What are Antibiotics and how to use them safely

Antibiotics explicitly treat bacterial infections like Staphylococcus and E. Coli. and either kill (bactericidal) bacteria or prevent them from reproducing and growing (bacteriostatic). Antibiotics do not work against any infection of viruses.  Antibiotics are unique to the type of bacteria being treated. Normally, with few side effects, antibiotics are effective when used correctly.

Like most medications, however, antibiotics can lead to side effects ranging from being a nuisance to being serious and life-threatening. It maybe appropriate to change antibiotic doses in infants and the elderly, in patients with renal or liver disease, in pregnant or breastfeeding women and in many other classes of patients.

There are some tips that are associated with the use of Antibiotics:

1. Always take an antibiotic for the condition for which it is prescribed.

2. Take Antibiotics as prescribed or directed by doctor or pharmacists.

3. Some antibiotics may interact with food or other drugs or may make you more sensitive to sunlight or cause dizziness. If you are unaware of such experiences, consult your pharmacist.

4. Take an antibiotic until it's all gone.

5. Never take expired antibiotics

6. Don’t give antibiotics to others unknowingly just by seeing similar symptoms.

ACNE: CAUSES AND SELF CARE TIPS

ACNE: CAUSES AND SELF CARE TIPS

What is Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin problems, affecting about 90% of people at some point during their lives. Acne typically occurs in adolescence and young adulthood.

Many people do not seek the advice of a physician because acne is common and "will probably go away on its own." If acne is controlled from the beginning, then much harm to the skin can be prevented.

How acne develops:

The sebaceous glands of the skin, attached to the hair follicles secrete an oily semi-fluid substance called sebum that softens and lubricates our hair and skin.

Pimples (or pustules) occur when the material is backed up, causing irritation to the surrounding tissue and causing swelling, redness, and perhaps discomfort.

In severe cases of acne, cysts (fluid-filled sacks) develop. Without proper treatment, the chances of developing ulcers are increased.

Causes:

Hormonal changes: At the age of puberty, the body starts producing more androgen-type hormones, causing the sebaceous glands to expand and produce more sebum. Because males produce more androgens than females, they are more susceptible to acne.

Heredity affects the size and activity of the sebaceous glands. The larger and more active the glands are, the greater the chance of developing acne.

Bacteria: Normal skin bacteria can act on the sebum to produce irritating substances, resulting in substances that are released into the surrounding skin.

Self-care:

1. Gently wash the face with mild soap 2-3 times a day may be enough. However, excessive cleansing can make acne worse.

2. Non-prescription products containing benzoyl peroxide have an antibacterial and drying effect and help remove pores to prevent the formation of wounds.

3. Do not remove or squeeze blackheads, whiteheads or pimples, as this can increase infection, inflammation, and cause scars.

4. Emotional stress can worsen acne - Avoid it

5. Excess moisture can make acne worse- stay away from moisture creating an environment.

Chickenpox: Causes, symptoms, and Treatment

Chickenpox, an infectious disease caused by the Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in which red blisters appear all over the body. In the blisters, itching occurs. It’s very rare to have the chickenpox infection more than once. This virus is contagious and can spread through coughing, sneezing and in contact with an infected person.

The most common symptom of chickenpox is the appearance of itchy rashes on the body that will appear after seven to 21 days after the infection occurs. The other symptoms that appear are fever, headache, and loss of appetite. The rashes undergo three stages until the recovery. Firstly, red or pink bumps occur all over your body, then bumps become blisters filled with fluid that leaks and at last the bumps become crusty, scab over, and fall off. Blisters take seven to fourteen days to heal.

The risk of infection reduces if a person is immunized and had a previous active infection. Exposure of infection increases when the immune system is weak due to illness or medications, children under the age of 12 year, contact with an infected person.

Chickenpox infected person is advised to stay at home and have rest. Keep children out of school and daycare to prevent spread of the virus. Antihistamine medications or topical ointments are prescribed to help relieve itching. These medicines can be buy over the counter also. Antiviral drugs are also prescribed to reduce virus activity.

Chikungunya: Causes, symptoms and prevention measures

Introduction

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease describes the stunted form of people suffering from joint pain (arthralgia). Chikungunya is characterized by sudden onset of fever causing joint pain.

Causes

Chikungunya occurs in humans by the bite of infected female mosquitoes. Typically, the mosquitoes involved are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, two species that can transmit other mosquito-borne viruses including dengue. These mosquitoes can be found biting during the daylight hours, although activity peaks may occur in the early morning and afternoon.

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms include muscle aches, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and rash. Joint pain is often very weak, but usually lasts for a few days or maybe prolonged for weeks, but in some cases, joint pain may persist for several months or years.

Diagnostic techniques

Several methods can be used for diagnosis. Serological tests, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), can confirm the presence of IgM and IgG anti-chikungunya antibodies. The samples collected during the first week after the onset of symptoms should be tested by serological and virological methods (RT-PCR).

Treatment is primarily directed at relieving symptoms, including antipyretics, optimal analgesics, and joint pain using fluids. There is no commercial chikungunya vaccine.

Prevention techniques

Prevention methods include:

Reducing the number of container habitats filled with natural and artificial waters that support breeding of mosquitoes.

During an outbreak, insecticides can be sprayed to kill flying mosquitoes.

Clothing that reduces skin exposure. Repellents can be applied inside the skin or on clothing according to product label instructions.

Mosquito coils or other pesticide vaporizers can also reduce indoor bites.