Monthly Archives: April 2016

What is Psoriasis? – Medical News Today

Posted: April 23, 2016 at 2:42 pm

knowledge center home eczema / psoriasis all about psoriasis what is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the skin. It is non-contagious. A reddish, scaly rash - often referred to as red, scaly patches - is commonly found over the surfaces of the scalp, around or in the ears, the elbows, knees, navel, genitals and buttocks.

The scaly patches, also known as psoriatic plaques, are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin quickly builds up in the affected area, because skin production is faster than the bodys ability to shed it. Areas with psoriatic plaques take on a silvery-white appearance.

Unlike eczema, psoriasis is more commonly found on the extensor aspect of a joint.

Psoriasis varies in severity - some patients may only have minor localized patches, while others are affected all over the body. Psoriatic nail dystrophy is common among patients with psoriasis - where the fingernails and toenails are affected. Psoriasis may also result in inflammation of the joints, as may be the case with psoriatic arthritis, which affects approximately 10% to 15% of all psoriasis patients.

Experts are not sure what causes psoriasis. Most believe there is a genetic component that can be triggered by a prolonged injury to the skin. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, mental stress, and withdrawal of systemic corticosteroid medications are said to be factors that may aggravate psoriasis.

According to the National Health Service, UK, approximately 2% of the British population is affected by psoriasis. People with psoriasis most commonly develop symptoms between the ages of 11 and 45 years. However, it can start at any age.

The human body produces new skin cells at the lowest skin level. Gradually those cells move up through the layers of skin until they reach the outermost level, where they eventually die and flake off. The whole cycle - skin cell production to skin death and flaking off - takes between 21 and 28 days. In patients with psoriasis, the cycle takes only between 2 to 6 days; resulting in a rapid buildup of cells on the skins surface, causing red, flaky, scaly, crusty patches covered with silvery scales, which are then shed.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition - it is long lasting. Some people have periods with no symptoms, while others live with signs and symptoms all the time. For some people psoriases can be seriously disabling.

Although there is no current cure for psoriasis, there are treatments that can help with the symptoms.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary:

Psoriasis is A common multifactorial inherited condition characterized by the eruption of circumscribed, discrete and confluent, reddish, silvery-scaled maculopapules; the lesions occur predominantly on the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk, and microscopically show characteristic parakeratosis and elongation of rete ridges with shortening of epidermal keratinocyte transit time due to decreased cyclic guanosine monophosphate.

The word psoriasis comes from the Greek word psoriasis, meaning being itchy.

This Psoriasis information section was written by Christian Nordqvist for Medical News Today, and may not be re-produced in any way without the permission of Medical News Today.

Disclaimer: This informational section on Medical News Today is regularly reviewed and updated, and provided for general information purposes only. The materials contained within this guide do not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice, which should be sought from qualified medical and pharmaceutical advisers.

Please note that although you may feel free to cite and quote this article, it may not be re-produced in full without the permission of Medical News Today. For further details, please view our full terms of use

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Review: Jitsi the ultimate SIP voice and video client …

Posted: April 22, 2016 at 9:44 pm

Clearly, Skype is the world's most popular voice and video chat client and it supports a wide variety of platforms. But if you are looking for an alternative that affords you privacy and more control, Jitsi is the answer. Touted by security conscious netizens like the Tor Project's own Jacob Appelbaum as an ideal alternative to proprietary software like Skype, Jitsi lets you audio and video conference on your terms using your own private Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) server or any SIP service.

Jitsi is written in Java for cross-platform compatibility with other operating systems. Although this can translate into a slightly sluggish experience and a rather bland user interface, the software is remarkably flexible in its own right. In addition to supporting traditional SIP for online communications, Google Talk's protocol (XMPP) is also supported out of the box for audio and video chats as well as AIM, ICQ, Facebook, Yahoo and MSN. Jitsi also provides a means to encrypt VoIP traffic using SRTP or ZRTP encryption methods, which is something Skype doesn't provide and is a rarity amongst most SIP / VoIP clients today.

With the emergence of IPv6 connectivity, Jitsi is capable of initiating direct connect VoIP sessions, simply by providing the appropriate IPv6 address of the machine to connect to. For anyone behind NAT on a home router using IPv4 connections, tunnel brokers that provide IPv4 to IPv6 address translation can be used to get around pesky limitations imposed by NAT. Basically, this means that anyone from outside your network will typically have no problem reaching you.

As far as downsides go, the only issue I see with Jitsi, at least on the SIP side of the equation, is that SIP isn't nearly as commonplace as something like Skype and it may require additional VoIP configuration knowhow. With XMPP support available, at least Jitsi users can leverage their Google contacts right out of the box and get an experience similar to a more traditional SIP setup. Obviously though, Google will have access to your conversation data, whereby setting up a true SIP session gives you more control over your privacy.

For what it's worth, Jitsi is a fairly decent VoIP and chat client. Though not as shiny looking as its proprietary competitor Skype, Jitsi is still worth giving a try. It's free and if you don't have a resource-constrained system, the software should suit your online communication needs fairly nicely. Just be sure that you have the latest version of Oracle's Java Runtime Environment for best results. With Microsoft taking control of Skype and casting doubt on its future as a cross-platform service as well as the possibility of a programmed "back door" into the network, Jitsi could potentially fill the void nicely as an eventual replacement.

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Human Longevity, Inc. Announces 10 Year Deal with …

Posted: at 9:42 pm

"We are excited to establish this long term relationship with AstraZeneca who are now establishing themselves as a leader in genomic-focused research," said J. Craig Venter, Ph.D., Co-founder and CEO, HLI. "We look forward to working together to use HLI's proprietary computational methods and genomic data insights to better inform clinical trials and drug development."

The HLI Knowledgebase, which was recently awarded a 2016 Bio-IT World Best Practice Award, is a key tool in the company's portfolio to transform how medicine is practiced. The Knowledgebase contains tens of thousands of high-quality samples with genomic and phenotypic data and can be used to help customers streamline drug development, aid in discovery of biomarker and companion diagnostics, and rescue and repurpose drugs from failed clinical trials.

About Human Longevity, Inc.Human Longevity, Inc. (HLI) is the genomics-based, technology-driven company creating the world's largest and most comprehensive database of whole genome, phenotype and clinical data. HLI is developing and applying large scale computing and machine learning to make novel discoveries to revolutionize the practice of medicine. HLI's business also includes the HLI Health Nucleus, a genomic powered clinical research center which uses whole genome sequence analysis, advanced clinical imaging and innovative machine learning, along with curated personal health information, to deliver the most complete picture of individual health. For more information, please visit http://www.humanlongevity.com or http://www.healthnucleus.com.

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SOURCE Human Longevity, Inc.

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The Fourth Amendment – Privacilla

Posted: at 2:44 pm

Home > Privacy and Government > Privacy Law Governing the Public Sector > The Fourth Amendment

The Fourth Amendment

The Fourth Amendment is the primary, essential limit on the power of governments in the U.S. to inquire into people's lives, arrest them, and take their property. It is also what prevents governments and their agents from invading citizens' privacy.

The Fourth Amendment says:

The Fourth Amendment requires a search to be based on probable cause. That is, government investigators must have a rational belief that a crime has been committed and that evidence or fruits of the crime can be found. The question courts will ask when a citizen claims to have been unconstitutionally searched is whether that person had a reasonable expectation of privacy in the place, papers, or information that government agents have examined or taken.

In a society that both deplores crime and values liberty, there will always be a tension between law enforcement interests and the privacy of individuals. The modern age has increased the ability of criminals to hide crime and its proceeds, and law enforcement sometimes struggles to keep up. This sometimes inspires investigative methods that trample on the privacy expectations and Fourth Amendment rights of innocent citizens. The U.S. Supreme Court has not been a powerful guardian of the Fourth Amendment in recent years, further eroding some Fourth Amendment protections.

In addition, the growth of both the U.S. and state governments during the 20th century vastly increased the amount of information that governments collect. When information is collected for "administrative" purposes, like issuing licenses and benefits or collecting taxes, the government does not have to satisfy the Fourth Amendment. Unfortunately, sometimes this information is used by investigators, released or sold by government agencies, or just misused by rogue government employees. This invades citizens' expectations of privacy and violates their Fourth Amendment rights.

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Rescuing Search and Seizure by Stephen Budiansky, The Atlantic Monthly (October 2000)

Comments? comments@privacilla.org (Subject: FourthAmendment)

[updated 10/30/00]

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Freedom Tower (1 World Trade Center) – The New York Times

Posted: at 2:42 pm

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Cond Nast is to lease one million square feet in the lead tower at ground zero in a deal worth an estimated $2 billion over 25 years.

The Port Authority has struggled to create an elegant and secure skyscraper while also containing costs.

Larry A. Silverstein, the developer of 4 World Trade Center, is taking up New York City on its commitment to lease one-third of the building.

In 2010, so much progress was made at the World Trade Center that officials saw no need to cook up fabricated milestones, as they had in the past. But in December, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey showed that old habits die hard. It announced in a press release (accompanied by this picture) that 1 World Trade Center - the building formerly known as Freedom Tower - had reached "halfway to the top." Meaning what? That the structural steel had reached the level of the 52nd floor in what will be a 104-story building.

Few people seem willing to question whether building 1 World Trade Center makes any sense.

The Timess David W. Dunlap describes how the new World Trade Center complex is taking shape.

Despite setbacks and public cynicism, the puzzle that is the new World Trade Center complex is being pieced together rapidly.

Photographs from the Timess Fred R. Conrad provide an intimate view of construction at the site of the World Trade Center.

The publishing giant has signed a tentative deal to anchor the skyscraper now under construction.

The Durst real estate family won a hotly contested bidding contest for a stake in 1 World Trade Center and is expected to invest at least $100 million in the tower.

A family that owns 10 Midtown Manhattan office towers is favored by some Port Authority officials, but a deal is not assured.

A Subway restaurant franchise is housed in cargo containers and raised by cranes that rise as the building goes up.

Having the publishing giant as a tenant would bring a particular cachet to 1 World Trade Center.

Mr. Libeskind is best known for his work as the master plan architect for the reconstruction of the World Trade Center.

Panoramic views of 1 World Trade Center show the progress of building.

The days when 1 World Trade Center was regarded as an unnecessary exercise in waste appear to be over.

The Port Authority, the city and Larry A. Silverstein have worked out a formula to finance the project.

The Port Authority hopes to raise money for 1 World Trade Center, still under construction, and hand off the job of marketing the space and negotiating leases.

Fresh bread will soon be baking high above ground zero.

The Port Authority says that 1 World Trade Center, the address of the fallen north tower, is the most practical way to market the building. It had been called the Freedom Tower.

Cond Nast is to lease one million square feet in the lead tower at ground zero in a deal worth an estimated $2 billion over 25 years.

The Port Authority has struggled to create an elegant and secure skyscraper while also containing costs.

Larry A. Silverstein, the developer of 4 World Trade Center, is taking up New York City on its commitment to lease one-third of the building.

In 2010, so much progress was made at the World Trade Center that officials saw no need to cook up fabricated milestones, as they had in the past. But in December, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey showed that old habits die hard. It announced in a press release (accompanied by this picture) that 1 World Trade Center - the building formerly known as Freedom Tower - had reached "halfway to the top." Meaning what? That the structural steel had reached the level of the 52nd floor in what will be a 104-story building.

Few people seem willing to question whether building 1 World Trade Center makes any sense.

The Timess David W. Dunlap describes how the new World Trade Center complex is taking shape.

Despite setbacks and public cynicism, the puzzle that is the new World Trade Center complex is being pieced together rapidly.

Photographs from the Timess Fred R. Conrad provide an intimate view of construction at the site of the World Trade Center.

The publishing giant has signed a tentative deal to anchor the skyscraper now under construction.

The Durst real estate family won a hotly contested bidding contest for a stake in 1 World Trade Center and is expected to invest at least $100 million in the tower.

A family that owns 10 Midtown Manhattan office towers is favored by some Port Authority officials, but a deal is not assured.

A Subway restaurant franchise is housed in cargo containers and raised by cranes that rise as the building goes up.

Having the publishing giant as a tenant would bring a particular cachet to 1 World Trade Center.

Mr. Libeskind is best known for his work as the master plan architect for the reconstruction of the World Trade Center.

Panoramic views of 1 World Trade Center show the progress of building.

The days when 1 World Trade Center was regarded as an unnecessary exercise in waste appear to be over.

The Port Authority, the city and Larry A. Silverstein have worked out a formula to finance the project.

The Port Authority hopes to raise money for 1 World Trade Center, still under construction, and hand off the job of marketing the space and negotiating leases.

Fresh bread will soon be baking high above ground zero.

The Port Authority says that 1 World Trade Center, the address of the fallen north tower, is the most practical way to market the building. It had been called the Freedom Tower.

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NSA Virginia Fastpitch – facebook.com

Posted: April 21, 2016 at 11:44 am

I spent nine years chasing the game I loved. I played every weekend, holiday and summer until I was 18 ...years old. I collected memories and trophies and battle scars. And then, in one of the most difficult decisions Ive ever made, I walked away. I felt sure that it was best for me and most days, I believe I was right. I was watching my dads team play this weekend (he coaches high school softball) and a parent asked me What would tell these girls if you knew theyd listen? And this is what I would say:

One day you will walk off the field for the last time. One day you will untie your cleats forever. One day you will put your glove in your bag and there it will stay for months at a time. One day your tan lines will fade. Youll forget the feeling of seams beneath your fingers. Youll struggle to remember the way it felt to hit the perfect pitch. Youll see your teammates once or twice a year instead of every single day. You wont slide into second. You wont round first. One day youll be on the other side the fence.

One day this wont be your life anymore. And when its not, you wont remember the things that youd think. Youll have no idea how many times you struck out. You wont know how many errors you made. You wont be impressed with how many home runs you hit. You wont care about your batting average or ERA. For the most part, you wont remember wins and losses at all.

After your last inning has come and gone, youre going to remember the times when you wanted to quit but didnt. Youre going to remember the teammates (and families) you loved along the way. Youre going to remember playing in the freezing cold, driving rain, and unbearable heat. Youre going to remember the hotel bonding and the eight hour road trips. Youre going to remember the early practices and late games. Youre going to remember the coaches that never gave up on you. But most of all, youre going to remember the sheer happiness that came only from being between two chalk lines. Youre going to remember the moments you did more than you ever believed you could. Youre going to remember the times you used every bit of talent God gave you.

One day this wont be your life anymore. So for today, run as fast as your feet will take you. Whether its a pop up to the pitcher or it bounces off the fence in left field. For today, swing as hard as you can. Commit to every pitch and give it everything you have. For today, make every play like its the last chance youll ever get. For today, play because you want to. Play because you need to. Play because the little girl you used to be fell in love with this game all those years ago.

For today, dont stop until the last pitch is thrown. Play with every piece of your heart and leave it all on the field. One day, this wont be your life anymore. When that day comes, make sure you wouldnt change a thing.

http://www.emkayed.wordpress.com

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Freedom House in Cleveland, Ohio with Reviews & Ratings – YP.com

Posted: April 20, 2016 at 10:44 am

Trilby's Svengali was a character of fiction. Conversely, Marc Breed, has captivated a generation with such a unique and engaging personality that we've allowed him the ultimately luxury of a true freedom. The Art he has created, as a result of this, only seems odd; in that ...morewe view it while tinged with envy. That we in Cleveland possess such a close-up look, should be a source of extreme pride. For we may live vicariously through his artistic rampage among us. -Dr. Stanley Workman, Art History, Professor Emeritus http://artistmarcbreed.blogspot.com/view less

Drug abuse and addiction is a public health issue with serious consequences. From prescription drugs to cocaine, inhalants and marijuana, illicit substances have affected nearly every community and person in some way. But what exactly is drug abuse and how do people seek treatment for this disease?

Making the decision to seek help for drug addiction is a huge step toward improving your health and overall wellness, as well as that of your family and community. But where do you start? There are many options.

Attend a Rehabilitation Program: There are a plethora of rehab options available to people who abuse drugs. You should be able to find one that fits your budget and lifestyle. For a very intensive treatment, try an inpatient rehab program at a facility that is well-versed in addressing long-term addiction. These organizations provide a place for you to stay while you go through withdrawals, as well as medical assistance if it is needed. Drug rehab facilities offer therapeutic programs such as cognitive behavioral therapy to help users address the problems that may drive them to drug use. You'll also be surrounded by others in similar positions who are looking to stop using and seek support, which can be very helpful and inspiring.

1. Intake Process: Every person beginning an inpatient rehab program will go through an intake process. This involves a physical exam from a doctor and a mental exam from a therapist or psychiatrist. These professionals note any mental conditions, like bipolar disorder and depression, as well as physical issues, such as chronic fatigue or multiple sclerosis, which may be affected by drug use. New patients are usually searched to ensure they do not bring any drugs to the facility on their person or in their belongings. Once a patient has undergone the intake process, they will likely not be allowed to have visitors or even talk with friends and family over the phone for a few days. This promotes focus on recovery without distractions. Each facility is different, but after a few days or weeks, patients are typically allowed to make phone calls and receive visitors.

2. Detox: The first week of inpatient drug rehabilitation is often spent detoxing. Most facilities do not host many classes or require users to attend functions at this time, as it is instead spent dealing with the emotional and physical consequences of coming down from drug use. Long-time users may experience intense symptoms such as temporary blackouts, memory loss, depression, irritability, unpredictable mood swings, headache, insomnia, anxiety, nausea and more. Most patients just entering rehab find their first few days are some of the most difficult as they must completely adjust their habits and mindset, all while going through complex bodily symptoms. Physicians supervise this time of withdrawal to address any symptoms that require medical attention. After you have completed the detox phase and there is no more trace of drugs in your body, you will likely begin attending group and individual therapy sessions.

3. Therapy: While in drug rehabilitation, you don't simply stay away from the substance that you've become addicted to. Instead, you will spend your time learning about what triggers your abuse, and how to address urges and make amends. You will also likely attend group therapy sessions where you and other addicts can share your experiences and learn from one another under the supervision of a therapist or psychiatrist. Being in the presence of others who are learning how to restructure their lives after drug abuse can be very helpful. Knowing you're not alone is a huge step, plus you may be able to turn to those in similar situations for advice.

4. Reintegration: Eventually you will need to leave the safety and routine of your inpatient rehabilitation program and return to regular society. This comes with a lot of risks, as you may interact with situations and individuals that triggered your drug use. Before you leave a drug treatment program, you will learn skills to cope in the real world that don't involve turning to drugs. You might learn to walk away from certain individuals or not go to particular places where you formerly used to go. You may also return to the inpatient program facility for outpatient counseling. This helps many drug users to reintegrate into society and still maintain some source of assistance by going to daily or weekly therapy sessions.

Consider an Outpatient Program Outpatient programs offer similar assistance to inpatient options such as therapy sessions and counseling, but the patient sleeps in his or her own home and is not confined to the rehabilitation center. Some patients prefer this option because it resembles some form of normality and allows them to potentially work and partake in family activities. It is important to note, though, that a person may require more serious, constant treatment than these outpatient programs can offer. If you are considering seeking treatment for drug addiction, discuss these possibilities with your doctor. He or she will help you decide what program is right for you.

Painkillers and Therapy Some drug users who have been abusing pain medications like Oxycontin or morphine require pain relief but must find it in other ways than potentially addictive drugs. To address this issue, some people receive methadone, a synthetic narcotic. Individuals in inpatient or outpatient programs may use methadone, as can people who are not seeking any formal treatment but are trying to stop abusing painkillers. Your doctor may prescribe a methadone treatment plan if you have chronic pain issues and are recovering from addiction. Methadone can be given intravenously, via a tablet or as a dispersible. Use of this medication is carefully monitored as it can cause respiratory issues when you first begin or anytime you up your dosage. If you are concerned that you may be abusing prescription painkillers, talk to your physician about Methadone and other options like Suboxone or Narcan.

Working With a Sponsor Similar to alcoholism treatment, some former drug users require assistance from sponsors. These individuals are often previous addicts themselves or have experiences as therapists or psychiatrists. They meet with patients regularly and are often available at a moment's notice to talk when an individual is feeling vulnerable and triggered. Sponsors can offer help when you need them the most and provide a firm sense of accountability.

To go through treatment successfully, it's important to find the right facility for you. To do so, first talk with your doctor. A physician can determine how severe your addiction is, which will help you decide if you want to try inpatient or outpatient treatment. He or she can also consider any withstanding health issues such as psychiatric conditions that should also be factored into your decision.

Next, check out facilities and programs that offer treatment for the substances that you abuse. Attending a program that is specific to your drug of choice will make your treatment much mo
re likely to be impactful and successful. Look into potential facilities and learn about their drug policies. Some provide certain users with medications like Valium and Xanax to counteract symptoms of distress associated with alcohol or drug withdrawals. You may not want to attend such programs if you fear that you may instead become addicted to these substances or if you have ever had issues with abusing these medications in the past.

You should also note what potential programs to turn to during drug cravings. Some offer excellent nutrition and wellness plans that use healthy eating and exercise to reduce the physical and psychological want or need for a substance. Learning this coping skill is imperative to transitioning back into society, as you will be better prepared to face cravings once you are no longer in drug abuse treatment.

Some treatment programs promote quick sobriety through seemingly impossible means, such as herbal supplements or religious affiliation. When choosing a treatment facility, be wary of questionable claims like, "Shake your drug addiction in one week!" If the advertising sounds too good to be true, the program could potentially be a scam. Instead, look for organizations that include approval and certification from real doctors and health care providers. If a well-known drug abuse therapist or hospital recommends a clinic, for example, it is much more likely that you will have a successful treatment experience there.

Finances are another major part in your treatment program choice. Some facilities accept health insurance like United Healthcare, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Humana and Medicaid. To learn what options are financially feasible for you, call your insurance provider and ask about any programs with which they are connected. Many carriers support in-state assessment, detox and outpatient treatment. Some also partially cover residential or inpatient treatment.

Because drug addiction is considered a disease, major health insurance providers must treat it like any other chronic condition that requires medical treatment. Make a call to the member services phone line at your insurance company and they can explain both in-network and out-of-network coverage for addiction and drug abuse treatment. Be sure to inquire about co-pays and deductibles so you don't receive a surprise bill months after you start a program. If you don't have insurance, you may be able to find outpatient programs like Narcotics Anonymous that offer counseling and meetings for patients at no cost.

Drug Abuse Facts Every illegal use of a drug, from prescription medications to a hit of methamphetamine, creates an addiction risk for the user. One single dose of a club drug, for example, can cause long-term cognitive damage because it changes the chemical makeup of the brain. It is not always the substance that leads to a label of drug abuse. Instead, it is the nature in which the substance is used. For example, you may break a bone and require surgery. You will likely be prescribed some painkillers to promote healing in your body and make you more comfortable. If, however, you find that the medication creates feelings of euphoria so you pretend you need the drug longer than you do in order to get more pills, that is considered drug abuse. It doesn't matter that you have a prescription and the substance is technically legal.

Helping Your Family Cope You are not the only one affected by your drug abuse. You family and friends may also appreciate going to therapy to learn how to cope with your addiction. Many people attend support meetings or join groups to mingle with others who are close to drug addicts to provide emotional assistance. When you go through treatment, those close to you must also learn to change their mindsets and behaviors to address these changes to the new you. Many patients have to stop associating with some former friends in order to stay away from illicit substances and avoid situations that may trigger drug abuse. Starting a hobby is a good way to meet new people outside of these social circles once you've received treatment.

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What is eczema? Eczema causes and treatment … – Patient

Posted: April 19, 2016 at 11:42 am

What is atopic eczema?

Eczema is sometimes called dermatitis which means inflammation of the skin. There are different types of eczema. The most common type is atopic eczema. In this type of eczema there is a typical pattern of skin inflammation which causes the symptoms.

The word atopic describes people with certain allergic tendencies. However, atopic eczema is not just a simple allergic condition. People with atopic eczema have an increased chance of developing other atopic conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.

Typically, inflamed areas of skin tend to flare up from time to time and then tend to settle down. The severity and duration of flare-ups varies from person to person and from time to time in the same person.

Most cases first develop in children under the age of five years. It is unusual to develop atopic eczema for the first time after the age of 20. At the moment, about 1 in 5 schoolchildren have some degree of atopic eczema. However, statistics show that it is becoming more common year on year. In about 2 in 3 cases, by the mid-teenage years, the flare-ups of eczema have either gone completely, or are much less of a problem. However, there is no way of predicting which children will still be affected as adults.

Between 1-5 in 20 adults have atopic eczema.

The cause is not known. The oily (lipid) barrier of the skin tends to be reduced in people with atopic eczema. This leads to an increase in water loss and a tendency towards dry skin. Also, some cells of the immune system release chemicals under the skin surface, which can cause some inflammation. But it is not known why these things occur. Inherited (genetic) factors play a part. Atopic eczema occurs in about 8 in 10 children where both parents have the condition and in about 6 in 10 children where one parent has the condition. The precise genetic cause is not clear (which genes are responsible, what effects they have on the skin, etc). However, recent research suggests that in some people genetic changes hamper the production of a chemical (filaggrin) involved in the defence barrier of the skin.

As mentioned previously, atopic eczema is becoming more common. There is no proven single cause for this but factors which may play a part include:

There may be a combination of factors in someone who is genetically prone to eczema, which causes the drying effect of the skin and the immune system to react and cause inflammation in the skin.

The usual treatment consists of three parts:

Many people with atopic eczema have flare-ups from time to time for no apparent reason. However, some flare-ups may be caused (triggered) or made worse by irritants to the skin, or by other factors. It is commonly advised to:

House dust mite is a tiny insect that occurs in every home. You cannot see it without a microscope. It mainly lives in bedrooms and mattresses as part of the dust. Many people with atopic eczema are allergic to house dust mite. If you are allergic, you have to greatly reduce the numbers of house dust mite for any chance that symptoms may improve.

However, it is impossible to clear house dust mite completely from a home and it is hard work to reduce their number to a level which may be of benefit. It involves regular cleaning and vacuuming with particular attention to your bedroom, mattress and bedclothes.

Therefore, in general, it is not usually advised to do anything about house dust mite - especially if your eczema is mild-to-moderate and can be managed by the usual treatments of emollients and short courses of topical steroids. However, if you have moderate or severe atopic eczema which is difficult to control with the usual treatments, you may wish to consider reducing the number of house dust mites in your home. See separate leaflet called House Dust Mite and Pet Allergy, which gives more details on how to reduce house dust mites.

About 1 in 2 children with atopic eczema have a food allergy which can make symptoms worse. In general, it is young children with severe eczema who may have a food sensitivity as a trigger factor. The most common foods which trigger symptoms in some people include cow's milk, eggs, soya, wheat, fish and nuts.

If you suspect a food is making your child's symptoms worse then see a doctor. You may be asked to keep a diary over 4-6 weeks. The diary aims to record any symptoms and all foods and drink taken. It may help to identify one or more suspect foods. If food allergy is suspected, it should be confirmed by a specialist. They may recommend a diet without this food if the eczema is severe and difficult to control by other means.

Other possible factors which may trigger symptoms, or make symptoms worse, include:

However, some of these may not be avoidable.

See separate leaflet in this series, called Eczema - Triggers and Irritants, for more details.

People with atopic eczema have a tendency for their skin to become dry. Dry skin tends to flare up and become inflamed into patches of eczema. Emollients are lotions, creams, ointments and bath/shower additives which prevent the skin from becoming dry. They oil the skin, keep it supple and moist and help to protect the skin from irritants. This helps to prevent itch and helps to prevent or to reduce the number of eczema flare-ups.

The regular use of emollients is the most important part of the day-to-day treatment for atopic eczema. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can advise on the various types and brands available and the ones which may suit you best.

You should apply emollients as often as needed. This may be twice a day, or several times a day if your skin becomes very dry. Some points about emollients include:

Many people with atopic eczema use a range of different emollients. For example, a typical routine for a person with moderately severe atopic eczema might be:

Note: emollients used for eczema tend to be bland and non-perfumed. Occasionally, some people become allergic (sensitised) to an ingredient in an emollient. This can make the skin worse rather than better. If you suspect this, see your doctor for advice. There are many different types of emollients with various ingredients. A switch to a different type will usually sort out this uncommon problem.

Warning: bath additive emollients will coat the bath and make it greasy and slippery. It is best to use a mat and/or grab rails to reduce the risk of slipping. Warn anybody else who may use the bath that it will be slippery.

See separate leaflet called Moisturisers (Emollients) for Eczema for more details.

Topical steroids work by reducing inflammation in the skin. (Steroid medicines that reduce inflammation are sometimes called corticosteroids. They are very different to the anabolic steroids which are used by some bodybuilders and athletes.) Topical steroids are grouped into four categories depending on their strength - mild, moderately potent, potent and very potent. There are various brands and types in each category. For example, hydrocortisone cream 1% is a commonly used steroid cream and is classed as a mild topical steroid. The greater the strength (potency), the more effect it has on reducing inflammation but the greater the risk of side-effects with continued use.

Creams are usually best to treat moist or weeping areas of skin. Ointments are usually best to treat areas of skin which are dry or thickened. Lotions may be useful to treat hairy areas such as the scalp.

As a rule, a course of topical steroid is used when one or more patches of eczema flare up. You should use topical steroids until the flare-up has completely gone and then stop them. In many cases, a course of treatment for 7-14 days is enough to clear a flare-up of eczema. In some cases, a longer course is needed. Many people with atopic eczema require a course of topical steroids every now and then to clear a flare-up. The frequency of flare-ups and the number of times a course of topical steroids is needed can vary greatly from person to person.

It is common practice to use the lowest-strength topical steroid which clears the flare-up. If there is no improvement after 3-7 days, a stronger topical steroid is usually then prescribed. For severe flare-ups a stronger topical steroid may be prescribed from the outset. Sometimes two or more preparations of different strengths are used at the same time. For example, a mild steroid for the face and a stronger steroid for patches of eczema on the thicker skin of the arms or legs.

For adults, a short course (usually three days) of a strong topical steroid may be an option to treat a mild-to-moderate flare-up of eczema. A strong topical steroid often works quicker than a mild one. (This is in contrast to the traditional method of using the lowest strength wherever possible. However, studies have shown that using a high strength for a short period can be more convenient and is thought to be safe.)

Some people have frequent flare-ups of eczema. For example, a flare-up may subside well with topical steroid therapy. But then, within a few weeks, a flare-up returns. In this situation, one option that might help is to apply steroid cream on the usual sites of flare-ups for two days every week. This is often called weekend therapy. This aims to prevent a flare-up from occurring. In the long run, it can mean that the total amount of topical steroid used is less than if each flare-up were treated as and when it occurred. You may wish to discuss this option with your doctor.

Topical steroids are usually applied once a day but this may be increased to twice a day if there is no improvement. Rub a small amount thinly and evenly just on to areas of skin which are inflamed. (This is different to moisturisers (emollients) which should be applied liberally all over.)

To work out how much you should use each dose: squeeze out some cream or ointment from the tube on to the end of an adult finger - from the tip of the finger to the first crease. This is called a fingertip unit. One fingertip unit is enough to treat an area of skin twice the size of the flat of an adult's hand with the fingers together. Gently rub the cream or ointment into the skin until it has disappeared. Then wash your hands (unless your hands are the treated area).

Note: don't forget you can use emollients as well when you are using a course of topical steroids.

See separate leaflet called Fingertip Units for Topical Steroids for more details.

Short courses of topical steroids (fewer than four weeks) are usually safe and normally cause no problems. Problems may develop if topical steroids are used for long periods, or if short courses of strong topical steroids are repeated often. The concern is mainly if strong topical steroids are used in the long term. Side-effects from mild topical steroids are uncommon.

For more details about side-effects see separate leaflet called Topical Steroids for Eczema for more details.

Most people with eczema will be prescribed emollients to use every day and a topical steroid to use when flare-ups develop. When using the two treatments, apply the emollient first. Wait 10-15 minutes after applying an emollient before applying a topical steroid. That is, the emollient should be allowed to sink in (be absorbed) before a topical steroid is applied. The skin should be moist or slightly tacky but not slippery, when applying the steroid.

Sometimes, one or more patches of eczema become infected during a flare-up. Characteristics of infected eczema include:

If the infection becomes more severe, you may also develop a high temperature (fever) and generally feel unwell. If infected eczema develops then a course of an antibiotic tablet or liquid medicine will usually clear the infection. This is used in addition to usual eczema topical treatments. Sometimes, a topical antibiotic is used if the infection is confined to a small area.

Once the infection is cleared, it is best to throw away all your usual creams, ointments and lotions and obtain fresh new supplies. This is to reduce the risk of applying creams, etc that may have become contaminated with germs (bacteria). Also, if you seem to have repeated bouts of infected eczema, you may be advised to use a topical antiseptic such as chlorhexidine on a regular basis. This is in addition to your usual treatments. The aim is to keep the number of bacteria on your skin to a minimum.

See your doctor if a flare-up of atopic eczema is getting worse or not clearing despite the usual treatments with moisturisers (emollients) and topical steroids. Things which may be considered include:

You may be referred to a skin specialist if a flare-up does not improve with the usual treatments.

Alternative remedies such as herbal medicines are sometimes tried by some people. However, you should be cautious about using them, especially if their labels are not in English and you are not sure what they contain. Some herbal treatments are mixed with steroids and some (particularly Chinese remedies) have been linked to liver damage.

It may be worth breast-feeding a newborn baby for three months or more if several members of the family suffer from allergies such as eczema, hay fever or asthma. There is, however, no evidence to suggest that the mother should avoid any particular foods during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

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What is eczema? Eczema causes and treatment ... - Patient

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Eczema – symptoms, diagnosis and treatment – WebMD Boots

Posted: at 11:42 am

What are the symptoms of eczema?

In some cases itchy, dry and red skin from eczema can be present all of the time, or may appear or become worse during a flare-up.

Eczema symptoms include:

To diagnose eczema, your GP will first talk to you about your symptoms and medical history. He or she will also ask about your family's history of rashes and other allergy-related medical conditions, such as asthma and hayfever. While there is no single test to effectively diagnose eczema, a good medical history combined with an examination of your skin is usually adequate.

Good skin care is a key component in controlling eczema. Appropriate care of the skin can often be enough in many milder cases.

In treating eczema, most doctors will start patients on basic therapies. A good moisturiser (in cream, lotion or ointment form) helps conserve the skin's natural moisture and should be applied immediately after showering or bathing and at least one other time each day. It is also a useful technique to apply them little and often and not vigorously rub them in. They should be applied following the line of the hairs on the skin.

Corticosteroid creams and ointments have been used for many years to treat eczema. Your GP may recommend application of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream in mild cases but will often prescribe a stronger steroid cream when the eczema is more severe. When other measures fail, the doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroid medication; steroids should always be taken with caution and never without medical supervision. Antihistamines are sometimes used to help relieve itching. If strong topical steroids, oral steroids, antihistamines and loads of applications of emollients dont work, a referral to a dermatologist may be needed.

Newer medicines called topical immunomodulators are available to help treat eczema. These medicines help control inflammation and reduce Newer drugs called topical immunomodulators are available to help treat eczema. These drugs help control inflammation and reduce immune system reactions when applied to the skin. Examples include pimecrolimus and tacrolimus. These drug are thought to be as effective as topical corticosteroids. They are usually considered when other treatments have not been effective.

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Eczema - symptoms, diagnosis and treatment - WebMD Boots

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Ron Paul The Washington Post

Posted: at 11:41 am

Rep. Ron Paul entered the 2012 presidential campaign in April, making it his third run for the White House. When he ran for president in 2008, he lost every single Republican primary. For nearly a decade, he wasnt even a member of the GOP.

But a combination of timing, technology and four decades of political activism on the conservative fringe have turned Paul into a sort of icon with an activist networking and a fundraising list that puts those of his colleagues to shame. In July 2011, Paul announced he would not seek reelection in 2012 regardless of the outcome of the presidential race.

Current Position: U.S. Representative (since January 1997)

Career History: U.S. House (1997 to present); Libertarian Party presidential nominee (1987 to 1988); U.S. House (1976, 1979 to 1985); Ob/Gyn (1968 to 1996)

Birthday: August 20, 1935

Hometown: Green Tree, Penn.

Alma Mater: Gettysburg College, BA, 1957; Duke University, Md., 1961

Spouse: Carol

Religion: Protestant

DC Office: 329 Cannon Building, Washington DC, 20510, 202-225-2831

District Offices: Galveston, 409-766-7013; Lake Jackson, 979-285-0231; Victoria, 361-576-1231

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Ron Paul The Washington Post

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