Reasons For Itchy Scalp

Rwanda: Measles Still a Major Threat

Measles is an illness resulting from infection with the measles virus. Once among the most common childhood diseases worldwide, measles also called rubella now primarily exists in developing nations, where it remains a leading cause of childhood blindness and death.

Routine measles immunization, the standard of care since becoming available in the early 1960s has eradicated measles from much of the industrialized world.

In many developed countries today, children generally receive measles vaccines through the combination known as MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine.

Measles is one of the most highly contagious infections, and spreads through droplet contamination via airborne transmission (sneezing and coughing) as well as direct contact.

The virus invades the lining of the throat and the lungs where it replicates. The virus then uses the lymphatic system to enter the blood circulation, after which prodrome symptoms emerge.

These symptoms include fever, sensitivity to light known as photophobia, congestion of the nasal passages and profuse nasal discharge. And some times non-productive cough.

Within two days the characteristic measles rash emerges. This red, itchy rash starts at the hairline on the scalp and spreads to cover the entire body, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The course of illness runs about 10 days after the rash begins. The infection is most contagious during the prodrome stage, though contagiousness continues through the rash stage.

Diagnosis is clinical based on the characteristic nature of symptoms and history of exposure.

The risk for complications from measles is high, primarily because the measles virus's use of the immune system to distribute itself compromises the immune response, lowering resistance to infection from other pathogens.

As a consequence secondary bacterial infections, notably otitis media (middle ear infection) and pneumonia are common.

Pregnant mothers should avoid any potential risk for a measles infection, but to also understand what type of health risk measles may pose to not only them but also the unborn baby.

While in the womb, fetal development occurs at a rapid rate and any potential risk for infection can lead to congenital birth defects. Because a measles infection can spread to the womb, and infect an unborn baby, reducing the risk for this infection is important. While there are obvious health risks to the expectant mother, when suffering from a measles infection, the unborn baby can experience even greater complications often leading to long term and permanent health risks.

Causes And Cures To Itchy Scalps Most Cases Treated Using ...

Causes And Cures To Itchy Scalps Most Cases Treated Using Medications

Writer: Eugene Yeng on Jun 16 2011.

Scalp irritation is a common problem all over the world. Many people suffer from this affliction. Both the causes and cures to itchy scalps are many. This article touches on a few.

A basic cause of itchy scalp is irregular washing. Infrequent cleaning of our skin allows the accumulation of dead cells. These deposits can, by themselves, cause itching and other irritations. The solution is regular washing, at least once a week.

Second, washing hair too frequently can dry the scalp and cause itch. This same result can also be caused by excessively hot water, hot hair dryer air and overly aggressive, drying shampoos. Similarly, during the winter months, dry scalp can result from cold windy weather and overly dry air from indoor heating without enough sources of humidification. Correcting these factors can allow the scalp to rehydrate and restore itself back to health.

As previously mentioned, build-up of dead skin can stimulate fungus as well as bacteria, parasites and viruses. Pityrosporum ovale or Malassezia furfur is a yeast fungus normally present on a human body. It causes dandruff and itch if it becomes overly prolific on a body. Regular exposure to direct sunlight can be helpful; sun baking is not necessary. Tea tree oil has natural anti-fungal properties and often used to control Pityrosporum ovale. Shampoo with zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole can also be beneficial, particularly if allowed to rest on the skin for a prolonged period of five minutes or more. It is also important to apply this remedy persistently for several weeks to ensure the fungus does not reaccelerate its colonization in the interim.

Fourthly, scalp itchiness and dandruff also result from overactive oil glands in the skin. This condition, called seborrheic dermatitis, can also affect the eyelids, eyebrows, ears, nose, and groin. The stimulus for hyperactive oil glands is not known. Dietary modifications may assist control of seborrheic dermatitis. Avoiding saturated fatty acids and trans-fatty oils can decrease secretions from oil glands. Increased vitamin B, essential fatty acids and zinc cal also help. Finally, shampoo with salicylic acid or coal tar is beneficial.

Fifth, scalp psoriasis usually produces intense itching. Psoriasis is usually considered to be an autoimmune disease. It reflects an overactive natural immune response by the body as a reaction against substances or tissues normally present in or on the body. In other words, the immune system mistakes some part of the body as a pathogen and attacks it in an attempt to destroy it. In addition to persistent itching, this malady is evidenced either by tiny flakes or scales similar to dandruff or, in more extreme cases, thick yellowish dead skin that separate from the scalp in large patches. Recommended treatments include using shampoo or ointments containing coal tar or salicylic acid.

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