Water Washed Diseases - Causes, Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction:

Water-related illnesses are one of the world's major causes of death, accounting for 3.4 million fatalities annually. Children (about 2.2 million) make up most of those harmed by contaminated water; they experience illnesses brought on by organisms that thrive in contaminated water supplies. The water resources are severely impacted by climate change, brought on by uncontrolled industrialization practices and inadequate waste management systems. Since the human body comprises 70 % water, drinking clean water is crucial to maintaining health.

What Are Water-Washed Diseases?

Water-washed diseases occur when there is not enough water for proper personal hygiene.

Good hygiene practices include the following.

• After using the restroom, wash your hands with soap or an alternative such as ash.

• Before preparing or eating meals, wash your hands.

• Washing your body often.

• Teeth brushing at least once daily.

• A minimum of once every week, wash your hair with soap or shampoo.

What Is the Cause of Water-Washed Diseases?

Water-washed diseases are also called water-scarce diseases because these types of diseases occur when the supply of water is limited.

What Are the Diseases That Come Under Water-Washed Diseases?

Some of the water-washed diseases are as follows:

• Scabies.

• Typhus.

• Yaws.

• Trachoma.

• Conjunctivitis.

• Skin Ulcers.

What Are Scabies and Their Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment?

An infection of the skin known as scabies is brought on by the Sarcoptes scabies mite. These tiny mites can remain on the skin for months if left untreated. They reproduce on the skin's surface before burrowing underneath to lay eggs. The skin develops a red, itchy rash as a result of this.

Symptoms:

Scabies infection might go unnoticed for four to six weeks before the red rash and lumps appear. The little spots may resemble bumps or pimples. Over several weeks or months, the rash gradually spreads. Scabies signs and symptoms, in addition to the rash, include:

• Itching that is severe and worse at night may make it difficult to fall asleep.

• Bumps that can occasionally get infected from scratching.

• A subsequent rash appears as lines on the skin that are grey or skin tone.

Children with scabies may itch all over their bodies and be irritable or exhausted from not getting enough sleep due to nighttime itching.

Diagnosis:

Most scabies cases can be identified by thoroughly inspecting the skin. Additionally, the doctor might apply mineral oil to the rash and take a tiny skin sample using a scalpel (scraping). The sample is inspected for mites and mite eggs under a microscope.

Treatment:

• Permethrin: After being applied to the skin for 8 to 14 hours, permethrin cream is removed by washing. The cream is often used at night and removed in the morning.

• Ivermectin: A single dose of this antiparasitic medication is followed by a second dose one to two weeks later.

• Antihistamines: Antihistamines can be applied topically or taken by mouth to treat the itching.

What Is Typhus and Its Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment?

Infection with one or more rickettsial bacteria is the primary cause of typhus. It is spread through bites from fleas, ticks, lice, or mites (chiggers). Arthropods are a class of invertebrate animals that include fleas, mites, lice, and ticks. Arthropods that are carrying rickettsial bacteria bite people and spread the bacterium that causes typhus.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of typhus are as follows:

• Headache.

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Rash

• Redness or soreness at the bite site.

Diagnosis:

The following are some diagnostic tests for typhus:

• Skin Biopsy: A sample of your rash's skin will be examined in a laboratory.

• Western Blot: A test to determine whether typhus is present.

• Immunofluorescence Test: It uses fluorescent dyes to find typhus antigens in blood serum samples.

• Blood Tests: The results may reveal an infection's existence.

Treatment:

The most typical antibiotics used to treat typhus include:

• Doxycycline is the recommended medication.

• Chloramphenicol is an alternative for women who are not pregnant or nursing.

• Adults who cannot take Doxycycline are prescribed Ciprofloxacin.

What Are Yaws and Its Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment?

Yaws belong to the group of illnesses known as treponematoses, which are brought on by spiral bacteria of Treponema. Yaws is a widespread chronic infectious disease that mostly affects warm, humid locations, like the tropical parts of Africa, Asia, South and Central Americas, and the Pacific Islands.

Symptoms:

• Yaws typically begin as a single lesion that rises slightly forms a crust, then sheds, leaving a base with a texture similar to a raspberry or strawberry.

• The mother yaw is this primary lesion's name (buba or primary frambesioma). After the main lesion has been present for six to sixteen weeks, secondary lesions, also known as daughter yaws, appear.

Diagnosis:

• Clinical Assessment: Clinical assessment is a major element of Yaw's disease diagnosis.

• Dark Field Microscopy: Following a clinical suspicion of yaws, it is possible to confirm yaws by viewing the Treponemes under a microscope known as dark field microscopy.

• Antibody Detection: Treponema-specific antibodies can be found using the serologic assays Treponema Pallidum Particle Agglutination (TPPA) and Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination (TPHA). After the initial positive result, the test results are positive for life.

• The Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) and the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL): These serologic tests reflect the disease in progress and, once therapy has begun, primarily serve to test the treatment.

Treatment:

• Benzathine Penicillin: It is an antibacterial agent. Benzathine Penicillin is effective when administered intramuscularly in a single dose.

• Azithromycin: A single oral dose of Azithromycin is efficient.

What Is Trachoma And Its Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment?

A bacterial condition known as trachoma impacts the eyes. Chlamydia trachomatis is the organism that causes it. Trachoma can be disseminated through contact with an infected person's eyes, eyelids, nose, or throat secretions. Handling infected objects, such as handkerchiefs, can potentially spread it.

Symptoms:

Trachoma typically affects both eyes and can cause the following signs and symptoms:

• Mild itchiness and irritation of the eyelids and eyes.

• Mucus or pus containing eye discharge.

• Eyelid enlargement.

• Sensitivity to light (photophobia).

• Inflammation of the eyes.

• Loss of vision.

Diagnosis:

Trachoma is identified by a physical examination or by sending a sample of bacteria from the eyes to a lab for analysis. However, in areas where trachoma is prevalent, lab tests are not always accessible.

Treatment:

• Antibiotics may be sufficient to cure trachoma in its early stages. The physician might advise oral azithromycin or tetracycline eye ointment (Zithromax). Although it costs more, azithromycin seems to be more efficient than tetracycline.

• Surgery can be necessary to treat trachoma in its latter stages, including severe abnormalities of the eyelids.

What Is Conjunctivitis and Its Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment?

Conjunctivitis, also called "pink eye" or "sticky eye," is a frequent ailment where the eye's white area turns pink or red. It is brought on by inflammation of the interior of the eyelid and the conjunctiva, the transparent outer covering of the eye.

Symptoms:

• Conjunctivitis' primary symptom is red or pink eyes, frequently accompanied by itchiness, wetness, or irritation. Some other symptoms are watery eyes, puffy eyes, gritty feeling in one or both eyes, itchy or burning eyes, light sensitivity, pain, or vision loss.

• In bacterial conjunctivitis, yellow or green discharge from the eyes sticks the eyelids together.

• In viral conjunctivitis, One or both eyes are affected, and the discharge is probably clear.

• Both eyes are typically affected by allergic conjunctivitis, which can cause hay fever symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.

Diagnosis:

Conjunctivitis is diagnosed primarily by physical examination. The physician might enquire about the symptoms and confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:

• The cause of conjunctivitis determines the course of treatment. Washing the eye gently several times a day with clean cotton wool dipped in lukewarm tap water is beneficial for all types of conjunctivitis.

• Infections caused by viruses get better on their own.

• Eye drops or ointments with antibiotics may be necessary for bacterial infections. The patient must continue using the medication for a few days after their symptoms have subsided.

What Are Skin Ulcers and Their Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment?

A skin ulcer is an open wound on the skin brought on by trauma, inadequate blood flow, or pressure.

Symptoms:

Skin ulcer signs and symptoms include

• Discolored skin.

• Itching.

• Scabbing.

• Skin swelling close to the ulcer.

• Skin that is flaky or dry around the ulcer.

• Tenderness or soreness close to the afflicted area.

• Pus-filled, red, or clear discharge coming from the ulcer.

• A bad smell is emerging from the region.

Diagnosis:

A medical professional can identify a skin ulcer based on its appearance. Before making therapy recommendations, they will examine the patient's medical history and symptoms to identify the underlying problem.

Treatment:

• If a skin ulcer is tiny and does not exhibit signs of infection, it is usually treated at home.

• Mild ulcer treatments emphasize avoiding infection. If the ulcer is not draining, keep it clean and covered.

• Swelling, pain, drainage, or an unpleasant odor indicates an ulcer is infected. Anyone who experiences any of these symptoms ought to see a doctor.

An extremely bad ulcer requires:

• Eliminating dead tissue to speed up healing.

• Treat any bacterial infection with oral or topical medications.

• Using painkillers to ease discomfort.

A significant risk factor for the formation of skin ulcers is poor circulation. Enhancing blood flow can aid in treating and preventing ulcers.

Conclusion:

Water-washed diseases are controlled by having more water than the quality. Following proper hygiene is the only way to protect from water-washed diseases. If any of the symptoms of water-washed diseases arise, consult the doctor to diagnose the diseases and get treatment.