White spots on the lips can be a harmless or a symptom of a harmful illness. However, the lips are some of the most important parts cosmetically and are some of the most noticeable aspects of a person.

As such, persons with white spots on the lips tend to be self-conscious and the spots could lower their self-esteem, whether the spots are harmful or not ^[1].

The spots differ in appearance and morphology.

The differences serve as a basis for differentiating them and diagnosing the illnesses of which they are a symptom, if any.

Some are painful and others painless.

Image 1: An example of a white spot (Canker sores)
Picture Source: Wikipedia

Common Locations of the White Spots

• Areas around the lips
• Inside the lips
• Corners of the lips
• Vermilion border
• Upper lip
• Lower lip
• Some are not specific to the lips and may be found on other parts of the body ^[1]

Causes of White Spots on the Lips

Presence of White spots on lips can be due to:

• Illnesses
• Genetics
• Side effects of products used
• Low levels of personal hygiene ^[1]

Fordyce Spots

• Also referred to as Fordyce granules or sebaceous prominence
• Fordyce spots are small in size, their color ranges from white to yellowish, and are pimple-like.
• They are commonly found on the oral mucosa and the vermilion border – The sharp demarcation between the normal body skin and the red-colored region the lips ^[2]. They colonize both upper and lower lips.
• They are not specific to the lips and may be found on the inner surface of cheeks, tonsils, labia, penis, or scrotum. They appear on a sebaceous gland that lacks hair follicle ^[3].

Picture 2 : Fordyce spots
Image Source : fordycespotsforum.com

• Fordyce spots are not attributed to medical condition.
• They are painless and harmless.
• Should not be taken as a sign of sexually transmitted infection or cancer
• Affect both genders
• Tend to be larger with age

Treatment of Fordyce spots

• Electro desiccation
• Micro-punch technique
• Pulsed dye lasers
• Anti-sebum creams or ointments
• Chemical peels
• However, doctors discourage treating Fordyce spots

White spots due to Human Papilloma virus infection – HPV

• White spots on the lips could also be caused by HPV infection.
• Some of the strains of HPV are associated with various types of cancer e.g. vaginal, cervical, anal, mouth and oropharyngeal cancers.
• HPV can be transmitted via intimate skin-to-skin contact such as: anal, vaginal, or oral sex with an infected person ^[1].

Photo 3 : Lip warts caused by HPV
Image Source : www.clinicaladvisor.com

• Warts due to oral HPV occur on the lips or anywhere inside the oral cavity.
• The spots are white in color, dome or flat –shaped and may appear as small, spiked projections.
• Painless unless irritated

Treatment of Oral HPV

• There is no cure for HPV but sometimes it disappears spontaneously ^[4].
• HPV vaccines reduce the risk of getting genital and cervical cancers.
• The vaccines, however, have not been proved to work against oral cancer caused by oral HPV infections ^[1].

Milia

• These are tiny, hard, white bumps that keep disappearing and recurring ^[5]
• Mainly occur on the face
• Caused by trapped skin cells that were meant to be shed off ^[5]
• Common among babies because their oil gland is still developing ^[6]
• However, it may occur in teens and adults as well.
• Milia have also been attributed to sun damage, lip care products, and reaction to toothpaste.

Image 4 : Infant with milia
Picture Source : skinsight.com

Treatment of milia

• Exfoliation
• Retinol creams ^[5]
• Do not remove them forcefully since it may cause scarring ^[6]

Oral thrush

• Caused by fungal infection caused by Candida albicans ^[1]
• The spots are creamy and may appear on lips, oral cavity, tonsils or the gum
• May be patchy

Picture 5 : Oral candidiasis – White patchy lips
Photo Source : Wikipedia.com

• People using corticosteroids, antibiotics or birth control pills are more vulnerable
• Illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, HIV and anemia compromise immunity and also predispose the patient to the infections ^[7]
• Pregnancy and organ transplants are also risk factors
  Treatment
• Antifungal medications ^[7]
• Can be controlled by managing illnesses such as diabetes properly.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

• The spots are painful, white, itchy, and bumpy
• Appear as blisters on the lips
• HSV is contagious and is transmitted through skin contact ^[1]

Figure 6: Herpes blister on the lower lip
Picture Source: wikipedia

Treatment

• Oral and antiviral medication

White spots caused by oral cancer

• Initially, they appear as white, flat spots on the lip that begin to ulcerate in latter stages.
• The spots then grow, harden and don’t heal

Picture 7 : Lower lip cancerous white bump
Image Source: healcure.org

• Genetics, excessive drinking, smoking, and HPV infections are risk factors ^[8]

Treatment

• Surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy

Canker sores

• These are painful, burning ulcerative patches that are round in shape ^[9].
• Color ranges from white to gray to pale yellow with red edges

 
Photo 7 : Canker sores inside lower lip
Picture Source: healcure.org

Causes of Canker sores

• Allergic reactions to elements in food
• Suppressed immune system
• Tissue trauma
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Cohn’s and celiac diseases have also been associated with canker sores ^[1]

Treatment

• Usually heal with no medication ^[9].
• In chronic cases a doctor could prescribe antimicrobial mouth rinse, corticosteroid ointment, or OTC ^[1]

Vitiligo

• Vitiligo is a medical condition in which the melanocytes fail to produce melanin leading to white patches on the skin ^[10]
• Cause unknown but researchers have linked it with an autoimmune disease, heredity and cancer ^{[1, 9]}
• They are more of white patches rather than white spots

Image 8 : Vitiligo patches on lips
Photo Source: md-health.com

Treatment

• Steroid therapy
• Tattooing
• Skin grafting
• Skin graft
• Melanocyte transplant
• Psoralen photohemotherapy
• Depigmentation

White raised spot due to lip pimple

• A pimple on the lips can cause a white dot on the lip.

Picture 9 : White spot on lip due to pimple
Image Source: pimplestap.com

Treatment

• Varies depending on the cause of the acne

Fibroma

• These are malignant tumors of the connective tissue
• They form from lumps within the mouth
• Attributed to trauma from lip biting and teeth grinding
• Can be pink, or whitish in color

Image 10 : Fibroma white raised spot on inner lip
Photo Source: healcure.com

Treatment

• Surgical removal

Management of White Spots on lips

• Do not scratch the spots on the lips. It could cause an infection ^[5].
• Rinse the lip with warm and salty water. Swish it then spit
• See a doctor if the spots on the lips bleed, lead to swelling of the neck and jaw, make the tongue numb, or make swallowing difficulty ^{[1, 9]}.

References :

1. Heal Cure. White Spots on Lips Pictures, Small, on Lower, Upper, Inside, Lip Corner Causes Cancer, HPV & Cure [Internet]. 2015 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.healcure.org/lip/lip-bumps-spots/white-spots-on-lips-causes-pictures-small-on-lower-upper-inside-lip/
2. Lee J, Lee J, Kwon N, Yu D, Kim G, Park C et al. Clinicopathologic Manifestations of Patients with Fordyce’s Spots. Annals of Dermatology [Internet]. 2012 [cited 18 January 2016];24(1):103. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3283840/
3. 14. RA M. [Fordyce’s spots: disease, heterotopia or adenoma? Histological and ultrastructural study]. – PubMed – NCBI [Internet]. Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6943138
4. 15. Weiss A, Dym H. Oral lesions caused by human papillomavirus [Internet]. Clinical Advisor. 2011 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/cmece-features/oral-lesions-caused-by-human-papillomavirus/article/193918/
5. Kunin A. Milia [Internet]. DERMAdoctor Blog. 2012 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.dermadoctor.com/blog/milia/
6. Skinsight.com. Milia in an Infant or Baby: Condition, Treatment and Pictures – Overview | skinsight [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.skinsight.com/infant/milia.htm
7. Nhs.uk. Oral thrush in adults – NHS Choices [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Oral-thrush—adults/Pages/Introduction.aspx
8. Oralcancer.org. The Oral Cancer Foundation [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.oralcancer.org/
9. Md-health.com. White Spots on Lips | MD-Health.com [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.md-health.com/White-Spots-On-Lips.html
10. Mayoclinic.org. Vitiligo Causes – Mayo Clinic [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vitiligo/basics/causes/con-20032007

Infected pimples (also referred to as a boil or carbuncles) are pus filled pimples which are caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The area surrounding the hair follicles is filled with pus as a result of the bacterial infection. In its initial stages it can be irritation and mildly painful, but after sometime it can become more painful as the pus continues to accumulate ^{[1, 2]}.

Boils are distinctly different from normal pimples or acne. They are caused by a bacterial infection while pimples and acne are pus filled infections caused by accumulation of oil and dead skin cells. Unlike an infected pimple, they cannot spread from one person to another.

Figure 1: The hair follicles are filled with pus which causes a painful swelling

Causes

The infection which is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus can lead to boils for the following reasons.

• Poor hygiene
• Poor overall health and immune system.
• Cuts resulting from friction from clothing and shaving.
• Acquired from other infected people.

The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus is often present on the skin but remains harmless. The bacteria can enter the body from small cuts on the skin. These small cuts can be as a result of bruises, friction from the clothing, or cuts after shaving.

The infection is quite contagious. This means you can get if you are in contact with other people who happen to have an infected pimple. It is common for an infected person to pass it on to other family members. Doctors may use oral or topical antibiotics to prevent it from spreading to other areas of the body or to other people.

Some people are more susceptible to getting infected due to a weak immune system caused by poor health.  A poor immune system may be as a result of conditions such as obesity, anemia, diabetes or dermatitis. It could also be as a result of poor nutrition. Acne can also increase the risk of getting boils.

Poor hygiene is also a common factor that causes these infections. Excessive sweating facilitates the growth of the bacteria and poor hygiene allows it to grow rapidly ^{[2, 3]}.

Symptoms

An infected pimple is often painful red bump the size of a pea. The infected region may vary in size and it can become as big as a golf ball especially at the advanced stages before it raptures. Unlike an ordinary pimple it can appear anywhere including the face, buttocks, behind the neck and under the armpit.
Some of the symptoms include:

• Reddening of the skin around the infected region.
• A white or yellow spot at the center of the pimple.
• Oozing of pus from the infected pimple.
• Spreads to other areas of the body, or joins with other infected pimples.
• Pimples that grow and increases in size rapidly.

Figure 2: A white/ yellow spot may be visible at the center of the boil.

Severe symptoms may include:

• Unexplained fever.
• General sense of fatigue.
• Continues to persist after two weeks.
• Appears on the face or near the spine

If you experience the severe symptoms listed above, you should see a doctor. These symptoms, especially fever and fatigue, often demand that immediate medical intervention should be sought ^{[4, 5]}.

Treatment

The boil takes about two weeks. Within this period the boil drains and this is important if the boil is going to be completely healed.  The pus filled pimple is often referred to as a nodule ^[3]. The nodule is drained after it has completely matured. This way the growth and the bacteria can be removed completely when draining the pus from the infected pimple.

There are several things you can do at home to speed up the healing process and reduce infections.

• You must not cut or squeeze the boil. This can spread the infection to other parts of the body, or to other people.
• Using a cloth and warm water, gently press on the infected area to speed up the healing process.
• Compress the wound with regularly, preferably several times a day, until the infected pimple is healed.
• Avoid sharing or reusing clothes and towels. Clean clothes and towels using hot water and disinfectant.
• Clean your hands regularly especially after touching the boil.
• If you have antibacterial soaps or ointments from the doctor, always use them to clean the infected area.

You may need to visit a medical doctor in situations where the infected pimple recurs. The doctor can perform tests. He may take samples through a blood test to ascertain the strain of bacteria you have. ^[6]

A doctor will prescribe medication often in the form of antibiotics and antibiotic ointments. This is usually enough to treat even severe cases of boils. Sometimes the doctor may need to perform a surgical procedure. This is done when the doctor has determined the infection has spread to such an extent that it needs to be surgically opened to be completely drained.

Complications

On rare occasions, the Staphylococcus aureus can find its way into the bloodstream and cause further complications to other part of the body. As a result the body can become susceptible to skin infections (impetigo), pus may develop inside the brain (brain abscess), or infection of the joint (septic arthritis), amongst other conditions.

These secondary infections are quite rare, but in the event that they occur they will need a more serious medical intervention ^[8].

Another common complication is sepsis. Sepsis is where the body has a severe response to an infection. It is treated through an antibiotic and may require the infected person to be admitted to hospital ^[9].

Staphylococcus aureus is from a group of bacteria that often show resistance to antibiotics. This can cause the infection to recur and cause other complications. A doctor can examine the infection by using a culture, where he may try to isolate the particular strain and whether it is resistant to antibiotics ^[10].

Prevention

You can keep infected pimples at bay by doing the following things.

• Good nutrition and proper exercise to improve the body’s immune system.
• Clean and dress bruises and wounds.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness.

References:

1. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001474.htm
2. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-boils
3. http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/11040/1/Causes-and-Cures-of-Skin-Boils.html
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/boils-and-carbuncles/basics/symptoms/con-20024235
5. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/boils/Pages/Introduction.aspx
6. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/boils
7. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/staphylococcus/page5_em.htm
8. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Boils/Pages/Complications.aspx
9. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000666.htm
10. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/mrsa_infection/article_em.htm

An underarm rash is an eruption of the skin of the armpit affecting its appearance color or texture. It is also referred to as an armpit rash or an intertrigo. It can either be severe or mild and often goes away easily on its own without any treatment ^[1].

The underarm rash often occurs in people with overweight, those with diabetes, those who use medical devices or those restricted to bed rest.

Underarm Rash Pictures

Picture  1: Underarm rash
Image Source : en.wikipedia.org

  Picture  2: Underarm rash in baby, kids and children

Picture 3: Underarm heat rash

Picture  4 : Hidradenitis suppurativa

Picture  5: Underarm rash in baby, kids and children

Picture  6: Underarm rash in Yeast and fungus

Causes of Underarm Rash

• Allergic or contact dermatitis
  An allergic skin reaction is the common cause of an armpit rash. Some of the frequent reactions include deodorant, shave gel, soap, body spray, lotion or powder. Detergent residue remaining on clothing also can result in an allergic reaction ^[2,4,6].
• Heat rash
  Increased heat and sweat can cause an irritating heat rash. Friction and chaffing in hotter weather can also cause a heat rash. A heat rash is often pimply in appearance or may be bumpy like ^[3,5,7].
• Razor burn
  When shaving, the razor can irritate the skin and cause redness or raised bumps. Additionally, the razor can push the follicles in the wrong direction resulting in hairs that are ingrown.
• Occupation-induced rashes
  Various types of occupations including insulation installers may find tiny particles get embedded in moisture-prone areas such as the underarms.
• Eczema
  A skin inflicted with eczema may be extremely sensitive and cause breakouts of rash particularly in the armpit, behind the knees and joints. A rash caused by eczema may be itchy, red and raised, and may also ooze and crust ^[8,9,10].
• Parasites
  Parasites such as scabies, which thrive in warm and moist areas including armpits cause intense itching and irritating bumps. Such parasites may also cause welts in the areas that are affected.
• Fungal infection
  The most common infections of the underarm are candidacies and tinea corpus. The two infections are characterized by extreme itching and a red and inflamed spot.
• Lymphoma cancer
  Lymphoma can also cause an itchy rash in the armpit. It is also accompanied with lymphedema or swollen lymph nodes.
• Armpit ringworms or tinea axillaries
  Ringworms or tinea can cause a scaly, crusted rash that is characterized by a round shape and a red patch on the skin. A patient with armpit ringworm may also suffer from scaling, patchy hair loss and blister-like lesions.
• Armpit rash HIV
  The initial stages of HIV manifest with rashes that affect various parts of the body including the armpits. The rashes can occur within two months of the infection and are often characterized by raised rashes with small reddish spots in people with light skin and dark purple in people with dark skins ^[7].

Underarm rash can also be accompanied by an infection caused by

• Bacteria
• Yeast
• Impetigo
• Autoimmune disorder
• Lack of air circulation
• Friction between skin folds
• Exposure to an insect sting including tick bite
• Reactions from certain fabrics
• Allergies to food and medications
• Measles
• Chickenpox
• Dry skin
• Q fever
• Erythematic nodosum
• Turcot syndrome
• Noonan syndrome
• Shingles
• Pregnancy

Symptoms

Reportedly, symptoms of the underarm rash vary depending on the cause. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Red or whitish colored rash
• Bumpy or a pimple like appearances
• Odor
• Itching
• Circular rings
• Swelling
• Discharge or pus
• Warmth
• Burning or inflaming feeling
• Obscuring of the skin
• flakiness
• Tenderness
• Pain

Sometimes underarm rash may be accompanied by

• Armpit swelling
• Runny nose
• Sweating
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Chills
• Fever
• Cough or joint pain
• Stiffness

In the case where the above symptoms are severe, it is advisable to seek emergency help ^[8].

Risk factors of underarm rashes

You are more likely to develop severe underarm rashes if you:

• Are obese
• Have a splint, artificial limb or brace
• Have diabetes
• Are often exposed to high heat and humidity
• Incontinence
• Experience excessive sweating
• Have poor hygiene
• Suffer from malnutrition

How to avoid underarm rash

1. Underarm rash can be stopped by:
2. Wearing clothing that is not too tight in the armpit area to allow the skin to breathe
3. Make sure you are not allergic to any type of fabric such as wool
4. Wash your clothes using non-irritant detergent
5. Refrain from shaving to see if that is the cause of your irritation. You can try waxing or using hair removal agents
6. Stop using deodorants, powders or soaps that irritate your skin. You can use no-irritating chemicals including potassium alum, baking soda, lemon as well as rubbing alcohol.
7. Practice good hygiene to avoid armpit fungal infection.
8. Stay in air-conditioned rooms to keep your armpits dry
9. Regularly place a small piece of soft, thick white cloth under your armpits to keep your skin from sticking together.

How to Treat Underarm Rash : Remedies

Some of the recommended home remedies for relieving harsh symptoms related to underarm rash include:

• Icepacks – reduces itching
• E oil and Aloe Vera– soothes and reduces inflammation
• Vitamin C intake – reduces skin infection
• Lemon – helps kill bacteria and also acts as a natural deodorant
• Diluted tee tree oil – kills fungus and reduces itchiness
• Baking soda– dries your armpit
• A mixture of lavender and coconut oil– reduces irritation
• Crushed strawberries and heavy cream- reduces both irritation and visibility
• Neem Leaves paste – comprises of antiseptic and antibacterial properties

You can also take care of the rash at home by:

• Using gentle cleansers
• Using warm water to bath instead of hot water
• Patting the rash dry instead of rubbing
• Leaving your armpits to dry
• Refraining from using different types of cosmetics or lotions
• Avoid scratching in the influenced area to heal armpit rash
• Drink hydrating fluids including water and green tea to permit the body to optimally regulate its temperature
• Avoid energy drinks, coffee, and other diuretics ^[9]

Medical Treatments

Underarm rashes can medically be treated using underarm rash creams including antifungal and antibacterial creams such as fluconazole, griseofulvin, and nystatin. The creams are used in the case the rash is severe and is due to a parasite, a fungal infection, or condition such as eczema.

Rashes from fungal, parasites and eczema can be extremely difficult to treat fully using home remedies. It is also advisable to seek medical attention if you cannot determine the cause of the rash.
For overweight individuals, losing weight can also help in preventing underarm rashes ^[10].

References :

1. Healthy Grades. Underarm Rash [Internet].2016 [Cited 19 January 2016] Available from: http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/sym/underarm_rash.htm
2. ILovetoKnow. Underarm Rash [Internet].2016 [Cited 19 January 2016] Available from: http://skincare.lovetoknow.com/underarm-rash
3. Healthline. What’s Causing My Rash? [Internet].2016 [Cited 19 January 2016] Available from: [http://www.healthline.com/health/rashes
4. WebMD. Intertrigo [Internet].2016 [Cited 19 January 2016] Available from: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/intertrigo-symptoms-causes-treatment-risk_factors_
5. Wikipedia. Intertrigo [Internet].2016 [Cited 19 January 2016] Available from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intertrigo
6. LetHow. How To Heal Armpit Rash? [Internet].2016 [Cited 19 January 2016] Available from: http://lethow.com/health/heal-armpit-rash/
7. Health Cure. Underarm Rash Causes, Picture, Painful, Red & Itchy Rash Treatment [Internet].2016 [Cited 19 January 2016] Available from: http://www.healcure.org/armpit/underarm-rash/underarm-rash-causes-pictures-painful-red-itchy-rash-treatment/
8. Wikihow. How to Heal Armpit Rash [Internet].2016 [Cited 19 January 2016] Available from: http://www.wikihow.com/Heal-Armpit-Rash
9. Healthgrades. Underarm Rash [Internet].2016 [Cited 19 January 2016] Available from: http://www.healthgrades.com/symptoms/underarm-rash
10. Livestrong. How to Cure an Underarm Rash [Internet].2016 [Cited 19 January 2016] Available from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/19289-cure-underarm-rash/

What are swollen taste buds?

Bigger, enlarged or distended taste buds are known as swollen taste buds.  They are mostly characterized by enlarged fungiform, foliate papillae and circumvallate. The swollen taste buds can be on the back of the tongue, on the side on the tongue or on the tip of the tongue ^[1].

Symptoms of Taste Bud Swelling

When someone has swollen tastes buds, the papillae will most likely appear elongated, irritated and have a rough surface. Apart from being swollen, the patient might experience redness, sore throat, tongue surface color changes, loss of tasting function, white sores and pain. The symptoms will actually depend on the cause of the swollen taste buds ^[2,5].

What causes swollen taste buds?

Swollen taste buds are common, and they can be very irritating and painful.  Some of the causes include the following:

Spicy, acidic and salty foods

Taking food that is too salty, spicy or acidic can make your taste buds to swell. Most of these foods irritate the taste buds, which leads to the swelling. Sometimes, these foods can trigger an itchy tongue. When this happens, many people scratch and rub the tongue against their teeth, which worsens the situation and irritates the buds even more ^[3,6].

Picture 1 : Swollen taste buds
Image Source : www.healcure.org

Hot drinks and foods

Did you know that taking too hot food or drinks can be harmful to your taste buds?  Very hot food or drinks will cause inflammation to your taste buds and burn your mouth, causing a swollen tongue.

Trauma, rubbing, injuries and biting

Any type of tongue injury, tongue biting and oral surgery can trigger very painful and swollen taste buds. Tongue scrapping can also result to this problem.  It is advisable to avoid scrapping, biting or even rubbing the tongue against objects ^[2,4,7].

Allergic reactions

Allergies are very common, and some of them are responsible for taste buds swelling. When an individual notices a change in their taste buds after taking a certain food, medications or any dental care products, it is advisable to avoid them.  They could be behind the swollen taste buds.

Tobacco chewing and alcohol

People who indulge in tobacco chewing and alcohol consumption are prone to swollen taste buds on the tongue. Tobacco and alcohol irritate the buds and bring other infections in the mouth that might trigger the swelling ^[8,9,10].

Stress and depression

Experts have proven that individuals who have a lot of stress are prone to swollen taste buds. This is because stress affects the hormonal balance in the body and also weakens the immunity. When the body is weak and vulnerable, infections are common.

Acid reflux disease

Acid reflux dieses are very common, and most of the time, they irritate the tongue, taste buds and the mouth.

Mouth infections and conditions

There are several mouth infections such as oral cancer, mouth ulcers, candidiasis, canker sores and oral thrush that are known to cause swollen taste buds.

Swollen Taste Buds STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases that can affect the mouth and the taste buds are known as enlarged tastebuds STDs. Some of these dieses include:

1. Syphilis: this disease causes sores on the patient’s mouth and lips, and this causes swollen and very painful taste buds.
2. Type 1 (HSV-1) oral herpes. This disease is known for causing sores on different parts of the body.  The mouth and tongue are not spared, and this leads to swollen taste buds.
3. Oral gonorrhea causes soreness and itching to the throat, yellow and white exudates and swallowing difficulties.  This means that it can be responsible for swollen buds at the back of your tongue.

Deficiency in some nutrients

When the human body lacks important nutrients like vitamin B complex or folate, the possibility of someone getting painful and swollen taste buds increases.

How to get rid of swollen taste buds

Nobody likes getting swollen taste buds. They can be very irritating and painful, preventing you from doing your daily activities. It is possible to get rid of the swollen taste buds when they occur. Here are some remedies.

Antiseptic mouth washes

When a bacterial infection causes your taste buds to swell, it is advisable to use an anti-septic mouth wash. Apart from healing the painful buds, the mouth wash will be able to prevent future infections in the mouth. It is however, not healthy to swallow the mouth wash ^[2].

Treat underlying cause

There are several medical conditions that cause swollen taste buds. When you have received the right diagnosis from a qualified doctor, ensure that you follow the treatment given. This way, the swollen taste buds will get cured too.  The most common treatments you will get include antivirals, antifungals or antibiotics.

Sea salt water gargles

You can cure swollen taste buds by using warm water and sea salt.  Mix one teaspoon of sea salt and some warm water then gargle three times a day.  The solution is effective in reducing the inflammation and swelling ^[5].

 Use of ice

Ice is a good remedy for enlarged taste buds. The patient should chew or apply the ice on the mouth, and this brings down the swelling. However, when using ice to cure the buds, the patient should be keen not to overdo it. Keeping ice for too long in the mouth can affect the blood circulation ^[8].

Baking soda

Baking soda is known to be a very effective anti-inflammatory.  This means that when you apply it on the swollen taste buds, the problem will be solved.

Garlic + pepper+ ginger

It is very easy to cure swollen taste buds by eating foods that have healing properties and those that are helpful in fighting infections. If your food contains ginger, garlic and pepper, you will be cured in a short time. Your chances of getting infections will also decrease significantly.

Swashing honey

Honey is known for its healing and antibacterial properties. If you have enlarged and painful taste buds, swash honey in the mouth, and in no time, you will be healed.
How to prevent enlarged taste buds
Swollen taste buds can prevent you from doing your daily activities, so it is advisable to prevent them from occurring. Here are some tips to help prevent them ^[10]:

• Ensure that you avoid any drinks or foods that are too hot, spicy and salty.
• Avoid chewing or smoking tobacco.
• Ensure that you do not take any toxic materials such as poison, alcohol, insecticides or other irritating solutions.
• Maintain a good oral hygiene to avoid infections that trigger swollen taste buds.
• Avoid scrapping or rubbing the tongue with your teeth or other objects.

References :

1. WebMD. Tongue Problem Basics [Internet]. 2016 [cited 16 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/tongue-problem-basics-sore-or-discolored-tongue-and-tongue-bumps?page=2
2. Healthool.com. Inflamed Taste Bud – Pictures, Causes, Treatment, Remedies [Internet]. 2016 [cited 16 January 2016]. Available from: http://healthool.com/inflamed-taste-bud/
3. Med-health.net. Inflamed Taste Bud | Med-Health.net [Internet]. 2016 [cited 16 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.med-health.net/Inflamed-Taste-Bud.html
4. Treat, Cure Fast. Swollen Taste Buds Causes on Tongue, Back, Side, Tip of Tongue, STD, Get Rid of Swollen Enlarged Taste Buds [Internet]. 2015 [cited 16 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.treatcurefast.com/tongue/swollen-taste-buds/swollen-taste-buds-and-how-to-get-rid-of-swollen-taste-buds-on-tongue-tip-back-sides/
5. Emedicalhub.com. Inflamed (Enlarged) Taste Buds – Pictures and Treatment [Internet]. 2016 [cited 16 January 2016]. Available from: http://emedicalhub.com/inflamed-taste-buds/
6. Komaroff A. The Harvard Medical School family health guide. New York: Simon & Schuster; 1999.
7. Lockie A. The family guide to homeopathy. New York: Prentice Hall Press; 1991.
8. Parsa Stay F. Secret gateway to health. Garden City, NY: Morgan James Pub.; 2008.
9. Zocdoc.com. What are inflamed taste buds? | ZocDoc Answers [Internet]. 2016 [cited 16 January 2016]. Available from: https://www.zocdoc.com/answers/3894/what-are-inflamed-taste-buds
10. Healthline. Tongue Problems [Internet]. 2016 [cited 16 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.healthline.com/health/tongue-problems-2

What is Hernia?

Sometimes our bodies especially muscles do have weak spots. These weak spots can be caused by increased pressures when the body is still unable to handle the weight such as lifting very heavy objects.

They can also be caused by persistent coughing and sneezing, smoking and child birth which weaken the muscles.

When the muscles are weak, it provides opportunities for other body organs or fatty tissues to pass through. The result is what is called hernia. Hernia mostly occurs in the lower abdomen. They are not necessarily fatal but they cannot disappear by themselves. Surgery has to be done. ^{[1, 2]}

Picture 1 : Hernia at the lower part of the abdomen.
Image Source: www.sciencephoto.com

What is Spigelian Hernia?

This type of hernia was named after a Belgian anatomist Adriaan van den Spieghel who described the semilunar line. Spigelian Hernia was later described by Klinkosch in 1764. It is found in the abdomen muscles along the semilunar line. It is very small and therefore not easy to detect. ^{[3, 4]}

Anatomy of Spigelian Hernia

Spigelian hernia is through spigelian fascia which is between the abdominal muscles but along the semilunar line. Semilunar takes the shape of a curve on either side of the abdomen.

Diagram : Location and Anatomy of Spigelian Hernia

 Figure 2 : Shows the position of Spigelian Hernia
Image Source: ehealthwall.com

Semilunar line is the curved line on either side of the abdomen. The Spigelian Hernia belt shows the possible areas in which the hernia can be formed. Number 3 is the arcuate line just above the Monro line.

Hernia is formed when it penetrates between Spigelian Fascia and internal abdominal muscles. The hernia pouch positions itself between two abdominal muscles. The position and size (< 2cm in diameter) makes it unnoticeable because it does not protrude below the subcutaneous fat and therefore very easy to cause suffocation.

Signs and Symptoms

• If the patient has a deep lump along the semilunar line.
• It is also detectable if the lump is noticeable when the patient sits upright and disappears when lying down. Other times it is not noticeable, only the abdominal pain is felt.
• Indigestion due to bowel obstruction. Bowel obstruction is caused by hindrance in the intestines making digestion difficult.
• Recurring pain in the lower abdomen. Intensity of pain varies depending on the size of the hernia.
• Nausea and vomiting ^{[5, 6]}

Causes of Spigelian Hernia

The following are possible causes of Spigelian Hernia.

• Trauma or injury
• Post-surgery infection
• Pregnancy (heavy labour) or child birth
• Retention of urine for longer hours without release
• Heredity
• Severe vomiting and sneezing
• Obesity ^{[3, 5]}

Spigelian Hernia Diagnosis

• A Computed Tonography can be used for diagnosis. This equipment is able to show numerous angles with diverse dimensions.
• Ultra sound is also an efficient way for diagnosis since it uses high frequency waves to produce images.
• Magnetic Resource Imaging is effective in giving clear contrast between body tissues making it easier for a defect to be noticed easily. ^{[6, 8]}
• The patient is first assessed to determine whether they are ready to undertake surgery. Several tests are performed such as cardiogram, blood tests and x-ray.
• The doctor then sets the date of operation unless medical reasons that would require the patient to be admitted prior to surgery.^[10]

Spigelian Hernia Treatment

Treatment for Spigelian Hernia is not definite because of the possibility of strangulation. This has therefore made surgery to be the most effective method of treatment since this defect has minimal chances of recurring. ^{[6, 8]}

Repair

• Anesthetics will be used to numb the patient.
• Incision is done just close to the hernia to provide enough space for its extraction. ^[10]
• A surgical procedure is undertaken such that hernia is removed or repaired in order to strengthen the tissues to avoid the possibility of another hernia. Strengthening of the tissues is done by using a surgical mesh. A surgical mesh is an interwoven cloth that is mostly used to treat wounds and strengthen tissues especially after an accident. This type of surgery is known as the laparoscopic surgery. Chances of infection with kind of surgery are minimal. ^{[3, 9]}

Picture 3: Shows the repair of tissues done by using a surgical mesh.

Image Sources:i.ytimg.com

Recovery Time

• After the surgery is undertaken, the patient is introduced to fluids and light diets. The patient should be cautious not to take foods that cause constipation.
• Abdominal pains are predictable after operation.
• The wound will be treated and wrapped for approximately 5 days which after that the patient can resume bathing.
• The patient is advised not perform tedious jobs for at least two weeks.^[10]
• The patient does not take a long time to recover. Recovery span is estimated to be around two weeks. The doctor then conducts a post-surgery follow up on the patient to rule out any other future complications. ^{[3, 9]}

Conclusion

Spigelian hernia is not a grave disease if diagnosed early and treated because it does not take a long time for the patient to fully recover. Even though, no specific treatment procedure has been determined, surgery has proved to be beneficial to curb it.

References

1. National Library of Medicine.
2. http:// www.web.md.com
3. Radiographics. 1995;15 (2): 315-32. Radiographics (citation) – Pubmed citation
4. Minim Access Surg. 2008;4 (4): 95-98. J Minim Access Surg (link) – Free text at pubmed – Pubmed citation
5. Report of case and technique. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1992;167:77–8. [PubMed]
6. Laparoendoscopy Adv Surg Tech. 2000;10:79–84. [PubMed]
7. http://www.youtube.com
8. J Laparoscopy Adv Surg Tech. 1997;7:385. [PubMed]
9. http://healthool.com/spigelian-hernia/
10. https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/49259352/epigastric-hernia-repair

What is Cauliflower Ear?

This refers to the deformity of the ear, which is caused by blunt trauma or any other injuries like boxing or wrestling. If left untreated, the injuries can lead to blockage, which prevents the blood flow and damages tissues. This results in a swollen-appearance of the affected area. ^{[1, 2, 3]}

Picture 1 : The lumpy appearance of cauliflower ear.
Image Source : Photobucket.com

How Do You Get a Cauliflower Ear?

If you enjoy close contact sports, which includes boxing, martial arts, rugby, or wrestling, you are likely to get cauliflower ear. But how do you get cauliflower ear from wrestling? Trauma can result from your opponents through hitting one another or heads rubbing during matches.

Non-athletes are also affected. Cauliflower ear can result from unexpected accidents, or from other physical altercations.

What causes Cauliflower ear

Sports injuries, trauma to the ear, the small collection of blood on the affected areas or blood clot that blocks blood flow and nutrients are the major causes of cauliflower ear.

Hits to the ear – Your ears are vulnerable to trauma. When the ear is struck, a blood clot develops just under the skin. Your skin will therefore be sheared from the cartilage after a period of time. The skin’s connection to the cartilage is affected, and this is what basically causes cauliflower ear. ^[4]

The skin being pulled away from the cartilage – The main blood supply of the ear cartilage comes from the overlaying skin. When the overlaying skin is separated from the cartilage, the cartilage will be deprived of the important nutrients. The cartilage will die and this results in an increase in the cauliflower ear infection risks.

Cauliflower ear deformity is caused by the untreated infection. The cartilage will contract on itself resulting in unique outer ear. The cartilage may die when the flow of blood is blocked. This is due to the lack of supportive tissue fold on itself. The scar tissues may form on the ear, contributing to a deformed and swollen looks.

Once the cartilage dies and scarring occurs, the deformity is permanent. At this stage, your ear may appear pale as a result of blood supply loss. The cosmetic procedures can be used to improve the ear appearance.

Cauliflower Ear Symptoms

The cauliflower ear symptoms may become more permanent and prominent if it is left untreated. The prompt treatment is effective in preventing cauliflower development.

The initial symptoms from the injuries, which results into cauliflower ear, are actually similar to the symptoms that one may experience from the blunt trauma that can affect any other part of the body.

This includes;

• Swellings
• Bruising
• Pain

You should never assume these symptoms after you have received multiple blows on your ear. ^[5]
The severe symptoms of cauliflower are as follow;

• A headache
• Blurred vision
• Facial swelling
• Severe bleeding

The curvature of your ear can also deform. If the ear damage from the trauma is considered to be severe, one should see a doctor for immediate treatment.

Once deformity of the cartilage and scarring occurs, symptoms may not be available.

How to get rid of Cauliflower ear : Treatment

Early cauliflower ear treatment can help in preventing permanent deformity. Cauliflower ear infection is preventable even after it has occurred.

The main treatment goal is to ease the cauliflower ear blockage such that blood can flow through the affected tissues with ease, preventing the permanent damage which may affect the cartilage.

The blockage is eased through small incisions and cauliflower ear draining of the accumulated blood and removal of the clot to prevent further bleeding. All these processes are performed by a qualified doctor.

Any infection is treated as soon as it occurs. As the ear inflammation reduces the connection between the skins and the underlying cartilage is re-establish.

The doctor may decide to reconnect the tissues by using stitches and then apply special bandages to put pressure on the affected area. The pressure dressing may stay in place for a few days to almost one week.

The affected areas will be monitored for any signs of infections. Close monitoring will enable the doctor to determine if additional treatment is needed. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections.

In some cases, a patient can be referred to the nose, ear or throat doctor/plastic surgeon to treat the deformity (by surgery) and assure them of proper healing. ^{[6, 7]}

Cauliflower Ear Prevention

If you enjoy boxing, wrestling, rugby, martial arts, and any other close contact sports, then you should ensure that you wear the recommended head gear when engaging in these activities, in order to avoid the risks such as cauliflower ear explodes. ^{[8, 9, 10]}

You should be able to get a proper fitting head gear. Helmets that are too loose tend to disturb by slipping out of place, leaving your ears and other parts of your head vulnerable to injuries. Too tight ones may also cause damage to your ears, due to the fact that you will rub it against your ears while putting it on and off.

You should never forget the protective gears during training. Most of us assume that practices and training are safe. Even top rugby players get injuries during training, so take care of your ears and head all the time.

If you are planning to pierce your ear, talk to your doctor first in order to receive his/her advice on cauliflower ear piercing.

As mentioned above, cauliflower ear can be prevented even after it has occurred. You should be aware of the risks and contact a doctor to evaluate any trauma to the ears. Prompt treatment prevents the unsightly, permanent and cosmetic effects of cauliflower ear.

Cauliflower Ear from Piercing

You can be affected by cauliflower ear from piercing the upper area of your ears through the cartilage if the piercing becomes infected. The piercing may lead to a type of cartilage ear infection known as auricular perichondritis, which can also result in cauliflower ear.

References:

1. Cauliflower Ear Kim Eagle, Rubia Khalak, Jay K. Roberts New England Journal of Medicine 1996
2. Auricular Hematoma and Cauliflower Deformation of the Ear Albert Mudry, Wolfgang Pirsig Otology & Neurotology 2009
3. Larsen, L. (2012). Sports injuries sourcebook: Basic consumer health information about sprains, fractures, tendon injuries, overuse injuries, and injuries to the head, spine, shoulders, arms, hands, trunk, legs, knees, and feet, and facts about sports- specific injuries, injury prevention, protective equipment, children and sports, and the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports injuries. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics.
4. Donachie, D. (2012). A sea of troubles. London: Allison & Busby.
5. The Protruding Cauliflower Ear, GEORGE HARRISON, R NEAL SCHNEIDERMAN, Southern Medical Journal 1962
6. Surgical correction of the cauliflower ear M.K Rollert Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 1999
7. Management of Auricular Hematoma and the Cauliflower Ear Jewel Greywoode, Edmund Pribitkin, Howard Krein Facial Plastic Surgery 2010
8. Eaves, T. (2010). The practical guide to athletic training. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
9. Judd, S. J. (2007). Sports injuries sourcebook: Basic consumer health information about sprains and strains, fractures, growth plate injuries, overtraining injuries, and injuries to the head, face, shoulders, elbows, hands, spinal column, knees, ankles, and feet. Detroit, MI: Omnigraphics.
10. Ammer, C. (1993). Southpaws & Sunday Punches and Other Sporting Expressions. Cork: BookBaby.

Definition

Capillaritis is a very common and harmless skin disease that causes red or brown patches on the skin. The condition is also known as pigmented purpura. Although it is not harmful; the condition can cause an individual a lot of embarrassment and insecurity.

The condition changes the way a person looks.

Capillaritis affect the legs most of the time, but they can appear on the upper body too.  Anyone can get this skin disorder, but it is mostly common in individuals who spend long hours standing. It can get anyone regardless of their gender, age or race. The condition is rare in young kids and popular among adults.

Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that are close to the skin. Sometimes, these blood vessels get inflamed for  reasons that are still unknown. When this happens, blood cells escape through the small gaps that arise between the cells, resulting in the red patches. There are different types of capillaritis.^[1,2,3]

Picture 1: Capillaritis on the lower leg
Image source: healthool.com

Capillaritis Symptoms

Because there are several types of this skin disorder, the symptoms are different too. The most common symptom is the color of the lesion. Here are some of the symptoms:

• People who have dark skin have deeply pigmented lesions that look like pepper petechiae and sometimes red-brown in color.
• For people with a light complexion, the lesion will be cayenne pepper colored.

Petechiae are actually pin point like hemorrhages. An individual will experience color variations in the affected area depending on the stage of the hemosiderin.  Some people with the condition complain of having some burning, itching, and inflammation.There is a group that doesn’t get any symptoms apart from the lesions that are non-blanching. ^[1,5,6]

 
Picture 2 : Capillaritis can appear on the upper part of the body too.
Image Source : healthool.com

Capillaritis Clinical Features

There are different types of capillaritis. Most of them are given the name of the person who made the discovery.

• Schamberg disease: this is also known as progressive pigmented purpura. This type of capillaritis is the one of the most common capillaritis.  The patient will identify red-brown patches that have cayenne pepper spots especially on the borders without any cause. This condition is common in the legs and upper parts in the body. Most of the time, it is distributed on the both sides, and the patient doesn’t experience any other signs
• Itching purpura: This type of capillaritis is same as the Schamberg disease; however, it causes itchiness on the affected areas
• Gougerot-Blum: this type is also known as pigmented purpuric lichenoid dermatosis. Although this type of capillaritis is rare, people who have it experience patches that are thick and itchy.
• Majocchi’s purpura, known as purpura annular is telangiectodes too is a type of capillaritis where a patient gets dilated capillaries, brown patches, and some cayenne spots.  With time, the spots spread to other places.
• Contact allergy: this type of skin allergy is as a result of khaki clothing dye and sometimes rubber.  The place that comes close to the material gets affected.
• Lichen aureus: this is actually a solitary yellow-brown patch, and it has been proven to be very persistent.
• Exercise-induced capillaritis: some people develop this condition after prolonged and vigorous exercise. The red spots will most likely form at individual’s ankles, and it is common during the warm weather.  After forming, the spots change color to brown, and in a short duration, they disappear entirely. Patients with this condition complain of some burning sensation.^[4,5,7]

Causes of Capillaritis

Research shows that capillaritis are caused by leakage of the small blood vessels known as capillaries, but in some cases, the exact cause is not known.  Here are some of the most common causes of this skin condition:

• Some people are sensitive to particular food and even environment contaminants. After eating these foods or getting into contact with the contaminants, these people get the patches.
• Some viral infections can result to capillaritis.
• Using medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen or Tylenol can trigger the condition.
• Skin hypersensitivity can trigger the condition too.
• Excess physical exercise is a common cause of this condition. The patient will most likely get the patches on the legs and ankles after the exercise.^[1,8]

Treatment

At the moment, there is no known cure for this condition. Most people do not actually treat capillaritis. This is because the patches disappear on their own. However, these spots can be annoying and cause a lot of embarrassment to the person affected.  Here are some tips to help get rid of them:

• A healthy diet is vital if someone wants to maintain beautiful skin.  People with capillaritis can get rid of the patches by eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. The patients should try to avoid foods with a lot of preservatives and artificial food coloring agents. These agents have been proven to worsen the condition.
• There are some topical steroid creams on the market to help get rid of the itchiness. However, before buying yourself one, it is vital to consult your dermatologist. A bad cream can worsen the situation. These creams will help manage the itchiness but will not cure the condition.
• Some symptoms of the disease can be effectively controlled by over the counter medication.  If the condition is causing itchiness, the patient can buy an ointment over the counter to manage it.
• Capillaritis usually affect the legs so the patient can wear some compression stocking.  This way, they will be able to manage some of the symptoms they are experiencing.
• If the cause of the capillaritis is allergies or food sensitivities, the patient is supposed to eliminate the diet at all costs.
• When you notice that the prescription medicine you are using is causing the breakout, it is advisable to stop it before it causes more damage to the skin.
• Laser treatment is also available, but many people say that it doesn’t help this condition a lot. ^[1,9]

References:

1. Dermnetnz.org. Capillaritis (pigmented purpura). DermNet NZ [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.dermnetnz.org/vascular/capillaritis.html
2. Pcds.org.uk. Pigmented purpuric dermatoses (syn. capillaritis) [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidance/capillaritis
3. Skinsight.com. Capillaritis in Adults: Condition, Treatment and Pictures – Overview | skinsight [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.skinsight.com/adult/capillaritis.htm
4. Healthool.com. Capillaritis – Pictures, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://healthool.com/capillaritis
5. [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.sydneyskinandvein.com
6. Diet-and-health.net. Capillary Fragility Purpura – Capillary Fragility Purpura – Capillaritis – Diet and Health.net [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.diet-and-health.net/Diseases/CapillaryFragility.html
7. Centralfloridaderm.com. Cosmetic Dermatology | BOTOX | Laser Hair Removal | Orlando | Kissimmee [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://www.centralfloridaderm.com
8. Emedicine.medscape.com. Diseases & Conditions – Medscape Reference [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://emedicine.medscape.com
9. Patient. Symptom Checker, Health Information and Medicines Guide | Patient [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: http://patient.info
10. Onlinedermclinic.com. Online Dermatologist Consult & Skin Problem Diagnosis-OnlineDermClinic.com [Internet]. 2016 [cited 18 January 2016]. Available from: https://www.onlinedermclinic.com