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Treating polycythaemia Polycythaemia

Polycythaemia

Treatment forpolycythaemia aims to prevent symptoms and complications (such as blood clots), and treat any underlying causes. Some of the main treatments used are described below. Venesection Venesection is the simplest and quickest way of reducing the number of red cells in your blood. It may be recommended if you have PV, a history of blood

What does the rash look like? Polymorphic light eruption

Polymorphic light eruption

The rash can take many different forms (known as being "polymorphic"): most people getcrops of 2-5mm pink or red raised spots some people get blisters that turn into larger, dry red patches (looks a bit like eczema ) less commonly, the skin patches look like targets or bulls-eyes, a bit like theskin rash erythema multiforme It can be easy

How big a problem is it? Polymorphic light eruption

Polymorphic light eruption

The skin rash may be a rare occurrence, or may happen every time the skin is exposed to sunlight. It ranges from mild to severe. Sometimes, as little as 30 minutes of sun exposure is enough to cause the problem,and it can develop even through window glass or thin clothing. However, for most people with polymorphic light eruption,the rash

What is the cause? Polymorphic light eruption

Polymorphic light eruption

Polymorphic light eruption is thought to be caused by UV light altering a substance in the skin, which the immune system then reacts to, resulting in the skin becoming inflamed. Polymorphic light eruption can run in families and about a fifth of affected people will have an affected relative. It's not infectious there's no risk of catching

What's the outlook? Superficial thrombophlebitis

Superficial thrombophlebitis

When the inflammation settles, you may be left with darkened skin and the lump may take three or four months to go. But most people make a full recovery. If the thrombophlebitisoccurred in a varicose vein, it is likely that the varicose veins will keep coming back, possibly with further episodes of thrombophlebitis.This is because there's a basic

Treating phobias Phobias

Phobias

Many people with a phobia don't need treatment, and avoiding the object of their fear is enough to control the problem. However, it may not always be possible to avoid certain phobias, such as a fear of flying. In this instance, you may decideto get professional help and advice to find out about treatment options. Most phobias are curable, but

How do you get polio? Polio

Polio

You can become infected with the polio virus if you come into contact with the poo (faeces) of someone with the infection, or with the droplets launched into the air when they cough or sneeze. You can also get the infection from food or waterthat hasbeen contaminated with infected poo or droplets. If the virus gets into your mouth, it travels to

Treating polio Polio

Polio

There's currentlyno cure for polio.Treatmentfocuses on supporting bodily functions and reducing the risk of long-term problems while the body fights offthe infection. This can include bed rest in hospital, painkillers, breathing support and regular stretches or exercises to prevent problems with the muscles and joints. If you're left with

Introduction Polycythaemia

Polycythaemia

Polycythaemia, orerythrocytosis, means having a high concentration of red blood cells in your blood. Thismakes the blood thicker and less able to travel through blood vesselsand organs. Many of the symptoms of polycythaemia are caused by this sluggish flow of blood.

When to seek immediate medical advice Polycythaemia

Polycythaemia

Theslow blood flow associated with polycythaemia can also cause blood clots . These can be seriousbecause theymay put you at risk of life-threatening problems such as: heart attacks pulmonary embolisms a blockage in the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs strokes In some cases, a blood clot known as deep vein