Itch Center - Long Beach, CA
Long Beach Dermatologist Doctors for ItchType of Physician: Dermatologist What is a Dermatologist? A certification by the Board of Dermatology; practitioners treat pediatric and adult patients with disorders of the skin, mouth, hair and nails as well as a number of sexually transmitted diseases. They also have expertise in the care of normal skin, the prevention of skin diseases and cancers, and in the management of cosmetic disorders of the skin such as hair loss and scars. Specialty: Dermatology Common Name: Skin Doctor Dermatologist Doctors in Long Beach * Douglas K Ulmer MD  Douglas K Ulmer MD  Douglas A Smith MD  Douglas K Ulmer MD  Healthcare Partners Atlantic Avenue  Panacea Health Care  Cary E Feibleman MD  Gary G Ramelli MD  Dermatology Associates of Southern California Inc  Alan W Heller MD  Dermatology Associates  Laser Skin Care Center  Laser Skin Care Center  Laser Skin Care Center  Laser Skin Care Center  Beach Dermatology  Talbert Medical Group  Advanced Dermatology & Plastic Surgery  Robert Mitchell Miller MD Inc  Robert Mitchell Miller MD Inc  Kaiser Permanente-Dermatology  Kaiser Permanente-Dermatology  Carmen C Capodanno MD  Patient Preferred Dermatology Medical Group  Patient Preferred Dermatology Medical Group  Patient Preferred Dermatology Medical Group  Patient Preferred Dermatology Medical Group  Coastal Dermatology & Plastic Surgery  Coastal Dermatology & Plastic Surgery  Coastal Dermatology & Plastic Surgery  Coastal Dermatology & Plastic Surgery  Coastal Dermatology & Plastic Surgery  Advanced Dermatology Care of Southern California  Elisa Yoo MD  Robert C Wang MD  Huntington Harbor Dermatology & Laser Center  Dermatology Treatment Center of the South Bay  Selbert A Chernila MD  William R Crudup MD  Kurt F Pickus MD  Keerthi R DeSilva MD  Susan Goodlerner MD  James V O'Connell MD  Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital Dermatology Dept  West Dermatology Medical Group  Hala Koudsi MD  Arlen Millman MD  Kaiser Permanente Allergy & Dermatology  West Dermatology Medical Group  Christopher Ho MD  Celibre Medical  Lawrence Nichols MD  Paul J Gethner MD  HealthCare Partners Medical Group Torrance Specialty  HealthCare Partners Medical Group Torrance Specialty  Beach Cities Dermatology  HealthCare Partners Medical Group Torrance Specialty  HealthCare Partners Medical Group Torrance Specialty  Douglas A Blose MD  Dermatology Group of Southern California  Dermatology Group of Southern California  Dermatology Group of Southern California  David M Duffy MD  Downey Dermatologic Medical Group Inc  Takako G Iwasaki MD  Amber A Kyle MD Inc  Dermatology Group of Southern California  Downey Dermatologic Medical Group Inc  Gerard Nat MD  John F Gebhard MD  Edward M Kramer MD  Beatrice C Kalata MD  Joseph F Chow MD  Beach Cities Dermatology  Orange County Dermatology & Surgery  Joseph A Manzini MD  Roderick McDonald MD  Dermatology Laser Clinic of Huntington Beach  Orange County Dermatology & Surgery  Fernando B Canon MD  Huntington Beach Dermatology  Charles Salinger MD  Talbert Medical Group  Glynis Ablon MD  Lawrence S Moy MD  Tien Nguyen MD  Jamie MacDougall MD  Murad Medical Group  Tommy H Chen MD  Darlene Sampson MD  Grall Medical Clinic  Preferred Dermatology  Leopold G Hernandez MD  Andrew A Ceavatta MD  Gene J Lin MD  David B Friedman MD  Westchester Dermatology  Howard L Sofen MD  William Coffey MD  Metropolitan Dermatology Medical Group Long Beach, CaliforniaLong Beach is a large city located in southern California, USA, on the Pacific coast. It is situated in Los Angeles County, about 20 miles (32 km) south of downtown Los Angeles. Long Beach borders Orange County on its southeast edge.
The Port of Long Beach is one of the world's largest shipping ports. The city also has a large oil industry; oil is found both underground and offshore. Manufacturers include aircraft, automobile parts, electronic and audiovisual equipment, and home furnishings. It is also home to headquarters for corporations such as Epson America, Molina Healthcare, and SCAN Health Plan. Long Beach has grown with the development of high-technology and aerospace industries in the area.
Long Beach is a large city located in southern California, USA, on the Pacific coast. It is situated in Los Angeles County, about 20 miles (32 km) south of downtown Los Angeles. Long Beach borders Orange County on its southeast edge.
The Port of Long Beach is one of the world's largest shipping ports. The city also has a large oil industry; oil is found both underground and offshore. Manufacturers include aircraft, automobile parts, electronic and audiovisual equipment, and home furnishings. It is also home to headquarters for corporations such as Epson America, Molina Healthcare, and SCAN Health Plan. Long Beach has grown with the development of high-technology and aerospace industries in the area.
Long Beach is a large city located in southern California, USA, on the Pacific coast. It is situated in Los Angeles County, about 20 miles (32 km) south of downtown Los Angeles. Long Beach borders Orange County on its southeast edge.
The Port of Long Beach is one of the world's largest shipping ports. The city also has a large oil industry; oil is found both underground and offshore. Manufacturers include aircraft, automobile parts, electronic and audiovisual equipment, and home furnishings. It is also home to headquarters for corporations such as Epson America, Molina Healthcare, and SCAN Health Plan. Long Beach has grown with the development of high-technology and aerospace industries in the area.
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ItchingWhat is an itch?Itch is an irritation in the skin that elicits an urge to scratch. Itches are a common problem and can be localized (limited to one area of the body) or generalized (occurring all over the body or in several different areas). The medical term for itching is pruritus. Generalized itch, for obvious reasons, is more difficult to treat than localized itch. Itches can also occur with or without skin lesions (bumps, blisters, or abnormalities that can be seen on the skin). An itch that is accompanied by visible skin abnormality usually should be evaluated by a physician and, in some cases, by a dermatologist since the problem is likely to be a condition that requires specialized medical treatment (for example, eczema, scabies, etc.).
What causes itching?Itching can be caused by many conditions. A common cause of itch is psychological, that is, due to stress, anxiety, etc. Stress also can aggravate itch from other causes. Dry skin is another frequent cause of itch. Many people also report sunburn itch following prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Other causes include metabolic and endocrine disorders (for example, liver or kidney disease, hyperthyroidism), cancers (for example, lymphoma), reactions to drugs, and interruptions in bile flow (cholestasis), diseases of the blood (for example, polycythemia vera). Itching is common with allergic reactions. Itching can also result from insect stings and bites such as from mosquito or flea bites. Infections and infestations of the skin are another cause of itch. Common infectious causes of itch include a fungal infection of the crotch (tinea cruris) commonly known as jock itch, as well as vaginal itching (sometimes referred to as feminine itching), and/or anal itching from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or other types of infections, such as vaginal yeast infections. Another type of parasitic infection resulting in itch... Recommended Reading Related to ItchingWhat is pityriasis rosea?Pityriasis rosea is a common rash usually seen in individuals between the ages of 10 to 35 years old. The rash typically lasts six to eight weeks, rarely extending 12 weeks or longer. Once a person has pityriasis rosea, it generally does not recur in their lifetime. Pityriasis rosea characteristically begins as an asymptomatic single, large pink patch called the "herald patch" or mother patch, measuring 2-10 centimeters. The herald patch is a dry, pink to red patch which appears on the back, chest, or neck and has a well-defined, scaly border. One to two weeks following the initial appearance of the herald patch, a person will then develop many smaller pink patches across their trunk, arms, and legs. The second stage of pityriasis rosea erupts with a large number of oval spots, ranging in diameter from 0.5 centimeter (size of a pencil eraser) to 1.5 centimeters (size of a peanut). The individual spots form a s... Other Related Itch ArticlesEmergency Contact for Long Beach
Nearby Long Beach Hospitals *St Mary Medical Center Pacific Hospital of Long Beach Long Beach Memorial Medical Center Miller Children's Hospital Community Hospital of Long Beach VA Long Beach Healthcare System Kaiser Permanente South Bay Medical Center Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center San Pedro Lakewood Regional Medical Center LAC Harbor UCLA Medical Center Los Alamitos Medical Center Tri-City Regional Medical Center Bellflower Medical Center Promise Hospital of East Los Angeles Suburban Medical Center Campus Del Amo Hospital Torrance Memorial Medical Center College Hospital Cerritos La Palma Intercommunity Hospital Memorial Hospital of Gardena Vista Hospital of South Bay Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance Kaiser Permanente Downey Medical Center Martin Luther King Jr MAC Service Center Anaheim General Hospital Kindred Hospital Westminster Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center Coast Plaza Doctors Hospital St Francis Medical Center West Anaheim Medical Center Downey Regional Medical Center Huntington Beach Hospital Norwalk Community Hospital Metropolitan State Hospital Los Angeles Metropolitan Medical Center Hawthorne Campus Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center Kindred Hospital La Mirada Fountain Valley Regional Hospital & Medical Center Centinela Freeman Regional Medical Center Centinela Campus Community Hospital of Huntington Park Anaheim Regional Medical Center Garden Grove Hospital & Medical Center Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital Western Medical Center Anaheim Whittier Hospital Medical Center Kindred Hospital Santa Ana Los Angeles Community Hospital University Of California Irvine Medical Center St Jude Medical Center East Los Angeles Doctors Hospital College Hospital Costa Mesa Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian Beverly Hospital Coastal Communities Hospital Children's Hospital Orange County Kindred Hospital Los Angeles Orthopaedic Medical Center St Joseph Hospital Promise Hospital of East Los Angeles California Hospital Medical Center White Memorial Medical Center Los Angeles Metropolitan Medical Center Monterey Park Hospital LAC + USC Medical Center LAC + USC Medical Center Women's & Children's Hospital Good Samaritan Hospital USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center HealthBridge Children's Rehabilitation Hospital USC University Hospital Marina Del Rey Hospital Western Medical Center Santa Ana Kindred Hospital Brea HEALTHSOUTH Tustin Rehabilitation Hospital Pacific Alliance Medical Center Kaiser Mental Health Center St Vincent Medical Center Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
Suggested Reading on Itching by Our Doctors
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Related Diseases & Conditions
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Liver
- The liver is the largest solid organ in the body, and is actually an gland. The liver has a wide variety of critical functions such as manufacturing proteins and metabolizing fats and carbohydrates. The liver also eliminates harmful biochemical waste products from the body (alcohol, drugs, toxins). The liver secretes bile that aids in digestion. Examples of diseases of the liver include cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer, and fatty liver. Symptoms of liver disease include bleeding, easy bruising, edema, fatigue, and jaundice.
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Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Chickenpox (chicken pox) is a contagious childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms have an incubation period of 14 to 16 days and include a couple days of mild fever, weakness, and red, raised rash that progresses to blisters that eventually burst and crust over. Complications include bacterial infection of the open sores, scarring, encephalitis, nerve palsies, and Reye's syndrome.
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Cirrhosis (Liver)
- Cirrhosis of the liver refers to a disease in which normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue caused by alcohol and viral hepatitis B and C. This disease leads to abnormalities in the liver's ability to handle toxins and blood flow, causing internal bleeding, kidney failure, mental confusion, coma, body fluid accumulation, and frequent infections. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin, itching, and fatigue.
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Athlete's Foot
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a skin infection caused by the ringworm fungus. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracking, peeling, and bleeding feet. Treatment involves keeping the feet dry and clean, wearing shoes that can breathe, and using medicated powders to keep your feet dry.
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Frostbite and Cold Weather-Related Injuries
- There are two categories to cold weather-related injuries. 1) no freezing of body tissue (trench foot and chilblains), and 2) freezing of body tissues (frostbite). Chilblains in general, will not need medical attention (unless there is infection). Trench foot and frostbite, however, require medical attention. Symptoms of frostbite include pain, burning, numbness, and eventually a complete loss of sensation in the affected body part. The young, elderly, and patients with certain medical conditions (diabetes, hypothyroidism, circulatory problems, and psychiatric illnesses), are more susceptible to cold weather-related injuries. People who abuse alcohol and illicit drug user are also at risk for cold weather-related injuries.
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Hay Fever
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, eye and nose itching, and tearing eyes. Avoidance of known allergens is the recommended treatment, but if this is not possible, antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays may help alleviate symptoms.
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Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, a vital part of the body's immune system. Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, coughing, weakness, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain. Treatment depends on which type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma you have, the stage of the cancer, your age, how fast the cancer is growing, and whether you have other health problems.
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Pancreatic Cancer
- Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a "silent" disease because early pancreatic cancer usually does not cause symptoms.
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Pink Eye
- Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids and the membranes covering the whites of the eyes. These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents.
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Poison Ivy
- Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that cause an itchy skin rash and skin inflamation when contacted directly. This poison can be treated with medications such as calamine lotion and cortisone drugs.
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Hives
- Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an allergic reaction. The allergy may be to food or medications, but usually the cause of the allergy (the allergen) is unknown.
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Varicose Veins
- Varicose vein: A dilated (widened) tortuous (twisting) vein, usually involving a superficial vein in the leg, often associated with incompetency of the valves in the vein. These visible and bulging veins are often associated with symptoms such as tired, heavy, or aching limbs. Spider veins are a group of widened veins that can be seen through the surface of the skin.
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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
- Primary Biliary Cirrhosis is a chronic disease characterized by progressive inflammation and destruction of small bile ducts within the liver. The bile ducts transport bile from the liver to the intestine for the absorption of fat and elimination of waste products. The causes of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis may involve autoimmunity, infection, or genetic predisposition, acting alone or in combination. There are many medications and treatment options available for those with this and other associated diseases of Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.
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Rash
- The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
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Pinworms
- Pinworm infection is an intestinal infection caused by a pinworm, seatworm, or threadworm. Female pinworms leave the intestine through the anus and deposit eggs on the skin around the anus while a person is asleep. Pinworm infection is the most common worm infection in the US. Symptoms include anal itching or vaginal itching. Pinworm infection is generally spread by inadequate handwashing from infected persons. Treatment is effective after a diagnosis is made with a pinworm test.
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Genital Herpes In Women
- Genital herpes, a viral infection by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is transmitted during sexual contact with the mucous-covered linings of the mouth, vagina, or the genital skin. A typical outbreak begins with an itching or tingling sensation followed by redness of the skin and blister formation. The blisters and ulcers that form when the blisters break are painful to the touch, and last from 7 days to 2 weeks. Though there is no cure for herpes, there are ways to treat outbreaks.
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Allergy
- An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
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Rabies
- Rabies is a potentially fatal viral infection. Rabies symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, and can progress to more serious symptoms such as seizures, coma and death. The rabies vaccine (rabies treatment) should be administered immediately after the person or pet has been bitten.
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Trichinosis
- Trichinosis is a food-borne disease caused by ingesting parasites (roundworms) in undercooked pork or wild-game meat. Symptoms of trichinosis include diarrhea, nausea, muscle aches, itching, fever, chills, and joint pains. Trichinosis usually resolves without treatment, but more severe cases are treated with thiabendazole, albendazole, or mebendazole.
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Head Lice
- Head lice infection is called pediculosis. Lice are parasites that feed on blood and can be found on the scalp and hair of infected people. Signs and symptoms of head lice infestation include a tickling sensation, itching, and sores on the head. Head lice may be eliminated with various over-the-counter shampoos and washing all clothing and bed linens in the hot water cycle. Combs and brushes should be disinfected, and the floor and furniture should be vacuumed.
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Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, progressive disease of the bile ducts that channel bile from the liver into the intestines. There is an association between primary sclerosing cholangitis and ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Symptoms of primary sclerosing cholangitis include abnormal liver blood tests, itching, fatigue, and jaundice. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is treated with medications and in some cases, liver transplant.
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Anal Itching
- Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. Causes include everything from irritating foods we eat, to certain disease and infections. Treatment options include local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, protectants, astringents, antiseptics, keratolytics, analgesics, and corticosteroids. If condition persists, a doctor examination may be needed to identify an underlying cause.
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Herpes Simplex Infections (Cold Sores, Non-Genital)
- Herpes simplex infections are common and when they appear around the mouth and lips, people often refer to them as "cold sores" and "fever blisters." Canker sores are different than cold sores. Air droplets can spread the virus, as can direct contact with the fluid from the blisters. Cold sore treatment include over-the-counter medication as well as prescription medications.
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Sun-Sensitive Drugs (Photosensitivity to Drugs)
- Sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) is an inflammation of the skin induced by the combination of medications or substances and sunlight. The affect on the skin is redness, which looks similar to a sunburn. Generally, these reactions are either phototoxic or photoallergic. Phototoxic drugs are more common than photoallergic drugs. Symptoms of phototoxic reactions are a burning and stinging sensation and then redness. Symptoms of photoallergic reactions are itching, redness, swelling, blisters of the affected area. Treatment generally is discontinuation of the medication and topical application of creams.
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Food Allergy
- The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, itching, hives, eczema, asthma, lightheadedness, and anaphylaxis. Allergy skin tests, RAST, and ELISA tests may be used to diagnose a food allergy. Though dietary avoidance may be sufficient treatment for mild allergies, the use of an Epipen may be necessary for severe food allergies.
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Scabies
- Scabies are itch mites that burrow under the skin and produce intense itching that's usually worse at night. Symptoms of scabies are small bumps and blisters on the wrists, knees, between the fingers, on the back of the elbows, in the groin and on the buttocks. Treatment involves applying a mite-killing cream, antihistamines for itch relief, washing bedclothes and linens.
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Ringworm
- The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. Among the different types of ringworm are the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.
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Keloid
- A keloid is a scar that doesn't know when to stop. When the cells keep on reproducing, the result is an overgrown (hypertrophic) scar or a keloid. A keloid looks shiny and is often dome-shaped, ranging in color from slightly pink to red. It feels hard and thick and is always raised above the surrounding skin.
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Eye Allergy
- Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics may cause eye allergies. Allergic eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Dry eye, tear-duct obstruction, and conjunctivitis due to infection are frequently confused with eye allergies. Eye allergies may be treated with topical antihistamines, decongestants, topical mast-cell stabilizers, topical antiinflammatory drugs, systemic medications, and allergy shots.
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