Tag: treatment


Trichomoniasis

30
October

In our previous articles we have covered STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) like chlamydia, herpes and syphilis. In this article we will be looking at yet another type of STD, Trichomoniasis, that is very common but, thankfully, also curable.

What is Trichomoniasis and what are its symptoms?

Trichomoniasis is a STD that is caused by a parasite that can easily be transferred from one person to another during sexual intercourse. In women, Trichomoniasis results in an inflammation of the vagina known as vaginitis. Symptoms could also include vaginal discharge, perhaps foamy, that is gray, yellow or green in color. The discharge may have a bad odor and leave the vagina feeling very itchy.

It is also possible that women with Trichomoniasis have no symptoms.

In men, the majority of Trichomoniasis cases have no symptoms. There maybe a temporary feeling of irritation inside the penis or a slight burning feeling when peeing.

Trichomoniasis symptoms usually appear within a month from exposure to the infection. Like a lot of other STD types, Trichomoniasis can increase a person’s risk of contracting HIV and, in pregnant women, it can lead to pre-mature birth. A case of Trichomoniasis can be accompanied by other STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea so your doctor will have to test you for more than just Trichomoniasis.

Treatment

Prevention is the best cure but if abstinence from sex isn’t possible, latex condoms should always be used during sexual intercourse. It is always better to prevent an infection than it is to treat it.

If you have had unprotected sex and think you might have been at risk of contracting Trichomoniasis, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to check for the infection and any other STD. Your doctor will check the secretions from your penis or vagina for traces of the infection. Antibiotics are used to treat Trichomoniasis and its imperative that you notify your sexual partners of your infection so they can get tested too.

While you are getting treated for Trichomoniasis or any other STD, you should abstain from sex to prevent the infection from spreading to other people. Even if you wear a condom in a subsequent intercourse, you are putting the other person at risk as conditions arising from Trichomoniasis and especially STDs that produce sores and rashes can increase the risk of transferring the infection.

For more advice on Trichomoniasis and other STDs, as well as treatment options, visit us at the MedHelp clinic.

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Chlamydia: Treatment

31
August

In our last post, we talked about what caused chlamydia and how it’s difficult to know if you have chlamydia because of the lack of symptoms this STD usually causes. We also discussed how it was important to get tested regularly if you are sexually active and especially if you have had unprotected sex recently. In this post we will look at how chlamydia is treated.

How can you protect yourself from Chlamydia?

As with all STDs, the best and most effective way to prevent chlamydia is to abstain from sex altogether. Since that isn’t exactly possible, the second best alternative is to wear a latex condom everytime you have sex. Using latex condoms is the only birth control method that reduces your risk of contracting chlamydia or any other sexually transmitted disease.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

Your doctor can use a number of ways to test you for chlamydia. A common exam that is carried out for chlamydia diagnosis involves the doctor taking the secretions in your vaginal or penile discharge and then testing and analyzing them. Your doctor can ask you for a urine sample as an alternative as your urine can also be used to test for chlamydia. Make sure you let your doctor know how to contact you confidentially with your results.

How is chlamydia treated?

If you tell your doctor that you have been exposed to chlamydia or if your test results show that you’ve already contracted the disease, you might be prescribed antibiotics. Antibiotics can usually clear up chlamydia within 10 days.

If your partner has chlamydia, make sure they are tested to. Anyone that you have had sex with in the 2 months preceding your diagnosis should be informed of your results so they took can seek diagnosis and treatment. Your sexual partner might not show any symptoms but it’s highly possible that they contracted chlamydia from you.

Until you and your partner are both cleared of chlamydia, you should abstain from sex. Also, getting treatment for chlamydia once doesn’t mean you are immune to the disease. Anytime you have sex with a person who has chlamydia, you put yourself at risk for the disease.

Getting immediate treatment for chlamydia is important for preventing the condition from developing into more serious complications. As always, prevention is better than cure. So if you can’t abstain, make sure you use a condom every time you have sex.

For more information on chlamydia as well as diagnosis and treatment, visit the MedHelp clinic.

 

 

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STDs: Prevention and Treatment

31
August

In our last post, we provided an introduction to STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and dispelled some common myths. In this post we will briefly cover some general prevention and treatment information before covering certain STDs in more detail in future articles.

Preventing and Treating Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The old adage about all diseases- prevention is better than cure- is especially true for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. It is far easier to protect yourself and prevent sexually transmitted diseases than it is to get treated for them- especially if they are life threatening conditions such as HIV (which can develop into AIDS though, thanks to modern medicine, there is a lot you can do to prevent that development).

The only way to completely protect yourself from STDs is if you abstain from all sexual contact. Since that is not really possible, the second best measure, that reduces your risk of contracting STDs, is to use a condom, without exception, every time you have sex.

If you are thinking of having sex for the first time- or you want to start taking preventive measures (as you should) – you should start seeing a doctor regularly. A doctor can not only provide you with detailed information and help you with all your questions about sex, but he can also perform tests and exams to make sure you remain STD-free or get treatment at the earliest stage of an infection- when STDs are at their most treatable.

You should not feel embarrassed or afraid to see a doctor for an exam/test or information about STDs- especially if you think you have contracted an STD. Don’t feel shy about honestly telling your doctor about your prior sexual history- whether its oral, anal or vaginal- if you think you are at risk. Almost all doctors in the profession are trained to see their patients and deal with their concerns with the highest level of confidentiality so don’t be afraid of seeking information or getting tested.

Seeing a doctor can also put your mind to rest. Some times, an infection on the genitals can easily be misinterpreted as a symptom of an STD and cause you unnecessary worry. For instance, bumps on the penis or a yeast infection can make boys and girls anxious respectively. The only way to know for sure if you have contracted an STD or not is to see a trained medical professional.

If you have had unprotected sex recently and/or think you might have contracted an STD, see our team of medical experts at your MedHelp clinic immediately.

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How to Prevent Acne

27
July

In our previous article, we discussed the causes and types of acne. Now that you know why whiteheads, blackheads or pimples might appear on your skin, it’s time to take some preventive measures. After all, prevention is better than cure! And it’s always better to take care of your skin before something happens to it. Here are some effective ways for preventing acne:

 Prevent the oil buildup

Acne happens as a result of excessive sebum that clogs up the pores. To prevent this oil buildup, you should wash your face twice everyday. Use a mild soap or liquid based cleanser.

Do not scrub

Scrubbing might give you the feeling of doing a good, hard job of cleaning your skin but it can actually make your acne worse. Scrubbing can irritate the skin which can result in an acne flare-up. Wash your skin gently and use your hands instead of a washcloth.

Use the right products

Make sure that any cosmetic products you use- make up, moisturizer, sunscreen- are oil free. Look for labels like ‘oil free’, ‘noncomedogenic’, or ‘nonacnegenic’ on the product packaging.

Use hair gels and sprays carefully

Styling your hair isn’t going to cause acne but your gel or hair spray can contribute to acne if you aren’t careful using them and apply them to your face by mistake. These products can clog up the pores which can lead to acne.

Carefully remove makeup

Before going to sleep, don’t just quickly wash your face and call it a day. Whenever you remove your makeup, take the time to cleanse your face. Residual make up can clog up the pores.

Keep your hair away from your face

This is mostly an issue for people with longer hair. Keep your hair clean and tucked away from the face to reduce the oil content.

Avoid caps and hats

You could get pimples along your hairline by wearing baseball caps and hats. Avoid them if you have an acne problem.

Clean up after work outs

Whether you’ve been exercising or just sweating a lot, make sure you take a nice shower or bath afterwards. Remaining clean and dry is important in reducing acne.

Don’t touch

It’s true for most skin conditions: touching and scratching only makes it worse. Our hands are the most effective way of transporting bacteria and, by touching your face, you only provide them with a free ride! Try to avoid the temptation!

Don’t pick, pop and squeeze

Most importantly, you should not pick, pop, squeeze or otherwise mess with your pimples. You acne will grow worse.

Try over the counter solutions

Products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help prevent acne and even treat it. But always be careful of using these products as you might be allergic to an ingredient (and hence make the acne worse) or damage your skin. Visit us at the MedHelp clinic for advice on acne prevention and the right products for your skin.

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Rashes: Types and Treatment Part 2

25
July

In our last article we talked about the causes and types of rashes. While having that knowledge is useful and helps you understand your condition, knowing what to do if you have the rash is even more important! So today we will be discussing treatment advice for your rash.

What to do if you have the rash?

The good and bad part of having a rash is that you get to know right away if you have it. It will start irritating you and you will probably feel itchy and uncomfortable. If the rash appears while you are at your school or workplace, you should see an appointed nurse within the building.

When you develop a rash, the temptation to scratch at it will be quite potent. However, scratching only worsens a rash and doesn’t do any good besides making you feel better. If you start scratching the rash, you’re in the danger of turning the rash into an infection or a scar. So remember- no matter how badly you want to scratch yourself, its better if you don’t.

We discussed the many types of rashes in our previous article. Whether your rash is because of eczema or a poisonous plant, your symptoms would be similar- red and itchy patches of skin. By seeing a dermatologist, you can pinpoint the exact type of rash you have and get just the right treatment for it. For instance, the dermatologist might recommend emollients (special moisturizers) for eczema but cool showers, calamine lotion and/or antihistamines for rashes developed because of poison ivy. Emollients preserve the moisture in your skin and keep it smooth while soothing the itchy feeling. And used in only severe cases, antihistamines decrease the redness and itchy feeling.

Rashes such as hives that are caused by allergic reactions require special treatment. Your dermatologist will ask you for your history with allergens, and question you about the type of foods, substances, medicines or insects you’ve come in contact with recently. A medical test might also be administered to identify the allergen that’s causing you problems.

Knowing the particular allergen types that cause rashes on your skin helps you prepare better for the future. Since no cure has been found for allergies, avoiding the substances that cause allergic reactions (such as hives) is the most effective preventive measure. After all, you don’t want to develop hives at the restaurant only to discover later that you’re allergic to peanuts!

For further advice and rash treatment, visit us at the MedHelp clinic.

 

 

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Rash: Types and Treatment Part 1

30
June

Are you scratching yourself a lot? Is it a red itchy patch of skin that is also lumpy, bumpy or scaly? Is it just one itchy patch or do you also have it on other parts of your body? If so, you might be have a case of the rashes.

A rash (or dermatitis) is a swollen or irritated area of the skin. Alongside redness, itchiness, lumps, bumps and scales, rashes can also be dry and scaly. Rashes cover a broad group of conditions including blisters, hives and pimples. And as your mother can probably tell you, you had ‘diaper rash’ when you were a baby. Most of these rashes don’t signify serious trouble but when they are accompanied by fevers or are the result of an allergic reaction (in the case of hives), they could be symptoms of serious medical conditions.

TYPES OF RASHES

Hives (also known as urticaria) appear as pale or reddish swellings in response to exposure to an allergen like a certain type of food, medicine or bug bite. While you could also get hives because of a virus, if the cause is an allergy, it’s because the body’s immune system had released a chemical named histamine to combat the allergen but, as with all allergic reactions, it’s doing more bad than good.

Here are some other types of rashes:

Eczema

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a common rash which causes dry, chapped and bumpy skin on, usually, the elbows and knees. In its more serious form, eczema can cause redness, scales and swelling all over the body.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

An irritating agent, such as a particular chemical, soap or detergent, can cause irritant contact dermatitis. Even a nasty sunburn is a type of irritant contact dermatitis as it also causes red, swollen and itchy skin.

Allergen Contact Dermatitis

Whether it’s a food item or a certain metal, you could get a rash because of an allergic reaction. So for instance, if you are allergic to the metal nickel, wearing any jewelry that contains that metal would trigger an allergic reaction which would appear as a rash. Any area of your skin that the jewelry touched could turn red, crusty and scaly.

 Urushiol

While the name ‘urushiol’ might strike you as unusual, it’s a resin or oil that appears commonly in poison ivy, oak and sumac. If you’ve been out camping or taking a walk along some wild trek, you could contract a rash because of your proximity with urushiol.

Join us next week as we discuss treatment for rashes. For instant treatment and more advice, visit us at the MedHelp clinic.

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Allergies 101: Treatment

15
April

                                                                   For our ‘Allergies 101’ series, we have so far provided an overview of the causes and symptoms of allergies, types of allergens and the methods used for diagnosis. Today, we will talk about some treatment options available to you or your child. While there is no real cure for allergies, there are several ways in which you can not only effectively manage your condition but also reduce the severity and frequency of allergic reactions.

INFORMATION

The first step for treating and managing your allergy is to educate yourself about your allergy type and what you can do about it. If you suspect that you or your child may have any allergies, you should see a doctor as soon as possible and seek information, diagnosis and treatment. Our doctors at the MedHelp clinic will not only identify your allergy type but also advise you on the best course of action for treating it. Once you’re aware of your allergy type and what triggers your allergic reactions, you can start making the necessary changes in your diet and environment. If your child is allergic to something, informing friends, family and caregivers about the condition is of utmost importance.

EXPOSURE REDUCTION

It’s as simple as this: If you aren’t exposed to the allergen (the substance that you’re allergic to), you won’t get an allergic reaction. Whether it’s peanuts you’re allergic to or dust mites, there’s a lot you can do to alleviate your allergy by just reducing your exposure to these allergens. Whether you’re cooking at home or ordering at a restaurant, be careful about the ingredients that are used in your food. Reading the ‘ingredients’ label on the box or asking the waiter about the contents of your food can mean all the difference between having a good meal or having an intense coughing and swelling fit that could have been easily avoided. Similarly, keeping your home or office immaculately clean could effectively reduce your exposure to dust mites and prevent an allergic reaction.

MEDICATION

Medication can also be useful in treating allergies. A lot of people find that over-the-counter antihistamines and nasal sprays help them handle their allergies a lot better. In specific cases, your doctor might also recommend immunotherapy (allergy shots) which can help desensitize you against a particular allergy type.  Immunotherapy is useful if you’re allergic to dust mites, pollen and insect stings. For food allergies, you’ll need to avoid the specific food type.

Join us next week as we discuss some environmental control measures that you can use for reducing your allergen exposure.

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