I remember back in the 90's when a co-worker introduced me to the novels of Orson Scott Card and Ender's Game. This novel was beautifully written with vivid imagery and characters that elicited an emotional response from the reader. I think what struck me the most with this novel, and this is what has made it so memorable for me, was the thematic use of the destruction of innocence and using the cleverness of children to turn them into strategic thinkers through the use of simulated games. As I read, the undertone of violence became more and more disturbing, especially as the reader gradually became aware that what the children were doing, was no longer a game. The protagonist, Ender, finally destroyed an entire race of beings whilst thinking that it was a simulated strategic game. When he realised the truth, it almost broke him. 

There has been a lot of conflicting research into the desensitisation to violence through repeated exposure to violence and an increase in aggressive behaviour. However, violence is not the topic in this post...it is how the use of games such as Call of Duty and Battlefield, has caught the attention of Australian Defence Force and their means of recruitment. The ADF places advertisements on sites that review popular first-person games and promote the "adventure of life in the military"(Courier Mail, Call of Duty: Real-Life Diggers, 24 Mar 2015). Of course this seems logical, and intuitively, is a reasonable place to advertise or promote a career in the Military.

The Courier Mail also reports that the Assistant Defence Minister Stuart Robert said, "gaming sites were actively targeted by recruiters because they attracted people with an interest in complex scenario based computing". Well, this is reasonable and on the surface is a logical surmise as Roberts further goes on to say, "people involved in gaming [are] adept, fast thinkers, very natural with technology and they're used to complexity". All great attributes to have and a valuable skill set. However, he went on to say, "If we can find someone with the right attitude and aptitude, we can train them to do anything". 

Robert's comments on the attributes of these first-person gamers reminds me of the rationalisations in the novel Ender's Game. As a teacher, I know that many of these first-person gamers are children sitting in our class rooms from year 5 and up. I don't know whether it is right to be able to "train them to do anything". 

What do you think?

I am not a doctor! 

I am not qualified to diagnose any illness or skin condition! 

I am writing to you from my own experience and sharing with you the relief I felt when I finally did receive a diagnosis...Even though there is no treatment...I felt better knowing that I was not imagining this itch that had bothered me for over six years! I was sane! 

When I finally was sent to a specialist Dermatologist,  who took one look at my arm and noted the damage to my skin from chronic scratching,  and when he listened to my lament about this itch...he just nodded his head and said, "I know what you have". 

I couldn't believe my ears. I was overjoyed that there was a diagnosis...so of course I asked him to tell me what it was and how can it be fixed....He just nodded sagely and said, "I'll get to that later, but for now let's do a full skin check". 

What! He'll get to that later!! And so he did. 

He patiently explained to me that my arm condition was caused by my nerve fibres and possibly compression of nerves in my neck. Then he let me have the bomb-shell news!! There really isn't a cure...but we can help to alleviate the itch somewhat....and then he gave me a print out with the following information...

I hope that you find this article useful if you think that you may have this condition.
The following article is taken from a very informative and reputable Dermatology site DermNet NZ.

If you suspect that you do have Brachioradial Pruritis...then please go and see your doctor armed with this article and ask him or her to at least consider the possibility!!


Over the course of many years I have read many desperate pleas for help on many forums...all asking the same questions! What do I have? I am going insane with the itch, burning, stinging! Why does my doctor say there is nothing wrong? Will I ever get some help? 

Well, I hope that this article helps you. I hope that you can rest a little better knowing that there is help but not a cure...that you are not imagining an illness, and I hope that you can find some relief! 

I have to add that Brachioradial Pruritis was what led me to begin making natural soaps. All I use now is my Castile soap or Goat Milk soap and I am able to get through a night without itching!! 

Let me know if this article has helped you. Leave a comment and help others with the same condition! 

Brachioradial pruritus is a condition where itch, burning, stinging, tingling and/or changed sensation arise in the areas of skin on either or both arms. The most commonly affected area is the mid-arm, but forearms and upper arms can also be affected. People often apply ice packs to the affected areas in an attempt to gain relief from the unpleasant symptoms. 

The affected skin may appear entirely normal. Visible changes may arise from rubbing and scratching the affected area. These include purpura and ecchymoses (bruises), hyperpigmentation (brown marks), hypopigmentation (white marks), lichen simplex (a type of eczema), prurigo and scarring. There may be changed sensation when this is tested for with pinprick, cotton wool or heat and cold. Reduced or absent sweating may be noted in the affected area. 

Brachioradial pruritus occasionally expands to involve the lower legs or generalises to other sites. 

Cause of brachioradial pruritus Brachioradial pruritus is due to a neuropathy of the small C fibre nerves. As brachioradial pruritus appears to be more often reported in sunny climates than in cooler areas, long term sun exposure may cause damage to the nerve fibres within the skin 

In many cases, brachioradial pruritus is clearly due to nerve damage or radiculopathy in the cervical spine (neck), when it may be due to: 

• Cervical vertebral osteoarthritis 
• Cervical rib 
• Cervical spinal tumour 
• Nerve compression or myelopathy for any other reason 

Prolonged compression of spinal itch-transmitting neurones can activate central sensitisation processes, affecting the A fibres. These convey light touch and pinprick symptoms, and stimulation can result in sensitive or painful skin with exaggerated response to light touch or pinprick (hyperaesthesia, hyperalgesia). 

When compressed nerves atrophy (shrink), C fibres in the skin can proliferate. 

A localised neuropathic itch may also expand to involve other dermatomes. 

Treatment of brachioradial pruritus Treatment is not always successful. Effective measures include the following: 

• Cooling lotions as required (camphor and menthol). 
• Cervical spine manipulation. This must be done by an appropriately qualified health professional. 
• Electrical cutaneous nerve field stimulation. 
• Capsaicin cream – this depletes nerve endings of their chemical transmitters. 
• Local anaesthetic creams. 
• Amitriptyline or other oral tricyclic taken at night. 
• Anticonvulsant agents including gabapentin and pregabalin. 
• Topical ketamine and amitriptyline has been reported to provide rapid relief.

http://dermnetnz.org/site-age-specific/brachioradial-pruritus.html

Sometimes...it is better not to say too much. 


Sometimes it is better to simply enjoy the beauty to be found in the world around us and to celebrate the creativity of others.
.

Petrolatum is more commonly known as petroleum jelly, mineral oil jelly or mineral oil, and Vaseline. Petrolatum is a petrochemical derived from crude oil. It may run the risk of being contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),1  which are possible human carcinogens found in crude oil and its byproducts. The Environmental Working Group labels petrolatum as a low to moderate hazard, but with the potential for contamination from PAHs, it becomes high risk.The European Union, has banned petrolatum for use in cosmetics unless the manufacturer can show a full refining history and prove that the petrolatum wasn’t produced from carcinogenic substances. Meaning, manufacturers have to prove the product isn’t contaminated by PAHs.2

The following is a quote from the David Suzuki Foundation, "But this petrochemical can be contaminated with cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The European Union considers it a carcinogen and restricts its use in cosmetics. Download our wallet-sized Sustainable Shopper's Guide so you can avoid petrolatum and the other eleven toxic ingredients commonly found in your soap, shampoo, and deodorant."3

While researching Petrolatum, I did find one website that promoted its use as a moisturiser, (and also advertised for Vaseline), however, Petrolatum is an occlusive moisturiser and keeps moisture in your skin. This website concluded by stating that Petrolatum is not petroleum – and cosmetic-grade petrolatum is, by and large, safe.4  By and large safe? What does that mean? It's mostly safe or it can be a little bit unsafe? 

1. http://www.organicauthority.com/delicious-beauty/what-is-petrolatum-and-why-is-it-in-my-beauty-products.html
2. ibid
3. http://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/queen-of-green/faqs/toxics/avoid-petrolatum-in-personal-care-products/
4. https://www.futurederm.com/the-truth-about-petrolatum/

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/skin/the-truth-about-petrolatum#iFKh1zxPH3a2sz5Z.97