Author: Elizabeth S. Thomas
ith close to two decades of experience in research and scientific innovation, Elizabeth is a senior microbiologist who has put research ahead of the curve. In the past, she worked with Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - Unit for Research and Development of Information Products (URDIP), Chembiotek as Officer for Scientific Coordination, and with IPEngine as Senior Research Associate. Currently, she is associated with Maxinov as a Researcher and also writes for DiseaseFix. Her areas of expertise include gene silencing, neglected diseases, and implantable medical devises.She completed her Masters in Microbiology from Pune University and P.G Diploma in IP from NALSAR University, Hyderabad.
Uterine fibroids are the most commonly observed tumors of the female reproductive system. They develop in or on the uterus. Fibroids are compact tumors that are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissues. Their sizes may vary, from the size of a pea to the size of a small grapefruit.
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is not known. Scientists believe that genetics and environmental factors play a significant role in their development and growth. There are certain risk factors that are believed to play a role in fibroid growth, such as hormonal changes (estrogen and progesterone levels), genetics, age etc.
Vitiligo is a problem in which patches of skin lose their colour. It causes the loss of the natural colour of skin. This is called de-pigmentation. The loss of pigments can occur anywhere on your body. These patches are usually common in areas where the skin is exposed to sun such as hands, feet, arms, face, and lips.
In almost all cases if you have eczema, your skin will itch before rashes develop. Patches of thickened dry skin will appear on your face, legs, hands, and neck. They can appear on any other part of the body too such as within creases of knees and elbows.
The signs and symptoms of shingles mostly affect only a small portion of one side of your body. These signs and symptoms may include such as pain, burning, tingling, red rashes, itching, and fluid-filled blisters. Some people may experience headache, fever, fatigue, and stress. Pain is generally the first and most common symptom of shingles.
The specific cause of eczema is unknown. However, scientists believe that it is caused by genetic and environmental factors. Certain irritants can trigger the disease such as certain foods, pollens, pollutants, microbes, temperatures, and hormones. Children are more likely to develop eczema if a parent has had it or any other atopic disease.
Shingles is also known as herpes zoster. It is an infection of a nerve and the skin around this nerve. It is caused by a virus called varicella-zoster, which also causes chickenpox. According to an estimate, around one in every four people will have at least one episode of shingles during their life.
Several treatments are available for vitiligo. The main purpose of treatment is to restore the lost color of the skin. The treatment recommended by the doctor for a particular individual will depend on the person’s overall health, age, and location of the patches on the body. Few people prefer to avoid any treatment.
There is no cure for shingles. If you follow a proper treatment plan, the symptoms can be relieved and the duration of shingles and its complications can be reduced. Prescription antiviral drugs can improve healing process and reduce the risk of complications due to shingles.
After your doctor diagnoses that you have eczema, he will use anti-inflammatory medications to give you relief from itching. Steroid creams and antihistamine medications are usually recommended. Alternate treatment options may be tried such as light therapy, coal tar, etc. Immunotherapy generally does not help in eczema.