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Eczema and Vaccinia Virus

In June, 2007, ''Science'' magazine reported that an American soldier who had been vaccinated for smallpox, a vaccine that contains live vaccinia virus, had transmitted vaccinia virus to his two-year-old son.

21 Nov 2009

Eczema Research

There are treatments to alleviate the symptoms of eczema but there is no cure for the condition. Children with atopic eczema may often grow out of it as they age. Several new therapies are being tried in this condition that may severely affect the quality of life in an individual.

21 Nov 2009

Eczema Treatment

There are several types of eczema. The commonest form encountered is atopic or allergic eczema. The first step to treatment is to diagnose the cause of the condition and the possible triggers. Avoidance of the triggers may help in prevention of relapses.

21 Nov 2009

What is Eczema?

Eczema or atopic eczema is a skin condition characterized by chronic inflammation and frequent relapses. There are itchy red rashes over the affected areas that usually involve skin creases such as the folds of the elbows or behind the knees.

21 Nov 2009

Autoimmunity Diagnosis and Treatments

Autoimmune diseases are conditions that arise when the immune system fails to recognise the bodies own tissues and cells as “self” and instead mounts an immune response against them as if they were foreign bodies. Depending on the type of illness a person has, autoimmune conditions can affect various different areas of the body, as well as disrupting the normal growth and development of organs.

21 Nov 2009

Autoimmunity Classification

Several diseases and disorders are caused by autoimmune mechanisms. Autoimmune diseases can generally be divided into those that are systemic and those that are localised and only affect a certain tissue or organ.

21 Nov 2009

Autoimmunity Environmental Factors

The environmental factors that may influence susceptibilty to autoimmune disease form an important part of biomedical research.

21 Nov 2009

Pathogenesis of Autoimmunity

Several pathological mechanisms have been proposed to explain the development of autoimmune conditions. Aside from the roles played by genetic and environmental factors, some of the main pathological processes ...

21 Nov 2009

Autoimmunity Sex

Autoimmunity refers to a failing of the immune system to differentiate between the body’s own tissues and invading bodies.

21 Nov 2009

Autoimmunity Genetic Factors

Autoimmune conditions are multifactorial in their cause, with a mixture of genetic and environmental factors often playing a role.

21 Nov 2009

Autoimmunity Immunological Tolerance

The term autoimmunity refers to a failure of the body’s immune system to recognize its own cells and tissues as “self.” Instead, immune responses are launched against these cells and tissues as if they were foreign or invading bodies.

21 Nov 2009

Low-Level Autoimmunity

Although a high degree of autoimmunity is harmful, low-level autoimmunity can be beneficial to the host.

21 Nov 2009

What is Autoimmunity?

The term autoimmunity refers to a failure of the body’s immune system to recognize its own cells and tissues as “self.”

21 Nov 2009

Angioedema Treatment

In allergic angioedema, avoidance of the allergen and use of antihistamines may prevent future attacks. Cetirizine is a commonly prescribed antihistamine for angioedema. Some patients have reported success with the combination of a nightly low dose of cetirizine to moderate the frequency and severity of attacks, followed by a much higher dose when an attack does appear. Severe angioedema cases may require desensitization to the putative allergen, as mortality can occur. Chronic cases require steroid therapy, which generally leads to a good response.

20 Nov 2009

Angioedema Diagnosis

The diagnosis is made on the clinical picture. Routine blood tests (complete blood count, electrolytes, renal function, liver enzymes) are typically performed. Mast cell tryptase levels may be elevated if the attack was due to an acute allergic (anaphylactic) reaction.

20 Nov 2009

Angioedema Pathophysiology

Angioedema is basically swelling of the deeper layers of the skin. This is due to accumulation of fluids caused by an allergic reaction.

20 Nov 2009

What is Angioedema?

Angioedema (BE: angiooedema) is the rapid swelling (edema) of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa and submucosal tissues. It is very similar to urticaria, but urticaria, commonly known as hives, occurs in the upper dermis. There is usually no associated itch or urticaria, as it is not an allergic response.

20 Nov 2009

Ankylosing Spondylitis Prognosis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a complex chronic disease that causes inflammation in the spine and other areas of the body. Symptoms of the condition develop gradually over months or years. Some individuals can eventually get better, while others find their condition deteriorates. Although patients are at risk of long-term disability, this can usually be prevented with exercise, physiotherapy and medication.

20 Nov 2009

Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis

There are no single tests that can confirm the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. It is diagnosed mainly on the basis of symptoms as well as some tests.

20 Nov 2009

Ankylosing Spondylitis Pathophysiology

The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not clearly understood. However, a genetic association is clear. Pathogenesis of this condition has clear associations with the HLA-B27 gene.

20 Nov 2009