Dandruff is a common condition caused by a combination of factors that affect the skin of the head (scalp). Most commonly, chronic dandruff is due to dry skin on the scalp complicated by a fungal infection (tinea capitis or head fungus). Before treating dandruff, it is important to exclude other skin diseases like eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis or contact dermatitis (often associated with hair dyes, styling gel, hair softeners, hair relaxers and shampoos). These skin diseases may often present similar to dandruff but require specialist dermatological treatment.
A teething baby can be frustrating for many parents as the incessant crying, gnawing on objects and late night fevers and restlessness are a constant disruption. Teething is a natural part of baby’s development and between the year one and 3 years of age, the emerging milk teeth will result in many instances of sleepless nights and bitten fingers.
Identifying the signs of teething even before the tiny ‘buds’ are clearly visible will allow you to take appropriate action to ease the infant’s pain and discomfort.
Mary T., 6 years old, had been brought in by her mother complaining of recurrent itchy skin rashes at her elbows and knees. Mary’s case history revealed that she had suffered with infantile eczema at the age of 6 months and this persisted till 2½ years of age when a mild case of hay fever (allergic rhinitis) began. Repeated prescriptions of corticosteroid creams, emollients and anti-histamines had offered some relief for her early episode of eczema but it had seemed to have resolved spontaneously at the time.
An immune modulator should not be confused with an immune booster. Immune modulators regulate functioning of the immune system, maintaining a healthy level and preventing disordered immune activities. In chronic cases of allergy related conditions, autoimmune disorders and HIV infection, an immune modulator can be beneficial as part of a holistic therapy.
Coughing up food is a symptom that can occur in cases of chronic tonsillitis or swollen tonsils. (tonsillar hypertrophy) where the tonsils have now become enlarged, pitted or ulcerated. This allows food to be trapped between the tonsils and oropharyngeal (mouth-throat) wall or within tiny pits and ulcers on the surface of the tonsils. When coughing, tiny remnants of food dislodge from the tonsillar pits and are expelled into the mouth or through the mouth. Very often these small food particles may look like soft white speckles (similar to a small rice grain) and may have a slightly foul odor as it is decomposing food (some patients report a ‘garbage can’ odor). If they remain trapped in the crevices of the tonsils over a long period, they may begin to harden and are called ‘tonsil stones‘.
Most commercial tea tree creams are in a 5% impregnation within the medium of choice, usually a cream, lotion, glycerin, base oil or saponin for shampoos. While this is a safe concentration for use on the skin, chronic infections may require a higher strength tea tree application, especially in chronic fungal infections and dandruff.
Hives (urticaria) is a skin condition known for its characteristic itchy red raised rash that occur as bumps or patches intermittently. Sometimes called welts, wheals or swellings, the rash has a tendency to appear and disappear with very slight trace of having existed after a few hours since they are a superficial (surface) reaction. Hives may be accompanied by angioedema, a deeper lying rash or swelling, affecting the eyes and lips.
A homeopathic anti-inflammatory may be useful for mild pain, joint swelling and inflammation and muscle cramps. Always consult with your medical doctor before starting any anti-inflammatory including herbal or homeopathic remedies.