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http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/eczema/slideshow-eczema-overview
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I have gotten a number of letters that describe a mystifying skin condition where one feels that there are bugs crawling underneath the surface of one's skin, and it is driving the sufferers crazy.
There is a disease called Morgellons Disease where one of the symptoms is exactly that, the sensation of bugs crawling all over underneath the skin.
Other symptoms of this strange disease can include granules and/or threads coming out from the skin. No one knows exactly what causes this disease, but it has been around for hundreds of years.
Currently the CDC is looking into this disease and this posted site allows people who suffer from these symptoms to sign up for updates on it.
I don't know if this will give you the answers you're looking for, but it is a very valuable resource for those of you out there who are suffering from a condition that is little known, and has little to no known treatment.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are an excellent source of information. This is their link to their shingles page. It may give you information that you need to help you manage your shingles infection.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
Shingles is an illness caused by varicella zoster, the same virus that causes chicken pox. However, in the case of shingles, it takes hold in your nerve roots, resulting in a rash, typically on one side of the body or other.
Worse than the rash is the resulting nerve pain that is often associated with shingles. Because it is a nerve-based pain, it can be debilitating. The most severe cases can experience pain for six months or more, requiring more aggressive treatment than the initial anti-viral and pain medication prescriptions.
If you are experiencing pain for longer than two to three weeks, please return to your doctor. You may need additional treatment to deal with the pain. This can take the form of lidocaine patches, timed release pain medication, or even anti-depressants that will help you to deal with the pain until it finally disappears.
Some people are reluctant to start on the antidepressants, however, if you look at this as medication to treat a condition, you might change your mind. You will not necessarily have to remain on this medication. It is designed to help you through the horrific pain of the post-herpetic neuralgia that can affect any part of your body, including your eyes.
Do not delay seeking treatment if you suspect that you have shingles. Starting on medication within two days can really ease your symptoms and lessen the likelihood of developing the debilitating nerve pain.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
There have been many questions regarding gential herpes including;
- Am I still contagious?
- How do I prevent genital herpes?
- Do I have to tell my partner?
- How do I prevent spreading herpes to my partner?
- What can I do once I've been infected?
In order to maintain your health and that of your loved ones, you need to have up to date and accurate information.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
Many of you have questions about shingles and the shingles vaccine. Here is the CDC site where you can find answers to many of your questions you may have about getting this vaccine.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
Many of the questions posted on this site come from people who are suffering in silence because they have lost their medical insurance.
Most of the time, you do not have to go without medical care. Some conditions and diseases can ultimately take your life if you go without care. If you truly cannot afford to see a doctor, then seek one of these alternatives. There are choices you may have never known about.
Please visit this website to see how you might be able to get medical treatment without having insurance.
Here are a few other links as well:
How To Seek Medical Treatment Without Insurance
How to Find Free Healthcare Clinics in NY - This may give you ideas on where to look even if you don't live in NY city.
Where Can People with No Health Insurance Go?
Find a Health Center - This site will help you find a place to get medical care near where you live.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
I've recently had a number of questions regarding lipomas and the best way to remove them.
Generally speaking, lipomas are benign and cause no real problems. If you have any questions about a lipoma, it is always best to see your doctor and get a medical evaluation rather than taking matters into your own hands.
It is far more dangerous to try to remove a lipoma yourself than it is to have it removed in a medical environment. It is never a good idea to perform surgery on yourself.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
I get a number of questions regarding either hyperpigmentation of the skin where the color of your skin deepens in certain areas.
Similarly I get a number of questions regarding hypopigmentation, where areas of the skin become much lighter than the surrounding skin.
This link may answer some of your questions.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
Here is a WebMD slideshow handling the topic of MRSA. For those of you who are suffering from this condition, or know someone who has it, you may find this helpful.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
Here is a link to some information about MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) that you may find helpful.
MRSA is becoming more and more common and it is important to understand the nature of the illness and what it means so that you can treat it appropriately. While it can be dangerous, it is usually handled with alternative medications and preventing it from spreading.
Best,
Dr. Evans.View Thread
A very common skin condition complaint is the persistence of "acne-like" bumps on the back of the arms, on the thighs, buttocks, etc. Some people describe it as chicken skin.
This is not a disease, but rather a skin condition that is hereditary. People with this condition produce excessive deposits of keratin that accumulate in the pores of the skin.
Do not pick these lesions. You risk both infection and scarring.
One way to minimize the appearance of keratosis pilaris is to gently exfoliate every day and follow that with the application of a lotion or cream that has either urea or alpha-hydroxy in it as these can soften the hard buildup.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
Recently I've had a number of questions from my patients about fever blisters (also known as cold sores). Both problems are actually the same thing and are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once you become infected with this virus, it will be with you for life. This means that you are susceptible to periodic outbreaks throughout your life.
This resource will help to answer questions you have about what causes fever blisters/cold sores, how to avoid it if you don't have them, how to manage an outbreak and how to help prevent future outbreaks. I'm sure you will find this information helpful.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
Here is a link to Web MD's ringworm information that may help you to understand treatment for ringworm and what you can expect.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
Here is an excellent slide showing examples of some of the most common precancerous skin lesions. If you have any type of suspicious skin lesion, review this slide show. Any suspicious lesion needs to be evaluated by your dermatologist. The sooner such a lesion is seen and treated, the better the outcome.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
I have received a number of questions about ringworm. Read this article for information on how to treat the condition and when to make an appointment with your doctor.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
For those of you who need additional information about the treatment of ringworm, this can be a helpful resource.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
For those of you who are concerned about an impetigo infection, please go to this site to see what the common signs and symptoms are for this condition and how you should go about getting treatment for it.
It is an extremely contagious condition, so great care must be taken not to spread the infection to other parts of the body or to other people.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
One of the most common problems dermatologists see is atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema.
This is a chronic condition. Once you show signs/symptoms of it, you will likely have them on and off for the rest of your life. There seems to be a correlation between eczema and other allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma. Some theories suggest that eczema patients have a faulty immune system and their body is working against them.
Typically eczema is found on arms and behind the knees, but it can erupt just about anywhere on the body. Most patients experience flare-ups when it becomes really painful and difficult to manage, and then for no explicable reason it subsides.
When you are having a flare-up, it is suggested that you avoid using harsh soaps or other irritants that will further dry your skin. Some patients find some measure of relief with creams or ointments.
If you are having symptoms that distract you from your daily life or if the itching is preventing you from sleeping, it's time to make an appointment with your doctor to see what can be done for you.
Each patient is unique, and your doctor will take a complete medical history, and make treatment recommendations based on those findings. Many times the first treatment course does not provide adequate relief. Rather than going to a new doctor, go back to your original doctor. All the original findings are in your chart and you won't have to start from the beginning again.
There are a number of treatment choices available. Discuss your specific situation with your doctor and choose the one that seems the best for you.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
Our skin responds to over-exposure to the UV radiation of the sun by becoming injured and damaged.
The effects of sunlight on our skin is cumulative, which means that the damage accumulates year after year. We don't get to wipe the slate clean every time winter comes around.
This is why it is essential that you evaluate your understanding of the sun, what its UV radiation does to your skin, and whether you are taking a healthy approach or a dangerous approach.
From the time a child is born, skin must be protected. Learn to use sunscreen, wear hats and protective clothing, learn to seek shade, and try to avoid the hours of the day when the UV radiation is at its peak, usually from about 11 am to 5pm during the summer.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
I've gotten a number of messages from people who suffer from either a hyperpigmentation problem like melasma, and those who suffer from a hypopigementation problem such as vitiligo.
This article will help to explain some of the reasons your skin is behaving in this manner.
I will post a couple more resources for you.
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
Best,
Dr. EvansView Thread
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