Dealing with warts can be difficult as they are a recurrent problem for many

Treatment of warts

Photo: Wikipedia

Warts tend to occur on the hands, arms, face, upper trunk, legs, feet and in genital area.

Warts, or verrucae, are benign, semi-contagious growths of the outer layer of the skin.

They are caused by viruses and tend to occur on the hands, arms, face, upper trunk, legs, feet and in genital area. The most common types include, fittingly, common warts, as well as plantar and genital warts.They are generally more common in children and young adults than in older people.

Appearance, size and the location of warts can vary. Most are less the one-half centimetre in diameter and may be flat or raised, dry or moist. Usually they have a rough, pitted surface, either flesh coloured or darker than the surrounding skin.

They tend to develop on the exposed areas of the skin and may be single or multiple and tend to occur on areas of repetitive friction. When they occur on especially vulnerable areas, such as the knee or elbow, they can become irritated and tender.

Plantar warts are flat warts that occur commonly on the soles of the feet. They can become irritated and tender due to the repetitive motion of walking. A butcher’s wart occurs on the hands and arms of meat cutters.

Warts can also occur in the nostrils and can obstruct breathing by blocking the air passage. Laryngeal warts occur in the larynx or voice boxes and irritate the throat.

Genital warts, on the genitalia of males and females are often sexually transmitted and can cause a tremendous amount of stress due to their location and their effects on sexuality. Condyloma and the human papilloma virus, or HPV, can cause genital and peri-anal warts. HPV virus has been associated with the development of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. Women with venereal warts should consult a physician and get a PAP test to identify abnormal cells of the cervix and uterus. Anal warts occur around the anus and can cause a lot of itching.

A wart develops between one and eight months after initial exposure to the virus. The virus infects and becomes lodged in the outer layer of the skin. After infection takes hold a benign, unsightly growth can develop. Warts are highly resistant to therapy and have a high rate of recurrence. They are spread from scratching, rubbing and razor-like cuts in the skin. In half of all cases, warts disappear spontaneously without any treatment. In other causes, warts may persist and recur and last for years.

The exact cause of infection by warts is not entirely known. Like other viruses and bacteria, they tend to occur when the immune system is depressed or low. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to a poor immune system and the development of warts.

Conventional medical treatment includes the removal of infected skin by acids, including salicylic, bichloroacetic and nitric acid. Burning and freezing with liquid nitrogen and electrodessication can also be used. The use of antiviral agents such as bleomycin and alpha interferon have been used as well. These methods may be effective, although warts are highly recurrent and resistant to therapy. Scarring of the skin may occur as a result of treatment.

Psychological state can affect the growth and outcome of warts by influencing the immune system. Positive, focused mental concentration on the disappearance and elimination of the wart can be effective in reducing their size and recurrence.

Decrease consumption of white sugar, refined carbohydrates, fats, oils, refined and processed foods and increase consumption of complex carbohydrates, whole and unprocessed foods. Topical application of papaya, banana peal, eggplant and potato may be also effective.

Nutritional supplements, including vitamin A, beta-carotene and vitamins C and D are important immune vitamins and minerals. Thymus gland extract helps to support and stimulate immune gland function.

Specific herbs and plant derivatives may be useful in treating common warts. Dandelion, echinacea, garlic, tea tree oil, white willow bark and yellow cedar have been successful in helping to treat warts. The topical application of the juice from those plants applied to the surface of the wart, the covered with a band aid is effective.

A 10% to 20% concentration of salicylic acid derived from willow bark has been used as a topical treatment as well.

Podophyllum resin is derived from the American mandrake plant. A 10% to 25% concentration of podophyllum can be used topically to inhibit viral growth. It is important to note oral consumption of podophyllum can be toxic.

Thuja cedar oil and tea tree oil can also be effective. Both extracts can be highly irritating to adjacent healthy tissue and should be applied with caution.

The information provided in this article is not intended to constitute medical advice. All information and content are for general information purposes only.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Folic acid: A vitamin that helps build and maintain our DNA

Importance of folic acid

Photo: I Live Active

Folic acid is an important vitamin supplement, especially for pregnant women.

Folic acid, or vitamin B9, is an important water-soluble B vitamin.

The name “folic acid” is a moniker of the fact the vitamin is found in large amounts of dark green leafy vegetables or green “foliage.” It is also an organic acid, hence its name.

Folates are a group of chemically similar compounds in foods. Folic acid is actually a stable synthetic precursor used in and to fortify foods and in different vitamin products. Naturally occurring folates and folic acid are converted to the active form of the vitamin called methyltetrahydrofolate, or MTHF.

The main function of folic acid is in the biochemical process of methylation. Folic acid acts as a reservoir for a methyl group, which is a carbon atom bound to three hydrogen atoms. The methylated folic molecule is then capable of donating the methyl group to many other compounds.

The methyl group acts as a molecule switch, turning on and turning off different chemical reactions.

Methylation plays a very important role in DNA production and protein synthesis. MTHF donates its methyl group to DNA molecules. Depending on the site and location, it then acts as a switch, turning on and turning off different other chemical reactions.

Areas of the body that have high rates of DNA synthesis have the highest rates of methylation reactions. Those include during pregnancy, in bone marrow and in the gut lining.

Folic acid is very important in pregnancy and is involved in healthy neurological development of the fetus. A dietary deficiency of folic acid during early pregnancy can lead to the development of neural tube defects of the brain and spinal cord, including spina bifida.

Mote than 80 countries in the world have mandated folic acid fortification to foods to help prevent folic acid deficiency, particularly in pregnant females. In Canada, folic acid has been added to white flour, enriched pasta and cornmeal since 1998.

The incidence of neural tube defects has dramatically decreased with the introduction of folic acid food fortification. Before it started, folic acid deficiency was much more common, affecting up to 25% of the general population at one time. Now, after food fortification, it is less than 1%.

Folic acid is commonly added to vitamin and mineral supplements and B-complex vitamins. The active MTHF form is also becoming more commonly available and may have added benefit.

Bone marrow is involved in the production of red blood cells, or RBCs. More than 200 billion red blood cells are produced every day. The purpose of red blood cells is to carry oxygen. Because of the large amount of DNA synthesis involved in RBC production, a lot of folic acid and methylation is required. A deficiency of folic acid can cause a condition called megaloblastic anemia, marked by larger than normal red blood blood cells.

The stomach and intestinal lining withstand the effects of hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. It allows for digested foods to be absorbed into the bloodstream. A new stomach lining is made every three to five days. A lot of DNA synthesis and methylation is required for the growth and development of the digestive tissue lining.

The conversion of folates and folic acid into its active form, MTHF requires an enzyme to catalyze the reaction.

Between 20% and 40% of the general population have a genetic enzyme deficiency that results in hypomethylation, which can be related to the development of chronic illnesses, including atherosclerosis, autoimmune disease, cancer and other diseases. A DNA test can determine if you carry this abnormal gene.

The anti-cancer and anti-rheumatic drug methotrexate directly inhibits the MTHF enzyme, causing a folic acid deficiency. Supplementation with folic acid can help to prevent some of the side effects of this drug on normal tissues.

The highest food sources of folic acid are dark, leafy greens, including broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach, nuts and seeds such as peanuts, beans, legumes and liver. A methylation smoothie, containing spinach and other dark greens, swell as peanut butter or other nuts or seeds is also an excellent source of dietary folates.

The recommended daily amount is 400 micrograms per day for adults, 500 micrograms per day for nursing mothers and 600 micrograms per day for pregnant females.

The human body contains anywhere from 15 milligrams to 30 milligrams of folates and folic acid. About 50% is stored in the liver and the remainder is dispersed throughout the body.

Folic acid, being water soluble, is relatively non-toxic. Occasional nausea, upset stomach, irritability and sleep disturbance have been reported with taking folic acid supplements. Its use before conception and during pregnancy is recommended.

The information provided in this article is not intended to constitute medical advice. All information and content are for general information purposes only.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Dealing with prostate enlargement

Prostate enlargement

Prostate enlargement is an abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland causing variable degrees of bladder outlet obstruction.

Photo: Health Day

Prostate issues are estimated to affect 50% of men over the age of 50 years

Benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH, is estimated to affect 50% of men over the age of 50 years. Eighty percent of men 80 years old or older are affected by BPH.

The prostate is a golf ball sized gland located around the urethra at the outlet of the bladder. It produces an alkaline prostatic fluid containing enzymes, minerals and proteins that nourish and protect sperm. It contributes to seminal fluid a secretion containing citric acid, phosphatase and other proteolytic enzymes which accounts for the liquefaction of semen. The rate of production of prostate fluid increases with active relations and stimulation.

Enlargement of the prostate occurs with aging. Hormonal factors, diet, lifestyle factors and genetics are all believed to play an important role.

The major male hormone testosterone is known to decrease with increasing age. A byproduct of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, increases with age. DHT stimulates prostate gland growth. Also, some males are believed to produce higher levels of estrogen which is also believed to stimulate prostate growth.

Poor dietary factors such as increased consumption of alcohol, caffeine, sugar and processed foods are associated with increased prostate size.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains including all types of dark berries, broccoli family vegetables including broccoli, cabbage. cauliflower and kale, fish, green tea, plant-based proteins, pumpkin seeds, soybeans and tomatoes are associated with decreased prostate size.

Lifestyle factors, such as obesity, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, heart disease and lack of exercise and lack of healthy relations are associated with an increased risk of prostate enlargement. Genetics and family history are believed to play an important role in the development of prostate enlargement. Having a close family member, like a father or brother, with BPH dramatically increases your risk of developing it. Genetic factors are estimated to influence up to 75% of individuals with prostate enlargement.

Symptoms of BPH include increased frequency of urination, urination at night, incomplete bladder emptying, inability to void, overflow incontinence and terminal dribbling. Hesitancy and intermittency with decreased size and force of urinary stream occur.

BPH is caused by an abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland which irritates the bladder and urethra. Because of its position around the urethra, enlargement of the prostate quickly interferes with the normal passage of urine from the bladder. Urination becomes increasingly difficult and the bladder never feels completely emptied. If left untreated, continued enlargement of the prostate eventually obstructs the bladder completely and emergency measures may become necessary to empty the bladder. If the prostate is markedly enlarged, then chronic obstruction may result.

Diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia by a physician should be based on symptoms, physical exam and laboratory tests. A regular check up and prostate exam is recommended once per year after the age of 50 years. Prostate cancer may initially present with similar symptoms. Prostate cancer is the second leading type of cancer in males.

Conventional medical treatment of BPH is drug therapy. The two most popular drugs in North America for this condition is tamsulosin (Flomax) and dutasteride (Avodart). Tamsulosin belongs to a group of medicines called alpha blockers that relax the muscle of the bladder and prostate and make the passage of urine easier. Dutasteride blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase that decreases production of DHT. It can help to shrink the prostate over time and reduce symptoms associated with it.

If drug treatment does not improve BPH symptoms then a surgical procedure called transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP may be recommended.

Coffee, tea, colas, chocolate and other caffeine containing foods and beverages should be reduced. Caffeine is a natural diuretic that increases urinary excretion. Foods high in added sugar including processed and refined foods should be reduced. Alcohol should be consumed in moderation or none at all. Some men report that spices can irritate the bladder and prostate.

Consuming a diet rich in coloured fresh fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains and cereals should be emphasized.

Foods rich in zinc including oysters, fish, meats and seafood and nuts and seeds can help to shrink an enlarged prostate.

Herbal medicines and supplements that can help BPH include bee pollen and rye pollen, beta sitosterol, green tea, lycopene, nettles, pumpkin seed oil, Pygeum africanum and saw palmetto. Beta sitosterol is a plant sterol related to cholesterol. Pygeum africanum or the African cherry tree reduces prostate cell growth and decreases inflammation.

Saw palmetto is a dwarf palm tree that contains lipids, sterols and flavonoids that can help block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone or DHT and reduces its effect on enlarging the prostate.

The information provided in this article is not intended to constitute medical advice. All information and content are for general information purposes only.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

Offering a helping hand to children half a world away

The One Person Project

Photo: Facebook/The One Person Project

Children at Simone's orphanage in the city of Kahama in north-west Tanzania.

The genesis of the One Person Project was at her mother’s deathbed.

“Have no regrets in life” were among her mother’s last words as she lay dying from breast cancer.

Nineteen years later, the project has produced 17 trips to Tanzania, six cargo containers and the creation of a not-for-profit society that funds an orphanage, as well as delivered books, clothing and other supplies, funded education and provided teaching and much needed medical supplies.

My social media is limited to a Facebook account that I routinely check and read about other people’s lives. I must confess, during the dark overcast winter months in the Okanagan I have spent more time on my Facebook account that I like to admit.

Our modern secular world is rife with bad, gloomy and negative information and news. It is nice to hear or read about something positive and uplifting amid the chaos of modern life. The One Person Project is such a story, one I stumbled across this winter on my FB account.

Peter was a childhood friend from my hometown and is a friend on Facebook. His account was tagged with Brenda’s the One Person Project visit to Tanzania this winter. It was a refreshing breath of fresh air to read about their adventure and see their spectacular pictures, rather than see what people are eating for dinner or expounding the dogmatic political views common on FB.

Brenda is the loquacious and passionate driving force behind TOPP. A retired nurse by trade who specialized in geriatric medicine, she is familiar with caring and helping those in need. She now lives in Summerland and does constant fundraising for her organization. She is in routine contact with various individuals in Africa and makes one six-week trip each year to Kahama, Tanzania to check how the funds are being used.

Along with about 12 others pay, who also pay their own way to Tanzania, she bring a suitcase full of items to give away, spends time helping with projects at the orphanage or related to the community that can benefit the disadvantaged and oversees various projects funded by TOPP.

Tanzania is located in southeast Africa, bordering Kenya, Uganda, Bruni, Rwanda and Congo. It has a population of about 67 million people. Two thirds of the population live in rural areas. The official languages are English and Swahili. The average wage is equivalent to about $280. Nearly half the population lives in poverty and makes less than $3 per day.

Healthcare in Tanzania is strained. The country has a high rate of maternal mortality, infant mortality, HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, lung disease and malaria. The doctor to patient ratio is quite low and is estimated to be three doctors per 100,000 people. Only about 1/3 of the population have health care insurance with 2/3 having to pay out of pocket for health care services and prescriptions.

The orphanage is located in the city of Kahama, in north-west Tanzania. It is a somewhat isolated but a bustling travel intersection for truckers who pass through this region. With the promise of jobs from a mine nearby, the city expanded to a population of more than 400,000 but that has now has dwindled after the mine closed.

A YouTube search of Kahama shows a flat savannah landscape with brown, red earth, old gnarly baobab trees and blue sky with heat and aridity.

The orphanage was established in 2012 when TOPP partnered with a group of teachers who purchased the land to establish a school and former orphanage. The current orphanage houses about 40 children, half of them boys and half of them girls. It provides food and medical expenses, supplies clothing and school uniforms, provides education and schooling, pays for a guard, matron and social worker and provides additional educational opportunities for the children when they leave the orphanage.

The orphanage is called Simone’s Orphanage, named after a now deceased Okanagan benefactor who made substantial contributions for the development and operation of the facility.

TOPP is a local grassroots organization trying to make a difference in the world, one person at a time. The crowning event of the organization is an annual fundraising gala in Summerland in the first week of November, which tries to raise money and supplies for the following year’s annual trip by volunteers to the orphanage.

Volunteers are not paid and pay their own way and expenses for the trip. Brenda is one of the chaperones who oversees the trip.

She shared an inspiring quote about her choice for the name of her organization: “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”

The information provided in this article is not intended to constitute medical advice. All information and content are for general information purposes only.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.