Treating MDD

Antidepressants and drugs used to treat major depressive disorder all have side effects. One of the common reactions is dry skin, dry mouth, and rash. In some cases, this can be an indication of toxicity. So be careful to notice any changes and consult your physician or mental health provider.

• Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is an antidepressant
• Lexapro (antidepressant also called Escitalopram)
• Effexor, Effexor XR (Venlafaxine
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Lamictal (lamotrigine)
• REMERON (mirtazapine)

What Is Major Depressive Disorder Symptoms

• Insomnia
• Depression
• Irritability especially in adolescents or children
• Drastic change in weight when there is no dieting involved
• Low energy
• Feeling worthless
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Thoughts of suicide
• Slowed behavior
• Not related to another disorder
• Lost of interest in activities

What Causes Major depressive disorder

MDD and effects all ethnic groups. It is no respecter of persons regardless of gender or age. It effects twice as many women as men. The onset appears more common in both women and men between the ages of 25-44. The frequency over time begins to wane and for those over the age of 65 is less common.

Even children may have bouts with Major depressive disorder: the condition effecting both boys and girls about the same.

If you had a parent with the disorder then your chances increase for contracting it increase from 1-3 times more.

Whether you called it unipolar depression, clinical depression or major depression the result is still devastating to its victims.

Major depressive disorder can arise out of medical illness like stroke, diabetes, heart attack (myocardial infarction) and cancer.

To compound the problem further in some major depression co-exist with other mental disorders like drug and alcohol abuse. Major depressive disorder can be life threatening as about 14-15% end in suicide.

There are a number of reasons condoms can cause genital irritation. The first is an allergy to latex. This can cause welts, rash, dry skin, itching and rash.

Surprisingly those with an allergic reaction to latex condoms are not allergic to the latex itself; but to the contaminating plant proteins found in the latex when it is harvested from trees.

Polyurethane condoms are an alternative for those skins sensitive to latex. This would also include internal condoms for women.

Skyn condoms made by Lifestyles are a second alternative. It is made of polyisoprene synthetic latex which is more flexible. They cost more than latex but are cheaper than polyurethane.

Dangers Of Nonoxynol 9

The use of nonoxynol 9 (N-9) to lubricate condoms has become the subject of many debates. N-9 is a chemical surfactant (spermicidal detergent). Originally, its intended use was to help prevent STD’s and pregnancy. It was also considered a backup incase the condom failed.

Nonoxynol 9 can be found in personal lubricants, bengay, suppositories, shave creams, sports creams, poison ivy creams (Zanfel), contraceptive sponges and cervical barriers.

In later years it has become controversial many believing it does more harm than good.

N-9 can irritate the vagina and rectum which not only increases the risk of contracting HIV but HPV (human papillomaviruses). Furthermore, FDA warns against its use if either partner is infected with HIV.

In 2007, the FDA required manufactures of products containing nonoxynol 9 to include a warning stating it does not provide protection against STD’s.

Nonoxynol can cause rash, burning, itching, vaginal irritation; according to some studies N-9 can damage cell lining of the vagina and cervix.

For anyone considering using N-9 products, it is a matter that should be well thought out after being well informed.

If your babies scalp is dry one of the first things to consider is how often you wash your baby’s hair. This may be one of the reasons for dryness. If you are washing too frequently you may be stripping the scalp of natural oils and moisturizers faster than they can be replenished. Try washing less frequently, about every three days and see if it remedies baby’s dry scalp. For babies less than 6 months old be careful not to over hydrate your baby by giving them too much water. Some mothers will do this believing that scalp dryness is caused by lack of enough water in the diet. This can be a mistake causing a baby that is breast feeding not to feed normally because of a full tummy. Too much water can interfere with how nutrients are absorbed from breast milk or baby formula. In unusual cases water intoxication occur resulting in coma, seizures or death. If you are concerned about water in your baby’s diet, discuss it with your pediatrician.

If washing less frequently does not a aid with dry scalp try applying a little olive oil to your fingers and massage into babies scalp let sit for about 15 minutes then brush through hair to help loosen dry patches. Apply mild baby shampoo to hair let sit while bathing baby. Then wash out shampoo. You can also use

baby oil.

Cradle Cap

Common in many babies during the first 6 to 12 months, it will usually go away on its own. Although in some children it can last longer. Cradle cap will cause dry flaky scalp that resembles dandruff. It can appear as yellow or brown flaky patches on the scalp. Cradle cap is usually harmless.

The above oil and shampoo remedies are also applicable. Remember not to leave oil on the scalp to prevent clogging of pores and flakes sticking or clumping together.

If the scalp becomes inflamed or cradle caps spread beyond the scalp, it may be necessary to use a seborrhea shampoo or cortisone cream. See your pediatrician.

One of the first warning signs of diabetes may be dry skin. This is especially important in Diabetics because of high glucose levels that rob the skin of moisture particularly on the elbows, legs and feet. Once dehydration occurs cracking, peeling and infection can follow. Infections are high risk if occurring on the feet because diabetics often have nerve damage (loss of sensation) and cannot tell when blisters or wounds occur. That is why it is necessary for diabetics to pay close attention to and frequently inspect the condition of the feet and properly address any wounds that occur. Poor circulation will further add to the problem because sweat glands do not function at all or are to slow. Sweating that would normally help keep the skin moist do not occur often enough to prevent drying.

What is Diabetes Mellitus? It is the inability to produce or process insulin properly. There are three types of diabetes.

1. Type I – failure to produce insulin
2. Type II – inability to use insulin properly, deficiency may also be present (often connected to genetics and overweight). This type of diabetes more common in African Americans, Asians, Native Americans and Latinos.
3. Gestational Diabetes – A form of temporary diabetes appearing in the second trimester and disappearing after the birth of the baby. Those most at risk for this form of diabetes are moms over 35 years of age. Family history of type II diabetes and those with high blood pressure. Also at risk are those mothers who in previous pregnancies delivered children over 8.5 lbs.

Signs And Symptoms

1. Thirst that does not go away
2. Frequent urination
3. Weakness and fatigue
4. unusual ease of weight loss
5. Tingling or numbness in extremities (hands, legs or feet)
6. Cuts, bruises, infections that just won’t heal
7. Changes in vision (blurring)
8. High glucose levels
9. Poor circulation

Treating Dry Skin

Although dry skin tends to be a constant problem with diabetes, there are measures you can take to ease the situation.

1. Remember to moisturize with lotion. Thicker lotions tend to do a better job.
2. Drink plenty of water
3. Stay away from hot water when bathing or showering because it will further dry the skin. Use lukewarm water.
4. Reduce the number of baths or showers opting for sponge baths for odor producing areas of the body (under arms, genitals, underneath the breasts)
5. Use mild hydrating soaps
6. Avoid soaps that are gritty or abrasive. Use unscented if skin has a tendency to allergic reaction
7. Stay away from callus removers because the acid can cause wounds that will heal slowly and you can risk infection. See your doctor if you have problem calluses.
8. Do not cut off calluses with a razor blade!
9. Avoid pumice stones which can cause breaks in the skin.
10. During cold season use a humidifier in your home
11. Do not put lotion between toes