Category Archives: Diseases/Infections

Acne as symptom of a long-term skin disease

Leave a reply

I’ve seen people with acne but not as bad as the image below. The skin condition is called Rosacea. It is a long-term disease that affects the face and sometimes the eye area. It is characterized by redness and pimples. Women and fair skinned individuals are likely to develop it.

A known entertainment writer and columnist had untreated Rosacea before she suffered from full-blown rhinophyma that caused her nose to grow big. But I read from an online publication that she already underwent an operation.

Until now health experts are not sure what causes Rosacea. But a person is predisposed to the skin condition if a relative has it. Rosacea is not life-threatening and can be cured with medicine including rosacea natural treatment and surgery.

Aside from acne, other symptoms are flushing or frequent redness of the face; small, red lines under the skin; swollen nose; thick skin in the forehead, chin and cheeks; red, dry, itchy eyes and sometimes blurry vision.

Info taken from National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Typhoid Fever Alert

Leave a reply

The rise of typhoid cases in Tuburan, Cebu is definitely a cause for alarm. Everyone should really be wary of the food and water we take especially if we are not sure of their source and how they are prepared.

Even at home, moms should exercise extreme care when preparing and cooking food for the family. Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella Typhi Bacteria. It spreads by ingesting contaminated food and water. The bacteria lurk in human waste and pass on to unsuspecting victims through improper handling of food and water sources. The key to stop its spread is cleanliness. And remember the golden rule to always wash your hands after using the bathroom. And wash your hands before and after your prepare and cook food.

You can also use hand sanitizers in the absence of water. Simple cleaning tips like wiping of surfaces and door knobs at home can prevent the accumulation of dirt and bacteria that pose serious health threat to both children and adults.

Observe the following signs and symptoms, if you suspect that you or one of your family members is affected by typhoid fever.

Sustained high fever
headache
malaise (weakness)
anorexia (loss of appetite)
diarrhea or constipation and abdominal discomfort

Prevention and Control:

Boil water for drinking. (Upon reaching boiling point, extend boiling for two or more minutes) or
Do water chlorination
Cook food well and always use food cover to prevent flies and other insects from contaminating them.
Wash thoroughly all vegetables and fruits especially those that are eaten raw.
Avoid eating street vended foods.
Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating.
Keep surrounding cleam to prevent breeding of flies.

Source: DOH website

Dengue season boosts blood-letting campaign

3 Replies

The government’s call for voluntary blood donation to augment supply for dengue patients gives rise to various blood-letting campaigns.

In a radio interview, a representative from the Department of Health has expressed optimism that blood-letting programs would increase the number of blood donors.

“We only hope that blood products will be distributed evenly to areas that need them the most to avoid wastage,” the official said.

Blood products such as red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma can be stored and used within 3 to 4 weeks after extraction.

Fluid replacement and blood products (if need arises) remains the cornerstone of dengue treatment.

Dengue fever is transmitted by day-biting female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that breed in different water-holding containers such as unused or junk tires, drums, jars, bottles, tree holes, roof gutter, and flower vases among others.

Unclean urban areas are generally the favorite habitat of these virus carriers although these can also be found in better residential districts, schools, and other public places.

Who can donate blood?

  • You can donate blood if you…
  • Are in good health
  • Are between 16 to 65 years old (16 and 17 years old need parents consent);
  • Weigh at least 110 pounds;
  • Have a blood pressure between: Systolic: 90-160 mmHg, Diastolic: 60-100 mmHg; and
  • Pass the physical and health history assessments.

PRC Blood Services Facilities carefully screen potential donors. The screening guidelines are necessary to ensure that blood donation is safe for you and that it is safe for the person who will be receiving your blood.

Click here for detailed information on blood donation.