Genital Herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Most of the cases are caused due to Herpes Simplex Virus 2 or HSV 2. Although the condition can get quite severe in some cases, this virus can also stay dormant for long periods of time or come out with very mild symptoms that they could easily get mistaken for allergies and insect bites.
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There are mainly two strains of Herpes virus, HSV1, and HSV2. HSV1 affects the areas in and around the mouth and lips. Although HSV1 is the most prevalent cause of oral herpes, 20 % of the cases result from HSV2. These viruses are mainly transmitted during anal, oral and vaginal sex.
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Lymphoma is cancer occurring in the lymphatic system. The condition occurs when the white blood cells are affected by the lymphatic cells as a result of which the entire lymph nodes get replaced by follicular lymphoma. Since lymphoma is present in the very blood stream, it has higher chances of spreading to other parts of the body or metastasizing. Lymphoma has treatments. Although it can affect people of all ages, it is most common in children and young adults between the ages of 15 to 24 years old.
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Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, is a very common condition and is caused due to the swollen veins in the anus and the lower rectum area. It is estimated that every three out of four adults have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids do not cause constant discomfort to the affected person. However, when there is a change in the diet or lifestyle, they may cause severe itching and bleeding.
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Lichen planus is a chronic skin condition that appears as a rash. It occurs due to the inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes and is accompanied by small, flat topped, polygonal bumps. These bumps can grow in clusters and develop into rough, scaly plaques on the skin, thus causing serious skin conditions.
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Impetigo is caused due to a bacterial infection on the skin. It appears as red sores on the surface of the skin, they may get filled with fluid, break open and form crusting. These can develop on any part of the body. Impetigo most commonly affects children and is also known as school sores. However, in some cases, it is also likely for adults to develop the condition. The sores usually appear in and around the mouth. However, constant scratching may also spread the sore to other areas of the body. It is a contagious skin condition and often spreads through the sharing of sheets, towels, and clothing.
Impetigo is caused due to two types of bacteria – streptococcus and staphylococcus. These bacteria often enter the skin when there is a puncture in the skin barrier such as burns, cuts, insect bites, poison ivy or other skin conditions such as eczema that reduce the skin’s defense making it easier for the bacteria to get through. They are also likely to occur after cold or allergies that leave the skin weak. However, it is also equally likely to develop in people with healthy skin.
The most common symptoms of impetigo include
Impetigo is in no way a life threatening condition. Upon correct treatment, they can clear off in just days. However, there are also certain complications that can arise out of the condition. These include
Scarring can be intense, especially if the child is constantly picking at the sores. If the affected person contracts cellulitis, it could spread to the lymph nodes and the blood stream, which can become life threatening. In rare cases, impetigo also causes a condition known as post streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which can cause kidney failure.
Impetigo is not at all a threatening condition and clears away very easily on being treated. If the condition is still mild, regular cleansing of the sores, crust removal followed by the application of antibiotic ointments like mupirocin can effectively control and heal the condition in a very short span of time. Non-prescription antibiotics like Neosporin are usually not rendered effective. Oral antibiotic medications are taken only if the condition becomes severe and spreads to a wider area.
Since most of the staph germs have developed resistance to antibiotic over the years, not every antibiotic may be effective for everyone. The ones which have a higher chance of effectively treating the condition include penicillin derivatives such as amoxicillin – clavulanic acid and cephalosporins such as cephalexin. Examination of the bacteria taken from the affected area may help the doctors in giving more effective prescriptions.
