Tinea Pedis

 Tinea Pedis or athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects the foot and may affect anyone. It is most common in warmer climates and summer months, where it can quickly multiply. This is why the infection is commonly associated with sports and athletes. The reason is that it thrives and grows perfectly in warm, moist environments, such as socks and shoes, sports equipment, and locker rooms.

Symptoms

The infection may behave differently depending on the specific fungus that is infecting the skin. Also, the symptoms may vary slightly from person to person. The symptoms include redness or blisters on the affected area, the infected skin may be soft, or layers may start to break down, peeling or cracking skin (the skin may scale and peel away), itching, stinging, or burning sensations in the infected area.

Prevention

As a preventive measure, allow the feet plenty of air to breathe and keep them clean and dry. Always wear sandals in public places.

Treatment

The infection is often treated with topical anti fungal ointments. Severe infections can require additional oral medications as well. The feet will also need to be cared for and kept dry to help kill the fungus.

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical Pneumonia is a lower respiratory tract infection caused by some types of bacteria namely Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumonia, Legionella pneumophila and rarely Chlamydophila psittaci, which is contracted from infected birds.

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae usually infects people below 40yrs with mild pneumonia symptoms such as earaches, headaches, and a sore throat. Chlamydophila pneumoniae is common in school-aged children and young adults. Legionella pneumophila sometimes called Legionnaires' disease is more severe and most often infects older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems.

Mode of Spread

Atypical pneumonia is a contagious disease, spreading through close contact with an infected person. Coughs and sneezes that contain the infectious pathogens pass through the air from person to person. Also, the bacteria can survive on a person's hands and spread if they rub their eyes or touch their mouth. Legionnaires' disease usually occurs after breathing in droplets of infected water, rather than through close contact with infected people. Atypical pneumonia can infect anyone. However, people most vulnerable to the infection are people above 65yrs, those with impaired immune systems, smokers, children under the age of two, those with chronic respiratory condition, people that live or work in places prone to outbreaks of atypical pneumonia such as nursing homes, schools and college dorms, hospitals, military barracks and other public places.

Symptoms

The symptoms of atypical pneumonia may vary depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Usually symptoms of atypical pneumonia begins slowly. It takes longer to appear compared with other common infections such a common cold, flu viruses and typical pneumonia. An infected person may not notice symptoms until 1-4 weeks after exposure to the infection. Once symptoms emerge, they tend to get worse over the next 2-6 days.

Symptoms may include sore, dry, or itchy throat; chest pain when breathing deeply; Persistent cough that may come in fits during the day; flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chill, or cold sweat; persistent headache; aches and pains in the muscles and joints; weakness or fatigue. An infected person may also experience secondary conditions, such as rashes or ear infections, especially if they have a weakened immune system.

Treatment

Usually, the infection presents mild symptoms than typical pneumonia, and the infection may go away on its own. However, severe infections can require hospitalization. Anyone with symptoms of atypical pneumonia should consult a doctor.

Simple Home Remedies For Pimples

Pimples on the face can be really embarrassing and some people have spent fortune on expensive creams and medications to treat them without success. Here are some simple home remedies that can do wonders in treating those stubborn pimples on the face.

Honey

Honey, a natural antibiotic is one of the best home remedies for acne and scratchy pimples. If you want to speed up the healing process of pimples, honey is the best option. Apply it on the pimple and after half an hour, wash it off with warm water and then dab dry with a towel.

Fresh lemon juice

Fresh lemon juice can help make pimples dry up faster particularly for those that have got oily skin. Use a cotton swab and apply lemon juice not on the entire face but on top of the pimple before bed time and then, wash off gently in the morning.

Ice cubes

Wrap an ice cube in a cloth (to ensure that it doesn’t burn the skin) and hold it to the pimples. It will help improve blood circulation and remove dirt and oil in the skin.  Ice is a good remedy that yields fast results, especially for big bumps.

Toothpaste

Following the ice remedy apply some toothpaste straight on the pimple, leave it on for at least half an hour for effective result and then wash it off gently with clean water.

Yogurt and honey

Pimples on a very dry skin can make an awful sight. Mix yogurt with a bit of honey and make a little face mask of the mixture. In addition to the health benefits of honey, the yogurt will reduce the pain and leave your skin feeling soft.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil has wonderful antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-frugal properties and can do wonders for your skin. Use a cotton swab of coconut oil and dab the face. Leave for half an hour and then clean off. It will clean and hydrate the face deep within and will not throw off the skin’s natural balance.

Steam

If clogged pores are the problem, steam is the best option. Fill a bowl with hot water and hold it under the face for a few minutes at a time. Repeat for two or three times a day. This remedy will open up the clogged pores and help get rid of oils, dirt and bacteria deep within.