Psoriasis Improves After Tonsillectomy

Image by Bobjgalindo in Wikipedia It is felt that certain skin psoriasis conditions may improve if not completely resolve after tonsillectomy . The psoriasis could be anywhere on the body and is hypothesized to be triggered by an abnormal immunological response to streptococcus, an organism commonly found in tonsillitis as well as strep throat. The exact mechanism is unclear but several studies performed over the years found potential benefit, especially for guttate psoriasis and even t…

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Christmas Tree Allergy (Mold and Pollen Studies)

Ever wonder what a live Christmas Tree brings into a home other than happy holiday cheer? For those with Christmas Tree Allergy, a live conifer will also bring allergy and asthma type symptoms that manifest within a week and not uncommonly as soon as 24 hours after introduction into the home. It is estimated that about 7% of allergic patients suffers to some degree, Christmas Tree Allergy. Sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, and transitory rashes are the most common symptoms of Christma…

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Why Can't Some Contact Dermatitis Be Diagnosed by Blood Test, EVER?

I often see patients for allergies who desire allergy testing due to mysterious hive-like rash on the skin, and given many are fearful of needles, they opt for a blood test like RAST or immunoCAP to diagnose what they are allergic to. Some would even argue that skin prick testing would not be diagnostic. Though such blood tests have become remarkably accurate (skin prick is still the most accurate way to diagnose what a person is allergic to), there are profound and significant limitation…

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Washington Post Medical Mystery: Kawasaki Disease

The Washington Post on Sept 8, 2009 published a story called " A Frightful Week for a Little Girl " in its Medical Mystery section on Kawasaki Disease. This disease is rare and difficult to diagnose given its multitude of symptoms that can be due to something more benign including: • red eyes • fever • rash • neck mass • red lips/mouth However, it is the constellation of symptoms according to guidelines that Kawasaki in children should be considered when there has been an une…

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