Motto for a Positive Outlook

Here's another addition to our positive vibes campaign... A literary piece by Ben Daniels... enjoy and be happy! =)

Refuse to be unhappy;

be cheerful instead.

Refuse to let your troubles multiply;

just take them one by one.

Organize your time; keep your life simple

and exactly the way you want it.

Refuse to complain about things;

learn to improve your surroundings

and create your world

the way you believe it should be.

Refuse to dwell on the mistakes

or disappointments

that are sometimes a part of life;

instead learn how you can

make things better.

Be optimistic.

Be energetic and positive

about the things you do,

and always hope for the best.

Believe in yourself at all times

and in all aspects of your life.

Before you know it,

those wonderful dreams

you have believed in all your life

will come true,

and your life will be

the happy and successful life

that it was meant to be.

Matang Isda (Fish Eye) - Foot Infection

I had the rare opportunity of meeting an infection that affects lower extremities specifically the feet. Our feet, having a very thin skin can easily be penetrated by some bacteria. I have encountered a skin disease that was so aggressive that it can spread from one part of the foot to another, in just a day.

I have observed in a home for the aged how this infection behaved from the first day onward. The elders at the home calls it "Matang Isda (fish eye)" because of the presentation of the wound which appears like fish eye. It kindda started off like a pimple spot on one of the toes and after it has erupted, it immediately oozed out pus. There was pus all over the wound as shown in the picture below.

First day was still okay because there were no apparent symptoms apart  from the lesion itself but as the day progress, there seems to be a buildup of pus around the wound. What's even more disturbing is that within the same day another pimple-like lesion again showed up until by end of the day there were already 3 grown cuts.

Upon the appearance of the 2nd wound, there was also an associated presence of foot swelling that was gradually progressing. At the end of the day, the swelling has already spread in the entire foot.

2nd day was a lot worse because the swelling of the foot was already above the ankle joint. And as shown below, the lesion has fully erupted.

Management

From the onset of the infection according to the doctor, an antibiotic has to be administered to stop the spread of the bacteria. Typically what they prescribe for wound such as this is Cefalexin to be taken 3 times a day (it is still best if you will consult with your doctor). Also to be given is a topical agent such as Bactroban after cleaning the wound (make sure to have it super clean according to the doctor), again to be applied based on your doctor's advice.

This infection lasts for days depending on how early the intervention can be given. They say this is very painful as well. So aside from the face, we have to focus also on taking care of our feet as infections such as this is just around the corner... =)