Questions and Answers - Recent questions and answers in Skin Problems and Treatments

Answered: What causes hereditary angioedema (HAE)?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 12:18:20 +0000

A problem with a gene that controls a blood protein called C1 inhibitor often causes HAE. In most cases, you don’t have enough of this protein. In others, you have normal levels but it doesn't work right.

For the most common form of HAE, if one of your parents has HAE, you have a 50% change of having it, too. But sometimes the gene change happens for unknown reasons. If you have the broken gene, you can pass it on to your children.

Answered: What are early warning signs of hereditary angioedema (HAE)?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:59:02 +0000

You may notice early warning signs of hereditary angioedema (HAE) before swelling begins. These may include:

Extreme fatigue
Muscle aches
Tingling
Headache
Belly pain
Hoarseness
Mood changes

Answered: How is hereditary angioedema (HAE) treated?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:57:00 +0000

Doctors use medications to treat hereditary angioedema (HAE):

You may also need oxygen or IV fluids to ease your symptoms.

Your doctor will make recommendations for what you need.

Berinert
Cinryze
Conestat alfa (Rhucin, Ruconest)
Ecallantide (Kalbitor)
Icatibant (Firazyr)
Lanadelumab (Takhzyro, SHP643)

Answered: What might your doctor ask about if you have symptoms of hereditary angioedema (HAE)?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:54:29 +0000

If you've had symptoms of hereditary angioedema (HAE), your doctor may ask:

What changes have you noticed?
Where have you had swelling? How often?
Have you had any in your face, neck, tongue, or throat?
Have you noticed any changes that happen before swelling begins?
Have you had any stomach problems or stomach surgery?
Does anyone in your family have a problem with swelling?
Have you or anyone in your family been treated for allergies?

Answered: What can you do to take care of yourself if you have hereditary angioedema (HAE)?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:53:09 +0000

Learn as much as you can about hereditary angioedema (HAE) so you can make informed decisions about your treatment and medications that you should be cautious with.

If you can figure out your triggers, you can better avoid them. It helps to track your attacks and symptoms in a journal and look for patterns.

Talk to your doctor before you have any dental work. He may want you to take medication to avoid a flare. Also talk with your doctor before you take any new prescription medicines. There is a chance they could trigger an attack.

Carry your medical information with you at all times.

If your child has HAE, note any changes in behavior that you see before an attack. As he gets older, he'll need to learn his triggers and treatment needs.

Make sure all caregivers and family members know about the condition and what to do if an attack happens.

Remember: Any swelling in the throat is an emergency. Take your medication for attacks, and go to the hospital right away.

Connect with others who are living with HAE. They can share their insights and tips to help you manage your symptoms.

Answered: What are the symptoms of hereditary angioedema (HAE)?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:43:08 +0000

The main symptom of hereditary angioedema (HAE) is swelling. You won’t have the itching or hives that people often get with allergic reactions. A bout may last 2 to 5 days.

It can happen in different parts of the body:

Swelling in the throat is the most dangerous symptom.

Puffiness in the feet and hands can be painful and make it hard to go about your daily life.

Mouth or throat
Hands
Feet
Face
Genitals
Intestine

Answered: What can swelling in your belly from hereditary angioedema (HAE) cause?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:40:08 +0000

Swelling in your intestine from hereditary angioedema (HAE) can cause:

Extreme pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Answered: Where can you get support for hereditary angioedema (HAE)?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:38:59 +0000

To learn more about hereditary angioedema (HAE) and to find the support of others who have it, visit the website of the U.S. Hereditary Angioedema Association.

Answered: What are common triggers of hereditary angioedema (HAE)?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:28:46 +0000

Common triggers of hereditary angioedema (HAE) include:

Stress or anxiety

Minor injury or surgery

Illnesses such as colds or flu

Physical activities such as typing, hammering, or pushing a lawn mower

Medications, including some used for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure

Answered: What are the signs of sun damage?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:24:20 +0000

Most of us start life with smooth, unmarked, even-toned skin. But our “birthday suits” take on more color and texture with every passing year.

Spots, blotches, and wrinkles that show up over time are really signs of the sun’s damage to your skin. So is a suntan. The sun’s beams bring out a chemical in your body associated with melanin, which darkens your skin, part of an effort to protect it.

Answered: How can I avoid fungal nail infection?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:22:14 +0000

Keep your hands and feet clean and dry.
Keep your nails trimmed short. Cut your toenails straight across.
Don’t walk barefoot in locker rooms or on pool decks.
Change your socks and shoes when your feet get sweaty.
Have more than one pair of sneakers so your sweaty pair can dry out before you wear them again.

Answered: What are age spots?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:19:59 +0000

Also called liver spots or lentigines, they might look like extra-large freckles. These discolored areas, which can be as big as a quarter, tend to get darker and show up more often with age. A spot that was tan when you first noticed it in your 30s can turn brown and then dark brown in your 40s and 50s. Keep an eye on these spots, and tell your doctor if you notice changes in texture, a raised surface, more than one color within the spot, sudden darkening, or an oddly shaped border.

Answered: What is sun aging?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:17:37 +0000

Also called Poikiloderma of Civatte, it's a condition that colors the skin on your neck and cheeks a reddish-brown. It can come with burning, itching, and extra sensitivity. If you think you may have it, have your doctor take a look.

Answered: Who is most likely to get fungal nail infection?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:07:51 +0000

Because the toes and feet are often exposed to damp, warm areas, where the infection is spread, fungal nail infections affect the toes more than the fingers. Your feet are also more likely to be exposed to fungal infections if you:

Spend time at swimming pools
Walk around a lot in locker rooms
Wear the same pair of damp, sweaty sneakers all the time
Injure your toenail

Answered: What are least rare types of ichthyosis?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:02:12 +0000

Some types of ichthyosis cause only dry and scaly skin. Others cause problems inside the body, too. Most forms of the disease are very rare. The two least rare types are:

Ichthyosis vulgaris. It affects about 1 out of every 250 people.
X-linked recessive ichthyosis. It affects about 1 out of 6,000 people, but only males.

Answered: What should I do in the first 24 hours after getting a tattoo?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:00:37 +0000

Follow these steps while your new tattoo heals:

Be sure the tattoo has a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage.
Remove the bandage after 24 hours, wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water, and pat dry.

Answered: What medicines can cause autoimmune blistering disorders?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:59:42 +0000

Medicines that can cause autoimmune blistering disorders include:

Usually, the blisters go away once you stop taking the medicine causing them.

Diuretics and other medicines for high blood pressure
Rheumatoid arthritis medications
Antipsychotic medicines
Antibiotics such as amoxicillin (Moxatag), ciprofloxacin (Cetraxal, Ciloxan, Cipro), and penicillin

Answered: Where do ichthyosis scales form?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:59:08 +0000

The scales from ichthyosis form on only some parts of the body, such as the:

The scales can be white, gray, or dark brown. They might have thick or thin cracks running through them.

Dryness and scaling get worse in cold, dry weather. They usually improve in warmer weather.

Trunk
Stomach
Buttocks
Legs
Face and scalp

Answered: What is lichen sclerosus?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:56:31 +0000

Lichen sclerosus is a rare skin condition that usually shows up on your genital or anal areas. But it can also affect your upper arms, torso, and breasts.

The condition mostly affects adult women after menopause. But other people can get it, too.

Although there’s no cure, there are treatments to manage your symptoms.

Answered: How can you manage heavy sweating by watching what you eat?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:55:24 +0000

Stay away from things that are likely to trigger sweating, like hot sauce, spicy foods, or monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Answered: What are effects of heavy sweating?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:53:20 +0000

When you’re out for a run, working out at the gym, or cutting the grass on a warm afternoon, you sweat. No big deal.

But if you sweat when you walk across an air-conditioned office or lie down at night, it can be a real hassle. The medical term for sweating too much is hyperhidrosis, and it can cause social, emotional, and physical issues. But you can make a few changes to help control it.

Answered: How can you get anaplasmosis from ticks?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:52:28 +0000

In the Northeast and Upper Midwest, you get anaplasmosis from the blacklegged tick. On the West Coast, it’s from the western blacklegged tick. It gives you the typical flulike symptom (chills, fever, headache, and muscle aches), and it’s treated with antibiotics.

Answered: How can you get Borrelia mayamotoi from ticks?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:51:24 +0000

You get Borrelia mayamotoi from blacklegged ticks in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. You may have joint pain along with flulike symptoms. It’s treated with antibiotics.

Answered: What problems can be caused by Lyme disease from ticks?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:48:29 +0000

If you don’t treat Lyme disease, it can lead to severe problems, such as:

Brain and nervous system problems
Joint pain that doesn’t go away
Heart issues
Problems with memory and thinking clearly

Answered: How can you get tick-borne relapsing fever from ticks?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:43:58 +0000

While other diseases come from hard-bodied ticks, tick-borne relapsing fever is from a soft-bodied type. People have gotten it from California to Ohio, usually after sleeping in more rustic cabins or homes. Without antibiotics, you’ll repeat a cycle of 3 days of fever, then 7 days without.

Answered: What can trigger the immune system to misfire in relation to autoimmune blistering disorders?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:42:26 +0000

Doctors don't know what causes the immune system to work the wrong way in people who have autoimmune blistering disorders. Some people have genes that make them more likely to get one of these disorders. Then, something actually triggers it, such as:

Ultraviolet light from the sun
Chemicals used to kill pests
Hormones
Infection

Answered: When do symptoms of inherited ichthyosis show up?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:41:10 +0000

In inherited ichthyosis, symptoms appear at birth or in the first few months of life.

Answered: What can help your tattoo color last?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:39:44 +0000

When you leave the tattoo shop, your ink will look like a million bucks. It will be bright and shiny. That’s not going to last. The tattoo will fade over time. Always put sunscreen on it, especially in the summer, to keep the colors bright -- SPF 45 or higher is best.

And moisturize it daily, especially if it’s on an area of your body, such as your hands, where it can fade quickly.

Answered: How is lichen sclerosus diagnosed?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:37:50 +0000

To diagnose lichen sclerosus, your doctor may do a physical exam and check on how your skin looks. He may order a biopsy, too. That means he will remove a small piece of your skin and send it to a lab to be viewed under a microscope. This will confirm or rule out the diagnosis.

Answered: What kind of skin care can help with rosacea?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:36:39 +0000

To help take care of your skin when you have rosacea, use very mild skin cleansers and high-quality, oil-free cosmetics and moisturizers to help prevent irritation. Also, use a sunscreen with broad spectrum coverage (SPF 30 for UVB protection and zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone for UVA protection) to help prevent symptoms triggered by sunlight.

Answered: What are kissing bugs' bite marks like?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:34:05 +0000

Most of the time, the bites don’t hurt. You may sleep right through them. The bugs might hit anywhere on the body, including the face, head, arms, and feet. Kissing bugs are so named because they like to bite around the mouth or eyes.

You’ll often see 2-15 bite marks in one area and maybe redness and swelling. It might be hard to tell them apart from other bug bites, minor skin irritations, or infections.

Answered: When should you call your doctor about heat rash?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:14:43 +0000

Call your doctor about heat rash if:

The rash is severe or painful, or doesn't go away on its own within a few days.
You have an infection in an area where you recently had heat rash.
You have a fever or any other signs of illness.
The rash is bright red or has streaks.
The rash starts after you have been taking an antibiotic or new medication.

Answered: How are oral drugs used for hyperhidrosis?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:14:00 +0000

Oral anticholinergic drugs such as glycopyrrolate (Robinul) are not commonly used for excessive sweating, because in order to work they often produce side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention. Oral medication is typically reserved for people who have tried first-line treatments without success.

Answered: Who is at greatest risk for pigmentation problems?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:13:02 +0000

Those with sensitive skin are at greatest risk for pigmentation problems. In fact, any skin care product ingredient that irritates or dries skin increases the risk.

Answered: How can infection cause blisters?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:11:59 +0000

Blisters are a common symptom of conditions like chickenpox, cold sores, shingles, and a skin infection called impetigo.

Answered: What is recovery like after treatment for Stevens-Johnson syndrome?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:10:57 +0000

You could be in the hospital from two to four weeks. It takes time to recover from Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and most people do. Severe cases can be fatal, though, especially during the three months after it started. The most common complications tend to be sepsis (an inflammatory reaction in your whole body), trouble breathing because fluid builds up in your lungs, or many organs that stop working. Your chances are better if you're young and otherwise healthy, but you're still at greater risk for up to a year. Sometimes, SJS has effects that will show up years after you heal, including:

Scars where your skin peeled
Dry eyes that hurt in bright light
Trouble seeing
Infections in your gums or mouth
Lung problems such as bronchitis, which causes a bad cough and trouble breathing

Answered: Can trimming your toenails help prevent toenail fungus?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:24:42 +0000

Yes. Clip them short and straight across. Make sure you don't cut them so they dig into the sides of your toe. Don't pick at your nails or the skin next to them.

Answered: How can using the right footwear help prevent toenail fungus?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:23:57 +0000

Fungus thrives when your feet are cooped up inside tight, hot shoes and socks. Make sure yours aren't too snug and that they give your feet room to breathe. Choose materials like leather for shoes. Look for socks made of a synthetic fiber that pulls moisture away from your feet better than cotton or wool. You’ll see this called wicking.

Answered: What are some symptoms of toenail fungus?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:23:25 +0000

It can make your nails look yellow, thick, and cracked. They might hurt when you try to wear shoes.

Toenail fungus can be hard to treat. And if you don't take care of it, there's a chance it can lead to a more serious infection.

Answered: Why should you wash up after using household cleaning products?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:22:32 +0000

Washing after you've just used a cleaning product sounds like a waste of time, but it can help protect your skin. Wash your hands or any other skin that's been exposed to the laundry detergent or cleaner with warm water and a gentle soap.

What are treatments for severe symptoms of Grover's disease?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:13:49 +0000

Answered: What effect can sun-sensitizing drugs have on the body?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:13:22 +0000

Sun-sensitizing drugs can worsen skin conditions like eczema and herpes, and they may inflame scar tissue. Sun exposure can also worsen or even speed up autoimmune disorders like lupus. Sunscreen can help lessen the impact of sun exposure. But some ingredients in sunscreens are potentially photosensitizing. So it could worsen symptoms, but that rarely happens.

Answered: What type of lice is a nymph?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:12:54 +0000

A nymph is a baby louse (singular for lice). It’s what hatches from the nit. It feeds on the blood on your scalp and keeps growing for 9 to 12 days. Nymphs (and adult lice) move quickly and avoid light.

Answered: How is herpes diagnosed?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:12:15 +0000

Often, your doctor can tell by the way it looks, and no testing is needed. If they are uncertain, herpes can be diagnosed with laboratory tests, including DNA tests and virus cultures.

Answered: What do I need to know about lice?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:11:38 +0000

When these tiny mites infect the scalp and skin, they trigger intense itching.

There are different types of lice. The type you have depends on the part of your body that’s affected:

Head lice affect the scalp.
Pubic lice (also called “crabs”) affect your genital area.
Body lice affect other areas of the body and are often found in seams of clothing.

How is excessive sweating treated?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:09:12 +0000

Answered: Can lasers remove tattoos?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:08:53 +0000

Lasers remove tattoos by breaking up the pigment colors with a high-intensity light beam. Black tattoo pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest color to treat. Other colors can only be treated by selected lasers based upon the pigment color.

Answered: What factors should you consider before getting a laser treatment to remove your tattoo?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:08:30 +0000

You should consider these factors:

Your tattoo removal site is at risk for infection and there's a slight chance you'll have a permanent scar.
It’s unlikely that your tattoo will be completely removed.
The skin that is treated may end up paler than the skin surrounding it. It's also possible the affected skin ends up darker than the rest of your skin.
Cosmetic tattoos like lip liner, eyeliner, and eyebrows may get darker after treatment. They do tend to fade with more sessions.

Answered: Do you need anesthesia for laser tattoo removal?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:07:28 +0000

Laser tattoo removal is uncomfortable, but most people don’t need anesthesia. Depending on the location of your tattoo, you may want to apply a topical anesthesia cream beforehand.

Answered: What problems can result from mouth ulcers?

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 09:06:48 +0000

Usually, mouth ulcers are harmless and go away on their own. Check with your doctor if they last more than 3 weeks, you keep getting them, or they get redder and more painful.