The findings are based on a study, which included 1,277 participants referred to a urologist for a biopsy of their prostate.

Approximately 46 percent of the men reported taking an NSAID, mostly aspirin (37 percent of all men).

After taking into account age, race, family prostate cancer history, obesity, and other variables that have independent effects on the size of the prostate organ, cancer risk, and PSA levels, the researchers found that aspirin use was significantly associated with lower PSA levels.

They found that PSA levels were 9 percent lower in men taking aspirin compared with men who did not use aspirin.

A PSA test is used widely as a method to screen men for the possibility of prostate cancer, with higher blood PSA levels suggesting a greater chance of having prostate cancer.

High PSA levels can also signify benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate organ.

Although decreased PSA levels could have a protective effect, there is an aspect to this finding that could potentially be concerning.

“This analysis raises the concern that aspirin and other NSAIDs may lower PSA levels below the level of clinical suspicion without having any effect on prostate cancer development, and if that is true, use of these agents could be hampering our ability to detect early-stage prostate cancer through PSA screening,” said the study’’s lead author Jay H. Fowke, Ph.D., an assistant professor in medicine at Vanderbilt.

The study will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research’’s Seventh Annual International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research.

Natalie Michael and John Patterson of SUT’s Sensory Neuroscience Lab set out to resolve the question.

“In our project we used the Australian-designed Optalert, which measures drowsiness by observing total duration of eye blinks and the ratio of amplitude and velocity of eye closure during blinking,” said Patterson.

Optalert resembles a set of spectacle frames without lenses. Low intensity infra-red light is directed at the eyes. The infra-red is reflected back and detected by sensors in the frames. The pattern of light reaching the sensors changes as the eyes move and the subject blinks.

The participants were aged between 18 and 29, a primary target age group for road safety authorities because of their over-representation in drowsy driving incidents.

Test subjects were given either a placebo or a capsule containing 200 mg of caffeine, which is roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee, according to a SUT release. The study was published in the October issue of Psychopharmacology.

Those given the caffeine also showed improved reaction times, which like the improved alertness measured by the Optalert, persisted for about three hours.

Over the years recommendations for staying alert on long drives included stopping for a brisk walk, taking a power nap, and drinking coffee.

“However, road safety authorities were faced with conflicting evidence on the benefits of drinking coffee,” Patterson said.

“Some research showed heightened alertness after caffeine administration, whereas other studies did not.”

Today, thanks to the enormous efforts of health care workers and volunteers, only a handful of families suffer from new cases of polio. After 10 years of intense eradication efforts worldwide, health care workers knocking door to door, millions of vaccinations administered, and billions of dollars spent, polio continues to haunt only four countries, including just two states in India. Yet, the moment eradication efforts weaken, India and the world could return to the dark days of the 1970s.

In fact, the four endemic countries of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria are those that have never interrupted transmission of their indigenous poliovirus. In recent years, many countries that had become polio free were re-infected following importations from Nigeria and India.

Polio fighters say the greatest challenge remains in India.

“Western Uttar Pradesh is the hardest place in the world to eradicate polio,” says Dr. Hamid Jafari, project manager of the World Health Organization’s polio eradication program in India.

Poverty, population density, illness, poor sanitation, and people susceptible to misinformation and rumor allow polio to continue to destroy families. In western Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the only two Indian states where polio circulates, there was actually an increase in polio during 2006 because some communities refused the vaccine based on false rumors that it was harmful. And now these communities are paying the price, with 676 children paralyzed by polio in 2006, a huge increase over the 66 cases in 2005. So far this year, 281 children have become paralyzed by polio in these two states, but the good news is that none have been stricken in the core endemic districts of western Uttar Pradesh by Poliovirus Type One, which is the most virulent strain. The pain of these families makes Indian health care workers determined. In the highest risk villages, families can expect a visit from a polio worker every month. Community leaders, journalists and mullahs are urging families to get the vaccine. Why is there some resistance?

“There are some very poor communities that refused the vaccine as a protest,” says Jafari. “It is an expression of frustration because, understandably, they want clean water, sanitation and roads. Their refusal has nothing to do with religion, although many of these poor families are Muslim.?In fact, the vast majority of Muslim families and other minorities do accept polio vaccination during every campaign round.”

Also difficult to reach are the thousands of families in western Uttar Pradesh and Bihar who migrate for months out of the year to work in other states. Now, the government is focusing on these families so that their children will not miss the vaccine even if they are not at home.

The Indian and U.S. governments, UNICEF and Rotary International are working together to eliminate polio from India and the planet forever. If they succeed, it would be only the second disease eradicated. (Smallpox was eliminated in the 1970s.)

The U.S. government is the biggest donor to this effort. Why do Americans care? “Americans have very clear, horrible memories of the pain and suffering of polio in the U.S.,” says Jafari. “Also, Americans are humanitarians and they know it’s a disease that can be eradicated and there is a tool and the tool is? affordable and easy to use.”

As a responsible parent you must know all the signs and symptoms of depression so that you can help your child if he/she is suffering from these feelings of disgust. If you want to bring back happiness into the life of your child then you must take preventive measures and proper medication in order to help your child. With the right motivation and remedies you can certainly bring back the peace of mind of your child. Here are some of signs of teenage depression.

1. A teenager suffering from depression becomes sad and even shows tearfulness. There are many other ways of identifying sadness apart from tears and crying. Dressing is the most common way through which teens try to convey their sadness. Teenagers usually compose poems and stories so with the reference of the content you can find out whether your child is depressed or not. Always look out for a sense in every activity your child does, if there is some change in his/her daily routine, the child might be suffering from depression.

2. Another sign of teenage depression is reflection of hopelessness in your child’s attitude. There can be instances when your child might feel that life is no more worth living indicating that your son or daughter has lost complete hope in survival. Your child becomes least bothered what others think about his/her appearance and behavior. If your teen displays these symptoms then he or she may be suffering from feelings of depression.

3. If your child is suffering from depression then you can identify it by keeping an eye on daily routine of your child. Usually a child starts showing les interest even in his favorite activity. There would be sudden change in behavior of your child. A teenager might be dropped from school or club due to lack of interest. If something like this happens then you must consult doctor as your child might be depressed.

4. Teenagers suffering from depression tend to display lack of energy even in their favorite activities. Usually a child shows boredom in an enjoyable activity. Lack of motivation and low grades in academics can be signs of depression in teenager.

5. If your child starts avoiding socializing amongst friends and families then you need to take care as he or she might be suffering from depression. Usually during depression a teenager avoids talking of things that are bothering him. Your child might try to isolate himself from the world outside.

6. Another sign of teenage depression is lowering if confidence. Your child will develop negative feelings and start complaining about everything. A person who lacks confidence is worst affected by failures. So you child might end up being depressed.

It is said that a beautiful face is a mute recommendation. We can check the validity of this statement even in our normal day to day life where beauty always tends to get more importance. A thing of beauty, truly is, a joy forever. A beautiful face has the power to win the hearts of millions as well as create history, remember Cleopatra, Helen. They were aware of the importance of their beauty and the necessity of giving it care and nourishment. There are numerous ornamental depictions of their skin care magic potions in the history. It is said that Cleopatra used to bathe in a special pool which was specially filled with milk and different types of herbs. There are many examples that can be taken from the pages of history to prove that men have tried exotic natural recipes to protect human beauty from the threats of body toxins and external pollution along with stress and wrong lifestyle. And herbs play the key role in taking care of our skin for increasing the longevity of our beauty. There is no better substitute for daily skin care than using herbal recipes.

Herbal skin care cleanses the impurities, rejuvenates by providing nourishment, relaxes the facial muscles by messaging with herbal oils, and hydrates the skin. These recipes also help to fight skin problems like stress marks and wrinkles, acne & pimple problems, dark patches etc. Ultimately you achieve an elegant, glowing, problem free skin ensuring a long lasting beauty.

However, the point to be noted is that all beauty recipes are not meant for all types of skins. Therefore in order to derive maximum benefit we must identify our skin type before giving any type of care or nourishment to it. We must identify our skin type based on five basic skin types;

1. Oily skin: This type of skin is acne and pimple prone, easily tanned, slippery texture and appears shiny with large clogged pores. It is because of the excessive production of sebum by the oil glands. There are drawbacks of oily skin, still, the skin remains younger looking, smooth and supple for a longer period of time compared to other skin types.

2. Dry skin: It is just opposite of what oily skin is, appearing dry and dull because of very less or no production of sebum due to inactive oil gland. Dry skin tends to get wrinkled before time so it is important to moisture and hydrate dry skin regularly.

3. Normal skin: In this type of skin, oil glands produce a balanced amount of sebum. The normal skin is neither too oily, nor too dry, so it looks vibrant and moist all the time. It does not require special care; however, daily cleansing, toning and moisturizing will keep this type of skin beautiful for a longer period of time.

4. Combination skin: This type of skin is characterized by T-zone area, which is oily and other parts of the facial skin is dry or normal. The T-zone area includes oily forehead, nose and chin. This type of combination skin calls for two types of treatment for the two different skin types.

5. Sensitive skin: Any skin type can turn into sensitive skin, be it normal, oily dry or combination. This type of skin should be treated as skin condition and should be taken care of, to protect it from over stimulation and environmental pollution. This type of skin reacts against synthetic cosmetics, cosmetic containing alcohol and artificial colors, fragrance oils, etc. Herbal recipes are boon to this type of skin, as it can benefit greatly from the natural skin treatment.

Beauty Recipes for different types of skin:

Grapefruit and Citrus Mask for Oily Skin

Ingredients:

½ grapefruit
½ lemon juice
½ cored apple
1-2 egg whites
30 to 40 seedless grapes
Take the ingredients together in a blender and mix. Apply evenly on face and neck and leave for twenty minutes. Thoroughly rinse off with lukewarm water.

Grapefruit cleans the pores while lemon juice acts as an astringent. The egg whites tighten the facial skin. This face pack clarifies the face and controls extra oil. Use this pack at least once a week.
Yoghurt Mask for Dry Skin

Ingredients:

Plain Yoghurt
Apply yoghurt on your face evenly, and set it smoothly all over for twenty minutes. This pack is a simple way of supplying a lot of moisture to your dry skin. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Peach Mask for Normal Skin

Ingredients:

1 peach of medium size
1 tablespoon honey
Oatmeal
Peach needs to be cooked until it is soft. Mash it to smoothen it up with a fork, add honey and oatmeal. The end result will be a thick paste. Apply it evenly over face and neck. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse off with cold water. Experience a soft, elegant and clear skin after using the face pack.
Oatmeal Mask for Sensitive Skin

Ingredients

2 tablespoon oatmeal
½ cup fresh milk
Crush the oatmeal in a blender, and stir it in milk and cook it to soft mush. Apply it all over the face and neck. Let it dry slightly then rinse it off with cold water. This will clean the dead cells and nourish the sensitive skin
 

There are a number of different anti aging supplements that help prevent and treat some of the problems associated with aging. From health food shops and pharmacists you can buy anti aging natural supplements, anti aging vitamins, anti aging antioxidants, special women’s and men’s anti aging vitamins and other anti aging supplements. HGH injections need to be administered by your doctor. Before taking any anti ageing supplement, it is best to check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement will not interfere with any medical conditions or medication.
 
Different Types of Supplements Available
There are lots of anti aging supplements available such as follows:-
 
COENZYME Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is found in cells’ mitochondria throughout the body. It helps regulate the oxidation of fats and sugar into energy. It can slow ageing, increase energy and lower blood pressure. It may cause heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, headache, fatigue and skin reactions.

GINGSENG

Ginseng may delay or reduce ageing. It can also boost the immune system and act as an antioxidant. It can have a positive effect on energy levels. There are suggestions it may prevent and fight cancer. It may cause breast tenderness, nervousness, hypertension, headaches, insomnia, restlessness and vomiting. People with hypertension or hypoglycemia should not use this.

ECHINACEA

Echinacea is a plant that is used to treat a number of infections. It can help boost the immune system. It may cause itching, a rash, wheezing and facial swelling, particularly in people with asthma or allergies.

ALOE VERA

Aloe Vera is available in the form of a drink. There are suggestions it may cause a general feeling of well-being and that it has regenerative and anti-aging properties.

BETA CAROTENE

Beta-carotene is found in green vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes and squash. It is converted to vitamin A. Beta-carotene has antioxidant properties. It may help in the repair of skin cells and help boost the immune system. There are suggestions that beta-carotene supplements may increase the chance of lung cancer for smokers.

DHEA

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone made by the body. As people age, their DHEA levels decrease. DHEA is converted into estrogen and testosterone. It may help slow aging, increase muscle strength and help the immune system. Side effects may include fatigue and headaches. DHEA can cause liver damage and blood clots. People with a history of abnormal heart rhythms, liver disease or blood clots should not take DHEA. It can also cause hormonal differences, which may result in facial hair, increased sweating and a deeper voice for women.

FOLATE – FOLIC ACID

Folate and folic acid are form of vitamin B. Folate occurs in cereals, leafy vegetables, fruits, beans, meats and orange juice. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate. Folic acid and folate are antioxidants, which may help in the repair of skin cell damage and help boost the immune system. It may also help prevent cancer and strokes. High doses may cause rashes, itching, nausea, flatulence, cramps, diarrhea, irritability, vivid dreams and confusion.

GLUCOSAMINE

Glucosamine can reverse osteoarthritis and protect joints and tendons from injury. It can occasionally cause stomach upsets. It is not recommended for people on blood-thinning medications.

GREEN TEA

Green tea extract helps keep skin cells healthy. Green tea contains antioxidants, which help repair skin cells and boost the immune system. It can also protect the body from oxidative damage.

GINGKO

Gingko can improve the memory and alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. It acts as an antioxidant. Very rarely, it may cause stomach complaints, allergic reactions or headaches. It might reduce the effect of medication for seizures.

HGH (HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE)

HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is made by the body and helps the body maintain tissues and organs. As the body ages, the amount of HGH decreases. HGH injections are synthetic growth hormones injected into the body. It is only available by prescription and must be administered by a doctor. It can increase muscle mass and have a rejuvenating effect. HGH can result in headaches, bloating, muscle pain, diabetes and high blood pressure. There is also a pill form of HGH.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like tuna and sardines. It helps with blood flow. It can also help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids may cause abdominal bloating.

If you shopped the perimeter of the market (and you should) in the fresh produce and wellness sections looking for natural grains (NOT Wheat), legumes, dairy (NOT Milk) and free range meats and avoided the isles containing processed and packaged foods which happens to be all the isles, you would eat food your body actually could process and utilize and you would look, feel much healthier.

But we are a fast food nation.
Look at what a health hazard North Americas favourite foods products present to their population?

1. Hamburgers
Considered a “high risk” food because of the poor health standards under which they are manufactured. The time consuming process for making processed meats creates high bacteria counts and putrefaction of the meat which need to be treated with chemicals. Putrefaction causes meat to turn green which is then dyed with red chemicals to appear fresh. Unless marked otherwise, hamburger will always contain red dyes.

Because burger parts all come from the animal, “pure beef” can be used on the label! Most hamburger contain the flavour enhancer, MSG (monosodium glutamate) which causes headaches, allergic reactions and more. MSG is a chemical used to fatten up laboratory animals and evidence suggests it will ultimately make you fat when consumed.

The beef industry is the largest user of antibiotics in the world to offset the dangerous bacteria housed in its meats. This has resulted in the growing resistance to antibiotics. Ground beef is more likely to harbour life-threatening E-coli than any other food. Hamburgers are the single biggest food item that inflicts the most damage on the American diet “Billions served” billions spent on doctor visits and hospital bills.

The hormones fed to cattle can make you fat through meat consumption.

A Cheeseburger contains more than 100% of your TOTAL daily recommended fat intake! Burger condiments like pickle, lettuce, tomato, etc. are all treated with cancer causing chemical sulfites that are used to maintain a false freshness in the vegetables. Most burgers contain 1090 mg of sodium! (45% of daily recommended Daily Value) and can promote water retention.

2. Hot Dogs
Like hamburgers, hot dogs are considered a “high risk” food because of the poor health standards under which they are manufactured. The time consuming process for making processed meats creates high bacteria counts and putrefaction in the meat which need to be treated with chemicals. Putrefaction makes meat turn green which is then dyed with red chemicals to appear fresh.

Because hot dog parts all come from the animal, “pure beef” or “100% turkey” can be used on the label! All hot dogs contain the flavour enhancer, MSG (monosodium glutamate) which causes headaches and allergic reactions. MSG is a chemical used to fatten up laboratory animals and will ultimately make you fat when consumed.

Hot dogs have nitrites which are thought to cause stomach cancer, leukemia, brain tumours, and bladder cancer. Fillers and non-meat binders used to hold hot dog meat together can be anything from cereal, non-fat dry milk, or soy which adds more carbohydrates and processed ingredients) Synthetic collagen casings are used to form the hot dogs. Highly carcinogenic. Contains up to 40% of its content in undisclosed saturated fats.

3. French Fries
French fries are very toxic. In order to make French fries, they must be cooked at high temperatures which cause the chemical, acrylimide to be released. Acrylimides are a known cancer causing agent that also causes nerve damage.

Potatoes are grown in the ground and have a higher pesticide absorption level than almost any other food product. Fries are cooked in oxidized oil that is re-used for weeks at a time!

Potatoes have a very high glycemic index meaning it turns to sugar very quickly in the body. Eating a baked potato (or equivalent quantity of French fries) is the sugar equivalent of a large piece of chocolate cake!

4. Oreo Cookies: THE NUMBER ONE COOKIE
(6 cookies = serving size)

Predominantly made up of 23 grams of straight-line sugar.

Chocolate is LAST ingredient listed which means chocolate is the least of the ingredients. 370 empty calories with almost no nutritional benefits, you could eat 2 whole chicken breasts for the same amount of calories! 6 cookies have 12 grams of fat, 2.5 grams of saturated fat and 40 carbs, more than 50% of your daily carbohydrate allowance in only 6 cookies.

Oreo cookies will set you up for craving more sugar within 3 hours or less. “Natural flavours” are manufactured chemicals to make Oreos taste like great chocolate cookies.

Highly processed foods have these flavour enhancers which are nothing more than carcinogenic chemicals with no natural flavours of their own. High sugar content.  Sugar depletes our immune system, creates lots of inflammation and free radicals in the body.

5. Pizza
Commercial pizzas are made exclusively of 5 genetically modified foods: Cheese “food” (Contains only 10% cheese - it cannot even be called real cheese) Enriched white flour which has been bleached of natural vitamins and minerals but has been “enriched” by adding back a minuscule amount of synthetic vitamins. Tomato sauce made from tomato-like substances that produce their own pesticides, IN YOU

Wheat in the pizza crust is genetically modified.  Contains cottonseed oil. Cotton is not a “food”, therefore it can be sprayed with anything farmers want. The seed carries most of the poison of the cotton plant.

Pizza is baked at such a high temperature; the crust will form acrylimides which is a known cancer causing agent that can also cause nerve damage. Pepperoni & sausage toppings are “high risk” processed meats which add lots of nitrites, chemicals, preservatives, and saturated fats.

6. Soda - Soft Drinks - Pop
The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. On the Ph scale, it is very acidic and can dissolve a nail in about 4 days. High acid content in the body makes it very difficult to lose weight. Soda will leach the calcium out of your bones and promote osteoporosis.

There are 10-12 teaspoons of empty calorie sugar in one can of soda. Diet sodas with artificial sweeteners will promote sugar cravings because sweeteners are “sweeter” than sugar. Colorings used in sodas are cancer-causing.

Soda is called “liquid candy” because of the high sugar content. Like drinking a candy bar! High fructose corn syrup, a major ingredient: Is stored in the body as fat.

7. Chicken Tenders
(Usual serving size is 6)

Made from unusable chicken parts, rarely made from whole white meat. A typical 340 calorie serving is typically 50% fat. Heavily breaded for substance. Very high carbohydrate content.

Carcinogenic acrylimides are released in the high temperature frying. Can cause nerve damage and cancer. Contains the flavor enhancer, MSG (monosodium glutamate) which causes headaches and allergic reactions.

MSG is a chemical used to fatten up laboratory animals and will ultimately make you fat when consumed. Contains phosphates which make the body acidic, making it impossible to burn fat properly. You will store fat and not lose weight. Some chicken nuggets contain aluminum which is toxic to the brain and poisons the metabolism.

Deep fried in oxidized oil that is re-used for weeks at a time!

8. Ice cream
High in fat content. 1 serving (usually 4 ounces!) can provide as much as 50% of your recommended fat for the day. High in carbohydrates. 1 serving is almost 40% of your total recommended carb intake for the day.

High in sugar which promotes sugar cravings and causes skin to wrinkle. Full of hydrogenated and trans-fats which are unnatural and elevate cholesterol clog arteries create free radicals (which may cause cancer)

Hormones put into cows to increase milk production will slow your metabolism, and can cause breast and ovarian tumours, cysts and cancer.

9. Donuts
The average donut contains approximately 300 calories.

One donut provides more than 50% of your recommended daily carbohydrate intake.

High in salt content which will promote water retention.

Donuts are deep fried in oxidized oil that is re-used for weeks at a time! Oils at high temperatures developed rancidity and free radicals which can poison and slow your metabolism, seriously threaten your health and has high sugar content which promotes sugar cravings and ages skin.

10. Potato Chips: The # 1 Snack Food
North Americans today consume more potato chips than any other people in the world.  As a world food, potatoes are second in human consumption only to rice. It takes 4 pounds of potatoes to make 1 pound of potato chips. Very calorie dense where a small 2 oz. bag has over 300 calories.

Potato chips are deep fried in oxidized oil that is re-used for weeks at a time! Deep fried at high temperatures which cause the chemical, acrylimide to be released. Acrylimides are a known cancer causing agent that also causes nerve damage.

When you eat 1 single serving bag of potato chips you may be eating up to 500 times more acrylamide than the maximum level allowed in drinking water. High in hidden saturated fats. High sodium/salt content promotes water retention.

Healthy chips? Like those containing olestra can be more dangerous to your health than regular chips.

Reference:healthyyounaturally

PPD is very commonly available in the markets since the early 90s and is used in most of the hair dyes available today. If you have ever noticed, the commercial hair dye comes in two different bottles. One bottle contains the PPD based cream which is non-oxidized and hence simply colorless, whereas the other bottle contains the oxidized cream (also known as a developer), hydrogen peroxide in most cases. Initially, the oxidized cream is used to break the melanin pigment in the hair and then the PPD based cream is used to re-develop the melanin. The PPD reacts with the melanin pigment and then turns up to be partly oxidized and colored. It is this part which is mainly responsible for allergies. If the PPD is fully oxidized, it does not lead to allergies. PPD is also a preferred ingredient in a lot of dark colored cosmetics and many temporary tattoos. European countries such as France and Germany have banned the use of PPD in hair dyes for the reason that it was thought to be extremely dangerous to health.

Precautions:-

Make sure you are aware about the other names of PPD. PPD are also known as Ursola, Orsina and can also be termed as PPDA. Some of the other hazardous hair dye substances include Isatin, p-Methylaminophenol and 6-hydroxyindole. It is important to know that all the groups that chemically belong to R-N=N-r group might lead to allergies. These chemical groups can be found in ball point ink, temporary or permanent hair dyes, colors in food, some medications, PABA (para amino benzoic acid) found in sun protection creams, anesthetics, sulphate drugs and aminosalicyclic acid used to cure tuberculosis.

You might find packages in the market that say “Hypo allergic” or “Unscented”. This only means that the product might cause fewer allergies and is odorless but nothing is proven so far about the dye being allergy-free completely. Many a times even if the product is completely natural, it still causes allergies.

Types of Allergies:-

ACD known as allergic contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that occurs in a genetically pre-disposed person and the risk of allergies increases with the frequencies of contact with the allergen. It is observed that an individual develops sensitivity after approximately 10 days of usage of the PPD. However, at the time of the subsequent contact, the sensation might develop in about 48-72 hours. Here the PPD molecules are destroyed by the lymphocytes and the macrophages which appear as granules and are evident to the human eyes in the form of redness or rashes on the skin. For a majority, the affected parts are the eyelids, scalp, and ears. Symptoms are redness, burning and itching.

Contact urticaria may perhaps develop in minutes to about 1 hour subsequent to contact. Allergen (PPD) brings on very big IgE antibodies that lead to bigger vascular permeability with skin reddishness and edema (swelling of eyelids). Contact Urticaria Syndrome (CUS) with red patches over the whole body skin and bronchial asthma with wheezing, sneezing, difficult swallowing and vomiting can appear.

Anaphylactic shock is extremely rare but its life threatening condition. Face oedema, grasping for air, blood pressure fall, rapid worsening of patient’s general state and fast death if not immediate help is available is usual sequence of events. It was reported that a 38 year mother died in UK in August 2000 shortly after changing her hair dye. She was asthmatic before and she firstly developed a nonspecific allergy with scalp itching after using her old hair dye for some months. After changing the dye anaphylactic shock developed and she died within an hour after applying it

Test:-

Consumer can apply a 20 cent sized spot of solution (i.e. dye and developer mixed together) behind the ear or the inner bend of the elbow for 48-72 hours. If no irritation or rash occurs during this time then the test is negative and the hair color may be considered as safe to use. If rash of a certain size (according to test scale) develops, this is a sign of allergy.

Dermatologist will use a patch test. A patch with a 2% PPD in petrolatum is applied to the upper back and checked after 48 hours. Negative reactions show no skin changes, positive can vary from a mild rash to prominent blisters or ulcers. With “ready-to-use” T.R.U.E. patch test 24 possible allergies causing substances (including PPD) are used.

Treatment:-

In acute severe cases of PPD hair dye dermatitis the hair and scalp has to be washed thoroughly with a mild shampoo. 2% hydrogen peroxide solution or compresses of potassium permanganate in a 1:5000 dilution has to be applied to completely oxidize the PPD. To soften the crust a wet dressing of olive oil and lime may be used.

The patch test has to be made afterwards to determine if there an allergy to PPD exists or there is “only” a common (non-allergic) contact dermatitis present. In the case of proved allergic dermatitis corticosteroid cream which diminish immune response can be applied.

Currently there are no permanent hair dyes that can be safely used by PPD allergic individuals.

References:
http://emedicine.com/derm/topic84.htm Allergic contact dermatitis
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1319372.stm Anaphilactic shock
http://www.allergyclinic.co.nz/guides/59.html Anaphilactic shock
http://www.healthhype.com/hair-dye-allergies.html
http://dermnetnz.org/procedures/patch-tests.html Patch test
http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/01_03/CAtkinsonDM_468×310.jpg

Charaka Samhita, the Ayurvedic treatise, advocates oil massage as a regular health care measure in maintaining positive health. Massage preserves the body energy. It improves the blood circulation and helps in excreting toxins out of the body in the course of sweat, urine and mucous; thus rejuvenating and relaxing the body. It protects against the vitiation and aggravation of vaata and kapha doshas. Massaging oil into the body makes it strong and helps the skin become smooth, says Ashtaanga Hridaya, another Ayurvedic treatise. So, one can expect good results from massage in treating skin disorders like eczema, blisters, scabies, seborrhoea and other conditions like neurasthenia, headaches, sleeplessness, gouty arthritis, polio, obesity and mental disorders. Massage increases physical stamina and mental alertness apart from sexual vitality.

Scientific Explanation

The Ayurvedic system of medicine calls the lymph system as the kapha or mucous carrying system. Lymph contains most of the elements in blood i.e. plasma, amino acids, glucose, fats, hormones, enzymes, salts and lymphocytes which fight infection. It acts as a transport medium between cells and the blood stream. It also aids circulation by maintaining the balance of the fluids in the body. The massage technique is pointed towards increasing lymph flow in the body by applying pressure at the manna (vital) points as described in the Sushruta Samhita. Increasing the kapha activity by massage is purported to increase the nourishment of the body and give proper stimulation to joints and body tissues.

If lymph flow is increased by massage, then there are several likely processes, which may be involved. Lymph possesses a relatively large amount of the amino acid­tryptophan. This subsequently causes a parallel increase in the neurotransmitter (chemical between nerve endings), serotonin. Serotonin has been implicated in several psychiatric diseases with low levels of its metabolite found by researchers in depression, hallucinations, headaches, anxiety and irritability. So, massage is beneficial in treating these conditions. Another interesting point is that lymph contains approximately 30 times as much histaminase (an enzyme which breaks the allergy and acidity causing histamine) as in blood. So, the pathological conditions where histamine is involved, like painful and swollen tissue areas, gastric irritation, headaches, skin allergies, can be treated with lymphatic massage in order to provide increased supply of histaminase.

Herbalists and other complementary therapy practitioners sometimes use single herb therapies like those described above, but the general tendency is to blend several herbs into combination therapies. A naturopathic doctor, herbalist or a practitioner of Chinese medicine, Ayurveda or Aboriginal healing methods may create unique blends of herbs specific to your health needs. There are several reasons for doing this. Some herbs work well together by achieving the same goal in different ways. For example, several herbs that support the digestive system are combined in the Triphala formula.

Herbs may also perform different functions that, when combined, make the mixture more specific to a particular problem. For example, the herb eyebright has a tendency to travel to the eye when taken into the body. Combining this herb with an antiviral herb like Lomatium might, therefore, help prevent an eye infection.

Some herbs are combined simply because they are traditionally thought to work best together. Although the theory behind this connection is not always fully understood, practitioners are reluctant to change combinations that derive from many years of observation and use.

Some herbs are combined to make them easier to take. For example, adding ginger or licorice to an herbal formula that has an unpleasant taste might make the combination more appealing and encourage patients to follow their treatment more closely.

Several examples of herbal combinations

Chyavanprash is a jelly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains 49 herbs plus the amla fruit, its main ingredient (for details, see the triphala formula section). Chyavanprash is used to boost digestion and increase muscle mass. It may also lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol and enhance the healing of tissue.

Composition A is a combination of Chinese herbs used in HIV infection. It contains more than 20 different herbs, including licorice, maitake mushrooms, astragalus, Atractylodes and ginseng. Composition A blends Chinese herbs used to treat toxic heat, which are often antivirals, with yang tonics that may support the immune system and marrow-strengthening herbs that may both stimulate the immune system and improve the circulation of blood cells. Composition A may be prescribed by a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. Its main side effect is gastrointestinal upset.

Essiac Tea contains burdock root, sheep sorrel, slippery elm bark and turkey rhubarb root. Sheep sorrel and turkey rhubarb root are not indigenous to North America, although Rene Caisse, the original creator of this mixture, based her formula on the teachings of an Ojibwa healer. Essiac tea is sometimes taken by people with cancer. Although the name Essiac is a registered trademark of the Resperin corporation, several other manufacturers make similar formulas.

LIV-52 is an Ayurvedic formula containing herbs that are believed to treat liver disease and prevent liver damage. No side effects have been observed when LIV-52 is used as prescribed.

Sho-saiko-to is a traditional Japanese herbal remedy. It is approved in Japan for the treatment of hepatitis. A small study of combination therapy with sho-saiko-to and the antiretroviral drug 3TC showed that this mixture may be effective against HIV. A possible complication of sho-saiko-to is a serious lung condition called interstitial pneumonia. This complication is more likely to occur in people with existing respiratory problems. If you develop a dry cough or fever while taking sho-saiko-to, you should stop taking the preparation and seek medical attention immediately.

Triphala is a combination of three fruits - haritaki, amalaki and bibhitaki - used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is used to help maintain a healthy digestive system. It improves digestion and appetite and works as a laxative. Triphala is a good example of an herbal formula that combines several herbs with similar properties that work together. Haritaki ( Termina chebula) is used extensively in Tibetan medicine. It is the strongest laxative of the three and helps to prevent cramping. It may also be active against intestinal parasites. Amla, or amalaki ( Emblica officinalis), is used to rejuvenate the digestive system and improve appetite and digestion. It contains large amounts of vitamin C (3,000 mg per fruit) and is said to rejuvenate the circulatory system, helping to rebuild new tissue and maintain the red blood cell count. Bibhitaki ( Terminalia belerica) tones and protects the stomach and is also used as an appetite stimulant. Bibhitaki is also taken for sore throats and respiratory illnesses. Triphala or other formulas containing haritaki should not be used by pregnant women or when a person is experiencing fatigue, wasting or diarrhea.

Source:Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE)