Measles/ Rubeola: How to deal with it

Measles is a febrile illness prevalent in children; however, it can occur in later years of life. One attack of measles confers a high degree of immunity.

 Measles is prevalent in peadiatric  age group. ( Image courtesy: pixabay)

Let us understand the clinical manifestations of the disease and its stages. Clinically measles can be divided into two stages: 

1) Catarrhal stage

 This stage lasts for 3-4 days. Day 1-2 of catarrhal stage is marked by the onset of fever, nasal catarrh, sneezing, redness of the conjunctivae and watering of the eyes.

Day 2+: cough, hoarsness of the voice and photophobia usually appear by the second day.

A diagnosis of measles may be made by the presence of Koplik's spot on the mucous membrane of the mouth. Koplik's spots are small white spots surrounded by a narrow zone of inflammation.

During the catarrhal stage the disease is highly infectious. Fever runny nose, lacrymation makes the child very irritable during this stage. 

2) Exanthematous stage

 Maculo-papular rash as seen in measles. (Image courtesy pixabay)

The next stage of measles is called the exanthematous stage. After 3-4 days from the onset of fever Koplik's disappears and the red macular or maculo-papular rash develops which commences at the back of the ears and at the junction of the forehead and the hair. The rash then spreads to the whole skin as the spots rapidly become more numerous they fuse to form the characteristic blotchy appearance of measles. It then fades after several days into a faint brown staining followed by a fine desquamation. Fever and malaise subside as the rash fades.

Treatment of measles

Measles is infectious and spreads due to droplet infection therefore it is advisable to isolate the child if possible and exclude from school for 10 days from the appearance of the rash. Give plenty of fluids orally. Symptomatic treatment for high grade fever should be given if needed. Antibiotics should be prescribed only for secondary bacterial complications.

Immunization

 Measles vaccine is available in association with mumps and rubella. (Image courtesy thinkstock images.)

A mother who has had measles confers passive immunity on her infant for the first 6 months of life 

Measles vaccine is usually given in association with mumps and rubella as MMR vaccine.

Doses: two doses are recommended.

1 st dose should be given shortly after first birthday.

2 nd dose should be given prior to entry at school.

Though measles is a self limiting infection it is preferable to seek the advise of your primary care provider for accurate diagnosis and managment.

Summer foods

Most of us welcome the warmth of summer; however, the summer heat does not suit everyone. When the heat of summer ramps up we notice a range of symptoms owing to  dehydration and its effect on our system. Fever , nausea, vomitting , diarrhoea, muscle cramps, burning urination etc are the most common symptoms experienced in summer. 

In order to combat with the summer heat and dehydration resulting from excessive perspiration and loss of water in respiration we should consider adding a few summer foods in our diet.

The most widely available summer foods are Zucchini , Cucumber, water melon and sweet melon.

Zucchini

Zucchini are low in food energy (approximately 71 kilojoules or 17 kilocalories per 100 g fresh zucchini) and contain useful amounts of folate (24 μg/100 g), potassium(261 mg/100 g) and provitamin A (200 IU [10 RAE]/100 g). Zucchini can be shaped into noodle-like spirals and used as a low-carb substitute for pasta.

Cucumber

In a 100-gram serving, raw cucumber (with peel) is 95% water, provides 67 kilojoules (16 kilocalories) and supplies low content of essential nutrients, as it is notable only for vitamin K at 16% of the Daily Value.

Watermelon

Watermelons are a sweet, popular fruit of summer, usually consumed fresh in slices, diced in mixed fruit salads, or as juice. Watermelon juice can be blended with other fruit juices. Watermelon fruit is 91% water, contains 6% sugars, and is low in fat.

In a 100 gram serving, watermelon fruit supplies 30 calories and low amounts of essential nutrients . Only vitamin C is present in appreciable content at 10% of the Daily Value. Watermelon pulp contains carotenoids, including lycopene.

Sweet melon

Sweet melon is 90% water, 8% carbohydrates, 0.8% protein and 0.3% fat, providing 140 kJ (34 kcal) and 2020 μg of the provitamin A orange carotenoid, beta-carotene per 100 grams. Fresh cantaloupe ( sweet melon) is a rich source (20% or more of the Daily Value or DV) of vitamin C (44% DV) and vitamin A(21% DV), with other nutrients in negligible amounts (less than 10% DV) .

Try to eat as much as fresh fruits and vegetables. If you experience a low energy level, headaches and severe muscle cramps consult your primary care provider for further investigation and managment.

Alopecia / Hairfall

Alopecia is one of the most dreaded yet very common problem faced by people of all ages and both genders. Hairloss ( Alopecia ) can occur due to many causes. Alopecia can be divided as localized and diffuse types. Alopecia may result in scarring and therefore permanent hair loss in some cases.

Inflammatory diseases of the scalp skin may destroy hair follicles in its wake. Burns on the scalp, heavy X ray irradiation or herpes zoster infection in the first division of the trigeminal nerve may cause a scarring alopecia.

Patchy alopecia is seen in traction alopecia in nervous children, ringworm infections ( tinea capitis ) or auto immune alopecia areata. Secondary syphillis is a rare caise of patchy with moth-eaten alopecia.

patchy alopecia/ alopecia areata

Alopecia in women

Scalp hair loss at the temples and crown with growth of male type body hair is seen in women with virilizing disorders.

Metabolic causes of diffuse hair loss in women include hypothyroidism and severe iron deficiency anaemia.

Drug induced alopecia is caused mainly due to antimitotic drugs. Antimitotic drugs may affect the growing hair follicles producing a diffuse loss of anagen hair which are pigmented throughhout their length.

Metabolic upsets such as childbirth, starvation and severe toxic illnesses may precipitate follicles into the resting phase, producing an effluvium of telogen hair 3 months later when anagen begins again. This is called telogen alopecia.

In alopecia totalis there is a complete loss of body hair.

Homeopathic treatment of alopecia

Homoepathic medicine is based on the principles of " Similia similibus curanter" i.e like cures like. A well choosen homeopathic medicine based on the totality of symptoms can work miracles in despair cases of alopecia. Homeopathic physicians consider the underyling miasm which is responsible for the manifestations of diseases in human body. A proper miasmatic approach in treating cases of all kinds of alopecia has proven benefits. Moreover, homeopathic medications are gentle, safe and effective and can be taken by all age groups.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome ( PCOS)

POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME ( PCOS) is also known as Stein Leventhal Syndrome.It is a leading cause of infertilty in women.The incidence of PCOS is on a rise worldwide. It is estimated that 1 in 10 women is affected with PCOS.

Causes of PCOS:

The exact cause of Pcos is unknown, however it is believed that many factors are involved including genetics hormonal imbalance, obesity & insulin resistance.

Pathophysiology:

PCOS causes the ovaries to secret more androgens (male hormones) than normal which prevents ovulation , imbalances female hormones loading to delayed or iregular periods.

Insulin resistance is also strongly believed to be linked to Pcos.Inslulin Resistance results when a given concentration of insulin produces less than expected biological effects on the tissues. In PCOS the body does not respond to insulin as in cases of normal people & the sugar level increases leading to production of androgen , which leads to acne excessive hair growth (Hirsutism) weight gain & issues with ovulation.

Signs and symptoms: 

You may find the following signs and symptoms:

- Irregular, scanty or absent menses.

-Hirsutism and male pattern baldness  consistent with hyperandrogenism.

- Infertility.

- Obesity, dyslipidemia and diabetes.

-Anxiety, depression, psychosexual dysfunction and eating disorders.

Hirsutism

How to diagnose PCOS:

A detailed history including menarche, menstrual irregularities, reproductive history ( infertility and miscarriages). Signs like hirsutism, acne, alopecia, obesity, Acanthosis nigricans( Velvety, light brown to black hyperpigmentation that occurs in areas including the neck, armpits, groin and under the breasts).

Ultrasound study of the pelvis may reveal antral follicles ranging from 2-10 mm diameter in each ovary.

Homeopathic treatment of PCOS:

Homoepathy is one of the best methods of treatment for PCOS and infertility resulting from PCOS. Many women have successfully conceived with homeopathic medication. Homeopathy acts internally to create  hormonal balance and regularize ovulation. Acne resulting owing to PCOS has been successfully treated with homeopathic medication permanently and without any side effects.

Homeopathic medication is useful in treating anxiety , depression, disordered eating and psycosexual dysfunctions.

For any queries related to PCOS and its treatment write in the comments section below.

Reverse premature grey hair naturally

How to prevent premature greying of hair

You can easily prevent premature greying of hair and ageing if you follow the below mentioned tips.

                         Do's

- Include as much as vitamin C in your diet.
Foods that are rich in vitamin C are Lemon juice, Indian gooseberry, citrus fruits etc.

- Include foods that are rich in vitamin A.
Foods that are rich in vitamin A are carrots, papaya etc.

- Include foods that are rich in vitamin E.
Foods that are rich in vitamin E are cabbage, cucumber etc.

- Include foods that are rich in vitamin B.
Foods that are rich in vitamin B are banana, spinach etc.

- Include foods that are rich in Iron content.
Foods that are rich in Iron are spinach, jaggery etc.

-Drink plenty of water to help flush out  toxins from the body.

- Regular exercise helps improve the circulation in the body.

- Sleep for 6-8 hours daily.

                            Don'ts

- Avoid junk food.
- Reduce screen time.
- Stop worrying and taking unnecessary stress.
- Avoid sleeping late at night.
- Avoid areated drinks.
- Avoid using harmful chemical shampoos and hair colors.