HOW TO PREVENT DENGUE FEVER

Dengue fever has become a major public health concern in recent decades. With dengue cases on the rise in the country, it is important to know more about dengue fever and how to protect yourself against aedes mosquitoes.

"Dengue is only spread through the bite of an infected mosquito."

What is Dengue fever and how is it transmitted?

Dengue fever is one of the most common mosquito-borne viral disease of humans. Dengue fever mostly occurs in the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Outbreaks of dengue fever usually occur in the rainy season.

Dengue viruses are transmitted to humans through the bites of a striped Aedes aegypti mosquito that has previously bitten an infected person. Dengue does not spread directly from person to person. It is only spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.

The disease itself is rarely fatal, but a more serious complication, Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is far more dangerous. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is a more severe and potentially deadly form of the disease in which bleeding and sometimes shock occurs. It can be fatal if unrecognised and not properly treated.

What are the signs and symptoms?

After being bitten by a mosquito carrying the virus, the incubation period ranges from three to fifteen (usually five to eight) days before the signs and symptoms of dengue appear. The signs and symptoms may vary, depending on the form of the disease.

Dengue fever signs and symptoms typically include high fever, severe headache, chills, red eyes and pain behind the eyes, severe muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, backache and rash. Most people who develop dengue fever recover completely within two weeks. However, some may go through several weeks of feeling tired and/or depressed.

Symptoms of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever initially may be indistinguishable from dengue fever, but the hemorrhagic form of dengue fever is more severe and is associated with loss of appetite, vomiting, high fever, headache and abdominal pain, progressing to faintness and generalized bleeding. Circulatory failure and shock may occur, which if untreated, can result in death.

What is the treatment?

There is no specific medication for treatment of a dengue infection. Consult your doctor immediately if you suspect that you have symptoms suggestive of dengue, especially if you have been in an area where dengue is known to occur. Rest and fluid intake for adequate hydration are important to help alleviate the illness.

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever may be effectively treated by fluid replacement therapy if an early clinical diagnosis is made. Hospitalisation is frequently required in order to adequately manage Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

Prevention and Control

At present, there is no vaccine for preventing dengue. Therefore, the best preventive measure is to combat the mosquitoes.

Removal of stagnant water is the best way to mosquito elimination. Items that collect rainwater or are used to store water should be covered or properly discarded. Get rid of sources or areas where mosquitoes breed, such as standing water in flower pots, tins, bottles or discarded tires. Mosquitoes breed easily in any source of standing water. Appropriate insecticides, such as larvicide's can be added to water containers. The insecticides can prevent mosquitoes breeding for several weeks. However, they must be re-applied as per directions. Always clean and check drains to ensure they are not blocked especially during the rainy season. Top up uneven surfaces of the floor to prevent water from accumulating.

In addition to the above, here are some ways to help prevent the mosquitoes being attracted to human prey.

Wear loose, light coloured clothing that covers the whole body, as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colours and find it difficult to bite through loose clothes than tight fitting clothes. Apply mosquito repellents. Sleep under mosquito nets or in a room which has mosquito screens on the doors and windows. Stay in air-conditioned rooms whenever possible as mosquitoes are unlikely to bite in an air-conditioned room. Use mosquito coils and electric vapour mats to help prevent mosquitoes from entering the room. Avoid outdoor activities during morning and late afternoon. Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, especially 2 hours after sunrise and several hours before sunset.

Guide Picks - Top 10 Best Overall Acne Fighting Products

Acne and the teen years seem to go hand in hand, and everybody has to deal with breakouts from time to time. Whether you have rare flare ups or regular bouts of acne, the ten products listed here will help you take control. These ten picks are (in our opinion) the very best acne fighters on the market. Some of the products are preventative and need to be used regularly, while others are spot treatments that only need to be used when a zit actually appears. No matter what your skin type or acne dilemma, everyone can benefit from these products. Meet your ten best weapons in the war on acne!

1) Astara Blue Flame Purification Mask This mask promises to help clear up existing acne while preventing future breakouts, and it does just that. The gentle scent of lavender acts as an aromatherapy treatment for stress and the 10-15 minute drying time forces you to take a few minutes to unwind. This facial mask will leave your skin refreshed and your soul rejuvenated.

PhytoMe Acne Gel

Natural Acne Treatment Acne Gel 15ml Guide Rating - Pros • Good for all skin types with little chance of negative side effects. • Fast acting; drastic improvement within 48 hours. • Soothing properties; combats pain and redness associated with acne. • Anti-bacterial; fights the bacteria that causes acne. • Does not dry out skin; no harsh chemicals used. • Cruelty free; ingredients and final product not tested on animals. Cons • Not good for those with known sensitivity to tea tree oil. • Can be hard to find in stores, but readily available online. The Bottom Line - A bona fide acne fighting miracle with little chance of adverse side effects. This product really delivers and is recommended for of all skin types. Quick acting and effective on mild to severe acne. A Teen Advice Guide's personal favorite. Manufacturer's Site

Product Description • All natural ingredients include; Arnica Extract, Fumaria Extract, Tea Tree Extract, Rose Hip Extract, Aloe Vera Gel, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A in a moisturizing gel (15ml, 50ml and 100ml sizes). • Fights acne causing bacteria and normalizes sebum production in a moisturizing formula that soothes the skin while reducing swelling and redness. • The product delivers on its promises with a significant improvement in acne prone areas within the first 48 hours of use. Manufacturer's Site

Guide Review 3.PhytoMe Acne Gel This is quite simply one of the best acne products on the market. It is reasonably priced ($7.99 for 15ml) and the 15 ml jar can last 8 weeks or more. The non-drying formula soothes the skin without causing further irritation. PhytoMe Acne Gel can handle the most stubborn breakouts and the analgesic properties of the Arnica fight acne related pain. When used regularly, PhytoMe Acne Gel can unclog pores and significantly reduce the instances of breakouts. Effectively deals with pustules, whiteheads and blackheads.

3) Neutrogena Rapid Clear Acne Defense Lotion
When used regularly this product will clean out and minimize the appearance of pores with the added benefit of controlling the breakouts related to clogged pores. It feels great on the face and really gets your skin clean.

4)MD Skincare Correct And Perfect Spot Treatment
This night time treatment will noticeably shrink existing blemishes while you sleep. Just dab it on effected areas before bed and wake up to clearer skin. Intended to treat existing blemishes, this product is not a preventative solution and should not be applied to unaffected areas. When you see or feel a zit coming on, just grab this little bottle and dab it on. The zits won't know what hit them!
5) Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub
A daily scrub that keeps skin ultra clean and super clear. Use it after you remove make up or as a daily wash at night. After only a few uses all but the most stubborn blemishes will disappear.
6) Mentholatum Phisoderm Anti-Blemish Gel Facial Wash
An excellent daily cleanser that tingles to let you know it's working. Used twice daily to clean the skin this product will clear up acne prone skin in a matter of weeks, reducing the incidence of breakouts and clogged pores. The gentle formula is good for all skin types and won't cause irritation or dryness.
7) DDF BP Gel 5% with Tea Tree Oil
This superior acne fighting remedy combines nature and medicine to come up with a truly unique and effective product. Tea tree oil acts as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent while the benzoyl peroxide gets to work destroying blemishes and fighting off new breakouts. The combination of these two highly effective ingredients makes for a product that delivers dramatic results in a matter of days. Can be drying at first, it is important that you follow the instructions on the label to ensure that your skin does not become irritated.
8) DermaClear

A unique all-in-one skin care product that will clean, clear and rejuvenate your skin's in less than a week of continued use. When used as directed, this product lives up to its claims. It is an "all you need" daily use product that promotes clearer skin. This product reduces the incidence of breakouts but is not intended as a spot treatment for sudden flare ups. Manufacturer's Site

9) Clinique Acne Solutions Emergency Gel Lotion Dubbed a "medicated troubleshooter" by the maker, this benzoyl peroxide based product helps clear stubborn, recurring blemishes. It also unclogs bacteria-filled pores, controls oil, and reduces redness thus improving the overall appearance of acne prone skin. This is a strong product that can make skin sensitive to sunlight, the use of sunscreen in conjunction with the gel is recommended.

10) DDF Pumice Acne Scrub

A terrific cleanser/exfoliant that not only fights acne flare ups but can help eliminate razor bumps (a real "guy thing"). This product should be used twice weekly in addition to your daily cleanser. The active ingredient is benzoyl peroxide, a proven acne remedy. When used regularly this gentle scrub will keep your face clean and clear. Excellent for both guys and girls.

Diagnosis of Acne

Most people can easily self-diagnose mild acne, which can be treated at home using over-the-counter products. However, if you are unsure if what you are experiencing is acne, or if your acne seems severe, see your dermatologist. Acne is diagnosed by a simple visual inspection by your doctor. There is no test for acne.
When diagnosing acne, dermatologists classify it into four grades. They evaluate the types of comedones present, amount of inflammation present, breakout severity, how widespread the acne is and what areas of the body are affected. Grades of acne are classified as follows:

• Grade I - The mildest form of acne. The skin will display blackheads, whiteheads or milia, and occasionally minor pimples. There is no inflammation. Grade I acne can usually be cleared with over-the-counter treatments.
• Grade II - Considered moderate acne. A greater number of blackheads and whiteheads are on the skin. Papules and pustules are more frequently found. Grade II acne may also be treated with over-the-counter products. However, if there is no improvement after six to eight weeks, consult your doctor.
• Grade III - Moderate to severe acne. The difference between Grade II and Grade III acne is the amount of inflammation present. Papules and pustules will be more numerous and there will be a greater amount of redness and inflammation found on the skin. Nodules are often present. This type of acne should be evaluated by your dermatologist.
• Grade IV - The most severe grade of acne, the skin will display many pustules, nodules, and cysts. Blackheads and whiteheads are numerous. There is pronounced inflammation, and breakouts likely extend to areas other than the face. Grade IV acne, also called cystic acne, must be treated by a dermatologist.

Acne Look-Alikes

Some skin conditions can look remarkably similar to acne, although their causes and treatments are different. Do you have acne or an acne look-alike condition? If you are unsure, it is always wise to consult with a doctor. Common skin conditions that can be mistaken for acne include:

• Rosacea - Causes red, flushed skin with papules and pustules, especially in the nose and cheek area.
• Folliculitis - Bumps or pustules caused by inflamation of the hair follicle.
• Keratosis pilaris - Small, rough "goose flesh" like bumps most often found on the upper arms, thighs and buttocks, and sometimes the face.
• Miliaria rubra - Small red bumps on the surface of the skin caused by excessive heat exposure. Also referred to as heat rash.

What is Acne?

Question: What is Acne?

Answer:

Acne at its most basic is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, or what is commonly called the hair follicle or pore. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is the most common skin disorder in the United States. Acne vulgaris, as common acne is known, is classified as a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin.

Acne is characterized by the presence of pimples or "zits", blackheads, and whiteheads. It chiefly affects the face, neck, chest, back, and/or upper arms of sufferers. Rarely you will find acne in other areas of the body. Acne varies in development from very mild to extremely severe.

How does acne develop?

Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells become trapped within the hair follicle, creating a plug within the pore. This plug of dead cells and oil is called a comedo. Blackheads and whiteheads are examples of non-inflamed comedones.

As the breakout progresses and bacteria invade, the follicle wall may rupture within the dermis, creating inflammation and redness. Inflamed blemishes vary in severity depending on the damage to the follicle wall and the amount of infection present. Severe cases of acne may lead to deeper lesions and cysts.

Most people with acne have a number of non-inflamed lesions, or comedones. However, not every acne sufferer necessarily suffers from inflamed breakouts.

What causes acne?

There is no precise cause of acne; rather, it is a result of many factors coming together to create an acne situation. Those who are prone to acne often have skin that is oilier than average. Excess oil can easily become trapped within the pore, creating an impaction.

Acneic skin also produces more dead skin cells than is normal, and those skin cells are not being shed properly (a condition called retention hyperkeratosis). These dead cells stick to the surface of the skin and inside the follicles, mixing with excess oil and creating a comedo.

When the pore becomes blocked by cellular debris and oil, a bacterium that is normally present within the pore grows unchecked. Propionibacteria acnes (P. acnes) are found in great numbers on acneic skin, causing inflamed breakouts.

Why does acne occur?

Acne often first appears during puberty, when there is a surge of androgen hormones within the body. Androgens stimulate the sebaceous glands, creating an oilier complexion and one more prone to breakouts.

Most dermatologists agree androgen hormones significantly influence acne development. In addition to puberty, women may see considerable hormonal fluctuations are during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause and perimenopause. During these life phases, acne is most likely to develop or flare up.

Other factors that contribute to acne development include oily cosmetics, comedogenic skin care or hair care products, certain drugs such as steroids and estrogen medications. Acne tends to run in families. If your parents had acne at any point in their lives, your chance of developing acne is higher.