Malaria

1. What is Malaria?

Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites. It is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Once inside the body, the parasites multiply in the liver and then infect red blood cells.

Severity:

If untreated, malaria can progress rapidly, causing organ failure, anemia, brain complications (cerebral malaria), or even death. The Plasmodium falciparum species causes the most severe infections.

Historical Background:

Malaria has existed for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese, Egyptian, and Indian texts mention fever illnesses resembling malaria. The word “malaria” comes from the Italian term “mal aria”, meaning “bad air,” as people once believed swamp air caused the disease.

In 1880, Charles Louis Alphonse Laveran, a French physician, discovered the Plasmodium parasite, confirming its biological cause. Later, Ronald Ross identified that mosquitoes transmit malaria — a finding that earned him the Nobel Prize in 1902.

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2. Pre and Post Symptoms of Malaria

Pre-symptoms (Initial phase):

• Mild fever

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Chills or shivering

Post-symptoms (Active infection phase):

• High fever (comes and goes in cycles)

• Sweating followed by chills

• Muscle and joint pain

• Nausea and vomiting

• Anemia and weakness

• Enlarged spleen or liver (in prolonged cases)

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3. How Malaria is Caused

Malaria spreads when an infected Anopheles mosquito bites a person and injects Plasmodium parasites into the bloodstream. The parasites first infect the liver, multiply, and later enter red blood cells, destroying them and causing the classic fever cycles.

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4. External and Internal Triggers

External factors:

• Warm, humid environments (ideal for mosquito breeding)

• Stagnant water or poor sanitation

• Lack of mosquito control measures

Internal factors:

• Weak immune system

• Malnutrition

• Previous exposure or lack of immunity in certain regions

While these factors don’t cause malaria directly, they can increase the risk or severity of infection.

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5. How to Identify a Malaria-Affected Person (as a Layman)

• Recurring high fever with chills and sweating

• Pale skin due to anemia

• Weakness, fatigue, or dizziness

• Shivering episodes at the same time daily

• Loss of appetite or nausea

If these symptoms persist, immediate medical consultation is essential.

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6. Medical Tests for Malaria

Malaria can be diagnosed through blood tests, which confirm the presence of Plasmodium parasites.

Common diagnostic methods:

• Blood smear test: A drop of blood is examined under a microscope for parasites.

• Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): Detect malaria antigens within 15–20 minutes.

Normal values:

A healthy blood sample should show no Plasmodium parasites. The presence of parasites in red blood cells confirms malaria.

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7. Treatment for Malaria

Treatment depends on the parasite species and disease severity.

Common treatments:

• Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT): The most effective for Plasmodium falciparum.

• Chloroquine: Used for P. vivax and P. ovale in areas with low resistance.

• Primaquine: Prevents relapse by targeting parasites in the liver.

• Quinine or Mefloquine: Used in severe or resistant cases.

Medical supervision is essential to prevent complications.

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8. Home and Natural Remedies

(Use only as supportive care, not a substitute for medical treatment.)

• Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to reduce fever and prevent dehydration.

• Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea: Helps lower mild fever and boost immunity.

• Ginger and Honey: Reduces nausea and improves digestion.

• Cinnamon water: Has anti-inflammatory effects that may ease symptoms.

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9. Diet for Malaria Recovery

Recommended foods:

• Fresh fruits (oranges, papaya, apples)

• Leafy greens and vegetables

• High-protein foods (eggs, lentils, fish)

• Soups, coconut water, and herbal teas

Foods to avoid:

• Oily, spicy, or fried foods

• Caffeine and sugary drinks

• Processed or junk food

A light, nutrient-rich diet helps regain strength and repair blood loss.

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10. Medicines Commonly Used

• Artemether-Lumefantrine (Coartem)

• Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone)

• Chloroquine phosphate

• Quinine sulfate

• Primaquine phosphate

Only use these medicines under a doctor’s prescription, as dosage depends on age, weight, and infection type.

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🩺 Final Note

Malaria is preventable and curable with timely diagnosis and treatment.

Use mosquito nets, repellents, and ensure clean surroundings to reduce the risk.

Early detection saves lives — awareness is the strongest protection.

Melanoma: The Most Severe Skin Cancer

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes — the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to your skin. When these cells start to grow uncontrollably, they form melanoma. If not treated in time, it can spread to other parts of the body.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Melanoma commonly appears on sun-exposed areas such as the back, legs, arms, face, neck, and scalp.

It can also develop in less-exposed areas, including the soles of the feet, under the fingernails, and between the toes.

Main risk factors include:

• Family history of melanoma

• Weak or suppressed immune system

• Prolonged sun exposure and UV radiation

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Early Signs of Melanoma

In the early stages, melanoma may not show obvious symptoms. The most common warning sign is an unusual change in the skin, such as a new mole, a scaly patch, a rash, or a sore that doesn’t heal.

To easily identify suspicious moles, follow the ABCDE rule:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole looks different from the other.

• B – Border: The edges are uneven, irregular, or blurred.

• C – Colour: The mole has multiple or uneven shades.

• D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

• E – Evolving: Any change in shape, size, or color; or new itching or bleeding.

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Stages of Melanoma

• Stage 0: Cancer is limited to the outer layer of the skin and can be cured with surgery.

• Stage 1: The tumor becomes thicker and may break the surface of the skin.

• Stage 2: Melanoma grows between 1.01mm and 4.0mm and might spread to nearby tissues.

• Stage 3: Cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes or skin.

• Stage 4: Melanoma spreads to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain.

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Treatment Options

• Stage 0 & 1: Surgical removal of the cancerous area.

• Stage 2: Surgery with lymph node examination to check for cancer spread.

• Stage 3 & 4: Combination of surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to stop cancer cell growth and boost the immune system.

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Key Takeaway

Early detection saves lives. Examine your skin regularly, protect it from harmful UV rays, and consult a dermatologist if you notice any suspicious changes.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

1. What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, developing from the basal cells in the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis). These cells are responsible for producing new skin cells as old ones die off.

BCC usually appears as a small bump or patch on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, ears, and arms. Though it grows slowly, it can cause serious skin and tissue damage if untreated.

Severity

While BCC rarely spreads (metastasizes) to other organs, it can invade deeper tissues, including bones and nerves. Untreated cases may lead to disfigurement or functional loss in affected areas.

Historical Background

The first medical description of BCC dates back to the early 1800s, when doctors identified it as a form of “rodent ulcer.” Over time, medical research connected the disease to chronic sun exposure and DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Modern dermatology now recognizes it as a preventable and treatable cancer when detected early.

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2. Pre and Post Symptoms of BCC

Early (Pre) Symptoms:

• A small, shiny bump (pearly or waxy) on the skin

• Flat, flesh-colored, or brown scar-like lesion

• Small red or pink patches that don’t heal

• Itching or bleeding spots that return after healing

Advanced (Post) Symptoms:

• Ulcer-like open sores

• Raised edges with central crusting

• Pain, tenderness, or bleeding

• Visible blood vessels around the affected area

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3. How Basal Cell Carcinoma is Caused

BCC primarily results from long-term UV radiation exposure from the sun or tanning beds.

UV rays damage the DNA in basal cells, causing them to grow uncontrollably.

Other causes include:

• Genetic predisposition

• Fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes

• Exposure to radiation or toxic chemicals

• Chronic skin inflammation or burns

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4. Do Internal or External Factors Trigger BCC?

Yes, both play a role:

External Factors:

☀️ UV radiation

☣️ Arsenic exposure

🧴 Prolonged use of tanning beds

Internal Factors:

🧬 Genetic mutations (e.g., PTCH1 gene)

💉 Weak immune system

🧠 Hormonal imbalances due to age or medication

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5. How a Layman Can Identify BCC

Anyone can notice suspicious skin changes by self-checking:

• A pimple-like bump that doesn’t heal for weeks

• Lesions with rolled edges

• Crusty or bleeding spots

• New growths that look shiny or pink

If such signs appear, it’s important to consult a dermatologist immediately.

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6. Medical or Blood Tests for Diagnosis

There’s no specific blood test for BCC.

Doctors use these diagnostic methods:

• Skin biopsy: A small skin sample is examined under a microscope to confirm cancer cells.

• Dermatoscopy: A magnifying tool to examine skin lesions in detail.

• Imaging tests (CT/MRI): Used only if deeper invasion is suspected.

✅ Normal result: No abnormal cell growth under microscopic examination.

✅ Positive result: Presence of abnormal basal cells in the skin layer.

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7. Treatment for Basal Cell Carcinoma

Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of cancer:

• Surgical excision: Removal of the cancerous lesion and surrounding tissue.

• Mohs surgery: Layer-by-layer removal for precision (best for face or neck).

• Cryotherapy: Freezing cancer cells using liquid nitrogen.

• Topical medications: 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod creams for small lesions.

• Radiation therapy: Used when surgery isn’t possible.

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8. Home & Natural Remedies (Supportive Only)

Natural methods can support healing, but not replace medical treatment:

🌿 Aloe vera: Soothes irritation and promotes healing.

🌿 Green tea extract: Contains antioxidants that protect skin cells.

🌿 Turmeric: Has anti-inflammatory properties.

💧 Stay hydrated: Helps cell repair and recovery.

(Always consult a doctor before using herbal remedies.)

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9. Diet During BCC

Recommended Foods:

• Fruits rich in antioxidants (berries, oranges, papaya)

• Leafy greens (spinach, kale)

• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseeds)

• Whole grains and legumes

Foods to Avoid:

• Processed and fried foods

• Red meat in excess

• Sugary beverages

• Alcohol and tobacco

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10. Medicines Used in BCC Treatment

• Imiquimod (Aldara): Boosts immune response to kill cancer cells.

• 5-Fluorouracil (Efudex): Topical cream that destroys abnormal cells.

• Vismodegib (Erivedge) and Sonidegib (Odomzo): Targeted oral drugs for advanced BCC.

• Pain relief & antibiotics may be prescribed post-surgery.

• You should use medicines only under a doctor’s prescription and supervision.

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🩵 Final Note

Basal Cell Carcinoma is highly treatable when caught early.

Regular self-checks, sun protection, and dermatologist visits are key to preventing recurrence.