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Monday, July 31, 2023

What is Gianotti-Crosti?

 Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is a rash that usually affects young children. It's sometimes called papular acrodermatitis of childhood. The rash covers the arms, legs, and face. It can cause itching and discomfort.

Gianotti-Crosti is usually a delayed immune reaction to a virus. The rash will appear as your child is recovering from an illness such as a respiratory infection or stomach virus. It's very common and doesn't have lasting effects, but it can be alarming when it appears on your child's skin.

credit/image: webmd.com


Viral illnesses trigger Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. The rash will typically begin as your child is recovering from another illness. Some children also get it after receiving live-virus vaccinations, such as the shots for poliovirus, hepatitis A, diphtheria, smallpox, pertussis, and influenza.

It's most common in children under the age of 9 years old, and children with underlying skin conditions like atopic dermatitis are also more likely to develop Gianotti-Crosti. Adults can get it, too, with women being more susceptible to it than men. The condition is most prevalent in spring and summer.  Doctors aren't sure why some viruses lead to a Gianotti-Crosti response. There is a broad assumption that it's part of the immune response to viruses, but experts don't know exactly why some people get it while others don't‌. 

The most common triggers for Gianotti-Crosti in the United States include:

In regions other than the United States, hepatitis B is a common trigger for Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. In the United States, children are usually vaccinated against hepatitis B. If your child has not been vaccinated for hepatitis B, you may need to have them tested if symptoms manifest.

A Gianotti-Costi rash looks like an outbreak of raised blisters that appear on your child's skin. The rash often first appears on or near the buttocks, then spreads to the arms, legs, and face. The blisters vary in size and may be filled with fluid. They may be pink, red, or brown in color.

The blisters may become itchy or uncomfortable. Your child may also have swollen lymph nodes and a mild fever along with the rash. Children may also experience swelling of the liver or spleen, but you would need a doctor to confirm those symptoms. 

The rash usually lasts about four weeks, though it can linger as long as eight weeks. It will go away on its own. The rash doesn't typically cause scarring on the skin. There may be dark spots that remain on the skin, but they generally fade after six months. Any other symptoms will also clear up over time. 

Tests are not needed to diagnose Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. Your child's doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about how long the rash has been present.

Your doctor will also ask about any illnesses your child may have had in the weeks before the rash appeared. They might check their vaccination records to see if a recent inoculation could be the cause of the rash. If there is cause to worry about a serious viral infection such as hepatitis or HIV, they may test for that. 

The main symptom -- the rash -- will go away on its own. But if it’s itchy, you can use over-the-counter anti-itch treatments to ease the symptoms. Your doctor may suggest oral antihistamines if topical treatments don't help. Cool compresses may also reduce itching.

If your child has a fever, ask your doctor about using a fever reducer such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ask about appropriate dosing for your child's age. Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids since fevers can be dehydrating. 

Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is not contagious, so you don't need to isolate your child while they have the rash. In fact, the rash usually appears after the child has stopped being contagious with the virus that triggered the syndrome. Your child can participate in activities while the rash is still present, though you may need a note from your doctor to explain the situation.

Credit/Source: Gianotti-Crosti Syndrome: A Common Childhood Rash (webmd.com)

Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and 
should not be taken as expert advice. Please click the source link for complete information.
A/N: Let Food be thy Medicine and Medicine Thy Food. Boost your Immune System. Ask me How. First Vita Plus Natural Health Drinks is a Vitamin and Vegetable-in-a-Drink.

Saturday, June 24, 2023

What is Immune System- Explained

 

Immune system

The immune system is made up of a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that fight infection (microbes).

Image Credit: freepik

The immune system and microbial infection

The immune system keeps a record of every microbe it has ever defeated, in types of white blood cells (B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes) known as memory cells. This means it can recognise and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again, before it can multiply and make you feel sick.

Some infections, like the flu and the common cold, have to be fought many times because so many different viruses or strains of the same type of virus can cause these illnesses. Catching a cold or flu from one virus does not give you immunity against the others.

Parts of the immune system

The main parts of the immune system are:

White blood cells

White blood cells are the key players in your immune system. They are made in your bone marrow and are part of the lymphatic system.

White blood cells move through blood and tissue throughout your body, looking for foreign invaders (microbes) such as bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. When they find them, they launch an immune attack.

White blood cells include lymphocytes (such as B-cells, T-cells and natural killer cells), and many other types of immune cells.

Antibodies

Antibodies help the body to fight microbes or the toxins (poisons) they produce. They do this by recognising substances called antigens on the surface of the microbe, or in the chemicals they produce, which mark the microbe or toxin as being foreign. The antibodies then mark these antigens for destruction. There are many cells, proteins and chemicals involved in this attack.

Complement system

The complement system is made up of proteins whose actions complement the work done by antibodies.

Lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is a network of delicate tubes throughout the body. The main roles of the lymphatic system are to:

  • manage the fluid levels in the body
  • react to bacteria
  • deal with cancer cells
  • deal with cell products that otherwise would result in disease or disorders
  • absorb some of the fats in our diet from the intestine.

The lymphatic system is made up of:

  • lymph nodes (also called lymph glands) – which trap microbes
  • lymph vessels – tubes that carry lymph, the colourless fluid that bathes your body's tissues and contains infection-fighting white blood cells
  • white blood cells (lymphocytes).

Spleen

The spleen is a blood-filtering organ that removes microbes and destroys old or damaged red blood cells. It also makes disease-fighting components of the immune system (including antibodies and lymphocytes).

Bone marrow

Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found inside your bones. It produces the red blood cells our bodies need to carry oxygen, the white blood cells we use to fight infection, and the platelets we need to help our blood clot.

Thymus

The thymus filters and monitors your blood content. It produces the white blood cells called T-lymphocytes.

The body's other defences against microbes

As well as the immune system, the body has several other ways to defend itself against microbes, including:

  • skin – a waterproof barrier that secretes oil with bacteria-killing properties
  • lungs – mucous in the lungs (phlegm) traps foreign particles, and small hairs (cilia) wave the mucous upwards so it can be coughed out
  • digestive tract – the mucous lining contains antibodies, and the acid in the stomach can kill most microbes
  • other defences – body fluids like skin oil, saliva and tears contain anti-bacterial enzymes that help reduce the risk of infection. The constant flushing of the urinary tract and the bowel also helps.

Fever is an immune system response

A rise in body temperature, or fever, can happen with some infections. This is actually an immune system response. A rise in temperature can kill some microbes. Fever also triggers the body's repair process.

Common disorders of the immune system

It is common for people to have an over- or underactive immune system. Overactivity of the immune system can take many forms, including:

Underactivity of the immune system, also called immunodeficiency, can:

  • be inherited – examples of these conditions include primary immunodeficiency diseases such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), x-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and complement deficiencies.
  • arise as a result of medical treatment – this can occur due to medications such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy
  • be caused by another disease – such as HIV/AIDS or certain types of cancer.

An underactive immune system does not function correctly and makes people vulnerable to infections. It can be life-threatening in severe cases.

People who have had an organ transplant need immunosuppression treatment to prevent the body from attacking the transplanted organ.

Immunoglobulin therapy

Immunoglobulins (commonly known as antibodies) are used to treat people who are unable to make enough of their own, or whose antibodies do not work properly. This treatment is known as immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IRT).

Until recently, immunoglobulin therapy in Australia mostly involved delivery of immunoglobulins through a drip into the vein – known as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy. Now, subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) therapy can be delivered into the fatty tissue under the skin, which may offer benefits for some patients. This is known as subcutaneous infusion or SCIg therapy.

Subcutaneous immunoglobulin is similar to intravenous immunoglobulin. It is made from plasma – the liquid part of blood containing important proteins like antibodies.

Download the SCIg introduction fact sheet to read more about this type of treatment.

Many health services are now offering SCIg therapy to eligible patients with specific immune conditions. If you are interested, please discuss your particular requirements with your clinical immunology/allergy specialist.

Immunization

Immunization works by copying the body's natural immune response. A vaccine (a small amount of a specially treated virus, bacterium or toxin) is injected into the body. The body then makes antibodies to it. If a vaccinated person is exposed to the actual virus, bacterium or toxin, they won't get sick because their body will recognize it and know how to attack it successfully.

Vaccinations are available against many diseases, including measles and tetanus. The immunizations you may need are decided by your health, age, lifestyle and occupation. Together, these factors are referred to as HALO, which is defined as:

  • Health – some health conditions or factors may make you more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. For example, premature birth, asthma, diabetes, heart, lung, spleen or kidney conditions, Down syndrome and HIV will mean you may benefit from additional or more frequent immunizations.
  • Age – at different ages you need protection from different vaccine-preventable diseases. Australia's National Immunisation Program sets out recommended immunizations for babies, children, older people and other people at risk, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Most recommended vaccines are available at no cost to these groups.
  • Lifestyle – lifestyle choices can have an impact on your immunization needs. Travelling overseas to certain places, planning a family, sexual activitysmoking, and playing contact sport that may expose you directly to someone else's blood, will mean you may benefit from additional or more frequent immunizations.
  • Occupation – you are likely to need extra immunizations or need to have them more often, if you work in an occupation that exposes you to vaccine-preventable diseases or puts you into contact with people who are more susceptible to problems from vaccine-preventable diseases (such as babies or young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic or acute health conditions). For example, if you work in aged care, childcare, healthcare, emergency services or sewerage repair and maintenance, discuss your immunization needs with your doctor. Some employers help with the cost of relevant vaccinations for their employees.
Summary: 
  • The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells and proteins that defends the body against infection, whilst protecting the body’s own cells. 
  • The immune system keeps a record of every germ (microbe) it has ever defeated so it can recognise and destroy the microbe quickly if it enters the body again.
  • Abnormalities of the immune system can lead to allergic diseases, immunodeficiencies and autoimmune disorders.
Disclaimer: The information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and 
should not be taken as expert advice. Please click the source link for complete information.
A/N: Let Food be thy Medicine and Medicine Thy Food. Boost your Immune System. Ask me How. First Vita Plus Natural Health Drinks is a Vitamin and Vegetable-in-a-Drink.

Thursday, April 27, 2023

NTC: 90-day extension for SIM registration final; no further extensions

 MANILA, Philippines— While the SIM Registration Act permits a total of 120 days for possible registration extensions, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) established on Wednesday that no future increases will be made to the “final” 90-day extension.

“Based on the [Cabinet] discussion po, hindi na po. That will be the final extension po, ‘yung 90-day period po na extension,” asserted NTC Deputy Commissioner Jon Paulo Salvahan when asked about the possibility of a second extension on the SIM registration period.


Salvahan also reminded the public that unregistered SIM cards will be automatically deactivated once the deadline expires on July 26, 91 days after the original deadline.

“Yes, it is mandated po by law that for those subscribers that failed to register within the deadline, their SIMs will be automatically deactivated,” he clarified.

On July 26, unregistered SIM owners will immediately lose access to call-and-text services and e-wallets among other features.

The DICT previously warned that unregistered SIM card users may gradually lose access to telecommunications services over the three-month extension.

90 days to address gov’t ID, tech literacy obstacles

Salvahan stated that the 90-day extension was implemented to allow all SIM users to address digital literacy and government ID-related concerns with registration.

“By giving them this 90-day period of extension, they will be able to secure those necessary IDs and address all other concerns, like ‘yung they are not really that tech-savvy or literate in registering. So ito po, may chance po sila to address these issues,” he said.


credit/source: NTC: 90-day extension for SIM registration final; no further extensions | Inquirer News     


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