

A thyroid nodule is an unusual lump (growth) of cells on your thyroid gland. They’re common, almost always noncancerous (benign) and usually don't cause symptoms. In rare cases, they're cancerous.

 

What are thyroid nodules?

A thyroid nodule is an unusual lump (growth) of cells on your thyroid gland.

 

Your thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in your neck, below your Adam's apple. It produces the hormones thyroxine (also called T4) and triiodothyronine (also called T3). Thesehormones play a role in certain bodily functions, including:

 

Metabolism.

Body temperature.

Mood and excitability.

Pulse and heart rate.

Digestion.

Thyroid nodules are classified as:

Solitary (a single nodule).

Multiple (more than one nodule).

Cystic (fluid-filled).

Solid.

More than 90% of detected nodules in adults are noncancerous (benign), but they may represent thyroid cancer in approximately 4.0% to 6.5% of cases. Even though most thyroid nodules aren’t cancer, they can sometimes be a sign of and/or cause thyroid disease.

 

Who do thyroid nodules affect?

Anyone can have a thyroid nodule, including children and adults. However, they’re about four times more common in people assigned female at birth than people assigned male at birth.

 

They also occur more often in people who live in countries in which food isn’t fortified with iodine. (Iodine is necessary for your thyroid gland to make hormones.)

 

Other factors that lead to an increased risk of thyroid nodules include:

 

History of thyroid radiation.

Family history of thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer.

Increasing age.

Iron-deficiency anemia.

Smoking.

Obesity.

Metabolic syndrome.

Alcohol consumption.

Increased levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (a hormone).

Uterine fibroids.

 

 

What symptoms can thyroid nodules cause?

Most thyroid nodules don’t cause symptoms. However, if you have several nodules or large nodules, you may be able to see them.

In rare cases, nodules can grow big enough to cause the following symptoms:

 

Trouble with swallowing or breathing.

Hoarseness or voice changes.

Pain in the front of your neck.

Enlargement of your thyroid gland (goiter).

Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules can lead to overproduction of thyroid hormones, also known as hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

 

Rapid heartbeat (palpitations).

Feeling shaky and/or nervous.

Weight loss.

Increased appetite.

Diarrhea and more frequent bowel movements.

Difficulty sleeping.

Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).

Light or missed menstrual periods.

Thyroid nodules may also be associated with low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism). Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

 

Fatigue.

Numbness and tingling in your hands.

Weight gain.

Dry, coarse skin and hair.

Constipation.

Depression.

Frequent, heavy menstrual periods

 

 

What causes thyroid nodules?

Researchers don’t know why most thyroid nodules form. Nodules can form for various reasons, and there are different types, including:

 

Colloid nodules: These are one or more overgrowths of normal thyroid tissue. These growths are not cancer (benign). They may grow large, but they don’t spread beyond your thyroid gland. These are the most common type of thyroid nodules.

Thyroid cysts: These are growths that are filled with fluid or are partly solid and partly filled with fluid. Cystic nodules pose a low risk for cancer (malignancy) and are either monitored or biopsied if they’re larger than 2 centimeters.

Inflammatory nodules: These nodules develop as a result of long-term (chronic) swelling (inflammation) of your thyroid gland. These growths may or may not cause pain.

Multinodular goiter: Sometimes an enlarged thyroid (goiter) is made up of many nodules (which are usually benign).

Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules: These nodules produce extra thyroid hormone, which may lead to the development of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism requires treatment.

Thyroid cancer: Cancer is the biggest concern when thyroid nodules form. Fortunately, thyroid cancer is very rare — it’s found in less than 6.5% of all thyroid nodules.

 

 

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTS

How are thyroid nodules diagnosed?

Sometimes you can feel or see a thyroid nodule yourself, or your healthcare provider may discover it during a physical exam. Your provider may also discover a nodule with an imaging test done for another reason.

 

Even though thyroid nodules are almost always noncancerous (benign), the small chance that it could be cancer means that most thyroid nodules need some type of evaluation.

 

What tests will be done to diagnose and evaluate thyroid nodules?

Your healthcare provider may order any of the following tests to help diagnose and evaluate a thyroid nodule:

 

Thyroid blood test: This test checks the levels of thyroid hormone in your blood. The hormone levels are usually normal even if you have nodules, but they can be abnormal in some cases and point to thyroid disease.

Thyroid ultrasound: This is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of your thyroid gland. It can determine if a nodule is solid or a fluid-filled cyst. (The risk of cancer is higher in solid nodules.) This test also checks on the growth of nodules and helps find nodules that are difficult to feel. In addition, providers sometimes use ultrasound to help guide the placement of the needle during a fine-needle biopsy.

Fine-needle biopsy: With this test, your provider uses a very thin needle to take a sample of cells from one or more thyroid nodules. They then send the samples to a laboratory for evaluation. Most nodules are noncancerous. However, if the test results are inconclusive, your provider may repeat this test. They may also suggest you have surgery to remove the nodules to make an accurate diagnosis.

Thyroid scan: In this test, you take a small amount of radioactive iodine orally. Your provider will check to see how much of the radioactive iodine the thyroid nodules absorb and how much is absorbed by normal thyroid tissue. This will provide further information about the thyroid nodules, helping your provider determine the likelihood of cancer

 

MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT

How are thyroid nodules treated?

Treatment depends on the type of thyroid nodule. Treatment options include:

 

No treatment/watch and wait: If the nodules aren’t cancerous, you and your healthcare provider may decide that you don’t need to be treated at this time. You’ll see your provider regularly so they can check for any changes in the nodules.

Radioactive iodine: Your provider may use radioactive iodine to treat hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules and goiters with several nodules. Your thyroid gland absorbs the radioactive iodine, causing the nodules to shrink.

Surgery: Surgery to take out the nodules is the best treatment for nodules that are cancerous, cause obstructive symptoms like breathing or swallowing issues and are “suspicious” (they can’t be diagnosed without being surgically removed and examined.

 

PREVENTION

Can thyroid nodules be prevented?

Since researchers don’t know what causes the majority of thyroid nodules, you can’t prevent them in most cases.

 

You can, however, try to decrease your risk of developing them by managing certain risk factors. For example, if you have obesity, talk to your healthcare provider about attaining a healthy weight for you. If you smoke cigarettes, try to quit. It’s also important to make sure you get enough iodine in your diet. If you use iodized table salt, you’re likely consuming enough.

 

Studies have shown that people who take oral birth control and/or statins may have a reduced risk of developing thyroid nodules.