Hallam Health Dictionary

 Redness and possible blistering caused by a sensitive substance such as chromium, nickel, other metals, rubber, paints, cosmetic materials, plants (primula), house dust mites, aerosols, deodorants, photocopying, dyes in clothing, etc. A patch test establishes diagnosis. A suspected irritant is applied to the skin and after two days its reaction is noted. If inflammation is present the test is positive. Symptoms may include vesicles with weeping, scaling, and presence of dropsy.

In a study of 612 patients attending the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, more than half of the women who had ears pierced reported skin reactions to metallic jewellery, while a third had sensitivity to nickel. (British Journal of Dermatology, Jan 1992)

Treatment. Remove article or cause of irritation. Garlic is claimed to be successful, either in diet or by capsule when the condition is caused by histamines. Other agents: Betony, Burdock leaves, Chickweed, Dandelion, Figwort, Gotu Kola, Plantain, Red Clover.

Internal. Burdock tea. Clivers tea.

Tablets/capsules. Garlic, Devil’s Claw, Blue Flag.

Topical. Avoid use of Calamine, if possible. Creams or salves: Aloe Vera, Comfrey, Evening Primrose, Witch Hazel, Jojoba. All are alternatives to corticosteroids.

Tamus (Black Bryony) tincture. Distilled extract of Witch Hazel. ... dermatitis, contact

Previously known as “mucous colitis”, “spastic colon”. Believed to be associated with psychomatic rather than allergic phenomena. Food is said to be responsible for one-third cases. X-ray fails to reveal evidence; prostaglandins implicated. Females more susceptible than men. Cow’s milk and antigens in beef can precipitate.

Symptoms. Spastic colon: colon held in spasm. The two main symptoms are abdominal pain and altered bowel habit. Pain relieved on going to stool or on passing wind. Diarrhoea with watery stools on rising may alternate with constipation. Sensation that the bowel is incompletely emptied. Flatulence. Passing of mucus between stools. The chronic condition may cause anaemia, weight loss and rectal blood calling for treatment of the underlying condition.

Indicated: astringents, demulcents, antispasmodics.

Treatment. If possible, start with 3-day fast.

Alternatives. Teas. (1) Combine equal parts; Agrimony (astringent), Hops (colon analgesic), Ephedra (anti-sensitive). (2) Combine equal parts; Meadowsweet (astringent) and German Chamomile (nervine and anti-inflammatory). Dose: 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup freely, as tolerated. Bilberry tea. 2 tablespoons fresh or dried Bilberries in 1 pint water simmered 10 minutes. Half-1 cup freely.

Note: Old European: Chamomile and Caraway seed tea. 1 cup morning and evening.

Decoction. Formula. Tormentil root 2; Bistort root 2; Valerian root 1. Dose: 2 teaspoons to each cup water simmered 20 minutes. Half-1 cup 3-4 times daily.

Tablets/capsules. Calamus. Cramp bark. Goldenseal. Slippery Elm, Cranesbill.

Formula. Cranesbill 2; Caraway 2; Valerian half. Dose: Powders: 750mg or half a teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: 1-2 teaspoons. Tinctures: 2-4 teaspoons. Thrice daily.

Practitioner. RX tea: equal parts herbs Peppermint, Balm and German Chamomile. Infuse 1-2 teaspoons in cup boiling water and add 3 drops Tincture Belladonna.

Formula. Tinctures. Black Catechu 2; Cranesbill 1; Hops quarter. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons in water or honey, thrice daily.

Psyllium seeds (Ispaghula). 2-5 teaspoons taken with sips of water, or as Normacol, Isogel, etc. For pain in bowel, Valerian.

Fenugreek seeds. 2 teaspoons to cup water simmered 10 minutes. Half-1 cup freely. Consume seeds. Cinnamon, tincture or essence: 30-60 drops in water 3-4 times daily.

Menstrual related irritable bowel. Evening Primrose.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, with neurosis. Treat thyroid gland (Bugleweed, Kelp, etc).

With severe nerve stress: add CNS (central nervous system) relaxant (Hops, Ladies Slipper, Roman Chamomile)

Oil of Peppermint. A simple alternative. 3-5 drops in teaspoon honey, or in enteric-coated capsule containing 0.2ml standardised Peppermint oil B.P., (Ph.Eur.)

Intestinal antispasmodics: Valerian, Chamomile, Balm, Rosemary.

Diet. “People with IBS should stop drinking coffee as it can induce a desire to defecate.” (Hallamshire Hospital Research Team)

Dandelion coffee. Fenugreek tea. Carrot juice. Bananas mashed into a puree with Slippery Elm powder. Yoghurt. Gluten-free diet.

Supplements. Calcium lactate tablets: 2 × 300mg thrice daily at meals. Floradix. Lactobacillus acidophilus to counteract toxic bacteria. Vitamin C (2-4g). Zinc. Linusit.

Note: Serious depression may underlay the condition. Anti-depressants sometimes relieve symptoms dramatically.

Chronic cases. Referral to Gastrology Outpatient Department. ... irritable bowel syndrome (ibs)