Antidepressants Blog

The dreaded cold sore, which is caused by the herpes virus, always seems to appear when it is least wanted. Like other manifestations of the herpes viruses, cold sores tend to recur. The herpes virus is initially spread from person to person by direct contact, but once it becomes established it lives in the nerve cells, only to rear its ugly head following sun exposure, tiredness and stress. Most cold sores last about ten days and heal without scarring.Cold sores can be precipitated by sunlight, so the use of lipstick or lip sunscreens can be helpful. Before a cold sore appears, a tingling sensation may be felt around the mouth. If a cream such as Zovirax or Stoxil is applied when this tingling occurs, before a cold sore appears, it may prevent it from coming up altogether. Acyclovir (Zovirax) tablets can be used to prevent cold sores which are severe or troublesome. They are very effective but unfortunately are also very expensive.If you have active cold sores, you should avoid kissing people, especially children with eczema, as cold sores can produce a severe, widespread eruption on the face of a child with active eczema.
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The benefits of pursuing interests in art, music or other hobbies are well known. Pain will be more difficult to control if patients are bored or feel isolated.     Hypnosis-Hypnosis may be of value in the treatment of cancer-related pain and in some patients with phantom limb pain. Successful hypnosis requires that the patient has good hypnotic susceptibility, is willing to undergo hypnosis and has confidence in the therapist. Various strategies of hypnotic suggestion are used including a hallucination of anaesthesia, sensory substitution, pain displacement and disassociation.     Cognitive therapy-Teaching basic coping skills and therapy directed at thought and affect control can help patients with crises and pain control.     Psychotherapy-Patients with anxiety or depression may be helped with anxiolytic or antidepressant medications. A few will need formal psychotherapy which should be of short duration and focused on cognitive re-structuring and coping skills.*78\55\2*

The lymphatic system is part of the body’s defence system against disease. A body fluid called lymph, which relies on muscle contraction for its circulation, is carried through a complex network of small vessels which carry cellular refuse on the way. It is then passed into the bloodstream where it is processed. Unlike the circulatory system the lymphatic system has no pump; if you don’t move then the lymph slows down. The results can be a collection of fluid in the tissues – particularly around the ankles if you have been sitting – a depressed immune system, and some cells in the body which rely on lymph for their nourishment becoming malnourished. Even if you have to stay in bed for some reason you can still help to circulate the lymph by gently squeezing each group of muscles in turn, and rotating the ankles and wrists. Massage can also be very helpful.If you have been inactive for some time perhaps you could start with exercise while sitting down. As you do this routine, visualize anything that suggests improved circulation; slow streams becoming fast flowing sparkling rivers, pipes being unblocked – anything that comes to mind.*124\326\8*