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Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) – NHS Choices

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An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) is where your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones.

Common signs of an underactive thyroid are tiredness, weight gain and feeling depressed.

An underactive thyroid can often be successfullytreated by taking daily hormone tablets to replace the hormonesyour thyroid isn't making.

There's no way of preventing an underactive thyroid. Most cases are caused either by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland and damaging it,orby damage to the thyroid that occurs during some treatments for an overactive thyroidorthyroid cancer.

Read more about the causesof an underactive thyroid.

Symptoms of an underactive thyroidare often similar to those of other conditions,and theyusually develop slowly, so you may not notice them for years.

You should see your GP and ask to be tested for an underactive thyroid if you havesymptoms including:

The only accurate way of finding out whether you have a thyroid problem is to haveathyroid function test, where a sample of blood is tested to measure yourhormone levels.

Readmore about testing for an underactive thyroid.

Both men and women can have an underactive thyroid, althoughit's more commonin women. In the UK, it affects 15 in every 1,000 women and1 in 1,000 men. Children can also develop an underactive thyroid.

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Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) - NHS Choices

Hypothyroidism | University of Maryland Medical Center

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An in-depth report on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hypothyroidism.

Autoimmune thyroiditis; Hashimoto's thyroiditis

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism can be caused by the autoimmune disorder Hashimotos thyroiditis, irradiation or surgical removal of the thyroid gland, and medications that reduce thyroid hormone levels. Anyone can develop hypothyroidism, but people who are most at risk include those who are over age 50 and female. However, only a small percentage of people have full-blown (overt) hypothyroidism. Many more have mildly underactive thyroid glands (subclinical hypothyroidism).

Symptoms

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

Diagnosis and Treatment

Hypothyroidism can cause serious complications if left untreated. Fortunately, it can be easily diagnosed with blood tests that measure levels of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Your doctor may also want to test for antithyroid antibodies and check your cholesterol levels. Based on these test results, the doctor will decide whether to prescribe medication or simply have you get lab tests every 6 - 12 months.

Medications

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Hypothyroidism | University of Maryland Medical Center

Hypothyroidism and Adrenal Fatigue – Sushma Hirani, MD …

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Hypothyroidism and Adrenal Fatigue Have you heard of the endocrine system? It is an important system of eight organs in your body that produce a variety of hormones that influence every other organ. When the endocrine system under or over produce hormones, your natural body system becomes imbalanced, which can lead to multiple conditions that are annoying in their mildest form, and incapacitating when severe. Two important organs in the endocrine system are the adrenal gland and the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland releases hormones that control the body's metabolism, and it regulates heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and growth. An underactive thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, and the resulting condition is called hypothyroidism. More than 10 million Americans have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, with another 13 million postulated to have undiagnosed thyroid problems. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism? Some common symptoms of hypothyroidism include cold hands and feet, fatigue, sluggish metabolism, weight gain, slow pulse, depression, dry skin, dry, brittle, and/or thinning hair, feeling groggy in the morning but more alert at night, constipation, slow speech, PMS and/or painful menstrual cramps, and puffiness in face or ankles. Hypothyroidism may have several causes which can be difficult to elucidate and usually require blood tests to sort out. Optimal treatment of hypothyroidism may often require an integrative approach combining nutrition, medication, and supplements. The Adrenal Gland The other major organ in the endocrine system, the adrenal gland, is sometimes known as the "fight or flight" organ. It controls the body's response to stress. When a threat is perceived, the adrenal gland releases cortisol (in response to adrenaline) in the bloodstream, instantly increasing our heart rate and blood pressure, slowing digestion and other secondary functions and sharpening our senses. Cortisol, the main stress hormone is wonderfully effective in the face of stress. However, so many of us lead chronically stressful lives that exceed the adrenal gland's ability to adjust appropriately to the demands, the adrenal glands can become fatigued and unable to carry out their normal function, and can result in a condition called adrenal fatigue. Some stressors that can lead to adrenal fatigue include depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, anger and a diet high in sugar. One commonly overlooked cause is chronic infection: parasitic and bacterial infections (such as intestinal infections with Giardia or Helicobacter) or an infected tooth root are often prime culprits in adrenal fatigue. What is Adrenal Fatigue? Adrenal fatigue is difficult to diagnose: it has many broad symptoms and the onset is often slow and insidious. Some of the symptoms of adrenal fatigue include weight gain, low libido, lightheadedness when rising from a laying down position, brain fog, lack of energy in the afternoon, needing coffee to get the day started , a higher susceptibility to cold and flu illness are just a few of the vague complaints from patients who suffer from adrenal fatigue. None of these signs by itself can diagnose adrenal fatigue, but taken together, can form a picture of someone under stress. In addition to the symptoms listed above, adrenal fatigue can affect most organ systems in your body. The stomach and intestines may become less efficient in absorbing nutrients, as the imbalance exacerbates food sensitivities and irritable bowel syndrome, and liver function is reduced. Good nutrients, if not processed properly by the intestines and liver, become toxic, and toxic nutrients circulating in your body can also cause brain fog, skin rashes, and joint pain. What is also interesting is that the adrenal gland and the thyroid gland produce hormones that work together. Imbalanced adrenal function compounds hypothyroidism. Adrenal Support Formulas can help in this regard. Magnesium, Vitamin B, antioxidants and Omega-3 fish oils have been shown to be effective in treatment of adrenal fatigue, but what is most important
is that you work closely with your healthcare professional to identify and balance your hormone levels. Whether you choose conventional or holistic care, there is no way to safely "fix" your hormones without professional guidance, so speak with your doctor.

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Hypothyroidism and Adrenal Fatigue - Sushma Hirani, MD ...

Hypogonadism: Types, Causes, & Symptoms Healthline

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What is Hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism occurs when your sex glands produce little or no sex hormones. The sex glands, also called gonads, are the testes in men and the ovaries in women. Sex hormones help control sex characteristics, such as breast and testicle development, and pubic hair growth. Sex hormones also play a role in menstrual cycles and sperm production.

Hypogonadism may also be called gonad deficiency. In males, it may be called low serum testosterone or andropause.

Most cases of this disorder can be successfully treated.

9 Warning Signs of Low Testosterone

There are two types of hypogonadism: primary and central hypogonadism.

Primary hypogonadism means that you do not have enough sex hormones in your body due to a problem in the gonads. The gonads are still receiving the message to produce hormones from the brain, but are not able to produce them.

In central hypogonadism, the problem lies in the brain. Here the hypothalamus and pituitary glandwhich control the gonadsare not working properly.

Causes of primary hypogonadism include:

Central hypogonadism may be caused by:

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Hypogonadism: Types, Causes, & Symptoms Healthline

Andropause – Low Testosterone :: Department of Urology

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Are Your Experiencing Low Testosterone?

Most people are aware of the physical and hormonal changes that take place in women during menopause (the end of menstruation and fertility). The less frequently discussed issue of andropause in men is equally common, but many are unaware of the symptoms associated with this condition, as well as the treatment options available to make these changes easier to live with.

As men age, many will experience andropause, also known as low testosterone or ADAM (Androgen Deficiency of the Aging Male). Unlike women, who experience a significant drop in estrogen during menopause, the onset of andropause is generally more gradual and affects men in a variety of different ways.

Symptoms of Andropause

Irritability or moodiness Difficulty concentrating Low energy or fatigue Low sex drive Erection problems Increased fat deposition Trouble recovering from exercise Hair loss

Most men diagnosed with andropause experience a low sex drive accompanied by one or more of the other symptoms listed above. As soon as symptoms become bothersome, it is important to seek medical treatment. If testosterone levels drop too low, you have an increased chance of developing heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis (bone loss).

Treatment

The most common treatment for andropause is testosterone replacement therapy. Your physician will consider the symptoms you have been experiencing and identify how your testosterone levels fluctuate throughout a given day. Using this information, your physician will create a treatment plan specific to your situation.

For many years, physicians believed that testosterone replacement therapy would increase a patient's risk of developing prostate cancer, but now we know from research done in recent years that this simply is not true.

Reduce Your Risk

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Andropause - Low Testosterone :: Department of Urology

Male Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men – Bioidentical …

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Hormone therapy programs aren't only for women. Men experience a more gradual loss of hormones, mainly testosterone. The result is andropause, known as the "male menopause." Andropause can make daily life feel like an uphill battle, and because men are living longer, more active lives they are seeking and finding relief from the serious symptoms of hormone imbalance with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for men.

The signs of andropause and related hormonal issues include:

This personalized, medically supervised program includes natural HRT for men, as well as customized fitness and nutrition programs for millions of men suffering from hormonal imbalance. These expertbioidentical hormone doctors provide a natural treatment for the symptoms of andropause, helping men regain their health and confidence.

Hormonal imbalances in men are at the root of many chronic health problems and can increase the risk of serious disease. BodyLogicMD affiliated physicians have developed customized hormone replacement therapy for men that has proven successful in supporting men's health and a healthy hormonal balance.

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Individual male hormone replacement treatment programs includes:

To determine your hormonal needs, BodyLogicMD affiliated physicians thoroughly evaluate your symptoms using state-of-the-art diagnostic tests, such as, saliva, urine and/or blood tests to determine your hormone levels and your unique bioidentical hormonal needs. After starting bioidentical hormone therapy, your physician will monitor and re-evaluate your hormone levels, meeting with you, to insure that they are maintained at their optimum balance.

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Male Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men - Bioidentical ...

Male Hot Flashes | Andropause | Male Menopause

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There are 25,172,000 men between the ages of forty and fifty-two in the US who have reported symptoms, such as hot flashes, that doctors associate with the passage called male menopause, or Andropause. Worldwide, the number of male menopausal subjects is 408 million - which is why there is a need to understand the changes, causes and treatment of these symptoms linked with it, including sleep disorders, night sweats and excessive sweating. Doctors investigating the biological evidence for male menopause find that it is not merely a psychological condition, like mid-life crisis or a physiological sign of aging, but a phenomenon that every man experiences to some degree and undergoes various symptoms. Well try to explain the symptoms of night sweats and hot flashes that men go through during Andropause here. Overview of Male Menopause and Side Effects of Night Sweats and Hot Flashes Male menopause is a physical condition with emotional consequences and Andropause is said to have set in when men experience a decrease in androgen production. It is also termed PADAM, or Partial Androgen Deficiency of the aging male and can effect the sexual drive inherent in that process. It usually occurs during the 50s, but can start as early as the late 30s or as late as the 60s. Symptoms of Andropause occur to apparently healthy men also as they lose small amounts of testosterone gradually, but typically retain levels within the broad normal range. So, occasional insomnia, night sweats and hot flashes often accompany Andropause in few men, much akin to the symptoms that women go through during Andropause. Raising Awareness Levels about Andropause: Night Sweats and Hot Flashes Contrary to popular belief, sweating at night is not really a sleep disorder, but there is no doubt that waking up with night clothes and bedding soaked with perspiration does disturb your night time slumber. This is a common symptom of Andropause and many Andropausal men report that due to excessive sweating, they wake up to find their bedding damp and clammy. The causes of night sweats are closely linked with Andropause, or male menopause. Method of Diagnosing Night Sweats Personal observation - if you wake up at night with bedding and nightclothes damp with sweat, then you have likely had a night sweat. What You Need To Know Determining the cause of your night sweats is the first step toward treating it. Consult your doctor to be sure that the cause of your excessive night sweats is due to Andropause and not any other underlying cause. Treating Night Sweats and Hot Flashes: Andropause Aids If you are going through Andropause and suffer from hot flashes, excessive sweating at night, it can disturb your sleep and alter your moods. A change of lifestyle may be called for, especially if these symptoms occur frequently and cause you discomfort. Try to exercise regularly as this helps normal body functioning, and avoid alcohol and spicy foods. Change your damp bedclothes to avoid another attack of night sweats. Instead, have a cold drink - water, fruit juice or milk. Talk to your doctor about any medications you're taking to see if they could be the cause.

Keep your sleeping area cool, by leaving the window open or using the air conditioning with minimum humidity.

A cold shower or sponge bath, before bed, might prevent an attack of night sweats.

However, do not get panic. Andropause is a natural phenomenon that can be treated with medications and alternative therapies.

Information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.

Andropause Home | Andropause Symptoms | Male Hot Flashes | Male Night Sweats | Andropause Doctors

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Male Hot Flashes | Andropause | Male Menopause

Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy – WebMD

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If youre looking for relief from menopause symptoms, knowing the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help you decide whether its right for you.

HRT (also known as hormone therapy, menopausal hormone therapy, and estrogen replacement therapy) uses female hormones -- estrogen and progesterone -- to treat common symptoms of menopause and aging. Doctors can prescribe it during or after menopause.

After your period stops, your hormone levels fall, causing uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and sometimes conditions like osteoporosis. HRT replaces hormones your body no longer makes. Its the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms.

You might think of pregnancy when you think of estrogen. In women of child-bearing age, it gets the uterus ready to receive a fertilized egg. It has other roles, too -- it controls how your body uses calcium, which strengthens bones, and raises good cholesterol in the blood.

If you still have your uterus, taking estrogen without progesterone, another pregnancy-related hormone, raises your risk for cancer of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. Since the cells from the endometrium arent leaving your body during your period any more, they may build up in your uterus and lead to cancer. Progesterone lowers that risk by thinning the lining.

Once you know the hormones that make up HRT, think about which type of HRT you should get:

Estrogen Therapy: Doctors generally suggest a low dose of estrogen for women who have had a hysterectomy, the surgery to remove the uterus. Estrogen comes in different forms. The daily pill and patch are the most popular, but the hormone also is available in a vaginal ring, gel, or spray.

Estrogen/Progesterone/Progestin Hormone Therapy: This is often called combination therapy, since it combines doses of estrogen and progestin, the synthetic form of progesterone. Its meant for women who still have their uterus.

The biggest debate about HRT is whether its risks outweigh its benefits.

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Menopause and Hormone Replacement Therapy - WebMD

Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Cancer Risk

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For decades, women have used hormone therapy to ease symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and sweating. This is called menopausal hormone therapy, and you may see it abbreviated as HT or MHT. You may also hear it described as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), postmenopausal hormone therapy (PHT), or postmenopausal hormones (PMH).

In the past, many doctors and their patients believed that MHT didnt just help with hot flashes and other symptoms it had important health benefits. But well-conducted studies have led many doctors to conclude that the risks of MHT often outweigh the benefits.

This document discusses only how MHT can affect a womans risk of getting certain cancers. It does not discuss other possible risks of MHT such as heart disease or stroke.

You can use this information when you talk to your doctor about whether MHT is right for you.

Menopause is the time in a womans life when the ovaries stop working and she stops having menstrual periods for good. Menopause is sometimes called the change of life, or the change.

The ovaries stop releasing eggs and making the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone. In the months or years leading up to natural menopause, menstrual periods may become less frequent and irregular, and hormone levels may go up and down. This time is called perimenopause or the menopausal transition. Since periods can become less frequent during this time, it can be hard to know when they have actually stopped (and you have gone through menopause) until you look back at a later time.

Women who have their ovaries removed by surgery (oophorectomy) or whose ovaries stop working for other reasons go through menopause, too, but much more suddenly (without the menopausal transition).

Women who have had their uterus removed (hysterectomy) but still have their ovaries stop having periods, but they dont really go through menopause until their ovaries stop working. This is often determined based on symptoms, but your doctor can tell for certain by testing your blood for levels of certain hormones. Hormones made by the pituitary gland called luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) help regulate the ovaries before menopause. When levels of estrogen get lower during menopause, the levels of FSH and LH go up. High levels of FSH and LH, along with low levels of estrogen, can be used to diagnose menopause. Blood tests for these may be helpful in a woman who has had her uterus removed.

Some drugs can turn off the ovaries and cause menstrual periods to stop for a time. Although this is not the same as menopause, it can lead to many of the same symptoms.

Most of the symptoms of menopause are linked to lower estrogen levels. Some symptoms hot flashes and night sweats, for instance tend to fade away at some point, whether or not they are treated. Other problems that start after menopause, like dryness and thinning of vaginal tissues and bone thinning, tend to get worse over time.

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Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Cancer Risk

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy & Bioidentical …

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To Optimize Your Hormones, You Should Consult with the Most Highly Trained physicians

All medicine requires extensive training, balancing hormones especially, and this isnt something traditionally taught in medical school. The physicians of BodyLogicMD are all required to undergo extensive training as well as complete the Fellowship in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine focused solely on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. There is no other team that all meets the standard of BodyLogicMD physicians Join over 16,000 patients who are experiencing the difference that BHRT can make.

Almost all of us over the age of 40 (and in many cases over 30) begin to experience hormone imbalance. Over our lifetime, we are exposed to environmental and dietary toxins, which contribute to the natural decline of hormones as we age. In order to balance your hormones for optimal health and wellness, it is critical to be evaluated by a highly trained physician - including comprehensive lab testing and in depth initial questionnaires - prior to creating a personalized treatment plan.

Many factors can contribute to conditions and diseases that can occur at any stage in life, resulting from an imbalance of hormones:

As a result of hormone imbalance related to these conditions, you may be experiencing one or a combination of what have become known as the classic symptoms of aging:

If symptoms like these have begun to affect your quality of life, you could be a candidate forbioidentical hormone replacement therapy.

There is a reason the physicians in the BodyLogicMD franchise are the most sought-after in the industry. Our network of experienced physicians is routinely inundated with the latest technology, cutting-edge research and superior education available. Every bioidentical hormone doctor that joins the BodyLogicMD network completes over 200 hours of advanced training with the American Academy of Anti- Aging and Regenerative Medicine to join and maintain their status within the network. When you become a patient, you receive the dedicated attention of your doctor. Your appointments, consultations and questions about your bioidentical hormone replacement therapy are never passed off to a nurse or practitioner you receive all the attention and information firsthand from your knowledgeable physician for as long as you are a patient.

The good news, for both men and women, is that hormone loss and imbalance is easily correctible. Through state-of-the-art diagnostichormone testing, using saliva, urine and/or blood analysis, we can determine your hormone levels and your unique bioidentical hormone needs.

Initial consultations with a physician near you range from $395-$595. Get started today by clicking the Contact a Physician button below.

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Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for You? – Oprah.com

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Legions of women across America are going about their daily lives feeling out of sorts. "You feel flat and you feel tired, you haven't had a good night's sleep in two years [and you're] just going through the motions, trying to get through the day," Oprah says. "You feel like your life force is being sucked out of you."

The February issue of O, The Oprah Magazine delves into the root of this problem and possible fixes, and Oprah is taking the discussion even farther. "We're opening a national conversation about hormone replacement therapy," she says. "This is about your hormones being out of whack, and you don't even knowwe haven't had a language to talk about it yet." Hormone replacement therapy is relevant to women of all ages, Oprah says. "If you're a woman who's planning to live past the age of 35, at some point you're going to face hormone imbalance," she says. "All women need to be armed with this information."

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Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for You? - Oprah.com

Hormone Replacement Therapy | Growth Hormone, Testosterone

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Since 2003 we have been providing men and women with the best in evidence-based hormone replacement therapy, anti-aging, and integrative wellness programs. With headquarters in South Florida, and facilities nationwide, AAG HealthGAINS has established a reputation as pioneers and innovators in hormone optimization programs, testosterone therapy, and the safe and effective use of human growth hormone.

Our Chief Medical Officer is renowned physician Dr. Richard Gaines. Dr. Gaines is Harvard trained and is a pioneer in the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy.

His understating of hormone balance and optimal aging is unparalleled in the industry, in fact Dr. Richard Gaines wrote the book,Dr. Gaines Guide to Renewed Vitality ". In it he describes lifestyle changes to help you be your best at any age, and the benefits of hormone therapy, and breakthrough new procedures such as Platelet Rich Plasma Therapies.

We offer a variety of optimal aging and integrative wellness programs, all tailored to your individual needs, and all overseen by Dr. Gaines himself.

AAG HealthGAINS has always been a pioneer in evidence-based, scientifically proven age management techniques and programs. We are often the very first in your area to offer cutting-age anti-aging treatments, while other facilities struggle to play catch-up. We are dedicated to helping you achieve your peak performance at any age, and to adding more years to your life, and more life to your years!

Contact us today (800) 325-1325 and speak with one of our wellness advisors, and be sure to ask about the SPECIAL OFFERS and current PROMOTIONS in your areas of interest.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy | Growth Hormone, Testosterone

Hormone Replacement Therapy (Risks and Benefits). HRT …

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Around the time of the menopause, declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone can bring about many symptomatic changes for women:

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an effective treatment for the typical menopause-related symptoms. There are also other long-term health problems associated with the menopause: the risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke all increase after the menopause. HRT may also have an influence on these health problems.

This article discusses HRT in detail. A separate article Menopause and its Management discusses menopausal symptoms, differential diagnosis and possible investigations (although the diagnosis is usually clinically based on the typical symptoms). It also discusses health problems associated with the menopause and gives an overview of management. See separate related articlesHRT- Topical.

Current evidence-based guidelines advise consideration of HRT for troublesome vasomotor symptoms in perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women without contra-indications and after individualised discussion of likely risks and benefits.

Starting HRT in women over the age of 60 years is generally not recommended.

For women with premature (age <40 years) or early (<45 years) menopause, current guidelines recommend HRT until the age of 51 years for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms and bone preservation.

Current indications for the use of HRT are:

For most symptomatic women, use of HRT for five years or less is safe and effective. Benefits of HRT include:

Reduction in vasomotor symptoms

Improvement in quality of life

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Hormone Replacement Therapy (Risks and Benefits). HRT ...

Eczema | University of Maryland Medical Center

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Introduction

Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder. It can appear as blisters that crust over to become scaly, itchy rashes, or as dry, thick patches of skin with scales. The main symptom is itching, and symptoms can come and go. Although eczema is not contagious, it is very common. People with eczema often have a personal or family history of allergies. There is no cure, however, treatments can reduce symptoms and help prevent outbreaks.

The most common signs of eczema are:

Eczema in children under 2 years old generally starts on the cheeks, elbows, or knees. In adults, it tends to be found on the inside surfaces of the knees and elbows.

Researchers do notknow for sure what causes eczema. It may be a combination of hereditary (genetic) and environmental factors. In some people, allergies may trigger eczema. Exposure to certain irritants and allergens can make symptoms worse, as can dry skin, exposure to water, temperature changes, and stress.

Stress can make eczema worse. Other irritants that can make eczema worse include:

Wool or synthetic fibers

Certain soaps and detergents, as well as perfumes and some cosmetics

Dust or sand

Cigarette smoke

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Eczema | University of Maryland Medical Center

Dyshidrotic Eczema Pictures, Causes, Home Remedies …

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What is Dyshidrotic Eczema?

This is a skin problem which is also known as dyshidrosis, or pompholyx. This skin condition creates fluid-filled, small blisters or vesicles on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands or both.

These blisters occurring in dyshidrotic eczema normally last around 3 weeks and causes extreme itching. When these blisters dry, cracks and groves or fissures develop, which are very painful.

Management for dyshidrotic eczema most often requires topical creams, ultraviolet light or wet compresses to improve the appearance as well as ease symptoms.

The cause of dyshidrotic eczema is not known. But, it can be linked with a similar disorder of the skin known as atopic dermatitis as well as allergic conditions, for instance asthma and hay fever known as allergic rhinitis. Eruptions can be seasonal in individuals with allergies.

With dyshidrotic eczema, the affected areas of the skin come to be inflamed. Because of this, the connections between the cells of the skin open and this allows fluid or serum to seal these spaces. Physicians denote this development as spongiosis since when viewed under microscope; the skin appears sponge-like with these numerous fluid-filled spaces.

Signs or symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema include:

Risk aspects for dyshidrotic eczema include:

Females seem to have this condition more than men

Appear to be more frequent during stressful times

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How to Treat Nail Eczema (6 Steps) | eHow

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Eczema is a type of atopic dermatitis that results in red, irritated skin that may ooze and crust over causing the skin to appear scaly, according to the Australasian College of Dermatologists. Eczema of the fingernails occurs under and around the nail beds and occurs when the skin becomes irritated or is exposed to chronic moisture, such as when a child repeatedly sucks his thumb. There are several ways to treat nail eczema to clear up the unwanted redness and irritation.

Moisturizing lotion

Cold compress

Avoid over-exposure to water. This means staying out of the pool for extended periods of time and wearing rubber gloves when cleaning and doing the dishes. This will cut down on the dryness that will make nail eczema worse.

Apply moisturizing lotion to the nail beds at least once a day. This will keep the skin supple and can be used to treat eczema all over your body to help seal in moisture.

Identify what triggers your eczema and attempt to avoid it. According to Mayo Clinic.com, common eczema triggers include stress, contact with certain household cleaners, sweating and harsh soaps and perfumes.

Place a cold compress on the affected finger or toe nails when a flare-up is occurring. This could include a bag of peas wrapped in a hand towel or an ice pack. This will relieve the irritation, redness and swelling that is associated with eczema.

Cover the nails with a one percent hydrocortisone cream. This will help relieve any itching that might accompany eczema.

Speak to your doctor about any medications that will help treat the symptoms of nail eczema. These include immunomodulators that, according to the Mayo Clinic, will lessen the effects the immune system has on eczema. Another medication that may be prescribed is prednisone, which is a steroid that will reduce the inflammation of eczema.

How to Treat Psoriasis of the Fingernails

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How to Treat Nail Eczema (6 Steps) | eHow

Atopic Eczema: What climate is best, dry or humid …

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I have a three year old son who has recently showed signs of becoming sensitized, to possibly everything. He has been diagnosed with ATOPIC ECZEMA. I have been researching all over, I understand there is some questions between dermatologists and allergists on what the cause for such a severe condition could be. Me his mother, being the genetic donor of such a horrible affliction, knows the condition first hand.

I strongly believe this condition has several parts to it. One being an immune issue, the second being allergies, and the third part extremely dry and sensitive skin. So with a sliver of knowledge, I am taking aim to improve his condition without the use of the enormous amount of drugs dermatologists have prescribed him at 3 years old. We are working closely with a wonderful allergist who has the patience and knowledge to deal with my family. My question is we now live in Albuquerque, NM. He has been through two RAST tests (blood tests to check for IgE levels), and a patch test which had no results for us to read. He, according to the RAST test has low and moderate levels to most allergic foods (wheat, dairy, corn, soy, eggs, and peanuts), he also shows a low moderate to dogs and elm.

At this point I have not noticed hay fever symptoms for our dogs we have, but with this new information from the blood tests, the dogs and his reactions to them are under my careful observation. He is on a very restricted diet and his skin is clearing with out the prescribed drugs. We will begin introducing one food at a time very soon to see the effects.

So sorry about the long preface to my question. We live in Abq., and have an opportunity to move to Fort Smith Arkansas. With the knowledge he has the possibility for his allergies to get worse (sensitized), which climate would be more likely to exascerbate his condition, the dry and very pollen filled Abq., or Arkansas a humid climate I know very little about? Kendra, Albuquerque, NM

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Atopic Eczema: What climate is best, dry or humid ...

Allergy/Eczema in Ears leaking clear fluid – Ear, Nose …

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Looking for a solution to a malady that seems to befuddle the best minds the VA Hospital doctors have to offer, brought me to this site. I first came across it about a three months ago and read every posting at that time. Long story short I have suffered from the same symptoms all of you have for about three years. Swollen ear canals, crusty scabs, peeling skin and a clear sticky fluid flowing from the ear that just wont heal. I am in my late fifties and never have had allergies of any kind or immune system issues. Really havent been sick much as a matter of fact. This curse just appeared one day and just never went away.

When I first brought it to the attention of the VA doctors they just hoohaaed and said it was just some irritation that has scabbed because you picked at it. I explained that even if I dont touch it, it will scab, fall off and then rescab over and over. Over time it spread throughout the ear canal (left ear) and even moved out to my outer ear. Huge pieces of skin would just peel off and leave raw skin to seep crusty crust. It was pretty gross. Over the course of the next year I began to collect the skin and scabs that came from my ear and one day I took a pile of it (I weighed it and it was a full 3 grams of skin and scabs a pile about an inch high and four inches in diameter) to the VA hospital and asked them now do you believe me this is no simple irritation.

The VA doctors and ENT specialists gave me antibiotics, steroids, fungicides, anti-bacterials, anti-microbials, anti-God knows what in shots, pills, topicals and Clotrimazole Betamethasone Dipropionate cream, Cetaphil, Ectosone, Sofradex, Aquaphor and Zymox. I have otherwise tried on my own hydrogen peroxide, salt, apple vinegar, white vinegar, Epsom Salt, aloe vera, Vitamin E, Neosporin, Bacitraycin Plus, Blistex. Fluocinonide, Cortizone-10, Gold Bond Intensive Healing cream, Povidene-iodine, Gentian violet, fresh garlic, onions, olive oil, tea tree oil, a number of baby rash products, some Chinese medicine miracle herbal cures and probably some other things I cant remember. Nothing worked. Some things started out looking promising but they ended up just putting this curse on pause. In a matter of days it would return, sometimes worse than before trying one of these cures. Some of the attempted cures, like Neosporin, actually made the ear canal more sensitive, swollen and painful.

Last Saturday a miracle occurred. I have a dog, shes a Shar pei-Lab mix that weighs in at about a hundred pounds. At the beginning of Summer, I always begin treating her with Revolution between the shoulder blades for fleas and ticks. During pollen season and early Summer she seems to have regular outbreaks of hotspots and other similar skin maladies. Coincidentally enough, vets dont know what causes hotspots either. If the skin has hotspots (which are basically skin that scabs, crusts and peels leaving raw weeping wounds (sound familiar) and they cant attribute it to mange or some other type of mite or fungus, vets usually attribute it to allergies (sound familiar).

Well last year, I ordered a new product (well new to me anyway, I dont know how long it has been on the market) and began applying it to Lady (my dog) skin issues whenever she has a skin eruption. The product stated it was steroid-free, antibiotic-free and non-toxic. This easy to apply, safe product makes caring for your dogs wounds easy while rewarding them with the quality care they deserve. It claimed to work on

Cleaning and Debriding wounds Hot spots Scratches Skin Rashes Skin Ulcers Cuts Burns Post-Surgical sites Irritated skin Cleaning the Umbilical & Navel Sores Lacerations

It was even recommended by Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer). Well, let me tell you, it works GREAT! I have tried dozens of other products on my pets over the years and this stuff works like none other I have ever used before. Quickly healing any kind of skin issues my dear dog and cats suffer from. When I had my Lady fixed the surgical wound healed in a third of the time the vet said to expect and with zero trace of a scar. Amazing stuff.

So last Saturday, I had an epiphany. If this stuff works so well on my dog and cats maybe it will work on me. Hell, I had tried everything else known to modern medicine and then some. Steroid-free, antibiotic-free and non-toxic what could it possibly hurt to try. So I squirted a little on my finger and applied it into the ear canal. OMG!! Ten days later my ear is clear. For the first time in three years I have no pain, no weeping, no mushiness, improved hearing and the last scab/piece of skin fell out my ear three days ago. The ear canal is clear, pristine and smooth to the touch for the first time in years.

At this point I am crossing my fingers that it lasts. I just may have stumbled across a fix for something I had about accepted as being incurable. At this point I am sure you are like, well what the heck is this stuff! The product is called Vetericyn VF Wound and Infection Care. The VF designates it as the veterinarian formula (which is their extra strength offering). It comes in a liquid and in a hydrogel. You can buy it on Amazon for about $35 a 16 oz. spray bottle. I recommend the hydrogel because it sticks to the wound and doesnt run off like the liquid. I am crossing my fingers that this cure stays cured; but, at this point it is looking more promising than anything I have tried. I will let you know in a couple of weeks if it has succeeded and continued to clear up my ear. I am so excited I am beside myself.

P.S. if you do have a horse, dog or cat this stuff works miracles in treating abrasions, rashes, wounds, hotpots and other skin issues.

See the article here:
Allergy/Eczema in Ears leaking clear fluid - Ear, Nose ...

Questions and Answers About Psoriasis

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October 2013

This publication contains general information about psoriasis. It describes what psoriasis is, what causes it, and what the treatment options are. If you have further questions after reading this publication, you may wish to discuss them with your doctor.

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) skin disease of scaling and inflammation that affects greater than 3 percent of the U.S. population, or more than 5 million adults. Although the disease occurs in all age groups, it primarily affects adults. It appears about equally in males and females.

Psoriasis occurs when skin cells quickly rise from their origin below the surface of the skin and pile up on the surface before they have a chance to mature. Usually this movement (also called turnover) takes about a month, but in psoriasis it may occur in only a few days.

In its typical form, psoriasis results in patches of thick, red (inflamed) skin covered with silvery scales. These patches, which are sometimes referred to as plaques, usually itch or feel sore. They most often occur on the elbows, knees, other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet, but they can occur on skin anywhere on the body. The disease may also affect the fingernails, the toenails, and the soft tissues of the genitals, and inside the mouth. Although it is not unusual for the skin around affected joints to crack, some people with psoriasis experience joint inflammation that produces symptoms of arthritis. This condition is called psoriatic arthritis.

Individuals with psoriasis may experience significant physical discomfort and some disability. Itching and pain can interfere with basic functions, such as self-care, walking, and sleep. Plaques on hands and feet can prevent individuals from working at certain occupations, playing some sports, and caring for family members or a home. The frequency of medical care is costly and can interfere with an employment or school schedule. People with moderate to severe psoriasis may feel self-conscious about their appearance and have a poor self-image that stems from fear of public rejection and concerns about intimate relationships. Psychological distress can lead to significant depression and social isolation.

Psoriasis is a skin disorder driven by the immune system, especially involving a type of white blood cell called a T cell. Normally, T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. In the case of psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake and become so active that they trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and to rapid turnover of skin cells.

In many cases, there is a family history of psoriasis. Researchers have studied a large number of families affected by psoriasis and identified genes linked to the disease. Genes govern every bodily function and determine the inherited traits passed from parent to child.

People with psoriasis may notice that there are times when their skin worsens, called flares, then improves. Conditions that may cause flares include infections, stress, and changes in climate that dry the skin. Also, certain medicines, including beta-blockers, which are prescribed for high blood pressure, and lithium may trigger an outbreak or worsen the disease. Sometimes people who have psoriasis notice that lesions will appear where the skin has experienced trauma. The trauma could be from a cut, scratch, sunburn, or infection.

Occasionally, doctors may find it difficult to diagnose psoriasis, because it often looks like other skin diseases. It may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis by examining a small skin sample under a microscope.

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Questions and Answers About Psoriasis

Psoriasis: MedlinePlus – National Library of Medicine

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Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. You usually get the patches on your elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet, but they can show up on other parts of your body. Some people who have psoriasis also get a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis.

A problem with your immune system causes psoriasis. In a process called cell turnover, skin cells that grow deep in your skin rise to the surface. Normally, this takes a month. In psoriasis, it happens in just days because your cells rise too fast.

Psoriasis can be hard to diagnose because it can look like other skin diseases. Your doctor might need to look at a small skin sample under a microscope.

Psoriasis can last a long time, even a lifetime. Symptoms come and go. Things that make them worse include

Psoriasis usually occurs in adults. It sometimes runs in families. Treatments include creams, medicines, and light therapy.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

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Psoriasis: MedlinePlus - National Library of Medicine