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Emotional problems: Erectile dysfunction

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Male impotence causes serious disorders in men's self-esteem, as well as other emotional problems that can exacerbate erectile dysfunction. Next, we will explain how to address this problem. At https://nowgreenhealthes.com/p/ed-trial-pack they also offer effective solutions to these problems.

What is erectile dysfunction?

erectile dysfunction is the most common sexual problem in men of any age , especially older adults. It consists of the lack of erection or the difficulty of maintaining it for an adequate time to have sexual intercourse. This sexual disorder usually causes another series of social, couple and psychological problems in those who suffer from it.

Erectile dysfunction affects many men. Young people can also suffer from impotence, however only those over 18 years of age can take oral stimulants. Certain chronically ill patients should also refrain from dysfunction medications because their delicate state of health may worsen.

This condition prevents the enjoyment of satisfactory sexual relations or simply the impossibility of maintaining them. This can cause problems in the couple, in the confidence and in the self-esteem of the man who suffers from it. It is important for men to understand that there is psychological therapy for erectile dysfunction as well as oral treatments.

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Causes of impotence

Many factors affect sexual impotence, such as psychological and organic. It is necessary to understand the causes that originate it in order to apply the most appropriate treatment. The most common factors are:

  • Stress. Nerves about sexual performance, anxiety about satisfying a partner, and everyday problems decrease sexual desire and penile blood flow.
  • Bad eating habits. The intake of foods with high levels of sugar and fat raise triglycerides and blood pressure, which negatively affects health.
  • Chronic diseases. Penile erection problems are affected by diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
  • Difficulties to communicate. Communication problems with the partner can also prevent men from achieving an erection or maintaining it for a reasonable time.
  • Consumption of drugs. The use of cigarettes, the consumption of alcohol and drugs seriously deteriorate health and cause sexual impotence.

Psychological impact of erectile dysfunction

The emotional problems suffered by men with erectile dysfunction are extensive and affect their social relationships. These emotional discomforts may be the cause of the problem or, on the contrary, it originates from psychological erectile dysfunction.

The most common erectile dysfunction emotional problems are:

  • Frustration. The dissatisfaction caused by not achieving an erection causes frustration and psychological pressure in the man who suffers from it.
  • The lack of erection causes insecurity, generates fear and fear that seriously damages a man's self-esteem.
  • Bad mood. Lack of erection causes discomfort and affects the patient's mood. Bad moods are frequent.
  • Depression. It is also common for patients to experience sadness and negative feelings due to the sexual impotence they suffer.
  • Difficulties with the couple. Communication problems or any other type of problems with your partner can also have repercussions on the sexual level.

Men who suffer from some of these disorders should see a psychologist who will guide them and provide them with the appropriate tools to overcome these difficulties.

partner support

The patient needs all the support so that the process is easier to overcome. We recommend the actions:

  • Have patience. You have to wait a reasonable period of time for the treatments to take effect.
  • Get educated on the dysfunction. It is vitally important to understand the condition suffered by the patient to find the appropriate solutions.
  • Communicate assertively. The couple must express themselves correctly, express all their feelings to find a solution.
  • It is important to encourage the couple to follow the treatment and have the best disposition.
  • Accompany him to medical visits. Without a doubt, this aspect demonstrates commitment and unconditional support.

recommendations

There are certain tips that help men suffering from erectile dysfunction to overcome the disease. Analyze each one:

  • Decrease alcohol consumption. The intake of alcoholic beverages, cigarette smoking and the use of illegal drugs should be reduced, especially during medical treatment.
  • Practice sports. Playing sports improves overall health. Maintains body weight in its proper measurements and considerably reduces stress.
  • Eat healthy foods. It is important to eat foods free of fats and sugars. Good nutrition is synonymous with health. The consumption of vegetables and fruits should be increased.
  • Seek medical solutions. After consulting a doctor, you can ingest oral sexual stimulants, undergo surgery or inject the urethra.
  • Practice relaxation techniques. It is important to relax through meditation, it is a good way to release stress and recharge energy.
In Aesthetic medicine blog

Todo lo que debes saber acerca del ácido hialurónico

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Over time and, above all, at a certain age, the body begins to undergo some changes and they become evident to let us know that we are undergoing a transformation from youth to mature age.

Obviously, this brings with it the appearance of some wrinkles on the face, the skin tends to look less smooth, with some imperfections and thinner.

Currently, there are many beauty routines that are recommended to reduce the traces of the passing of the years and, although there are some that are somewhat invasive because they consist of surgeries, one that is on the rise and is all the rage throughout the world. world is related to hyaluronic acid .

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What is hyaluronic acid?

It is one of the most well-known and sought-after anti-aging assets for beauty routines , since it has the ability to attract and retain water molecules. In this way, the skin functions properly as well as other tissues.

Although the organism generates it naturally, in most cases, around 25 years of age as an approximate age, its production decreases. As a result of this, the skin no longer has the same capacity to retain water and that is why dryness and expression lines appear.

Is hyaluronic acid really effective?

If you often ask yourself this question, the answer is yes. Well, hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates the skin, repairs it and fights against signs of aging.

As time passes, the production of hyaluronic acid decreases and, as a consequence, brings with it a lack of hydration, elasticity and firmness. For this reason, applying it can prevent these signs and increase the regenerative capacity of the skin.

Although most people choose hyaluronic acid as a topical to apply to the skin, there are some not so popular uses that consist of applying it to the nails to achieve healthy nail growth and prevent breakage. In addition, it has many benefits for hair because it can regenerate certain types of damage by providing hydration and strength.

Possible side effects

Although any beauty treatment can have its side effects, with this product they are very rare.

Since hyaluronic acid is found in the body naturally, it is unlikely that the application of it will result in any unwanted effects, regardless of whether the treatment is carried out through injections, oral capsules or is applied through creams or lotions.

In any case, it is important to consider that the use of hyaluronic acid is not recommended for those who suffer from severe allergies, who are pregnant or lactating, and it is not recommended to apply it to areas where the skin is hurt, irritated or with some kind of inflammation.

Some of the side effects that can be experienced with this beauty routine are the following:

  • Allergic reaction that results in some type of irritation or redness.
  • High degree of sensitivity, swelling or pain in the area applied.
  • Bruising after injections.

Hyaluronic acid myths and natural production in the body

Like many products that are used in beauty , cosmetic or dermo-cosmetic treatments , there are some myths in relation to this natural asset, such as those mentioned below and that have been demolished by professionals in the field;

  • It is an artificial product.
  • It cannot be used in conjunction with other treatments.
  • It cannot be applied on the forehead.
  • The effects are permanent.
  • They produce the loss of expression of the face.
  • It is not recommended for older adults.

Hyaluronic acid is present in the body, that is, in the skin, joints and cartilage and, depending on the area where it is located, it has different functions.

Although beauty treatments generally aim to slow down aging or expression lines on the skin of the face, in joints it cooperates so that there is no friction that can cause pain and in cartilage it has a reconstructive function.

–        Hyaluronic acid for joints and cartilage

In this case, this substance has regenerative functions and to reduce friction between the cartilages, it is used to reduce the symptoms of pain in the knees or other joints that derive from conditions such as osteoarthritis and also in treatments after some type of surgery, it can be used in injections to reduce shoulder, hip or wrist pain, among others, as it helps cushion movement by lubricating the mentioned areas.

–        Hyaluronic acid in the skin

Among the properties of hyaluronic acid in the skin, are the following:

  • Hydration
  • moistening
  • Improves the lipid barrier
  • smooths the skin
  • Reduces expression lines and wrinkles
  • Weaken the appearance of scars
  • Makes the skin look younger and brighter
  • Influences pigmentation.

Can it be used on any type of skin?

No matter what type of skin you have, beauty routines with this product can be done without worries of this type, since all skins need adequate hydration.

One of the advantages of using hyaluronic acid is that you can use it in conjunction with other active products such as glycolic acid, for example, which is used to exfoliate the skin.

Just as it can be used on any type of skin, this product is not limited to a specific moment for its application, that is, you can apply it at the moment that is most comfortable for you and, for this reason, this depends on the type of skin. hyaluronic acid that you have chosen (ampoules, in day or night creams or supplements, among others).

This substance does not react with the sun, so you should not worry about this detail either. You can use it before having prolonged contact with sunlight and, in fact, you can use it with a specific protector for this.

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Some products with hyaluronic acid

Currently, hyaluronic acid can be found in injections for aesthetic medicine treatments, food supplements or in different cosmetic items such as ampoules, serums or creams.

  • Supplements: different supplements can be purchased on the market whose main function is to produce collagen, which is essential for the structure of the skin. If collagen is reduced, the appearance of expression lines becomes more evident and, for this reason, the action of hyaluronic acid preserves collagen synthesis, retaining moisture and fighting skin aging.
  • Injections: they are applied as an aesthetic treatment always by a professional. It is a highly efficient method if they are placed at the key points and every certain period of time depending on the needs of each person.
  • Cosmetics: hyaluronic acid in creams or serums is currently the most popular method, as it helps prevent the appearance of the symptoms mentioned above. In this way, it penetrates the upper layers of the skin and improves, repairs and protects it.

If you are thinking of preventing or reducing the effects of the passage of time on the skin, hyaluronic acid is currently one of the most recommended options because it is a non-invasive practice and generally does not produce side effects that can harm health.

In Aesthetic medicine blog

Marine animal bites: symptoms and treatment

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Conozca los síntomas y el tratamiento de las mordeduras de animales marinos como anémonas, corales, esponjas, erizos, pepinos y estrellas de mar.

En el mar encontramos invertebrados capaces de provocar lesiones cutáneas. Impactan a la población expuesta, pescadores, nadadores, surfistas, buceadores o bañistas.

Pueden ser muy frecuentes en la temporada de baño debido al aumento de la afluencia al mar, y provocar molestias y daños en la piel, a pesar de todo, las reacciones graves son muy raras.

En este artículo abordamos las dermatosis provocadas por mordeduras de animales marinos como erizos de mar, estrellas, esponjas o anémonas. Dermatología marítima para conocimiento de los que acuden ocasionalmente y mejora de los habituales.

Debemos recordar que primera medida En los primeros auxilios y tratamiento de picaduras en el mar, se trata de sacar a la víctima del agua, verificar que esté estable, dejarla en reposo y tranquilizarla.

7 mordeduras de animales marinos que debes saber

1 Dermatitis por anémonas o fideos de mar

Anémonas

• La Anémonas de mar Son animales marinos que se adhieren a las rocas o la arena.

• Las picaduras de anémona pueden causar dermatitis en pescadores de esponjas, bañistas, buceadores y personas que recolectan moluscos de huecos en las rocas.

• Sus tentáculos producen reacciones de urticaria con apariencia de ardor, enrojecimiento y picor cuando entran en contacto con la piel.

• El tratamiento se trata de retirar los tentáculos y aplicar vinagre en la zona.

• Se resuelve lentamente en 1-2 semanas.

2 Erupción del bañista

Edwarsiella lineata - Mordeduras de animales marinos

• Fue descrito por primera vez en 1949 en bañistas de Florida. Las áreas donde ocurre con mayor frecuencia son Florida, el Caribe, Bermudas y la costa noroeste de los Estados Unidos.

• Es causada por las larvas de una anémona (Edwarsiella lineata) que inyectan la toxina de forma directa en la piel.

• Suele producir lesiones en la zona del traje de baño y donde la ropa o los accesorios entran en contacto con la piel, reteniendo la larva en ella.

• Comienza con mucha picazón que se transforma en vesículas, pápulas y reacción de urticaria en la zona afectada que cede en una semana.

• El 10% de los pacientes pueden presentar síntomas sistémicos como malestar, fiebre o náuseas.

• El tratamiento es la retirada del bañador lo antes viable. Se pueden utilizar corticosteroides tópicos para reducir los síntomas posteriores.

3 Lesiones cutáneas por corales

3.1 Dermatitis de coral, coral del mar rojo o coral de fuego

• La dermatitis de coral en general es bastante inofensiva excepto en el caso del coral de fuego. Este coral está en Japón y en el Pacífico.

• Causada por Dendornephtya nipponica, una especie animal muy simple que parasita las langostas y libera nematocistos (larvas) que irritan la piel.

• Afecta a los pescadores de septiembre a abril en forma de urticaria, ampollas, rinitis y conjuntivitis. Además puede afectar a los bañistas.

• Las mordeduras de animales marinos, como los corales, deben enjuagarse con agua de mar. Al mismo tiempo, se deben borrar los nematocistos que no se hayan descargado.

• El área de la picadura se puede cubrir con una compresa de vinagre o alcohol diluido al 40-70% durante 15 a 30 minutos hasta que se alivie el dolor. Además se pueden usar compresas de agua de mar lo más calientes viable para inactivar nematocistos. Después, se puede aplicar una crema con corticosteroides.

3.2 Desgarros o heridas de coral y su tratamiento:

• Son producidos por sus exoesqueletos afilados y tardan un tiempo notable en sanar. Además disponen un mayor riesgo de infección.

• El tratamiento se trata de una limpieza profusa de la herida con agua y jabón. Dependiendo del tipo de herida, se puede considerar coserla y además se debe considerar la vacuna contra el tétanos.

4 erizos de mar

Erizos de mar - Picaduras de animales marinos

• Viven en el suelo, cerca de las costas de todo el mundo.

• Las picaduras de animales marinos como los erizos suelen causar daños en el mar.

• Contienen púas afiladas que a veces pueden contener veneno, lo que además produce una reacción local.

• Las púas se clavan en la piel y las más pequeñas pueden tener acceso.

• El tratamiento se trata de borrar las espinas que se puedan hacer y lavar la zona con alcohol o antisépticos:

– Las espinas son muy frágiles y algunas rompen la piel y no se pueden borrar.

– No se deben realizar más intentos fuera del ambiente sanitario y los que queden introducidos en la piel se reabsorberán con el tiempo.

– En las púas grandes, se puede usar una radiografía para confirmar que no afecta a las articulaciones ni a los tendones.

– Se debe considerar la vacuna contra el tétanos y de forma general no necesita antibióticos preventivos.

– Las púas de erizo de color marrón oscuro pueden dejar la piel pigmentada. Esta pigmentación se desvanece con el tiempo.

5 estrellas de mar

Estrella de mar

• No suelen dañar a los bañistas.

• A pesar de todo, el contacto con la estrella de mar “Corona de espinas” localizada en la Gran Barrera de Coral puede ser muy dañino.

• Produce diversos heridas punzantes con sus espinas que son capaces de penetrar el neopreno.

• El tratamiento es equivalente al de las picaduras de animales marinos como el erizo de mar. Las espinas deben eliminarse siempre y cuando sea viable y se debe considerar la vacunación contra el tétanos.

6 pepinos de mar

Pepino de mar - Picadura de animales marinos

• Viven en el fondo del mar y producen una toxina en su superficie.

• El contacto puede causar dermatitis irritativa y conjuntivitis.

• El tratamiento incluye el lavado inmediato con agua tibia con o sin jabón, vinagre o alcohol.

7 Lesiones cutáneas por esponjas

Esponjas de mar - Mordeduras de animales marinos

7.1 Dermatitis por espículas esponjosas

• Las esponjas viven en el fondo del mar y algunas pueden tener espículas capaces de causar dermatitis irritativa o abrasiones menores.

• La reacción aparece en minutos.

• El tratamiento se trata de la eliminación de las espículas con cinta adhesiva o esparadrapo. Algunos autores recomiendan aplicar arena de la playa de la zona para inactivar las espículas.

7.2 Dermatitis por esponja tóxica

• Descrito en al menos 13 especies, ninguna de ellas se encuentra en nuestras costas.

• Se produce al tener acceso en contacto con un veneno que disponen en su superficie.

• Produce síntomas locales graves en 24 horas en forma de hinchazón, ampollas y dolor.

• El tratamiento se trata de lavar la zona, aplicar vinagre y poner compresas frías.

References

1 Tlougan BE, Podjasek JO, Adams B. Dermatosis de deportes acuáticos. Parte 2. En el agua: dermatosis de agua salada. Int J Dermatol 2010; 49: 994-1002.

2 Reckziegel GC, Dourado FS, Garrote-Neto, et al. Lesiones causadas por animales acuáticos en Brasil: un análisis de los datos presentes en el sistema de información de enfermedades notificables. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2015; 48: 460-467.

Te invito a compartir este post para que otras personas conozcan los síntomas y el tratamiento de las mordeduras de animales marinos como Anémonas, Corales, Esponjas, Erizos, Pepinos y Estrellas de Mar.

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Treatment of jellyfish stings and strategies to avoid them

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Picaduras de medusa, ¿se tratan con amoniaco, vinagre o pipí? ¿Cómo se tratan las picaduras en el mar? En este artículo, repaso la literatura y mi experiencia para conocer el tratamiento de las picaduras de medusa..

En los últimos años el aumento del crecimiento de las medusas está causando una mayor relevancia de su picadura. Este aumento puede deberse al cambio climático, la sobrepesca y la alteración de los hábitats marinos. Hay más de 10,000 especies de medusas de las cuales el 1% generan daño a los humanos.

Especies de medusas más reconocidas

Las especies más reconocidas son: Escifozoos o “medusa verdadera”, Cubozoa (“Medusa de caja”) y Hidrozoos (hidropólipos e hidromedusas o falsas medusas).

El cuidado de las picaduras de medusas es la actividad sanitaria más usual en las playas del Mediterráneo, y se estima que cada verano se producen unas 25.000 picaduras solo en la costa catalana (1).

the carabela portuguesa o fragata (Physalia physalis) nos suena familiar a todos, es un Hydrozoo o una falsa medusa. Está en el mar abierto de todas las aguas templadas del mundo, es un organismo colonial que forma un auténtico velero. Es capaz de producir reacciones severas pero su presencia en nuestras cosas es rara. Como veremos más adelante, el tratamiento de su picadura difiere significativamente del tratamiento de la picadura de sus “primas” las medusas.

Hombre de guerra portugués - Tratamiento de picaduras de medusas

Tratamiento de picadura de medusa: ¿Qué dicen los estudios científicos?

Hay mucha información en la literatura acerca de cómo tratar las picaduras de medusa y, a veces, es contradictoria, injustificada y poco clara. Hay poca evidencia basada en la evidencia y se aceptan recomendaciones anecdóticas, que en ocasiones pueden inclusive agravar los síntomas de la picadura.

Si revisamos la literatura, podemos resumir varias ideas clave con respecto al tratamiento:

• Hay un amplia variabilidad en la picadura según la especie que lo provoca: la picadura depende de la especie, la zona geográfica, la composición del veneno de la medusa, el lugar de contacto, etc. Hay especies no venenosas, cuya toxina no es capaz de penetrar en la dermis. Y además se sabe que no todos los tentáculos son capaces de provocar una reacción (2).

• Existe variabilidad según cada personaNadie es resistente a la picadura de una medusa, pero se sabe que afecta a cada persona de manera distinto. La mayoría de las reacciones se limitan a la piel de la zona de contacto, en forma de urticaria y eritema en la piel (enrojecimiento) que producen picor y dolor de distinta intensidad y duración. A pesar de todo, se han descrito reacciones sistémicas más graves y muy raras con angioedema y anafilaxia.

• La reacción que producen se debe a acción irritante directa de la toxina de las medusas en la piel o por estimulación del respuesta inmune de linfocitos. Esta respuesta inmune es celular de linfocitos T y humoral de linfocitos B. Para que se produzcan reacciones alérgicas, con agioedema o anafilaxia, hace falta haber tenido una exposición previa al veneno, dicho de otra forma, haber sido picado antes (1).

Primeros auxilios y tratamiento de picaduras de medusas

Tratamiento de picaduras de medusas

¿Qué debemos hacer ante una picadura de medusa?

Un interesante post resume el protocolo de actuación ante una picadura de medusa en Europa según la evidencia publicada en estudios científicos, es el siguiente (2,3):

1 Rescate al paciente y asegúrese de que esté seguro y estable.

two Asegúrese de que la víctima permanezca relajada y sin moverse para evitar la circulación del veneno.

3 Administra un analgésico oral.

4 Limpiar los tentáculos con agua de mar, NO con agua del grifo.

5 SOLO para medusas verdaderas y medusas de caja: remoje o empape la piel afectada con vinagre (4-6% de ácido acético) durante al menos 30 segundos. Parece que esta medida puede ser controvertida en las picaduras del buque de guerra portugués que recordamos es una hidromedusa o falsa medusa (4).

6 Si quedan tentáculos adheridos a la piel, quítelos con las manos enguantadas.

7 Para ortigas de mar: aplicar una solución de bicarbonato de sodio (50% de bicarbonato de sodio y 50% de agua de mar durante varios minutos y enjuagar con agua de mar. O rociar bicarbonato de forma directa sobre los tentáculos).

8 Si ninguno de los anteriores se encuentra disponible, el área afectada se puede sumergir en agua caliente al 42-45% continuamente hasta que se elimine el dolor o el área se pueda enjuagar con agua de mar.

9 NO use agua dulce, licor o alcohol para desactivar los tentáculos de la piel, dado que todos pueden causar una descarga masiva de nematocistos in some cases.

10 Hace falta acudir a urgencias si el paciente comienza con síntomas sistémicos (dolor abdominal, hipotensión, mareos, náuseas, vómitos, enrojecimiento generalizado de la piel) o el dolor no cede.

once El tratamiento posterior de los síntomas se realiza con antihistamínicos para la picazón, corticosteroides tópicos para disminuir la inflamación. En casos más graves, se pueden prescribir corticosteroides orales o intramusculares.

12 Además encontramos referencias menores en la literatura a la oportunidad de usar agua fría o compresas frías (4).

13 NO existe evidencia en la literatura del uso de coca-cola, alcohol o pipí en picaduras de medusas (4).

¿Cómo podemos prevenir las picaduras de medusas?

Prevención de picaduras de medusas.

1 Nadar en playas controladas y con primeros auxilios o centros de atención adecuados.

two Evite nadar en aguas con medusas, sobre todo posteriormente de una tormenta, dado que las picaduras pueden ser causadas por los restos de tentáculos dañados que flotan en el agua.

3 Cuidado con las medusas aparentemente muertas o que se encuentran en la arena de la playa.

4 Use ropa protectora si practica esnórquel, bucea o nada en aguas abiertas.

5 Use protector solar con repelentes para medusas.

Limitaciones de los estudios sobre el tratamiento de las picaduras de medusas

Estas recomendaciones son generales y pueden variar en eficacia según el tipo de medusa y la reacción de cada paciente.

Cabe destacar que, aunque estas medidas recomendadas son las que más evidencia disponen en la literatura no hay grandes estudios o ensayos clínicos eso aumentaría la calidad de la evidencia para los tratamientos para las picaduras de medusas.

La base de datos Cochrane de revisiones sistemáticas (Revisiones sistemáticas de la base de datos Cochrane), que es la principal revista y base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, dicho de otra forma, un culto para los médicos, afirma. Parece lógico que no los haya en otros lugares. Y orinar no funciona.

References

1 Nogué S, Velasco V, Marambio M, Lopez L. Picaduras de medusas y otros animales marinos venenosos: su impacto en la actividad de los socorristas en la playa. Emergencias 2017; 29: 426-434-

two Montgomery L, Seys J, Mees J. Para orinar o no orinar: una revisión sobre el envenenamiento y el tratamiento en especies de medusas europeas. Drogas marinas 2016; 14: 127.

3 Li L, Mc Gee RG, Isbister G, Webster AC. Las intervenciones o los síntomas y signos dan lugar a picaduras de medusa. Syst Rev de la base de datos Cochrane 2013; 9 de diciembre.

4 Haddad V. Dermatología ambiental: manifestaciones cutáneas de lesiones provocadas por animales acuáticos invertebrados. Un sujetador Dermatol 2013; 88: 496-506.

Te invito a compartir este post para que otras personas tengan un conocimiento adecuado sobre el tratamiento de las picaduras de medusa y aprendan algunas estrategias para evitarlas.

Si deseas conocer el tratamiento de las mordeduras de otros animales marinos (como Anémonas, Corales, Esponjas, Erizos, Pepinos y Estrellas de Mar): haga clic aquí.

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6 foods you can eat to improve your vitiligo

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Learn about the 6 foods you can eat to improve your vitiligo according to scientific literature.

Vitiligo is a dermatosis that causes white spots on the skin as a result of the destruction of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes).

It affects approximately 1% of the population and even when it produces nothing more than spots on the skin, patients are affected by their image. The cause of vitiligo is not known, but it is known that patients with vitiligo suffer from oxidative stress on your skin that destroys melanocytes.

In this post, I review how some foods can help reduce that stress on the skin and help traditional treatments for vitiligo protect melanocytes. In other words, I am going to tell you several foods that you can eat to improve your vitiligo.

What is vitiligo and how is it treated?

Vitiligo is a dermatosis that affects approximately 1% of the population and produces white spots on the skin. The disfigurement caused by vitiligo affects the quality of life of patients.

The treatment of vitiligo requires the combination of topical treatments in the form of creams and phototherapy (light that imitates the sun on the skin) in more extensive cases to recolor (re-pigment) the spots.

In my experience as a dermatologist, vitiligo treatment is long, requiring a minimum of 6 to 12 months and a lot of patience. Vitiligo requires long-term treatment and is not always effective, so the doctor-patient relationship should be maintained as much as possible. It is essential that the patient feels comfortable and that we honestly explain the treatment and their expectations.

On the other hand, the melanocyte, like the patient, must also be treated with care. And when it appears, in other words, when the patient begins to re-pigment, it is essential that it does not disappear again. This is why, in my opinion, it is essential to promote an environment without oxidative stress in the skin appropriate for the melanocyte.

In more scientific terms, elevated markers of oxidative damage are found in the epidermis and blood of vitiligo patients, producing ROS (oxygen free radicals) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (1). There are several studies that suggest that oxidative stress is crucial in the genesis of vitiligo, causing inflammation, autoimmunity and death of melanocytes in the skin (2).

Discover the 6 foods you can eat to improve your vitiligo

Immunonutrition attempts to modulate the immune system through the supply of nutrients. It is an emerging and promising discipline. Here you can visit the web portal of the International Society for Immunonutrition, ISIS (@ISImmunoNutr).

There are no studies or clinical trials in the reviewed literature that demonstrate how diet affects patients with vitiligo, thus, dietary recommendations are made approximately, looking for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods.

And what are the functional foods in vilitigo?

1. Green tea

It has been shown in in vitro (laboratory) and animal studies to protect melanocytes from oxidative stress (3).

2. Indian Gooseberry or Amla Fruit (Phyllanthus emblica)

A powerful oral antioxidant that also enhances the antioxidant action of vitamin C and E. In a group of patients with vitiligo treated with phototherapy, those who were super-supplemented with Amla and vitamins C, E and carotenes repigmented more and faster (4 ). Therefore, it is another of the foods that you can eat to improve your vitiligo.

3. Gingko Biloba

A classic. Its benefits as an antioxidant have been proven in various studies and it is one of the most studied medicinal herbs. In doses of 240 mg per day it is beneficial without producing side effects. In a 12-week clinical trial, Gingko biloba 60 mg daily in patients with vitiligo decreased the affected area (Vitiligo Area Score Index, VASI and European Vitiligo Task Force, VETF) (5).

4. Polypodium leucotomos

It is an extract from the fern grown in South America and is taken orally in doses of 250-720 mg per day. In Spain it is sold in pharmacies, patented under the name Fernblock. It has no side effects except for slight gastric discomfort. It has been shown in two clinical trials to increase repigmentation opportunities and repigmentation area by approximately 50% in vitiligo patients treated with phototherapy (6). As a dermatologist who is an expert in the treatment of vitiligo with phototherapy, I use it on all my patients.

5. Kelina (Ammi visnaga or biznaga extract)

It is an extract from an herb that grows wild in the Mediterranean. At a dose of 100 mg per day, it has been shown in two clinical trials combined with UVA, to increase the chances of repigmentation by approximately 50% on average. It can cause nausea and elevated transaminases (7). Additionally, 3% can be used as a topical cream combined with sun or UVA exposure, in a phototherapy modality called KUVA. As a vitiligo dermatologist, I use it on my vitiligo patients in the summer to avoid trips to the clinic for phototherapy.

6. turmeric or turmeric

Another classic to highlight among the foods you can eat to improve your vitiligo. It is capable of reducing the production of ROS in in vitro studies in the skin of patients with vitiligo. Its topical application combined with phototherapy appears to slightly increase the repigmentation rate of vitiligo spots.

Finally

In summary, functional nutrition along with an appropriate diet in vitiligo combined with medical treatments can be another option in the management of patients. Amla Fruit, Gingo Biloba, Kelina and Polypodium have been studied in patients with vitiligo improving the solution to phototherapy, and the latter is the most used in our country.

References

1. Mansuri MS, Jadeja S, Singh M, et al. Catalase gene promoter and untranslated region variants lead to altered gene expression and enzymatic activity in vitiligo. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177: 1590-1600.

2. Marie J, Kovacs D, Pain C. Inflammasome activation and progression of vitiligo/nonsegmental vitiligo. Br J Dermatol 2014; 170: 816-823.

3. Ning W, Wang S, Liu D et al. (2016). Potent effects of peracetylated-epigallocatechin-3-gallate against hydrogen peroxide-induced damage in human epidermal melanocytes through attenuation of oxidative stress and apoptosis. Experimental Clinical Dermatology2016; 41: 616–624.

4. Colucci R, Dragoni, F, Conti R, et al. Evaluation of an oral supplement containing Phyllanthus emblica fruit extracts, vitamin E and carotenoids in the treatment of vitiligo. Dermatological therapy 2015; 28:17-21.

5. Szczurko O, Shear N, Taddio A. et al. Ginkgo biloba for the treatment of vitiligo vulgaris: an open-label pilot clinical trial. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2011; eleven; twenty-one.

6. Middelkamp-Hup, MA, Bos, JD, Rius-Diaz, F., González, S. and Westerhof, W. (2007). Treatment of vitiligo vulgaris with narrow-band UVB and oral extract of Polypodium leucotomos: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 21 (7), 942–950.

7. Hofer, A, Kerl H, Wolf P. Long-term results in the treatment of vitiligo with oral khellin plus UVA. European Journal of Dermatology 2001; eleven; 225-229.

8. Asawanonda, P, Klahan S. Tetrahydrocurcuminoid cream plus targeted narrow-band UVB phototherapy for vitiligo: a preliminary randomized controlled study. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery 2010; 28; 679-684.