Know More About Hair Loss
22/12/09
Every hair growth cycle involves some amount of hair loss daily. The balance 90% is in a phase that is growing. People start to notice their hair thinning when the usual loss is beyond the expected limits. These include: Alopecia areata: Causes rapid hair loss and affects men and women. When there is a mal-function of the immune system the intrinsic white cells attack the hair follicles and result in this ailment. When the entire scalp hair has fallen it is called Alopecia Totalis. Alopecia Universalis is a rather uncommon condition where all the hair of the body is lost.

Hereditary causes: This can result in male pattern baldness which causes 25% of men getting bald by age 30. Though essentially genetic, the reason could also be attributed to testosterone the male hormone. This hormone either retards or stops growth and produces weak and unhealthy hair. Male pattern baldness can not happen to men without any testosterone.
Skin diseases: this is a common reason for hair loss and it could affect the scalp too. Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, scalp fungus such as ringworm and tinea captis are some of the ailments caused by skin diseases.
Sudden illness or fever: big chunks of hair sometimes fall out after an illness or fever. This is a temporary event though and soon passes off.
The other common factors which can also result in hair loss include childbirth, menopause, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and getting old. There are other reasons for hair loss over and above these main ones.
Treating hair loss can be done successfully by which you not only stop hair fall but help in re-growth too. Some ways you could have natural hair loss treatments include:
1. Including vitamins A, B, C and E would accelerate new hair growth. These vitamins help to provide sebum, good blood circulation to the scalp by increasing oxygen absorption and collagen.
2. Importance of scalp care: Remember to massage your scalp regularly with herbal oils like olive oil, jojoba oil, amla oil. Some conditions of alopecia areata can be effectively treated with essential oils of thyme, rosemary, lavender and cedar wood.
3. Scalp abuse: Chemical shampoos and blow drying are to be avoided. Chemical processes like coloring as well as straightening can damage your hair and scalp. You hair is stripped of natural oils and turns brittle if you wash it daily with hot water.
4. Using herbal care: Using powders of amla, shikakai, henna and ritha as shampoo and conditioner can be an effective treatment. For effective prevention of graying and hair loss, amla powder is known as a powerful anti-oxidant. Shikakai, often called as the Fruit for hair can make an excellent shampoo with its natural low pH. Henna is a wonder natural conditioner after this.
5. Lifestyle changes: This involves doing some stress management by doing exercises and meditation, as stress causes hair loss. Forego Smoking: Because the nicotine from the cigarettes blocks the pathway which supplies blood to the scalp and results in reduced supply of blood. To avoid damage to the scalp avoid UV rays from sun exposure.
Histoplasmosis Treatment
26/12/08

Diagnostic Studies And Procedures
The goal of diagnostic procedures is to differentiate histoplasmosis from other diseases. In addition to chest X-rays, studies may include skin and blood tests. Laboratory examinations of sputum, urine, bone marrow, and a liver biopsy may also be ordered.
Medical Treatments
Depending on the extent of the infection, the medication of choice is either of two antjfungal agents: ketoconazole (Nizoral), which is given by mouth, or amphotericin B (Fungizone), which is administered intravenously. If the infection has reached the central nervous system, as might happen in people who have AIDS, amphotericin B is injected into the spinal column. While the adverse side effects of ketoconazole nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and itching are minor when compared with those of amphotericin B fat loss, anemia, fever, and kidney disorders both of these drugs must be monitored closely because of their potential to produce liver toxicity. Antifungal medications are not effective for treating the histoplasmosis syndrome that affects the eyes. In these instances, treatment consists of a combination of corticosteroids, laser surgery, and radiation therapy, all directed to the retina. In cases of extensive lung damage, the affected portions of the lung may be surgically removed.