Elbow bursitis also known as olecranon bursitis refers to inflammation of the olecranon bursa resulting in swelling, redness and pain at the tip of the elbow. It is also known by few other names such as popeye’s elbow, baker’s elbow and student’s elbow. Homeopathic medicines for elbow bursitis are very effective to treat the condition for long-term relief. 

Homeopathic Medicines for Elbow Bursitis    

Homeopathic medicines are effective for both recent as well as long standing cases of elbow bursitis. These medicines bring excellent recovery by treating the root cause behind it. They help in halting its further progression and reducing the inflammation of the olecranon bursa. It works wonderfully to reduce the swelling around the elbow. They also bring significant reduction in pain, tenderness and stiffness at the elbow tip. Cases of bursitis either from known causes like arising from trauma, blow, fall, repeated strain on elbow, from joint inflammation, from an infection or unknown cause (idiopathic) both can be treated with these medicines based on the signs and symptoms. These medicines helps to bring great recovery and being of natural origin doesn’t carry any risk of side effects.

1. Arnica – When it Follows Trauma/Injury

Arnica is prepared from plant Arnica Montana having common name leopard’s – bane and fallkraut. This plant belongs to family compositae. Arnica is very effective medicine for elbow bursitis when it follows trauma, injury, a blow or a fall on the elbow tip. In cases needing it there is pain and swelling in the elbow. Elbow is also sore, bruised. With this there is great fear to touch the elbow from pain. Arnica helps in recovery from injury and reduce inflammation of bursa. It also relieves pain and swelling at the elbow tip .  

2. Apis Mellifica – To Reduce Swelling

Apis Mellifica is an excellent medicine for treating cases of inflammation of bursa. It helps to reduce swelling in these cases. Persons needing it complain of sharp, burning and shooting along with swelling at the tip of elbow.

3. Rhus Tox – For Pain and Stiffness of Elbow

Rhus Tox is a leading medicine to reduce pain and stiffness of elbow. In cases needing it there is elbow pain that may be tearing or drawing in nature. The pain may sometimes extend down to the wrist. Most times the pain gets worse at rest and there is relief by movement. With this the elbow feels stiff and tense.  Persons needing it may be suffering from arthritis (inflammation of joints). It is also top listed medicine when a blow or putting strain at elbow for long causes the concern.

4. Bryonia – For Pain and Swelling of Elbow

Bryonia is prepared from the root of the plant Bryonia alba commonly known by name of white Bryony and wild hops. This plant belongs to the family cucurbitaceae. It is well indicated where pain and swelling of the elbow is marked. Redness and heat is also present with it. Pain is mostly stitching, shooting type where it is required. There is worsening of the pain from movement of the elbow.

5. Ruta – From Injuries, Blows

This medicine is prepared from plant Ruta graveolens commonly called garden rue. This plant belongs to the family rutaceae. Like Arnica, its use is also considered when the complaint arises from injury, blows over the elbow tip. The pain is usually sore, bruised, dull or tearing in nature. With this the elbow may also be stiff.  

6. Bellis Perennis – When Inflammation Follows Injury or Repeated Straining

This medicine is prepared from plant ‘The Daisy’ that belongs to family compositae. This medicine is also indicated when the condition appears from injury or repeated strains on the elbow. Persons needing it have aching, sore bruised pains along with marked swelling.

7. Silicea – With Excessive Swelling of Elbow

Silicea is very beneficial to manage cases with excessive swelling of the elbow. With this pain in the elbow is also there. The pain may be tearing or stinging type. Slightest touch and motion tends to worsen the complaint. In cases where pus has formed from infection, Silicea is an ideal medicine to treat it.

8. Causticum – To Manage Pain in Elbow

Causticum is a useful medicine to manage pain in the elbow. Cases needing it may have drawing, pressing or sharp pain in the elbow. The pain may worsen at night time. The relief may be noted by warm application over the elbow. 

9. Spongia – Also to Relieve Pain

Spongia is indicated to relieve pain over the elbow. For using it the pain varies highly. It may be stitching, pressing, boring, cramping, tearing or throbbing type. The pain tends to worsen on motion. Bending the arm also worsen the pain in cases requiring this medicine.

10. Merc Sol – For Swollen Elbow Tip

Its use is made when there is swelling at the elbow tip. With this redness over the back of the elbow may be there. This area may also be warm to touch.

11. Calcarea Carb – When Stiffness of Elbows is Present

Calcarea Carb is suitable to manage stiffness of elbows in such cases. Along with this pain is present in the elbow mainly tearing in nature. The pain may radiate from elbow to wrist soon on holding anything.

What is bursa and olecranon bursa?

Bursa is a small sac filled with viscous lubricating fluid located around the joint where muscles and tendons glide over the bones . It helps to reduce friction caused by muscles and tendons moving against skin and bones and allows free smooth movement of joints. There are around 160 bursae in the human body. One among them is Olecranon  bursa that is located between the skin and the pointed bony tip of the elbow (olecranon). Inflammation of this olecranon bursa is known as elbow / olecranon bursitis. When olecranon bursa gets inflamed, it gets filled with extra fluid causing pain and swelling. 

Elbow bursitis – Signs and Symptoms

1. Swelling over elbow tip

Mainly in these cases there appears swelling over the tip of the elbow. Swelling is most of the time the first sign observed in such cases. The swelling can appear suddenly in some cases while in other cases it appears gradually. The swelling can be slight or excessive to the point that restricts movement of the elbow.

2. Pain

As swelling progresses the bursa starts to get stretched which tends to  initiate pain in the elbow. The intensity of pain varies from case to case. The pain can also radiate from the elbow to the rest of the arm. People usually have worsening of pain from movement or pressure.

3. Tenderness 

The elbow may also be tender to touch along with above features.

4. Stiffness 

Stiffness in elbow is yet another symptom that a person faces along with swelling, pain and tenderness

5. Redness and warmth

Skin over the elbow tip may become red and appear warm top touch in cases where the bursa is infected. Fever may also arise in case of infected bursitis

6. Pus

Occasionally if the infected bursa open itself then it can start to drain pus that may be white  or yellow

Causes 

1. Trauma  

Any trauma, hard blow like from accidental hitting on wall or fall on the back of elbow can lead to swelling of the olecranon bursa. 

2. Repeated, Prolonged pressure

Leaning on the elbow tip against a hard surface for long periods of time can irritate the bursa and cause its inflammation. The bursitis from this reason develops over several months. The chance of developing bursitis from this reason is higher if a person has some job like computer work where they rest their elbow for long periods of time over the computer table or playing some sports that involves prolonged leaning on the elbow. Sometimes occupations of people that involves leaning on their elbows for long also makes one prone to develop it, like plumbers, air conditioning technicians 

3. Infection

Less commonly it can arise from an infection. It can arise from a cut, break, over skin at elbow tip like from a punctured wound or an insect bite that allows bacteria to enter the bursa sac causing infection. This will lead to build up of extra fluid in bursa with swelling, redness and pain. If the infection is not treated well in time then the the fluid may turn to pus. 

4. Few Medical conditions

Some of the medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disorder causing joint inflammation with pain, swelling and stiffness of joints)  and gout (inflammation of joints from high uric acid levels) raises the chances of developing olecranon bursitis.

5. Idiopathic

Many times no reason can be found behind it, and such cases are termed idiopathic.

Pathophysiology

Inflammation of the bursa causes its lining to secrete the fluid in bursa cavity in a much more quantity than is usually required in a normal condition. This excessive fluid finding no way to escape from there results in accumulation of it in the sac itself causing inflammation of bursa. This leads to swelling over the bony tip of the elbow that can further lead to pain and tenderness.

Dystonia is a movement disorder in which muscle contractions/spasm appear involuntarily leading to slow and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. It can affect any part of the body. Homeopathic remedies for Cranio-Facial dystonia work towards reducing the intensity as well as frequency of the signs and symptoms in such cases.

  

Facial dystonia can affect just one muscle, a group of muscles or muscles of the whole body. Sometimes the movement may cause pain. In some cases tremors may accompany dystonia. In dystonia the brain’s way of processing movements is disturbed leading to extra movement or extra force (muscle contraction).
When dystonia affects the muscles of the head, face and neck areas then it is referred to as cranio – facial dystonia. The intensity to muscle contractions can vary from mild to severe in it.

Homeopathic Remedies for Cranio-Facial Dystonia

Homeopathy holds a great promise in managing cases of cranio – facial dystonia.  These medicines act as a muscle relaxant and hence reduce the muscle spasms / contractions and manage its signs and symptoms. Homeopathic medicines are selected based on the signs and symptoms presented in each individual case.

1. Zincum Met – Top listed medicine

Zincum Met is a leading nervous-constitution medicine that is indicated to treat a number of dystonia including cranio-facial dystonia. It works magnificently to control muscle twitchings. Here it is well indicated for treating spasms and twitching in muscles of the face. The twitchings are quite strong and noticeable. Next it is suitable to treat twitching in the upper lip. It is also prominently indicated to treat twitching of eyelids. With eyelid twitching photophobia i.e. sensitivity to bright light may be present in cases needing it.

2. Agaricus – Another Prominent Medicine

Agaricus is the next significant medicine for cranio – facial dystonia. Its use is considered for twitching in facial muscles located specifically in the right cheek. Its second indication is spasm in the mouth causing clenching of jaw. Other than it is an excellent medicine to treat twitching of eyelids and spasmodic closure of eyelids. Lastly twitching in lips and tongue can be treated wonderfully with it.

3. Cicuta – For Severe Facial Twitches

This medicine is prepared from the fresh root of plant Cicuta Virosa commonly known as water Hemlock. It belongs to family Umbelliferae. 

It is very beneficial for treating twitching in facial muscles that are of severe intensity. The twitchings can be severe enough to make the face appear distorted. Another guiding feature to use it is difficulty in speaking from lack of control on muscles of mouth and tongue. It is also useful when there is tight pressing of jaws together from muscle spasm.

4. Belladonna – For Twitches in Facial Muscle, Eyelids

Belladonna is a natural medicine prepared from a plant known as deadly nightshade that belongs to family Solanaceae. Belladonna is a wonderful medicine for twitches of muscles of face and eyelids. Persons needing it have continual eyelid twitching and trembling. They are also troubled by twitching in the muscles of the face and jaw. They may face difficulties in speech. They may have tight closing of jaw, clenching of teeth or have lower jaw drawn backward. In addition to this they may have facial spasms causing grinning (smiling broadly) movement of mouth. They may have red, hot flushed faces with these symptoms. Lastly they may suffer from twitching, trembling of tongue.   

5. Stramonium – When Mouth is Drawn to One Side

It is another medicine of plant origin prepared from thorn – apple. It also belongs to family solanaceae. Stramonium is mainly used when the mouth is drawn to one side from muscle spasm. It is also used when the mouth is closed from muscle spasm. Apart from this it is helpful when there is chewing motion of mouth from twitches. Hanging down of lower jaw from spasms is another indication to use it. Lastly a characteristic feature to use is distortion of the left side of face from contractions of facial muscle that causes cheeks and mouth to be drawn upward.

6. Mygale – For Constant Twitching of Facial Muscle

Mygale is an important medicine to manage cases where the twitching of facial muscles is almost constant. Facial twitches cause opening of the mouth and eyes in quick succession. There also appears difficulty in putting out tongue from mouth from facial twitches.

7. Opium – For Twitches Around the Mouth

Opium is significant medicine to treat twitches appearing around the mouth. The twitches are mostly located at the corners of the mouth and may cause distortions of mouth. Trembling / shaking of tongue may also appear. It also covers trembling, twitching and spasms of muscles of face. 

8. Gelsemium- For Contracted Muscles Causing Difficulty in Speaking

Gelsemium is prepared from bark of the root of plant Gelsemium Sempervirens commonly known as yellow jasmine. This  plant belongs to the family Loganiaceae. Gelsemium is a wonderful medicine when a person faces difficulty in speaking from contraction of facial muscles especially around the mouth. Jaw pain may also be felt. Sideways movement of the lower jaw from lack of control over it is another feature suggestive of its use.

9. Hyoscyamus – For Facial Twitches with Grimaces (ugly or contorted expressions)

Hyoscyamus is prepared from plant Hyoscyamus Niger commonly known as Henbane. The natural order of this plant is Solanaceae. It seems to help cases of facial twitches with grimaces (ugly or contorted expressions). with this there may be shaking of tongue in a to and fro movement. There is also a tendency to bite tongue when talking.

10. Tellurium – For Facial Twitches on Left Side

Tellurium mostly helps with twitchings on the left side of the face. Persons needing it mostly have drawing upwards of the left sided corner of mouth. This is noted mainly when talking.

11. Mezereum – For Twitchings on Right Side of Face

Mezereum is prepared from fresh bark of plant Daphne Mezereum having the common name spurge olive. This plant has natural order Thymelaeaceae. It works well in cases of twitchings on the right side of face. The twitchings are frequent and very troublesome. They are most marked in the cheek muscles on the right side. It is also helpful when there are continuous painful twitching in cheeks and eyelids.

12. Cubeba – When Mouth Twitches while Speaking or Smiling

Cubeba is indicated when there is one sided twitching of the mouth. The mouth twitches appear while speaking or smiling. At that time the mouth gets twisted to one side.

13. Kali Mur – For Facial Twitchings while Eating

Kali Mur is useful for cases in which facial twitchings appear while eating. The twitchings are located in the muscles of the lower jaw. An increased sensitivity of the whole face may attend the above features. Apart from above another feature indicating its use is twitchings in the corners of eyes.

14. Moschus – When Twitching Causes Chewing Motion of Lower Jaw

The key feature to use Moschus is facial twitchings causing chewing motion of lower jaw. With this a person feels tension in muscles of face with sensation as if they are too short.

15. Secale Cor – For Spasms and Twitching of Tongue

Secale Cor is beneficial for spasms and twitching of tongue. The person who requires it has movements of projecting of the tongue from mouth. It causes difficulty with speech. It can also lead sometimes to biting of the tongue.

More On Cranio-Facial Dystonia 

Cranio-facial dystonia can be further classified into –

1.Blepharospasm 

2.Hemifacial spasm

3.Oromandibular dystonia 

4.Meige syndrome

1. Blepharospasm – In this there appears abnormal involuntary blinking, twitching or tight closure of eyelids.

Reason

What exactly is not known yet. However genetics and heredity are also thought to play a role in causing it. Certain factors like bright light, alcohol intake, excessive caffeine , stress, fatigue can trigger eyelid twitching. It can be a sign included in certain eye conditions like uveitis, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, dry eyes, photophobia . Sometimes brain disorders can cause eye twitching, these disorders include parkinson’s disease, bell’s palsy, multiple sclerosis and tourette syndrome.

Symptoms

Its main symptoms are uncontrollable blinking, twitching of eyelids that may progress to eyelids being tightly shut. Dryness in the eyes, sensitivity to bright light, blurring of vision may appear with these symptoms. Sometimes the twitches may radiate to the nose, face and occasionally to the neck. 

2. Hemifacial spasm – It is characterised by involuntary twitching of muscles on one side of the face.

Reason

The facial muscles are controlled by a seventh cranial nerve called facial nerve. Hemifacial spasms mostly appear from irritation. compression, injury or damage to this facial nerve. Pressure on the facial nerve (at the point where it leaves the brain stem) by a blood vessel is the most important cause behind it. Rarely tumours putting pressure on the facial nerve can cause it. Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis that affects one side of the face) can also contribute to it. But in many cases no cause is identified behind it, this is referred to as idiopathic spasm. They are common in women as compared to men. Left side of the face is more commonly involved in it.

Symptoms

In this in the beginning there appear slight involuntary twitches in the eyelid on one side. As the time progresses, the twitches extend to other parts of the face including cheek, mouth, lips, chin, jaw and neck on the same side. Eventually it can spread to all the muscles on one side of the face. The muscles in the forehead and neck are most affected in the last. When muscles of the mouth area are affected then it can sometimes pull the mouth to one side. Sometimes the entire face can be pulled to one side when all the muscles of the face are involved. Initially the twitches are mild that even go unnoticed. With time the twitches become more pronounced and noticeable. The twitches can even continue in sleep.

As the condition intensifies, other symptoms like difficulty in hearing, noises in ear (tinnitus), pain in ear may appear with above. 

3. Oromandibular dystonia – In this there appear forceful muscle contractions in the face, mouth, jaw or tongue.

It may lead to difficulties with opening and closing the mouth. It also affects speech and chewing often. Sometimes it is also referred to as cranial dystonia. The dystonia affecting facial muscles and lips in musicians who play wind instruments is called embouchure dystonia. Dystonia affecting the tongue is called lingual dystonia. 

Reasons

Oromandibular dystonia can arise from some disorders like wilson disease (a genetic disorder causing excessive copper to build up in the body) and certain drug exposure. it can also be inherited usually with generalized dystonia. This dystonia is also more common in women as compared to men.  It mostly affects people of age group between 40 and 70 years of age.

Symptoms

The symptoms include involuntary opening and closing of mouth, clenching / tight pressing (shutting) of jaw, deviation of lower jaw toward one side or to the back, involuntary movements in the face, lips or tongue, uncontrollable pulling of tongue or mouth in different positions . This mostly arises when people are using their mouths like while talking or eating, making speech and swallowing difficult respectively but it can appear even at rest sometimes. Few other symptoms are facial grimacing, lip pursing or sucking and teeth grinding. Trauma to the lips and tongue may appear from uncontrollable, involuntary mouth closing and opening. Anxiety and tiredness tend to worsen the symptoms.

4. Meige syndrome – In this oromandibular dystonia appears in combination with blepharospasm.

It is also known as Brueghel Syndrome. In this the symptoms of both oromandibular dystonia as well as  blepharospasm occur together. The reason behind Meige syndrome is unknown. However it is thought to be caused by the interaction of certain genetic and environmental factors.

Pathophysiology behind dystonia

How dystonia exactly arises is not clearly understood till date. However it is believed that dystonia arises due to damage or improper functioning of the basal ganglia. It is the area of the brain responsible for beginning muscle contractions. Additionally there may be abnormalities in the brain’s way of processing information and generating commands to cause body movement.

Epstein – Barr virus (EBV) is counted among the members of the herpes virus family that are known to cause infections in human beings. It is one of the common human viruses in the world. It is mostly well known to cause infectious mononucleosis (also known as mono), though it can cause many other illnesses. Homeopathic medicines for EBV can effectively help in symptomatic management of the infection. Research to find the connection between EBV and other health conditions like autoimmune diseases (eg lupus, multiple sclerosis) and certain cancers (eg. Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, gastric cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer).

Homeopathic Medicines for EBV

Homeopathic medicines boost the immunity of body to fight with the infection and manage symptoms naturally. The symptoms of EBV infection that can be managed well with homeopathic medicines are feeling tired, sore throat, swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in neck or armpit, headache, skin rash, muscle pain /soreness. 

1. Arsenic Album – To Manage Tiredness 

Arsenic Album is a leading medicine to manage complaint of tiredness in these cases. It is helpful where person feels tired even from slightest exertion. Tiredness is most felt by them when moving around. The tired feeling compels a person to lie down. The complaint is worse mostly at the night time. Restlessness attends to it in most of the cases.

2. Kali Phos – For Weak, Tired Feeling

Kali Phos is next medicine for managing weakness and tiredness. Persons needing it have weakness on both mental and physical spheres. They are extremely exhausted and lack strength to do any thing. In all such persons it proves highly effective to boost body energy levels and regain strength.

3. Gelsemium – For Weakness, Dullness, Drowsiness

Gelsemium can be highly beneficial for people who feel weak, dull and drowsy all the time. Along with this they also feel pain and soreness in the muscles. Sometimes they experience dull headache. The pain is mostly felt in back of the head. A sensation of band around the head is also felt. With this heaviness of eyelids is also present.

4. Carcinosin – For Chronic Fatigue in Mononucleosis

Carcinosin is also indicated for managing chronic fatigue in mononucleosis. Persons requiring it feel weary and fatigued always. This may be attended with trembling especially in the morning time. It works both in recent and long standing cases of mononucleosis.

5. Belladonna – For Sore Throat and Tonsillitis

Belladonna is highly recommended to manage sore throat and tonsillitis. The throat is red, the tonsils are swollen, red, enlarged, inflamed and painful where it is needed. Along with this the swallowing is difficult even for liquids. Throat feels dry and can be attended with a sensation of lump in it. Fever may also be present. 

6. Hepar Sulph – For Tonsillitis with Pus Points

Hepar Sulph is well indicated to manage tonsillitis with pus points on it. With this there is intense pain in the tonsils. Pain is mainly stitching type in most of the cases. The pain gets worse while eating food. The pain tend to radiate to ears from the throat. A feeling of a plug of mucus in throat is frequently felt. There may be hawking of thick, yellow mucus from the throat. 

7. Merc Sol – For White Patches of Pus on Tonsils

Merc Sol is another significant medicine for cases of inflamed tonsils covered with white pus patches. Persons needing it feel soreness, pain, burning and smarting sensation in the throat. The swallowing is also difficult in them. The pharynx is also bluish red usually with presence of ulcers. Along with this saliva is increased and offensive odour from mouth is usually present.

8. Phytolacca – For Sore Throat and Tonsillitis with Marked Burning Pains

Use of Phytolacca is mainly considered for sore throat and tonsillitis with marked burning pains. In cases needing it the throat is inflamed and appears dark red or bluish red.  The tonsils are also swollen with dark – red appearance. With this intense burning pain as from hot coals is experienced in throat and tonsils. The pain from throat may shoot to ears while swallowing.

9. For Reducing Lymph Node Swelling

Many homeopathic medicines can be helpful alleviating lymph node swelling in EBV. The most prominently indicated ones  include Calcarea Carb, Conium, Merc Sol and Phytolacca. These medicines helps to reduce swelling of lymph nodes.

10. Belladonna – To Relieve Headache

Belladonna is a wonderful medicine to relieve headache. The headache is mainly throbbing type for using it. It is most worse in the sides of head ie. The temporal region. Head feels congested along with heated sensation. In many cases pain may get worse from slightest light and noise. Pressure can give relief in the headache. 

11. Glonoine – For Marked Congestive Headache

Glonoine is beneficial to manage marked congestive headache. Persons needing it have throbbing, pulsating pain in head with a sensation as if it would burst. The pain may be felt in the forehead, sides of head or top of the head. Head also feels heavy especially in the forehead region. The pain may worsen from movement. Sleep may relieve the headache for a while.  

12. Rhus Tox – For Managing Muscle pains / Soreness

Rhus Tox is top listed medicine for managing muscle pains / soreness. For using it the pain and soreness may be present in any of the body muscle. Persons who require it mostly feels worsening of pain from rest. They get better by motion and exercise. Along with pain they may also feel stiffness in the body. 

13. Sulphur – To Manage Skin Rash

Sulphur can be given to manage skin rash. The rash is most times itchy where it is needed. The itching tends to get worse at night time. The skin is usually dry with rash in cases needing it. Along with this there may be heat / burning sensation on the skin.  

14. Ailanthus – For Skin Rash in Patches

Ailanthus is considered when the skin rash appear in patches. There may be purplish spots on the skin, blisters on skin or sometimes small bumps on skin. With this low fever may be present. Excessive weakness also appears with this. The tonsils are inflamed with above symptoms. Sometimes the tonsils are studded with multiple ulcers. The throat is also dark, red and swollen.

Transmission of EBV

EBV is contagious and spreads from person to person through bodily fluids 

(mainly saliva.) So one can get the virus by kissing someone who’s infected with EBV. It can also be transmitted through sharing toothbrushes, utensils or any other item contaminated with the virus from recent use by someone having active EBV infection. Apart from saliva, it can also spread through blood carrying this virus, like during blood transfusion. It can also be transmitted through organ transplant from someone having EBV infection. Lastly it can spread via infected semen during sexual contact. An infected person can pass the virus to others soon after contracting it even before experiencing any of its symptoms. As long as the virus remain in active phase (for weeks or months) in someone’s body he / she can spread it to others. But when the virus gets inactive (goes in dormant/ latent state) it can’t be passed to others. If it re – activates again even then it can again be spread to others. 

Pathophysiology

On exposure to the EBV the virus multiplies in the epithelial cells of pharynx.  After that it multiplies in the B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).  Following this abnormal, enlarged (atypical) lymphocytes develop when CD8 postive T cells respond to the infection. After primary infection, EBV remains in B lymphocytes for lifetime.

Symptoms of EBV 

EBV infection is mostly asymptomatic. In children, usually there are little to no symptoms present. The symptoms mainly appears in teens and adults. After contracting the virus, it can take around 4 – 7 weeks for the symptoms to appear. The symptoms includes feeling tired, fever, sore throat, swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in neck or armpit, headache, skin rash, loss of appetite, muscle pain /soreness, enlarged spleen and liver swelling. These symptoms usually remain for around 2 – 4 weeks except for tired feeling which can continue for longer for few more weeks or months. After active phase of infection the virus goes in an inactive phase (latency) in body and remain in body throughout life. Sometimes it can reactivate but most times don’t lead to symptoms. But in some cases upon reactivation initial symptoms of EBV appears again usually in people having a weak immune system.

Most common disease that EBV can cause is mononucleosis but not everyone having EBV develops it. Its not a serious disease but symptoms of it can be intense to prevent a person from doing normal activities for several weeks and months. Mononucleosis is also known as the kissing disease because it can spread by kissing someone having EBV in the saliva. Another name for it is  infectious mononucleosis and glandular fever. The most common symptoms of mononucleosis are fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in neck or armpits and feeling tired.

Complications

The complications include extremely swollen tonsils that can block breathing, rupture of spleen, myocarditis (inflammation of heart muscle), anaemia, decrease in platelet count, liver inflammation (hepatitis), meningitis (inflammation of meninges – the protective membranes that cover brain and spinal cord), Guillain-Barre syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system).

Investigations 

Most of the EBV infections can be diagnosed just by the presenting symptoms. But sometimes tests are recommended where symptom picture is not clear. First test done where it is suspected is monospot test. But the Center for Disease Control doesn’t recommend the Monospot test for general use because of false-positive and false-negative results and it is not specific for EBV infection. Some other blood tests that are more specific to detect antibodies to EBV are done. These include Viral capsid antigen , Early antigen and EBV nuclear antigen tests. People who do not have antibodies to viral capsid antigen are susceptible to infection. Presence of antibodies anti -VCA  IgM to  Viral capsid antigen  and no antibody to EBV nuclear antigen points to a new or recent infection. Detection of antibodies to both VCA and EBV nuclear antigen represents past infection 

Apart from this white blood cell count to check for increased number of white blood cells (lymphocytes) or abnormal – looking lymphocytes  may be checked. Lastly  platelets count may be checked  (that can be decreased) and liver function tests may be done to check any abnormality. Homeopathic Medicines for EBV help treat the condition in a safe, natural manner.

 

Angular cheilitis, also known as angular stomatitis or perleche is an inflammatory skin condition in which swollen, red patches appear in the corners of the mouth. It is the area where the upper and lower lips connect at the corners of the mouth to form an angle. This area is medically called oral commissures. People from any age group can get it on one side or on both sides of the mouth. Homeopathic medicines for angular cheilitis bring excellent recovery in such cases by targeting to treat the root cause behind it (like infections, allergies etc)

Homeopathic Medicines for Angular Cheilitis

Homeopathic medicines are very mild and gentle, and can help effectively treat angular cheilitis. With its use, the inflammation at the corners of mouth reduces and the cracks, eruptions, ulcers heal properly. They also provide relief from symptoms like pain, burning, and itching. Further, they help treat recurrent tendencies of such diseases. 

1. Cundurango – For Painful Cracks at Corners of the Mouth

Cundurango is a top-grade remedy for angular cheilitis prepared from the dried bark of the condor plant. This is a plant of the family Asclepiadaceae. It gives great results where painful cracks at the corners of the mouth are present. The cracks can be quite deep. In some cases, the corners of the mouth may be ulcerated. 

2. Graphites – When Corners of Mouth are Dry, Rough, with Cuts

Graphites is a very effective medicine in cases where the corners of the mouth are extremely dry, rough and have deep cuts. These corners are highly cracked and fissured. Apart from this, it is an excellent medicine to treat cases with eruptions, crusting or ulcers at the mouth corners. They have a watery, sticky, gluey discharge. It also helps reduce scaliness in eruptions. In many cases, dryness, cracked lips, and a persistent burning sensation is also present with the above symptoms.

3. Petroleum – When Deep Cracks Bleed

Petroleum is considered in cases of angular stomatitis when there are deep cracks at the mouth corners that bleed often. Along with this the skin is rough, thick and hardened. The condition is worse in cold weather. Its use is also made when there appear crusts at the angles of mouth with redness, burning, itching and bleeding. Another indication to use it is eruptions at mouth corners with scaliness. 

4. Natrum Mur – For Blisters at Mouth Angle

Natrum Mur is well indicated for treating angular cheilitis with blisters at the mouth angle. With this the corners of mouth and lips are dry, ulcerated, and sometimes cracked too. Sometimes there appears scabs on the lips with burning, smarting sensation and sometimes bleeding.

4. Merc Sol – For Ulceration at Corners of Mouth

Merc Sol is a prominent medicine for ulceration at the corners of the mouth. Pain and soreness is present in these ulcers. Sometimes yellow scabs form at angles of the mouth. Along with this, the lips are dry, cracked, ulcerated and painful to touch. Excessive salivation and bad taste in the mouth may be resent along with some cases of oral thrush (fungal infection in mouth) along with angular stomatitis presenting with above symptoms. 

5. Silicea – For Crusts at Corners of Mouth 

Silicea is mainly indicated for treating crusts at the corners of the mouth. The crusts are usually hard and brownish coloured in cases needing it. Sometimes corners of the mouth are ulcerated with it. These ulcers may be painful. Itching is also present in these ulcers. Its use is also suggested where pus has formed in the affected area at the angles of the mouth.

6. Rhus Tox – For Crusty Eruptions at Mouth Corners

Rhus Tox is beneficial for cases where there are crusty eruptions at the mouth corners. Itching and burning is present, along with blisters and ulcers. The lips may be dry and parched and can be covered with reddish-brown crusts.    

7. Sulphur – To Manage Itching

Sulphur is an excellent medicine for cases where there is itching present at the angles of the mouth. These angles are ulcerated, and there is also pain in the oral commissures (mouth corners) in angular cheilitis.

8. Nitric Acid – For Rawness, Ulcers or Scabs at Mouth Angles 

Nitric Acid is indicated when there is rawness, ulcers or scabs formation at mouth angles. It is  attended with dry lips in most cases. The lips may also have blisters or ulcers attended with swelling and itching. Cracking and peeling off skin from lips mainly lower lip is mostly present. Stitching pain as from splinters may be there in lips. 

9. Belladonna – For Redness and Pain 

Belladonna is prepared from the plant called Deadly Nightshade that belongs to the family Solanaceae. It offers great help in treating redness and pain at the corners of the mouth. Sometimes eruptions are present with it. The lips may be dry, cracked, swollen with burning sensation. 

10. Psorinum – For Soreness at Mouth Corners

Psorinum is useful for reducing soreness at mouth corners. Ulcers may also be present at this site in cases needing it. Along with this dryness, burning, pain on lips is frequently noticed. Sometimes scaling is present on the lips.

11. Hepar Sulph – For Eruption with Heated Sensation

Hepar Sulph is an important medicine for eruption attended with heated sensation in corners of mouth. Sometimes there are ulcers at mouth corners. Itching around my mouth is also felt. Cracks in the lower lip may be present. It is also important medicine for healing these cases when pus has formed in the lesions.

12. Bryonia – For Dryness of Lips

Bryonia is useful to treat cases where dryness of lips is present. The lips are also swollen and cracked or covered with crusts. Sometimes bleeding appears from cracks. Burning sensation may appear in the lips when touched. 

13. Arsenic Album – For Burning Sensation in Mouth

Use of Arsenic Album is done mostly in cases where the burning sensation in the mouth is prominent. Along with there is excessive saliva with frequent spitting. This is accompanied by a bad taste in the mouth. The lips may be dry, parched, cracked along with constant licking.

14. Arum Triphyllum – For Burning Sensation on Lips

Arum Triphyllum is well-indicated for managing burning sensation on the lips. The lips in such cases become rough, sore, and cracked, and are accompanied by an intense burning. The corners of the mouth are also sore, cracked and bleeding. Those affected keep on picking the lips frequently.

Symptoms of Angular Cheilitis

The signs and symptoms in this condition appear at the corners of the mouth. Red spots develop at the corners of the mouth initially, particularly in mild cases. These spots may be attended with swelling. As the condition progresses, cracks begin to appear at the corners of the mouth. Bleeding may also arise from these spots. While in many other cases blisters (fluid-filled eruptions), ulcers, scaling, crusting may appear at corners of mouth. Irritation, itching and pain of varying intensity may appear in affected skin areas. With the above, a few other symptoms can appear. These include dryness of the lips, burning sensation on lips/in the mouth and bad taste in the mouth. In case of excessive irritation difficulty in eating may arise. The symptoms may last for just a few days or persist for a long time making the condition chronic. In chronic cases pus may form in the lesions at the corners of the mouth. When it develops from bacterial or fungal infection then the infection can spread to the adjoining skin area of the face. In some cases it can also cause oral thrush (fungal infection of the mouth).

Causes of Angular Cheilitis

Angular cheilitis can occur due to various causes, the most common among which are infections. The yeast Candida Albicans is a major cause. It usually begins from the collection of saliva at the corners of the mouth as a result of which this area remain moist for quite a long time. On evaporation of saliva dryness, cracks, irritation and pain starts appearing at this site. A person may then lick the lips frequently to reduce the dryness, irritation and pain. It will again make the corners of mouth moist and warm which gives an ideal environment for fungus to grow there.

Apart from this certain virus and bacteria can also cause it. The bacteria involved in causing it mainly includes staphylococcus aureus and beta – hemolytic  streptococci. If no cause is found behind it then the case is referred to as idiopathic angular cheilitis.

Risk Factors 

1. An overhanging of upper lip – It causes deep angles at the corners of mouth and increases the chances of saliva to pool in these areas making it constantly moist. It leads to softening and breaking of skin and also favours growth of fungi. 
2. Oral  thrush – it is a fungal infection in the mouth that predispose a person to angular cheilitis
3. Allergic tendency – Allergies to certain products like toothpastes, lipsticks, lip balms, chewing gums and from material used in dentures can cause allergic contact dermatitis in the angles of mouth
4. wearing braces or dentures – it plays are role if they are poor fitted and have associated receding of gums
5. Having sensitive skin
6. Certain habits like repeatedly licking lips and/or sucking the thumb
7. Excessive salivation and drooling
8. Sagging skin around mouth from weight loss or ageing process increases the chance of saliva collection in the angles of the mouth
9. Use of certain medicines: Side effects of some medicines, like the  excessive use of corticosteroids, antibiotics and use of oral retinoid medication like isotretinoin employed in treating pimples can be contributing factors 
10. Smoking 
11. Nutritional deficiency of iron and vitamin B have been linked with angular stomatitis.
12. Some medical conditions including diabetes (it causes weakening of the immune system making a person prone to yeast infection), inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, anaemia, genetic condition like Down’s Syndrome and infection near mouth like cold sores.