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Bismuth Tips

Dr. Jyothy K 87% (18 ratings)
M Derm, Diploma in Venerology & Dermatology (DVD)
Dermatologist, Coimbatore
NAIL COSMETICS -HOW SAFE ARE THEY?
Nails protect the tip of the fingers and greatly help in the appreciation of fine touch and aids in picking up of small objects. Moreover they add to the beauty of the hands. People take great care to maintain the looks of nails. Nail cosmetics are used to enhance nails’ appearance & beauty and to disguise unsightly nail conditions.

What we do not realize is, there is always a health risk while using these products;

Nail polish : Also called nail lacquer, consists of enamel, top coats and base coats either separately or combined in one product. Nail polish contain 30% solids and 70% solvent ingredients.
The usual ingredients are

cellulose film formers
Resins
Plasticizers
Suspending agents
Solvents and diluents
Color substances.

Pearls or frosts are produced by bismuth oxychloride and titanium dioxide coated with mica and guanine. Nail polishes can produce allergic reactions which can develop in any part of the body. The commonest areas being eyelids, lower half of the face, neck and upper chest. Nail polish dermatitis can occur in user’s partner or other close contacts. The most common allergen is tosylamide formaldehyde resin.

Nail plate staining (yellow/orange) occurs on repeated applications and the dyes may penetrate deeply. Nails may become friable if the lacquer is left on the nails for many weeks.

Nail polish removers : Usually made up of various solvents such as acetone. They may cause excessive dryness of the nail plate.

Cuticle removers : 0.4% sodium or potassium hydroxide is used as lotions or gels as cuticle removers. 1-5% lactic acid cream is also used.

Nail hardeners : Nails are thickened with tissue fixatives such as formaldehyde but they are notorious to produce pain, bleeding under the nails, bluish discoloration of nails and are no longer preferred.

Preformed plastic nails : These are prosthetic nails which can be fixed to the nails with cyanoacrylate adhesives. It can be trimmed to fit the fingertip. If they are kept for 3-4 days it can cause nail damage and discoloration. Sometimes allergic reactions can also occur at distant places.
Other nail cosmetic products include nail cream, nail whitener, nail mending kits, silicone rubber nail prosthesis, buffing creams etc. Always consult a dermatologist in case of any allergies or nail changes to get the proper advice and treatment.
4 people found this helpful

Pregnancy - First Aid Kit to Carry When You Are Travelling!

Dr. Dimpy Irani 89% (14 ratings)
MD - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, MBBS, DGO, DNB
Gynaecologist, Mumbai
Pregnancy - First Aid Kit to Carry When You Are Travelling!

Women, who travel during pregnancy, tend to face a lot of complications. However, most women can travel safely with a little advance preparation. In case you are pregnant and will be travelling locally or even overseas, take care and ensure to follow these tips so that you and your child remain protected and sound.

Different systems are utilised to classify medicines with respect to their use in and during pregnancy. As a rule, it is preferable to gather particular information depending upon the implications of a given medication during a pregnancy instead of just relying on over-the-counter medicine.

These are the important medicines that are required for women who travel during their pregnancy:

  1. Analgesics that can be utilised in pregnancy during travel include acetaminophen and a few opiates.
  2. Headache medicines like aspirin may be strong, therefore, try to take something with a little amount of the same salt. Other mitigating operators could bring about the untimely closure of the ductus arteriosus.
  3. Constipation may require a gentle mass laxative. A few direct cures are regularly helpful in removing the side effects of morning sickness after travel, and these may avert motion sickness as well.
  4. Nonprescription cures include ginger, which as a powder can be blended with food or beverages, for example, tea.
  5. It is likewise accessible in the form of candies as well.
  6. Also, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is powerful in diminishing side effects of morning infection and is accessible in tablet frame, and also capsules and candies.
  7. Antihistamines, for example, meclizine and dimenhydrinate, are regularly utilised as a part of pregnancy for morning sickness and motion sickness and seem to have a decent health record.
  8. Medicines can be utilised to counteract or treat allergies or nausea. However, a large number of them can make you drowsy.
  9. Talk with your specialist about what is best for you in case that you think you require a solution for motion sickness. Regularly utilised solutions are diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and scopolamine.
  10. In case you get diarrhoea, the best thing to do is drink a lot of liquid refreshments while you sit and relax. In any case, your specialist may give you an anti-microbial you can take in case the loose motions are extreme. Try not to take items containing bismuth, for example, Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate.

The main thing you need to do is meet with a specialist who has practical experience in travel pharmaceutical, no less than four to six weeks before you take off. A travel solution expert can audit your agenda, make suggestions relating to your health dangers and give you any antibiotics or medicines you may require. You need to likewise talk with your obstetrician about your travel as well so he or she can ensure it is all right for you to travel while you are expecting.

2997 people found this helpful

Peptic Ulcers - 6 Possible Reasons Behind them

Dr. Pranjal Deka 93% (1389 ratings)
MCh HPB Surgery, Fellow European Board of Surgery, MS - General Surgery, MBBS
Gastroenterologist, Guwahati
Peptic Ulcers - 6 Possible Reasons Behind them

Peptic ulcer disease is a form of disease in which painful sores or ulcers are developed in the lining of the stomach or in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Complications include severe blood loss and perforation of the stomach and intestines.

What can cause peptic ulcers?
Ulcers occur due to the imbalance of digestive fluids in the stomach or duodenum. Usually, ulcers are caused by the infection due to bacteria known as Helicobater pylori.
Here are the factors which may lead to peptic ulcer:

  1. One can use painkillers, which are known as nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, by the likes of aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen and several others.
  2. These kinds of ulcers may also occur due to excessive production of acid from gastrinomas.
  3. Excessive alcohol consumption may also cause peptic ulcer.
  4. Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco may cause such ulcers.
  5. Sometimes serious illness may cause peptic ulcer as well.
  6. Radiation treatment of the affected area may also lead to peptic ulcer.

What are its signs and symptoms?
There are several symptoms of peptic ulcer. They include the following:

  1. People experience a sensation of burning or gnawing pain in the upper or middle part of the stomach, between meals and during night time.
  2. Bloating is experienced.
  3. A feeling or sensation of heartburn.
  4. Nausea and vomiting are likely to be accompanied.
  5. In severe cases of peptic ulcer, dark or black stool is produced because of bleeding.
  6. The patient may vomit blood.
  7. Weight loss and abdominal pain are indicated, especially in the upper to mid abdomen region.
  8. Indigestion and change in appetite are also noticed.
  9. There is pain in the chest.

How to treat them?
Peptic ulcers can be treated in various ways, which include medication, lifestyle changes or surgery.
1. Lifestyle changes: Elimination of substances which lead to peptic ulcer should be avoided. Smoking and drinking should be restricted. Certain NSAIDS may lead to ulcer, and they should be stopped.
2. Medication: Proton pump inhibitors help in reducing acid levels, which allow healing of the ulcer. Different types of PPI are esomeprazole, dexlansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole and iansoprazole.

Several antibiotics may also be used when a patient has helicobacter pylori infection. Several combinations of antibiotics may be used for the treatment. Bismuth may be used as well.
Upper endoscopy can be done as a part treatment of ulcer to cure bleeding ulcers. In case the ulcer creates a hole in the stomach’s wall, surgery is required. Peptic ulcer is a serious health condition and if not treated properly, it can cause several health hazards. There are several treatment options for peptic ulcer, and you should opt for the one that suits you the best.

1084 people found this helpful

Stomach Ulcers - How To Treat It?

Dr. Sandeep Jha 88% (404 ratings)
DNB (Surgical gastroenterology, MS( General Surgery), MBBS, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, Diploma in Minimal Access Surgery, Fellow of International College of Robotic Surgeons
Surgical Gastroenterologist, Delhi
Stomach Ulcers - How To Treat It?

The stomach has a smooth mucosal lining, which also provides a protective layer for the stomach tissue. There are various acids and chemicals that flow through the stomach, and this protective layer provides the stomach tissue adequate protection. However, due to various conditions, this lining can develop ulcers or sores or breaks which disrupts the continuity of the mucosal lining. This can allow the acids and chemicals access to further degrade the mucosal lining.

Some of the common causes include -

  1. Infection with Helicobacter pylori.
  2. Prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.

The stomach ulcers can be symptomless in the initial stages but over a period of time, they can cause the following:

  1. Constant, nagging pain which is relieved with eating and antacids.
  2. Weight loss
  3. Loss of appetite
  4. The feeling of fullness in the stomach.
  5. Constant burping
  6. Heartburn
  7. Bleeding which can cause bloody vomiting or dark, tarry stools.

These symptoms could point to the presence of a stomach ulcer. This can lead to further investigations as below to confirm the diagnosis:

  1. H. pylori infection via a breath, blood, or stool test.
  2. Barium swallow followed by x-ray of the stomach.
  3. Endoscopy of the stomach lining to identify ulcers (location, size, shape, etc.). This is used when multiple ulcers are suspected.
  4. Biopsy of the mucosal lining.

Treatment: If identified early on, non-surgical treatment would suffice.

  1. Stop the use of NSAIDs like aspirin.
  2. Antibiotics may be prescribed if H. pylori infection is present.
  3. Proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor blockers: These control the production of acid so that further mucosal lining breakdown is prevented.
  4. Bismuth supplements.
  5. Probiotics which are believed to control H. pylori infection.
  6. Surgical treatment as a last resort may be required to treat ulcers which continue to return and do not heal. This could range from removal of a single ulcer to removal of a part of the stomach which is prone for ulcers. Lining from another part of the intestine is usually then patched to cover the removed part.

In addition to the above treatment, diet and lifestyle changes also help in managing ulcers.

  1. Foods like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, apples, yoghurt, berries, olive oil, etc. help in fighting H. pylori infection.
  2. Honey, glutamine, and probiotics are considered good for people with stomach ulcer.
  3. Smoking worsens ulcers, so quitting smoking is suggested.
  4. Food needs to be cooked after thoroughly cleaning the ingredients as the bacteria get into the system often via food.
  5. NSAIDs should be used only when absolutely necessary.
  6. Do not ignore regular acidity attacks, as they could be the first symptom of underlying ulcers.
3406 people found this helpful

Travel Medicines That You Must Keep Handy During Pregnancy!

Dr. Anjuli Dixit 91% (773 ratings)
DGO, MBBS
Gynaecologist, Faridabad
Travel Medicines That You Must Keep Handy During Pregnancy!

Women, who travel during pregnancy, tend to face a lot of complications. However, most women can travel safely with a little advance preparation. In case you are pregnant and will be travelling locally or even overseas, take care and ensure to follow these tips so that you and your child remain protected and sound.

Different systems are utilised to classify medicines with respect to their use in and during pregnancy. As a rule, it is preferable to gather particular information depending upon the implications of a given medication during pregnancy instead of just relying on an over-the-counter medicine.

These are the important medicines that are required for women who travel during their pregnancy:

  1. Analgesics that can be utilised in pregnancy during travel include acetaminophen and a few opiates.
  2. Headache medicines like aspirin may be strong, therefore, try to take something with a little amount of the same salt. Other mitigating operators could bring about the untimely closure of the ductus arteriosus.
  3. Constipation may require a gentle mass laxative. A few direct cures are regularly helpful in removing the side effects of morning sickness after travel, and these may avert motion sickness as well.
  4. Nonprescription cures include ginger, which as a powder can be blended with food or beverages, for example, tea.
  5. It is likewise accessible in the form of candies as well.
  6. Also, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is powerful in diminishing side effects of morning infection and is accessible in tablet frame, and also capsules and candies.
  7. Antihistamines, for example, meclizine and dimenhydrinate, are regularly utilised as a part of pregnancy for morning sickness and motion sickness and seem to have a decent health record.
  8. Medicines can be utilised to counteract or treat allergies or nausea. However, a large number of them can make you drowsy.
  9. Talk with your specialist about what is best for you in case that you think you require a solution for motion sickness. Regularly utilised solutions are diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), and scopolamine.
  10. In case that you get diarrhoea, the best thing to do is drink a lot of liquid refreshments while you sit and relax. In any case, your specialist may give you an anti-microbial you can take in case the loose motions are extreme. Try not to take items containing bismuth, for example, Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate.

The main thing you need to do is meet with a specialist who has practical experience in travel pharmaceutical, no less than four to six weeks before you take off. A travel solution expert can audit your agenda, make suggestions relating to your health dangers and give you any antibiotics or medicines you may require. You need to likewise talk with your obstetrician about your travel as well so he or she can ensure it is all right for you to travel while you are expecting.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

4012 people found this helpful

Stomach Ulcers - What Are The Most Common Causes?

MBBS, MD - Medicine, DM - Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologist, Ghaziabad
Stomach Ulcers - What Are The Most Common Causes?

The stomach has a smooth mucosal lining, which also provides a protective layer for the stomach tissue. There are various acids and chemicals that flow through the stomach, and this protective layer provides the stomach tissue adequate protection. However, due to various conditions, this lining can develop ulcers or sores or breaks which disrupts the continuity of the mucosal lining. This can allow the acids and chemicals access to further degrade the mucosal lining.

Some of common causes include -

  1. Infection with Helicobacter pylori.
  2. Prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.

The stomach ulcers can be symptomless in the initial stages but over a period of time, they can cause the following:

  1. Constant, nagging pain which is relieved with eating and antacids.
  2. Weight loss
  3. Loss of appetite
  4. The feeling of fullness in the stomach.
  5. Constant burping
  6. Heartburn
  7. Bleeding which can cause bloody vomiting or dark, tarry stools.

These symptoms could point to the presence of a stomach ulcer. This can lead to further investigations as below to confirm the diagnosis:

  1. H. pylori infection via a breath, blood, or stool test.
  2. Barium swallow followed by x-ray of the stomach.
  3. Endoscopy of the stomach lining to identify ulcers (location, size, shape, etc.). This is used when multiple ulcers are suspected.
  4. Biopsy of the mucosal lining.

Treatment: If identified early on, non-surgical treatment would suffice.

  1. Stop the use of NSAIDs like aspirin.
  2. Antibiotics may be prescribed if H. pylori infection is present.
  3. Proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor blockers: These control the production of acid so that further mucosal lining breakdown is prevented.
  4. Bismuth supplements.
  5. Probiotics which are believed to control H. pylori infection.
  6. Surgical treatment as a last resort may be required to treat ulcers which continue to return and do not heal. This could range from removal of a single ulcer to removal of a part of the stomach which is prone for ulcers. Lining from another part of the intestine is usually then patched to cover the removed part.

In addition to the above treatment, diet and lifestyle changes also help in managing ulcers.

  1. Foods like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, apples, yogurt, berries, olive oil, etc. help in fighting H. pylori infection.
  2. Honey, glutamine, and probiotics are considered good for people with stomach ulcer.
  3. Smoking worsens ulcers, so quitting smoking is suggested.
  4. Food needs to be cooked after thoroughly cleaning the ingredients as the bacteria get into the system often via food.
  5. NSAIDs should be used only when absolutely necessary.
  6. Do not ignore regular acidity attacks, as they could be the first symptom of underlying ulcers.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

1953 people found this helpful

Stomach Ulcers - What Are The Most Common Causes?

Dr. Praveen Sharma 90% (82 ratings)
MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologist, Delhi
Stomach Ulcers - What Are The Most Common Causes?

The stomach has a smooth mucosal lining, which also provides a protective layer for the stomach tissue. There are various acids and chemicals that flow through the stomach, and this protective layer provides the stomach tissue adequate protection. However, due to various conditions, this lining can develop ulcers or sores or breaks which disrupts the continuity of the mucosal lining. This can allow the acids and chemicals access to further degrade the mucosal lining.

Some of common causes include -

  1. Infection with Helicobacter pylori.
  2. Prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.

The stomach ulcers can be symptomless in the initial stages but over a period of time, they can cause the following:

  1. Constant, nagging pain which is relieved with eating and antacids.
  2. Weight loss
  3. Loss of appetite
  4. The feeling of fullness in the stomach.
  5. Constant burping
  6. Heartburn
  7. Bleeding which can cause bloody vomiting or dark, tarry stools.

These symptoms could point to the presence of a stomach ulcer. This can lead to further investigations as below to confirm the diagnosis:

  1. H. pylori infection via a breath, blood, or stool test.
  2. Barium swallow followed by x-ray of the stomach.
  3. Endoscopy of the stomach lining to identify ulcers (location, size, shape, etc.). This is used when multiple ulcers are suspected.
  4. Biopsy of the mucosal lining.

Treatment: If identified early on, non-surgical treatment would suffice.

  1. Stop the use of NSAIDs like aspirin.
  2. Antibiotics may be prescribed if H. pylori infection is present.
  3. Proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor blockers: These control the production of acid so that further mucosal lining breakdown is prevented.
  4. Bismuth supplements.
  5. Probiotics which are believed to control H. pylori infection.
  6. Surgical treatment as a last resort may be required to treat ulcers which continue to return and do not heal. This could range from removal of a single ulcer to removal of a part of the stomach which is prone for ulcers. Lining from another part of the intestine is usually then patched to cover the removed part.

In addition to the above treatment, diet and lifestyle changes also help in managing ulcers.

  1. Foods like broccolicabbagespinach, apples, yogurt, berries, olive oil, etc. help in fighting H. pylori infection.
  2. Honey, glutamine, and probiotics are considered good for people with stomach ulcer.
  3. Smoking worsens ulcers, so quitting smoking is suggested.
  4. Food needs to be cooked after thoroughly cleaning the ingredients as the bacteria get into the system often via food.
  5. NSAIDs should be used only when absolutely necessary.
  6. Do not ignore regular acidity attacks, as they could be the first symptom of underlying ulcers.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

1429 people found this helpful

Black Stool Treatment Home Remedies

Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), PGDMLS, PGDCR
Ayurvedic Doctor, Gurgaon
Black Stool Treatment Home Remedies

Some foods with a black tint can cause you to have black stools. However, it can also happen due to various medical reasons like gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, colon polyps, stomach ulcers or esophageal varices giving it a rather dark appearance than its bright red colour.

It has been upheld by many medical studies that the appearance of one’s stool can tell a lot about their health and what illnesses and conditions they have. Similarly, a black stool (if not eaten something that could potentially change the colour of your poop) can tell that from where the blood is coming down. The farther the haemorrhage site is the darker the colour of your stool would be.

There are broadly two main reasons that may change the colour of your poop from normal brown to black;

Food or Medications 

  • If eaten dark-colored foods like; blueberries, black licorice
  • Iron supplements can also give it a black appearance
  • Post-pregnancy medicines containing iron and folate supplements
  • Newborn kids pass black stool during 24 hours of birth due to ingesting amniotic fluid, bile, and mucus 
  • Breastfed newborn can also excrete black stool if mother’s milk is coming mixed with blood
  • Medicines containing bismuth has also a potential effect on the colour of your stool

Medical conditions 

  • After a surgery
  • Stomach ulcers can discharge blood that get mix with your digestive fluids and may turn your poop black
  • Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding can also do the same 
  • Esophageal varices is also one of the causes for black stool

Depending on what is causing the issue, there are many ways to treat black stools. If you have no symptoms and suspect that a certain food or medicine can be responsible for the black colour of your stool, you don’t need to be worried about it. 

However, if you have symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, or upset stomach along with black colour stool you should contact your doctor right away.

Home remedies for black stool treatment are among the most popular ways to lessen clinical symptoms at home. These treatments are generally secure and may be favoured when someone treats themselves without the assistance of a doctor or other specialist. 

The most effective preventative measures and treatments for black stools are;

  • Drinking more water will keep you not only hydrated but might also help you with diarrhoea and bloody black stools from constipation
  • As black stools are typical after drinking, stay away from smoking, drinking, vaping, and other hazardous substances
  • Avoid using artificial food colouring because it can lead to more stools with black patches
  • Avoid taking unnecessary over-the-counter medications since they may alter the colour of your stool
  • Increasing the intake of high fibre foods can be the best course of action if you experience constipation and dark stools. A diet high in fibre can benefit your GI system and lower your risk of haemorrhoids or any other complications that might develop as a result
  • Reduce acid reflux by consuming less spicy food and including fruits and vegetables in your diet
  • Arugula, bay leaf, allspice, and basil are a few herbs that can help treat loose, black stools
  • Carrots, avocado, almond milk, cooked apples, barley, acorn, acai,  alfalfa sprouts and apple cider vinegar are a few fruits and vegetables that you should think about including in your diet
  • One of the most popular ayurveda remedies for black stools is almond-date drinks with cinnamon. You can also make a banana-cinnamon smoothie made with almond milk, or a pesto made of chickpeas and coconut to help you with black poop
  • Avoid acai, anise, buckwheat, cardamom, and celery seeds as much as possible because they can induce tarry, black stools

Treatment for black stool in newborns

Mucusy, dark-colored stools could be an indication of a bacterial infection, and taking antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor could help. Anti-inflammatory or anti-bacterial medications should be used to treat strep skin infection, which frequently results in red spots in black stool.

Also, if the kid is taking Pepto-Bismol, which may turn his/her stool black, such a case also doesn't require any treatment.

Treatment for black stool in kids

If you notice your kid excreting thin or oily stools with gas, you can cure them with easy at-home remedies. A black stool or a black stool with blood and mucus, however, makes the situation more complicated. Cow milk colitis, a common cause of the illness, can be prevented by using formula milk in place of cow milk. 

In older kids, black stool problems can be healed by improving food, addressing constipation with medication, and staying hydrated.

Conclusion

Black stool with additional clinical symptoms may be a sign or indication of an underlying medical illness, hence, it’s always advisable to consult your healthcare provider if you are sure the black colour is not coming from something that you have eaten.  

9 people found this helpful