Sweating is a normal bodily function but for some people it can affect their everyday life. Axillary Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating from your armpits.
Affects thousands of people and causing embarrassment.

 
Improve technology and research enables new antiperspirant and deodorants to be produce which treats the sweating and body odour.

Driclor, an aluminium base antiperspirant is one which guarantees and successfully treats excessive armpit sweating.
Rexona Clinical by Unilever is a recent addition to this market using their Trisolid technology but main active ingredients is still aluminium base.

In addition to these there are medical procedures which are available. See your doctor or specialist for further information.

Hypertension is the foremost cause of heart attacks, cardiovascular diseases and stoke in the United

States. Almost 73 million people in the United States are suffering from high blood pressure and the

count is likely to increase over time.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular

disease.

If you are having high blood pressure, it’ll certainly become obvious during routine checkup. You

can actually have hypertension (high blood pressure) for years and years without any sign or

symptom. The condition is such that symptoms do not manifest very easily. Uncontrolled hypertension

increases the risk of complicated health diseases and especially conditions pertaining to the heart,

such as stroke and heart attack.

Blood pressure is basically the force at which the blood pushes against the walls of the artery. Our

blood pressure is measured by the amount of blood pumped by the heart and the resistance in our

arteries to resist the flow of blood. The more the blood is pumped by the heart, the narrower our

arteries would be and the higher would be the blood pressure levels.

 Hypertension tends to develop over the years, and it primarily affects everyone at least once in

their lifetime. However, some of the cases of prolonged hypertension lead to critical complications

eventually. Fortunately, it is now easy to detect high blood pressure levels, and once it has been

identified that you are suffering from high blood pressure, you along with your doctor can work

towards improving the conditions and controlling the blood pressure levels.

Types of Hypertension

There are 2 major types of hypertension and there are 4 other types that are not found frequently.

The 2 major types of hypertension include:

1.Primary Hypertension or Essential Hypertension: This is the most common type of hypertension that

has no particular or underlying cause. Some risk factors and lifestyle habits are often considered

to be the associated cause of this type of hypertension and can as well increase the levels of blood

pressure.

2.Secondary Hypertension: This type of hypertension is usually caused by some reversible factors

such as kidney problems or impaired function, tumors, thyroid dysfunction, over activity of adrenal

gland, sleep apnea, pregnancy, recreational drugs, medications, foods and drinks; and can be cured

in some cases.

The 4 less frequent types of hypertension are:

Malignant Hypertension: It is the most severe type of hypertension, which is progressive in nature.

It can even lead to organ damage. Unless treated properly, it can be fatal within the next 5 years

for most of the patients. Kidney damage, heart failure and/or brain hemorrhage are the main causes

of death. Nevertheless, aggressive treatments can reverse the conditions for the better.

Isolated Systolic Hypertension: This type of hypertension shows a remarkable rise in the systolic

pressure levels; it is never less than 160. This is a common condition in the elderly and is caused

due to age-related stiffness of arteries. The arteries lose its elasticity due to artioslcerosis, a

disease and also the Western lifestyle contributes in many ways to the cause of is condition.

White Coat Hypertension: Also known as anxiety-induced hypertension; stress and anxiety are the main

cause of this type of hypertension. Some life-style modifications, exercise, less alcohol and salt

consumption and weight loss can help in curing this state. A high-fiber and low fat diet can also

help.

Resistant Hypertension: When the blood pressure levels do not go below 140/90, it is considered as a

condition of Resistant Hypertension.

Symptoms:

Hypertension does not have any specific signs or symptoms associated with it, even if the blood

pressure levels are very high.

Although people experiencing high-blood pressure at the early states might experience dizziness,

dull headaches, frequent nosebleeds and fatigue, but none of these can be the symptoms of

hypertension as these are general symptoms. However, these symptoms do not manifest in the early

stages of hypertensions; these occur only when the blood pressure levels have reached its advanced

stages, which is the life-threatening stage.

Tests

Blood pressure can be measured with a special instrument having an inflammable arm cuff and a gauge

for measuring pressure. The blood pressure reading is given in mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) and

has two numbers.

Blood pressure can be measures with two numbers – the first number is the systolic pressure and the

second number is known as the diastolic pressure. A healthy adult usually has a blood pressure level

of 120/80, which is normal. However, in some cases a person might have higher levels of blood

pressure, such as 130/90, which is normal for him/her. But if the pressure level rises to 200/120,

it is extremely high and demands medical assistance.

Modern blood pressure machines are now design for ease of use with automatic cuff inflation and

clinically proven accuracy. Omron are world wide leaders in the field of blood pressure machine

which now includes intellisence technology for fast and error free blood pressure reading with a

touch of the finger.

People having blood pressure levels higher than 120/80 are known always at the risk of developing

hypertension.

Both these numbers of blood pressure reading are very important. But after the age of 50, the

systolic reading becomes more significant. Cases of Isolated systolic hypertension are commonly

noticed in people aged 50 years and above, in which the diastolic pressure remains normal while the

systolic pressure is very high.

Furthermore, people suffering from hypertension might also be recommended some routine tests like

urinalysis, ECG and blood tests that help in measuring the electrical activity of the heart.

Treatment

There are many treatment options available for decreasing blood pressure levels and bringing it back

to the normal state. Some of the commonly used drugs are:

Beta Blockers: These drugs help in reducing the workload of the heart and in opening the blood

vessels, thus causing the heart to beat much slower and with lesser force, forexample Atenolol and

metoprolol.
Diuretics: Diuretics, also known as “water pills” help the kidneys to eliminate water and sodium,

thus reducing the volume of blood. Forexample Furosemide,bendrofluazide
ACE inhibitors: These medicines help in relaxing our blood vessels by actually blocking development

of the natural chemical which narrows the blood vessels. People having hypertension along with

coronary artery disease are specially treated with ACE inhibitors.Forexample Inhibace
Calcium channel blockers: These also have similar effects as ACE inhibitors and it helps in slowing

the heart rate. Forexample Cardizem
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor: Help to prevent fat deposits in the blood vessels. For example Lipitor.

Some other medications can be given when the conditions are more severe in nature. Drugs such as

alpha blockers, alpha-beta blockers, vasodilators and central-acting agents are usually recommended

for serious cases.

Prevention:

Always check your blood pressure levels.
Maintain a standard body weight. Lose weight if you are obese as obesity is a major cause of

hypertension.
Eat a high blood pressure diet that contains minimum salt and sugar.
Eat healthy foods and indulge in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. DASH diet that

emphasizes on vegetables, fruits, low fat dairy products and whole grains.  Have potassium in your

diet.
Exercise and be physically active.
Quit smoking.
Manage your stress levels.
Practice healthy relaxation techniques and slow deep breathing techniques.

If you are suffering from hypertension, do not forget to take your medicines on time. Visit your doctor regularly and check your blood pressure numbers to be healthy and hearty!
If you blood pressure is slightly elevated you can also try natural supplement such as Thompsons Hawthorn tablets.

Acne

Acne is one of the most distressing skin conditions which is notoriously persistent and can

eventually aggravate the skin condition and facial appearance. Also known as pimples,blackhead,

blemishes or zits, acne lesions do not heal easily. If one resolves, others would crop up to

worsen things further. This seems to be an ongoing combat and an ever-lasting cycle which is

frustrating and very tiring as well. In young people pimples can be a nightmare leading to shyness

and lack of social activity with peers. If not treated these acne can cause scarring when they

become adult which often shows up as very tiny dimples on the skin.
What is Acne?

Acne, known as Acne Vulgaris in medical terms, is one such skin condition that principally occurs

because of the overproduction of oil by the oil glands (sebaceous glands). The oil is produced by

the skin for its lubrication, but when produced in excessive amounts, the skin tends to get

trapped in the blocked oil ducts and this result in inflammation, swelling and eventually the

development of comedones or acne, pimples. Whiteheads and blackheads are simple terms used to

describe open and closed comedones in the skin surface.

When acne occurs in deeper skin lesions, it is known as cysts.

Hormones play an important role in the producing acne, which is a very common skin condition in

the teens. However, people of any age can get acne including young, adults and sometimes middle

aged people. Adult women often experience acne because of the hormonal changes occurring within

their system during pregnancy, during their menstrual cycles and / or with the use of

contraceptive pills.

However, the brighter side of the story is that acne can now be treated and eliminated completely

by some medicines and self-care methods like proper washing of the skin and the use of over-the-

counter acne creams and lotions. But if the acne is severe in nature, you need to see an expert

dermatologist to determine the further course of treatment. Once the acne is controlled, some

prevention strategies can be used for keeping the skin clear of any further breakouts.

Acne lesions do not depend on age, sex, color, race or ethnicity. More than 90% of the people

falling in the age group of 12-17 suffer from mild to moderate acne lesions. About 40% of the

teens experience severe acne problems as well.

Types of Acne

Acne is known to plague different people at different times. There are different types of acne as

well ranging from mild to moderate and sometimes severe.

All acne outbreaks as a basic lesion which is the comedo – an inflamed hair follicle plugged with

bacteria and oil. This comedo lurks below the skin surface and waits for the appropriate condition

to develop into an enlarged lesion, which is not visible to our naked eye. As our skin produces

more and more oil regularly, bacteria tends to flourish inside the inflamed follicle. The skin

surrounding the region becomes progressively more inflamed and the white blood cells start

fighting against these intruders.

Acne can either be non-inflammatory or inflammatory.

Non-inflammatory Acne:

Closed Comedo (whiteheads)- Whitehead are caused when the pores are completely blocked and the

sebum (oil), dead skin cells and bacteria are all trapped inside, thus causing white appearance on

the skin surface. This acne appears as small, white bumps.

Open Comedo (blackheads): Blackheads are caused when the pores are partially blocked, thus

allowing some trapped sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria to drain to the skin surface. The

blackish color however, is not due to dirt. It is rather caused due to the skin pigment melanin,

which reacts with oxygen present in the air. Blackheads are usually stable and are stubborn as

well; they cannot be treated easily.

Inflammatory Acne:

Papules: These are mild forms of inflammatory acne appearing on the skin as well, firm and pink

colored bumps. These are usually tender when touched and are usually considered as the

intermediary step between inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions.

Pustules: Similar to papules, pustules are also small and round lesions, but they are inflamed and

also contain pus which is visible to the naked eye. They are reddish at its base and are whitish

or yellowish at the center. Pustules are not loaded with bacteria; the inflammation caused is

generally due to chemical irritation from the sebum components like fatty free acids.

Nodules: Nodules are generally large and inflamed lesions occurring deep inside the dermis. These

are hard and painful lump beneath the skin, while papules develop at the skin surface; nodules

develop deep inside the skin. Nodules are severe forms of acne lesions.

Cysts: Very large and inflamed acne lesions are known as cysts. They usually feel very soft and

fluid-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin. Cysts are also very painful.

Symptoms

Acne or acne vulgaris appears prominently on one’s face, chest, neck, shoulders and back. It is

likely to last for months and years altogether.

The different types of acne are basically the symptoms of the condition. Mild acne develops in the

form of blackheads and whiteheads. Sometimes, these skin eruptions might develop into some sort of

an infection deep within the pore of the skin.

Severe acne is likely to produce many pimples that would cover a large area of the skin. Cystic

lesions might also appear which are very large and usually deep. But there is one form of skin

condition called Acne Rosacea which is quite different from acne.

Rosacea is not acne vulgaris, but it often raises confusion as the appearance of both the

conditions are almost the same.

Diagnosis

There are no such tests involved for diagnosing acne. However, the doctor might ask you about your

medical history and some physical examinations might also be required. Women are asked questions

pertaining to their menstrual cycle. No special tests are required.

Treatment

There are different treatments available for acne, such as:

A) Topical treatments: Topical options help in drying up the skin oil, thus killing the bacteria

and preventing acne. Generally, over-the-counter topical lotions containing benzoyl peroxide such

as Benzac, Panoxyl, Pro-Active. Benzoyl Peroxide are sold in strengths of 2.5%,5%,and 10%. General

sales only permits 2.5% benzoyl peroxide for such brand as pro-Active but pharmacies can sell

higher strengths. Other ingredients containing keratolytic properties such as Resorcinol, sulfur,

lactic acid and salicylic acid may also be used. These products are extremely helpful for treating

mild acne lesions.  However if these treatments fail, you can seek doctor’s help for stronger

prescribed ointments. Treatments like adapalene (Differin) and tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A,) are

good examples.
Crystacide cream which contains hydrogen peroxide is a recent introduction to the OTC market and

is great for those acne breakouts or those black heads that tends to become infected and ugly

looking.

B) Isotretinoin: These are used for deep cysts. Irotretinoin (Roaccutane or Isotane) is one of the

powerful medications available for treating acne and acne scarring. This particular medicine is

reserved for severe acne forms, but has certain side effects. Pregnant women must not take

Roaccutane as it has been associated with birth defects.  A 2 year break from Roaccutane is

recommended for women whom wish to conceive.

B) Antibiotics: Antibiotics such as doxycyline(Doxine) and minocyline (Mino-Tabs) are prescribed

for moderate to severe acne for reducing bacteria and fighting inflammation. Antibiotics are

usually recommended for months along with topical products.

C) Cosmetic procedures: Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are helpful in treating acne. These

procedures can treat acne scarring, fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage.

D) Vitamin A: High dose Vitamin A such as Thompsons Vitamin A 10000IU is a useful natural supplement for acne but again contraindicated in pregnacy and lactation.

Prevention

As your skin improves with ongoing treatment and medication, you need to take some preventive

measures to stop new outbreaks.

A) Wash your face two to three times a day with mild cleansers such as Cetaphil cleanser or even better Benzac

wash. This helps in removing excess oil from the skin along with the dead skin cells. However, too

much of washing might cause skin irritation.
B) Always use over-the-counter acne creams to keep the skin dry.
C) Do not use heavy makeup; even if you do, remove every bit of makeup once you are back home.
D) Always wear loose-fitting clothes to prevent acne occurring on the chest and back.
E) Shower twice daily to remove excess dirt and oil from the skin.

With proper medication and preventive measures, it is possible to control acne and prevent further

outbreaks.

Insomnia

Insomnia is not a disease or stand-alone diagnosis, but more of a symptom. Insomnia is defined as a condition that causes difficulty in initiating and maintaining sleep. Want to find out more, then follow the link below

Please click on this link to go to our reference guide on Insomnia