"Health articles"

Number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are potentially dangerous. They need to know and learn to protect themselves as well as possible. The answers to the test appeared on e-health last week you can help.

1) How many sexual partners have you had in your life?
A - 1 single partner. (0)
B? 2 to 4 sexual partners. (1)
C? 5 or more partners. (2)

The number of sexual partners is correlated to the number of STIs. That makes sense, because you were more in sexual contact with a large number of people, and you have more risk of having met an STI. It is simply statistical.

2) How many sexual partners have you had in the past year?
A? No sex partner. (0)
B? 2 or 3 sex partners. (1)
C - 4 different sexual partners or more. (2)

The number of sexual partners in life, but also in the year, can play on fertility. A significant number of difficulties in having a child are related to STIs, themselves connected with a large number of partners. This does not alter the fact that a meeting is sufficient to contract a sexually transmitted infection.

3) When you go out to find a partner, where do you mean?
A? In a rock concert or a nightclub. (2)
B? In a private party. (2)
C? I am not trying particular partner. (0)

People in very active research partner are much more likely to start a sexual relationship quickly and therefore take significant risks of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.
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The cold sores regularly affects 7 million French. The sores tripling the fact suffer: the herpes outbreak is painful, located on the face of the button fever is very unsightly, and finally, it is highly contagious which outlaws kisses and cuddles. Fortunately, we can prevent the emergence of a cold sore!
Button fever or oro-facial herpes

The sores are caused by a virus that settled in life in the body and which manifests itself in the form of episodic more or less frequent. The two main factors that trigger seizures are represented by stress and fatigue. An outbreak of fever, exposure to the sun, the rules for women and sometimes dental surgery or dermo-cosmetics (filling lips) are also known to encourage the emergence of an outbreak.
Many of these factors are proving difficult to eliminate. Instead, they should help identify very early warning signs of herpes outbreak (burning sensation, numbness, tingling, swelling of the lip…), and even to anticipate the crisis.
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In France, more than 10 million people are carrying the herpes virus to varying degrees and in various locations. The cold sores or ‘cold sores’ is the most common. As for genital herpes, which affects sexual and surrounding parts, it concerns more than 2 million people, but eight out of ten people are unaware of their infection before consulting a doctor, and thus likely to transmit the virus. Of all the sexually transmitted infections, genital herpes is that the most progress. It is important to take stock of your knowledge.

1) It is better to consult outside surges.

False

Apart from the outbreaks, it is more difficult to diagnose genital herpes and can be confused with other diseases affecting the sexual organs (fungal infections, urinary tract infections, other sexually transmitted infections…) because the symptoms are similar.
2) Stress is a trigger outbreaks.

True

Stress, or great emotion, promotes the resurgence of the virus. Fever, fatigue, jet lag, the use of alcohol and rules are also factors contributing to outbreaks.
3) In case of cold sores, the sun promotes healing.

False

In case of herpes in the face, we must avoid heavy exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures, and use a sunscreen.
4) The ocular herpes can cause blindness.

True

Ocular herpes is the leading cause of blindness of infectious origin in industrialized countries. In France, every year there are more than 60,000 cases.
5) In most cases, ocular herpes is caused by a self-contamination.

True

Most of the time, their eyes are infected by self-contamination through the fingers, for example, by rubbing the eye, just after touching its cold sores.
6) The sores can not be spread to the genitals.

False

In case of cold sores, sex putting them in contact with the mouth sex can cause a transmission of the virus present on the lips, the parties sexual partner. Such is the case with 10 to 30% of genital herpes.
7) In addition to advanced, we can do without the condom.

False

Always use a condom, even outside surges, as there may be a risk of contamination, even without symptoms.
It is also worth noting that some people may have been in contact with the virus and never develop signs of herpes. Despite this lack of symptoms, infectiousness remains possible. These people are carrying the virus without knowing it. All the more reason to always use a condom, which protects all other sexually transmitted infections.
A herpes outbreak was preceded by warning signs.

True

Within hours to a few days before the outbreak, we feel tingling, itching, burning… level infected areas. Then as the surge occurs, causing redness, followed by small blisters, and crusting. Healing occurs after about ten days. Learn to recognize the warning signs, can begin treatment quickly, provided effective in reducing the duration and intensity of the outbreak. You should know also that the contagiousness begins at the earliest warning signs and culminates during the surge. However attention, if the risk of contagion is the most important during outbreaks, there are also smaller in proportion outside outbreaks, when no symptoms are apparent!
9) What are the symptoms of an eye herpes?

Pain and redness of the eyes, feeling irritation and tearing.
10) In women, genital herpes appears at the vulva, in the form of small blisters grouped into ‘bouquet’.

True

More rarely, in some women, it can also occur in the vagina or cervix, making diagnosis difficult.
In humans, the affected areas are usually the penis and the foreskin, more rarely on the small skin area located between the two, and sometimes also on the testicles.

The 3rd hepatitis National Day will be held Saturday, January 19, 2008 on three major issues: Inform (a patient on two ignore her illness), reassuring (do not be afraid of testing because it heals very often) and process (in case Hepatitis C, 80% of patients recover). We interviewed Professor Jean-Pierre Zarski * on the role of alcohol in hepatitis B and C, and the transmission of the virus.
The consumption of alcohol can influence the incidence of hepatitis?

Pr Zarski: A prolonged and excessive consumption of alcohol can cause the development of an acute alcoholic hepatitis, which may progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. But today, in the vast majority of cases have hepatitis viral origin: hepatitis B or hepatitis C.

People suffering from chronic hepatitis (whether viral or not) must know that alcohol consumed in all aggravates chronic liver disease.

Alcohol consumption influence Does treatment of hepatitis?

Pr Zarski: Treatment of hepatitis does not require a special diet. Only recommendations: excessive alcohol consumption is strongly discouraged, and dietary advice are possible if one is overweight. The chronic alcohol intake decreases the chance of treatment success, but men can drink 30g/jour or 3 glasses and women 20g/jour or 2 glasses. Attention, in patients with cirrhosis, alcohol is completely eliminated.

In addition, it is better to stop smoking and taking certain medications (other than those specific treatment against hepatitis) must be made solely on medical advice. Some medications are contra-indicated in cases of chronic hepatitis.

What are the precautions to take when one partner or a close family member carries a hepatitis viruses?

Pr Zarski: You should know that the virus hepatitis B can be spread through sexual contact and very little with the saliva. This means in practice that it is strongly advised to vaccinate his or her partner and the immediate environment of a person with Hepatitis B.

The hepatitis C virus is transmitted through sexual little but more specifically by blood: it is preferable for the sexual partner to avoid reporting rules at the time if women get infected or if they have vaginal lesions. If the couple is stable, the condom is not mandatory.

In the event of a wound, it is preferable to the cover with a bandage to reduce the risks of transmission. With your family, you should be vigilant not to share any personal belongings that may have been in contact with blood or a wound, even small (razor, toothbrush…).

There is absolutely no risk of contamination by shaking hands with a person with hepatitis C or B, or embodying it, or whether it coughs or sneezes.

No fewer than 3 million French would be affected by a herpes. This highly contagious viral disease can affect the face, especially with the cold sores, or other body parts, as with genital herpes. The daily life requires some adjustments. Ten tips.
Quick reminder on the crises and herpes treatment.

A crisis herpes is painful and not very aesthetic, but it is also very high risk of contamination of the environment.
Once the warning signs of a crisis of herpes (tingling, itching, burning sensation, numbness, pain…), the risk of HIV transmission is high, even before the formation of clusters of vesicles, which are filled with a liquid containing the virus.
During the early warning signs and during the crisis, it is therefore necessary to avoid any direct contact such as kissing in case of cold sores and sexual relations for genital herpes.
Side treatment, we do not know of a cure herpes. On the other hand, there is an antiviral (acyclovir and valaciclovir) can reduce the frequency of episodes of herpes and intensity.

Some tips for a better quality of life crises herpes

1. Consult (doctor, dermatologist, gynecologist or urologist) at the slightest doubt and preferably during a crisis herpes in order to facilitate the diagnosis, cure soon as the ongoing crisis and limit contagion.
2. Identify your own triggers to limit the frequency of your crises, take your preventive treatment as soon as possible and again to limit the contagion: stress, sun exposure, alcohol consumption, fatigue, fever, menstrual rules, injuries local, and so on.
3. At the same time learn to recognize the warning signs of an attack of herpes.
4. After contact with the lesions, always wash your hands to prevent contamination from another part of the body or your entourage. Obviously, avoid touching or scratching the lesions and do not touch your eyes (risk of ocular herpes).
5. Hold parties attacks Proper washing with soap and water and then dry the (hairdryer low heat if necessary).
6. Avoid injuries to heal as they heal better in the open air. In contrast, during short periods of contacts necessary (like caring for a small child), it is possible to use a waterproof bandage to strengthen the precautionary measures.
7. Avoid injuries with camouflage makeup.
8. Do not share your towel or your toothbrush as a precautionary measure.
9. In case of cold sores:

* Avoid kissing, talk too close and postillonner particularly in the presence of a newborn baby, a pregnant woman, people with atopic eczema or any other subject with weakened immune defenses.

* By the same token, do not change your cutlery and everyone drinks in his glass.

* Avoid sex oro-genital herpes labialis because it can give an genital herpes and vice versa.

10. In the case of genital herpes:

* Use a condom during sexual intercourse. Abstinence is sometimes recommended during outbreaks (to avoid contamination, spread and also because the reports may become painful). It is best to discuss this with his doctor.

* Pregnant women should notify their doctor any outbreak of genital herpes.

* Avoid wearing tight clothes (jeans, tights…) and synthetic underwear to limit moisture.

THE sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a disease which is transmitted almost exclusively by sexual contact or that can be transmitted through other channels, but can also be through sex. About STI: AIDS, herpes, syphilis, chlamydia… prevention, screening and treatment for a sexually transmitted infection…

It called pollinosis or pollen allergy, a condition caused by allergic pollen content in the stamens and is scattered by the wind or by insects. Prédominante spring, allergy to pollen allergy is the event’s most characteristic. Pollen allergy can result in rhinitis (hay fever), conjunctivitis, asthma, these diseases may be associated.

History of allergy to pollen

Pollen allergy is set to 1800, when it called ‘fever roses. In 1815, the first communication on the pollen allergy is presented to the British Royal Society. In 1828, John Macculoch creates the term “hay fever”. In 1873, Charles Blackley collects pollen with kite and highlights a relationship between the amount of pollen grains in the atmosphere, clinical signs and skin tests. In 1911, Freeman realizes desensitization to grass pollen. Read the rest of this entry »

Nearly one in two households owns a pet, one in two is a dog or a cat. Dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, rats, rabbits… now share our privacy. Yet they are highly allergenic!
What frequency and what allergens?

These are their skin, their saliva, their urine and excrement that cause allergy and not their hair as is generally believed. People develop allergic reactions through direct contact with animals, but also by indirect contact. Their allergens accumulate in the house and can remain active for up to two years after the animal has left the scene. The demonstrations allergies are in the form of asthma, conjunctivitis, eczema, rhinitis, urticaria contact.

Allergic to cats and dogs

The cat allergen, is stronger after the mites. It seems that black cats are the most allergenic. The allergen is produced by saliva, but also by the sebaceous glands and anal glands.
The dog allergens are present in the dander, saliva and urine.
If you are allergic to cat or dog, the best solution is to separate you, even though this decision was difficult to take. Otherwise, care must be taken to wash the animal at least once a month or rub with a wet glove once a week, brush on the outside, its very regularly cleaned and the litter basket, it ban access to the rooms and especially the beds, equipped with a air purifier, regularly change their clothes, mattresses and pillows aspire.

Rodents

Allergenicity rodents - guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, rabbits… - is very high and can sometimes cause skin reactions and severe respiratory disease. It also aggravates allergy to dust mites.

The birds

The feathers of birds are home to many allergens, including dust mites. Their droppings are also carriers of allergens.

The goldfish

If they are not carriers of allergens, food also can cause allergic events.

The horse

30% of people are allergic to animals are in contact with horses and other equines as mules and ponies. Allergens horse can be found in the dander, saliva and urine and trigger rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma.

The entry into community has an early expose children to infection. This exhibition is it protects, for example by inducing a kind of immunity against agents already encountered? Or conversely, is it harmful by increasing the risk of allergy and asthma?
Events in allergic community

The answer to this question is difficult, so the results of published studies on the subject are contradictory. A new study provides convincing evidence.
Swedish This analysis looked at more than 10,000 children aged 1 to 6 years. Questionnaires were used to collect data on respiratory symptoms and allergies, the family environment and way of custody of these children.

Increase blatant symptoms of asthma and allergy

The conclusion is unequivocal, children kept community have many more symptoms of asthma and allergy than others. This dramatic increase is especially important for young children from 1 to 4 years.
This result is at odds with many other epidemiological studies, which are also at the origin of the theory hygienist.

Thus, the small community kept, allergy symptoms are potentiated by percentages ranging from 12% to 160%:
+ 33% hissing
+ 56% nighttime cough
+ 23% of asthma
+ 15% rhinitis
+ 75% of hay fever
+49% From eczema
+27% Of allergic reactions to foods
Cold +160%

The method of care is associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, eczema and food allergies. In this study, the community confers no sign of protection vis-à-vis the allergy among children 1 to 6 years.

In practice, as far as possible, setting community should not be too early, and this even more if there is a family history of asthma and allergy.
And of course, we must ensure that the immunization schedule is up to date …

Irritation of the skin or allergy, some are very sensitive skins. For the most vulnerable, many cosmetic and hygiene products are now available on the market, showing ‘hypoallergenic’ or ‘dermatologically tested’. What do these two designations?

Before giving a definition of these terms, let the two types of reactions possible irritation and skin allergies. These are very distinct.

Irritation of the skin

The irritation occurs immediately or within 48 hours after contact with the irritating substance. This reaction occurs precisely on the area of contact with the irritant. It is inflammatory and type of varying intensity depending on the sensitivity of the skin, but also according to the zone, the nature, quantity and frequency of contacts with the product. The irritation is manifested by a feeling of tightness, tingling and / or burning, accompanied by a redness of the skin. In case of severe irritation, the skin can crack and even peel.

Allergy skin

The skin allergies always occurs after a period of awareness or longer, ie as a result of several contacts. The reaction typically is characterized by itching, which may occur at a distance of the contact area and be more or less extensive.

‘Hypo’

This term means’ which reduces the risk of allergy. It is therefore necessary to designate products designed to minimize the risk of allergic reaction (not totally exclude any risk).
It should be noted that allergies can be caused by all sorts of products: detergents, metals and jewels, hygiene products (cream, milk…), cosmetics (makeup, perfumes…), certain foods can also cause allergies.
These products have been tested under the supervision of dermatologists and according to a rigorous experimental protocol (testing awareness), volunteers with sensitive skin.

‘Dermatologically tested’

Dermatologically tested means that tests have been done, always under the supervision of a dermatologist, in volunteers of any type of skin. It uses classically ‘patch-test’ (patch containing the product to be tested that we stick to the skin for 48 hours) and there is clinical signs (erythema, droughts,… roughness). It defines the criteria for acceptability of the product, tolerance and efficacy.

Some tips

It is recommended that sensitive skin and fragile to choose hypoallergenic products or dermatologically tested, but also to adhere to the following:

* In the case of a new cosmetic product or hygiene, test it for the first time on a limited area, and wait a few days before using it again.

* In the event of a reaction, do not dispose of the product in question, it may be helpful to know the list of ingredients.

* Do-dosez not and on-dosez not washing or softeners

* A hand or machine, be sure to a good rinse clothes.

* To limit the growth of germs and microbes, make sure drying before folding it and then store it. The ironing is beneficial because it helps to drain the machine, while the iron steam to disinfect the property. Of course, to wait and not put it in the cabinet while it is still wet…