Case Study ''Hypersensitivity to the skin'' - Essay Example

Hypersensitivity to the Skin KH 19142 Order no: 152026 Language style – English (U.K) Pages –6 Sources – 8 Writer ID - 6530 “Hypersensitivity is the reaction of sensitive skin to the allergens in our environment thus resulting in allergies.” Introduction : The skin is the largest organ of our body that covers it entirely. It is exposed to the harsh environment and is therefore vulnerable to burns, rashes, infections, injuries, cysts and other related disorders. Dermatology helps to study the different skin disorders and give appropriate treatment to a patient suffering from it. Eczema : Eczema is a Greek term which means to “boil over”. Excessive metabolic heat is its primary cause. It is also termed as “an itch that rashes”. Eczema is an extremely difficult skin condition that involves constant itching of the skin. Without the right advice or treatment, it is stubborn and difficult to deal with. Eczema is also called “Atopic Dermatitis” It was commonly known as an “incurable skin condition” since there was no cure for it and only the symptoms to the problem were dealt with. Causes : KH 19142 But recently, the cause for such a disorder was discovered and pinpointed a defective gene that caused this skin condition – “Filaggrin”, a protein which is produced by the gene in question is found abundantly in the outermost layers of the skin. This protein forms a protective layer over the skin helping to retain the water in the body and keeping foreign bodies out. This function is called – “skin barrier function.” In the absence of this protein, it leads to impaired formation of the protective barrier. This results in very dry itchy skin that constantly flakes off. In some of the worst cases, the skin becomes leaky and may sometimes lead to asthma. Symptoms : 1. Dry and itchy skin 2. Inflammation 3. Swelling with redness 4. Scaly skin which constantly peels off. 5. Leaky skin 6. Asthma. Treatment : At present only symptomatic treatment for ichthyosis vulgaris and eczema are undertaken, but Medical experts are fighting hard to find a way to remove the disease from the root. Currently, anti-inflammatory drugs, emollients and ointments are used to treat the inflamed and dry skin. But recently, the cause for such a disorder was discovered and pinpointed a defective gene that caused this skin condition – “Filaggrin”, a protein which is produced by the gene in question is found abundantly in the outermost layers of the skin. This protein forms a protective layer over the skin helping to retain the water in the body and keeping KH19142 foreign bodies out. This function is called – “skin barrier function.” In the absence of this protein, it leads to impaired formation of the protective barrier. This results in very dry and itchy skin that constantly flakes off. In some of the worst cases, the skin becomes leaky and may sometimes lead to asthma. Allergies: We use the term “allergy” to describe the body’s response to certain substances involving our immune system thus resulting in reactions which cause discomfort and misery to the person acquiring it. An allergy can be anything from inflammation, itchiness, redness and a runny nose. Allergies cause irritations to our senses of smell, sight, taste and touch. Such allergies are wide spread and affects people in the U.K in the ratio 1:4. Causes : Allergies are caused by “allergens” which are substances found in the environment and which are composed of hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. Allergens are damaging to the body and in response the body produces anti-bodies (IgE) to attack the allergens. This causes the “mast cells” to produce more chemicals thus resulting in inflammation and irritation to the skin which is termed as an “allergic response”. Most common allergens : Pollen dust, cats and dogs, insects, house dust mites, household and industrial chemicals, food such as milk and eggs and certain medicines. Not-so common allergens : These are fruits, nuts, latex and penicillin. KH19142 Symptoms : Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath, nettle-like rash, sore palette, itchy and runny nose and eyes and sinus problems. When the allergy goes too far, it includes eczema, headache, asthma, lethargy, sickness, vomiting and diarrhea, loss of concentration and sensitivity to every day foods such as fish, fruits, cheese etc. Allergy Tests : Skin prick tests Patch tests Blood tests Other tests These tests would help to make clear the type of allergy, thus leading to proper treatment of the patient. Detailed Case study of a patient suffering from eczema An abstract This is a case study of Mr. V.D who suffered with chronic eczema for the past three years. He was an air craft mechanic who was religiously devoted to both his family as well as his job. Physical examination: KH19142 A thorough check up of the patient revealed that he had intense reddish and itchy palms which had progressed to scaling over a period of time. He was also found to be having lesions and vesicular eruptions on both his palms which he reported to be spreading across to his arms and shoulders. The patient complained of allergic reactions to many substances which resulted in bouts of sneezing, coughing, redness and itching of eyes and hands. Though he was a reserved person he used to exhibit bouts of anger when things were not in his control. When questioned about his job, the doctor found him to be stressed because he had to work within deadlines. He confided that he had feelings of being insulted and exploited by his colleagues and the authorities. He loved to ride his motorcycle and would get very upset when he did not get a chance to ride at least on weekends. He also sweated profusely on his hands . Past and Present Medical history: In the past he had to come in contact with paints, thinners and other cleaners. He wore gloves when working and so sweated a lot on his palms. Because of this he got a lot of redness and itching. In the beginning this used to disappear after some time, but as time went by it worsened into lesions which started spreading to his arms and shoulders. His complaint would get worse when he came in contact with perfumes, soaps, detergents, water etc. During the cold season, the eczema would be a little under control, but in the summer it came on in full force. He reported having a strong liking for chicken, pork and sweet and sour things. He was an average drinker of water. Diagnostic Tests: KH19142 During the examination, the patient confessed to having suffered from multiple complaints like undescended testes in childhood and congenital intestinal blockage, both for which he had undergone surgery. He also reported suffering frequently from Athletes foot and Urticaria due to the use of soaps and mango sap. Family history: The patients mother had a history of Hypertension and Hypercholesterolemia. His paternal grandfather was afflicted with Prostrate Cancer. His maternal grandfather too suffered from Ischemic heart disease and his father was frequently attacked by Allergic Rhinitis during the season of spring. Since some of these diseases are hereditary, Mr. V.D too suffered from them. Treatment Plan: Taking a close look at the history of the patient, treatment was rendered based on certain facts. He was prescribed a remedy called Natrum Muriaticum initially with 200th potency and as it progressed he was given higher potencies. The patient had taken allopathy treatment which did not suit him and was asked to discontinue them. Results: Within 6 months of this course of treatment, the complaints of his skin condition lessened and the rashes on his arms and shoulders considerably decreased. The lesions that occasionally broke out, cleared completely with the continuation of the treatment. The KH19142 patients allergies towards substances in his surroundings reduced drastically till it finally stopped altogether. The treatment given here is patient-specific i.e. based on the specific symptoms of the patient, it was prescribed. Lifestyle: The lifestyle of the patient changed a lot. He was able to lead a life free from all the allergies he had to cope with. His skin returned to normal thus allowing him to use soaps, detergents etc. which he avoided before. His stress levels came down and he was able to lead a peaceful and happy life once again. Conclusion: Every human being is unique – what is good for one may not be good for another. Allopathy suits some individuals where as Homeopathy suits others. If one finds that a certain treatment is not working out for them, it should be stopped immediately and advice taken from a specialist. Anything oil based or cream based should be avoided as this will only aggravate the allergy still further since it would block the pores completely. A lot of fresh fruits and vegetables should be taken. Water is indispensable to such patients and they should be asked to drink plenty of water as well as moisturize their skin to avoid the apparent dryness which occurs with this disease. A balanced diet should be taken with a lot of fruits vegetables in order to maintain a good balance in the body because the root cause of Eczema is an imbalance within a person’s body. If these important points are followed one could lead a healthy life free from allergies. KH19142 References: 1. www.allergyuk.org 2. www.eczema.org 3. www.scan4info.com 4. www.healthline.com 5. http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/UVAHealth/adult_derm/ 6. Professional@eczema.org 7. Professional@eczema.org 8. www.physicianskinsolution.com Read More