The conjunctiva is the outermost filament of the eye and covers the white part of the eyes. It has a lot of nerves as well as blood vessels that are fragile and prone to rupture due to accidents and other injuries. Such damage to blood vessels can result in blood clot in eye.

Blood clots in eye tend to vanish on its own over a period of time. However, blood clot in eye that develops due to some kind of severe ocular injury and is accompanied by painful signs and symptoms, then patients need to seek medical treatment. Non-treatment in such case can increase risk to vision disturbances, blurred vision, etc.

Symptoms of blood clot in eye

In most cases blood clot in eye is not accompanied with any serious symptoms. Patients often exhibit a reddish patch or spot in the eyes white section. In severe cases, affected individuals may suffer from the below listed additional signs and symptoms:

• Ocular pain
• Ocular irritation and/or itching or other forms of discomfort in eye
• Sensation of fullness under the affected eyelid or in the affected eye
• Reduction in sight or blurring of images

Causes of blood clot in eye

A red blood clot in eye typically forms due to some kind of injury to the eye. Other uncommon causes of blood clot in eye are listed below:

• Constipation
• Increased strain or stress on the eye
• Hypertension
• Underlying case of diabetes mellitus
• Excessive mental stress
• Increased use of blood thinning medications or other similar drugs
• Frequent coughing or sneezing
• In rare cases, blood clot in eye may develop due to serious infection of the eyes, Vitamin K deficits, and/or underlying case of blood clotting diseases

It may be noted that blood clot in eye is common newborn babies and infants. This is because of the changes in pressure the body of the baby undergoes during delivery.

Diagnosis

Patients need to visit a doctor if they are experiencing a severe case of blood clot in eye marked by persistent redness, pain, and/or irritation. The doctor may suggest the below listed tests to diagnose the causative factors of serious blood clot in eye:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging/MRI
• Computed Tomography or CT scan
• Electro cardiograms or ECGs

Treatment of blood clot in eye

A blood clot in eye is usually a mild condition that resolves on its own. It does not require any medical treatment.

Severe cases of blood clot that are accompanied by a persistent reddish spot or patch in eye, blurred vision, and/or severe pain, etc., have to be checked by a medical expert. Relevant treatment is then administered as per the diagnostic results.

For minor instances of blood clot in eye, patients may follow the below listed precautions and home remedies:

• Do not touch the affected eye or rub it. It may worsen the blood clot or trigger ocular bleeding.
• You may check with doctor and use artificial tears or some other kind of ocular lubrication so as to soothe the irritation, if any, and get relief
• You may use rose water for cleaning the eyes. The eyes will not only become cleaner, but rose water will also act as a coolant and alleviate irritation and other kinds of ocular discomfort.
• Discomfort in eye can be eased with cold or ice therapies. Wrap a few ice cubes in a hand towel and place over affected eye to get relief
• Ocular irritation caused by blood clot in eye can be alleviated with hot/warm compress or heat treatments.
• Another option is to wet a towel in hot/warm water, rinse it, and then place over the affected eye. This will reduce discomfort and any kind of ocular pain that may be present
• Garlic has anti-coagulant properties. Hence, eat a few cloves of garlic on a daily basis. This will help dissolve the blood clot in eye.
• Cucumbers are known to be cool down the eyes and soothe them. You may slice up a cucumber and then place it on the affected eye/eyes. Irritation and other symptoms will dissipate in some time.
• There are certain exercises specifically designed for the eyes. Consult an ophthalmologist for such ocular exercises and do them as per instructions of the doctor. It will reinvigorate and refresh the eyes. Avoid the exercises if it results in any stress or strain.
• Avoid sitting in front of the television or a computer for prolonged periods of time. This can strain the eyes and aggravate blood clot in eye.

A few causes of brown spots on bottom of feet along with the associated signs and symptoms and treatment options are mentioned below:

1. Foot melanoma

Melanoma is an aggressive type of cancer that commence in skin cells responsible for skin color or pigmentation. It can affect individuals of all age groups. The cancer often goes undetected in the early stages, while treatment at later stages is very difficult. Hence it is vital to consult a doctor whenever dark spots appear on bottom of feet.

The signs and symptoms of foot melanoma are listed below:

• The spots may be asymmetrically shaped, i.e., one half of a brown spot on bottom of feet may be of different shape or size than the other half.
• It is not necessary for all the spots to be brown in color; they can be a mix of varied colors
• The borders are ragged, irregular, blurred, or notched
• The spots tend to grow in size. Hence, spots that are over 5 mm in size need to be immediately checked by doctor.

It is postulated that melanoma may develop due to increased exposure to sun. Other factors which may increase the risk to the cancer include:

• Formation of moles all over the body, especially if they occur at young age
• Red or blonde tresses
• Skin that easily develops freckles; very fair skin
• Any kind of sunburn that causes blistering and occurs before the person is 18 years old

Treatment of brown spots on bottom of feet caused by foot melanoma include

• Surgical removal of specific local lymph nodes and/or other surgeries
• Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and/or targeted therapy

2. Tinea Nigra

It is a fungal infection often caused by fungus called Phaeoannellomyces werneckii. The fungi destroy the melanin thereby causing pigmentation of skin and formation of brown spots on bottom of feet.

Signs and symptoms of tinea nigra include:

• In addition to brown spots on bottom of feet, patients may also experience such abnormal spots on the palms, neck, or chest.
• The spots (rash) are oval or slightly circular. It may be a lighter or darker shade of brown or even black
• The healthy skin is delineated from the dark spots by a distinct border

Landscape workers, gardeners, or others who work in the soil are at greater risk to developing this fungal infection. Hence, it is important for such people to wear thick gloves and shoes.

Brown spots on bottom of feet caused by tinea nigra are by use of topical antifungal creams with miconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine, and clotrimazole as ingredients. Treatment usually finishes in 2 to 4 weeks but in severe cases the infection may clear up in about 8 weeks. In some cases doctors may use a scalpel to scrape the bottom of feet so as to facilitate easier penetration of skin by the cream and quicken the process of healing.

3. Plantar warts

Another cause of brown spots on bottom of feet is plantar warts. It is a disease caused by HPV or human papillomavirus infection. The virus can gain entry via tiny cuts in skin and hence can be contracted in swimming areas, public showers, locker rooms, or other moist and warm places. The virus can even transfer if you walk barefoot in contaminated areas in public, or by shaking hands with someone whose hands were soiled with the virus after he/she scratched the warts.

Signs and symptoms of plantar warts are:

• The brown spots on bottom of feet are tiny and appear like pin points
• Patients may experience pain and tender in feet when standing or walking
• The bottom of feet may develop a small, grainy, and ragged lesion
• Formation of a thickened solid skin callus over a clear area; it is an indication of an inward growing wart
• Distinctly visible lesion on feet

Untreated instances of warts may disappear only after many years. Patients may opt for OTC wart-removers, duct tape, salicylic acid or other kinds of home remedies to get rid of the warts. If issue persists, seek medical treatment which may involve the following:

• Topical acids
• Minor surgery to remove the warts
• Use of liquid nitrogen to freeze off the warts
• Bigger warts are removed via laser surgery

4. Hyper pigmentation

It is milder cause of brown spots on bottom of feet. It may be accompanied by rough, flaky, and dry skin. It can be treated by replenishing the foot skin’s moisture with home remedies like:

• Daily massaging of the feet with a foot scrub made from strawberries, chunky coarse sea salt, and comforting oils like jojoba oil, apricot oil, olive oil, or almond oil.
• Apply Vitamin E oil on feet and leave it overnight. Wash with lukewarm water in morning.
• Vitamin E liquid or Shea butter can lighten the brown spots. Use of pumice stone to scrub the feet is helpful.

5. Other causes

• Brown spots on bottom of feet may also be caused by diseases like purpura, diabetic dermopathy, arsenic poisoning, and athlete’s foot

A burning sensation which affects the nasal cavities and which may occur with some amount of pain is referred to as burning sinuses. When patients experience burning sinuses, then it often means that the underlying infection has become more serious. Patients may suffer from the typical burning sensation in nasal passages as well as swelling, yellowish discharge from nose, pain in sinus, and fever.

In most cases, burning sinuses commences with a mild illness, but it can soon aggravate and cause a lot of pain. The burning sensation and pain can be alleviated with home remedies and medicines. Burning sinuses can however be a recurrent issue and affected people may suffer a relapse after 2 or 3 weeks. It is therefore important to know the potential causative risks and necessary preventive measures to avoid the recurrence.

Symptoms

Burning sinuses signify that the underlying illness has reached an advanced stage and is known to be accompanied by pain and burning sensations in the nasal passages.

In the early stages when the condition is mild, affected people experience the below listed signs and symptoms:

• Pain in the upper jaw region and the teeth
• Coughing; it deteriorates when the patient lies down
• Bad breath or halitosis
• Fever along with headache, weakness, and fatigue
• Ache and swelling in the nose as well as the adjacent areas
• Increased pressure in the nasal cavity and around the eyes
• Discharge from nose; it may be greenish or dark yellowish
• Pain in ear
• The nasal passage may experience redness
• Sore throat
• Decreased sense of smell and taste

Spread of the infection to the nearby areas will lead to more visible symptoms. Severe infection of the sinus marked by burning sinuses may occur along with:

• Disorientation
• Breathing issues
• Stiff neck
• Headache that is intense and intolerable
• Double vision and other kinds of disturbances of sight

Sometimes, burning sinuses sensation may be so intense that patients may become confused and completely disoriented. It is important to seek immediate medical treatment in such cases.

Causes of burning sinuses

The sinuses in the nasal tract work towards humidifying and warming the inhaled air before passing it on to the lungs. The sinuses typically have air and mucus. However, during inhalation germs enter the tract, get stuck in the sinuses and/or pass on into the respiratory system. The warm surroundings of the sinuses are then ideal for multiplication of the germs which eventually triggers an infection.

Burning sinuses causes infections of the sinus are usually caused by common cold. But there are a number of other factors, including infections by pathogens virus, bacteria, etc., as well as allergic reactions that can increase the risk to sinus infections. A few such causative factors are listed below:

• Allergic rhinitis or hay fever
• Deviated or crooked septum of the nose
• Nasal tumors
• Immune system disorders
• Cystic fibrosis and other similar diseases

The above conditions trigger increased mucus production in the nasal tract, thereby causing the nose passages to get blocked. When the sinuses are also completed blocked by mucus, then patients may suffer from burning sinuses and pain.

Allergic reactions may occur due to seasonal changes or due to contact with tobacco smoke, pollution, or inhalation of chemicals. A stroke may also be accompanied by burning sinuses

Treatment of burning sinuses

Burning sinuses, the underlying infection, as well as associated pain and other symptoms can be alleviated and treated with medications.

• Doctors may prescribe drugs like decongestants, nasal sprays and corticosteroids, and OTC pain killers to treat burning sinuses and ease the discomfort and pain.

Medications used for treating burning sinuses may cause a few side effects. Hence, patients may opt for home remedies to treat minor instances of sinus infections. A few such home remedies are discussed below:

• Hardened and dry mucus can be loosened from the nasal passages by steaming. Inhalation of warm steam can help clear the blocked sinuses of excess mucus and facilitate its easy removal from the body. Patients may add a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the steaming hot water to improve the effectiveness of steaming and quicken the pace of recovery from burning sinuses.
• Burning sensation and pain can be alleviated by using a hot compress or heating pad on the face. This heat therapy can also help decrease any swelling or inflammation in the region.
• Excess mucus or phlegm can also be removed by drinking warm water or other warm fluids.

Symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms accompanying cuts on tongue are listed below:

• Fissure, cut, or wound on the surface of tongue
• Minor inflammation in some cases
• Redness of the affected region
• Burning sensation
• Minor pain or discomfort
• Increased sensitivity to spicy and hot foods
• Swelling
• Mild bleeding
• Sores

Causes of cuts on tongue

Cuts on tongue can develop at any place on the tongue, under the tongue, the top of tongue, or on its sides. A few common causes of cuts on tongue are listed below:

• Eating hot food especially soup can cause blisters which can turn into cuts.
• Intake of foods with sharp borders or edges can cause tongue injuries and cuts
• Eating excessive amounts of spicy foods or hot foods, like hot soup, can trigger formation of blisters which may worsen to become cuts on tongue
• Accidental biting of the tongue
• Increased stress
• Any kind of injury or trauma to the mouth, face, or tongue
• Hormonal surges, often affecting women, occurring during periods, pregnancy, or menopause
• Tongue ulcers may have cuts on tongue as one of its symptoms along with bleeding, bumps on tongue, and burning sensations.
• Deficits in vitamin B and vitamin C
• Allergic reactions to eating some types of food items
• A harmless condition called fissured tongue. It is an inherited disorder and is marked by cuts on entire tongue as well as grooves. It does not cause a lot of pain and is more prominent in older people.
• Different kinds of oral and tongue infections
• Certain disorders of the immune system may cause cuts on tongue
• A condition called geographic tongue which is caused due to inflammation or irritation of the tongue. The tongue may be discolored with cracks and cuts on the surface.

Treatment of cuts on tongue

Cuts on tongue is a harmless condition and can be easily treated with home remedies and preventive care. A few common home remedies are discussed below:

• Cuts on tongue are at increased risk to infection by bacteria and other pathogens. Gargling with salt water will help prevent it.
• Discomfort and pain can be alleviated with milk of magnesia
• Cold water, vegetable juices, ice cubes, and ice creams can help soothe the cuts on tongue and ease pain and burning sensations. Eat lots of frozen and cold foods.
• For best results when using ice cubes, put the cubes on tongue, close the mouth, and let them melt. Repeat the process many times a day to quicken the healing process.
• Infections can also be prevented by use of mouth washes. This option may result in minor stinging on the tongue areas with the cuts.
• Paste or Indian lilac leaf or Neem has healing properties and can be quiet effective in treatment of cuts on tongue
• Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply on the affected area on tongue. It will help soothe as well as contribute in the healing process.
• Cuts on tongue caused by vitamin C or B deficiencies can be treated with intake of diet rich in these nutrients. Patients can also take vitamin B and C supplements to overcome the deficits.
• Application of aloe vera juice can aid and promote the healing process
• Rinse the mouth with a combination of hydrogen peroxide and water on a daily basis. This therapy tends to sting a bit, but can be very helpful in faster healing of cuts on tongue.
• Avoid spicy, acidic, and hot foods as well as those with ragged sharp edges.
• Avoid the intake of caffeine, alcohol, citric fruits, and chocolates
• Quick smoking
• Preparation of goldenseal root is a very effective treatment for cuts on tongue. Boil the root in a glass of water in low to medium flame. Cool the preparation and strain it. Then rinse the mouth with the solution on a daily basis.
• Turmeric has natural healing properties and honey provides a soothing effect. Hence, a paste made of honey and turmeric is a great home remedy for cuts on tongue. The turmeric will promote healing while honey will not only provide a protective coating on the tongue but also provide relief from pain and burning sensations. Patients may apply the paste on tongue and let it remain so for a few hours for best results.
• Butter is also a good remedy. Rub some butter all over the tongue and then place a piece of butter on it. Then, instead of swallowing let the butter melt.
• Bruised, bitten, and other kinds of tongue injuries can be treated with use of a combination of lemon balm extract, aloe vera juice, and olive oil.

Symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms that may accompany hot feet at night are listed below:

• Stinging, severe ache, and burning sensations that affect the feet. This pain persists all through the day, but typically intensifies at night.
• The feet may experience sudden redness
• Women are more prone to suffering from hot feet at night than men. It is also more common in people older than 50 years but can also affect younger people.
• The pain and burning may only cause minor irritation and discomfort in some patients while it can be very intense in others. Mild pain normally does not affect the daily routine or the patient’s quality of life.
• Those with severe instances of hot feet at night may experience swelling, sweating, and inflammation of the feet. The area may also be hot to touch.
• In most cases, the burning sensations are restricted to the soles. Sometimes it may move on to the ankles and lower legs.
• Rarely, patients may experience a pins and needles pricking sensation in the body’s lower extremities

Hot Feet at Night – Causes

Some of the common causes of hot feet at night are listed below:

• It is a common issue in diabetic people as the disease tends to cause peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage.
• People with sweaty and hot feet may experience increased burning sensations and itchiness. Localized or mild instances of hot feet at night may sometimes occur due to foot dampness caused by retention of sweat in woolen or cotton socks.
• Mechanical overload on feet can cause aches and hot burning sensations of feet. This may especially be common in people whose work requires standing all day or in obese people who have to lug around their excess body weight.
• A medical condition called burning foot syndrome or Erythromelalgia is marked by intense aching and hot sensations. The condition is caused due to thiamine deficits or problems of the nervous and circulatory systems.
• Fungal infections of the feet can result in local burning sensations and hot feet at night. For example, Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the feet, especially the moist part between the toes. It also caused symptoms like skin redness and inflammation, itchiness, and stinging sensations.
• Any trauma that triggers the development of reflex sympathetic dystrophy
• Hypothyroidism is often marked by hot feet at night as well as cardiac conditions, joint aches, obesity, and burning sensations in feet.
• Arthritic patients with peripheral nerve entrapment or tarsal tunnel syndrome are at increased risk to suffering from hot feet at night.
• Allergic reactions or increased sensitivity to the fabric of socks or the dyes or chemicals used in leather shoes can cause burning feet
• Gastric bypass surgery can reduce the capacity to absorb nutrients and calories from eaten food. This can cause bone problems and weakening of muscles, thereby triggering hot feet at night.
• Heavy metal poisoning, blood diseases, and/or chronic alcohol abuse

Treatment of hot feet at night

Different treatment options for hot feet at night are listed below:

• Let the feet soak in cold water for some time to alleviate burning sensation. It is important to avoid exposing the feet to heat as that will worsen the issue.
• Instead of leather footwear, wear comfortable open mesh shoes with proper arch support. This will reduce the effect of increased workload on the feet. Magnetic therapy insoles may help ease the discomfort and pain. Using cotton socks and/or changing socks mid-way through the day can help the feet breathe as well as prevent excessive perspiration. Patients also need to avoid standing for long periods of time.
• Remedy for diabetic neuropathy includes control and management of blood glucose levels and diabetes with proper diet, healthy lifestyle, and medications.
• Hot feet at night caused by vitamin deficiencies can be corrected by intake of foods abundant in vitamin B. Patients can also go for vitamin supplements.
• Certain kinds of cooling ointments can help in temporary reduction of burning feet sensations.
• Massaging and regular exercise of the feet can enhance the blood circulation in the legs which in turn can alleviate pain and other symptoms.
• Patients with Athlete’s foot need to visit a doctor for antifungal powders and other medications to treat the fungal infection. Washing and drying the feet and keeping it clean will help prevent the disease.
• People addicted to alcohol may seek medical help, assistance of self-help groups, counseling, etc. to overcome chronic alcoholism.

Severe, chronic, or persistent cases of hot feet at night needs to be checked by a doctor for diagnosis and relevant drug therapy.

It is important for patients to consult a doctor for all cases of tingling in right arm as it can be an indicator of some serious disorder.

Symptoms of Tingling in Right Arm

A few common signs and symptoms that may accompany tingling in right arm are listed below:

• Dry eyes; vision disturbances in people with multiple sclerosis
• Soreness of muscles
• Hair loss
• Numbness of tight arm
• Allergic reactions
• Dryness of skin
• Weakness in fingers and upper limbs
• Swelling and/or inflammation
• The affected arm area may become whitish, then bluish, then reddish
• Dizziness or fainting
• Persistent and prolonged pain in right arm and/or other areas of the body

Tingling in Right Arm – Causes

Tingling in right arm may occur due to the below listed factors and underlying conditions:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: It is a wrist condition marked by compression or increased pressure on the nerves present in the wrist area. Doctors are currently not aware of the exact cause of the condition. However, a few known factors include excessive/prolonged use of wrist as when typing; obesity or being overweight; diabetes, and arthritis, etc. Besides tingling in right arm, patients may experience pain and numbness in right arm.
• Pinched nerve: Any kind of trauma or underlying inflammatory disorder of the nerves in the right arm brachial plexus or upper limbs injuries marked by pinched nerve can cause weakening of the limb, pain, and burning and tingling sensations.
• Nutrition deficits: Deficiency in vitamins D, C, B, B2, B5, and B12 and in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, etc., can trigger tingling sensations in right arm and the fingers. Deficits in nutrients can be corrected by taking supplements and eating a healthy balanced diet.
• Herniated disc: It is a condition characterized by abnormal protrusion of any one of the spinal discs, or a section of the disc, present between the series of vertebral spinal cord bones. Outwards protrusion of the disc can pinch certain nerves in the area and result in pain, numbness, and tingling in the right arm or in both the arms and the lower limbs. These symptoms also often migrate to the fingers.
• Raynaud’s syndrome: This is a condition characterized by spasms of the arteries that supply blood to certain tissues, which leads to reduced blood flow to those areas. It is generally caused by stress and exposure to cold weather. Extremities like the toes, fingers, ears, and nose are usually affected. Patients may suffer color changes of these extremities in addition to tingling in right arm.
• Multiple sclerosis: It is a disorder wherein the protective sheath of nerves gets erroneously identified as invaders and subsequently attacked by the immune system. This immune system action adversely affects nerve function. Multiple sclerosis usually causes damage to the nerves of the spinal cord and brain. Damage of the right arm nerves in patients may result in pain and tingling in right arm.
• Stroke: If the part of the brain that controls the upper limbs suffers a stroke, then patients may suffer from paralysis and tingling. Stroke of the left side of brain and associated blood vessels may result in varied stroke symptoms along with tingling in right arm.
• Cervical disc disease: With aging, the disc present between vertebrae bones undergo degeneration and cause pain. Such pain migrates from back to neck, shoulder, and upper limbs. Patients may subsequently experience pricking, stiffness, numbness, and tingling sensations. Injuries and other diseases of the spinal discs can also cause it to deteriorate.
• Other causes: Tingling in right arm may also occur due to kidney diseases, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, migraine, and ganglion cysts, etc.

Treatment of Tingling in Right Arm

Treatment of tingling in right arm is dependent on the underlying cause. Avoiding overuse of one arm; proper posture when typing; and other self-help measures can help prevent minor cases of tingling in right arm.

A few treatment options for underlying causative diseases/triggers are listed below:

• Different injuries are treated with painkillers and other drugs as well as physical therapy. Surgical correction and repair may be needed for serious injuries.
• Symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome can be eased with massage, relaxation and breathing techniques, and medications. Patients also need to avoid contact with cold temperatures. In severe cases, doctors may opt for surgery.
• Multiple sclerosis has no known cure. Treatment involves alleviation and management of symptoms with physical therapy and varied medications.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and spinal disc problems are treated with NSAIDs, pain medications, and physical therapy. If these traditional treatments don’t work, then surgery becomes necessary.

Causes of dark spot on lip

A few common causes of dark spots on lips are listed below:

• Vitamin B deficits: Vitamin B deficiency can cause a variety of disorders, including angular cheilitis, which is a condition marked by inflammation and cracking around lips. The condition facilitates infection by fungus which then triggers dark spot on lip. Vitamin B deficits can be resolved by taking supplements and eating foods rich in vitamin B.
• Eating spicy and hot foods: Eat foods at high temperature, especially spicy foods, can burn the lips. Persistent burns on lips can cause dark spot on lip.
• Dehydration: It can cause dryness of skin and lips and increase the risk to development of dark spots on lips. Drink lots of water and other fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Increased iron in body: Higher than required levels of iron in body can cause dark spot on lip.
• Hormonal imbalance: Thyroid disorders and other hormonal disturbances can affect the food metabolism, skin, lips, mood, and sexual function, etc. The skin and lips may become dry, thus increasing risk of dark spots on lips.
• Drinking caffeinated beverages: Excessive intake of tea, coffee, and other caffeinated drinks can discolor the lips. Drinking coffee and tea when they are piping hot can burn lips and cause dark spots.
• Prolonged sunlight exposure: Melanin is produced due to exposure to sun rays. Contact with sunlight for long periods can increase the production of melanin, darken the skin and lips, and cause sunburns. Limit outdoor excursions and use sunscreen and other sun-protection options to prevent this.
• Using expired or cheap lip cosmetics: The lip skin is sensitive and can be easily damaged. Hence expired or substandard lip care products or cosmetics should not be used; else it can cause dark spot on lip and other lip problems. Use branded, well-known cosmetics, usually with organic and natural ingredients.
  • Not removing lip stick or other makeup before going to sleep can also harm the skin and cause lip discoloration.
• Smoking: Cigarettes have toxic particles called nicotine which can cause different health problems such as cancer and dry skin. Smoking can discolor, dry, and stain the lips with dark spots. Alcohol abuse can also cause similar problems.
• Certain habits: Some people tend to lick the lips when they are dry so as to moisturize them. But licking lips actually causes them to become dry and lays the foundation for formation of dark spot on lip. Habit of biting lips can also cause dark spots.
• Side-effect of medications: Certain drugs like estrogens, amiodarone, sulfonamide, phenothiazines, tetracyclines, and phenytoin can cause dark spots on lips as side effect.
• Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to toothpaste, face care products, or cosmetics can result in dark spot on lip.
• Cancer: Dark spots on lips can sometimes be a sign of cancer. In such rare instances, bumps may also form on the lips.
• Weather: The lips can chap or become excessively dry during winter or cold weather conditions. This can increase the risk of infections and dark spot on lip.
• Dental fixtures: Uncommonly, lip problems may also occur due to dental fixtures. Contact dentist for resolution, such as removal of the fixtures and/or laser treatment.

Dark Spot on Lip – Treatment

Treatment of dark spot on lip is dependent on the underlying causative condition. A few treatment options, self-care measures, and home remedies are listed below:

• Lip cancer and other kinds of cancers are treated with radiation therapy, surgery, and/or chemotherapy.
• Using good quality lip balm or chapsticks can prevent dryness of lips, pigmentation from sun rays, dark spots on lips, and other lip problems. It will also help maintain the soft texture of lips.
• Avoiding eating foods when they are piping hot, especially spicy foods
• Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet full of all the essential minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients.
• Limit the intake of tea, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages
• Quit smoking, stop chewing tobacco or using tobacco products, and limit or stop drinking alcohol
• Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties. Apply it on the lips every day till the dark spots on lips are eliminated. You may also add a bit of honey to lemon juice and apply on skin for better and faster results.
• Exfoliate lips by applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly, purified butter, or other kinds of good quality moisturizer on the lips. Then use a toothbrush to gently brush the lips in circular motions. Then wash the lips and apply some honey. Wipe off honey after ten minutes.
• Apple cider vinegar also has bleaching properties. Rub it on lips and let it remain for the entire night. Wash the lips in the morning. Repeat till dark spots on lips are eliminated and the lips are brighter and rosier.
• Beetroot juice or a mix of mashed rose petals and glycerin can also help remove dark spot on lip. The latter is especially helpful for smokers.

Who Develops Cold Sores

Anyone can develop cold sores, and it’s estimated that 90 percent of persons have cold sore at some point in life. When you first get cold sores, the symptoms are severe. Some kids who have the infection may get seriously ill. When you first have cold sores, the body can develop antibodies and you might never have the infection again. However, about 40 percent of adults in America have repeated cold sores. Although fever blisters are not serious, if a person has other diseases or a weakened immunity, the cold sore infection could be life-threatening.

For instance, people with AIDS can have serious and potentially lethal cold sore infections because the body cannot properly fight against the virus. If the infection spreads to body parts like the gums, brain, eyes and other areas, it can result in serious complications. In the eyes, cold sores can lead to vision problems and in brain, they can contribute to encephalitis or meningitis. In the mouth or under the tongue, cold sores can result in severe pain and gum damage.

Causes of Cold Sores Under The Tongue

Unlike cancer sores, cold sores are as a result of a virus. There are two kinds of herpes simplex virus that contribute to cold sores namely; herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or HSV type 2. In most cases, HSV type 1 is the culprit for cold sores and a person gets the infection when they come into contact with individuals or things carrying the virus. A person can get the virus from kissing someone infected or sharing eating utensils, razors, towels and other items.

HVS type 2 is commonly the cause of genital herpes. Both types can be spread through oral sex. After you are in contact with the virus, it can take up to 20 days before cold sores develop. When the virus gets into a person’s body, cold sores may form near the location or part where it entered. The area of entry of the virus into the body may feel itchy and sensitive about two days before the sores develop.

Cold sores under tongue can be triggered by:

• Stress
• Allergies
• Cold and flu
• Eating certain foods
• Medications that weaken the immunity
• Sunburns
• Fever
• Menstruation

 Symptoms of Cold Sores

 When the blisters develop, they break and ooze. After that, a yellow crust forms and later falls off to leave a new skin underneath. Cold sores last for about 7 to 10 days before they have formed the crust completely and they can spread from one person to another.  Some of the symptoms associated with cold sores are:

• Fluid-filled blisters that are red, burning, painful, or itching appearing under the tongue or other areas like the fingers, lips, and mouth
• Having, swollen gums that are sensitive and of deep red color
• Experiencing flu-like symptoms and fever
• Swollen lymph nodes occurring in the neck, especially when an individual first gets the virus. Recurrent sores don’t usually show these symptoms.
• Itching and tingling sensation in the area where a previous outbreak had occurred
• In the mouth, cold sores can make eating to be difficult, often being painful when you take acidic or spicy foods.
  

Diagnosing Cold Sores

 A doctor can detect if it is a cold sore by examining it or taking a culture from it. A blood test can be done to find out the antibodies to the virus. However, a positive test for antibodies only shows that you have HSV in your blood, but it may not indicate whether the virus is active or not.

Treating Cold Sores Under Tongue

 There isn’t cure for HSV or cold sores, however, you can manage the symptoms like pain by refraining from taking spicy or acidic foods and using OTC remedies. You can numb pain by applying ice. Pain relievers like acetaminophen can also help with pain that stings. You may want to look for medicines containing numbing agents like menthol or phenol to reduce cracking and help soften the scabs or crusts. An over-the-counter topical cream known as Abreva helps speed up the healing and reduces pain associated with cold sores. The cream should be used several times a day to help speed up the healing.

An anesthetic gel may be prescribed by a doctor if the cold sores are very painful or they are irritating. An antiviral oral medication may also be prescribed to speed healing and prevent recurrence of the cold sores.

Some of the antiviral medications used to treat cold sores are:

• acyclovir (Zovirax)
• valacyclovir (Valtrex)
• famciclovir (Famvir)

The antiviral medicines for cold sores are more effective if an individual starts taking them at least within the first 48 hours following the outbreak of the sores. Although valacyclovir may be more expensive, it is easily absorbed within the digestive tract hence more reliable to treat cold sores. Topical forms of antiviral medicines that may be used in treatment of cold sores are penciclovir (Denavir) and acyclovir (Zovirax).

In the mouth, cold sores can be worsened by bacterial infections; it is crucial to ensure you clean the tongue gently and rinse properly using antibacterial mouthwash.

In essence, oral antiviral medicines may be more beneficial in treating cold sores that are forming under the tongue. Topical creams are intended to be used for external applications like on the skin or lips. However, when you have the sores developing inside the mouth, oral antivirals are deemed more effective and safer.

People who have cold sores developing under the tongue should refrain from touching them. When you pick them, they can be spread to other areas of the body making the outbreak to worsen. You should keep the hands off the mouth and make sure you wash them as often as possible using soap and water. Avoid touching your face and other areas.

Problems posed by Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth may pose many problems. They may emerge partially, they may grow towards the back of mouth at an angle, they may erupt in a crooked manner, they may grow towards the second molar at an angle, they may trigger painful teeth crowding and oral diseases, they may grow normally but remain trapped inside the jawbone, or they may grow at right angles as compared to other teeth.

All of these above issues can result in pain, trapping of debris and food at the back of the wisdom teeth, formation of a cyst (abscess/fluid-filled sac) around affected wisdom teeth, decay of partially grown wisdom teeth, gum diseases, oral infections, and/or damage to nearby bones or teeth.

In order to avoid the above problems, dentists generally recommend evaluation of the wisdom teeth at the earliest and their removal if need be. It may be noted that removal of teeth before the age of 20 years results in fewer oral complications as they have roots that are less developed.

Dentists may recommend preventive removal of wisdom teeth if they find any problems with it during evaluation. Wisdom tooth extraction should not be a cause of worry; in fact, it would be a smarter decision to go for it in case the dentist determines that it is going to adversely affect your oral health in the long term.

It may also be noted that wisdom teeth without any visible symptoms can also promote disease as they may be harder to reach and clean properly. Additionally, younger adults are less likely to experience serious complications of wisdom tooth extraction as compared to older adults. Playing it safe and going for wisdom tooth removal if recommended by the dentist is the right choice.

Wisdom tooth removal surgery

Wisdom tooth removal is a simple surgical procedure that involves creating an incision in the tissues of the gum and extracting bone. There may be mild discomfort, stiff jaw, short-term bleeding, sore jaw, disagreeable taste in mouth, minor bruising of the cheeks, pain, and swelling of the cheeks and mouth. Uncommonly, there may be numbness or tingling of the lips, face, or tongue.

Complications of wisdom tooth extraction are rare. One of the most common complications is dry socket, but that is easily preventable. A dry socket forms after dissolving or dislodgement of the newly developed blood clot inside the socket, thereby leading to exposure of the nerve endings and bone. The complication is marked by bad breath, extreme pain, minor fever, swollen neck lymph nodes, and bad taste in mouth.

Other complications include damage to adjacent nerves, teeth, sinuses, or the jawbone and infection of the new socket by debris, trapped food, bacteria, or other germs.

All of the above problems can be averted by unfailingly following the wisdom tooth removal aftercare instructions given by the dentist. Healing of the area may take around two weeks.

Immediately seek medical attention if you experience any signs of infection, fever, chills, severe pain, or other adverse symptoms after wisdom tooth extraction surgery.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare and Healing Process

Presented below are some aftercare guidelines for wisdom teeth removal surgery:

• There may be mild bleeding after the extraction procedure. The dentist will place a gauze pad over the surgery site to stop bleeding. It has to be kept there for around thirty minutes after extraction.
• In case the bleeding is heavy, then you need to firmly bite down on the gauze pad to keep it in place. You have to keep at it for around 30 minutes. You may remove the pad after 3 hours or as suggested by the dentist. This will help the process of clot formation in the newly formed socket. In case the gauze pad gets excessively soaked with blood, then remove and replace it with a new pad and let it stay till clot forms.
• You may alternatively place a wet tea bag on the gauze or over the surgical site for 30 minutes or more. The blood vessels constrict after being exposed to the tannic acid present in tea, thereby promoting clotting of blood.
• Swelling, discomfort, and bruising can be alleviated via application of ice packs on the cheeks. Use the ice packs in periodic bursts of 7 to 8 minutes. Swelling of the mouth and cheeks may resolve in 2 to 3 days. Bruising will take much longer to heal.
• Do not drink or eat for at least 2 hours after the surgery. Rest and relax for a minimum of 24 hours after the procedure. Do not engage in physical activity for a day or two.
• Do not drink coffee, hot beverages, or caffeinated drinks for at least 24 hours. When there is no more bleeding, drink lots of water to keep the body hydrated; it will help the healing process. You may also drink cold or lukewarm fluids.
• Avoid rinsing the mouth for 24 hours. Do not use a straw to drink for 24 to 48 hours as the sucking action can result in removal of the blood clot.
• Do not engage in strenuous exercise for a week or more. Smokers should abstain from smoking for a few days as it can hamper the healing process and prevent clot formation. Do not use any tobacco products like chewing tobacco, etc. Excessive spitting needs to be avoided till the time the site shows bleeding.
• Sleep with your head propped up by the pillows. If you lie flat, then it may continue the bleeding.
• The dentist will give specific instructions on oral care. Follow them fully.
  • A day after wisdom teeth removal, you may rinse the mouth with diluted Listerine or other mouthwash, or you may use a saline solution with warm water. Do not rinse vigorously and be gentle.
  • You may brush the teeth on the night of the surgery day, or the next day. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to carefully and gently brush the teeth. Take extra care to avoid the site of extraction. Make sure to brush the tongue, clean the gums, and floss the teeth. Following this rigorous practice of oral hygiene will help prevent any oral infections or diseases.
  • Rinse the mouth with warm water once every 2 to 3 hours. Do this after each meal so as to remove any debris or food particles remaining in the mouth.
• Do not drink alcohol for a week or more after surgery.
• The dentist will prescribe OTC painkillers or prescription pain medications for severe pain. Use them as directed by the doctor. Do not drive your care when under influence of strong pain meds. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infections.
• Eat foods that are soft or in liquid form, such as pudding, soup, eggs, gelatins, mashed bananas, mashed potatoes, yoghurt, cooked cereals, and applesauce, etc. You may also put meats, veggies, and fruits in a blender and liquefy it. Start including solid foods in the diet as and when the pain subsides and healing begins.
• Avoid foods that are chewy, hard, spicy, or hot as they can irritate the surgical wound. Do not eat popcorn, pasta, or peanuts as their particles may get trapped in the socket.
• Stitches, if any, typically dissolve in some weeks. Visit the dentist in case they have to be removed.

A patient may have other characteristic features like muscle weakness, seizures, glaucoma, developmental delay, paralysis, and intellectual disability. The syndrome arises due to a mutation within the GNAQ gene but usually it is not inherited but occurs randomly by chance. Usually cells within a developing embryo mutate to cause the syndrome. Most of the kids who have this disorder tend to lead a normal life but their survival period depends on how severe the disease is.

Sturge Weber syndrome Symptoms

People with the disorder have various symptoms which differ from one individual to another. The Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) has created a database showing symptoms of Sturge Weber syndrome. About 80 to 99 percent of persons with the disorder have symptoms like:

• Seizures
• Capillary hemangiomas

About 30 to 79 percent of persons with the condition have symptoms like:

• Hyperreflexia or increased reflexes
• Glaucoma
• Attention deficit hyperactivity

Other symptoms include:

• Severe learning impairment
• Paralysis or weakness occurring on one side of a person’s body

The formation of excess blood vessels on brain’s surface may cause problems with the normal function of the brain. A person may have seizures that involve both body sides but mostly they are witnessed on the opposite side to the birthmark. It is likely for the seizures to become worse as an individual grows in age, but they mostly begin in infancy. A person with Sturge Weber syndrome may experience hemiparesis that occurs on one side of their body. In some cases, a person’s intellectual and physical development may be impaired. Having hemiparesis may also make an individual to have stroke or transient ischemic attacks. It is normal for the patients to have migraine headaches.

The port wine stain birthmark seen in people with Sturge Weber syndrome forms dark, red, or purple skin and it usually involves the forehead and eyelid. Although the stain occurs on the face, it can still form in any body part. Also, the stain has distinctly formed borders and its size and color differ. In persons having a darker skin pigment, the stain tends to be difficult to recognize.  Although at birth, the stain’s surface is much more flat, with time, it becomes more pronounced.

The mark arising from overabundance or excessive growth of blood capillaries is usually distributed within the innervations zone of a person’s trigeminal nerve.  Not treating port wine stain can result in skin ulcers or even burst. A patient may have social problems and emotions related to the growth.

Classification of Sturge Weber Syndrome

 There are three types of Sturge Weber syndrome as indicated by Dr. Steve Roach and they include:

• Type I – This is the most common type and it presents with brain and skin vascular malformations. A person with this type of the disorder may have eye abnormalities such as glaucoma. During the first year after birth, a child has seizures due to the involvement of the brain. Also, eye anomalies are diagnosed during this time. Depending on the severity of vascular malformations within the brain, physical and mental development may be impaired.
• Type II- This usually manifests with symptoms like the port wine stain, however, there are no other inherent symptoms at time of birth. Usually, there is no involvement of brain tissue. With time, a patient may develop other symptoms like glaucoma or disturbances in flow of blood to the cerebral area.
• Type III- This involves the brain but there is no glaucoma or facial mark

Diagnosing Sturge Weber Syndrome

If a child is suspected to have the disorder at birth, diagnosis for glaucoma is required. Glaucoma can advance so quickly in infants, so diagnosing a child of this eye problem is important to prevent loss of vision. Imaging tests may be required and they include:

Radiography: Having radiography in the kid’s skull may present signs of cortical calcifications and lack of filling in dural sinuses.

Angiography:  This test can show abnormal growths of blood vessels as well as drainage occurring from the veins

MRI or magnetic resonance imaging:  This imaging tests uses a contrast dye known as gadolinium to help get detailed images of blood vessels along with the brain tissue. A person with the illness may have hyperperfusion, cortical atrophy, and accelerated myelination.

CT scan: Having computed tomography scans can reveal brain structures in a cross-sectional way. The images can show signs of enlarged choroid plexus, calcifications, and venous sinus occlusion. Enlarged choroid plexus involves the formation of a blood vessel in the person’s brain.

Sturge Weber Syndrome  Treatment

Treatment may involve use of different therapies and medications to help relieve symptoms.

• A patient may be prescribed anticonvulsants to help control seizure activity
• An individual may be administered pain medication if they are having headaches
• To treat glaucoma, medications may be prescribed but they tend to fail with time leaving surgery as the only effective treatment
• The port wine stains can be treated through use of laser therapy
• If there is severe epileptic activity, a patient may require brain surgery
• Hemispherectomy may be done if there is a large, unilateral epileptogenic area formed
• For small epileptogenic regions causing seizures, a cortical resection may be done.

In children aged more than 10 years, having a large facial port wine stain can bring about mood and social problems. Pulsed dye laser or PDL is the preferred treatment in most of kids having port wine stain. The treatment can produce good results and presents reduced cases of skin changes or side effects. An upside with laser treatment is that it reduces the psychological problems that come with port wine stains. As long as anticonvulsant therapy is applied appropriately, the use of pulsed dye laser in kids with Sturge-Weber syndrome presents little risk. That said, proper care is needed when performing the laser procedure.

Sturge Weber Syndrome Life Expectancy

The prognosis and life expectancy of kids with Sturge-Weber syndrome largely depend on the severity of the illness. Most of the kids tend to lead a normal life but where there is significant effect brought about by brain involvement, the life expectancy may be reduced because of the complications involved such as frequent infections and lung problems. Presence of seizures also affects the prognosis and life expectancy. Even with the available treatment to help manage symptoms and complications, kids who have the illness have some kind of disability. Most of them have learning disability which may be severe or mild.

The extent of brain angiomas has a direct correlation to the life expectancy in children who have Sturge Weber syndrome. Extensive brain angioma, early seizure onset, progressive neurological damage, permanent motor deficit, and progressive atrophy are some of the prognostic factors that may have an impact on the life expectancy. Although life expectancy is considered normal, it largely depends on the way the symptoms are managed.