AIDS--Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of AIDS are caused by the deterioration of the immune system and the decline of CD4+ T cells, which are the immune system's key infection fighters. As soon as HIV enters the body, it begins to destroy these cells.


Some common symptoms include:

Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
Dry cough
Memory loss, depression and neurological disorders
Pneumonia
Profound, unexplained fatigue

Rapid weight loss
Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
Red, brown, pink or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose or eyelids
Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin or neck
White spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat


Infections Associated with AIDS


Because people with AIDS have weakened immune systems, they're more prone to infections, called opportunistic infections. Opportunistic infections are caused by organisms that typically don't cause disease in healthy people but affect people with damaged immune systems. These organisms attack when there's an opportunity to infect.

Deterioration of the immune system is caused by the decline in CD4+ T cells, which are key infection fighters. As soon as HIV enters the body, it begins to destroy these cells.

Symptoms of opportunistic infections common with AIDS include:

Coma
Coughing and shortness of breath
Difficult or painful swallowing
Extreme fatigue
Fever
Mental symptoms such as confusion and forgetfulness
Nausea, abdominal cramps and vomiting
Seizures and lack of coordination
Severe, persistent diarrhea
Severe headaches
Vision loss
Weight loss
Many opportunistic infections associated with AIDS cause serious illness. Some may be prevented. Below is a list of infections and how they affect the body.

Opportunistic Infections: Brain
Cryptoccoccal Menigitis — This is a yeast-like fungus infection that usually involves the brain and lungs, although it can affect almost any organ. The fungus that causes this condition is found in soil throughout the world. It is most common in soil contaminated by bird droppings. This disease most often occurs when a person's CD4+ T cell count falls below 100 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

HIV-related Encephalopathy — Encephalopathy is a term for diseases that alter brain function or structure, leading to problems with cognitive function, or mental processes, and memory. In people with HIV and AIDS, encephalopathy is usually caused by an infectious agent, such as a bacteria, virus or prion.

Encephalopathy most often occurs when a person's CD4+T cell count falls below 50 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Toxoplasma-seropositive patients who have a CD4+T cell count of less than 100 cells per cubic millimeter of blood should be treated with prophylaxis to prevent developing encephalopathy.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) — Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare disorder of the nervous system caused by a common human polyomavirus, JC virus. It leads to the destruction of the myelin sheath that covers nerve cells. The myelin sheath is the fatty covering that acts as an insulator on nerve fibers in the brain. Symptoms include mental deterioration, vision loss, speech disturbances, inability to coordinate movements, paralysis and ultimately coma. In rare cases, seizures may occur.

This disease can occur when the CD4+T cell count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Toxoplasmosis — This condition occurs when a parasite infects the brain. Symptoms include confusion or delusional behavior, severe headaches, fever, seizures and coma. It can affect the eye, causing eye pain and reduced vision.

Toxoplasmosis most likely occurs when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 100 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Preventative treatment — usually with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also called Septra and Bactrim — may be administered when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 100 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Opportunistic Infections: Eyes
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) — Although this virus can affect the entire body, it commonly affects the eye's retina, causing blurry vision and in severe cases, blindness. Other common symptoms include chronic diarrhea and nerve problems. It is most likely to occur when a person’s CD4+ T cell count falls below 100 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Opportunistic Infections: Gastrointestinal Tract
Cryptosporidiosis — This is a parasite that can cause chronic diarrhea. Other symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss, vomiting and dehydration.

This infection is difficult to treat and there is no definitive effective treatment. Symptom control and treatment of HIV are necessary.

Cytomegalovirus — Although this virus can affect the entire body, it commonly occurs in the stomach, causing fever, diarrhea and stomach pain. It most likely occurs when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 50 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Mycobacterium Avium Complex — This is a bacterial infection that can cause persistent fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, anemia, abdominal pain, dizziness, diarrhea and weakness. The bacteria that cause this infection is found in water, dust, soil and bird droppings.

This disease most likely occurs when the CD4+T cell count falls below 50 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Preventive treatment, usually with azithromycin, is administered when CD4+ T cells are less than 50 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Opportunistic Infections: Genitals
Candidiasis — Candidiasis is an infection caused by the candida fungi. Also known as a yeast infection, it's the most common HIV-related fungus infection. It can affect the entire body, but most commonly occurs in the mouth, called thrush, or vagina. An overgrowth of yeast in the vagina can cause irritation, itching, burning and thick white discharge.

Herpes Simplex — This virus causes genital herpes, which are painful blisters in the genital area, or cold sores. Severe conditions are more common in the advanced stage of AIDS.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) — This condition is considered the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States. It can cause warts on the anus, cervix, esophagus, penis, urethra, vagina and vulva. Studies have shown that certain types of HPV can contribute to the development of cervical and anal cancer. Individuals with HIV and AIDS are at increased risk for developing precancerous and cancerous lesions.

Opportunistic Infections: Liver
Liver Disease — Liver disease is one of the leading causes of death among AIDS patients, especially liver disease caused by the hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus. Many drugs used in the treatment of HIV and AIDS can cause liver disease or hepatitis. It is important that patients infected with hepatitis receive treatment and follow-up care.

Opportunistic Infections: Lungs
Coccidiomycosis — This infection is caused by inhaling an infective fungus called Coccidioides immitis, found mainly in contaminated soil in the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America and parts of South America. The lungs are most commonly affected by this infection. In severe cases, it can involve the kidneys, lymph system, brain and spleen. Symptoms include cough, weight loss and fatigue. Meningitis is a common complication when left untreated.

Histoplasmosis — This infection almost always involves the lungs, although other organs may be affected. The fungus that causes this condition is found in southern parts of the United States and South America. It is usually found in soil contaminated with bird droppings and must be inhaled to cause infection.

Signs and symptoms include high fever; weight loss; respiratory complaints; an enlarged liver, spleen, or lymph nodes; depressed production of white cells, red blood cells and platelets from the bone marrow; and life-threatening, unstable, low blood pressure.

Pneumocystis Carinii — This condition occurs when a fungus infects the lungs. Symptoms may include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, weight loss, night sweats and fatigue.

It is most likely to occur when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Preventative treatment may be administered when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood. Treatment is usually trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also called Septra or Bactrim, dapsone or atovoquone.

Recurrent Pneumonia — People with AIDS are at risk for recurrent bacterial pneumonia. Bacteria can infect the lungs, which may lead to problems ranging from a mild cough to severe pneumonia. Recurrent pneumonia is most likely to occur when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Tuberculosis (TB) — This is a serious, and often deadly, bacterial infection that primarily infects the lungs. TB is transmitted when a person with active TB coughs or sneezes, releasing microscopic particles into the air. If inhaled, these particles may transmit the condition.

Once infected by TB, most people remain healthy and develop only latent infection. People with latent infection are neither sick nor infectious. However, they do have the potential to become sick and infectious with active TB. It can occur at any CD4+ T cell level but especially when the CD4+ T cell count falls below 350 cells per cubic millimeter of blood.

Opportunistic Infections: Lymphatic System
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma — Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a disease in which tumors develop from white blood cells in the lymphatic system. It is another common disease associated with AIDS. See AIDS-related lymphoma.

Opportunistic Infections: Mouth and Throat
Candidiasis — This is the most common HIV-related fungus infection. It can affect the entire body, but most commonly occurs in the mouth (thrush) or vagina. An overgrowth of yeast causes white patches on gums, tongue or lining of the mouth, pain, difficulty in swallowing and loss of appetite. Candida in the esophagus, trachea, bronchi or lungs is AIDS defining.

Opportunistic Infections: Skin
Herpes Simplex — This virus causes cold sores or genital herpes, which are painful blisters in the genital area. Chronic herpes simplex virus (HSV) lesions and severe mucocutaneous HSV disease are common in the advanced stages of AIDS.

Kaposi's Sarcoma — This is the most common AIDS-related cancer. It causes reddish-purple lesions that usually appear on the skin. They also can appear on the lymph nodes, mouth, gastrointestinal tract and lungs.

Remove acne at home

61. Grind melon seeds with cow milk and spread this mixture all over your face.

62. Grind fennel seeds with vinegar and use this mixture on face at bedtime to cure acne.

63.Burn the ber fruit to ashes (Indian plum)) and dust this powder on pimples.  This ayurvedic and ancient remedy prevents pimples from breaking out.

64. Grind saffron with red sandalwood and raw milk. Smear this paste on your acne and acne marks.

65. Grind neem seeds with milk to apply on your pimple to vanish it fast.

66.  Chirongi(sunflower-seeds) when mixed with milk can treat pimples and pimple-scars.

67. Grind mulberry husk with milk and apply on your face.

68. Grind the cores of ber and liquorice with water to apply on your face to banish zits and blemishes.

69. Core of jamun(jambu plums) with milk works wonders for ironing out pimples.

70. Mix carom seeds with curd and apply on your face.

71. Mix ground nutmeg and red sandalwood together to dab on the pimple spot.

72. Radish juice and cucumber juice skin toner is a boon to oily and acne-prone skin.

73. Grind thorn of silk cotton tree with milk and then slather the resultant preparation onto face.

74. 2 spoons of milk, 2 spoons of barley flour, and one egg white makes for an ideal pimple-control home facial mask for oily skin.

75. Mix honey to papaya pulp and then apply on your face to get rid of acne.

76. Prepare an acne-control face mask mixing neem juice and turmeric together. Teenager girls and boys must use this easy to follow home remedy.

77.  Apply onion juice over pimples.

78. Apply garlic juice to pimples! Believe me ! It helps!

79. Grind neem, tulsi and coriander leaves together and prepare a powerful face mask to treat acne and its marks.

80.  Combine together 125 ml tomato juice, 5-6 mint leaves and  2 spoons of lemon juice and black salt and drink this potent blend daily.

81. Sandalwood and turmeric lightens your skin and keeps pimple and pimple scars away.

82. Oatmeal powder, mint juice blended together makes a nice acne-control face pack for you.

83. Masoor dal(lentil), milk and half spoon of camphor mix treats acne effectively.

84. Applying grape juice with multani mitti helps dry up acne.

85. Mix baking soda with your regular face wash and use this face wash to keep oiliness and pimple at bay.

86. Mix baking soda with lemon juice and leave on acne overnight. Good for oily skin.

87. Mix baking soda in warm water and dip a cotton towel in this solution and rub clean your face with this preparation for acne cure.

88. Boil baby mango in water use this water as astringent to cure acne and its scars.

89. Drink amla(Indian gooseberry) juice daily to cure pimples.

90. Apply amla powder with mint juice on face.

91. Mix lemon juice and orange juice together to dry up acne. This is a natural bleach for your skin which improves your skin tone and lightens all sorts of facial blemishes naturally.

92. Almond powder and sandalwood powder mixed together make a pimple-treatment facial mask.

93. Prepare a face pack with half spoon of turmeric,  1/2 spoon of camphor and few drops of mustard oil. Use this beauty tip before taking shower..

94. Orange peel powder with rose water is a ideal face mask for getting spotless skin, free of acne scars, dark spots and pigmentation marks.

95. Lemon peel powder combined with milk treats pimples. Use this natural remedy daily if you have pimple-prone and oily skin.

96. In 1/4 cup of distilled water, pour few drops of tea tree oil in it and wipe clean your face several times a day with this oil-control face toner.

97. Apply pure aloe vera gel on acne scars. For best results, burst open the content of vitamin E capsule and the mix the entire content of this capsule with aloe vera gel. This remedy is immensely beneficial for fading pimple marks, stretch marks, pigmentation marks and dark spots.

98. Apply coconut water with cod liver oil mixed to it. This beauty tip aids to fade away acne scars and all sorts of blemishes like age spots and brown spots, etc.

99. Mix almond oil with olive oil and massage your face daily this mixture before bedtime. This herbal remedy helps to lighten acne-scars and whitens your complexion naturally.

100. Mint juice and coconut oil mix when applied on acne scars,  reduces the severity of acne and it scars. Use this kitchen remedy before you take bath.



 It is the time to follow these  beauty recipes right away.

Get set to say goodbye to acne and be a proud owner of a smooth, clear and healthy skin naturally.

Most common mistakes a woman do with hair

Using a hair shampoo that don’t suits your hair, exposing hair to too much heat and there are more and more hair mistakes women tend to do. Some do it unknowngly but there are few who do it even after knowing its a mistake. So, at least try to stop them now to protect your beautiful fuller hair from various kind of damages.


Here are few common hair mistakes women do

Avoid too much heat

Women use heat based hair tools like hair dryer, curling iron and the flat iron to provide hair solutions, but give a deep look, they are apparently damaging your hair. Infact exposing hair to heat tends to develop split ends and fade in the natural color. And it is one of the top list among the mistakes women do to their hair.

If you must to use the heat to dry, curl or straighten the hair adjust the machine heat setting to low and take the help of the products that can prevent your hair from damaging, say like thermal protectant sprays.

Brushing many times

 Brushing your hair in a day is necessary to remove the tangles and to tilt its look to great. But too much brushing is highly not recommended as it leads to split ends and breakage of the hair. Do it only when you want it and you even need to choose a perfect brush to comb your hair.

Wet mistakes

 The mistakes that we do after the completion of shower is hard towelling and wet brushing, both of which damages the hair. Don’t rub your hair too often with a towel left and right. Similarly don’t comb your hair when it wet, it leads to the hair fall.

Rinsing frequently

 Washing the hair is a general need to flush out the dirt from the scalp and hair. But rinsing off too often has been linked with the hair damage. It removes the natural oils from the hair and makes it appear dull and life less.

Neglecting conditioner

 The immediate step one need to follow after rinsing off the hair is conditioning. Choose a good conditioner according to your hair type and use it after every wash. You can also use leave-in conditioner to help your hair from  tangling and dullness.

Don’t skip trimming

 As a part of maintaining the beauty of the hair, trimming is crucial. Plan your next trim after every five to six weeks to clean up the split ends and damaged hair. Infact girls who are planning to grow the long hair must have to trim their hair for atleast every 8 weeks inorder to shape it and style it.

Go according to seasons

 According to the changes in the seasons all around the year switch using  the hair products. For instance, in summer take the help of the hair products that consists of SPF to protect the hair from sun’s ultra violet rays. In winter, your hair is in need of a good conditioner that can moisture the scalp and prevent the fly-aways. In the humid days, what all your hair needs is de-frizz products.

BEAUTY DON'TS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

Pregnancy is a time to love yourself and be cautious towards your unborn baby. Read on and learn about beauty don'ts for pregnant women.


Arpita is an expecting a baby. She is very excited about having a child and experiencing the joy of childbirth. At the same time she is feeling a sense of responsibility towards her unborn child. Every time her baby moves inside her, her heart jumps with joy. She is taking every possible care of herself to keep her unborn child away from any harm. She has become health conscious than ever before. She had a word with her doctor regarding care she should take during her pregnancy. She was surprised after finding out some beauty don'ts from her doctor. But that did not stop her from looking and feeling her best.

Becoming a mother is a beautiful experience and maternity can make you glow in its glory. Instead of being clad in boring polka dotted maternity wear, don some fresh maternity fashion, preen and pamper yourself to keep looking ravishing. While you get going to be a lovely mom-to-be, it is important to follow some beauty don'ts as the part of the pre-natal care to keep your unborn baby safe. Get ready to sport that baby bump in style but just remember a few things that you have to avoid. Here we go


Avoid hair dye during pregnancy

You want to get a make-over and plan to color your hair. But hair dyes get absorbed in the scalp and this is a cause for concern. Many researches have shown that few hours later these chemical can be traced in the urine of the pregnant women. Some researches have tried to indicate a link between coloring hair during pregnancy and childhood cancers but there are no strong evidences. Some chemicals can be capable of entering into blood stream once they get absorbed by the body.

Whether these chemicals actually harm the fetus or no is debatable but it is advisable to stay away from hair colors and coloring your hair during pregnancy. You can choose to make use of natural hair dyes such as henna. If you want to color your hair during pregnancy it is best to proceed after the first 12 weeks. In this period the risk of harm to the fetus by chemicals is the lowest.


Avoid hair straightening or perming

Chemicals found in hair treatments such as ironing, perming or straightening are associated with birth defects in some studies. The chemicals used in these kinds of hair treatments do get absorbed in the bloodstream thus coming in contact with the fetus. Due to changes in hormones your body, it may react differently to the cosmetic treatment. Your hair may turn frizzy after a hair straightening treatment due to interplay of hormones. So avoid these hair treatments when you are pregnant.


Avoid hair removing creams

The secretion of hormones during pregnancy makes skin sensitive to pain. The use of regular hair removal cream may cause rashes or allergy. Waxing your hair may be painful than ever before. It is better to carry a patch test of your hair removal or depilatory cream each time before using it. You may use a razor to get rid of unwanted hair during pregnancy or visit a good spa to get hair removed with proper care. Consider seeking advice of your physician before carrying out any other hair removal treatment such as waxing, electrolysis or laser.

Avoid manicure and the use of artificial nails

Getting artificial nails during pregnancy is not recommended. The chemicals used in the process come in direct contact with body and get absorbed through the skin. The chemicals can cause harm to the foetus. Inhalation of the chemical fumes at the time of manicure or nail extension process can cause potential harm to the unborn baby. It is better to avoid indulging in manicures and pedicures if you are pregnant. instead use a body brush for your feet and scrub your hands with a loofah. Keep your nails clipped for a neat look.


Avoid body massages and sauna bath

Certain points on your arms and legs trigger labour if massaged. There are different kinds of massages for pregnant women. Visit only professional spas and salons if you wish to get a body massage. Some aroma oils may make you feel sick causing nausea during pregnancy. It is better to use oils with no fragrance or mild aroma. Essential oils such as rose, eucalyptus, lemon and lavender are considered safe to use during pregnancy.

High temperature is not good for the health of the fetus. You should avoid being in high temperatures. Avoid taking sauna bath during pregnancy as it emits hot steams. Hot tub bath should also be avoided.


Avoid cosmetic treatments

Many cosmetic surgeons believe that opting for cosmetic surgery such as Botox is not advisable during pregnancy. There is no enough data available or research done on the effect of cosmetic injections on the foetus. But it is recommended not to take Botox injections if you are pregnant to avoid any risks.

Avoid treatments such as chemical peeling. Facial treatments for anti-ageing and anti-acne may make use of salicylic acids and retinoid. These ingredients should be avoided in any skin care treatments during pregnancy.

Avoid any treatment which uses high frequency currents or injections. Consult your doctor if you have a doubt about using any beauty products. Avoid intake of medications prescribed as part of your beauty treatment without discussing with your physician.

The first two trimesters need extra care since the fetus is in the initial stage of its growth. Ignorance can become fatal for your unborn child. Coming in contact with some harmful chemicals can also lead to a miscarriage.

While your body is going through phenomenal changes ensure that you take every care to stay healthy and keep your baby safe. A little care can go a long way. Help yourself by following the beauty don'ts and welcome a beautiful baby into your world.