What is Itching?

Itching (Latin pruritus) is a skin sensation that provokes a desire to scratch (1). Itching occurs when certain substances produced by the body (e.g. biliary salts, histamine) or those coming from the outside (e.g. wool, nickel) irritate nerve endings in the skin.

Itching is not the same as tingling and other abnormal sensations known as paresthesias, where nerves themselves are affected, while in itching they are not.

Numbness and Tingling in Legs and Arms

This article describes disorders that may cause numbness and tingling in BOTH arms (hands) and legs (feet), even if symptoms appear only in arms or only in legs in particular occasion.

Check disorders causing:

• numbness ONLY IN ARMS
• numbness ONLY IN LEGS
• HEAD/FACE numbness
• numbness ANYWHERE IN THE BODY

Leg Numbness

This article describes causes of numbness and tingling that appear only or mostly in legs (or feet or toes).

What Means Numbness and Tingling?
Numbness In the Arms, Hands and Fingers
Head/Face Numbness

What is Palmar Hyperhidrosis?

Sweaty palms, medical term palmar hyperhidrosis, refers to profuse perspiration (excessive sweating) of the palms. Palmar hyperhidrosis is one form of focal hyperhidrosis, meaning profuse perspiration affecting one area of the body. Sweaty palms may be accompanied by profuse perspiration of the feet, forehead, ckeeks, armpits (axillae) or be part of general hyperhidrosis (profuse perspiration throughout the body). Hyperhidrosis refers to profuse perspiration beyond the body’s thermoregulatory (temperature control) needs. A Greek term for hyperhidrosis is diaphoresis.

continue reading Causes & Treatment of Palmar Hyperhidrosis - Sweaty Palms/Hands

About Vaccinations (Immunizations) For Travel to India

Large numbers of travelers are visiting developing countries like India from developed countries (Europe, America etc.). Studies show that 50-75% of travelers to the tropics and sub-tropics (including India) report some health problem during their stay or after living the country which they visited although most of the health problems are minor and only about 5% require medical attention and less than 1% requires hospitalization (1). Infectious diseases are the main culprit for the health problems among the travelers. But they rarely cause fatality among travelers.

continue reading Vaccinations For Travel to India (Recommended by CDC)

Bloating

Bloating is a sensation of ‘fullness’ and tightness within the abdomen. It may be accompanied by swelling of the abdomen (distension). Bloating due to the build up of gas within the gastrointestinal tract will often be relieved by belching or flatulence.

Bloating should be differentiated from angina pectoris and myocardial infarction which are two cardiac conditions that may not always result in pain but can be fatal.

continue reading Causes of Bloating and Gas (Flatulence)

Numbness In the Arm

This article provides a list disorders that cause numbness only or mainly in the arm (including shoulder, hand and fingers).

“Everyday” Causes of Numbness In the Arm

Pressure On the Arm

An external object can press on nerves or vessels in the arm, resulting in numbness, tingling, or temporary paralysis of the arm.

continue reading Arm Numbness, Tingling Hands and Fingers