What are Sebaceous Glands?

Picture 1 – Sebaceous Gland Picture
Source - skintactix

Sebaceous Glands are very small glands in the skin that are only visible under the microscope. The glands are responsible for depositing an oily secretion on the hairs called sebum.

Where are Sebaceous Glands Located?

Sebaceous Glands can be found in all parts of the skin in the human body except soles and palms. These glands are generally located in the hairy parts of the body. These are connected to the hair follicles over the skin.

The gland can also be found in non-hairy regions of the skin, such as the eyes, nipples, Labia Minora, penis and nose.

Approximately 3 thousand Sebaceous Glands can be found per square inch of the skin. These glands are primarily found on areas like the face, scalp, chest and back. These mature and start active production of sebum when there is an onset of puberty in the person.

Sebaceous Glands on Penis

Sebaceous Glands on penis appear yellow or off-white in color. These are very small but can be seen because the penis tissues are very thin. The penis Sebaceous Glands are more noticeable in some persons than others. A few people view this as an abnormal condition and try to remove the glands by poking them. This should never be done for squeezing and poking may lead to an infected Sebaceous Gland.

Infected or blocked Sebaceous Glands of the penis can give rise to inflammation. Antibiotics are the medicines generally used for swollen penis Sebaceous Glands treatment. Patients should not try to break open the infected gland for it may spread the infection to other glands as well.

It is essential to maintain proper hygiene to prevent Sebaceous Gland infection of penis. Using your own clean towels, not sharing other’s undergarments and throwing away razors used for shaving the genital region should be practiced for prevention of Penis Sebaceous Gland infection.

Sebaceous Gland Function

Picture 2 – Sebaceous Gland
Source – indianwomenshealth

Protecting the skin is the main function of Sebaceous Glands. Sebaceous Glands secrete an oily substance known as Sebum that lubricates the hair and skin of mammals. Large quantities of sebum protect skin and hair from water. It reduces the growth of microorganisms anywhere on the skin.

It is only because of the sebum that people can experience a wet skin even when they have not taken bath for days.

What is Sebum?

Picture 3 - Sebum Picture
Source – patient

“Sebum” is the Latin word for “fat”. It is the oily secretion of the Sebaceous Glands which keeps the hair and skin moisturized and prevents them from cracking, turning dry and getting brittle.

The sebum comprises of lipids, wax and clusters of dead fat-producing cells. The percentage breakup of the composition of sebum shows it to be comprised of

• Triglycerides – 40%
• Wax monoesters – 25%
• Free fatty acids – 16%
• Squalene – 12%

Sebum is created in the Sebaceous glands. Following production, this oily substance is secreted through a small duct. From the gland it moves up the hair shaft and ultimately arises to the skin surface through the hair follicle. While coming up, it helps to push out any dust particle, germs or skin debris that may have somehow entered into the hair follicle.

It is because of Sebaceous Glands hair follicles remain free from foreign objects. The sebaceous glands can also come over the skin surface because of the follicles. Hair follicles and Sebaceous Sweat Glands are thus dependent on each other.

Sebum is generally odorless. But they can emit some odor while breaking down on the skin.

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What is Temporal Arteritis?

Picture 1 – Temporal Arteritis Picture
Source – davidson

Temporal Arteritis is a complicated condition that leads to swelling of the blood vessels in the face. It involves chronic inflammation of the medium and large arteries in the head. These arteries supply oxygenated blood to different parts of the brain and the head vital for proper functioning of the body. The condition also impacts the temporal arteries that are present in the temple region close to the eye.

Temporal Arteritis is supposed to be an autoimmune disease. This is because in many cases of this disease, the cells and tissues of the body are seen to turn against the system itself. The exact reason for this is unknown, though age is held to be a causative factor. In most people with Temporal Arteritis age is found to hover above 50 years. The condition is generally found I people who are over 50 years old.

Temporal Arteritis is also known as Cranial Arteritis and Giant Cell Arteritis. It is a very rare condition and affects only 1 person out of a population of 10,000. The disease is seen mainly in females rather than males. Women are 2-3 times more at risk of developing this disease than men.

Symptoms of Temporal Arteritis

There are a number of Temporal Arteritis Symptoms. Some of the notable Giant Cell Arteritis symptoms include :

Headache

Patients of Giant Cell Arteritis usually suffer from persistent headache, though it may be temporary in some cases. In Temporal Arteritis headache arises if the large arteries are affected.

Jaw Pain

The affected people may experience pain in the jaw while chewing.

Fever

The condition may also lead to increased body temperatures in the sufferer.

Shoulder Pain

There may also be pain in the shoulder area of the sufferer.

Hip Pain

The person may experience pain in the hips. This may create problems while sitting.

Blurred Vision

The person may also suffer from a lack of clear vision. The eyesight may be affected because of Temporal Arteritis. In Temporal Arteritis vision loss is usually moderate.

Diplopia

The sufferer also usually experiences a double vision due to this syndrome.

Blindness

Because of Temporal Arteritis blindness may also ensue. The person may suffer from blindness in one eye or both eyes.

Scalp Pain

The affected person commonly experiences tenderness and hypersensitivity in the scalp region.

Throat Pain

The patient may also feel a painful sensation in the throat area.

Tongue Pain

In some cases, the person can also have a painful feeling in the tongue region while talking or chewing foods.

Eye Pain

In patients with Temporal Arteritis eye pain can also arise due to chronic inflammation of the large arteries in the temple.

Necrosis

There may also be cases of destruction of living cells in a particular region of the body.

Weight Loss

There may also be a loss of weight and profuse sweating in the suffering person without any exercise. Patients can lose over 5% of their total body weight.

Cough

People with Temporal Arteritis can also suffer from a bad case of dry cough.

Tinnitus

In people affected by Temporal Arteritis Tinnitus also appears commonly. In case of an acute tinnitus, there is a ringing or booming sensation in the ears.

Fatigue

The person may also experience extremes tiredness due to this syndrome.

Vasculitis

In some cases of Temporal Arteritis Vasculitis (another inflammatory condition of the blood vessels) may also arise in later stages.

Strokes

In extreme cases of Temporal Arteritis stroke may occur leading to death of the patient.

Temporal Arteritis Causes

Picture 2 – Giant Cell Arteritis
Source – dermpedia

It is not known why Temporal Arteritis actually arises. However, several factors have been associated with this condition. Some of these supposed causes of Temporal Arteritis or gaint cell arteritis are :

Impaired Immune Response

A defective immune response has been associated with this condition.

Infections

The disease has also been found to develop after an infection.

Drugs

High doses of antibiotic medicines are also seen to result in this disorder.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

This medical syndrome results from a swelling of blood vessels. Patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatic may develop Temporal Arteritis in some cases. It is due to Polymyalgia Temporal Arteritis suffer from stiffness or pain in the hips, shoulders and neck. In rare cases of Temporal Arteritis polymyalgia rheumatica may be a causative condition.

Heredity

As a cause of Temporal Arteritis hereditary factors are also considered. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), some evidence suggests that the disease may be caused due to genetic reasons.

Temporal Arteritis Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Temporal Arteritis usually begins a biopsy. A biopsy of the temporal arteries is done for a proper diagnosis. The patient is injected with anesthesia before the Temporal Arteritis biopsy and the physician removes a section of the artery to examine it for inflammation.

Other Temporal Arteritis tests for diagnosis include Computed Tomogrphy (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans and blood tests.

Some other physical tests may also be carried out to measure the extent of inflammation. The doctor may also rely on observation and medical history of the patient for a comprehensive diagnosis.

Treatment of Temporal Arteritis

The Temporal Arteritis treatment is usually done with the help of corticosteroids. Corticosteroid medicines are generally used to combat inflammation. Doctors normally start using these drugs as soon as the condition is diagnosed. It also reduces the risk of blindness.

Oral steroids and intravenous steroids are also found to be quite effective in Giant Cell Arteritis treatment. Intravenous steroids are particularly useful in treating acute visual loss.

Temporal Arteritis Natural Treatment

Physicians also advise patients to use some natural remedies along with medicines for a faster recovery. Vitamin D and Calcium supplements are very useful in curing the condition. They are also effective in counteracting the long-term effects of Corticosteroid medicines.

Temporal Arteritis Prognosis

For patients with Temporal Arteritis recovery is usually complete. People generally recover fully, though treatment needs to be carried out for 1-2 years or a longer period of time. This prevents any chance of Temporal Arteritis recurrence. When properly treated, Giant Cell Arteritis rarely makes a comeback.

Temporal Arteritis Risk Factors

Many serious complications may arise from Temporal Arteritis and strokes can be just one of these. Other dangerous health issues include blindness, paralysis and aortic aneurysm. In worst cases, it may even lead to death.

It is because of the potentially serious complications that Temporal Arteritis needs to be treated as soon as it is diagnosed. Early treatment prevents any serious physical damage and helps the patient make a faster recovery. If you have persistent headaches or any other symptoms characteristic of Temporal Arteritis, it is necessary that you begin the treatment immediately.

References :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant_cell_arteritis

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-temporal-arteritis.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/giantcellarteritis.html

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/t/temporal_arteritis/causes.htm

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What is Tonsillitis?

Picture 1 – Tonsillitis
Source – typepad

Tonsillitis is a health condition that is characterized by swollen or inflamed tonsils. As you must be aware, tonsils are the two large masses of tissue in the throat that act as a defense against invading germs and organisms. There is a tonsil on either side of the throat. When one or both of these tissue balls suffer an inflammation, there is a case of Tonsillitis. If the tonsils get too enlarged, they may even be touching each other.

Swollen tonsils in children are also known as kissing tonsils. However, there may also be a case of Swollen Tonsils on one side.

Symptoms of Swollen Tonsils

Tonsillitis comes with many symptoms. Some of the major Tonsillitis symptoms are :

Inflammation

Inflammation or swelling is one of the main symptoms of Tonsillitis in adults as well as children. Swollen tonsils lead to difficulties in swallowing and cause much discomfort while eating or drinking. Sufferers may also find it difficult in opening their mouth.

Red Tonsils

The tonsils may appear red in case of an inflammation. Red Swollen Tonsils are very common in case of a cold virus infection. Tonsillitis in babies leads to very red tonsils.

Patches

In people with swollen tonsils white spots or yellow patches are often visible. Swollen Tonsils with white spots give the mouth a ghastly appearance.

Foul Breath

The patients of Tonsillitis also commonly suffer from a bad breath condition.

Sore Throat

The patients may also experience soreness in the throat. This is felt even in normal circumstances. If you have a sore throat Swollen Tonsils may be the cause.

Headache

Pain in the throat also gives rise to headache in sufferers.

Sore Eyes

Inflammation in the tonsils can also make the suffering person experience soreness in the eyes.

Aches in Body

Inflammation and pain in the tonsils can also give rise to aches in the body in the suffering person.

Fever

In some cases, high fever may also be one of the signs of Tonsillitis.

Chills

The patient may also experience chills in the body because of Swollen Tonsils and glands.

Pain

In Swollen Tonsils no pain usually arises until the suffer tries eating and drinking. An acute pain is felt while consuming anything. Even drinking liquids like water can be quite painful.

Acute Tonsillitis

Picture 2 – Acute Tonsillitis
Source – google

In worse cases of tonsil inflammation, the patient suffers from acute Tonsillitis. This happens due to bacterial or viral infection in the throat. An acute condition of the tonsils gives rise to symptoms like bad breath, fever and sore throat other than usual discomforts like difficulty in swallowing. Acute Tonsillitis in children often makes them miss out on school.

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