Steroids
Steroids are either anabolic or corticosteroids. Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that increase the levels of testosterone in the blood. Corticosteroids are drugs that are prescribed for inflammation. Anabolic steroids are largely taken by those who are seeking to increase muscle mass, especially athletes and bodybuilders. But these kind of steroids are not without side-effects. Prolonged use can lead to reproductive problems. Women athletes who take anabolic steroids over a long period of time also face problems such as voice deepening, acute acne, increased facial and body hair. Other effects of long-term steroid use are liver tumors, blood lipid abnormality, enlarged heart muscles and growth of breasts in men.
Eczema
Eczema is a form of dermatitis, a skin irritation characterized by red, flaky skin, sometimes with cracks or tiny blisters. It is extremely itchy and in some cases the affected areas of the skin can split and ooze clear fluid. The severity of eczema may vary from person to person.
Types of Eczema
Contact eczema is a localized reaction and manifests as redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen or irritant.
Allergic contact eczema is a type of eczema with red, itchy reaction where the skin has come into contact with a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign. This can be caused by poison ivy or certain preservatives in creams and lotions.
Seborrheic eczema refers to a form of skin inflammation of unknown cause that appears as yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and occasionally other parts of the body.
Nummular eczema refers to a type of coin-shaped patches of irritated skin-most commonly on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs-that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy.
Dyshidrotic eczema appears as irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn.
Eczema treatment
There are various options for treating eczema though it can be completely cured. Antihistamines and topical immuno-suppressants help clear the affected area. Oral antibiotics may be used for skin infections that arise at the site of an eczema flare-up.
Topical steroids: The type and potency of topical steroid creams is prescribed on the age of the patient and severity of the condition. A thin layer of such creams is applied to affected parts of the skin.
Emollients: They reduce water loss from the skin and reduce dryness. Creams, ointments, lotions and bath oils help in re hydrating dry and cracked areas.
Oral steroids: Oral steroids are generally reserved for eczema that is resistant to all other treatments because this class of drugs is much more likely to cause side effects.
Phototherapy: UV A and B light therapy controls cells in the skin and thereby reduces scaling and sloughing of skin. Polymyalgia
Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition of muscle pain and stiffness - often in the shoulders, neck, hips and upper arms. Sometimes it happens in the thighs as well. This condition begins with a gradual onset and often lasts for several years. The stiffness is worse for many hours with bouts of depression and sometimes patients report fever.
Cause of Polymyalgia: The cause is often obscure. It is thought to be associated with autoimmune disease with a reaction resulting in inflammation of the connective tissue. Joint linings and tendon coverings may well be affected. Polymyalgia almost always begins after the age of 50 and is common with women.
Treatment for Polymyalgia: Mostly the treatment option is symptomatic. Many people respond to non-steroidal anti inflammatory medicine like Aspirin and ibuprofen. Some cases might require steroids.
While on steroids, avoid contact with people infected with varicella, shingles (herpes zoaster) as the steroids will render you vulnerable to the virus infections. A protective injection of VZIG - varicella / zoaster immune globulin antibodies might help in some cases.
Bibliography / Reference
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