Think of your heart, arteries and arterioles as a system of garden hoses that end in little nozzles (the arterioles). If you decrease the volume of spray from the nozzle, the hose becomes firm under increased pressure. It is under tension. Less water is flowing through, but it shoots out to a greater distance. Closing down the nozzle regulates the rate and pressure at which the water flows.

Something similar happens in hypertension. The arterioles tighten down; the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the tissues at a nearly normal rate. This maintains the pressure in the arteries and artioles.

Arterial hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a dangerous ailment because of its effect on the walls of the arteries. It accelerates the ailment of atherosclerosis. Many people without high blood pressure have atherosclerosis; but those with high blood pressure have much more severe cases of the illness.

As we have said, the inside of a normal artery is quite smooth and flexible. There is plenty of room for the blood to flow through. However, in the later years of life, there is a tendency for the blood vessels to harden and the muscles to become less flexible.

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Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The incidence of cancer of the uterine cervix has increased in recent years, particularly among younger women. This has coincided with changing social patterns of greater sexual freedom and the use of oral contraceptives. This suggests that sexually transmissible diseases may cause this type of cancer. It is also observed that some cancers usually follow sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea.

Viruses

Some viruses can also cause cancer. Several cases of cancers in animals and birds have been attributed to viruses. Latest scientific studies have established that Leukemia and Hodgkin’s disease

Chronic Depression in the Elderly

Chronic depression in the elderly can also lead to the development of cancer. According to a recent study conducted by Dr. Richard J.Havlik, of the National Institute of Aging in Bethesda, Maryland, and his associates, elderly persons who are chronically depressed for at least six years have 88 per cent higher risk of cancer than those who are not depressed. The authors of this study have noted that the previous researches found links between depression and cancer, mainly in smokers. But in this study, the “excess risk of cancer associated with chronic depression was consistent for most types of cancer and was not especially related to cigarette smokers”.

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Tinea versicolor is a misnomer because it is not actually a tinea or dermatophyte. The name pityriasis is more appropriate for this infection, which is caused by Malassezia furfur. Versicolor presents as hypopigmented macules (sometimes hyperpigmented) scattered on the shoulders, upper back, and chest. The macules may be pink, red, light-brown, or white and have a slight scale, which may only be seen after scratching.

The hypopigmentation may only be noted after sun exposure. The macules are sometimes mistaken for vitiligo, but vitiligo is characterized by a complete loss of pigment. Versicolor will fluoresce a gold or orange-brown color under a Wood lamp. KOH preparation of scales reveals non-branching hyphae and clusters of round spores, described as the “spaghetti-and-meatballs” pattern.

Pityriasis versicolor responds well to topical therapy with dandruff shampoos containing selenium sulfide (Selsun) or pyrithione zinc (Head & Shoulders). A lather should be applied to the affected skin and left to sit for 10 minutes daily for 1 week. Ketoconazole shampoo is another option that can be used twice weekly for 4 weeks. Topical antifungal agents are also recommended by some practitioners.

Widespread or persistent cases can be treated with oral ketoconazole. Ketoconazole can be given as 200 mg daily for 7 to 10 days. Another option is 400 mg ketoconazole once, and some practitioners consider this the treatment of choice. This should be followed by exercise to induce sweating, and the patient should wait 1 day before showering. This should be repeated in 1 week. Other oral regimens include fluconazole 300 to 400 mg once or itraconazole 400 g daily for 3 to 7 days.

The discoloration of pityriasis versicolor does not resolve immediately following treatment. Normal pigmentation will not return until the skin is exposed to sunlight. Response to treatment is presumed when the scales disappear.

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