SUN STROKE OR HEAT STROKE AND HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

                                                     SUN STROKE OR HEAT STROKE

Other names:- sun stroke, heat stroke and  heat hyperpyrexia.

DEFINITION:-

                Heat stroke or sun stroke is a state of hyperpyrexia, convulsions, delirium or coma following exposure to excessive atmospheric temperature (shade temperature above 110 F). the body temperature suddenly shoots to 42 – 43 C (107 – 110 F).

AETIOLOGY OR CAUSES:-

-          Heat stroke or sun stroke is caused by a derangement of the heat controlling mechanism.

-          It’s a commonest condition in India and other tropical countries.

-          In this country, it occurs during hot summer months (especially during spells of hot wave) due to direct exposure to the sun while working outdoors.

-          White peoples or persons unaccustomed to such a situation are specially prone to have such an attack.

-          Debilitating conditions, alcoholism, febril conditions and factors that interfere with sweating (e.g improper clothing) are pre disposing factors.

-          Some cases of heat exhaustion may develop heat stroke (secondary heat hyperpyrexia).

-          The brain is primarily affected. There is congestion and increased in intracranial tension. Degenerative changes occurs in brain cells, particularly in the hypothalamic region and base of the brain (including the cerebellum).

-          Due to renal shutdown, glomerular and tubular degeneration occurs in the kidneys. Necrosis also occurs in the liver. There is haemmorrhagic tendency due to intravascular coagulation.

      SYMPTOMS:-

-          The onset is sudden.

-          There is a history of exposure to the sun for some time.

-          Headache.

-          Vomiting.

-          Dizziness.

-          Mental confusion and in-coordination.

-          Convulsions may occur in children.

-          The patient soon becomes delirious and finally, unconscious.

-          On examination, the face is flushed and the skin is hot and dry.

-          The temperature is raised to 42C (107F) or above. There is complete absence of sweating.

-          The pulse is rapid and the respiration is hurried. The pupils are dilated.

-          Towards the terminal stage, convulsions occur, breathing is irregular and pupils are constricted.

-          There is either Oliguria or complete anuria, transient cardiac arrhythmias may occur.

-          Right sided cardiac failure or peripheral circulatory failure may occur.

DIAGNOSIS:-

The diagnosis can be made on the basis of the following.

-          History of long exposure to heat.

-          Hyperpyrexia (temperature shooting above 106F).

-          Absence of sweating.

-          Exclusion from other causes of hyperpyrexia such as malaria, pontine haemorrhage, meningitis, over whelming sepsis and terminal stage of liver failure.

TREATMENT:-

-          The aim of therapy is to bring down the elevated or raised temperature to a safe level or normal level as rapidly as possible.

-          This may be achieved by continuous sponging with ice-cold water or ice bath together with ice water enema. Evaporation should be encouraged by means of fans.

-          The patient usually regains consciousness and the body temperature falls unless brain is irreparably damaged.

-          If coma persists lumbar puncture is indicated to relive the raised intracranial pressure.

-          Chlorpromazine is indicated and repeated after ½ hour if the patient is delirious and restless.

-          Lytic cocktail (chlorpromazine phenargan and pethidine 50 mg each) may be given for reducing raised temperature.

-          When heat stroke is secondary to heat exhaustion, adequate water and salt replacement is essential. Danger of pulmonary oedema due to administration of intravenous fluids must be remembered.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT:-

                Some of the medicines for sun stroke or heat stroke are given below.

1.       ACONITE.

2.       AMYLAMINUM.

3.       ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM.

4.       ARNICA MONTONA.

5.       ARSENICUM ALBUM.

6.       BELLADONNA.

7.       CACTUS.

8.       CAMPHORA.

9.       CARBO VEG.

10.   GELSEMIUM.

11.   GLONINE.

12.   NATRUM CARB.

13.   NATRUM MUR.

14.   OPIUM.

15.   THERIDION.

16.   VERATRUM ALBUM.

17.   VERATRUM VIRIDAE.

18.   ARGENTUM METALICUM.

19.   LACHESIS.

20.   THUJA.

GOUT AND ITS HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

                                                                         GOUT

DEFINITION:-

        Gout is caused by an inborn error of purine metabolism resulting in raised level of serum uric acid and deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and other tissues. First of all, there is recurrent acute inflammation of the first metatarsophalangeal joint of the leg followed by chronic polyarthritis, formation of tophi at other sites, urolithiasis and nephropathy.

AETIOLOGY (OR) CAUSES:-

        The exact cause of gout is still unknown. Some predisposing factors are below.

1.       Heredity.

2.       Age – usually above 40 years.

3.       Sex- occurs mostly in males (95%).

4.       Diet – excess consumption of items contains more purine, such as meat, beer or red wine, tea and coffee.

5.       Other factors – trauma, infection, mental stress and certain drugs (e.g. thiazides) can precipitate gout.

PATHOLOGY:-

        The serum uric acid level usually exceeds 7 mg percent (normal range between 2-5 mg percent).crystals of monourate are deposited in cartilages (inside or outside the joints), tendons and ligaments. Tophi (which are commonly known as “chalky stones”) are formed by localized deposition of urate crystals over the ear cartilage, bursae and tendon sheaths. Inside the affected joint, deposition of crystals brings about inflammatory changes in the synovial membrane and later destroys the cartilage and the concerning bones. Arthritic changes occur in joints and localized atrophic changes occur in adjoining bones (which appear as punches out areas in X-ray pictures). Deposition of urate crystals in the renal parenchyma causes damage to kidneys (uric acid nephropathy). Uric acid stones may form in urinary passages. In such cases hyperuricaemia is often associated with atherosclerosis and hypertension.

SYMPTOMS:-

      Depends upon the symptoms it has 2 types. A. acute, b. chronic.

a.       Acute:-

-          Onset is sudden.

-          Severe pain and burning sensation in either of the first metatarsophalangeal joints.

-          Joint is swollen, red, hot and tender.

-          Malaise, dyspepsia and headache.

-          Pain is more on right great toe.

-          The attack usually lasts in some five days.

b.      Chronic:-

-          Onset is slow.

-          Chalky deposits gradually appear, deforming the joints and causes stiffness on joints.

-          Disease attacks feet first, then the hands.

-          Tophi appear over the cartilage of the ears, eyelids, and nose or around the affected joints.

-          When tophus is pricked with a needle, white chalky material comes out of it. A tophi underneath the skin may ulcerate.

COMPLICATIONS:-

-          Interstitial nephritis.

-          Artero-sclerosis with hypertrophy of the heart.

-          Chronic bronchitis.

-          Pyogenic ulcerations.

-          Renal colic.

DIAGNOSIS OR INVESTIGATIONS:

-          Examination of synovial fluid.

-          X-ray – in acute it doesn't shows any abnormality. But in chronic shows punched out areas of bony destruction seen in adjoining bones.

DIET:-

-          Pure vegetarian.

-          Mainly fruits, vegetables and milk.

-          Avoid starches rich food and saccharine foods.

-          Avoid liquors.

-          Avoid cigarette smoking.

-          Fish, eggs and oysters are allowable.

TREATMENT:-

           The patient and the affected joint should be given complete rest. Plenty of water should be taken. The best drug for acute gout is colchicines 1-2 tablets given every 2 to 6 hours till the symptoms subside. The drug should not give in empty stomach.ibuprofen; diclofenac can give TID for 7-10 days. If results are not satisfactory, prednisolone is added.

HOMEOPATHIC DRUGS:-

1.       ARNICA:-

     It is good remedy for gout. Onset is sudden, great fear of being touched or approached. Pain in back and limbs, as if bruised or beaten. Sprained and dislocated feeling. Soreness after overexertion. Everything on which he lies seems too hard. Cannot walk erect, on account of bruised pain in pelvic region. Rheumatism begins low down and works up. [Ledum.]

2.       BENZOICUM ACIDUM:-

       Joints crack on motion. Gouty deposits. Rheumatic gout; nodes very painful. Ganglion; swelling of the wrist. Pain and swelling in knees. Tearing pain in great toe. Tearing with stitches. Pain in tendo Achillis. Cold hands, feet, back, knees. Worse; in open air; by uncovering. Gouty and asthmatic. Omits words in writing.

3.      BRYONIA ALBA:-

        Aching in every muscle. The general character of the pain here produced is a stitching,

tearing; worse by motion, better rest. Mucus membranes are all dry. Delirium; wants to go home; talks of business. Knees stiff and painful. Hot swelling of feet. Joints red, swollen, hot, with stitches and tearing; worse on least movement. Every spot is painful on pressure. Constant motion of left arm and leg. [Helleb.]

4.       BUFO RANA:-

        Pains in loins, numbness of limbs, cramps, staggering gait, feeling as if

a peg were driven in joints; swelling of bones. Effects of onanism. Ulceration of cervix. Striking rheumatic symptoms. Anxious about health. Sensation of heart swimming in water.

5.       CALCAREA CARB:-

        Rheumatoid pains, as after exposure to wet. Sharp sticking, as if parts were wrenched or sprained. Cold knees cramps in calves. Weakness of extremities. Swelling of joints, especially knee. Feet feel cold and dead at night. Tearing in muscles. Burning of soles of feet. Worse; from exertion, mental or physical; ascending; cold in every form; water, washing, moist air, wet weather; during full moon; standing. Better; dry climate and weather; lying on painful side; Sneezing (pain in head and nape).

6.      COLCHICUM:-

        Affects markedly the muscular tissues, periosteum, and synovial membranes of joints. Dreams of mice. Tearing in limbs during warm weather, stinging during cold. Pain worse in evening and warm weather. Inflammation of great toe, gout in heel, cannot bear to have it

touched or moved. Joints stiff and feverish; shifting rheumatism; pains worse at night. Oedematous swelling and coldness of legs and feet. Knees strike together, can hardly walk.

7.       LYCOPODIUM:-

      Painful callosities on soles; toes and fingers contracted. Pain in heel on treading as from a pebble. Chronic gout, with chalky deposits in joints. Tearing in shoulder and elbow joints. Cannot lie on painful side. Right foot hot, left cold. Cramps in claves and toes at night in bed.

8.       MAG CARB:-

      Tearing in shoulders as if dislocated. Right shoulder painful, cannot raise it. [Sang.]. Whole body feels tired and painful, especially legs and feet. Swelling in bend of knee. Worse; warmth of bed; change of temperature; cold wind or weather; every three weeks; rest. Better; warm air; walking in open air.

9.       NUX VOMICA:-

      Arms and hands go to sleep. Sensation of sudden loss of power of arms and legs in the morning. Cracking in knee-joints during motion. Partial paralysis, from overexertion or getting soaked. [Rhus.]. Drags his feet when walking. Legs numb; feel paralyzed; cramps in calves and soles.

10.   RHODODENDRON:-

       Rheumatic and gouty symptoms well marked. Rheumatism in the hot season. Joints swollen. Gouty inflammation of great toe-joint. Rheumatic tearing in all limbs, especially right side; worse, at rest and in stormy weather. Stiffness of neck. Pains in bones in spots, and reappear by change of weather. Cannot sleep unless legs are crossed.

11.   SULPHUR:-

      Hot, sweaty hands. Rheumatic pain in left shoulder. Rheumatic gout, with itching. Burning in soles and hands at night. Sweat in armpits, smelling like garlic. Stiffness of knees and ankles. Cannot walk erect; stoop-shouldered. Drawing and tearing in arms and hands. Ganglion. Trembling of hands.. hot pt.

Some of other drugs are antimonium crudum, ars album, baptisia, causticum, iodum, kali iodum, nat sulph, pulsatilla, Sabina, sarasaparilla, silicea etc….

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR CORNS AND CALLUSES

Corns and calluses are thick, hardened layers of skin that develop when your skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure. They most often develop on the feet and toes or hands and fingers. Corns and calluses can be unsightly.

If you're healthy, you need treatment for corns and calluses only if they cause discomfort. For most people, simply eliminating the source of friction or pressure makes corns and calluses disappear.

If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet, you're at greater risk of complications from corns and calluses

Causes-Pressure and friction from repetitive actions cause corns and calluses to develop and grow. Some sources of this pressure and friction include:

Wearing ill-fitting shoes. Tight shoes and high heels can compress areas of your foot. When footwear is too loose, your foot may repeatedly slide and rub against the shoe. Your foot may also rub against a seam or stitch inside the shoe.

Skipping socks. Wearing shoes and sandals without socks can cause friction on your feet. Socks that don't fit properly also can be a problem.

Playing instruments or using hand tools. Calluses on your hands may result from the repeated pressure of playing instruments, using hand tools or even writing

Symptoms--You may have a corn or callus if you notice:-A thick, rough area of skin, A hardened, raised bump, Tenderness or pain under your skin, Flaky, dry or waxy skin

Corns and calluses are not the same thing.

Corns are smaller than calluses and have a hard center surrounded by inflamed skin. Corns tend to develop on parts of your feet that don't bear weight, such as the tops and sides of your toes and even between your toes. They can also be found in weight-bearing areas. Corns can be painful when pressed.

Calluses are rarely painful. They usually develop on the soles of your feet, especially under the heels or balls, on your palms, or on your knees. Calluses vary in size and shape and are often larger than corns.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

ANTIMONIUM CRUDUM 30—Antimonium crudum is the most effective remedy for corns and it is prescribed for large, horny corns on feet which may or may not be inflamed. Here  the corns are very tender. Pain is felt in the corns while walking.

SILICEA 200- Silicea is an effective remedy for corns, especially soft corns.The characteristic symptoms – corns between the toes may be sore and painful. Patients may also feel burning or tearing pain in these corns. Silicea also works wonders in cases of corns between toes that tend to suppurate . Excessive sweat with an offensive odour may be present on the foot where the corn is located.

HEPAR SULPH 30—Hepar sulph is best for corns with pus formation.There pricking or stinging pain, burning may be present. Corns may be highly sensitive to touch.

 

NITRIC ACID 30- Nitric acid is an excellent remedy for painful corns.There is  splinter-like or sticking pains felt in the corns.

 GRAPHITES 30-  Graphites is prescribed for corns with deep cracks

 

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM 200-Lycopodium is prescribed for painful corns   where the most prominent symptoms are thick, indurated (hardened) corns on the feet with pressing, tearing, aching and drawing pains. The  corns which are inflamed and result in sore, stinging, burning pains.

HYDRSTIS CAN 30- Corns on toes which reappear after cutting

RADIUM BROMIDE 30- A specific remedy for all kinds of corns

SULPHUR 200- Corns and callosities from pressure. If a shoe presses anywhere on the skin , a great corn or bunion develops

SALICYLIC ACID Q- A solution of salicylic acid made with 1 part of the acid and 5 parts of water can be painted at bed time every third night. It often cures

VERATRUM VIR . Q- Painted on inflamed corns gives rapid and perfect relief 

SKIN LIKE DEVICE MONITORS CARDIOVASCULAR AND SKIN HEALTH

A new wearable medical device can quickly alert a person if they are having cardiovascular trouble or if it's simply time to put on some skin moisturizer, reports a Northwestern University and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign study

The small device, approximately five centimeters square, can be placed directly on the skin and worn 24/7 for around-the-clock health monitoring. The wireless technology uses thousands of tiny liquid crystals on a flexible substrate to sense heat. When the device turns color, the wearer knows something is awry.

"Our device is mechanically invisible -- it is ultrathin and comfortable -- much like skin itself," said Northwestern's Yonggang Huang, one of the senior researchers. The research team tested the device on people's wrists.

"One can imagine cosmetics companies being interested in the ability to measure skin's dryness in a portable and non-intrusive way," Huang said. "This is the first device of its kind."

Huang led the portion of the research focused on theory, design and modeling. He is the Joseph Cummings Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science.

The technology and its relevance to basic medicine have been demonstrated in this study, although additional testing is needed before the device can be put to use. Details are reported online in the journal Nature Communications.

"The device is very practical -- when your skin is stretched, compressed or twisted, the device stretches, compresses or twists right along with it," said Yihui Zhang, co-first author of the study and research assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northwestern.

The technology uses the transient temperature change at the skin's surface to determine blood flow rate, which is of direct relevance to cardiovascular health, and skin hydration levels. (When skin is dehydrated, the thermal conductivity property changes.)

The device is an array of up to 3,600 liquid crystals, each half a millimeter square, laid out on a thin, soft and stretchable substrate.

When a crystal senses temperature, it changes color, Huang said, and the dense array provides a snapshot of how the temperature is distributed across the area of the device. An algorithm translates the temperature data into an accurate health report, all in less than 30 seconds.

"These results provide the first examples of 'epidermal' photonic sensors," said John A. Rogers, the paper's corresponding author and a Swanlund Chair and professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Illinois. "This technology significantly expands the range of functionality in skin-mounted devices beyond that possible with electronics alone."

Rogers, who also is director of the Seitz Materials Research Laboratory, led the group that worked on the experimental and fabrication work of the device. He is a longtime collaborator of Huang's.

With its 3,600 liquid crystals, the photonic device has 3,600 temperature points, providing sub-millimeter spatial resolution that is comparable to the infrared technology currently used in hospitals.

The infrared technology, however, is expensive and limited to clinical and laboratory settings, while the new device offers low cost and portability.

The device also has a wireless heating system that can be powered by electromagnetic waves present in the air. The heating system is used to determine the thermal properties of the skin.

The National Science Foundation supported the research.

The title of the paper is "Epidermal Photonic Devices for Quantitative Imaging of Temperature and Thermal Transport Characteristics of the Skin." In addition to Zhang, Li Gao and Viktor Malyarchuk of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are co-first authors.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR VITILIGO AND LEUCODERMA

Vitiligo  is a disease that causes the loss of skin color in blotches. The extent and rate of color loss from vitiligo is unpredictable. It can affect the skin on any part of your body. It may also affect hair, the inside of the mouth and even the eyes.

Normally, the color of hair, skin and eyes is determined by melanin. Vitiligo occurs when the cells that produce melanin die or stop functioning.

Vitiligo affects people of all skin types, but it may be more noticeable in people with darker skin. The condition is not life-threatening or contagious. It can be stressful or make you feel bad about yourself.

Causes--Vitiligo occurs when melanin-forming cells (melanocytes) die or stop producing melanin — the pigment that gives your skin, hair and eyes color. The involved patches of skin become lighter or white. Doctors don't know why the cells fail or die. It may be related to:

 A disorder in which your immune system attacks and destroys the melanocytes in the skin

  Family history (heredity)

 A trigger event, such as sunburn, stress or exposure to industrial chemicals

On the other hand Leucoderma has different cause of onset. The difference in vitiligo and Leucoderma is only their onset. Vitiligo is self-generated while Leucoderma can occur after a cut, a burn or after allergy from some chemical. So basically cause of Leucoderma can be said accidental. Leucoderma cure is possible faster than vitiligo cure.

Symptoms--The main sign of vitiligo and leucoderma is color (pigment) loss that produces light or white patches on your skin. Usually, the discoloration first shows on sun-exposed areas, such as the hands, feet, arms, face and lips.

Vitiligo and leucoderma signs include:

Skin discoloration

  Premature whitening or graying of the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard (usually before age 35)

  Loss of color in the tissues that line the inside of your mouth and nose (mucous membranes)

  Loss of or change in color of the inner layer of the eyeball (retina)

  Discolored patches around the armpits, navel, genitals and rectum

Vitiligo can start at any age, but most often appears before age 20.

Depending on the type of vitiligo you have, the discolored patches may cover:

Many parts of your body. With this most common type, called generalized vitiligo, the discolored patches often progress similarly on corresponding body parts (symmetrically).

Only one side or part of your body. This type, called segmental vitiligo, tends to occur at a younger age, progress for a year or two, then stop.

One or only a few areas of your body. This type is called localized (focal) vitiligo.

It's difficult to predict how your disease will progress. Sometimes the patches stop forming without treatment. In most cases, pigment loss spreads and eventually involves most of your skin. Rarely, the skin gets its color back.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathic remedies are found to be very effective for the treatment of vitiligo and leucoderma. Some of the important remedies are given below.

TUBERCULINUM 200- Treatment should be started with this remedy. A dose of 200 potency should be given every month along with the following remedies

ARS . SULPH. FLAVATUM 6- Vitiligo or leucoderma  especially at mucocutaneous junction. It is one of the top remedies for vitiligo and leucoderma. The skin is  very dry, cracked , scaly and blackish in appearance. Leucoderma that occurs along with eruptions, especially on the outer as well as inner side of the left wrist.

HYDROCOTYLE 3X- If Ars sulph flav fails this remedy may be tried. It should be used for a long  time.

BARYTA CARBONICUM 30--Baryta Carbonicum is an excellent  medicine for leucoderma with burning sensation. It acts well when white patches are present along with intolerable itching and tingling over the whole body at night. Baryta Carbonicum is most indicated when a person has sensations like pricks of burning needles along with itching and crawling on the skin. The person feels good in a warm atmosphere; while exposure to cold makes him feel unwell.

 

BARYTA MURIATICA 30-Barta mur. is best for leucoderma having small spots. The patient  has small spots and whitish patches all around his head, nape of the neck, abdomen and thighs. These white spots are often associated with itchy eruptions all over the exposed parts of the body

CALCAREA CARB 30--Calcarea Carb is a top grade constitutional homeopathic medicine for Vitiligo and Leucoderma  It is prescribed to patients of Vitiligo with milky white spots on skin. These white spots can appear anywhere on the body. There  is a  tendency to free perspiration over the head, neck and chest. Next is intolerance to cold weather. Certain peculiar cravings may be present are – eggs, lime, pencils. Person needing Calcarea Carb may show tendency to catch cold easily. Weakness of bone may also be found. Easily fatigued by exertion . Tendency to chronic constipation and obesity also guides the selection of Calcarea Carb in vitiligo. On mental sphere the person may shows a number of fears. The prominent fears among them are fear of misfortune, of contagious disease, of losing reason and of insanity.

BORAX 30- Borax is prescribed when white skin with red patches occurs.

ARSENICUM ALB 30--Arsenic Album is  another effective  remedy for vitiligo or leucoderma  in persons prone to dry, rough skin. The skin shows whitish spots and skin is dry, dirty and rough. The skin complaint alternating with respiratory complaints like asthma is a strong pointer for using homeopathic medicine Arsenic Album. In general sphere warmth is a relieving factor for persons needing Arsenic album. Warm applications over skin and warm drinks are highly desirable. Burning sensations in varying body parts may also be noticed. Extreme exhaustion may also be present. There are peculiar constitutional symptoms that allow us to select Arsenic Album in vitiligo treatment. The most prominent out of these are fears and anxieties. This remedy is often indicated in persons who have fears including that of death,  disease,  germs and of catching infection. Patients requiring Arsenic Album are highly anxious personalities. They may show anxieties  about health,  trifles and anxiety about others. Marked restlessness is often seen on both mental and physical planes in persons needing Arsenic Album. Next distinctive feature for selecting Arsenic Album in vitiligo is fastidiousness. Person demanding extreme neatness and order in everything are yet another suitable subjects requiring Arsenic Album.

CAUSTICUM 30—Causticum is best for leucoderma  from burns.

SEPIA 30--Sepia is another important remedy for vitiligo or leucoderma  treatment.   Constitutional symptoms that indicate the use of  sepia are – having an indifferent approach towards life and family. They show aversion towards family members and friends who were once loved with great affection. They lack interest in doing any work. Tendency to avoid both Physical or mental labor is present . They are constantly depressed with marked irritability, weeping tendency, desire to be alone and an aversion to consolation or sympathy. The use of Sepia must also be thought in women with menstrual irregularities or those around menopausal age with tendency to hot flushes. It is also useful for vitiligo at the tip os penis

NITRIC ACID 30-Nitric acid is prescribed when Vitiligo or Leucoderma occurs  especially at mucocutaneous junction. Discoloured zigzag patches on the skin. The base looks like raw flesh.

SILICEA 30- Silicea  is another top remedy for  vitiligo or leucoderma .  The constitutional  symptoms that indicate the use of  Silicea are –   pale and waxy skin; tendency to excessive perspiration on hands and feet; tendency to eruptions with pus formation in various body parts; tendency to catch cold on frequent basis; lean, thin physical makeup . There are few characteristic mind symptoms that need attention when selecting Silicea. The main mind symptom are timidity and an under-confident nature. Silicea may be thought of in people who seem under-confident, fear public speaking, are timid and bashful. Obstinate behavior and stubbornness may also indicate its use .

PSORALEA CORYL. 3X- 5 drops daily is an excellent remedy for vitiligo or leucoderma.. It is used externally in the form of oil. After applying the oil , exposure to sun rays must be avoided .

STAPHYSAGRIA 30-Staphysagria is prescribed when Vitiligo is present  at the tip of penis. Itching, scratching changes location of itching occurs.

SULPHUR 200-Sulphur is a deep acting homeopathic medicine used frequently in treatment of varying skin diseases including vitiligo or leucoderma. It goes deep inside the basic root cause to annihilate the disease in its complete extent. The persons requiring homeopathic medicine Sulphur usually show a philosophical mind set. They are popularly referred as ‘ragged philosophers’. Their mind is constantly occupied with various theories and plans. As a result they suffer from mental fatigue and absent mindedness. They take little or no care for their physical appearance and even show aversion to bathing. Persons who have suffered a lot from skin troubles, itchy skin with long term use of ointments are also likely to be benefited from use of homeopathic medicine Sulphur. Apart from all above said symptoms burning sensations in various body parts may be present along with white spots on skin.  An extra ordinary craving for sweets may also be shown as a constitutional symptom.

DOGS HEAR OUR WORDS AND HOW WE SAY THEM

When people hear another person talking to them, they respond not only to what is being said--those consonants and vowels strung together into words and sentences--but also to other features of that speech--the emotional tone and the speaker's gender, for instance. Now, a report in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on November 26 provides some of the first evidence of how dogs also differentiate and process those various components of human speech.

"Although we cannot say how much or in what way dogs understand information in speech from our study, we can say that dogs react to both verbal and speaker-related information and that these components appear to be processed in different areas of the dog's brain," says Victoria Ratcliffe of the School of Psychology at the University of Sussex.

Previous studies showed that dogs have hemispheric biases--left brain versus right--when they process the vocalization sounds of other dogs. Ratcliffe and her supervisor David Reby say it was a logical next step to investigate whether dogs show similar biases in response to the information transmitted in human speech. They played speech from either side of the dog so that the sounds entered each of their ears at the same time and with the same amplitude.

"The input from each ear is mainly transmitted to the opposite hemisphere of the brain," Ratcliffe explains. "If one hemisphere is more specialized in processing certain information in the sound, then that information is perceived as coming from the opposite ear."

If the dog turned to its left, that showed that the information in the sound being played was heard more prominently by the left ear, suggesting that the right hemisphere is more specialized in processing that kind of information.

The researchers did observe general biases in dogs' responses to particular aspects of human speech. When presented with familiar spoken commands in which the meaningful components of words were made more obvious, dogs showed a left-hemisphere processing bias, as indicated by turning to the right. When the intonation or speaker-related vocal cues were exaggerated instead, dogs showed a significant right-hemisphere bias.

"This is particularly interesting because our results suggest that the processing of speech components in the dog's brain is divided between the two hemispheres in a way that is actually very similar to the way it is separated in the human brain," Reby says.

Of course, it doesn't mean that dogs actually understand everything that we humans might say or that they have a human-like ability of language--far from it. But, says Ratcliffe, these results support the idea that our canine companions are paying attention "not only to who we are and how we say things, but also to what we say."

All of this should come as good news to many of us dog-loving humans, as we spend considerable time talking to our respective pups already. They might not always understand you, but they really are listening.