Med Treatments

Treatment for Cold Sores

Also known as fever blisters, these sores are fluid-filled wounds brought about by the herpes simplex virus type 1 infection. The following treatments for cold sores can limit their frequency and also shorten its duration. Medication These sores usually clear in a couple of weeks even without treatment. In cases where the symptoms are severe, topical medication may be prescribed. Lidocaine is used to relieve pain, while benzocaine (Zilactin) can shield sores from irritation and trauma. Oral antiviral medications can reduce the sore duration if taken early. They include valacyclovir (Valtrex), acyclovir (Zovirax) and famciclovir (Famvir). An antiviral medication can be used to stop recurrence. These will be prescribed if you get these sores often. Antiviral drugs are used if a major illness occurs while there are sores. Consult your doctor before taking any antiviral medications. Signs and Symptoms There are many symptoms, including blisters. These blisters are small and have fluid inside....

Treatment for Toenail Fungus

This infection occurs when a fungi gets to your toenail or fingernail. It starts as a yellowish or whitish spot below the toenail. It leads to nail discoloration and can be painful. The following are the toenail fungus treatments available. Oral Antifungal Medication There are many kinds, but two of the most effective are itraconazole (Sporanox) and terbinafine (Lamisil). These and other medications like it will replace the nail infected by the fungus. These medications are taken anywhere from six weeks to three months. Sometimes it may take four months or longer to totally eradicate infection. Oral medication is also given to patients who have diabetes or history of cellulitis. These medications are also given if the infection is causing pain. Antifungal drugs may cause side effects like rashes. People with heart disease or liver problems may be at risk if these are taken. Inform the doctor if you are taking other medications. Topical Medications These are often used in conjunction with...

Cellulite Treatment

There are many types of cellulite treatment you can try. Although the condition is not serious, it is best if you consult a skin specialist first before trying any of these medications or medical procedures. Radiofrequency Systems and Laser Two systems can be used. One fuses infrared light, radiofrequency and negative tissue massage to eliminate cellulite. The other system uses diode laser energy and tissue massage. Sessions are usually twice weekly. The results are good up to six months. Losing Weight Getting rid of excess pounds and fat strengthens the thighs, buttocks and legs, where this condition often manifests. Weight loss can lessen the dimple on the skin. Liposuction During liposuction, the surgeon places a narrow tube under the skin to remove the fat cells. Although liposuction can remove fat, its efficiency when it comes to cellulite removal is still being debated. Mesotherapy A solution is injected under the skin. The solution varies, but they may consist of herbal extracts,...

Anxiety Treatment

Anxiety is otherwise known as generalized anxiety disorder. It is usually characterized by exaggerated and excessive anxiety about ordinary events in life. Usually there are no reasons behind such excessive worries. In fact, there aren’t even any obvious reasons why a patient has to worry. The people who suffer from this disorder have that tendency to expect certain disaster. Some of the common things that people with this disorder worry about include family, money, health, school, and work. Most of the time, people with this disorder have their worries blown out of proportion and are characteristically unrealistic. It even comes to a point when they day to day lives become a constant struggle against worries and anxieties. The culmination of this disorder is when these worries become deterrents to the patient’s normal daily functions. However, anxiety treatment shouldn’t be implemented at that stage. Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Although anxiety is a condition...

Alcohol Treatment

The first step for effective alcohol treatment requires the patient’s sincere desire to get help and more importantly, accept that help willingly. It has been observed that alcoholics who have either been forced to quit due to certain circumstances in life or due to the pressure from family and friends, often tend to fail in the long run. The patient’s own volition is crucial and it is one of the key factors for the entire treatment process to become successful. Taking the Initiative The decision to undergo alcohol treatment is usually never made out of the blue. Letting go of the habit and transformation does not happen overnight. Denial is one of the biggest obstacles that hamper a desire to change. Some people do not want to admit that they have a drinking problem. Others acknowledge it, yet make excuses to justify the habit. The alcoholic will have to evaluate if drinking is worth it, considering its costs and benefits. He / she will also have to take into account, the impact alcoholism...

Facial Treatment

Facial skin is the most sensitive, thus, needs special care. To obtain a flawless, smooth complexion that glows, sticking to a facial care regimen is important. Finding the perfect cleansing-exfoliating-moisturizing schedule for your skin type is the basic first step. However, it is not always an assurance that you can avoid common facial skin disease such as acne. The Problematic Acne Acne is considered a misfortune for beauty-conscious individuals and otherwise. It is something that nobody wants to have but everyone may experience at any point. Acne is a blanket term for clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and unsightly pimples. If it is not treated properly, it can lead to permanent scarring, which may subject the sufferer to self-consciousness and emotional turmoil. While there is no available precautionary measure that is absolutely effective against acne, there are numerous treatments available for sufferers. Facial rejuvenation is one of the more popular facial treatments that...

Substance Abuse Treatment

Drug addiction can lead to physical, emotional and problems. It can also lead to legal troubles. However, there are many substance abuse treatments, ranging from counseling to self help groups. You can also get help from family and friends. Counseling Counseling can come from a psychologist or counselor. Counseling can be individual or with the family. These therapies can develop ways to deal with drug longing. Through a counselor you can talk about problems with jobs, family or yourself. Treatment Programs These include therapy sessions aimed at making you sober. Sessions can be individual or with a group or family. This can take the form of outpatient, residential or inpatient programs. Self Help Groups Self help organizations offer help for people addicted to heroin, sedatives and other drugs. Your health provider can tell you how to get in touch with these self help groups. Withdrawal Therapy Withdrawal therapy (detoxification) is designed to help you stop using the drug as soon as...

Treatment for Bronchitis

This disease is the result of an inflammation of the bronchial lining tubes. This is where air is taken to the lungs. This health condition often develops from other respiratory ailments. Bronchitis Treatments In many instances all you need is to rest and drink plenty of water. It also helps if you breathe in moist, humid air. You can also take acetaminophen or aspirin (aspirin is for adults only; children should not take them). Over the counter (OTC) cough suppressants will also help. The goal of medications and other drugs is to reduce the symptoms and make breathing easier. Antibiotics have no effect if the illness is due to viral infection. But if the cause is bacterial, your physician will prescribe antibiotics. Discolored mucus is a sign the condition is bacterial in origin. Antibiotics may also be given if you have lung disorder or a smoker. Antibiotics will be prescribed if there is a chance of secondary infection. Use an OTC cough medicine only if it is keeping you awake. Do not...

Treatment for Gout

Gout is one of the most painful kinds of arthritis anyone can ever endure. It usually occurs when someone’s body has accumulated too much uric acid. This increased build up has several effects. Some of these effects include lumps on the skin, kidney stones, and uric acid deposits formed in the big toe. Due to the pain they experience, people look for a treatment for gout just to relieve the symptoms. Signs and Symptoms of Gout The most common sign of acute gout is found on a patient’s big toe usually at the base. This part of the big toe is usually inflamed. There are also other joints that can be affected by gout. These include elbows, fingers, wrists, knees, and ankles. Acute attacks often begin with a fast inception of pain. It is then followed by swelling, reddish discoloration, warmth, and marked tenderness. That part of the body would be so tender that even a slight touch can be quite unbearable. The attacks of pain usually take several hours to subside. Some even lasts for several...

Treatment for Hives

Treatment for hives or urticaria can come in the form of drug medications or natural / home remedies. If you intend to take drug medication, consult your family doctor so they can recommend the right drug. Common Drug Treatments Antihistamines are the most widely used medical treatment for urticaria. These include cetirizine, hydroxyzine and diphenhydramine. Known as H1 receptor antagonists, their purpose is to prevent the disease from spreading and stopping the outbreak. H2-receptor antagonists may also work. Their focus is on managing urticaria symptoms. Well known H2-receptor antagonists include ranitidine and cimetidine. They work by minimizing the symptoms during an outbreak. Research has shown that H1 and H2 antagonists may be taken together. Note: H2-receptor antagonists were developed as cures for gastroesophageal reflux and peptic ulcers. However, it has been shown they can minimize symptoms of urticaria. Tricyclic Antidepressants Tricyclic antidepressants (doxepin, for example)...

Treatments

Articles in this Category