Health

Easy Home Tips on How to Stop a Toothache from a Broken Tooth

Written By: Arch
Arch

A fractured tooth can cause an unbearable toothache. The intensity of the pain you experience might significantly increase and lead to complications if you don’t do anything about the problem. That’s exactly why you need to know how to stop a toothache from a broken tooth.

It goes without saying that visiting your dentist in case of a broken tooth is definitely a must. However, if you can’t visit your dentist right away, here you will find some easy tips that will help you numb the pain.

Tooth Anatomy

The pain you experience from a broken tooth can increase if the inner pulp of your tooth is exposed. The inner pulp (endodontium) is located in the center of each tooth and has a very important function as it holds the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves.

Every tooth has an outer layer called enamel. Enamel is the hardest material in the human body. This hard layer serves as protection for blood vessels and nerves.

The crown is the anatomical area of the tooth that’s visible in the mouth. It is usually covered by enamel. If your tooth is broken, dentists typically resolve this problem by applying artificial crowns which can cover the entire damaged tooth.

Cavities are among the most common reasons behind toothaches. They can also break your teeth. Aside from cavities, tooth enamel can be cracked by biting into something hard, sports accidents, etc.

How to Treat a Toothache

If you’re wondering how to stop a toothache from a broken tooth at home, the following solutions should help.

First Things First

Before you try any further methods, find a piece of gauze and gently bite it down. If there’s bleeding inside the mouth, this will help reduce it. Once the gauze fills with blood, replace it with a fresh one.

Also, if you find broken pieces of your tooth, you should collect them and take them to your dentist. This will help the dentist determine faster if that piece was a part of filling or enamel. That information can speed up the process, which is everyone’s goal.

Rinse Your Mouth

Make sure to clean your mouth and prevent infections from occurring. Rinse your mouth after each meal in order to eliminate the debris surrounding your broken tooth.

For this procedure you can use plain cold or warm water. Using salt water has shown more positive effects as it can be used to prevent many oral diseases.

Be very gentle while rinsing your mouth. As mentioned, the goal here is to prevent infections from occurring as they can cause apical pain and lead to abscess or further complications.

Apply Ice

Roll ice cubes in a towel and gently press it to the swollen part of your face. You should apply ice every 15 to 20 minutes in order to decrease the swelling and pain.

If you don’t have ice cubes but still need a fast solution, you can use bags of frozen vegetables or anything cold that you can press to your skin without causing any damage.

Use Peppermint Tea Bags

Peppermint tea bags are known for decreasing pain and nurturing very sensitive gums.

The procedure is simple. Make peppermint tea and wait for the tea bag to cool off. Although it is advised to put the tea bag in the freezer and apply it to the affected area afterwards, you can also use a slightly warm tea bag if you need urgent relief.

Eat Garlic

Garlic can successfully eliminate the bacteria that can cause dental plaque. In addition, garlic is also a potent pain reliever.

To get the most out of this method, you should simply eat a clove of garlic slowly. An alternative solution is to crush the clove and make a paste that you will apply to the affected area.

Try Clove Oil

Eugenol (also known as clove oil) is a natural anesthetic that can be found in most food stores. All that you need to do is soak a small piece of cotton in the oil. After that, wrap a piece of tissue around the cotton in order to dry the excess oil. Then simply apply the cotton to the damaged tooth.

You should hold the cotton as described for about 10 seconds.

Use OTC Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are advised if your pain isn’t decreasing for a long period of time. You can use pain-relief medication such as Advil, Motrin, or Tylenol.

Before taking OTC medications, make sure that they are safe to be used with other medications in case you are taking any on a regular basis.

Avoid Certain Foods

If your tooth’s nerve is exposed, you have to avoid eating and drinking everything from the following list as it can damage the tooth further:

  • Alcohol
  • Coffee
  • Acidic soda
  • Cold drinks
  • Fruits with seeds
  • Sugar-laden foods
  • Nuts
  • Celery
  • Gum
  • Candy

Avoid eating anything that can put pressure on the teeth. Instead, you can eat soup, roasted vegetables, smoothies, and other soft foods. Also, remember to avoid eating on the side of your broken tooth as much as you can.

How to Avoid Breaking Your Tooth

Once you go through the pain of a broken tooth, you never want to experience that again. That’s why you need to be familiar with some of the most common causes that lead to broken teeth so you can avoid them. These include:

  • Biting into hard food (such as nuts, etc.)
  • Biting hard objects
  • Sports accidents (you might want to consider using mouth-guards)
  • Clenching of the teeth

The Final Verdict

The best outfit you can wear is your smile. With that being said, you need to take good care of your teeth and prevent complications. This article provided you with the information you need to do so.

Although you now know how to stop a toothache from a broken tooth, visiting your dentist is still mandatory. Broken teeth must not be left untreated as they can create other, more serious problems.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28914244
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590084

Health

How to Relieve Trapped Gas and Stop Bloating and Pain

Written By: Arch
Arch

Gas is a normal and common part of the digestion process. A healthy adult passes gas anywhere between 13 and 21 times during a day. However, the inability to release gas from your intestines might also cause pain and bloating.

Overeating, chewing gum, drinking with a straw, eating certain types of foods, smoking, and swallowing air while you eat and drink might cause gas to build up in your intestines.

So, how to relieve trapped gas? There are many ways to go about this problem, and different methods work for different people. Keep reading to find the one that works for you.

1. Move Your Bowels

Along with moving the bowels, we often also release gas from our bodies. If you have a problem with trapped gas, you might want to go to the restroom and give the bowel movement a try.

If it doesn’t work and you can’t move your bowels at a given time, there are many other things you can do to relieve trapped gas.

2. Take a Walk

Physical activity, even something as mild as walking, can help activate the entire organism. This also includes the intestines and the digestive tract. So, if you were wondering how to relieve trapped gas, a walk around the block or park might be the answer.

3. Lie on Your Side

If you’re at home and don’t feel like going out, you can always curl up on a bed or a sofa. Make sure you lie on the side, with knees tucked to your chest. Slowly move your legs down and back up to your chest.

Give this method some time, as it might take more than a few minutes before it starts working. You can also try holding your knees to your chest. However, if it causes pain or if the existing pain intensifies, switch back to slowly moving your legs up and down.

4. Massage

While you’re lying down on your side, you could start rubbing your tummy with a hand. This might help the intestines move the gas faster.

If you’re in the office or at some other place where you can’t lie down, you can start rubbing your stomach while sitting or even standing up. Use gentle left-to-right movements.

5. Breathe Deeply

This method might work for some and might not work for the others. That’s mostly because breathing in excess air can sometimes raise the amount of trapped gas.

However, this exercise is very effective in relieving the pain caused by the trapped gas. Try it with caution and if it doesn’t help reduce the pain, move on to another method.

6. Exercise

Mild exercise can help solve many issues and improve your overall health. Your digestive tract can also benefit from a regular exercise regimen. Mild exercise such as yoga can help relax the muscles in your stomach and make it easier for you to release the trapped gas. Yoga is especially effective after meals.

7. Eat Slowly

Some people get excess gas in their intestines because they eat fast and swallow a lot of air along with the food. If you usually eat fast, you should start eating slowly. Try to chew each bite at least 20-30 times before swallowing. It will help break the food down more thoroughly in your mouth. Consequently, the remaining phases of digestion will be easier and smoother, causing you less gas-related problems.

8. Stop Chewing Gum

Though they are often overlooked, chewing gums can cause bloating, trapped gas, and gas-related pains. When you chew gum, you swallow a lot of air that can get trapped in your lower intestines. It is worth mentioning that the sugar-free gums have artificial sweeteners that might also contribute to bloating.

9. Avoid Straws

Similar to the previous point, drinking milk, water, fruit juice, or a cocktail through a straw might cause excess air to gather in your stomach and cause problems. Next time you’re offered a straw with your drink, decline and drink directly from the glass.

Also, drinking from a can or a bottle can cause you to swallow too much air. Be especially cautious not to drink carbonated beverages in such a manner.

10. Drink Tea

Various types of tea can help with many health issues and problems. If you suffer from trapped gas, you might want to give anise, ginger, chamomile, and peppermint teas a shot.

You should have in mind that the anise tea also has mild laxative effects. Don’t drink it if you’re prone to chronic diarrhea. On the other hand, if you also have constipation, anise tea might be a great choice.

Chamomile has been used to treat the symptoms of bloating, trapped gas, and indigestion for centuries. If you opt for it, drink it before going to bed.

11. Eat Fennel Seeds

In addition to the mentioned teas, fennel seeds have a strong reputation for helping with gas-related problems. Though there’s no scientific proof, anecdotal evidence shows that one teaspoon should be enough in most cases.

You should be aware that some consider fennel seeds a bad choice for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If any of the two apply to you, it would be best to pick another method.

12. Take Peppermint Supplements

Aside from drinking peppermint tea, you can introduce peppermint supplements to your diet if trapped gas is bothering you. These supplements have traditionally been taken for a wide range of digestive problems, including trapped wind.

Be careful, though, as peppermint suppresses the iron absorption in your body. So, if you’re anemic or already taking iron supplements, you should avoid this method. Finally, peppermint supplements in uncoated capsules can cause heartburn, so take them with caution.

13. Use Clove Oil

You can also use clove oil to solve the problems with trapped gas. The oil is among the traditional home remedies for gastrointestinal problems, including bloating, indigestion, and gas. It might also be effective in fighting ulcers.

Consuming clove oil after a meal will raise the levels of digestive enzymes and help your digestive tract process the food better. Consequently, a smoother digestion process will also reduce the amount of gas in your intestines.

14. Use Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is effective in reducing intestinal gas. It is fairly inexpensive and available without a prescription. However, you should start slowly in order to avoid nausea and constipation.

Don’t be afraid if you see your stool turn black when you start using activated charcoal. It is a common and harmless side effect that should go away on its own.

Final Thoughts

The inability to pass gas can be quite unpleasant, especially when accompanied by pain, bloating, or other problems. Though usually not harmful, it can sometimes signal underlying problems with the digestive tract.

How to relieve trapped gas? You can try walking, lying on the side, massage, dietary changes, supplements, and exercise. If nothing brings you relief, call your doctor.

Keywords:

How to relieve trapped gas

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24100754
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21140134
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/symptoms-causes/syc-20372709
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/remedies-for-bloating-and-wind

Health

Flu Vaccination 101: How Long Does a Flu Shot Last and How Effective Is It?

Written By: Arch
Arch

The flu shot is the best and most effective method of prevention against influenza infections. It is commonly administered on an annual basis, and its composition can vary from season to season.

How long does a flu shot last? Though administered once a year, it offers up to six months of effective protection. October is the month when most patients receive their flu shots.

Keep reading to find out more on how the flu shot works, how it’s made, when to get it, and who should get it.

Why Should You Get the Flu Shot?

In short, a flu shot significantly decreases your chances of contracting the flu. This is especially important for older people, children, and those with compromised immune systems.

While you can still get the flu after the shot, your body will have developed enough antibodies to stave off most of the mild and intermediate infections.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 140,000 and 710,000 people get hospitalized every year due to influenza and influenza-related health problems.

How Do Flu Shots Work?

Flu shots contain small amounts of the virus strains they are supposed to protect you against. These quantities are too low to actually cause you to get sick, but are high enough to alarm your immune system and get it working.

When you get the flu shot, it takes around 14 days for it to start working. In those two weeks, your body will develop the necessary antibodies to kill the viruses present in the vaccine. Those antibodies will then continue to protect you from the infections throughout the season.

Have in mind that you can still catch the flu during the incubation period, so pay extra attention to the hygiene. Also, try to avoid big crowds or visiting someone who might have the flu. On top of that, be careful not to touch your mouth or nose with your hands, especially if you haven’t washed them thoroughly.

How Effective Are Flu Shots?

The efficacy of a flu shot depends on how well the strains it contains match the influenza strains that year. When the match is good, the shot can reduce your chance of getting the flu by 60%. On the other hand, a poor match might leave you less protected.

Seasonal influenza shots are not a guarantee that you won’t get sick during the flu season. They can’t protect you from stomach viruses, bacterial infections, or other illnesses typical of the flu season. That’s because they are not caused by the influenza virus. Flu shots can only protect you from influenza viruses they contain.

How Long Do Flu Shots Last?

Well, how long does a flu shot last? In a nutshell, the shot lasts one season. The mix of strains included in the shot one year might differ from the mix of strains included the previous or the next year. This is due to the fact that the influenza virus strains are constantly changing and evolving.

Therefore, the shot that effectively protected you the last season might not protect you that well this season. Generally, the changes and variations are not drastic from season to season. However, to be on the safe side, it is important to get a shot every year.

Each year, experts work hard to determine the most likely strains to cause epidemics that season. Once the research is done, they choose the top three or four strains and put them into the vaccine. Most commonly, the seasonal shot will contain two influenza A strains and one or two influenza B strains.

When Should You Get the Shot?

Typically, healthcare providers will receive the first flu shot shipments as early as August. Most manufacturers will ship their shots by September.

Though it is easy to go with the “the earlier the better” rule here, there is some evidence that it might not be good to get the shot that early. A study published in 2017 found that the level of protection decreases each month after receiving the shot. Therefore, if you take the shot in August, you might be far more susceptible to catching the flu in February or March.

The CDC recommends getting the shot in October, before the flu season revs up. It is also OK to get the shot later, as the flu season might extend all the way to March.

What Are the Side Effects of Flu Shots?

Like any other drug or medical treatment, the flu shot can cause a range of side effects. People often don’t experience any of them. Even if they do, these side effects tend to be very mild in most cases. The most common ones include:

  • Injection site reaction. Some people may experience soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. These symptoms usually go away on their own in a day or two.
  • Pain and headache. You may also feel headache and muscle or joint pains after you’ve received the shot. Commonly, the symptoms should go away in a day or two.
  • Fainting and dizziness. If you get dizzy or feel as if you’re about to faint, sit down and wait for the feeling to pass. It is also a good idea to snack on something.
  • Slight fever (101 degree Fahrenheit or lower) is a common side effect of a flu shot. It should be gone in a day or two. If you get a high fever, go to a doctor.
  • Allergic reaction. This is a rare side effect. The symptoms might include weakness, dizziness, tachycardia, trouble breathing, swelling, and hives. If you notice any of the symptoms, go to the doctor immediately.

Who Should and Who Shouldn’t Get Flu Shots?

As a rule, everyone 6 months or older should be vaccinated every year. The risk groups include elderly people (aged 65 and older), children 5 years old and younger, pregnant women, and people suffering from conditions such as cancer or asthma.

Babies younger than 6 months should not receive the flu shot as their immune systems can’t cope with the amount of the virus in the vaccine. Instead, all adults and children around them should be vaccinated, thus maintaining herd immunity until the baby is old enough to get the flu shot.

Those suffering from acute illnesses should wait until they’re better to get the shot. In the meantime, they should take extra care to avoid getting infected.

If you currently have or have previously had any of the following conditions, you should tell your doctor before getting the shot:

  • Guillain-Barre syndrome
  • Previous vaccine complications
  • Severe allergies

Final Words

A flu shot is prepared for each flu season and includes the influenza virus strains that will most likely be prominent the following season. A well-made shot can decrease your chances of contracting the flu by up to 60%.

The shot lasts for one season. If you take it in August when it first becomes available, you might be more vulnerable in the late stages of the season than someone who received theirs in October. Mild side effects are common and tend to go away in a day or two. However, if you notice high fever or an allergic reaction, call your doctor as soon as possible.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28182217
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21645515.2016.1183077
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flushot.htm
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-vaccine-questions-answers

Fibromyalgia

What Causes Night Sweats in Men?

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin
night sweat men

Image: Pexels

Night sweats are common in both women and men. Women often experience night sweats during menopause due to hormonal imbalances. However, night sweats are also common in men.

There are several reasons why people experience night sweats, such as hormone-related conditions, low blood sugar, or neurological problems. To distinguish whether or not you are experiencing a medical condition or if you have concerns or questions, make an appointment and visit your doctor. Speak to a health professional you trust.

What are night sweats?

What exactly are night sweats? And what causes them? If you keep your room warm or wear thick clothing while you sleep, the temperature may cause you to sweat at night. However, if you experience severe hot flashes at night, this may be night sweats.

Night sweats are often discovered when someone wakes up in soaked sheets and clothes. This may be caused by hot room temperatures, but medical conditions or diseases cause night sweats, which is unrelated to the ambient environment.

Although it is common to sweat at night, it is difficult to distinguish if you are experiencing night sweats or just excessively sweating. In a study of over 2,000 patients, 41% described experiencing night sweats to their doctor. As such, the peer-reviewed journal American Family Physician notes that “night sweats area common outpatient complaint, yet literature on the subject is scarce.”

How does one distinguish night sweats from sweating? Night sweats are classified as sweating associated with medical conditions or illnesses. Night sweats occur repeatedly and can involve extreme perspiration. Additionally, night sweats are associated with many symptoms, such as hot flashes, fever, weight loss or gain, certain infections, low blood sugar, specific illnesses, like malaria and various medications. This is why, if you are not certain of the cause, it is important to speak to your doctor if you believe you are experiencing night sweats.

What causes night sweats?

There are several things that may cause night sweats, including your medications or medical conditions. Below are lists of both disorders and medications that may cause night sweats.

Medical Conditions or Disorders

  • sleep disorders (for example, obstructive sleep apnea)
  • anxiety disorders
  • Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • leukemia
  • myelofibrosis
  • autoimmune disorders
  • HIV/AIDS
  • tuberculosis (TB)
  • low blood sugar
  • various cancers, including intestinal cancer

Medications

  • antidepressants
  • hypoglycemic agents
  • hormone therapy (or hormone-blocking drugs that are used to help with certain cancers)
  • while not a medication, hot spices can also cause people to sweat

Treatment

In most cases, night sweats are not serious. However, night sweats may be an indicator of a bigger health problem. Research shows that night sweats may be an indicator of autoimmune diseases, heart problems, or even sleep apnea.

We should note that sweating is a natural function that the body uses to your temperature. Water in the form of sweat is cooling as it evaporates. Sweating occurs when your body temperature rises above what is called the thermoneutral zone.

If you are concerned about night sweats, there are steps you can take to treat them. Monitor your body temperature at least two times a day to determine if you have any fevers. In addition, track any other symptoms you may be experiencing in order to accurately inform your doctor of your situation. You should also note that people who exercise regularly tend to start sweating at lower temperatures than people who are less active.

More importantly, in order to treat your night sweats, you need to treat the medical condition or disease causing them. One way to determine what causes your night sweats is going to see your doctor. In the meantime, make sure to avoid eating spicy foods before you go to bed and sleep without extra clothing or blankets to keep a cool environment.

Low Testosterone Levels

Night sweats in men are often linked to low levels of testosterone. Also known as low T, low testosterone levels appear to be  increasingly common among men (although this may be caused by an increase in men willing to talk about it with their physicians). Low T is connected to night sweats because testosterone is the main sex hormone in men. Similar to women during menopause, low T is related to hormonal imbalances. If low T is responsible for your night sweats, it is possible for your doctor to suggest hormone replacement therapy.

Low T is fairly rare, occurring in a little over 2 percent of men aged 50, but that increases to about 50 percent of men in their 80s. However, this reinforced the need to see a doctor if you are experiencing night sweats and don’t know why. Low T can be the sign of serious medical conditions and should prompt immediate concern and care.

Symptoms of low T include low energy, increased body fat, moodiness, hot flashes, low libido, and erectile dysfunction.

In conclusion…

Sweat is natural and, in fact, healthy. Sweating allows us to regulate our body temperatures by keeping us cool. However, excessive sweating is uncomfortable and is a sign of your health conditions. Night sweats in men are fairly common, but do not ignore your symptoms, and talk to your doctor right away to rule out the possibility of a serous condition developing.

References:

https://www.mdedge.com/familymedicine/article/62725/sleep-medicine/whats-best-diagnostic-evaluation-night-sweats

https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/night-sweats/basics/causes/sym-20050768

https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19528882/truth-about-night-sweats/

https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/night-sweats

https://www.webmd.com/men/features/low-testosterone-explained-how-do-you-know-when-levels-are-too-low#1

Health

How to Get Rid of Pimples Overnight

Written By: Arch
Arch

Pimples always seem to come out at the worst possible time. You just wake up one morning and feel the throbbing pain of a pimple growing under your skin. Whether you have a big date coming up or a business meeting to go to, pimples can rob you of your self-esteem when you least expect them to.

Severe pimples or acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it affects up to 50 million people annually. While the problem often starts in adolescence, it can even continue into your 30s or 40s.

Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to help fight this skin condition. If you want to know how to get rid of pimples overnight, read on. We’ll take a look at the causes of breakouts and explain what you can do to get rid of your pimples quickly.

What Causes Pimples?

Pimples happen when the pores of your skin become blocked. Often the result of dead skin cells and excess oil production, untreated pimples can lead to inflammation or infection. In serious cases, they can also cause scar tissue.

While this is what causes pimples, there are many risk factors that can trigger or worsen the problem:

  • Age: Pimples are most often seen during teenage years, but can occur at any age.
  • Genetics: Like many health concerns, pimples can be hereditary. If your parents had acne, there’s a good chance you will have the issue too.
  • Hormones: Hormonal changes like those experienced in puberty cause the oil (sebaceous) glands to produce more oil (otherwise known as sebum). Pregnancy and oral contraceptive pills can also increase sebum production.
  • Medication: Drugs containing testosterone, lithium, or corticosteroids can trigger or aggravate an outbreak.
  • Diet: While there’s little evidence that greasy food causes pimples, some studies have found that carbohydrate-rich foods like bread may worsen acne. Dairy products like skim milk and chocolate have also been associated with the condition.
  • Stress: While it’s unlikely to be the underlying cause, studies have found a link between an increase in stress and the severity of acne.

Who’s Affected?

Pimples don’t discriminate. People of all ages can have pimple breakouts from time to time. While 85% of people aged 12 to 24 experience at least mild acne, researchers have noticed an increase in acne occurring in adults, especially women.

In fact, some studies have found that over 15% of women and 7% of men aged over 50 experience acne.

How to Get Rid of Pimples Overnight

Sometimes pimples flare up at the worst possible time. If you want to know how to get rid of pimples overnight, we’ve got you covered. Keep in mind that some treatments work better for some than others, so you may need to see what works best for your skin.

You should also avoid trying all these methods at once as it’s more likely to irritate and further damage the skin. Before using a new pimple treatment on your face, try it somewhere else on your body first to make sure it won’t cause any adverse skin reactions. This is called a patch test.

Cortisone Injection

It may seem like a big step, but if you really need to get rid of a pimple fast, a trip to the dermatologist could be the best solution. By injecting dilute-strength cortisone, pimples can be treated quickly and effectively, with results often seen within 24 hours.

While this isn’t necessarily a cheap treatment (you will need to fork out for the appointment and medication), it’s an almost guaranteed way to get rid of a pimple overnight.

Essential Oils

The healing properties of essential oils have long been known, but recent studies have also found them to be great at clearing up pimples. Tea tree is the most commonly used essential oil to treat acne due to its antimicrobial properties and high level of antioxidants.

Place a few drops of oil onto a cotton swab or ball and gently apply to pimples. The oil will penetrate the skin to unblock oil glands while disinfecting pores and drying out pimples.

Other essential oils that can be used to treat pimples include lavender, clary sage, and Juniper berry.

Aspirin

While aspirin is typically used to treat headaches and inflammation, applying a paste of crushed aspirin is a great way to clear up pimples. Aspirin contains salicylic acid which can help unclog pores, dry the skin, and reduce inflammation.

For best results, crush the aspirin and mix it with a small amount of water to make a paste. Using a cotton tip, apply the paste to your pimples and leave overnight. When you wash it off in the morning, the anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce swelling, while drawing out moisture and unclogging pores.

Baking Soda or Toothpaste

For a result similar to that of aspirin, apply a paste of baking soda or toothpaste to the pimple. Baking soda will dry out the site, while the antibacterial properties in toothpaste can help eliminate bacteria. As some kinds of toothpaste contain ingredients that may irritate the skin, run a patch test first before applying to your face.

Hydrocortisone Cream

When used sparingly, hydrocortisone cream can help reduce up to 80% of the redness of a pimple. Dab a small amount on the pimple in the evening and again in the morning for best results.

How to Prevent Pimples

Sometimes it’s easier to prevent a skin problem than to treat it. So if you want to get rid of pimples, you need to follow a good skincare regimen.

Use the Right Cleanser

A good cleanser will not only remove dirt and oil from your skin but also help fight bacteria that cause acne. Look for a cleanser that contains salicylic or glycolic acid to help reduce excess oil and prevent pores from clogging. Benzoyl peroxide can also help exfoliate the skin and kill bacteria.

It is best to avoid ingredients like alcohol as it can strip the skin of moisture, thus resulting in a build-up of dead skin cells.

While washing your face is important to reduce breakouts, excessive cleansing can actually strip the skin, encouraging the overproduction of oil. Cleanse your face up to two times per day for best results.

Moisturize

Although cleansing is important, to avoid dry skin, you also need to moisturize. For healthy and balanced skin, even oily skin types will find the benefits from moisturizing can help reduce their pimples.

An oil-free moisturizer with UVA and UVB protection will protect your skin while saving you from having to use additional sunscreen. Check to make sure that the ingredients include hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which provide hydration and reduce inflammation associated with acne.

Final Word

While it can sometimes feel like there’s nothing you can do to prevent pimples, following the above tips can help reduce the appearance of your pimples quickly. Now that you know how to get rid of pimples overnight, the next time you feel a breakout coming, you can stop it before it takes hold.

 

Referenes:

https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-conditions-by-the-numbers
https://www.aad.org/media/news-releases/growing-evidence-suggests-possible-link-between-diet-and-acne
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5722010
https://www.news-medical.net/news/2007/10/22/31518.aspx
https://www.seventeen.com/beauty/makeup-skincare/a45990/how-to-get-rid-of-pimples-overnight

Fibromyalgia

What Causes the Fibromyalgia Burning Sensation?

Written By: Tiffany Vance-Huffman
admin

Do you ever feel like your bones are on fire? What about the top of your leg or your back, maybe even under the skin? Some fibromyalgia patients feel like lava is being pumped through their veins rather than blood. They might even have a burning sensation in their brain, which is hard to explain, as there are no pain receptors there.

Others feel like their stomach, tendons, or ligaments are burning right inside their body. For many with fibromyalgia, the searing pain is so severe that they cry and scream in pain. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s nothing to show for it! For example, when my skin feels like it’s on fire, it’s not even red. Does that happen to you?

Does it make you angry? We all know that it’s really hard to get people to believe that something is wrong when they can’t see a single problem on your body and the lack of validating evidence is infuriating.

What in the World is Going On?

According to medical experts, “Research suggests that the pain associated with fibromyalgia is caused by a “glitch” in the way the body processes pain. This glitch results in a hypersensitivity to stimuli that normally are not painful. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), research has shown that people with fibromyalgia have reduced blood flow to parts of the brain that normally help the body deal with pain.”

The American Fibromyalgia Syndrome Association puts it perfectly: “Fibromyalgia pain has no boundaries.” They add at the “body-wide symptoms are greatly magnified by malfunctions in the way the nervous system processes pain.” This coincides with the previously mentioned research regarding a “glitch” in the system, so in this context it makes sense the body will sometimes register stimuli as a burning feeling.

The burning that fibromyalgia patients often experience is sometimes associated with allodynia, which is a painful sensation caused by touch and frequently associated with migraine headaches. However, many fibro patients do not have to experience being touched in order to feel the burn that seems to come from within and sometimes on the surface. So while allodynia may be the situation for some with fibromyalgia, it does not explain the burning sensation across the board. To be fair, however, there seems to be almost nothing that explains any fibromyalgia symptom across the board. Thus, the great mystery surrounding this strange affliction.

Can Anything Be Done About It?

Here are some examples of what fellow patients say works for them to ease the fibromyalgia  burning sensation:

  • Massage therapy – A typical feature of fibromyalgia is the inability to relax the muscles. Often our muscles are tense and we don’t even know it. This leads to a build-up of lactic acid which can also be a cause of the burning sensation, especially in the muscles. A highly skilled massage therapist (you may even consider a medical massage therapist) who understands fibromyalgia can work with you weekly or bi-weekly to release the acid. For some patients this reduces and even removes the burning sensation entirely.
  • Cortisone shots – Administered by a healthcare practitioner, this is a temporary relief and does not apply to all situations of burning sensations.
  • Gabapentin – Prescription medication used to treat pain caused by shingles.
  • Heat therapy – It sounds counter-intuitive but fibro patients experiencing a burning sensation often report that heat therapy options such as hot tubs and electric blankets provide a great deal of relief.
  • Supplements – Although the exact cause of the burning feeling is unknown, some patients appear to be nutritionally deficient, which can be a leading cause of many fibromyalgia symptoms. Look for a high-quality (preferably whole foods) vitamin in addition to a high dosage of Vitamin D and a steady dose of magnesium (due to our commercial agricultural practices, almost everyone in North America is magnesium deficient which causes a litany of symptoms both related and unrelated to fibromyalgia.)
  • Lidocaine patches – These actually fall into the category of local anesthetics. Even though there are versions of them available over-the-counter, for our purposes of relieving the burning sensations, you’ll want to get a prescription from your doctor. In fact, they are often used to relieve nerve pain after shingles.
  • Antihistamines – Benadryl and Zyrtec have been reported as effective for relieving the burning pain in fibromyalgia patients.
  • Decreasing stress – You’ve heard it a thousand times because it’s true. Finding ways to relieve stress and cope with stressors can do wonders for many fibromyalgia symptoms, including the strange burning.

Whatever the source of the fibromyalgia burning sensation, it sucks. Have you found anything that relieves it for you? Tell us. In fact, tell us the things you’ve tried that haven’t worked too. Because something will always work for someone and anything we can do to help each other is more than welcome!

References

https://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-pain#1

http://www.afsafund.org/fibromyalgia.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4281368/

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-17549/lidoderm-topical/details

https://www.niams.nih.gov/

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14208-8217/gabapentin-oral/gabapentin-oral/details

How Long Does Fever Last with Flu?

Written By: William
admin

Having the flu is a condition that causes a variety of unpleasant symptoms and affects millions of people each year. One study reports that up to five million people in European countries are affected by severe flu on an annual basis. Additionally, up to 500,000 people die each year in these countries due to the flu. Furthermore, up to 30% of children and up to 10% of adults will be affected by flu every single year.

Flu is a term that is used to refer to infection by a variation of the influenza virus. This type of viral infection affects the patient’s upper airway. Many symptoms can develop and, while the condition can often resolve within just a couple of days, complications can develop that can cause potentially life-threatening events to occur.

Fever is one of the most common symptoms caused by the influenza virus and this can be quite unpleasant. In this post, we’ll take a look at how long fever tends to last when a person is infected with the influenza virus. We will also take a look at what causes the influenza virus. We’ll review the most common symptoms and consider the most effective ways to treat the condition quickly and easily.

Causes And Risks Of Influenza

The flu is caused by the infiltration of viruses in the human body. In reaction to the infection by these viruses, the immune system starts to produce cells that are known as antibodies, which are sent toward the location where the infection is taking place. Over a hundred different viruses can cause the flu.

Understanding the risk factors for flu can help you determine whether you need to be extra careful due to high risk factors. If you live in an area where the virus is especially common or you are already sick or elderly or a young child, you are considered a high risk, not just because you could catch the flu more often than anyone else, but because an infection could do you more harm than healthier people.

Among the common risk factors:

  • Children are more likely to suffer from flu than adults. The elderly are also at a higher risk.
  • Certain chronic diseases and medical conditions are known to cause an increased risk of influenza virus infections. Examples include cancer and diabetes.
  • A weak immune system, such as in people with HIV/AIDS, also causes an increased risk of being infected with the virus.
  • Pregnant women are at higher risk.
  • Obesity is another risk factor that plays a part in the risk of becoming infected with the influenza virus and developing the flu.

Symptoms Of Influenza

Flu usually results in symptoms that are more severe than what is called “the common cold.” Most people who contract the influenza virus also find that their symptoms develop rapidly after being exposed to the virus. That said, the primary symptoms that signal an infection of the influenza virus are often very similar to the symptoms that a person experiences when they contract a cold.

Some of the specific symptoms that the influenza virus tends to cause include:

  • Fever is very common in patients with flu.
  • Joint pain is also very common and can be accompanied by muscle aches.
  • A dry cough, along with a runny or a stuffy nose.
  • Extreme levels of fatigue are common.
  • A significant reduction in appetite.
  • Headaches are also very common in patients who develop influenza.

When the influenza virus affects a child or an infant additional symptoms may also develop, including gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.

How Long Fever Tend To Last With The Influenza Virus

A flu condition generally takes longer to improve as compared to having a cold. The symptoms associated with the flu can start within the first day following exposure to the influenza virus, but it may take up to four days. Once the symptoms have presented themselves, it can take up to two weeks, and in some cases even longer, for all the symptoms to clear up and for the influenza virus to be successfully defeated by your immune system.

Fever is a very common symptom experienced by a patient infected with the influenza virus. This is also one of the very first symptoms associated with the condition. In most cases, however, fever as a symptom of flu will only last for the first three to four days after symptoms start to develop. In some cases fever may last for up to ten days, however.

How Long Is The Influenza Virus Contagious?

Unfortunately, the flu is contagious before and after symptoms are present. A person infected with the virus can spread it to another person through sneezing and coughing, touching or kissing. The contagious period of flu starts approximately one day prior to the development of the first symptoms. The virus will continue to be contagious for approximately five days after that. In younger children, however, the virus may continue to be contagious for longer.

The Best Treatment Methods For Flu

Most treatment plans for flu patients target the unpleasant symptoms they are experiencing. In addition to treating the symptoms, however, antiviral drugs designed especially for the purpose of fighting the influenza virus could also be used to help the body in fighting the infection.

Current antiviral drugs for influenza that has been approved by the FDA include oseltamivir, peramivir, and zanamivir, which are sold under the trade names of Tamiflu, Rapivab and Relenza, respectively. These medications, save one, are provided to the patient for around five days. The exception is Peramivir, which is a once-off drug that is administered to the patient intravenously.

Baloxavir marboxil, trade name Xofluza, is also approved, but only for patients older than 12 who have been symptomatic for 48 hours or less.

Several home remedies can also be used to provide relief to flu patients. Rest and maintaining hydration should be at the top of the list of these homeopathic options. In addition, it is very wise for tobacco users to consider giving up smoking – at least until the symptoms have cleared up.

Effective Preventative Methods For Flu

Influenza can spread from an infected person to another person relatively easily. For this reason, it is important to take preventative measures to reduce your risk of being infected with the virus and, in turn, developing flu.

Even when a person is not in the same environment as contagious carriers, it is still wise to implement specific preventative methods to help reduce the risk of being infected.

Steps to take:

  • Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating or touching your mouth.
  • Anyone contagious should dispose of used tissues immediately.
  • If you are sick, stay in bed or at home to reduce the risk of infecting other people.
  • Get vaccinated for the influenza virus.

Conclusion

Flu is a common condition that affects a significant percentage of the population each year. The condition can be treated relatively easily, but the symptoms caused by the virus can be very unpleasant and be disruptive to a patient’s daily life. In some cases, more serious complications may also develop, which may become life-threatening when not attended to promptly.

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/whatyoushould.htm

https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm624226.htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279459/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4962970/

Health

How to Get Rid of Parasites: Tips for Effective Treatment

Written By: Arch
Arch

Parasites are organisms that survive by feeding off hosts. While many people associate them with poor and developing countries, parasitic infections affect millions of Americans every year.

As symptoms can sometimes be mild, an infection could go unnoticed. Depending on the severity of the infection, parasites can cause serious problems or even result in death.

If you are infected with a parasite or just think you are, it’s important to do something about it. Left untreated, it could have serious implications for your health. If you want to know how to get rid of parasites, read on. We’ll take a look at the types and causes of parasite infections and explain what you can do if you’re infected.

What Are Parasites?

A parasite uses the host’s resources to live. While some don’t cause any noticeable issue for the host, others are able to reproduce and invade organs. Infections like malaria, trichomoniasis (or “trich”), and giardiasis are caused by parasites.

Ranging from microscopic organisms to tapeworms several feet long, parasites that infect humans can be organized into three main classes:

  • Protozoa – Microscopic single-celled organisms, protozoa are able to multiply within humans and are often transmitted through contaminated food or water, or by insects like mosquitos.
  • Helminths – Large multicelled organisms that are often visible to the naked eye. Commonly known as worms, helminths are not able to reproduce inside the body. Examples include tapeworms, flukes, thorny-headed worms, and roundworms.
  • Ectoparasites – Multicelled organisms that live on the skin, ectoparasites include ticks, fleas, mites, and lice.

How Do They Spread?

There are many different ways in which parasites spread. Some are blood-borne and get passed from one host to another through blood contact. More commonly, parasites are transmitted through contaminated food and water, through sexual contact, or by insects.

Intestinal parasitic infections are typically the result of:

  • Eating undercooked meat (especially pork)
  • Drinking contaminated water
  • Poor hygiene and sanitation habits

Other parasites can be passed from person to person or by coming in contact with contaminated bedding or clothing.

Caused by the protozoa parasite, malaria is the deadliest parasitic disease. Spread by mosquitos, malaria is estimated to be responsible for almost 700,000 deaths globally each year.

How Can You Tell If You Have a Parasite?

It can be difficult to know if you have a parasitic infection as the symptoms can resemble a number of other conditions. Symptoms also differ depending on the organism.

Common symptoms of intestinal parasites include:

  • Abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue and weakness

A tapeworm infestation can also cause:

  • Fever
  • Allergic reactions
  • Bumps
  • Seizures

Like flukes, hookworms cause fever and fatigue, but might also cause anemia, rashes, and itchy skin. As parasites can also pass on a number of conditions, symptoms can sometimes be hard to predict.

How to Get Rid of Parasites

Ridding the body of parasites is no easy task. They can live inside your body for years and the longer they’re feeding on your tissue, the harder it is to remove them.

The first thing to do if you think you’re infected is to speak with your doctor.

Seek Medical Help

By performing a blood test, fecal exam, or other analyses, your doctor will be able to diagnose a parasitic infection. Once diagnosed, medication can be prescribed and preventative measures can be recommended to treat the infection.

While seeking medical advice is the best course of action for diagnosis, there are other things you can do to assist with your treatment.

Change Your Diet

One of the most important things you can do to combat a parasite infection is to look at what you eat. Parasites thrive by absorbing simple carbohydrates like sugar, so it’s best to avoid processed grains and sugar for two weeks after diagnosis.

It should be noted that this includes sources of natural sugar, like honey and fruit. Eliminating their main food source can help remove parasite infections as quickly as possible.

There are a number of foods that can help fight parasites rather than nourish them. Try including some or all of the below in your daily diet for a natural defense against parasites:

  • Thyme – With its antibacterial properties, thyme can kill intestinal microorganisms while enhancing the body’s defense system.
  • Garlic – Shown to kill parasites like amoeba and hookworm in test tubes, garlic has been used for centuries to treat parasites.
  • Pumpkin seeds – Used by Native Americans to treat intestinal infections, pumpkin seeds were once listed as the official medicine for parasitic elimination in the United States Pharmacopoeia.
  • Papaya – The enzyme papain that’s found in the Papaya plant has been shown to kill worms. A 2007 study even found dried papaya seeds to be effective in treating intestinal parasites without significant side effects.
  • Beta-carotene – Increasing your consumption of beta-carotene rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash can help improve your resistance to certain parasites.

Probiotics

Fight fire with fire! Probiotics are living organisms that can help restore the balance of bacteria in your intestines. Found in foods like yogurt and also available as dietary supplements, probiotics flood the gut with beneficial bacteria, effectively eliminating the bad bacteria that parasites thrive on.

In fact, studies have shown that probiotics help reduce the risks of parasitic infestation and are an excellent complement to traditional treatments.

Prevention

Prevention is always better than a cure. There are many steps you can take to help prevent a parasitic infection:

  • Only eat food that is cooked all the way through.
  • Use a condom and practice safe sex.
  • Wash your hands regularly, especially after using a bathroom and before eating.
  • Drink clean water and opt for bottled water when away from home.
  • Avoid drinks with ice when traveling in high-risk areas. Chipped ice may have been made from contaminated water.
  • Avoid animal feces.

Final Word

Parasites and diseases caused by them are responsible for millions of deaths each year. Now that you know how to get rid of parasites, take preventive measures to ensure you don’t get infected. If you suspect that you have a parasite infection, don’t delay treatment. Contact your doctor immediately to avoid potentially passing on the infection to other people.

 

References:

https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2093008
https://www.umcvc.org/health-library/hn-2151005
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/intestinal-parasites
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17472487
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3182331

Health

How to Lower Your Testosterone Naturally and What Your Doctor Can Do to Help You

Written By: Arch
Arch

Healthy levels of testosterone are key to maintaining balance in your overall health. This sex hormone affects different aspects of your body including strength, muscle mass, and sexual function. Unbalanced testosterone levels may thus lead to a host of health problems.

Both men and women have testosterone. Certain conditions or disorders may leave you with too much of this hormone, and in this case, it may be too much of a good thing.

There are many factors that help balance testosterone levels in the body. In this article, you will find out how to lower your testosterone with diet and lifestyle changes, as well as medical therapies that can help balance out your hormone level.

8 Foods to Lower Testosterone

Eating a balanced diet is key not only to protecting your health but also to lowering your testosterone levels. Take a look at some foods to add to your grocery list:

1. Mint

Not just for freshening breath, mint may also cause testosterone levels to dip. Spearmint and peppermint, in particular, may have a direct impact on the level of this in your body.

2. Soy Products

If you like soy products, you may already be on your way to dropping your testosterone levels. When consumed regularly, products like tofu, soy milk, miso, and edamame can decrease testosterone levels in men.

3. Vegetable Oil

Most people already consume vegetable oil in their normal diet. This includes corn, canola, soybean, and cottonseed oil. What’s the big deal about these oils? They contain polyunsaturated fatty acids that are known as a source of healthy dietary fats. Research shows that these acids may also help decrease testosterone levels.

4. Licorice Root

Licorice root may decrease hormone levels over time with regular consumption. This ingredient is commonly used to flavor beverages and sweeten candies. However, this doesn’t apply to licorice candy because those don’t typically contain licorice root.

5. Processed Foods

This may go against your healthy diet, but processed foods may lower testosterone levels. The secret is the high trans-fat content in these foods. For most people, the trade-off may not be worth it, but it is an option if you already consume frozen foods and pre-packaged snacks.

6. Flaxseeds

An alternative to a high trans-fat diet would be upping your flaxseed intake. This little ingredient has fiber, heart-healthy fats, and nutrients. It also contains compounds that may decrease testosterone in your body.

Flaxseeds contain plant compounds called lignans. These compounds bind to the hormone and force it to be flushed from the body. In addition, flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids which may also help decrease testosterone.

7. Nuts

Nuts are always a good option to add to your diet. They’re packed with important nutrients and are typically loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Furthermore, some research shows certain nuts may also lower free testosterone in your body. So far, though, research has only pointed to almonds and walnuts as the two types of nuts that may have these properties. Still, most nuts contain polyunsaturated fatty acids that may also decrease testosterone, so adding them to your diet may be how to lower your testosterone in a healthy way.

8. Alcohol

Although not recommended, alcohol is also known to help lower testosterone, especially in men. While an occasional glass of wine can bring some health benefits, research shows that excessive alcohol intake can severely lower your testosterone levels.

This is by no means an endorsement for alcohol consumption, though. If you’re thinking of starting on a drink regimen consisting of 2-3 drinks a day, don’t do it. After all, there’s no research that would demonstrate how moderate alcohol consumption could affect your testosterone levels, so it’s best to stick to the other seven tips on this list.

Drug and Medical Treatments

Additionally, your doctor may help you lower testosterone levels, especially if high levels of the hormone are interfering with your general health. The doctor may use hormone therapies in specific instances like prostate cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, or gender reassignment.

Drug treatments may help your body to stop using testosterone and lower the amount produced. Furthermore, chemical castration or orchiectomy may help lower the amount of testosterone made in the body.

Lifestyle Changes and Considerations

Certain lifestyle factors can also raise or lower testosterone levels. Take a look at these lifestyle changes that can help balance out your testosterone levels:

Get Moving

Try to incorporate regular exercise into your lifestyle. Incorporating moderate-intensity exercise may help lower testosterone, free testosterone, and androgen in the body. Weight loss may also lower testosterone levels in other ways. Testosterone production increases with insulin, so if you’re wondering how to lower your testosterone, lowering your insulin levels may be the answer.

Fatherhood and Matrimony

Some research also shows that certain milestones may also affect testosterone levels. Holding a baby can lower these levels temporarily, but getting married lowers it indefinitely – or at least until the marriage ends.

Fatherhood doesn’t necessarily have the same effect in single people. Still, this may be good news if you plan on getting married or starting a family sometime soon.

Eat a Low-Fat Diet

Eating a low-fat diet not only helps you lose weight when combined with exercise but it may also help lower testosterone in the body. One study found that men who ate diets with low fat but higher polyunsaturated fats and fiber lowered testosterone levels. These effects are reversible, however, so it’s important to keep up with the diet.

Final Thought

Hormone balance is integral for a healthy body. However, their levels may sometimes fluctuate for a variety of reasons, including certain medical conditions. At those times, you will need extra help to restore their balance.

Making dietary changes is one way how to lower your testosterone at home. But if your hormone levels are severely unbalanced, you may want to speak with your doctor. The doctor may provide options such as hormone replacement therapy or other treatments that aren’t available with self-care at home.

Lastly, hormones require a delicate balance that may be disrupted by taking supplements or other treatments. Speak with your doctor first if you decide to make changes – dietary or otherwise – that could have a major impact on your hormone levels.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4142768
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-lower-testosterone#section1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19585478
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788221
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15735098
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11525593
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14520600
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2826899
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3941370
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21157477
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2002/08/marriage-lowers-testosterone
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10940346
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6298507

Health

Why Chest Pain Happens and How to Tell Whether Your Chest Pains Are Serious

Written By: Arch
Arch

It can happen at any time. You may be out and about and suddenly feel a sharp stabbing sensation or a dull throbbing ache in your chest.

Chest pains are among the most common reasons for hospital emergency room visits. Yet, not all chest pains are the same.

While chest pains can indicate a medical emergency, sometimes they are not that serious. There are different reasons why you would have chest pains. Keep reading about the different types and learn how to tell whether your chest pains are serious.

What Is Chest Pain?

Chest pain can be scary, but not all cases are cause for alarm. Chest pain may vary from person to person in relation to the following factors:

  • duration
  • quality
  • intensity
  • location

Some people feel a dull ache in the chest area. Others feel a sharp, stabbing pain. While it could be a sign of serious problems, it isn’t always.

Chest Pain Types and Symptoms

Do you know how to tell whether your chest pains are serious? While some cases may herald a heart attack, only 13% of emergency doctor visits for chest pain are actually related to serious heart problems.

Chest Pains: Heart-Related

The following heart-related conditions may cause chest pains:

  • angina – blockages in the blood vessels
  • heart attack – blockage of blood flow to the heart
  • myocarditis – heart muscle inflammation
  • pericarditis – inflammation of the sac around the heart
  • aortic dissection – tear in the aorta, rare
  • cardiomyopathy – disease of the heart muscle

If you have chest pains related to a heart condition, they may manifest in different ways. While they usually occur on their own, they may also be accompanied by these symptoms:

  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • shortness of breath
  • lightheadedness
  • pain in the jaw, arm, or back
  • nausea
  • chest tightness or pressure
  • abdominal pain
  • pain during exertion

If you have any of these symptoms, your chest pain may be related to a heart condition. But if you also experience any of the additional symptoms listed below, your problem might not be heart-related after all:

  • flu-like symptoms – chills, aches, fever, runny nose, cough
  • difficulty or pain swallowing or eating
  • pain with a rash
  • pain that worsens if you cough or breathe deeply
  • pain that is better or worse in certain body positions
  • hyperventilation
  • feelings of anxiety or panic
  • radiating pain from the back to the front

These symptoms may indicate that your chest pains are not heart-related. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they are not serious, but it can rule out chest pains as being related to a heart condition or heart attack.

Other Reasons for Chest Pain

There are other health problems that may cause chest pain including the following lung conditions:

  • pneumonia – lung infection, causes deep aches
  • pulmonary embolism – blood clot lodges in the lungs, may cause trouble breathing
  • pleuritic – irritation or inflammation of lung and chest lining, may cause sharp pain when breathing or coughing
  • asthma – shortness of breath, sometimes causes chest pain

In addition, there are some gastrointestinal conditions that may cause pain in the chest:

  • GERD – acid reflux, may cause heartburn-like chest pains
  • esophageal disorders – various, may cause spasms and chest pains
  • pancreatitis – may cause lower chest pain
  • Hiatal hernia – may cause heartburn and chest pain
  • Peptic ulcers – painful sores in the stomach and upper intestinal lining, may cause vague chest discomfort
  • gall bladder problems – may cause pain in right lower chest or right upper abdomen

Muscular and skeletal problems may also cause chest problems. Shingles, rib problems, or muscle strain may also cause chest pains that can be confused for heart attack pain.

Psychological issues can also contribute to chest pains. Anxiety and panic attacks could cause chest pains, too. These types of attacks are often accompanied by other symptoms like tingling sensations, dizziness, shortness of breath, trembling, and palpitations.

How to Tell Whether Your Chest Pains Are Serious: When to Call 911

It may be difficult to tell the difference between chest pains that occur as a result of a heart attack and similar pain stemming from other conditions. If you have any doubt, it is best to call your doctor, especially if the pain occurs abruptly or doesn’t seem to go away after some time.

You should also seek emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • chest pain that spreads to different parts of your body like back, arm, or jaw
  • very low heart rate or very low blood pressure
  • shortness of breath with sudden chest pain
  • suddenly feeling squeezing, tightness, pressure, or crushing underneath the breastbone
  • rapid heart rate or rapid breathing
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • ashen color
  • dizziness
  • excessive sweating

These symptoms may be cause for concern. However, they may not warrant an emergency room visit. Call your primary caregiver if you experience these symptoms along with chest pain:

  • flu-like symptoms such as coughing up yellow or green mucus, fever, or chills
  • severe chest pain that doesn’t go away
  • problems swallowing

Chest Pain Treatments

Treatment options vary widely depending on the actual cause of your chest pains. They can range from medication and other noninvasive procedures to surgery.

Your doctor can treat many common conditions that may cause chest pains. Anxiety, asthma, and acid reflux can eventually be resolved, but you need to see your doctor to determine the exact cause.

Final Thought

Chest pains may be scary, especially if you don’t know how to tell whether your chest pains are serious. Although there are many conditions that can cause chest pains, it is important to get help immediately if you’re having a heart attack.

If you have chest pains and are unsure about calling the doctor, it is better to be safe than sorry. Call your doctor or seek professional help. Just remember that there is a chance that your chest pain may not be related to a serious condition.

 

References:

https://www.healthline.com/symptom/chest-pain
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-types-of-chest-pain-that-wont-kill-you/
https://www.healthline.com/health/causes-of-chest-pain#respiratory-related
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/whats-causing-my-chest-pain#1

Health

How to Stop Biting Nails – Why Do You Do It and How to Let Go of the Habit?

Written By: Arch
Arch

You get anxious and bite your nails. Or maybe you’re bored and your hand finds its way to your mouth. Does this sound familiar to you?

There are many reasons why people bite their nails. It’s relatively common, though not the healthiest habit to keep. So why does it happen and is there a way to stop it?

The good news is that, with time and patience, you can stop this habit. In this article, you will find out how to stop biting nails and identify the reasons why you do it in the first place.

What Is Onychophagia?

If you bite your nails constantly, you probably have chronic onychophagia. That’s just another name for this common stress-relieving habit. Typically, it starts between the ages of 4 and 6 of age. Although it seems to stabilize between ages 7 and 10, it increases around the teenage years.

So you may have started the habit when you were young. Before you knew it, it probably followed you into adulthood. Some other habits associated with this condition may include:

  • tooth grinding
  • nose-picking
  • skin picking
  • thumb sucking
  • hair twisting

Nail biting may be embarrassing and unsanitary, but it could also be dangerous. These are some of the risks you may run into if you’re a nail biter:

  • abnormal growth
  • the skin around the nail gets sore or infected
  • changes to the appearance of the nail
  • damage to the tissue that causes nail growth
  • teeth damage
  • frequent colds and other illnesses from putting your hands in your mouth

Furthermore, nail-biting may be a sign of mental or emotional stress, but that is not the case all the time. Some people simply bite their nails when they feel hungry, bored, or insecure.

Regardless of why you do it, it’s important to understand that nail biting is a coping mechanism and that most people do it without thinking.

How to Stop Biting Nails: 8 Tips You Need to Try

Can you stop biting your nails immediately? Probably not. This may be a process, so it’s important that you keep at it and combine two or more methods if only one isn’t working for you.

So if you’re ready, try these tips to stop biting your nails:

1. Cut Those Nails

One of the easiest ways to avoid chewing your nails is to keep them short. If you take away the nails, you may not feel compelled to bite them. However, this method requires that you keep on top of trimming them down.

2. Put a Little Flavor on It

Why would you season your nails? Well, this is not that kind of flavor. If you use a bitter-flavored polish, it may help you to stop putting your nails in your mouth. These polishes are available over the counter, so you don’t need to see a doctor to get a hold of them.

3. Get Your Nails Done

If you hate wasting money, getting regular manicures may help you stop biting nails. After all, why would you want to throw away all that money?

4. Keep Your Focus on One Finger at a Time

Is it too overwhelming to stop chewing cold turkey? The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you try a gradual approach instead. Start with one finger and focus on not biting that nail. Give yourself a week and then move on to the next nail. In no time, you’ll have stopped biting all your nails completely.

5. Identify Your Triggers

It’s not uncommon to have triggers that may send your fingers to your mouth. Identifying your triggers may help.

It may be physical triggers like seeing calluses or hangnails that get you biting your nails. You may have other triggers like boredom, anxiety, or stress. Knowing your triggers can help you avoid triggering situations and create a plan should one of your triggers occur.

6. Try Some Chewelry

Did you know that there’s special jewelry designed for nail biters? That’s right. One innovative company has a necklace called Saber Tooth which is intended for anyone who feels the need to chew things.

This necklace won’t stop your chewing habit, but it may transfer your oral chewing compulsion to another item.

7. Replace the Bad Habit with a Good One

This one may only work if you’re aware that you bite your nails and know what your triggers are. This is another simple premise – whenever you feel like you need to bite your nails, do something else. Try an activity that keeps your hands busy like squeezing a stress ball or playing with silly putty.

Additional habits to replace nail biting may also include:

  • putting your hands in your pocket
  • eating a carrot or other healthy snack
  • chewing gum
  • clapping your hands together
  • filing or clipping your nails
  • twiddling your thumbs

8. Keep Trying

Lastly, you won’t break this habit overnight. So even if you go through rough days, it’s important to keep at it. It takes time to instill good habits and break the bad ones.

Can a Doctor Help?

It’s important to try all these tips first. However, if you find that none of them help, it may be time to seek professional help. For some people, nail biting is a sign of serious emotional or psychological problems. Addressing these deeper issues may also help you stop biting your nails.

In addition, you may also seek help in the form of behavior therapy. If this sounds like something you’d like to pursue, let your doctor know about the nail biting and ask for a referral to a therapist.

Final Thought

Nail biting may be a common habit, but that doesn’t mean it’s one you have to live with. Continued biting may eventually lead to health issues, which is why you should take steps to stop it.

If you’re wondering how to stop biting nails, you should know that there are many different methods. As such, you may have to try a few until you find one that works for you. You can also try multiple methods at the same time to increase your chances of quitting this habit.

 

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-biting-your-nails
http://www.ijdr.in/article.asp?issn=0970-9290;year=2012;volume=23;issue=5;spage=680;epage=682;aulast=Sachan
https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/nail-care/nail-biting
https://www.arktherapeutic.com/arks-saber-tooth-chewelry-necklace/?gclid=CJSakcfU09ICFVOBswodcUoHVg

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia and Muscle Twitching

Written By: John
muscle twitching

Photo by Jasper Graetsch on Unsplash

Muscles are at the core of fibromyalgia issues, and where a patient is going to notice the majority of their issues. Controlling fibromyalgia is based on a lot of factors, but many of them are related to the muscles that are most affected by the disease.

Muscle twitching is one of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia, and it’s important to deal with it quickly. Let’s try to get and understanding of this symptom and review ways to cope with it.

Why Does Muscle Twitching Happen with Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder that includes constant pain. However, there isn’t really a single known cause of the disorder, and because of that, it’s often hard to treat. Many times, professionals are just dealing with the symptoms and trying to make it as simple as possible for the person suffering from the disorder to live a normal life if at all possible.

Muscle twitching is just one of many symptoms that can afflict fibromyalgia patients. So, what is a muscle twitch? In short, it’s when the nerves in your body (usually in muscles) start to work without you telling them to.

They shoot off signals indiscriminately. Many people know about the twitch in their eyelids or in their fingers, but twitching can be a lot worse in those with fibromyalgia. But why do they happen?

Stress and anxiety are probably the two biggest reasons. Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia will deal with one or both of these problems at some point.

Under these conditions, our bodies will start to tense up, making it difficult for a fibromyalgia patient to control what is going on with their bodies. Trembling or twitching can occur at random times.

Even subconscious anxiety appears to trigger the muscle twitches in that patients start twitching with little or no awareness of being anxious.

An injury or tension can also trigger twitches. Whatever the cause, the twitching can be frightening and frustrating.

How To Deal With Or Prevent Muscle Twitching?

A physician or fibromyalgia specialist is the best person to turn for for advise on dealing with or preventing muscle twitching.  However, there are some holistic options, as well.

Staying active can actually play a huge role in preventing muscle twitches as a result of fibromyalgia. If you are exercising, then you are stretching your muscles and making them less tense. Even just doing stretches or yoga can really help limber you up.

Stretching also make it easier for you to move around. Remember – some movement is better than no movement at all, so even a little bit can be helpful. Take a walk around the block, or just use the muscle that is twitching or trembling. Sometimes, just using the muscle is enough to turn off the misfiring nerve that are controlling your muscles.

Muscle twitches could be signs of other problems.

If you can’t move a part of your body because of the twitch, if you start to feel dizzy or sick, and/or you are in so much pain that moving your body, you should go to the hospital and get treated – there could be some other, serious issues going on.

If the twitching is severe and making it difficult to function, your doctor may end up prescribing medications for you. Muscle relaxers and anti-spasmodic medications are available. You may also be sent to see a physical therapist. Electrical therapy is also used depending on where the spasm is located.

Muscle twitching is, unfortunately, something fibromyalgia patients have to deal with. If muscle twitching has become an issue for you, talk to your specialist. They can help you with more suggestions and give you a treatment plan that actually addresses the twitching and its severity.

Further reading

Muscle Twitching and Weakness: http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_dysmen.html

Information for Neurologists: http://www.fmsow.ca/dsneuro.htm

References:

https://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_dysmen.html

http://www.fmsow.ca/dsneuro.htm

https://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/fibromyalgia_dysmen.html

https://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/what-is-fibromyalgia#1

Uncategorized

Is There a Link Between Fibromyalgia and Celiac Disease?

Written By: Holly Case
admin

Chances are good that you probably know someone on a gluten-free diet, if you’re not following one yourself. Although this diet is trendy right now, it’s been the staple treatment for decades for people with Celiac disease. This very serious disease causes sufferers to be unable to tolerate even trace amounts of gluten, a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, rye, and spelt. If you’ve ever made a yeast dough with wheat, gluten is what makes it stretchy. But what is Celiac disease, how do you know if you have it, and is there a link between gluten and fibromyalgia? Read on to learn more.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the intestines when the person consumes gluten. Symptoms can include the following:

  • stomach pain
  • unexplained anemia
  • fatigue
  • bone or joint pain
  • depression and anxiety
  • digestive disorders

Many people with Celiac disease also have at least one other autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or scleroderma.

How is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?

The only scientifically reliable way to diagnose Celiac disease is through a blood test. A positive blood test is then confirmed with a follow-up biopsy of the intestines. If you believe you may have Celiac, you should have the tests done before going on a gluten-free diet because the diet may give false negative results.

However, many people find that they have an intolerance to gluten by doing a challenge test. To do a challenge test, completely remove gluten from your diet for at least two or three weeks. Then, try consuming gluten again to see if it makes you feel worse. This can indicate a dietary intolerance that is less severe than Celiac disease or an allergy.

What’s the Connection to Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a common misdiagnosis for Celiac disease because many of the symptoms are so similar. Doctors are trained to look for the most common explanation first and fibromyalgia is much more common than Celiac disease. A 2015 study in Rheumatology International found that there actually is a documented link between Celiac disease and fibromyalgia, although it does not establish either one as causing the other.

However, the two illnesses do share many symptoms and characteristics in common, including fatigue, anemia, and digestive disorders. Both fibromyalgia and Celiac disease may be associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Gluten and fibromyalgia appear to have some connection.

Can a Gluten-Free Diet Help Fibromyalgia?

Many people believe that fibromyalgia is linked to dietary intolerances. Gluten intolerance is one of the most frequently mentioned culprits for digestive distress and all-over pain. However, the 2015 study referenced above also found that many people with fibromyalgia have a non-Celiac form of gluten intolerance. As a result, fibromyalgia patients may suffer from less pain and discomfort when they follow a gluten-free diet.

Consuming gluten can cause an inflammatory cycle to ensue in the digestive system. This inflammatory process can lead to some of the most painful symptoms of fibromyalgia. However, even though it’s caused by an inflammatory process, most fibro sufferers find that anti-inflammatory medications such as Aleve or Advil don’t provide pain relief.

Following a gluten-free diet is always worth trying if your fibromyalgia isn’t responding to other therapies well enough. Going gluten-free can be a bit challenging, especially at first when you’re adjusting to the diet. But many people find that the symptom relief is worth the effort. Giving up gluten and fibromyalgia relief seems like a good trade-off.

Tips for Going Gluten-Free

Cut out the following foods if you’re trying to go gluten-free:

  • Foods containing wheat or wheat flour, including bread, pasta, wheat bran, wheat germ, and cookies and crackers. Many products in your grocery store are labeled as gluten-free, so you don’t have to resign yourself to a bread-free life. However, many people sensitive to gluten are also sensitive to other grains, so it’s a good idea to minimize gluten-free products while you’re doing a gluten-free challenge.
  • Foods containing other problematic grains, such as barley and rye.
  • Wheat-derived ingredients including soy sauce, seitan, licorice, gravies, and sauces.
  • Be aware of cross-contamination. If you make a gluten-free pizza crust on the same surface where a gluten-containing crust was just prepared, you’re likely to get cross-contaminated. Use new and separate utensils and pans for preparing gluten-free food as well.

Seek help from your doctor or a nutritionist before you give up all gluten. If you do give up gluten, keep a log of your daily symptoms to narrow down what the problem really is. Gluten and fibromyalgia may be linked in your case, but going gluten-free doesn’t help everyone.

Health

How to Change Eye Color: Permanent and Temporary Options to Change Your Peepers

Written By: Arch
Arch

Brown is the most common eye color in the world, while lighter options like green, gray, hazel, and amber are less common. Does that mean you’re stuck with what you were born with? Not necessarily.

You get your eye color from a combination of your parents’ genes. Due to possible genetic variations, it’s entirely possible to have different-colored eyes from your parents. But what if you aren’t satisfied with what nature gave you?

The genetic lottery doesn’t have to keep you from the eye color of your dreams as there are plenty of options to change your eye color. So keep reading to find out how to change eye color.

The Nature of Eye Color Genetics

The iris is the colored portion of the eyes. Genetics determine the iris color. However, slight shifts of light or age may change the color slightly.

Usually, though, the eye color a person is born with is the one they will keep throughout life. It’s likely that the irises darken a little over the first few years of life, but that’s typically the only major change.

Possible natural iris colors include:

  • black
  • brown
  • hazel
  • blue
  • green

Additionally, it is possible to have a mixture of these colors to form different shades. These differing shades tend to be classified by the general colors, though.

Furthermore, though it’s rare, it’s also possible to have two different-colored irises. The condition, heterochromia, may affect both irises completely. Another version of heterochromia leaves a person with two iris colors in the same eye.

How to Change Eye Color Temporarily

One of the most popular ways to change your eye color is to use contacts. Shift your natural shade in minutes by popping in different lenses or find unique ones that make a statement.

If you want to use this temporary solution, first you need to decide which type of lens to buy. There are generally three types of lenses to choose from.

1. Opaque

These lenses are exactly what they sound like. They are solid-colored contacts with no transparency. Opaque contacts are a good option if you want to change your eye color completely like going from dark brown to light grey.

Some of the most popular opaque color lenses include:

  • green
  • violet
  • gray
  • hazel
  • blue
  • brown
  • amethyst

There are also variations on these colors that are more vibrant and pigmented. They are fashion colors, though, and aren’t meant to pass as natural. So if you don’t mind eye-popping color, you may want to check out hues not found naturally in humans.

2. Enhancement

Want a subtle change? Getting enhancement lenses may be your best option. Rather than the solid colors that opaque contacts give, these are semi-transparent. These lenses help define the edges of your iris and may also give your natural color an extra pop.

3. Visibility

If you want to give your natural eye color a slight shade variation, you may want to get these contacts. Visibility lenses have faint flecks of light blue or green. They don’t change your eye color, but they can accentuate your natural one.

4. Decorative Lenses

Additionally, you may also look into plano contacts or decorative lenses. These lenses are typically used as costume or fashion accessories. You may buy plano contacts online or at local stores, however, the American Optometric Association stresses caution when buying lenses retail.

The FDA classifies contact lenses, including decorative ones, as medical devices. However, getting lenses without a prescription may be risky. You may increase your chances of buying unsanitary or defective lenses. In turn, these lenses may increase your risk of:

  • vision loss
  • corneal abrasion
  • blurry vision
  • allergic reactions like itchy, watery eyes
  • blindness

Call your doctor if you exhibit any of these signs after wearing contact lenses:

  • discharge from the eyes
  • slight vision loss
  • eye redness
  • persistent eye pain

These symptoms may be indicative of an eye infection. Eye infections are serious and may even lead to blindness if left untreated.

How to Change Eye Color Permanently

What if you want the change to be permanent? If you’re wondering how to change eye color permanently, surgery may be an option. However, it’s not legal in the United States.

This type of surgery was first used to treat medical conditions and traumatic eye injuries. In this surgery, an artificial iris is laid over the natural iris.

Some people choose to have this surgery for cosmetic reasons. However, research shows that this implant surgery comes with many risks. Some complications associated with this surgery include:

  • Vision loss and blindness
  • cataracts
  • cornea injury
  • glaucoma
  • eye inflammation called uveitis
  • corneal edema

There is very little evidence to prove that this cosmetic iris implant surgery is effective or even safe. Furthermore, regulatory agencies in the United States have not evaluated the procedure, nor have they conducted clinical trials. Consequently, you have to travel outside the country for this procedure.

If you want to make your brown eyes blue, there’s another controversial practice to change it permanently. The process uses a low-energy laser to remove the stroma, an interlaced layer of tissue in the iris. Clinical trials for this technique are currently underway and not available to the public.

Final Thought

There are a few ways to permanently change your eye color. But before you get your hopes up about surgery, you should know that the chances of it being legal in the United States are slim. In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology warned that this controversial surgery can be dangerous back in 2014.

So what are your options when it comes to how to change eye color? Stick with temporary solutions. Contact lenses come with its own risks, but those risks don’t compare to the serious complications you may open yourself up to with iris surgery.

Lastly, changing eye color temporarily may be easy, but remember to use hygienic practices when handling your lenses. Also, get a prescription so you can reduce the risk of getting defective or opened contact lenses.

 

References:

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/which-eye-color-is-the-most-common-in-the-world.html
http://www.aoa.org/newsroom/consumers-beware-buying-contact-lenses-without-a-prescription-is-illegal-and-dangerous?sso=y
https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/ContactLenses/ucm270953.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22244609
https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/iris-implant-surgery-to-change-eye-color-can-be-da

Health

How to Get Rid of Blisters: Easy Home Treatment Tips

Written By: Arch
Arch

Blisters are bubbles that form on the outer layers of your skin. They are filled with fluids like blood, pus, or serum. These bubbles are usually small. However, if they get irritated and don’t receive any treatment, they can grow bigger.

Blisters are very common in vigorously active populations. Although they can appear anywhere on the body, they usually pop up on the skin of your feet. Depending on their cause, blisters can itch and hurt.

These fluid-filled bubbles are essentially wounds that need time to heal. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything to speed up the process.

This article will show you how to get rid of blisters easily in the comfort of your home.

What Causes Blisters?

There are many factors that can damage your skin and lead to the formation of these surprisingly common, puss-filled bubbles.

As a matter of fact, blisters are a very frequent topic of research. Studies have shown that blisters usually result from frictional forces that separate epidermal cells. These forces occur when the skin on the heel of your foot rubs against your shoe. They also occur whenever your skin rubs together, be it on your thighs or under your armpits. The space that is made between the epidermal cells is then filled with a fluid.

So, when do blisters exactly pop up?

Well, blisters usually appear after about 6 hours since the frictional forces have pressured the cells. That’s also when blister base cells begin to take amino acids.

A significantly high mitotic activity can be noticed after 24 hours, and after 48 to 120 hours, a new stratum granulosum (a very thin layer of cells) can become visible.

Moist skin only increases the power of frictional forces. However, in order for blisters to pop up, your skin has to be either very wet or very dry.

That’s why people usually get blisters after walking or playing sports for several hours straight. Wearing uncomfortable shoes only contributes to more friction, making blisters appear even faster.

As already mentioned, blisters can appear anywhere on the body, so why do they “love” appearing on hands and feet so much?

The reason for that is found in the thick layers of the skin that appear on hands and feet. They make a perfect environment for blisters to be formed.

Aside from friction, heat also contributes to the formation of blisters. Sunburns are well-known for creating small wounds on the surface of the skin.

There is also a number of medical conditions that lead to blisters, such as:

  • Scabies
  • Impetigo
  • Cold Sores
  • Herpes
  • Chickenpox

How to Treat Blisters

Blisters require special treatment if they are caused by any of the previously mentioned medical conditions or spider bites. In that case, you should seek medical attention immediately.

On the other hand, regular, friction-related blisters can usually be treated at home. If you’re wondering how to get rid of blisters at home, here is what you can do.

Cover the Blister And Let It Be

Blisters usually disappear after only a few days. Since the affected area is healing on its own, all that you can do is let it be.

The liquid that is filling the bubble actually represents a natural form of protection. The liquids serve to protect the wound from infections caused by bacteria.

If your blister hasn’t popped, do not drain it. You can either leave the wound as it is or simply cover it with a bandage. Make sure that your bandages are loosely attached to the wound as you don’t want any unnecessary pressure on the blister.

On the other hand, if your blister has already popped, you should wash the wound with warm water and baby soap. After that, remove the remaining skin flap and cover the area with gauze.

You should change your bandages when they get wet or dirty.

Apply Natural Remedies

There are several natural remedies proven to be quite effective in healing blisters. Here are some of them.

1.  Aloe Vera

Research shows that aloe vera gel can significantly reduce pain if your blister came from sunburn. It can also help you treat large wounds. All you need to do is apply the gel on the wounded area.

To add to the gel’s effect, keep the product inside the refrigerator. That way, the aloe vera gel will easily pull heat from your skin.

2.  Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Applying tea tree oil directly to your wound will speed up the process of healing and lower the risk of infections.

3.  Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is found to be quite effective due to its antibacterial properties. You can mix eucalyptus oil with any type of carrier oil in order to get more benefits and faster results.

4. Green Tea

Green tea is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can be used to heal the wound faster. It is advised that you mix green tea with carrier oils such as coconut or almond oils.

Apply the mixture directly to the wound and let it be.

Drain the Blisters

As already mentioned, blisters are usually small and go away pretty quickly. In that case, it is best to leave them alone or just cover them while they heal.

But what if your blister is large?

In that case, draining blisters could be beneficial. However, you must keep in mind that blisters on and around your mouth should never be drained.

Here are the necessary steps to ensure that you drain the blister without making your wound worse.

  • Start by washing your hands and then wash the blister.
  • Use a disinfected needle (simply drip the needle in alcohol in order to disinfect it).
  • Make up to four holes around the edge of the blister with the disinfected needle.
  • Use ointment to cover the area.
  • Apply gauze and secure it with a bandage.

These exact steps should be repeated every 7 to 8 hours as blisters can fill up quickly.

Final Words

It is always best to make sure that the problem never appears in the first place. To prevent blisters from popping, you should choose comfortable shoes, apply moleskin on common blister areas, and wear work gloves.

If your time doesn’t allow you to pay that much attention to your skin, you now know how to get rid of blisters if they appear.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25003428
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609378
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28452830
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8570998

Health

How to Remove a Mole: Is It Safe and When Should It Be Done?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Moles are black or brown growths on the top layer of the skin. They are formed by the cells that are responsible for your skin color, melanocytes. In essence, these dark spots appear when skin cells grow in a cluster. If moles get heavily exposed to the sun, they can darken. Moles are also known to darken in pregnancy, during teen years, and in young adulthood.

Moles are usually flat, but raised moles are common as well. Genes have a lot to do with moles as they can also be hereditary. They are known to appear during the first 30 years of life. In some cases, people can develop moles even in their 40s.

In this article, you will learn how to remove a mole safely at home.

Different Types of Moles and How to Recognize Them

There are two main types of moles.

The first type is called congenital nevi. As the name suggests, congenital nevi are the moles that you get at birth.

The second type of moles, called dysplastic nevi, is more dangerous. These moles are larger than others and are characterized by their irregular shapes and uneven color.

If you notice this type of moles, make sure to thoroughly check them with your doctor as they can sometimes become skin cancer called melanoma.

Here are some more tips on distinguishing healthy moles from their malignant counterparts.

Healthy moles have a pretty simple, regular shape. They are round and have only one color. When it comes to their size, they are quite small – about 6mm in diameter or less.

As a rule, the sooner a melanoma is diagnosed the better the chances for the treatment to be effective. To determine if a certain mole is a sign of melanoma, you can use the so-called ABCDE rule.

The rule stands for:

  • Asymmetry – The mole has raised areas and it is uneven in shape.
  • Border – The mole has blurred, irregular edges.
  • Color – The mole is uneven in color.
  • Diameter – The mole is greater than 6mm.
  • Evolving – The mole might bleed or leak fluid.

Although the ABCDE rule is quite accurate, it can’t be used to recognize all melanomas. In that case, simply search for any irregularities in shape as healthy moles are quite similar. This method is called the “ugly duckling sign”, and it requires you to compare a suspicious mole with other moles on your skin to determine if they’re really as different as they appear.

Should You Remove a Mole?

Although some moles are completely healthy, many people still decide to remove them for esthetic reasons.

Before deciding anything for yourself, make sure to visit your doctor. If a mole is suspicious, your doctor may even do a biopsy, during which they’ll remove small pieces of the mole in order to test it.

With that being said, if your mole is healthy, there is no need for its removal unless you absolutely want it. Keep in mind that it is always best to leave the mole alone if your doctor deemed it as normal.

How to Remove Moles?

It goes without saying that visiting your dermatologist is the safest method. Dermatologists have two very effective methods that they use for removing moles.

In the first method, they use surgical excision. They completely numb the area surrounding the mole and then simply cut the mole out. After this procedure, your wound is stitched up.

The second method is done by a surgical shave. The area around the mole will be numbed, and the mole will be cut out. However, in this case, no stitches are required.

If you don’t want to have the mole removed surgically, natural remedies may provide the solution that you’re looking for. Again, keep in mind that these methods might not be safe for everyone, so talking with your doctor first is always advised.

1. Use Baking Soda and Water

Simply make a thick paste of baking soda and water. You can use a cup or the palm of your hand. Apply the mixture to your mole and leave it throughout the night. In the morning, remember to wash the area.

2. Use Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is known for its acidic properties which have the ability to eliminate the cells of flat moles. Combine baking soda and apple cider vinegar in the palm of your hand and then apply the mixture directly to the mole. Secure the mole with a bandage.

You can leave this mixture on for a couple of hours and then rinse the area and apply again.

3. Use Baking Soda and Castor Oil

This method requires you to mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a drop of castor oil. Make sure to blend them into a thick paste.

After that’s done, apply the mixture to the mole and repeat the procedure until the mole is gone.

Note that people with sensitive skin should be very careful with these methods as they could have negative effects on their skins.

Some people also use mole removal creams. However, research shows that they are potentially very dangerous, which is why you should avoid them.

In order to prevent moles from reappearing again, avoid excessive sun exposure and remember to use sun creams. Also, never attempt to surgically remove moles on your own.

The Final Word

Now you know how to get rid of moles, but keep in mind that doing this without your doctor’s approval is a huge risk. If your moles are healthy, it is best to just let them be. However, if your moles are bothering you that much, you could try some of the natural remedies described in this article.

Remember to check your moles if they change color or size. Use the ABCDE rule to determine if a mole is healthy, and if you can’t determine for yourself, head straight to your doctor’s office.

Skin cancer is unfortunately quite common, and unusual-looking moles are often the first symptom. The best way to ensure that people get an effective treatment is to examine suspicious moles and diagnose any problems as soon as possible.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK321126
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=mole+removal+creams

Why Do Periods Stop After Menopause: The Cause and Further Explanations

Written By: Arch
admin

Menopause marks the moment in a woman’s life when her menstrual cycles come to an end, meaning she will no longer be able to get pregnant and bear children. Reaching menopause is a very significant event, but it is also a completely natural one.

This article will examine the process in a bit more detail, explain what causes it, and go over some of the symptoms that may accompany it.

The Definition and Cause

As mentioned, a woman will reach menopause after she has had her last period. But since it is not possible to immediately determine that a period has indeed been the last one, doctors will officially diagnose menopause after 12 months have passed without any vaginal bleeding. There are many questions women will have regarding this process, but one of the first ones will likely be, “Why do periods stop after menopause?”

We already said that menopause is a perfectly normal stage in life, which means that the cause behind it is a natural decline in reproductive capabilities. A woman’s periods will permanently stop due to a chain of events which usually starts in her late 30s. Bear in mind that this is the very beginning of the process and that the actual menopause won’t come until significantly later.

As a woman nears the end of her 30s, her ovaries will slowly begin to function less optimally. The result will be a reduced production of two very important hormones: estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are in charge of regulating menstruation and as their levels decline, so does a woman’s fertility.

Over time, the levels of these hormones will continue to drop until the point when the ovaries can no longer produce eggs. This will mean a woman’s periods will stop and will signify the onset of menopause.

This relates to natural menopause, but it is also possible for menopause to occur due to other reasons. For example, chemotherapy can lead to menopause, and the surgical removal of ovaries will also have this effect.

There is also a condition called primary ovarian insufficiency. It occurs when a woman’s ovaries cannot produce regular levels of these two hormones at an age when this should not be the case. This can be due to genetics, disease, or for reasons which cannot be determined. While it is important to mention these medical conditions, this article will focus on natural menopause.

When Does Menopause Occur?

As you would expect, there is no strict age when all women go through menopause, and this will vary from case to case. Usually, it will happen sometime between the mid-40s and the mid-50s. If menopause occurs before the age of 40, then we are dealing with premature menopause, which is a medical issue.

If we look at the averages, 51 seems to be the most common age for menopause, but that doesn’t have to mean much. The age the mother reached menopause can be a good indicator for when it will happen to the daughter, but it is just an indicator, not a rule. Also, smoking can contribute to menopause occurring at a younger age.

Perimenopause

Menopause doesn’t happen overnight – it is a process which takes years. An important part of it is called perimenopause or menopausal transition.

Perimenopause is the period of several years before the final menstrual cycle. It’s the time when a woman is close enough to menopause to start noticing some of its symptoms but without reaching it fully.

The most notable of these symptoms is menstrual irregularity. A woman might skip a month (or even several months) between periods. The cycles can also be shorter, and the intensity of menstruation can change. These irregularities will be different for each woman, but they do have one thing in common – pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause.

Other common symptoms of perimenopause include hot flashes, night sweats, and chills. Mood swings can also happen, and the woman may have trouble sleeping. There are other possible symptoms which can differ from woman to woman as can their intensity. This is all due to the changes in hormonal levels that women experience during perimenopause.

After Menopause

Once 12 months have passed since the last period, a woman will have officially reached menopause. As mentioned, pregnancy will no longer be possible, but there are certain potential complications to keep in mind. These include:

Cardiovascular Disease

The risk of cardiovascular disease increases after menopause because of the reduced levels of estrogen. There is no need to explain how dangerous heart problems can be, which is why it is very important to protect the cardiovascular system. Among other things, this includes keeping an eye on blood pressure and cholesterol.

Weight Gain

It is fairly common for women to gain weight after menopause. As a matter of fact, this frequently starts during perimenopause and is due to the metabolic changes which take place. This directly connects to the previous point as the link between excessive body weight and heart problems is well-known.

For that reason, it may be necessary to adopt a healthier diet and get more exercise in order to maintain good body weight.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a medical condition which makes bones more brittle, thus making fractures more likely. Women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis after menopause, particularly in the first several years following this event.

Issues with Sexual Function

Women may experience reduced sexual desire after menopause. Also, vaginal dryness can occur and make intercourse uncomfortable.

Hot Flashes

We’ve mentioned hot flashes as a symptom of perimenopause, but they can also occur for years after reaching menopause.

Treatment

Menopause is a natural event – this means you do not treat it directly. Instead, doctors may prescribe treatment to help manage the symptoms and other conditions that can occur at that stage of a woman’s life.

For example, hormone therapy can help with the hot flashes. Another way to treat this symptom is with low doses of certain antidepressants. We mentioned that osteoporosis can also occur at this time, so doctors may take measures to prevent bone loss. This can include estrogen therapy or vitamin D supplements.

While on this topic, it is important to point out that vaginal bleeding after menopause is a big cause for concern. This is not normal and can be a sign of some medical problem that may require immediate treatment.

Conclusion

“Why do periods stop after menopause?” is a question countless women have asked, regardless of whether they’ve reached this stage of their life. Well, it is simply a point when the ovaries stop releasing eggs due to a natural decline in fertility.

It is normal and should not be cause for alarm. Still, it will require the woman to adapt, and we’ve talked about the symptoms which need to be taken into consideration. But with the right preparation, menopause does not need to entail a decreased quality of life.

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397
https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-basics#12
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15533358
https://women.smokefree.gov/quit-smoking/what-women-should-know/smokings-impact-on-women
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353401

Health

How to Remove a Bee Stinger

Written By: Arch
admin

For most people, bee stings are nothing more than an annoyance. While they cause pain and inflammation, most cases of bee stings can be treated at home without medical intervention. But if you get stung multiple times or suffer from allergies, a bee sting can cause a more serious reaction.

Bee stings are a common occurrence, so it’s important to know how to treat them. Read on to learn what happens when you get stung and why knowing how to remove a bee stinger can help minimize the reaction.

What Happens When a Bee Stings You?

For the most part, bees are peaceful creatures. They live their lives in service to their queen, collecting nectar which is turned into honey to support the hive. But when threatened, a bee will do whatever necessary to protect the hive, including sacrificing its life.

When a bee stings you, its barbed stinger pierces the skin releasing venom. When it tries to fly off, the stinger is ripped from the bee, leaving behind the venom sac, muscles, and nerves, resulting in the bee’s death.

Although fatal for the bee, by remaining in the skin, the stinger can continue to pump venom into the host long after the bee is gone. For this reason, it’s important to remove the stinger as soon as possible.

What to Do If You’ve Been Stung

Bee stings that don’t cause an allergic reaction can normally be treated at home. Regardless of the symptoms, the first thing you need to do is remove the stinger – fast!

The only bees that leave a barbed stinger behind are female worker bees. When the stinger breaks off, the attached venom sac remains intact. This continues to pump venom into the host until it’s removed or runs dry. Therefore, it’s imperative that the stinger is removed as quickly as possible to lessen the reaction of a sting.

How to Remove a Bee Stinger

A bee loses its stinger because of the barbed end. As this digs into the skin, it can be difficult to remove. While it’s commonly thought the best way to remove a stinger is to scrap it off, studies have found that it’s the speed of removal, not the method, that matters.

If you need to remove a bee stinger, try one of the following methods.

1. Scrape It Off

Using a credit card, knife, or some other flat-edged object, scrape across the stinger starting behind the sting site. While this may take a few passes, the pressure exerted on the skin will eventually force the stinger out.

2. Pull It Out

If you can clearly see the stinger, use your fingernails or tweezers to pull it out. Carefully pinch the stinger and pull straight up to remove it from the skin.

3. Use a Needle

A needle can be used to scrape or dig either all or part of the stinger from the skin. Sometimes scraping or pinching the stinger can cause the tip to break and remain in the skin. Before using a needle, sterilize it with alcohol or boiling water, then remove the stinger by scraping the skin around the sting site.

There’s a common misconception that pinching a bee stinger will release more venom into the wound. The abovementioned study found no difference in the amount of venom released regardless if the wound was scrapped or pinched.

Once the stinger is removed, wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold compress. To help reduce swelling and ease itching, apply hydrocortisone cream to the sting. Over-the-counter pain killers can also help ease discomfort.

Bee Sting Reactions

Bee stings produce a range of reactions from mild pain and swelling to anaphylactic shock. As insect sting allergies affect around 5% of the US population, most bee stings result in a mild reaction. But by understanding and recognizing more severe reactions, you will be able to treat the sting more efficiently.

1. Mild Reaction

While bee stings can be painful, mild reactions are rarely a cause for concern. Symptoms include:

  • Sharp burning pain
  • Red welt at the sting site
  • Inflammation around the sting area

In most cases, pain and swelling will subside within a few hours, although the sting site may remain tender for a few days.

2. Moderate Reaction

Some people have stronger reactions than others to bee stings. While the symptoms are much the same – redness, pain, and inflammation – the swelling will continue to grow for two or three days. These symptoms normally ease five to ten days after being stung. However, if you’re experiencing more severe reactions compared to previous stings, you may want to speak to your doctor about treatment and prevention.

3. Severe Allergic Reaction

The most serious reaction to a bee sting is an allergic one. Potentially life-threatening, symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include:

  • Hives and itchy skin
  • Difficulty breathing and tightness in the chest
  • Abdominal cramping and nausea
  • Difficulty swallowing due to the swelling of the tongue and throat

Anaphylaxis, the most severe type of allergic reaction, can occur within minutes of being stung. Symptoms may include:

  • Severe nausea, vomiting, and headache
  • Dizziness or fainting caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure
  • Convulsions or a loss of consciousness

People who experience a severe allergic reaction are up to 60% more likely to experience anaphylaxis the next time they’re stung. To prevent this, consult a doctor or allergy specialist about preventative options.

When to See a Doctor

Most bee stings won’t require a trip to the doctor. As mild symptoms typically last only a few hours, they can be easily treated at home. However, if the symptoms don’t go away within a few days, or if you’ve been stung multiple times, you should seek medical advice.

If you experience a severe reaction, immediately contact emergency services.

Prevention

Unless threatened, bees will normally leave you alone. But there are a few things you can do to help prevent being stung:

  • Cover outside trash and food containers
  • Clean up fallen fruit and trash that may attract insects
  • To avoid stepping on a bee, always wear close-toed shoes on lawns
  • Seek professional services to remove any hives located near your home
  • To avoid being stung by other bees, get inside as quickly as possible after being stung

Final Word

If you’ve been stung by a bee, the most important thing to do is remove the stinger as soon as possible. The longer it remains in your skin, the more venom it can pump into your body, which will only exacerbate the symptoms.

Now that you know how to remove a bee stinger, share this information with your friends. Regardless if you scrape it or pull it, just get it out quickly.

If you experience severe symptoms or suffer an allergic reaction, consult your doctor for immediate treatment.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8709689
https://acaai.org/news/rise-deadly-insect-sting-allergies-there-cure
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/insect-sting-allergy

Health

How to Prevent Spider Veins

Written By: Arch
Arch

Our bodies go through a lot of changes as a result of the aging process. From graying hair to fine lines and wrinkles, we gain a lot more than just experience as we get older.

A common condition that can develop in our later years is spider veins. A mild form of varicose veins, spider veins rarely present more than a cosmetic concern.

Caused by weak or damaged valves, blood travels in the wrong direction, thus causing blood clots. As blood collects, it causes the vein to enlarge, sometimes resembling a spider web or tree branch.

While some estimates suggest over 70% of women may develop spider veins, a review of studies found that up to 56% of men may also experience the condition at some point in life. To reduce your risk, let’s learn about the causes and symptoms and find out how to prevent spider veins.

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins, sometimes called superficial veins, occur when small blood clots cause the veins to expand. Causing red, blue, or purple discolorations on the skin, they are most common on the legs, ankles, thighs, and calves.

Spider veins represent a milder form of varicose veins. They generally won’t bulge like varicose veins and will appear closer to the surface of the skin.

What Are the Causes?

Veins return blood from other parts of the body to the heart for recirculation. To pump blood from your arms and legs, the veins have to work against gravity.

One-way valves prevent the blood from flowing backward, but when these valves become damaged or weak, it can cause the veins to twist. Once twisted, the veins can be seen through the skin.

Risk Factors

While an exact cause for the weakening of valves is yet to be found, there are many factors that can increase your risk of developing the condition:

  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop spider veins. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and medications like birth control can also increase your risk.
  • Age: Muscle contractions pump blood back towards your heart. As we get older, our muscles weaken, increasing the risk of developing spider veins.
  • Genetics: Spider veins are hereditary. If you have a family history of the condition, you have a greater chance of developing it.
  • Obesity: The additional pressure obesity places on veins can cause damage to the valves, thus increasing your risk.
  • Physical Inactivity: Veins need to work harder if you’re sitting or standing in the same position for extended periods of time. This can cause damage to your veins and further increase your risk of developing the condition.

Symptoms

The main symptom of spider veins is the appearance of small, discolored blood vessels on the skin. Most commonly found on the lower extremities, spider veins can also appear on the arms, hands, and face. Spider veins rarely cause additional symptoms. However, some swelling or mild discomfort may be felt.

How to Prevent Spider Veins

Some causes of spider veins are preventable, while others aren’t. You can’t pick your genes, so if you have a predisposition to the condition, prevention can be hard. But there are many factors that you can control to help prevent spider veins.

1. Get Moving

A sedentary lifestyle is sometimes hard to avoid. Many people spend their workday seated at a desk or standing for long periods of time. If you have to sit or stand for extended periods, take a break every hour and walk around or stretch. This will help activate the muscles to assist with pumping the blood back to your heart.

2. Exercise

Moving around at work and during the day is great, but for the most benefit, it’s important to get regular exercise. Weak muscles may struggle to recirculate blood against the force of gravity. To fight this, start an exercise regimen. By strengthening muscles and improving circulation you can help prevent spider veins.

While exercise is a sure-fire way to improve your health, consult your doctor before starting a new program. Whether you’re new to exercise or it’s just been a while since your last visit to the gym, it’s best to get a check-up first to prevent hurting yourself.

3. Control Your Weight

Being overweight doesn’t just increase your risk of spider veins; it’s one of the major causes of chronic diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. By losing weight, you will take some of the pressure off your veins, reducing your risk for the condition. If you’re struggling to control your weight, speak to your doctor about how they can help.

4. Change Your Diet

Another great way to improve general health and prevent spider veins is to eat a high-fiber diet. As fiber helps keep the digestive tract running smoothly, it will ease the strain of bowel movements, thus lessening the pressure on valves.

Cutting down your sodium intake and eating circulation-boosting foods can also help. As salt encourages swelling and inflammation, it’s a contributing factor to cardiovascular disease, stomach cancer, and weakened veins.

Flavonoids and other antioxidants help build tissue and reduce blood pressure, promoting strong and healthy veins. Apples, blueberries, cranberries, and broccoli are all rich in flavonoids and will help your body repair damaged cells and improve circulation.

Treatment

Some causes of spider veins can’t be prevented, but there’s plenty you can do to treat the condition.

Compression Clothing

Compression socks, stockings, and leggings help increase blood flow by putting pressure on the veins and can thus be used to treat spider veins. However, as some of these items exert a great deal of pressure on the legs and feet, check with your doctor if they’re suitable for you.

Non-Surgical Treatments

There are various non-surgical options to treat spider veins:

  • Sclerotherapy is a common treatment for spider veins. A solution of salt, fatty acids, and glycerin is injected into the vein, cutting off blood flow and turning the vein into scar tissue. As no anesthesia is required, the procedure can generally be performed in your doctor’s office.
  • Laser treatment is a non-invasive way of treating the condition. Strong bursts of light help the vein fade and eventually disappear.

As spider veins are rarely more than a cosmetic issue, surgical treatments are not often used. For severe varicose vein cases, doctors may remove part of the vein or perform endoscopic vein surgery.

Final Word

For many, spider veins are just a part of life. But while there’s little you can do about your age, gender, or family history, many risk factors are within your control. Eat a fiber-rich, low-salt diet and get regular exercise. If you’re seated all day, take regular breaks from your desk to help boost your circulation.

Now that you know how to prevent spider veins, you can take some steps to mitigate your chances of developing the condition.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15723761
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/sodium-and-salt
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24114476
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465813
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/sclerotherapy/about/pac-20384592

How Effective Are Condoms and Can You Maximize This?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Condoms are an extremely popular method of contraception, widely used by countless people due to their numerous benefits. Still, anyone who has ever used one has certainly asked the question, “Exactly how effective are condoms?”

The short answer is – they are usually very effective. But this topic requires a closer look.

The Basics

The term condom can actually refer to two different types of products: the male condom and the female (or internal) condom. Since the first association with the term condom is the former variety, this article will focus on them. Therefore, when we say “condom”, we are referring to the male condom.

The condom is a thin pouch (or sheath) worn over the penis during sexual intercourse. Usually, they are made of latex, but plastic (polyurethane, polyisoprene, or nitrile) can also be used. Additionally, there are also “lambskin” condoms, as well as condoms made from other natural membranes, but these are not as popular.

The condom is a pretty straightforward method of contraception. It is a barrier which stops semen from entering the vagina, thereby preventing pregnancy. This also makes it effective against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The Effectiveness

Under ideal circumstances, condoms prevent pregnancy 98% of the time. But since the circumstances aren’t always ideal, there are factors which can reduce their effectiveness (more on this later). As you can see, this is a very high percentage. As high as it may be, though, it is not 100%, meaning there is still a chance of pregnancy even if you correctly use condoms during every intercourse.

In addition, condoms also provide protection against STDs for both partners. This sets them apart from other methods of contraception. They can greatly reduce the risk of contracting HIV, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, herpes, etc.

This is because a condom can stop you from being exposed to bodily fluids and can also prevent skin-to-skin contact. Still, condoms cannot guarantee complete safety, meaning all STDs require immediate medical attention. As an additional note, condoms made from natural membranes are not nearly as effective against STDs – this is one of the main reasons synthetic condoms are more popular (the other is the price).

What Reduces Their Effectiveness?

As we said, a condom can be 98% effective. But this isn’t always the case, and it is important to pay attention to the following factors as they can make condoms ineffective.

1. Putting a Condom On Improperly

It is generally easy to put on a condom. You place it on the tip of the penis while it is erect. Depending on the shape of the condom, you may or may not need to squeeze the tip to get rid of air. Then, you roll the condom all the way down.

However, a condom may be inside-out. This will make it impossible to roll it down. If this happens, immediately throw it out and get a new one – do not try to flip it over.

2. Putting a Condom On Too Late

It is very important to put the condom on before any sexual contact. This is because a condom does its job even before the climax.

3. The Condom Coming Off During Intercourse

In the heat of the moment, the condom may slip off. This is why condoms come in various shapes and sizes, and it is important to find the one which provides the best fit. The biggest risk of the condom coming off is after the climax, so this is when you need to pay the most attention.

4. The Condom Tearing

While a condom is thick enough to do its job, it is still pretty thin overall. This means there is a chance it’ll break or tear. If this happens, it is usually because some external factors have jeopardized its integrity.

So, be careful when you take the condom out of its packet. Take care not to nick it with your fingernails or any jewelry you may be wearing. Also, don’t use your teeth for this.

If you plan to use a lubricant, stick to water-based products. This is because oil-based lubricants can damage and weaken latex condoms. Certain creams can have a similar effect, so make sure not to put them on your skin before intercourse.

5. Expiration Date and Reuse

Condoms have an expiration date so it’s important to check this. Also, all condoms are single-use products, meaning you should never try to reuse them.

The Benefits of Condoms

As mentioned, condoms are very popular. The main reason for this is because they can prevent unwanted pregnancy and protect against STDs. But there are other factors as well.

The price is a big one – while there are many different brands with varying prices, condoms are generally inexpensive. In fact, it is not uncommon for clinics and medical centers to sometimes give them away for free in order to discourage unprotected intercourse.

Closely connected to this is their availability. You don’t need any sort of a prescription to get them. You can simply buy them in any pharmacy and quite a few stores.

Finally, condoms work immediately and don’t require any particular advance planning. As long as you have one on hand, you are prepared.

The Disadvantages of Condoms

There aren’t many entries in this category but we’ll mention a few. For one, we’ve already mentioned that condoms aren’t 100% effective. You can interpret this as a disadvantage, but no form of contraception is effective without fail when it comes to both pregnancy and STDs.

Secondly, not everyone enjoys using them, and there are people who believe they get in the way of intimacy. It is not difficult to understand why some people might feel this way, but the safety condoms provide is a worthy tradeoff.

Lastly, there are people who are allergic to latex, meaning they won’t react well to most condoms. However, you can get around this by going for one of the other materials we mentioned near the beginning of the article.

Final Words

In the end, it is not enough to just provide a figure as the answer to the question “How effective are condoms?” Yes, they can prevent pregnancy 98 times out of 100, but that’s if you take all the necessary precautions and use them exactly as intended. This is not difficult, but it will require some effort.

Still, their combination of effectiveness, ease-of-use, and availability is outstanding, and it is why condoms are one of the first associations people have when they think about contraception.

 

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/male-condoms
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/condom

Health

How to Stop Diarrhea: Home Treatment Tips for Quick Relief

Written By: Arch
Arch

Diarrhea is a medical condition that causes frequent and watery stools. People who suffer from diarrhea don’t absorb water properly which may lead to dehydration and create problems with electrolytes.

The top causes of diarrhea are viruses, such as the norovirus and rotavirus. However, diarrhea can be caused by bacteria (e.g. Salmonella), as well.

This condition is very common among adults and even more among children. As a matter of fact, research shows that German adults experience diarrhea at least once a year.

With that being said, knowing how to stop diarrhea could come in quite handy.

What are the Symptoms?

You can diagnose yourself with diarrhea if you had at least 3 watery stools in the past 24 hours.

Diarrhea is followed by bloating, stomachache, and cramps, but that’s not where the list ends.

Vomiting is also a pretty common symptom that many people don’t associate with diarrhea.

Diarrhea can also cause headaches, nausea, fever, and joint pain.

If you experience dizziness, that’s your body telling you that you have lost too many electrolytes and liquids. In that situation, you need to look for medical attention as soon as possible.

Medical attention is also necessary if your condition hasn’t improving after 48 hours and you are still experiencing a high fever.

What Exactly Causes Diarrhea?

There are plenty of ways you can get diarrhea. The usual causes are the previously mentioned viruses and bacteria.

Most often, people experience symptoms after they have traveled to places that lack sanitary conditions.

Other common diarrhea causes include:

  • Eating food that you aren’t used to
  • Antibiotics
  • Gluten allergy
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Surgery – some people suffer from diarrhea after abdominal surgeries

What to Expect from Your Doctor

If you decided to visit your doctor, you will most likely be asked the following questions:

  • Did your symptoms start suddenly or gradually?
  • How frequent is your diarrhea?
  • What did you eat before you got diarrhea?
  • Have you taken any medications?
  • Do you have chronic diseases like diabetes?
  • Did you experience stomachache and vomiting?
  • Have you been traveling?

The more answers you give, the better help your doctor will be able to provide.

How to Get Rid of Diarrhea

Diarrhea typically doesn’t require any special treatment. Instead, you just have to wait for the condition to end. Once you get infected, your body’s defense system kicks in and tries to get rid of the toxins that are causing your problems.

If your diarrhea doesn’t end after two days, or if your symptoms get worse, you should ask your doctor about the right treatment.

Of course, there are still things you can do to ease your problems as soon as you notice the first symptoms. Here is what you can to do stop diarrhea.

1. Stay Hydrated

Making sure that your body is always hydrated while you are experiencing diarrhea is one of the best ways of handling this disease.

Since diarrhea makes your body lose more fluids and electrolytes than it should, drinking water will immensely help your recovery process.

As a 2006 study published in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition shows, water and sports drinks are incredibly effective for people with mild diarrhea symptoms.

Of course, there are drinks that you should absolutely avoid if you have diarrhea. These include:

  • Sodas
  • Alcohol
  • Milk
  • Coffee
  • Other drinks that contain caffeine

2. Be Careful About What You Eat

You might have gotten diarrhea by eating something that your stomach isn’t used to or simply by eating something bad.

Either way, since your stomach suffers the most, you need to be very selective of what you eat.

Eating low-fiber food is recommended in this case.

The list of foods that are good for your stomach while experiencing diarrhea includes the following:

  • Potatoes
  • Peanut butter
  • Toast
  • Bananas
  • Rice
  • Applesauce

You will also need a source of good bacteria found in probiotics, as they can clean your intestinal tract.

Probiotics are live microorganisms found in foods such as:

  • Aged soft cheese
  • Kefir
  • Pickles
  • Yogurt
  • Kombucha
  • Dark chocolate

If you don’t have access to any of these foods right now, you can try mixing five tablespoons of sugar, one and a half tablespoon of salt, and some orange juice with one liter of boiled water. This mixture is found to be pretty successful in eliminating diarrhea.

Just like with drinks, there are foods that you should avoid while suffering from this disease. The list includes:

  • Beans
  • Cabbage
  • Spicy foods
  • Fried foods
  • Fatty food s
  • Other foods that could make your gas worse

3. Take Over-the-Counter Drugs

There are two popular medications recommended for the treatment of diarrhea:

  • Loperamide
  • Bismuth Subsalicylate

Loperamide, also known as Imodium, allows your body to absorb more fluid. It slows down the movement of the food that’s going through your intestines.

The other medication, bismuth subsalicylate, has a similar impact as it balances the food’s movement. Some of the best-known brands of bismuth subsalicylate include Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate.

In some cases, yeast tablets like Perenterol are also advised as they can help your body get rid of germs faster.

These drugs are available over-the-counter (OTC) at your local pharmacy, but they also exist in a stronger, prescription variant. Whichever of the two you’re taking, it is important to follow the dosage instructions printed on the label and the recommendations of your doctor or pharmacist.

How to Treat Chronic Diarrhea

Chronic diarrhea cases are treated differently, and they require medical attention.

The first step to getting rid of chronic diarrhea is determining its category. There are watery, inflammatory, and fatty chronic diarrheas.

Once your doctor determines the category, the next step will be to use a special diagnostic algorithm to identify the right treatment.

Your doctor might even request lab work and fecal studies.

Severe cases of chronic diarrhea may require procedures like upper endoscopy.

Final Words

Now that you know how to stop diarrhea, you can eliminate the disease as soon as you notice the first symptoms. These are some of the best solutions for eliminating diarrhea. Try them out on your own and be patient.

If your symptoms aren’t decreasing, or if they are getting worse, make sure to visit your doctor.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK373090
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448082
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16931613

Health

How to Get Rid of Acne Scars: The 5 Best Home Treatments

Written By: Arch
Arch

Acne usually goes away once you hit adulthood, but some people continue to struggle with this problem long after their last breakout is over. Their skin reacts to inflammation by releasing color from affected skin cells, resulting in visible blemishes and raised or depressed skin known as acne scars.

Research shows that up to 95% of acne patients experience some degree of acne scarring in the aftermath of a breakout. While acne scars aren’t dangerous, they can be unsightly and make you feel self-conscious about your skin and appearance.

In this article, we will discuss different types of scarring and explain how to get rid of acne scars at home.

What Types of Acne Scars Are There?

There are two main types of acne scars – raised and depressed.

Raised scars (also known as hypertrophic) form when there is too much collagen in the affected skin cells during the healing process. As the name suggests, their surface is slightly raised from the surrounding skin. This type of scarring is most commonly found on the back and on the chest.

Depressed scars (also known as atrophic) are the exact opposite – they form due to a lack of collagen in the affected cells, and their surface is slightly lower than that of the surrounding skin. Most commonly found on the face, depressed scars can appear in three forms – ice pick, rolling, and boxcar scars.

The V-shaped ice pick scars appear very small on the surface, but they can go very deep into the skin, which is why they are usually the most difficult to treat. Rolling scars are wide with rounded edges, while boxcar scars have sharp edges and a characteristic U-shape. The depth of boxcar scars can vary, but they’re typically easier to treat the shallower they are.

Acne can also leave dark or discolored spots on your skin. The brown, red, or purple marks that appear on your skin after a pimple has disappeared are known as macules. They are not considered scars because they tend to fade on their own within a few months at most. Skin discoloration (known as hyperpigmentation) can also persist for months, but it too will fade on its own as the skin heals.

How to Get Rid of Acne Scars at Home: 5 At-Home Treatments

If you’re looking for the most effective at-home treatment to remove acne scars, take a look at the five outlined below. Consult with your dermatologist before starting any of these treatments to make sure the spots on your skin are really acne scars and not some other skin condition with similar symptoms.

1. Salicylic Acid

In addition to being one of the standard treatments for acne, salicylic acid can also be used to treat acne scars. As a matter of fact, research shows that it’s one of the best available treatments due to its ability to exfoliate the skin, clear pores, and reduce swelling. Suitable for all types of acne scarring, salicylic acid is available in a number of creams, lotions, pads, and face cleanser that you can buy over the counter.

With salicylic acid, acne scarring typically reduces after a few weeks of daily use. Because of its immense strength, people with sensitive skin may need to apply it less often (e.g. every other day). Also, if you have dry skin, this might not be the best choice as it could dry your skin even further and cause irritation.

2. Lactic Acid

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that performing a lactic acid peel twice a month over a period of three months could dramatically improve the appearance, texture, and color of the area of skin affected by acne scarring. Another treatment suitable for all types of acne scars, lactic acid can be found in many serums, ointment, and peels available in your local pharmacy.

Apple cider vinegar is naturally rich in lactic acid, so you can also use it to reduce acne scarring. To do so, mix two parts water with one part apple cider vinegar and use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the scar that you want to treat. Wait up to 60 seconds (20 seconds if you feel a slight burning sensation on the skin) and then rinse your face with water and pat it dry.

3. Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Like salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are commonly found in anti-acne products. These acids have the ability to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin, thus opening up clogged pores. In addition, AHAs exfoliate and smoothen the top layer of the skin and help maintain its natural color.

AHAs are also an effective treatment against all types of skin blemishes, including liver spots, sun spots, and skin discoloration. The two best known AHAs are glycolic acid (derived from sugar cane) and citric acid (from lemons and other citrus fruits), which are found in many readily available skincare products.

4. Retinoids

Commonly used to reduce acne breakouts, retinoids are also a particularly effective treatment for acne scar-smoothing and removal. According to a 2017 review published in the journal Dermatology and Therapy, retinoids speed up the regeneration of damaged skin cells, thus improving skin texture. In addition, they can reverse skin discoloration and noticeably remove post-breakout acne scarring.

Retinoids are best-suited for the treatment of depressed acne scars. They are available over the counter in the form of creams and serums, but your dermatologist can also prescribe your products with higher concentrations of these potent ingredients. Keep in mind that the use of retinoids will temporarily make your skin more susceptible to sun damage, so make sure to put on sunscreen before going out.

5. Dermarolling

You may have heard of microneedling, an in-office procedure that involves the rolling of hundreds of small acupuncture-like needles onto the surface of the skin. The needles create tiny, barely visible holes and trigger a healing process to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in your skin cells. This, in turn, helps smooth out wrinkles, reduce skin discoloration, and improve the texture of acne scars.

With the release of several DIY derma-rollers, microneedling (often referred to as dermarolling, hence the name) can now be done at home. To ensure safety, doctors recommend that you only use FDA-approved products. Consulting with your dermatologist about the best product and frequency of use for your case and skin type will also help ensure that you don’t overtreat your skin with derma-rollers.

A Final Word

While all these treatments are proven to be effective, you should always consult with your dermatologist before starting any of them. The dermatologist will look at your skin to pinpoint the exact cause of your problems and recommend the best treatment to get rid of your acne scars.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4295858/
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/drp/2010/893080/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2010.00513.x
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13555-017-0185-2
https://aestheticsjournal.com/news/skinpen-precision-receives-fda-approval

Health

How to Get a Splinter Out Without Risking Infection

Written By: Arch
Arch

Splinters can happen to anyone. They can be merely uncomfortable, but some splinters cause a great deal of pain. In most cases, it’s possible to remove them at home, without medical intervention. But it’s crucial to understand how to get a splinter out in a safe way.

Splinters 101

A splinter is usually a thin piece of wood that gets embedded in your skin. You can also get splinters from broken plastic, metal, or other materials. Children and adults are equally likely to get splinters. This injury can happen anywhere on your body, especially in the hands and the feet.

First, it’s important to identify when splinters require immediate medical attention. In any of the following cases, you should turn to a doctor right away.

  • The splinter is close to the eyes or it went under a fingernail.
  • The affected area already shows signs of infection. Sometimes, you don’t notice a splinter right away and it gets infected before you can do anything about it. Typical symptoms include reddened skin, as well as white or yellow discharge.
  • You can also consult with a doctor if you think your splinter is unusually large or unusually deep.
  • If you haven’t had a tetanus vaccine, it is best to speak to your doctor. While this disease is rare, it’s best to do all you can to prevent it. Note that tetanus boosters last around ten years. If it has been longer than that since you had a booster, you should get another one.

If you believe you can remove the splinter from your skin, you should take a careful and confident approach. Removal shouldn’t take longer than fifteen minutes. If it does, there’s a chance the splinter is positioned vertically, which means that it is exceptionally painful and difficult to get out. In this case, call your doctor.

You might also break the splinter while attempting to remove it. Again, it is best to seek out medical advice in order to prevent any complications.

How to Prepare for Splinter Removal at Home

Since it damages the surface of your skin, a splinter is actually a very small open wound. That means that it’s very prone to infection. Before you attempt to remove your splinter, there are two things you should do.

Wash Your Hands and the Affected Area

To prevent infection, you should start by washing your hands with soap and water. Then wash the area of your skin where the splinter is located. Some people also find it helpful to soak the splintered body part in warm water. After a few minutes, the skin will become softer, which will make it easier to remove the splinter.

Inspect the Impacted Area

Do a quick visual check to make sure there are no signs of infection. It’s important to note how the splinter is positioned, as horizontal splinters are easier to remove. You may want to use a magnifying glass for this.

How to Get a Splinter Out at Home?

There are a few different methods you can use to remove the splinter from your skin. Whatever option you go for, it’s crucial to sterilize all your equipment. You can use rubbing alcohol and cotton balls to do so.

1. Use Tweezers

Once the tweezers are disinfected, simply use them to pinch the splinter and slowly pull it out. Make sure to follow the same direction the splinter went in. If necessary, pinch your skin to make it tauter.

2. Use a Needle and Tweezers

For slightly deeper splinters, it could help to use a needle as well. To get to the splinter, use the needle to lift the skin. You might need to lightly break the skin as well. Remember that the needle has to be sterilized with alcohol first.

3. Pull the Splinters Out with Duct Tape or Packing Tape

If you have several small splinters in the same place, using tape can help. It’s also useful for removing deeper splinters.

You can gently press the tape to the splintered area, and move it around. The splinters will stick to the surface, and then you simply throw the tape away. Repeat this process several times if necessary.

The other option is to stick the tape to your skin and leave it. Thirty minutes later, carefully unpeel the tape and throw it away.

What to Do After the Splinter Is Removed

When the splinter is out, it’s important to wash your skin with soap and warm water again. Then, cover the area with antibiotic ointment. Once that is completed, cover it in a bandage.

A Word on Nail Splinters

Splinters under the nails can be extremely painful and prone to complications. In serious cases, anesthesia is applied. These procedures require anti-infection treatment and extended wound care. The same can apply to splinters under the toenail.

What Happens If You Decide Not to Remove a Splinter?

Wood splinters and other pieces of vegetable matter are especially likely to cause an infection. If you can’t get your wood splinter out, it is safest to look for professional help. Doctors may use scalpels to remove it from your skin.

Leaving the splinter in count lead to extremely painful infections. If you’re unlucky, this could lead to lumps forming under the skin, which can go on to damage the body’s lymphatic system. You can expect painful oozing, and there’s a risk of blood poisoning or other infections.

But what if you have a metal or glass or plastic splinter? If you can’t remove it, but it’s not causing you any pain or discomfort, it might be best to wait it out. Observe the splintered area carefully. At the first sign of infection, call your doctor.

A Final Thought

It’s not really possible to avoid all splinters. However, there are a few ways you can lower your own and your child’s risk of splinters.

If you’re planning to use wooden furniture of any kind, inspect it for signs of visible damage. Do the same with your children’s playground equipment and certain toys. It’s also crucial to wear shoes all the time while outside. Don’t go barefoot unless you’re sure it’s safe. Keeping your hands safe is important, too. Before you start working outdoors, make sure to put on a pair of sturdy gloves.

 

References:

https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/injured-skin/splinters
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0615/p2557.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tetanus/expert-answers/tetanus-shots/faq-20058209
https://www.who.int/ith/diseases/tetanus/en

Uncategorized

Fibromyalgia Symptoms Checklist

Written By: Holly Case
admin

Getting diagnosed with fibromyalgia is usually a difficult process, even though it’s now easier than it used to be. It can be challenging to find a doctor who will take your concerns seriously. And fibromyalgia is sometimes called “the great mimic” because so many illnesses have similar symptoms. Wondering if you might have fibromyalgia? Use this fibromyalgia symptoms checklist and discuss it with your doctor.

Widespread Pain

Widespread pain is one of the most common telltale signs of fibromyalgia. This symptom feels like you have a deep ache all over your body. Your skin feels sore when people touch it and the ache goes down to your bones. This kind of pain can make it difficult to move, though inactivity ironically often makes it worse. Pain relievers usually won’t offer much relief, either.

Sleep Problems

You would think that being tired and in pain would mean that you’d sleep like a baby. But sadly, many people with fibromyalgia actually have trouble falling asleep and getting a good night’s rest. Pain often disrupts the ability to sleep. There’s nothing worse than being so exhausted and still being unable to get the rest you need to recover. But when you do finally fall asleep, it’s also possible that you could sleep for 10 to 12 hours. Fibromyalgia means you’ll need sleep but your sleep probably won’t be normal.

Fatigue

Fatigue is not just about feeling tired. It’s more like the amount of your exhaustion is disproportionate to the amount of effort you put into something. Something simple like cleaning the house or going grocery shopping will leave you feeling drained and exhausted for days. Because you are not likely to be sleeping well, your body never gets the chance to fully recover from activity, which increases feelings of fatigue.

Cognitive Difficulties

Everyone has moments where they can’t remember the name of someone they met once or forget about an appointment. But it can be a sign of a real problem if this type of thing frequently happens to you. Many people with fibromyalgia suffer from cognitive difficulties, a type of confusion often called the “fibro fog.” Poor sleep is another contributing factor to fibro fog as well, making it harder to be mentally sharp.

Depression

Many people with fibromyalgia also deal with frequent depression. Certainly, being in chronic pain and getting poor sleep would put anyone in a bad mood. But the depression in fibromyalgia is more than just situational. You may also have mood swings, irritability, and anxiety or panic attacks.

Other Common Co-Existing Conditions

Irritable Bowel Syndrome includes symptoms that often alternate between diarrhea and constipation. You may have difficulty with having regular bowel movements. Stomach cramping often occurs as well. Symptoms may be linked to stress or specific foods. 

Migraines and other headaches are part of the fibromyalgia experience as well.

Bladder issues include frequent urination, bladder spasms, interstitial cystitis, and pain during urination.

 Female reproductive issues include painful menstrual cramps, irregular periods, pelvic pain, and premature menopause. Although the exact link between female hormones and fibromyalgia is not understood, it is thought to be the reason why fibromyalgia is so much more common in women.

How Do You Get Ringworm? 4 Dangers to Look Out for

Written By: Arch
Arch

Ringworm is a common skin infection. It can last up to four weeks with treatment. While it’s especially prevalent in places with poor sanitation, ringworm occurs in every part of the world.

Another name for this disease is tinea, and it affects many different body parts. It can spread out across the body and the scalp, and it can affect men’s facial hair as well. In cases when the disease spreads to the feet, it’s referred to as athlete’s foot. Tinea of the crotch is called jock itch.

The symptoms of ringworm vary, depending on where the infection sets in. Some of the most frequent symptoms to look for are:

  • Red, ring-shaped marks and cracks on the skin
  • Scaly skin
  • Oozing blisters
  • A strong itch
  • Hair loss on the scalp or the beard
  • Thickened, discolored nails

But how do you get ringworm? Let’s take a quick look at the causes of the disease.

Ringworm Causes

Because of the name and the characteristic look, it’s easy to assume that ringworm is caused by a worm. But it only got its name because it tends to leave raised, thin marks on the skin.

This infection actually comes from a fungus. You probably know that fungus grows especially quickly in warm, damp conditions. It’s important to keep this in mind when it comes to prevention.

Wearing tight clothing can make the infection spread more easily. In general, having good hygiene is the best way to avoid contracting the disease.

There are four ways you can get ringworm:

1. From Humans

Ringworm spreads easily through human-to-human contact. Touching the skin of an infected person puts you at serious risk.

Outbreaks are frequent in schools and other institutions where people come into frequent contact with each other. Athletes involved in close-contact sports are particularly prone to catching this disease. For example, ringworm is widespread among wrestlers.

2. From Objects

In addition to direct contact, the fungus can spread through shared clothing and towels. It’s also dangerous to use shared footwear in pools or spas. Ringworm of the scalp can come from shared brushes as well as hats or accessories. Shared sports equipment is another possible source of danger.

It’s important to note that ringworm can also spread through shared furniture, toilets, or bedclothes. If someone in your household has this infection, you have to take extra precautions.

3. From Animals

This fungus can affect pets, livestock, birds, and some other animal species. When animals get infected, the fungus manifests similarly as in humans. They develop an itch and may lose their fur in patches.

Direct contact with an infected mammal or bird is a common risk factor. Dog and cat owners are likelier than average to get ringworm. The infection is especially prevalent among people who work with cows or sheep.

4. From the Environment

How do you get ringworm from your environment? Standing barefoot on the floor of public spaces (such as saunas or public pools) is a risk factor. It’s best to wear sandals when using your own shower stall. Ringworm also survives in the soil, so walking outside barefoot can be risky, too.

What Can You Do to Prevent It?

Preventing ringworm isn’t too difficult in most cases. The key is to maintain good hygiene and remain careful in case of contact with infected people.

Wash your hands often, especially after using a public toilet. It can also help to shower and change clothes after returning from the gym. Wearing breathable, loose-fitting clothing is a good way to keep the fungus from spreading.

Cats, dogs, gerbils, and other pets are all likely to spread ringworm. If you have children, make sure they understand the importance of washing their hands after playing with animals.

Hygiene in the home is extremely important. Wash every surface thoroughly, especially in the bathroom. You should also regularly clean any areas frequented by your pets.

But the most important precaution is to avoid sharing clothes and personal items. When people live in cramped spaces with insufficient resources, ringworm infections become hard to eradicate.

How Do You Get Ringworm Diagnosed?

If you suspect you have contracted tinea, it’s important to get diagnosed as soon as possible. This infection is treatable but it requires medication. Never wait for ringworm to recede on its own. There’s no need to live with the painful symptoms any longer than necessary.

What can you expect from a doctor’s examination?

  • In some cases, it’s enough for your dermatologist to simply look at the surface of the skin. But they may need to use other methods to locate the fungus.
  • This fungus glows under a black light, so that is one of the most common diagnostic tools for ringworm.
  • KOH exams are another effective option. To complete this test, it’s necessary to scrape cells off the surface of the infected area. The sample is then placed in potassium hydroxide.
  • Sometimes, it’s important to complete more thorough laboratory analyses. Your doctor may take a skin sample, or they might sample the discharge from blisters instead.

What Happens Next?

After you are diagnosed, your doctor will recommend treatment. For most people, over-the-counter medications are sufficient. These are usually topical creams you apply to the affected area. Powders and lotions are common as well.

In more severe cases, prescription medication is necessary. Your doctor may prescribe Terbinafine, Griseofulvin, or another oral drug. Unfortunately, these may come with severe and unpleasant side effects. Nausea, headaches, and indigestion are common, so you should talk to your doctor if you’re worried about anything you’re experiencing.

In your home, it becomes particularly important to clear everything. Always put on clean clothes and footwear, and make sure to wash your towels, pillows, and sheets.

A Note on Infected Pets

If you suspect your pets have contracted this infection, take them to a vet immediately. Treating this problem in animals isn’t too different than treating it in humans.

A Final Thought

You should keep in mind that people with weak immune systems are especially likely to get ringworm. If you suspect you’re infected, avoid coming into contact with people with autoimmune diseases, as well as young children or the elderly.

 

References:

https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases-risks/diseases/ringworm/en
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/symptoms.html
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/ringworm/risk-prevention.html
http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/FastFacts/pdfs/dermatophytosis_F.pdf

Health

How to Stay Awake: 7 Tips to Fight Daytime Sleepiness

Written By: Arch
Arch

Regular sleep is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, but many of us treat it as a luxury. Due to the constant pressure to squeeze more tasks into our daily schedules, we often tend to skimp on our recommended 7-8 hours of sleep, only to find ourselves fighting drowsiness all throughout the next day.

While a cup of coffee or a can of energy drink may give you the boost that you need, they are not always the best option. Their effects usually need several hours to wear off, so consuming them late in the day could result in a sleepless night followed by another day of constant drowsiness, fatigue, and irritability.

In this article, you will learn how to stay awake without coffee, energy drinks, or prescription stimulants.

1. Start Your Workday with a Nap

Though it does sound weird to take a nap mere hours after waking up, it might be all you need to go through your workday without nodding off at your desk. The boost in alertness you can get from napping for just 20 minutes may be enough to get you through a full eight-hour shift. As such, this could be particularly useful if you’re a shift worker or have alternating working hours every day.

Your start-of-the-day naps should ideally be shorter than 30 minutes. Otherwise, you will reach deeper stages of sleep, making it difficult to wake up and leaving you groggier than you were before the nap.

2. Walk to Work

If the weather is nice and your office is not that far from your home, you might want to consider walking to work. Research shows that just 20 minutes of sunlight exposure a day is all it takes to keep your melatonin levels under control. Melatonin is the hormone that occurs naturally in the body and controls your natural clock. When it’s not in check, you will feel drowsy even if you’ve slept well the night before.

A 2016 study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (MSSE) found that 150 minutes of light workout a week can not only help you lose weight but also improve your alertness. If you walk to work five times a week for 30 minutes, at least during the warm months of the year, you can meet your weekly exercise quota without having to go to the gym or exercise at home.

3. Take Regular Breaks

Concentrating on a single task for a long period of time can make you feel very tired. The same can happen when you’ve been standing or sitting in the same position for too long. To combat this problem, you should take frequent breaks throughout your workday. A short, five-minute break should be enough for you to stretch out both mentally and physically and return to work more productive and focused.

Even if you can’t leave your desk, you can still get similar results from “shutting off” your brain for a few minutes. According to a 2011 study conducted at the University of Illinois, even the shortest diversions (so-called “mental breaks”) can noticeably improve your performance on longer, more demanding tasks.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

In some cases, daytime sleepiness may stem from dehydration, which is why you should always keep a bottle of water handy and take a sip every now and then throughout the day. To prevent dehydration, adults need to drink about eight glasses (2 liters) of water a day. This is the optimal amount required to maintain your body’s fluid balance. Depending on how thirsty you feel, you may need to drink more.

Drinking more water will inevitably increase your need to take bathroom breaks. This is good because it gives you an excuse to leave your desk more often, if only to take a trip to the bathroom and back. The frequent movement will help keep your body awake, thus allowing you to maintain focus at work.

5. Have a Healthy Snack

Many people regularly experience the so-called “afternoon slump”, a drop in energy that usually occurs around the mid-point of the workday. If you’re one of them, eating a sugar-filled candy bar to regain alertness might not be the best idea. While the sudden rush of sugar will inevitably give you the energy boost that you need, that boost will only be short-lived. As soon as the effects of processed sugars wear off, you’ll be left with fatigue, lethargy, and mental fogginess – even worse than before you had a snack.

If you need something to boost your energy after the lunch break, you should always opt for healthful snacks with little-to-no added sugar. Some good choices include whole wheat crackers with peanut butter as an alternative to candy bars, baby carrots or celery sticks with a low-fat cream cheese dip, or a handful of fresh nuts with yogurt. Replace carb-heavy sandwiches and pasta with healthy salads.

6. Keep Your Workspace Cool and Well-Lit

Your body’s daily rhythm is in tune with the cycle of darkness and light, which means that insufficient lighting will put you to sleep whereas bright lights will help keep you alert. If you have trouble staying awake at work, a little more light may be all you need. Open the shades to let some sunlight in. If there are no windows near your workspace, consider adding a lamp to keep your desk well-lit at all times.

Room temperature also has an effect on your ability to stay awake. If your workspace is even a tad warmer than your body is used to, you will be more likely to nod off mid-work. To remain alert, it is recommended to keep your workspace cool. Ideally, the temperature should be around 68 degrees, but you may turn it up or down by a few degrees depending on your preference.

7. Rearrange Your Work Schedule

If you have multiple tasks of varying complexity to sort through during your workday, rearranging your schedule might help you build up energy over the course of the day. Since it’s usually difficult to focus on complicated tasks first thing in the morning, it might be best to get the easy stuff out of the way first.

For example, start your day by replying to emails and follow that up with phone calls to clients or a trip to the post office. Each task you complete will give you a small energy boost, allowing you to become more alert as your day progresses. Plus, if you have problems with procrastination, tackling the smaller, less demanding tasks first will kick your day into gear and help unleash your productivity in the process.

A Final Word

If you’re wondering how to stay awake at work, these seven tips should help.

However, if daytime sleepiness becomes a chronic problem despite getting regular sleep at night, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. Sleep disorders like narcolepsy and sleep apnea can have a detrimental effect on your sleep quality and leave you tired from the moment you wake up in the morning. These common disorders can go undiagnosed for a long time, which is why it is important to go to your doctor if you’re experiencing chronic drowsiness.

 

References:

https://www.sleep.org/articles/how-long-to-nap
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14594199
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4911242
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21211793
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/connection-between-hydration-and-sleep

Health

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes

Written By: Arch
Arch

Dark circles or bags under the eyes is a common problem for both men and women. Sometimes referred to as infraorbital or periorbital dark circles, these are often seen as a sign of tiredness or fatigue and can make a person appear much older than they actually are.

Although it’s not considered a major medical condition, it can be a cosmetic concern that influences a sufferer’s emotional well-being. If you want to find out how to get rid of dark circles under eyes, read on. This article will delve into the causes of this problem and give you all the information you’ll need to treat it once and for all.

What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes?

Dark circles under the eyes can affect almost anyone, and there are a number of contributing factors that can cause the problem. These include:

  • Age: as we get older, our skin loses its firmness (collagen) and elasticity (elastin), leaving thinner skin. This allows blood vessels and veins to be more easily seen under the skin. In fact, the International Dermal Institute states our skin can lose up to 80% of its thickness due to the aging process.
  • Genetics: even though it’s something we can’t control, genetics plays a big role in determining if you will suffer from dark circles under the eyes. If your parents or grandparents suffer from thin eyelids and dark circles, there’s a good chance you will inherit the problem too.
  • Allergies: according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the most common type of eye allergy is seasonal allergic conjunctivitis or SAC. Along with itching and redness, SAC also causes chronic dark circles under the eyes, known as allergic shiners.

While these predispositions play a role, other factors can also lead to dark circles under the eyes, including:

  • Fatigue
  • Skin pigmentation irregularities
  • Excess sun exposure
  • Dehydration
  • Eye strain

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes

While many of the causes are hereditary or out of our control, there are thankfully many things you can do to help treat dark circles. For best results, try a combination of the below treatments to help address the issue.

Use a Cold Compress

Using moderate pressure, apply a cold wet towel to your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes. This not only reduces swelling but also has the added benefit of shrinking dilated blood vessels, which can help reduce the darkness of eye circles.

Apply Cucumber Slices

Rich in Vitamin C and folic acid, studies show that when applied to the eyes cucumbers can help reduce swelling and stimulate new cell growth. Place cold cucumber slices on the eyes for at least 10 minutes twice a day. Rinse with water after applying and dispose of the slices.

Tea Bags

Caffeine from tea can help narrow blood vessels and reduce the appearance of dark circles, while the antioxidants also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Steep two tea bags in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. Squeeze out any water and place in the fridge for around 20 minutes, or until they are cold enough to touch. Remove any excess water, lay down, and place the bags over your eyes for 15 to 20 minutes.

Get Enough Sleep

Fatigue is one of the major causes of dark eye circles. Ensure you’re getting at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to help fight dark circles. In fact, studies have shown getting less than 7 hours of sleep has a wide range of negative effects on the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems.

Manage Allergies

If you suffer from allergies, either seasonal or year-round, you can reduce the effects by taking over-the-counter drugs like antihistamines. These not only manage your allergy symptoms but also reduce the appearance of red, puffy eyes.

Elevate Your Head When Sleeping

To help prevent fluid from accumulating under your eyes, add an extra pillow to your bed to raise your head when sleeping. If your dark circles are the result of fluid retention, this should help clear up the issue in a few days.

Check Your Diet

What we eat has a huge influence on the look of our skin and health in general. Many different foods cause inflammation in the body, so to reduce dark circles from the eyes it can help to follow an anti-inflammatory diet. Lean towards fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins and avoid unhealthy fats, processed food, and excess sugar.

Wear Sunscreen

Another major cause of dark circles is excess sun exposure. As the sun tans our skin, it also increases the appearance of dark circles. If you’re not up for wearing sun cream daily, opt for a 2 in 1 moisturizer that contains at least SPF15 sun protection. This will not only help your eyes but also protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

Vitamin K Wipes

Applying a pad under the eye that contains a mix of Vitamin K and caffeine has been shown to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and under-eye circles.

Medical Options

If none of the above home remedies help to treat your dark circles, it might be time to seek medical advice. There are a number of medical options that can treat dark eye circles, including:

  • Medications: if your dark circles are caused by allergies, speak to your doctor about prescription allergy medications.
  • Therapies: Wrinkle treatments like laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and fillers may help reduce the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.
  • Surgery: in extreme cases, eyelid surgery known as blepharoplasty is used to treat dark eye circles. According to the Mayo Clinic, this surgery can also repair puffy upper and lower eyelids and excess skin that can impair vision.

As with any medical procedure, there are risks of serious side effects from eye surgery, including loss of vision. Before undertaking any procedures, speak with your doctor about any possible complications.

Final Word

While there can be many causes for dark circles under the eyes, it’s rarely considered a health issue. Even so, it can be damaging to self-esteem and have a detrimental effect on emotional well-being.

Thankfully, there are many things that can help reduce their appearance or remove the problem entirely. Now that you know how to get rid of dark circles under eyes, try some of the above remedies and see how they work for you. If the darkening worsens or these treatments aren’t working, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your medical options.

 

References:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01213.x
https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/skincare-face/treating-dark-circles-under-eyes
https://www.livestrong.com/article/319962-hereditary-dark-circles-under-the-eyes
https://www.theactivetimes.com/fitness/n/7-ways-get-rid-dark-circles-under-your-eyes
https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/how-to-get-rid-of-dark-circles
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-dark-circles-permanently
https://www.allure.com/story/six-ways-quitting-will-make-you-prettier
https://www.healthline.com/health/dark-circle-under-eyes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bags-under-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20369927
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924417
https://www.healthline.com/health/tea-bags-for-eyes
https://www.livestrong.com/article/93147-green-tea-bags-dark-circles
https://www.healthline.com/health/cucumbers-on-eye
https://gizmodo.com/what-causes-dark-circles-under-your-eyes-1584754813

Health

How to Get Rid of Butt Acne: Causes, Home Treatments, and Skincare Tips

Written By: Arch
Arch

Like facial acne, butt acne (or butt-ne, as it’s colloquially known) can cause pain and itchiness. However, despite their similar appearance, the red pimples on your buttocks might not be the same as those on your face. Although common acne can sometimes affect the lower back and the buttocks, most butt acne outbreaks are the result of a condition known as folliculitis.

In this article, you will learn more about the causes of folliculitis and find out how to get rid of butt acne with over-the-counter treatments and home remedies.

What Causes Folliculitis?

The main cause of folliculitis is an overgrowth of staph bacteria, most often Staphylococcus aureus.

More than 30% of people already have S. aureus living on their skin or in their nose and not causing any problems. However, sometimes the bacteria may travel deeper into the skin, where they can grow and multiply. This could eventually lead to a staph infection which clogs the follicle and leaves it inflamed.

Not all cases of folliculitis are caused by bacteria. The condition can also be viral, fungal, or parasitic.

Sweat is a major risk factor for folliculitis because it irritates the skin and creates a fertile ground for bacteria to thrive. Failing to shower after excessive sweating can also lead to skin irritation. Similarly, non-breathable underwear (e.g. polyester or nylon) prevents sweat from evaporating, thus keeping it pressed against your skin, which might also irritate hair follicles.

In fact, even sitting in a chair while you’re sweating may be enough to irritate the follicle as it keeps the moisture locked in. Hair follicles can also be irritated due to the friction and the resulting chafing that occurs when you’re wearing tight-fitting pants. Wearing skinny jeans and other tight-fitting clothes for long periods of time is thus not recommended, especially while exercising.

How to Get Rid of Butt Acne at Home

Because the skin in your intimate region is almost always in contact with clothes, butt acne may take longer to clear up than facial acne. If you’re wondering how to get rid of butt acne, one of the following home treatments may help.

1. Benzoyl Peroxide

Some common facial acne remedies may also be effective against butt acne. Benzoyl peroxide is one of them. Available in most pharmacies as either a body wash or a bar soap, 10% benzoyl peroxide helps reduce acne outbreaks by clearing out clogged pores. Used for its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a particularly good choice for people who suffer from recurrent butt acne breakouts.

Keep in mind that benzoyl peroxide has a bleaching effect, so it could stain colored clothing. To avoid this, use all-white fabrics during your treatment – white washcloths, white towels, and white underwear.

2. Lactic Acid

Lotions containing lactic acid are also effective against butt acne. This potent ingredient helps loosen and remove dead skin cells from the surface, leaving you with smoother and softer skin. Available over-the-counter in many variants, lactic acid lotions can be used daily either on their own or in combination with other home remedies, including benzoyl peroxide.

Lactic acid isn’t only a butt acne remedy. You can also use it to remove dead and rough skin from your hands, your feet, your knees, and your elbows. On top of that, it is an effective remedy against keratosis pilaris, a very common condition that causes tiny red bumps on your upper arms, thighs, and cheeks.

3. Salicylic Acid

Like lactic acid, salicylic acid is also a beta-hydroxy acid which helps loosen and remove dead skin cells. Salicylic acid is available in several forms, but pre-moistened pads are by far the most convenient. Similar to wet wipes, all you have to do is take a pad out of the packaging and rub it all over your buttocks.

Salicylic acid pads are available over-the-counter in most pharmacies. Some are advertised as being specifically for butt acne, while others are just for acne in general. Either of these will likely help solve your problems. To ensure optimal results, always opt for a 2% salicylic acid solution. For an even more effective treatment, combine salicylic acid in the morning with lactic acid in the evening.

4. Tea Tree Oil

One of the most potent essential oils out there, tea tree oil is known for its strong antimicrobial effect. Since most cases of butt acne are the result of a bacterial infection, tea tree oil could be effective against them. In fact, some studies indicate that 5% tea tree oil can be as effective as a 5% benzoyl peroxide.

To improve the effectiveness of tea tree oil, you can mix it with benzoyl peroxide gel. Simply combine 4oz of the gel with up to 10 drops of tea tree oil, apply a gentle cleanser to your buttocks to remove excess sweat, rub the mixture onto the affected area, and give your skin time to absorb it.

5. Salt Water

A homemade salt water treatment may also help you get rid of butt acne. Just mix one teaspoon of regular table salt into two cups of water until it fully dissolves and use a gentle washcloth to apply it to the parts of your buttocks affected by acne. For optimal results, do this twice a day until acne clears up.

Further Tips for Getting Rid of Butt Acne

In addition to the five remedies highlighted above, the following tips will help you get rid of butt acne and prevent future outbreaks.

  • Avoid tight-fitting clothes. While they can look good, especially if you’ve recently lost weight and want to highlight your slim figure, tight-fitting clothes can cause friction as you move, which could lead to hair follicle irritation. Wear loose-fitting clothes instead, at least while exercising.
  • Shower after the gym. Trapped sweat is a common hair follicle irritant, which is why you should always shower right after a workout or some other activity that involves excessive sweating.
  • Use hypoallergenic detergents. If you have sensitive skin, you should only use hypoallergenic detergents and fabric softeners to avoid irritation. If you suspect that your butt acne is caused by some product you use to wash your undergarments, you should stop using it.

Final Thoughts

Butt acne can be treated successfully with over-the-counter medication and home remedies, so there’s usually no need to go to your doctor at first. However, if none of the treatments work or if the acne continues to advance, you should stop treatment and see a dermatologist as soon as possible. The same applies if the red bumps on your buttocks turn into painful, pus-filled boils or carbuncles.

 

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/staphylococcal-infections
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22639852
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/benzoyl_peroxide
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/bumps-and-growths/keratosis-pilaris
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/qa/what-is-betahydroxy-acid
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2145499
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1282310

Health

How to Get Rid of a Black Eye

Written By: Arch
Arch

A black eye can be a painful and sometimes embarrassing reminder of recent trauma. Clinically referred to as a periorbital hematoma, when the capillaries under the eye are broken, they release blood which collects under the skin and forms a bruise.

Like any bruise on the body, a black eye is normally accompanied by swelling and pain. The good news is, it will generally clear up on its own within a few weeks. But if you need to know how to get rid of a black eye quickly, read on. This article will look into the causes and symptoms of black eyes, let you know when to seek medical advice, and what you can do at home to help speed up recovery.

Causes

Most black eyes are the result of a direct impact injury to the eye or face. These injuries can happen for many reasons, from being hit by a ball to falling over or walking into a door. Depending on how the injury happens, either one or both eyes may be affected.

While being struck in the face is the most common cause of black eyes, they can also occur due to:

  • Facial surgery like nose surgery or facelifts
  • Skull fracture and other head injuries
  • Cellulitis, a skin infection around the eye

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a black eye are pain, swelling, and of course bruising. After the initial injury, the area will turn red and start to swell. Pain may be persistent for a few hours but often subsides quickly.

Within a day or two, the bruise may develop a darker shade or turn yellow, green, or black, and the swelling should start to subside. Some blurry vision may also be experienced due to the swelling around the eye.

Depending on the severity of the injury, these symptoms will normally fade after a week or two.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Although black eyes aren’t generally a cause for concern, if you notice any of the below symptoms you should immediately seek medical advice:

  • Double vision or ongoing blurry vision
  • Inability to move the eye
  • Blood inside the eye
  • Loss of vision
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Signs of infection such as pus
  • Blood or clear fluid from nose or ears
  • Vomiting or seizures
  • Persistent headache
  • Any cuts to the eye itself

If you’ve taken a severe blow to the head or experience any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms could be an indication of a much more serious injury.

How to Get Rid of a Black Eye

Although some black eyes can have serious implications, the majority of these injuries can be treated simply at home. While it will clear up on its own, you can help speed up the healing process by following the below treatments.

Ice First

Apply ice to the injured eye as soon as possible. This will help reduce swelling and constrict the blood vessels around your eyes, slowing the bleeding underneath the skin.

If you don’t have access to an ice pack, use frozen vegetables or ice. To avoid burning the skin, wrap the frozen food or ice in a cloth or t-shirt. Unlike what you see in the movies, it’s not recommended to place steak or other raw food directly on your skin. While the cold may help the swelling, it can also spread bacteria which can lead to further complications.

Ice the eye for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for the first day, and then cut this down to 4 or 5 times on the second day. Be careful not to push too hard as this can cause further damage and discomfort.

Switch to Heat

After two days, the swelling should have subsided and the bruise will be formed. Switch to applying a heat pack to the area for 10 to 15 minutes. Heat encourages circulation and will help the blood vessels dilate, allowing the bruise to absorb into the skin more quickly.

Take Painkillers

Over-the-counter painkillers can provide sufficient relief to lessen the discomfort caused by a black eye. Avoid drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen as these can interfere with the clotting ability of the blood, and instead opt for acetaminophen (paracetamol).

Adjust Your Diet

The food we eat can have a huge impact on our health. If you’re suffering from a black eye, consider adjusting your diet to help speed up the healing process. Many foods contain enzymes and vitamins essential to the healing process, so try some of the below to help heal your black eye:

  • Fruits and vegetables containing Vitamin C. Long known for its healing properties, Vitamin C helps produce collagen in the skin which plays a vital role in the healing process. Red peppers, oranges, kiwi fruit, and broccoli all contain high levels of Vitamin C.
  • Pineapple and papaya. These fruits contain an enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to reduce swelling and bruising. They also contain antioxidants that help accelerate the healing process.

Other Treatments

While ice, heat, and painkillers are the most common treatments for a black eye, there are a few other things you can do to help speed up your recovery:

  • Arnica: available as a cream or topical ointment, arnica helps by reducing swelling and inflammation. A 2017 study found significantly less bruising after applying arnica for 7 days.
  • Cucumber or tea bags: much like dark circles under the eyes, a black eye can benefit from applying slices of cucumber or tea bags to the eyes. Cucumbers are rich in Vitamin C which helps stimulate new cell growth, while the antioxidants found in tea have an anti-inflammatory effect.
  • Hard-boiled egg: boil an egg and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to touch, peel the egg and gently rub it on the black eye until the egg is cool. This has a similar effect to a warm compress and can help reduce swelling.

As with any injury, it’s also important to protect the area from any further damage and get plenty of rest.

Final Word

Most black eyes will heal by themselves within a few weeks, but as we’ve seen, there’s a lot you can do to help speed up the healing process. Now that you know how to get rid of a black eye, remember the best treatment is ice followed by heat, plus painkillers and rest.

Most people experience typical symptoms associated with a black eye, but if you have double vision, difficulty moving your eye, or a persistent headache, it’s recommended to consult a doctor.

 

References:

https://www.redorbit.com/cellulitis-symptoms-causes-and-treatment
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/daily-aspirin-therapy/art-20046797
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3529416
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5367875

Can Weighted Blankets Help with Fibromyalgia?

Written By: Holly Case

Weighted blankets are getting a lot of attention these days. Fans of weighted blankets claim that they relieve anxiety and insomnia, as well as potentially helping children with autism and sensory integration disorders. But some people with fibromyalgia are exploring the possibility that weighted blankets may provide comfort to them, too. Here is some more background information on whether weighted blankets can work for fibromyalgia relief.

There’s no question that life with fibromyalgia can be challenging. Pain and aches all over your whole body are a constant for most people with fibro, though most people have occasional periods of relative comfort. Looking for the right thing that will relieve pain is usually a long and difficult process. Medication can help some people but it’s usually not sufficient in itself. Relief from pain and discomfort often requires a combination of multiple different therapies.

The Origins of Weighted Blankets

You may have just started seeing weighted blankets in bed and bath stores in the past couple of years. But the truth is that weighted blankets have actually been around for nearly twenty years already. They began as a tool prescribed by occupational therapists to help children with sensory processing issues, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders. The weight of the blankets would help kids feel calmer. Back then, it was difficult to find a ready-made weighted blanket, so many therapists and parents would make their own. The first mass-produced blankets were introduced to the market in the late 1990s but were originally only marketed to children.

The Science Behind Weighted Blankets

Believe it or not, weighted blankets aren’t just a trendy meme. There’s actually some science between what makes weighted blankets so calming and comforting. The weight of the blanket provides deep pressure, which can have a relaxing effect on some people. A 2008 study in the journal Occupational Therapy in Mental Health evaluated 33 adults who each rested under 30-pound blankets for five minutes.

At the end of those five minutes, 33 percent of the study participants who used the blankets showed a greater drop in sweat on the skin, which is a measure of stress. Nineteen of the participants said they felt calmer with the blanket than without, and eight said they were comfortable either way. Only three of the study participants felt more anxious with the blanket than without.

Although it’s only a small study, it shows some promising initial results that the weight of a blanket can be soothing, especially when combined with rest.

Can Weighted Blankets Help Fibromyalgia Patients?

Weighted blankets may help you if you have fibromyalgia, especially if you are also prone to anxiety or insomnia. Some people find using a weighted blanket to be very comforting and relaxing, like being wrapped in a snug embrace. Many fibro sufferers also have problems with poor sleep, which can aggravate your pain and make it worse. Having a tool on hand that can help you sleep more deeply can allow you to get the rest that you need.

Many fibro patients also deal with anxiety, which is another condition that weighted blankets can really help. Although considering how difficult it can be to get medical providers to take you seriously, it’s hard to know how much of that anxiety is organic to the illness and how much is caused by insensitive medical staff.

What about pressure points? Pain at the pressure points is a common problem in fibromyalgia, and sometimes it feels like the air hurts your skin. Wouldn’t something that puts more pressure on your body make that sensitivity worse? Not necessarily. A weighted blanket may not take away the sensitivity at the pressure points, but can still be soothing overall, anyway.

Choosing the Right Weighted Blankets for Fibromyalgia

Not everyone finds weighted blankets to be helpful or comfortable. If you’re prone to sweating while you sleep, you may find the blankets to be too hot. In general, if you cover up with a weighted blanket and don’t feel better, it’s not necessary to force the issue. It will either provide symptom relief or it won’t; it’s not the type of issue where you have to build up a tolerance.

It’s also important to note that weighted blankets come in a variety of weights, filled with a variety of materials. Some people advise that the blanket should be proportionately heavier when compared to your body weight. But you may find that a lighter-weight blanket will be more comfortable for you than the one that corresponds to your weight. Or you may prefer a blanket that’s filled with plastic beads instead of metal. When it comes to fibromyalgia relief, it’s important to choose what feels most comfortable for you.

Does Lyme Disease Stay with You Forever?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms including headache, fever, and muscle aches are common and usually show up 3 to 30 days after being bitten.

Many people recover quickly from Lyme disease after taking antibiotics that destroy the bacteria. However, even with the bacteria gone, others experience symptoms for months or even years after treatment. This is known as chronic or post-treatment Lyme disease (PTLD).

This article will try to answer the question, Does Lyme disease stay with you forever? We’ll look into the causes and symptoms of Lyme disease, and discuss why PTLD is difficult to diagnose and treat.

Causes

Lyme disease is spread by infected black-legged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks. When the tick attaches to the host, the bacteria are released into the bloodstream and quickly spreads throughout the body.

To spread the bacteria, a tick needs to be attached to the host for 36 to 48 hours. Most people are infected with juvenile ticks known as nymphs, which at less than 2mm in size, are very difficult to see. Typically spreading during spring and summer months, ticks can attach to any part of the body but are typically found around the groin, armpits, and scalp.

How to Remove a Tick

If you find a tick attached to your skin, use fine-tipped metal tweezers to remove it as soon as possible. Pull the tick upward and don’t twist as this may cause the mouth parts to remain in the skin.

Once removed, wipe the bite site with rubbing alcohol and wash with soap and water. Do not crush the tick as this can cause bacteria to spread. Instead, dispose of it by placing the tick in alcohol, in a sealed bag, or by flushing it down the toilet.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease

The first sign of a tick bite is usually a small red lump similar to a mosquito bite where the tick has attached to the skin. While not every tick carries the Lyme disease bacteria, common early symptoms of infection include:

  • Flu-like ailments including fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle or joint aches.
  • According to the CDC, 70-80% of infected people experience an Erythema migrans (or bulls-eye) rash. Typically appearing a week after being bitten, the rash expands gradually and may be warm to the touch.

While these early symptoms occur in the first 30 days of infection, later-stage symptoms can be quite severe. Sometimes occurring months after being infected, these symptoms include:

  • Additional rashes
  • Severe headaches
  • Intermittent pain and weakness
  • Severe joint pain and swelling
  • Heart palpitations
  • Dizziness and shortness of breath
  • Memory problems
  • Facial paralysis

The Mayo Clinic also advises less common symptoms such as:

  • Liver inflammation (hepatitis)
  • Inflammation in the membranes of the brain (meningitis)
  • Eye inflammation

Diagnosis

Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose as many of the symptoms are present in a range of illnesses. Diagnosis is typically based on your symptoms and medical history, and your doctor may ask where and when you’ve spent time outdoors.

Blood tests can be helpful in identifying the presence of the bacteria, but only in some cases. These tests are effective once your body has developed antibodies, which is normally a few weeks after being infected. If tested before this time, the tests are unable to produce an accurate result.

Treatment

When caught early, Lyme disease can be successfully treated with a course of oral antibiotics, including doxycycline, amoxicillin, and cefuroxime axetil. The symptoms typically subside quickly, but a doctor may prescribe a second course of antibiotics should they persist.

For late-stage and more severe infections that have spread to the central nervous system, intravenous (IV) antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or penicillin are used. Typically lasting 2 to 3 weeks, this helps fight the infection more quickly as it’s injected directly into your bloodstream.

While some alternative treatments for Lyme disease exist, there is little scientific evidence backing up their effectiveness. If you’re considering any alternatives to antibiotics, speak to your doctor first about any possible complications or side effects.

Post-Treatment Lyme Disease (PTLD)

Most people recover quickly after taking a prescribed course of antibiotics. However, a study from John Hopkins Medicine found that between 5 to 30 percent of those originally diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease also experienced symptoms associated with PTLD.

While this number is high, PTLD is the cause of much debate in the medical community. Symptoms are vague and can often be associated with many other illnesses. When the subjects of the John Hopkins study were tested, few clinically significant differences were identified. Despite their seemingly normal lab results, researchers found that the symptoms of fatigue, insomnia, pain, and depression can indeed persist for a long period of time in PTLD sufferers.

This then begs the question, does Lyme disease stay with your forever? Unfortunately, this is difficult to answer. Researchers have still not conclusively identified what causes PTLD, with some studies even concluding that the optimal treatment has yet to be found.

If you experience the symptoms of Lyme disease or PTLD, it’s important to speak with a medical professional about treatment options. If prescribed antibiotics for several months, ask your doctor about the side effects and costs, as this can be dangerous and expensive.

Final Word

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States, with an estimated 300,000 people contracting the disease each year. If left untreated, the infection can spread, resulting in debilitating symptoms that can last for years.

But does Lyme disease stay with you forever? The jury is still out on this. Many studies have found severe symptoms that last many months or years but have been unable to identify the underlying cause. With lab results showing no presence of the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, most have simply concluded that further research is needed.

If you’ve spent some time in tick-infested areas and experience any symptoms of Lyme disease, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. When caught in the early stages, antibiotics are effective in treating the infection, allowing you to return to your normal life as quickly as possible.

 

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/index.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374651
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/study-shows-evidence-of-severe-and-lingering-symptoms-in-some-after-treatment-for-lyme-disease
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29662016
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25490690
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/datasurveillance/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Flyme%2Fstats%2Findex.html

Health

How to Treat Anemia

Written By: Arch
Arch

Anemia is a blood disorder which occurs when there is an abnormally low amount of healthy red blood cells (RBCs). It is the most common blood disorder, which troubles over 3 million Americans. There are many types of anemia, which are linked to a variety of conditions.

Red blood cells carry an iron-rich protein called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from your lungs to all the cells of your body. It then carries carbon dioxide back from the body to the lungs, which remove CO2 from the blood for you to breathe out. This protein gives the blood its color.

Symptoms of Anemia

Symptoms of anemia range from mild to severe. They depend on how quickly it develops and how serious it actually is. Mild cases of anemia might not show any symptoms. If you’re experiencing symptoms of anemia, seek medical attention, since they can worsen with the anemia.

Most common symptoms of anemia are:

  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Yellowish, pale skin
  • Vertigo and faintness
  • Headache
  • Increased thirst
  • Sweating
  • Chest pain
  • Rapid pulse
  • Lower leg cramps
  • Shortness of breath

What Causes Anemia

The causes can be inherited (genetic) or acquired. Some people are at a higher risk for anemia than others, including women during their pregnancy and menstrual cycle, people who don’t get enough iron or vitamin B12 from their diet and cancer patients that are on chemotherapy.

1. Your Body Is Making Low Amounts of Rbcs

For your body to be able to make the right amount of healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin, it needs vitamin B12 and iron, and smaller quantities of other vitamins and protein. You should get these key nutrients from your diet. The body also needs a healthy hormonal balance since some of them boost the production of RBCs.

Conditions that cause your body to make less red blood cells:

  • Iron and folate deficiency due to a poor diet
  • Pregnancy
  • Various types of cancer (like leukemia)
  • Chemotherapy
  • Some types of viral infection (e.g. hepatitis)
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Fanconi anemia
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

2. Your Body Is Destroying Too Many Rbcs

Some conditions may cause red blood cells to die before they reach the end of their natural lifetime. This can happen in such huge numbers that the bone marrow can’t make enough new RBCs to keep up.

Some causes of your body destroying RBCs are:

  • Sickle cell anemia
  • Immune hemolytic anemia
  • Infection

3. Your Body Is Losing Too Many Rbcs

Blood loss is the third way people may get anemia. When losing blood, you might lose a lot of red blood cells, which can cause anemia. This can lead to low levels of iron, and without it your body can’t make enough RBCs, and the ones that it does make will have low levels of hemoglobin. Thus, it becomes a vicious anemic cycle.

Potential blood loss causes are:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Frequent nosebleeds
  • Ulcers
  • Injuries
  • Childbirth
  • Bleeding in the urinary or digestive tract
  • Some types of cancer

Types of Anemia

Even though iron deficiency anemia is the most common, there are a few other types.

1. Iron deficiency Anemia

This type of anemia occurs if you don’t have enough iron in your body. Iron deficiency is most often caused by blood loss and occasionally by poor absorption of iron.

2. Pernicious Anemia

Is a condition which disables the body to make enough healthy RBCs, because it’s unable to absorb enough vitamin B12 from food. Without B12, RBCs don’t divide properly and end up being too large. This can cause a problem when getting out of the bone marrow and into the bloodstream.

3. Aplastic Anemia

Is a bone marrow disorder where the bone marrow stops making enough blood cells due to the stem cells being destroyed or not developing properly. This type is rare, but it could potentially be fatal.

4. Hemolytic Anemia

Is a disorder in which the bone marrow can’t produce enough new red blood cells to replace the ones which were destroyed too early. There are many types of hemolytic anemia which can be either inherited or acquired.

How to Treat Anemia

There is a wide variety of treatments for anemia. They differ according to the type, severity and cause of anemia, as well as your overall health. The first goal is to create more RBCs that can carry sufficient amounts of oxygen to your body.

Iron deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia can be easily treated and cured. Your doctor will determine if the cause is a poor diet or something more serious. The most common ways to treat this type of anemia is by:

  • Making changes in daily diet
  • Taking iron supplements
  • Intravenous infusion of iron

Pernicious Anemia

This type of anemia is treated by vitamin B12 injections. The injections can be given daily or weekly, depending on the severity of the vitamin deficiency. When your vitamin B12 levels are back (or close) to normal, you may only need your shots once a month, or they might be substituted with supplements. Your doctor might recommend limiting your physical activity in the first few weeks of the treatment.

Aplastic Anemia

Since this is a more serious type of anemia, treatments are meant to help relieve the symptoms, limit complications and improve your quality of life.

  • Blood transfusions – this is a common procedure, which will help the blood cell count come to a desirable level. They help with relieving symptoms but aren’t a long-term solution.
  • Medication – Your doctor could recommend medications that treat the cause of your anemia and help prevent complications, such as medicines that suppress your immune system or ones that stimulate your bone marrow to make red blood cells.
  • Blood and marrow stem cell transplants – this procedure is done by replacing the damaged stem cells with healthy ones. This treatment is mostly used for severe aplastic anemia.

Hemolytic Anemia

Treatment of this type of anemia depends on its severity, your overall health, age and how well your body responds to certain medication.

  • Taking drugs that suppress your immune system
  • Sometimes blood transfusions may be necessary
  • Corticosteroids and folic acid supplements
  • In severe cases, your spleen might need to be surgically removed

Prevention

Some types of anemia are mild and can be prevented. Eating a healthy diet that contains a proper amount of iron (dark leafy greens, nuts, beef), vitamin B12 (dairy, meat), vitamin C and folic acid (citrus fruits, dark leafy greens) can help you make more healthy blood cells.

Conclusion

Anemia is a common condition that affects a lot of people. Be that as it may, there are many ways possible treatments, but seeking professional help is the best way to find out how to treat anemia.

 

References:

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/blood/anemia-yg.pdf
https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/side-effects/anemia
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejm199711133372007
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3929-anemia/management-and-treatment
http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/#a4

Health

How to Raise Your HDL Levels Naturally

Written By: Arch
Arch

Blood cholesterol is a substance made by your liver which is necessary for good health. It’s waxy and fat-like and found in every cell of your body. It has a very important role, especially when it comes to producing hormones, building body cells, digesting food and producing vitamin D. In the United States, cholesterol is typically evaluated by how many milligrams of cholesterol are in a deciliter of blood (mg/dL).

Cholesterol travels through your bloodstream via special proteins, called lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins: high-density lipoprotein (or HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

1. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

It is also known as ‘good’ cholesterol, since it absorbs and carries cholesterol from other body parts back to the liver. Your liver is the one that then eliminates excess cholesterol from the body. When HDL is at a good level, it can do this efficiently.

The desirable HDL levels, considered a great defense mechanism against heart disease< are 60mg/dL and higher. If the levels are lower than 40mg/dL, you are in the high-risk zone of cardiovascular illnesses.

2. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

This one is also called ‘bad’ cholesterol. When your body builds up too much LDL, it sticks to the walls of your blood vessels. This buildup is called “plaque”. The inside of your blood vessels become narrower because of this buildup, not unlike a pipe that has a buildup of limescale. It blocks the normal blood flow to and from your heart and all the other organs. If the blood flow to the heart is restricted, that could cause chest pain and a heart attack.

It is recommended by the American Heart Association to get a cholesterol blood test by the age of 20. Your family history, age and risk factors will determine how often you should get this test done. If you have low HDL and high LDL levels, your doctor will most likely focus on lowering the LDL cholesterol first. Cholesterol-lowering medications called statins, such as simvastatin (Zocor), atorvastatin (Lipitor) and Fluvastatin (Lescol), are the most commonly used treatments for high LDL cholesterol.

Risk Factors for High Cholesterol

Your lifestyle, family history and certain health conditions could all be potential risk factors for high cholesterol.

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia – this genetic condition causes extremely high levels of LDL starting at a young age, which worsens with age if left untreated
  • Eating a lot of food that is full of trans and saturated fat
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Not getting enough exercise

How to Raise HDL Levels

If you wish to increase your HDL levels, there are some lifestyle changes that may help with that. These could also help prevent other illnesses and benefit your overall health:

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Lower HDL levels are more common with people who have some kind of metabolic disorder, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. Raising your HDL levels requires eating ‘good’ fats instead of the ‘bad’ ones. Trying a Mediterranean diet might be a good start. Foods that are beneficial for increasing your HDL levels include:

  • Avocados – they are an amazing source of monounsaturated fatty acids that boost HDL levels and lower LDL. If you eat one avocado daily, while following a balanced diet, you could see up to 13.5mg/dL drop in bad cholesterol levels.
  • Olive oil – the fat that is found in olive oil and olives can lower the inflammation caused by LDL in your body. You can use it for cooking (but only at low temperatures), in salads and to flavor other types of food.
  • Fatty fish – they have plenty of omega-3 fatty acids which can also lower bad cholesterol levels in your blood. Some of these include tuna, sardines, and salmon. If you’re not into fish, ask your doctor about fish oil supplements.
  • Whole grains – Brown rice, cereals, and bran contain fiber which could lower your overall cholesterol levels and in turn give HDL levels a boost.
  • Nuts – peanuts, pistachio, and almonds are full of heart-healthy fats. They also have a substance known as plant sterols, which stops cholesterol absorption in your body.
  • Beans – these are a fantastic source of soluble fiber and folate, which are both very healthy for your heart.

2. Lose Weight

Being overweight may decrease HDL levels and raise LDL, a double whammy. Exercising daily and eating a balanced diet will benefit an overweight person greatly. A weight loss of 10 percent could highly improve his or her overall cholesterol level.

3. Increase Physical Activity

Exercise is great for your overall health, not just for losing weight. A study showed that running, jogging, swimming, and cycling lowered LDL levels and reduced the risk of multiple heart diseases. Yoga and walking can also moderately decrease bad cholesterol levels. Adults are advised to have 2 and a half hours of exercise every week, while children and adolescents should be active for at least 1 hour each day.

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke can seriously lower your HDL levels, damage your blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. If you want to quit, ask your doctor for the best way to do it.

5. Limit the Use Of Alcohol

Even though one drink a day could actually bring up your HDL levels, too much alcohol can cause great damage to the liver and actually increase LDL levels. Overconsumption of alcohol can also cause weight-gain and elevate your triglyceride levels.

6. Medications

A few types of medications improve HDL levels, such as niacin fibrates and sometimes statins, especially simvastatin and rosuvastatin (Crestor).

Conclusion

If you are worried about your cholesterol levels and are wondering how to raise HDL, changing your lifestyle might be the best way to go. Changing your eating habits and doing regular exercise will not only lower your risk of a stroke and heart attack but could greatly benefit every other aspect of your health.

 

References:

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/cholesterol-levels
https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/ldl_hdl.htm
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/how-to-get-your-cholesterol-tested
https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/appendix-4
https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0043-118848
https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/prevention.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/hdl-cholesterol/art-20046388
https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/risk_factors.htm

Health

How to Get Rid of Belly Fat

Written By: Arch

Having some fat on your belly is normal. Everyone has some. But having too much of it could be damaging to your health in more ways than one, since belly fat is more dangerous than any other type of fat. There are two types of fat; one is right under your skin (subcutaneous fat), which is often considered harmless. The other is deeper inside and can crowd around your organs. That second type is called visceral (or active) fat.

Subcutaneous Fat

This type of fat is spaced between the outer abdominal wall and the skin. It produces a high number of beneficial molecules like the hormone leptin, which signals the brain to burn stored fat and repress the appetite. Adiponectin is also released by subcutaneous fat, which regulates the processing of sugars and fat. Too much subcutaneous belly fat can be taxing on the heart, but too much in your thighs or buttocks is considered relatively harmless.

Visceral Fat

Research shows that visceral fat cells are actually biologically active as part of the endocrine system. They produce high numbers of potentially dangerous molecules that can degrade your overall health. Among the dangers, visceral fat:

  • releases free fatty acids into your bloodstream, which affects your cholesterol levels
  • secretes RBP4 (retinol-binding protein 4), which is a marker for insulin resistance
  • makes cytokines, a protein that triggers low-level inflammation and regulates the immune system is also a potential risk factor for various chronic conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma and dementia

What Causes Belly Fat

Everyone is at risk of subcutaneous and visceral fat, even people who have an appropriate weight for their height and build. Here are a few things that cause fat to collect around your stomach:

1. Too Much Sugar

Sugar can be found in a vast amount of processed food products. Many foods have some form of sugar that consumers may not even suspect is there. People need to rely on processed food for their meals (because of their fast-paced schedules and other reasons) are taking in a lot of sugar, which greatly increases their caloric intake. Experts say that a major cause of many chronic diseases (like diabetes) and obesity is high consumption of sugar.

Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages that are filled with fructose, increases your appetite and helps produce visceral fat. Sweet drinks are more dangerous since liquids don’t make you full the same way solid food does, and you consume the sugar faster when it is in liquid form.

2. Lack Of Sleep

Sleep affects almost every process in our bodies. It helps us recover from injury or illness, or a workout. Studies also indicate sleep is beneficial for is controlling our food cravings. People who sleep 5 hours or less are more prone to gaining weight than those who sleep 7 or more. Some sleep disorders could be potential risk factors, since researchers found that overweight men with sleep apnea had more stomach fat than the ones that didn’t have the disorder.

 

3. Lack of Physical Activity

In the last few decades, inactivity has become a part of our lifestyles. This is one of the major reasons why there are more overweight and obese people than ever. Avoiding exercise and inactivity increases the likelihood of visceral fat around your stomach, as the body requires some place to put the energy you are taking in without burning it off.

4. Large Amounts of Alcohol

Some alcoholic drinks can actually be beneficial, if consumed in moderation. A glass of red wine a day could help lower the risk of strokes and heart attacks. But if abused, alcohol can cause serious health problems. The infamous “beer belly” forms as a result of storing excess calories that you get from drinking too much alcohol, which can lead to a variety of problems, such as heart disease, fatty liver, erectile dysfunction, and type 2 diabetes.

5. Trans and Saturated Fats

These are bad for your heart and contribute to gaining weight and producing a lot of visceral fat. Food manufacturers don’t have to label trans fats in the ingredients list, but look for hydrogenated vegetable oils and fats.

How to Get Rid of Belly Fat

Luckily, there are many healthy ways to get rid of belly fat.

1. A Balanced Diet

Having the right diet is essential when it comes to burning visceral fat. Eating the right type and amount of food will not only help you with getting rid of belly fat, it will benefit your overall health.

  • Keep sugar and fatty foods to a minimum
  • Include calcium in your diet – a study shows that women gain less visceral fat if they consume plenty of calcium — although the study also showed that weight gains or losses were not affected
  • Eat lean protein such as eggs, nuts, chicken, fish, lean cuts of beef and turkey
  • Fruits and vegetables can be healthy substitutes for simple carbohydrates. Look for ones that are full of dietary fibers, since they don’t contribute to weight gain
  • Limit your alcohol intake to one glass of red wine per day
  • Drink green tea, which contains caffeine and an antioxidant called EGCG. Some studies have found these factors help reduce body fat, while other studies have drawn inconclusive conclusions

2. Exercise

Exercising is the considered critical when it comes to losing belly fat. But just training the abdominal muscles won’t do much. Running, swimming and walking work wonders for burning fat.  Resistance training (or weight lifting) is very important when it comes to building muscles and preserving them, but it helps with losing weight, too.

 

3. Healthy Sleep Pattern

Sleeping at least 7 hours a night, and getting enough quality sleep will help with balancing your weight.

4. Track Your Exercise and Calorie Intake

You could use an app or online food tracker, or keep a physical food journal which will help you supervise and keep track of your food intake.

Conclusion

If you’re asking yourself how to get rid of belly fat, the simplest answer would be: change your diet and incorporate daily exercise. This will not only help you burn fat but also make your overall quality of life much better.

 

References:

https://news.yale.edu/2000/09/22/study-stress-may-cause-excess-abdominal-fat-otherwise-slender-women
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/taking-aim-at-belly-fat
https://www.diabetes.co.uk/body/visceral-fat.html

Q&A: The Truth About That Beer Belly


https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23703835

Health

How to Cure Dry Lips

Written By: Arch

Lips are among the most exposed parts of our bodies. When winter comes around, not many people can avoid having dry and chapped lips. The cold and dry air is merciless to the skin of the face, and the lips always seem to get the short end of the stick. Though cold weather is a major cause of chapped lips, they can appear at any time of the year.

Some of the symptoms that you might experience include:

  • Dryness on and around the lips
  • Flakes
  • Cracks
  • Sores
  • Bleeding

What Causes Dry Lips

Lips are not as well protected as the rest of our skin. They don’t contain lubricating (sebaceus) oil glands, which makes them more prone to drying out. Dry and chapped lips (clinically known as cheilitis) can be caused by a variety of reasons, and not all of them are weather-related. Some of the most common reasons for having dry lips are:

1. Dehydration

Chapped lips can be a major indicator that your body is suffering from dehydration. While dehydration manifests on other parts of your skin, the lips can look especially dry. Don’t take dehydration lightly, since it can cause other symptoms like headaches, dry mouth, and constipation. Malnutrition can also have the same effect on your lips as dehydration.

2. Sun or Wind Exposure

Since your lips are constantly out on the open but don’t contain melanin (the pigment which protects the skin), they are particularly predisposed to getting sunburned. Wind can also affect the lips, which is something of which motorcycle riders are well aware.

3. Taking Certain Medications

Some supplements and medicines can cause dry lips, such as retinoids, vitamin A and chemotherapy drugs.

4. Using the Wrong Lip Balm

Some of the commercial lip balms contain drying ingredients and chemicals, which dry out your lips even more. Some of them include alcohol, menthol, salicylic acid, and camphor. You can usually see these in lip cooling or lip plumping products.

5. Licking Your Lips

As much as it is appealing to lick those dry cracks, saliva contains enzymes that start food digestion, which dry out your lips even more. Young children often suck on their lips, which has the same effect.

6. Kawasaki Disease

This illness triggers inflammation in your arteries and most commonly affects children under five years of age. One of the symptoms is having cracked, red and very dry lips, and if this is accompanied by a high fever, red eyes and rashes, please seek medical attention. (In rare cases, heart complications can occur with Kawasaki disease, so take this usually fleeting condition seriously.)

How to Cure Dry Lips

Fortunately there are many ways to prevent dryness and cracking, as well as cure and protect our lips from the weather and all their other “enemies”:

1. Apply Lip Balm

Picking one that smells the nicest shouldn’t be the main criteria when it comes to choosing a lip balm. If you really want to protect your lips, look for ingredients that will lock in the moisture, like petrolatum, lanolin, dimethicone, or just plain beeswax. Also look out for ones that have an SPF rating to protect your lips from the sun. Apply lip balm regularly, especially when you’re going outside and before you go to sleep so it will hydrate your lips overnight. If you’re wearing lipstick, put the lip balm on first.

2. Keep Yourself Hydrated

Drinking lots of water during the day doesn’t just help with dry lips but also your overall health. Also, replenish the moisture in the air by using a humidifier.

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Certain ingredients in our skincare and other products can irritate our lips, such as dyes and fragrances. Try to keep them as far as possible from your mouth to avoid dryness. Apply lip balm before you wash your face since a lot of face wash products contain drying ingredients. Toothpaste and mouthwashes are notorious for causing lip dryness.

4. Treat the Cracks Immediately

If you don’t tend to the cracks in your lips quickly, they might become worse and even infected, which can lead to a cold sore.

5. Go Easy on The Exfoliating

Exfoliating is great for keeping the skin on your lips soft and healthy-looking. But when your lips dry out, they start to peel and roughen, which might tempt you to use an exfoliator. Be careful if you choose to do it because if the skin isn’t entirely dead, your lips might get even worse and start to bleed.

6. Stop Licking Your Lips

Though moisturizing your lips can prevent and cure dry lips, don’t do it by spreading saliva over them. It evaporates and dries out the skin quickly, and the enzymes it contains are meant to digest food. Also, wearing lip balm that tastes like strawberries, orange or cake might make you lick your lips even more.

7. Protect Your Lips from Cold Weather

Applying lip balm might often be enough to protect your lips, but if you’re dealing with really harsh weather conditions, like severe wind and cold, you may need extra protection. Wearing a ski mask or a scarf over your mouth will keep your lips from drying out and cracking.

8. Load Up on Vitamins

Chapped lips can be a sign of vitamin deficiency. Vitamin B is partly responsible for your skin’s moisture retention. You can get vitamin B from foods like broccoli, brown rice, spinach, eggs, and beans. You might also try supplements, though the body is much better at absorbing vitamins from food.

9. Try Natural Remedies

If you want to take the more natural route, you can try using aloe vera gel, coconut oil, honey or rose water. They can prevent cracking, soothe your skin and deeply moisturize your lips.

Conclusion

If you’ve been wondering how to cure dry lips, you should know by now that there are many ways to get rid of this annoying condition. Choosing the right lip balm and drinking enough water might just do the trick. Dry and chapped lips usually don’t require any medical attention and can be easily treated at home, but if the state persists, consult a dermatologist.

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kawasaki-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354598
https://www.uwhealth.org/news/help-for-chapped-and-dry-lips/47800
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28488347

Health

How To Treat a Pulled Muscle

Written By: Arch
Arch

A pulled muscle, or muscle strain, is caused by the overstretching or tearing of muscle fibers. When overworked, microscopic tears occur in the muscle, resulting in inflammation and pain. It’s one of the most common injuries seen by doctors and can range in severity from mild to severe.

While a pulled muscle will limit your movement, the outlook is normally good. Initial treatment of rest, ice, compression, and elevation can often alleviate mild symptoms without medical advice.

If you need to know how to treat a pulled muscle, read on. We’ll discuss the symptoms and causes of muscle strains and look at the best ways to treat and prevent them.

Symptoms of a Pulled Muscle

Everyone has felt that annoying twinge. You reach a little too far, run an extra mile, or put in an extra set at the gym and BANG! You feel the sudden sting of a pulled muscle. When this happens, you will usually experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Sharp, sudden pain and tenderness
  • Cramps or spasms
  • Limited movement and stiffness
  • Inflammation
  • Weakness
  • A pop at the time of injury
  • A gap under the skin where the muscle has ripped

While the symptoms are often manageable, muscle strains are rated by 3 grades of severity:

  • Grade 1 – Mild strain. Only a few muscle fibers are affected, causing pain and tenderness. Movement is slightly limited but normal muscle strength remains.
  • Grade 2 – Moderate strain. Noticeable swelling and loss of strength with increased pain. Bruising may be seen and the range of movement is greatly limited.
  • Grade 3 – Severe strain. This is generally the result of an acute injury where the muscle rips and a “pop” may be heard. Grade 3 strains remove all muscle function and can sometimes result in a dent under the skin where the muscle has torn.

Causes

Muscle strains can happen for a variety of reasons but are most often caused by overexertion or stretching a muscle beyond its limit. There are two types of pulled muscles, acute and chronic.

Acute muscle strains happen suddenly as a result of trauma or injury. The most common causes include:

  • Not warming up before exercise
  • Overexertion
  • Slipping
  • Reaching too far
  • Lifting something too heavy or incorrectly (e.g. not bending knees)
  • Incorrect form when exercising

When a muscle loses heat, it contracts and becomes stiff. Warming up before exercise and stretching in cold weather can help prevent these common strains.

Chronic muscles strains are usually the result of overuse or repetitive movement. This can be caused by:

  • Sports such as golf, tennis, soccer, and running
  • Work-related repetitive movements
  • Poor posture

As repetitive movements place excessive force on the same muscles over and over, it’s important to condition your muscles to avoid strains. Stretching and strength training can both help to improve muscle strength and reduce the risk of injury.

Treatments

So, how do you treat a pulled muscle? Most muscle strains can be treated at home by following the RICE method:

  • Rest – take a break from physical activity and rest the injured muscle. Ensure you get plenty of sleep to help speed up recovery.
  • Ice – to reduce inflammation, ice the area for 10 to 20 minutes and remove for the same amount of time. Repeat as required for the first 48 hours to assist healing.
  • Compression – wrap the injured area with a compression bandage to prevent swelling. Make sure the bandage is tight but allows normal blood flow to the area.
  • Elevation – where possible, raise the injured area above the level of your heart. This may improve blood flow and reduce swelling.

This method should be used as the initial treatment for mild and moderate muscle strains. Studies show it to be effective in minimizing the extent of the injury by preventing bleeding into the surrounding muscle tissue.

Over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like ibuprofen (Advil) can be also helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with a pulled muscle.

While some muscle strains can be treated at home, the Mayo Clinic recommends seeing a doctor if symptoms worsen despite treatment. If you experience numbing, tingling, or intolerable pain, contact a doctor immediately.

Prevention

Prevention is always better than treatment, so follow these simple steps to help avoid a pulled muscle:

  • Warm up before and cool down after any physical activity. The American Heart Foundation considers a 5-10 minute warm-up and cool-down to be critical in preventing injury. The warm-up helps fill your muscles with oxygen, thereby prepping your body for the exercise ahead, while a cool-down allows for a gradual decrease of heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Use
  • Practice good posture. Many people sit or stand for extended periods of time, putting a great amount of pressure on their back and shoulder muscles. Good posture can help alleviate muscle strains by keeping your body aligned. If you find yourself slouching, practice squeezing your shoulder blades together for 5 seconds before slowly releasing. Hold your head tall and straight, and stretch your upper-body by interlocking your fingers and pointing your palms towards the ceiling.
  • Speak to your doctor about starting an exercise program. A program aimed at strengthening and stretching your muscles can help prevent strains. Increase intensity slowly and ensure you don’t push yourself too hard at the start.

Final Word

A pulled muscle is an annoying and painful injury that will generally take a few days to weeks to heal. While the prognosis is often good, it’s important to treat a muscle strain as soon as it takes hold.

Follow the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method as soon as the injury happens to help reduce swelling and minimize recovery time. Taking a break from sports and physical activities is also often necessary to allow the muscle fibers to completely heal.

By allowing your muscles the time to heal and taking a rest from activities, you will quickly be on the road to recovery.

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-strains/symptoms-causes/syc-20450507
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17512485
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/warm-up-cool-down
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076866

Health

How to Get Rid of Cramps

Written By: Arch
Arch

Cramps are a common problem that’s characterized by a sudden painful and involuntary contraction of a muscle. Such medically defined cramps, which issue from peripheral nerves, may be differentiated from spasm and other muscle pain. Muscle cramps mostly go away on their own and are seldom serious enough to need medical care. However, if the pain is persistent and severe, the patient’s medical history, a physical examination, and a laboratory screening can help to determine the exact cause out of all the potential causes of muscle cramps.

Cramps can happen in any muscle, but they are most often experienced in the:

  • Thighs
  • Feet
  • Calves
  • Abdomen
  • Hands
  • Arms
  • Area along your ribcage

What Causes Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps can occur anytime to anyone. Almost everyone (one estimate is about 95%) experiences a cramp at some time in their life. Though this is the case, infants, the elderly, the overweight, and athletes are at the greatest risk of getting cramps.

Many things can activate muscle cramping. The most common causes of cramps are:

  • Exercising and overuse of muscles
  • Insufficient stretching before exercising
  • Exposure to low temperature, especially cold water
  • Dehydration
  • Low levels of electrolytes, such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium
  • Injuries, such as spinal cord injury or a pinched nerve in the neck or back
  • Pregnancy, usually in the later stage due to mineral deficiencies
  • Standing or sitting for a long time
  • Taking certain medications, for example, those prescribed for high blood pressure
  • Medical conditions, such as blood flow problems and kidney disease

How to Stop a Muscle Cramp

The bright side is that muscle cramps mostly disappear after a few minutes and normally do not need medical attention. Here are a few recommendations if you want to know how to get rid of cramps:

1. Stretching

Most cramps can be stopped if the muscle can be stretched. If you experience them in the legs or feet, simply standing up and walking around could help relieve the pain. For a cramp located in the front of the thigh, hold on to a chair to steady yourself and pull your foot back toward your buttocks. For a calf cramp, you could use a hand to pull the foot and toes upward or do the runner’s stretch.

2. Massage

Gently massaging the cramped area should help ease the tension. Also, massaging the cramped muscle with ice may relieve pain.

3. Apply Heat or Cold

Use a heating pad or a warm towel on your tense muscles. The tightness might subside after taking a warm bath or if you direct the stream of a warm shower onto the muscle.

If your muscle cramps are occurring every night, or are a consequence of being on your period, here is some information on those painful experiences:

Nocturnal Leg Cramps

Intense cramps that appear in the legs during the night are called Nocturnal leg cramps. Nighttime leg cramps can awake you from sleep, but may also happen while you’re awake at night during longer periods of inactivity. They mostly manifest in the calves but can also occur in the feet or thighs. Apart from their nightly visits, the typical manifestations include visible muscle tightening and sudden, intense pain. Nocturnal leg cramps are different from restless leg syndrome, since that only produces the feeling of discomfort and not pain and cramping. The risk of having night leg cramps increases with age.

Your medical history is the key to identifying the possible causes of leg cramps. The cause of nocturnal leg cramps is oftentimes unknown, but some potential causes could be:

  • Overexertion of the muscles
  • Sitting in an awkward position for a long period of time
  • Standing too long on concrete floors
  • Taking diuretics
  • Kidney failure and diabetic nerve damage

Treatment

There are a few methods that one can employ to relieve the pain:

  1. Forcefully stretching the affected muscle is usually the most effective way to relieve cramps.
  2. Passive stretching and deep tissue massages are harmless, patient-controlled maneuvers that may be suggested as therapeutic.
  3. Mild exercise, such as a few minutes on a treadmill or stationary bicycle before bedtime, can relieve night leg cramps.
  4. If muscle fatigue is the cause, graded exercise and physical therapy might be of benefit.

Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea are cramping and throbbing pains in the lower belly. Period pain occurs when the muscular wall of the womb tightens (contracts). A lot of women deal with menstrual cramping just before and during their menstruations. The discomfort ranges from mild and annoying to severe, which can easily interfere with everyday activities.

Symptoms of menstrual cramps include:

  • Pressure in the stomach
  • Aching pain in the stomach
  • Pain in the hips and lower back
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting

Treatment

Menstrual cramps, though very unpleasant, are easily treated at home.

  1. Painkillers – try and use painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen (not as effective as the first two)
  2. Apply heat – putting a heating pad or hot water bottle on your stomach may help reduce pain
  3. Aromatherapy – a study showed that aromatherapy with lavender, clary sage, and rose could be effective at decreasing menstrual cramps.
  4. Yoga – yoga and other relaxation techniques may reduce menstrual cramps and menstrual distress
  5. Massage – a light massage around your lower abdomen may help with cramping

Prevention

Preventing cramps is the best approach. The following measures can help:

  • Warming up is essential before exercising
  • Gently stretch the muscles before exercising or going to bed
  • Don’t exercise right after eating
  • Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids
  • Increase your potassium and magnesium intake, including by eating bananas and drinking orange juice
  • Lower your consumption of caffeine
  • Talk to your doctor if you need some additional supplements

Conclusion

Even though there are many reasons as to why you experience them, there are also many answers to how to get rid of cramps. Prevention is always the best solution, not to mention most beneficial to your overall health.

 

References:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mus.20341
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/za1086
https://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_cramps/article.htm#medical_treatment_for_muscle_cramps
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders/symptoms-of-brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders/muscle-cramps
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14170-leg-cramps-at-night
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/restless-legs-syndrome
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0815/p350.html
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/period-pain
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/symptoms-causes/syc-20374938
https://www.koreamed.org/SearchBasic.php?RID=0094JKAAN/2001.13.3.420&DT=1
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2016.0058

Health

How to Cure Dry Scalp at Home

Written By: Arch
Arch

The scalp is a unique skin area, with its high follicular density and high production of sebum. This warm and rather dark environment, which is the scalp surface, presents a welcoming environment for the type of superficial mycotic infections that are associated with many scalp conditions.

A dry scalp can appear when its natural moisture balance is disrupted. It can be a sign of a number of potential skin conditions and the symptoms can vary from mild to severe.

Symptoms of dry scalp include but are not limited to:

  • Particularly itchy and irritated scalp
  • Dry and small flakes
  • Dry skin patches on other body parts
  • Hair loss

What Causes a Dry Scalp

When your scalp’s moisture is lost, the layer that protects it becomes weakened. This allows harmful substances to go through the skin, the most likely result of which is micro inflammations of the scalp. These irritate the scalp further and create more problems. Though this is a common problem, dry scalp is more likely to happen to people with generally dry skin.

The most common causes of dry scalp are:

  • Excessive hair washing
  • Cold and dry air
  • Dehydration
  • Stress
  • Aging (skin gets drier with age)
  • Hormonal changes
  • Taking certain medications
  • Various skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis
  • Scalp psoriasis

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (or AD) is a chronic condition and the most common form of eczema. Children are more likely to develop AD, but it could happen to anyone. People who suffer from hay fever and asthma are more prone to developing atopic dermatitis. Some of the common symptoms include:

  • Dry, red skin
  • Excessive itching, especially at night
  • Rashes that appear on the cheeks, scalp, hands, elbow, feet, and knees
  • Scaly and cracked skin

Atopic dermatitis can be long-lasting and it might take years to effectively treat it.

Scalp Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease, which causes red and scaly patches to appear on the skin. It appears when the immune system sends wrongs signals that cause the cells in a particular area to grow too quickly. When it develops on the scalp, it’s called scalp psoriasis. It can extend to the forehead and the back of the neck. Symptoms of scalp psoriasis may be:

  • Red blotches on the scalp
  • Dry and white dandruff-like flakes
  • A dry scalp
  • Bleeding (caused by itching)
  • Soreness of the scalp
  • Temporary hair loss

Since scalp psoriasis can be persistent, ask a dermatologist for suitable treatment.

Many common scalp conditions have similar clinical characteristics and symptoms, which complicates the diagnostic process, but a correct diagnosis is crucial when trying to determine the proper treatment.

Differences Between Dry Scalp and Dandruff

Many people confuse these two scalp conditions, since they have very similar symptoms. But even though this is the case, they have different underlying causes.

Dandruff is a very common scalp condition. It causes white and oily flakes to appear on your scalp which, unlike dry scalp, are caused by the skin on the top of your head producing too much oil. It’s usually followed by itching. Dandruff doesn’t present anything serious, but for some people it can be difficult to get rid of. It could be the result of:

  • Shampoo and other hair products irritating the skin
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Stress
  • Low levels of zinc and vitamin B
  • Certain medical conditions (such as Parkinson’s disease)

Washing your hair with a gentle shampoo may help reduce the oil on the scalp. If the condition is more severe, try a medical dandruff shampoo. They contain certain properties that get rid of fungus from your scalp and remove white flakes.

How To Cure Dry Scalp

Having a dry scalp can be really uncomfortable, but luckily, there are a lot of ways to treat it:

1. Change Your Shampoo

One of the main causes of dry scalp is shampooing too often or using hair products that are very drying and too harsh for your skin. Avoid washing your hair every day or try a gentler formula specifically created for everyday use. Products that contain harsh chemicals and alcohol can really damage and irritate your hair and scalp. Minimizing or stopping the use of hairdryers, straighteners and curling tongs will allow your scalp to recover faster.

2. Hydration

Drinking plenty of water is very important for your skin. Since your scalp is frequently exposed, especially to the sun, your body needs to stay hydrated in order to avoid the scalp drying out.

3. Massage Your Scalp

This could be one of the most effective treatments when it comes to dry scalp. They increase blood flow to the surface of the skin and stimulate the production of oils, which promotes hair growth. You can do this while shampooing or applying oil by rubbing your fingers in a circular motion over your scalp.

4. Use Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is known for having a lot of amazing properties that may help with various conditions. It has antibacterial and antiseptic effects and can be found in many hair and skin care products. Since it’s an essential oil, don’t apply it directly to the scalp on its own because it can cause irritation. Dilute it first with other oils, like coconut and castor oil, and leave overnight.

5. Reduce Stress

Stress can aggravate the symptoms of dry scalp. Exercise, rest and use different relaxation techniques to help you with de-stressing.

6. Change Your Diet

A poor diet that’s deficient in important nutrients is a leading factor in the development of dry scalp. If you switch to a balanced diet, it could greatly decrease your symptoms. The key nutrients that you need to add to your daily diet are zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and B.

Conclusion

Dry scalp is an uncomfortable and unpleasant condition, but there are many options, as outlined above, if you’re wondering how to cure dry scalp at home. If your symptoms aren’t subsiding, consult your doctor to see if there is an underlying condition that might be causing it.

 

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15526572
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320988.php
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-and-scalp-problems/scalp-psoriasis/tips-for-managing/10-ways-to-reduce-hair-loss
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273
https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158629/

Health

How to Cure a Sore Throat

Written By: Arch
Arch

Sore throat, or pharyngitis, is a very common issue, which can be handled at home, in most cases, without the need for medical treatment. People usually recover quickly (usually after three or four days), although some can experience complications. It can affect speaking, swallowing, or breathing. The main causes of sore throats are viral or bacterial infections, but allergies and sinus infections can also contribute.

Symptoms of a Sore Throat

The symptoms of a sore throat vary according to the infection that caused it. It can feel like:

  • Burning
  • Scratchy
  • Raw
  • Irritated
  • Dry

In addition to throat pain, common signs and symptoms of a sore throat include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Difficulty swallowing and breathing
  • Nasal congestion
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sneezing
  • Earache
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Joint pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes

What Causes a Sore Throat

Sore throat is usually caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold or the flu. It can be caused by bacterial infection, too, but not nearly as often. A sore throat could be contagious, depending on what caused it. Most sore throats are caused by infections, and if that is the case, it can be contagious, whether it is viral or bacterial.

Viral infections

Sore throats may be caused by a viral illness like:

  • The common cold or flu
  • Laryngitis – infection of the voice box
  • Mononucleosis (the “kissing disease”) – a disease mostly seen in teens and young adults, which causes a severe and persistent sore throat
  • Measles
  • Chickenpox
  • Coxsackie A virus

Bacterial infections

A number of bacterial infections can cause sore throats, such as:

  • Strep throat – caused by bacteria called group A streptococcus
  • Tonsillitis – an infection or inflammation of the tonsils
  • Peritonsillar abscess – pus-filled collection of tissue that forms in the back of the throat, usually caused by the same bacteria that cause strep throat and tonsillitis
  • STD (sexually transmitted diseases) -if you have engaged in high-risk sexual behavior, consider whether you may have gonorrhea or chlamydia

Though these are the most common culprits, there are non-infectious reasons that might cause a sore throat. Some of them include:

1. Dry Indoor Air

this is especially the case during heating season. The dry air can make your throat feel scratchy and rough, especially in the morning.

2. Allergies

allergenic triggers like pet dander, molds, dust and pollen can cause a sore throat. The symptoms can worsen because of nasal drainage down the back of the throat, which may cause inflammation.

3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

stomach acid that backs up into the throat can cause an acid taste in the mouth, cough and sore throat.

4. Smoking, Chemicals And Air Pollution

frequent inhalation of tobacco smoke and chemicals can irritate the throat

5. Injuries

Any injury, such as a hit to the neck or strained vocal cords, can cause pain in the throat.

How to Cure a Sore Throat

Various remedies can be used at home to soothe sore throat and other accompanying symptoms.If the symptoms are persistent and severe, you should consult your doctor about taking antibiotics.

1. Gargling Salt Water

Several studies have shown that gargling salt water a few times a day can loosen the mucus and help reduce the swelling in your throat, while also flushing out bacteria and other irritants. Put half a tablespoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water and gargle the solution 3-4 times a day. Because of its simplicity, it is safe for children over 6 years old to use.

2. Drink Lots of Fluids

Drinking plenty of water is very important when you’re sick. Staying hydrated helps thin secretions and makes your body produce more saliva to keep your throat lubricated. If you are tired of water, you can also drink warm tea or soup and unsweetened lemonade. Hot soup or tea can actually do more damage, by burning the already inflamed throat.

3. Use A Humidifier or Vaporizer

Adding moisture to the air can help relieve hoarseness and soothe a swollen throat. If you don’t have a humidifier, you can sit in a steamy bathroom. Make sure you clean your humidifier and change the water regularly.

4. Honey

Eating a spoonful of honey or mixing it with your tea can be one the most effective ways to soothe a sore throat. A study shows that parents rated honey as the best medicine, over the popular cough medicine dextromethorphan, for symptomatic relief of their child’s night cough and sleep difficulty due to infections of the upper respiratory tract.

5. Lozenges and Hard Candy

These can help stimulate saliva production and ease soreness. Hard candy can be as effective as medicated lozenges but are less likely to cause unwanted side effects.

6. Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers

Consider using mild OTC pain medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease the pain and other symptoms.

7. Sleep

Resting is very important when you’re sick, because your body recovers best in periods of inactivity.

8. Antibiotics

Your doctor will most probably prescribe antibiotics, if the sore throat is caused by a bacterial infection. Antibiotics aren’t effective for viral infections.

Prevention

Even though it’s hard to avoid, there are some measures that may help to prevent getting a sore throat:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after using the toilet and public transport and before eating
  • Don’t share glasses or bottles you drink from
  • Clean your phone, remote control and computer keyboard, since they gather a lot of bacteria
  • Sneeze (or cough) into a tissue, then throw it away. If necessary, cough or sneeze into your elbow
  • Using hand sanitizers that are alcohol-based can be a good alternative if you need to immediately disinfect your hands
  • Try not to get in close contact with people who are ill

Conclusion

Sore throats are a common problem, caused mostly by viral infections that last 4 to 5 days. How to cure a sore throat? It goes away on its own, but there are things that you can do to relieve the discomfort.

 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sore-throat/symptoms-causes/syc-20351635
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/stm159638#stm159638-sec
https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/sore-throat#causes-of-a-sore-throat
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/sore-throat#treating-a-sore-throat
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324049.php
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18056558
https://acaai.org/allergies
https://www.medicinenet.com/sore_throat_home_remedies_and_treatment/article.htm#sage/echinacea_throat_spray

How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast and Effectively

Written By: Arch
Arch

The common cold is an illness caused by a viral infection that affects people of all ages, inducing frequent use of OTC and prescription medications and alternative treatments. It could be caused by various respiratory viruses, most commonly a rhinovirus. Children can have up to 12 episodes of cold per year, while adults get it 2-4 times a year.

A common misconception is that cold weather can cause the common cold. The cold weather itself isn’t the cause, but rather the fact that during cold weather months, people spend more time indoors near each other, encouraging the spread of the virus. Person-to-person transmission usually happens when an individual who has a cold blows or touches their nose and then touches someone or something else.

Treatment mostly focuses on relieving symptoms and allowing one’s immune system to take care of it, as there are no effective antivirals for the common cold and few effective measures to prevent it.

How to Recognize a Cold

Symptoms often last for one to two weeks. Even though it could be contagious until the symptoms have completely subsided, it’s most contagious during the first two or three days of the illness. The same symptoms occur in adults and in children, but they are sometimes more persistent in children. Some of the most frequent ones are:

  • Coughs
  • Stuffed or runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Headaches
  • Low-grade fever
  • Sore throat
  • Pressure in the ears
  • Overall feeling of fatigue
  • Loss of taste and smell
  • Loss of appetite

It is important to spot the difference between the flu and the common cold. The flu and common cold are caused by different viruses, even though they are both respiratory illnesses. Because these two have similar symptoms, it is difficult to tell a difference between them based on symptoms alone. Generally, having the flu is worse than a cold, the symptoms are more intense and can lead to serious health complications if not treated appropriately. Some of the complications that could result from the flu include pneumonia, bacterial infections and bronchitis.

Prevention

There are a few basic prevention methods if you want to effectively avoid a cold:

1. Wash Your Hands

This one is pretty self-explanatory and can seem obvious, but not everyone does it correctly. Be thorough, use paper towels and don’t touch the doorknob on your way out of the bathroom (they are infested with germs and bacteria).

2. Stay at Home When You’re Feeling Sick

This helps prevent spreading the infection to other people. If you can’t get time off work, try to stay away from others, sneeze into your elbow and wash your hands often.

3. Disinfect Frequently Touched Surfaces and Objects

Use a product that’s effective against flu and cold viruses.

4. Do Not Share Handkerchiefs or Tissues

Or any other personal belongings that go near or inside your nose, eyes or mouth.

How to Get Rid of a Cold Fast at Home

The most commonly used treatments include over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and cough suppressants. These treatments can be used alone or in combination. But there are also a number of other actions you can take to relieve those annoying symptoms.

1. Stay Hydrated and Drink Warm Liquids

Drinking water, warm tea, juice, clear broth or chicken soup and warm lemonade with honey can prevent dehydration and ease congestion.

2. Gargle Salt Water

Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle. You can do this a few times a day, which helps to temporarily relieve sore or scratchy throat.

3. Battle Stuffiness and Blow Your Nose Regularly

Over-the-counter nasal sprays can help relieve congestion and stuffiness. Salt water rinsing will help with breaking nasal congestion, while also removing bacteria from your nose. Blowing your nose is much better than inhaling the mucus back up. The best way to do it is while you blow gently to clear your nostril press a finger over the other nostril.

4. Rest and Sleep

This helps your body direct all its energy into healing itself.

5. Try Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalation or steam therapy involves inhalation of water vapor. The moist, warm air is thought to work by loosening the mucus in the nose, throat, and lungs. It can also help to subside headaches. Steamy showers are a variation of this method.

6. Over-The-Counter Cold or Cough Medicines

Decongestants, antihistamines and pain relief medications should provide some symptom relief. Intranasal decongestants shouldn’t be used for more than 4 days or given to young children. Take cold medicines with caution and as instructed, because the overuse and misuse of these medications can cause other issues.

7. Vitamin C, Zinc And Echinacea

There are mixed opinions on whether these can help with colds, but some studies show that they can help shorten the duration of the cold and the severity of symptoms. Check with your doctor first before taking any additional supplements.

What Doesn’t Work with a Cold

There are many ineffective treatments and remedies, but the most common mistake people make is using antibiotics. Antibiotics attack and fight bacteria, but do nothing against cold viruses. Avoid using old antibiotics, since the inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

When to Go See Your Doctor

You should consult your GP if:

  • The symptoms last for over 3 weeks
  • Your temperature is very high
  • The symptoms suddenly worsen
  • You have a weakened immune system or a long-term medical condition
  • You start experiencing chest pain and difficulty breathing

Conclusion

There are many options when it comes to how to get rid of a cold fast, even though there aren’t any instant remedies to help cure it in a day or two. Trying some or all of these suggestions might help speed up the process of getting better, while also strengthening your immune system. The most important thing is to take care of yourself which will let your body heal naturally.

 

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm

Click to access 28pomgt.pdf


https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/
https://www.medicinenet.com/common_cold/article.htm#how_long_is_the_common_cold_contagious
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403
https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/12-tips-prevent-colds-flu-1#1
https://www.healthline.com/health/steam-inhalation
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/66856/WHO_FCH_CAH_01.02.pdf?sequence=1
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/preventing-and-treating-colds-the-evidence-and-the-anecdotes-2017011210972

Health

How to Treat a Spider Bite

Written By: Arch
Arch

Spiders, found all around the world, are a great source of fear for many people, whether venomous or not. Arachnophobia, or fear of spiders, is one of the most common phobias. There are more than 30,000 species of spiders, and though most of them are venomous, they cannot inflict serious bites because of their short fangs and delicate mouthparts. Most spider bites don’t go all the way through the skin and are usually harmless.

Even though that is the case, spiders that manage to bite through the skin and insert toxic venom can cause serious health complications. Many bites which are attributed to them are actually inflicted by other bugs or simply a case of skin infection.

How to Treat a Spider Bite at Home

Most spider bites cause local pain and swelling. They look like any other bug bite —inflamed red and sometimes painful or itchy bump on your skin — and could even go unnoticed. Harmless bites most often don’t produce any other symptoms. They can usually be prevented by simple personal and domestic measures. For non-venomous spider bites you should:

  • Wash the area carefully with soap and water to prevent any venom, bacteria or dirt from entering your bloodstream through the wound. Do this two to three times a day until the skin is healed.
  • Put an ice pack or a cool wet cloth on the bite area to relieve pain and swelling.
  • Apply an antibiotic ointment to protect against infection
  • Apply an antihistamine cream to relieve itching sensations
  • To help with pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)
  • Contact a health care professional if the symptoms worsen or don’t subside

Symptoms and Treatment with Venomous Spiders

Serious systemic reactions most frequently occur with bites from:

  • Brown spiders: brown recluse and its relatives
  • Widow spiders: black widow, brown widow

It is important to be able to identify these spider bites in order to seek proper treatment, since they can cause serious maladies that can, in severe cases, even be deadly.

1. Brown Spiders

These arachnoids often don’t have unique identifying markings, apart from female brown recluse spiders which have distinct darker brown patterns in the shape of a violin or cello. Most encounters with recluse spiders occur when moving boxes in closets, attics, garages or under beds where they may have nested. Many brown spider bites occur in the early morning; bites cluster wherever bed sheets, bedclothes, or other items of clothing squeeze the female spider between the material and the victim’s skin, most often at the waist, under the arms or on the legs under socks or pants.

Unlike common house spider bites, recluse spider bites may require medical treatment. Initially, the bite of a recluse spider is in most cases not painful at all or minimally painful. A short time after, the skin around the bite becomes tender and red. A red or purple ring resembling a target or bulls-eye will develop around the bite.

Brown spider bite symptoms may include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Joint pain
  • Chills
  • Fever

In extreme and rare cases they may cause severe symptoms, such as:

  • Seizures
  • Blood in urine
  • Kidney failure
  • Coma

Complications develop more often in children and older adults.

2. Widow Spiders

Male widows are much smaller and normally less dangerous than the female widows. Widows are mostly non-aggressive, but they will bite if the web is disturbed and the spider feels threatened. This type of spider can often be identified by its characteristic red hourglass mark on its abdomen.

Black widow spider bites usually feel like a pinprick or nothing at all, but you will see the reaction immediately. The bites often occur when cleaning the shed, garage and areas around the outside of the house.

Widow spider bite symptoms include:

  • Painful muscle cramps
  • Stomach pain and stiffness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain and burning at the puncture area
  • Headache
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Increased salivation and sweating

Black widow spider venom is toxic and can cause damage to the nervous system.

Treatment

Even though bites from brown recluse spiders and widows can sometimes be alarming and seem quite serious, they usually resolve without causing any serious injury or death. The envenomation from a widow spider bite typically resolves within 2 to 3 days, but that of a recluse spider takes longer to resolve. If bitten by a widow or brown recluse spider, you should:

  • Wash the bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible.
  • Elevate the bitten area, if it’s an arm or a leg
  • Take over-the-counter medications as needed. You could try using antihistamines and pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
  • Consider tying a tight bandage above the bite and elevate the limb to help slow the venom from spreading. Be sure that the bandage isn’t wrapped too tightly that it cuts off circulation in your arm or leg.
  • Go to a doctor. They might prescribe an antibiotic if the bite becomes infected and recommend a tetanus booster (if needed).

Spider Bite Prevention

Most spider bites are inflicted by spiders which are not of any serious danger to humans; these bites generally happen outdoors or indoors during daytime activities in the spring and summer, when the potential for human-spider encounters is at its peak.

Spider bites could be prevented by:

  • Removing spiderweb with a vacuum or a broom
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts, gloves and trousers tucked into socks when cleaning the attic and the garage or when gathering firewood
  • Applying household insecticides around your house
  • Sealing entries in walls and floors
  • Maintaining a clutter-free environment

Conclusion

Despite being a source of fear for many people, there are only a few types of spiders that are actually harmful to people. There are a few very useful at-home methods for how to treat a spider bite, but if you’re concerned or the symptoms worsen, seek medical advice from a professional.

 

References:

https://www.ajtmh.org/content/journals/10.4269/ajtmh.2004.71.2.0700239#html_fulltext
https://ento.psu.edu/extension/spiders/general-information-about-spiders
https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/injuries-poisoning/bites-and-stings/spider-bites
https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/prevention-and-treatment-of-spider-bites
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0315/p869.html
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/insect-bite.html
https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-health-hub/spider-bites/
https://utahpests.usu.edu/uppdl/top-20-arachnids
https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/spider-bite/
https://reference.medscape.com/slideshow/venomous-spiders-31606#4

How Long Can Someone Live With HIV?

Written By: admin
admin

There are currently about 36.4 million people living with HIV across the world according to the United Nations (UNAIDS). If left untreated, HIV develops into a fatal condition known as AIDS with victims having between 8-10 years to live, although early in the epidemic the expectancy of surviving AIDS was much poorer. Without proper treatment that is now available, AIDS patients initially were expected to live only 1-2 years.

The life expectancy of people living with HIV has dramatically improved over time thanks to the scientific research and treatment options available today. While the life expectancy for people living with HIV was approximated to be about 19 years back in the 1990s, a diagnosed HIV patient today can live as long as the general population if the diagnosis and treatment are initiated early in the process of the illness.

With early intervention, the 19 years has been extended up to about 53 years!

Starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) as early as possible is considered crucial to be able to control the condition and extend the life expectancy of HIV positive persons. Studies have indicated that people with HIV responding to ART have reduced morbidity and mortality to the point that they can live as long as the general population.

However, life expectancy depends on other factors like how soon the condition was diagnosed, how early treatment was started, gender, age, general lifestyle and, as one article put it, luck. (The life expectancy for women is slightly less than men.) Based on these factors, research in Brazil estimated 95% of deaths occurring in the first year after diagnosis were as a result of late diagnosis. Meanwhile, the study found, taking ART drugs in a timely manner (early in the progression of the illness) would reduce AIDS mortality rate in Brazil by 39.5%.

Different governments are calling out for regular diagnosis to ensure people know their status so that they can start treatment in time to improve life expectancy and lead an excellent quality of life. Doing away with such lifestyle activities like smoking, drinking, and unprotected sexual intercourse will help push a patient’s life expectancy further. A young person in his/her 20s diagnosed with HIV can now live into his or her 70s according to research by North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design. Another study by the Swiss Cohort supported this indicating that individuals that started their treatment before the CD4 cell count fell below 350 cells/cubic millimeter may achieve a life expectancy same as that of the general population.

Some diagnostic standards designate the start of AIDS as the point when the CD4 cell count falls to 200 cells/cubic millimeter or less. This counts, essentially, the white blood cells that fight off infections and are, therefore, a key component to your immune system. A healthy CD4 cell count is normally somewhere between 500 and 1,500 cells per cubic millimeter.

References:

http://aidsinfo.unaids.org/

http://i-base.info/qa/5015

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10513654

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9516219

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3026775/

http://pag.ias2013.org/Abstracts.aspx?AID=2451

https://www.epainassist.com/infections/hiv-life-expectancy

Fibromyalgia

Advantages and Disadvantages of Blood Donation

Written By: Alexandra Waller
admin
Blood Donation

Photo by Amornthep Srina from Pexels

Donating blood is an important way to give back to your community. If you take the time to donate blood, you can help save more than one life. In fact, the medical experts estimate about three lives can be saved when you donate blood. Blood is in constant need. Within the United States blood transfusions take place every two seconds, which is why it is important to continuously donate.

Why three lives, you ask. The number is considered an average based on the process your blood goes through after you donate. Those one-unit donations (about one pint) are divided into four products, red blood cells, plasma, white blood cells and platelets.  Since it is rare that a patient receiving blood requires all four components, your donation can go to various patients and save more lives.

Advantages of Donating Blood

Donating blood is not only beneficial to recipients, but it also has several advantages for the donor. Among the benefits, blood donations can help reduce your blood pressure, benefit your overall physical health, and help improve your mental health.

Reduce Blood Pressure

Donating blood has been found to help reduce blood pressure. This is one reason donating blood has been found to help lower the risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes among frequent donors. There are lower levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in those who donate, as well, which can protect donors against cardiovascular disease.

Free Check Up

When you donate blood you are required to go through a health screening. A health professional reviews things like your blood pressure, body temperature, hemoglobin levels, and pulse. This is a free health checkup, which can help you manage your physical health more efficiently. In addition, the blood you donate will be sent in for analysis, so you get a free blood screening, too, and possibly early detection of a medical condition.

Mental Health

Donating blood can help improve your overall mental well-being. By acting selflessly and donating blood to help save a life you can feel a sense of belonging and purpose. It can help reduce negative feelings and make you feel less isolated.

Disadvantages of Donating Blood

Donating blood is a safe process and involves a trusted procedure that is done tens of thousands of times each day. Blood donation has more advantages than disadvantages, but every medical procedure carries some risk, even a small one. Blood donation can be take up to at least an hour for the entire process, so inconvenience could be on the list. (However, the actual blood donation happens within ten minutes.) Also, the process of donating blood can leave you with bruising, pain, weakness, continued bleeding, or dizziness and nausea.

Bruising

It is quite common to experience bruising when you donate blood. When the needle is inserted into one of your veins to collect blood it tends to leave the area a little bruised. Bruises vary in color and size. Yellow, blue, or even purple bruises are nothing to worry about. You can easily treat the bruises by placing an ice pack on the bruised area.

Pain

A needle inserted into your arm can be painless or you can feel a sharp pinch. Once the needle is in place, however, the process of taking blood is not painful, but the needle can cause slight discomfort for some people. It is also possible to feel a bit sore after donating blood, especially if you experience bruising.

Weakness

After donating blood it is possible to feel weak. Your arm used for donating is more likely to experience weakness because that is the site where blood is drawn. It is important to not exercise or do any intense physical activity for a few hours after you donate blood.

Continued Bleeding

If you experience continued bleeding after removing the needle, put pressure on the site that is bleeding. Then, keep your arm above your heart for a few minutes before releasing the pressure. The pressure should slow down the bleeding. This is why you are told to keep the bandage and dressing around your arm for a few hours so the bleeding will stop. However, if you notice that the bleeding does not stop after applying pressure, speak to your doctor.

Dizziness and Nausea

Once completing your blood donation, you will be instructed to sit in an observation area for about fifteen minutes. During this time, you can drink water or juice, rest, and eat a small snack. This allows your body to recuperate and helps prevent any dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea. If you do experience these side effects long after blood donation, call and speak to your doctor or to someone at the blood donation center.

If you are interested in donating your blood, contact your local blood donation center to find out the requirements for blood donations.

Fibromyalgia

Haloperidol for Fibromyalgia

Written By: Alexandra Waller

Haloperidol is an antipsychotic that can be used to help treat certain kinds of mental disorders as well as help control symptoms of Tourette syndrome. More specifically, it can help with psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Haloperidol works by lowering the levels of the chemical dopamine in the brain, which helps treat psychosis.

A prescription is needed for this medication, and it is commonly known as Haldol Decanoate. Also, it can be given in different forms: as an oral tablet, an oral solution, or an injection. For this article we will be examining the oral tablet form of haloperidol. Also, we will observe how this medication is connected to helping fibromyalgia patients.

Please note that I am not a doctor. This article has undergone extensive research, but it should not replace your doctor’s expertise and advice. Contact your doctor for any other questions you may have.

Warnings

As with other medications, haloperidol has some warnings. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your doctor. Here is a list of warnings:

  • Allergies: Let your doctor know if you have had any allergic reactions to this or other medications. Stop taking haloperidol immediately if you experience any severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or mouth, or hives. If you believe you are experiencing a severe allergic reaction to haloperidol, call 911 immediately.
  • Pregnancy: There may be possible risks associated with this medication while pregnant. However, your doctor may recommend haloperidol depending on if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. Contact your doctor for the best option for your condition. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or become pregnant. Also, please note that you should avoid breastfeeding to your child while using this medication.
  • Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol while using this medication. Consuming alcohol while taking haloperidol can cause serious side effects and cause your blood pressure to decrease.
  • Children: Keep this medication out of children’s reach. It is not approved for children under the age of 3 years old.
  • Seniors: If you are 65 years or older, the effects of haloperidol may be stronger. It is possible to be more at risk for side effects, including movement disorders, such as tardive dyskinesia.
  • Other conditions: There are certain conditions that may negatively interact with this medication. If you have Parkinson’s disease, low white blood cell counts, or thyrotoxicosis, do not take haloperidol as it could lead to more serious symptoms. Let your doctor know of any other medical conditions you have in order to discern more accurately what treatment options are best for you.

Side Effects

There are several side effects of haloperidol. Here is a list of more common symptoms:

  • drowsiness
  • anxiety
  • agitation
  • difficulty sleeping
  • nausea
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • weight gain
  • dry mouth
  • decreased sexual activity
  • change in menstrual cycle

There are certain side effects that are more serious than the ones listed above. Also, if you experience serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately. More serious side effects include:

  • jaundice
  • tardive dyskinesia
  • dystonia
  • blurred vision
  • low blood pressure
  • irregular heart beat
  • heart problems
  • seizures
  • stiffness
  • swelling
  • trembling

If you have side effects that persist over a long period of time or become severe, stop taking haloperidol and call your doctor. However, if your side effects appear to be life threatening call 911 immediately. For a full list of side effects, visit Medicine Net.

Uses of Haloperidol: Fibromyalgia

As mentioned earlier, haloperidol can help treat certain conditions, including disruptive disorders and behavior problems. However, it can also help treat fibromyalgia. In fact, studies have found that Haldol that has active ingredients of haloperidol that can help patients with fibromyalgia.

How does it treat fibromyalgia?

Not only does haloperidol help treat some mental health conditions, it can also treat chronic pain as well. This relates directly to fibromyalgia because of the related symptoms including mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, as well as chronic pain. There are some studies that have been conducted involving the effects of antipsychotics and how they can help treat both acute and chronic pain in adults.

Additionally, there are different online discussion spaces that offer a way for patients and individuals to talk about their experience of fibromyalgia and haloperidol. Individuals with fibromyalgia who have experienced using this medicine discuss their different reactions on ProHealth and Treato. If you are looking to see what other people think of haloperidol, you can always participate in other online conversations as well.

Talk to your doctor about other methods or treatment options to find out if this medication is right for you. Also, please note there have been some cases in which haloperidol has had negative effects or severe side effects. Haloperidol may not be right for everyone.

Health

How to Make Yourself Gain Weight

Written By: Arch
admin

Obesity and its consequences have been the center of attention in the medical world, and for good reason. Being overweight and obesity are major risk factors for lots of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and even cancer. But what about being underweight?

Being thin is often praised in today’s world.  Consumers constantly see advertisements on new diets, magic pills, and flashy products, promising to help them lose weight. But being underweight, i.e. when your weight is lower than what is considered healthy for your height, can be a sign of a serious health problem.  Research shows that an estimated 1.4% of U.S. adults aged 20 and over are underweight. Women of all age groups are more likely to be underweight than men.

Your body weight may fluctuate, but the unintentional loss of more than 5% of your original weight over 6 to 12 months is often a cause for concern. Certain health risks that are associated with being underweight include:

  • Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies
  • Anemia
  • Bone loss and osteoporosis
  • Heart irregularities and blood vessel diseases
  • Increased vulnerability to infection and disease
  • Fertility issues

How to Know if You’re Underweight

You can use the body mass index (BMI) to find out whether your weight is in a healthy or unhealthy range. Finding out if you’re underweight could be done using a BMI calculator. The BMI ranges in relation to normal or abnormal weight are:

  • Underweight – less than 18.5
  • Normal or healthy weight – 18.5 to 24.9
  • Overweight – 25.0 to 29.9
  • Obese – 30 or higher

Warning signs that may signal that your low body weight is becoming a problem are:

  • Lethargy
  • Depression
  • Loss of muscle bulk
  • Loose, elastic skin
  • A change in your toilet habits

What Are the Causes of Being Underweight

There are a few reasons as to why a person is underweight or losing weight rapidly. These include:

  1. Genetics – some people have naturally low body mass index because of physical characteristics that run in the family.
  2. 2. High metabolism – having a high metabolism may prevent you from gaining much weight even when eating foods that have high-energy properties.
  3. Overexercising – athletes or other people who engage in high levels of physical activity, like runners, could burn large amounts of calories which will result in low body weight.
  4. Chronic disease or physical illness – some illnesses cause regular nausea, diarrhea or vomiting, making it difficult to gain weight. Other conditions can decrease a person’s appetite. These include illnesses like cancer, diabetes, digestive conditions, and thyroid disorders.
  5. Mental illness – Our mental wellbeing affects every part of our lives. Conditions like depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can disrupt a person’s eating habits. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia also fall into this category. If you think you may have an eating disorder, talk to someone you trust and consider speaking to your GP.

Healthy Ways to Gain Weight

For those who need to, gaining weight can lead to overall better health and functionality. Here are some tips on how to make yourself gain weight:

1. Be Realistic About Your Body Type

A person’s physique depends mostly on genetic factors, which is why it is hard for a naturally slim person to put on weight. Genetics actually play a major role in physical build and musculature. If you are thin but healthy, take a closer look at your parents and siblings. The human body is able to change to a certain extent through weight training and eating more calories, but drastic changes to body shape are usually not healthy or sustainable.

2. Stay Away from Artificial Supplements

Just as there are numerous products marketed as miraculous and super-fast weight loss solutions, there are a lot of them claiming to help you gain weight the same way. Either way, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Save your money for something much healthier, like nutrient-rich food.

3. A Healthy Balanced Diet – Quality Over Quantity

If your diet is the cause of your low weight, changing to a healthy balanced diet that provides the right amount of calories for your age, height and activity level can help you achieve a healthy weight.

  • Eat more frequently – being underweight might cause you to feel full faster. Eat 5-6 smaller meals, instead of 2-3 large ones.
  • Choose nutrient-rich foods such as whole-grain bread, pasta and cereal, fruits and vegetables, dairy, fish, eggs, rice and meat
  • Avoid “lite” versions of foods with low calories and try the full-fat and traditional options.
  • Try adding some nutrient-rich snacks to your diet to increase your daily caloric intake – snack on dried fruits, nuts, cheese, avocados, and peanut butter.
  • Try not to have drinks just before meals to avoid feeling too full to eat.
  • Make an appointment with a registered nutritionist to develop an eating plan that will help you gain weight in a healthy way with the foods you enjoy.

4. Exercise

Resistance training promotes muscle growth. This includes the use of free weights and weight machines, using resistance bands and your own body weight.

  • Exercise two or three times a week to give your muscles time to recover.
  • Make your workouts short and intense
  • Choose exercises that train multiple major muscle groups
  • Seek professional advice from a gym instructor or a physiotherapist

5. Lifestyle Changes

There are some lifestyle suggestions that could help on your path to weight gain:

  • Be prepared to eat when you aren’t hungry
  • Try making additional meals feel more appealing by stocking your fridge with snacks you like
  • Eat small portions of protein-rich foods before and after each resistance training session to encourage muscle growth.
  • Use a timer to remind yourself to eat every 2-3 hours
  • Keep a diary to track your daily calorie intake and training schedules

Conclusion

There are many ways to go about how to make yourself gain weight. Gaining sustainable and lean body weight takes months, so try to be patient and consistent. Even though it takes time, your body and mind will thank you for it. Always see your doctor before you start any weight gain program.

 

References:

https://www.who.int/topics/obesity/en/

Click to access underweight_adult_13_14.pdf


Click to access Health%20Risks%20of%20Being%20Underweight.pdf


https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321612.php
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/advice-for-underweight-adults/
https://www.eatright.org/health/weight-loss/your-health-and-your-weight/healthy-weight-gain
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/weight-and-muscle-gain
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/underweight/faq-20058429
http://columbiasurgery.org/news/2013/09/18/healthy-snacking-weight-gain

Health

How to Get Rid of Skin Tags

Written By: Arch
Arch

Skin tags (or acrochordons) are a very common and benign skin growth. They have a unique shape and are attached to the skin by a tiny, narrow stalk called a peduncle. They are made of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin. Skin tags are usually the same color as the rest of your skin, or just slightly darker. They are about 2-5 millimeters in size, but can sometimes grow to half an inch.

What Causes Skin Tags

Anyone can develop skin tags, but they appear more often in patients over the age of 50. Both men and women can develop skin tags. Acrochordons tend to grow on any part of the body but are most commonly found in areas where skin folds, including:

  • neck
  • eyelids
  • under arms
  • under breasts
  • groin area
  • back

It is thought that they are related to chronic friction, which is why they are more common in overweight persons. Pregnant women are more susceptible to developing skin tags as a result of changes in their hormone levels. Type 2 diabetes and possibly a genetic component could also play a part. According to a 2008 study, low-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) could be a potential factor in the development of skin tags. At the end of the day, skin tags are not contagious.

How to Get Rid of Skin Tags Effectively

Skin tags usually don’t cause pain or discomfort. Even though they are extremely common and harmless in most cases, you may want to consider getting them removed if they are unsightly and affect your self-esteem. Their odd shape allows them to get pushed and moved around quite a bit, so if they snag on your clothes or jewelry, you could get them removed to avoid potential pain or bleeding.

There are a few ways to get your skin tags removed, some of which are:

1. Cryosurgery or Cryotherapy

Cryosurgery is a procedure frequently used by dermatologists to treat various skin conditions. It is done by using an instrument called a cryoprobe or an immensely cold liquid to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue. A cryoprobe is cooled with various substances such as liquid nitrous oxide, liquid nitrogen, or compressed argon gas. In some cases, additional applications may be needed. Cryosurgery is mostly used to treat skin tags, warts, acne and some forms of skin cancer.

2. Surgical Removal

Your doctor will numb the area around the skin tag and then use a sharp blade to cut it off.

3. Electrosurgery

Electrosurgery or electrocauterization is a routine surgical procedure which uses heat to burn off the skin tag at its base. Burning it stops the excess bleeding once it is removed.

4. Ligation

During this procedure, the doctor ties the skin tag at the base, constricting its blood flow. It should die and fall off after a couple of weeks.

These are usually non-cancerous growths, but if a skin tag looks suspicious, your doctor may perform a biopsy as a precaution.

If you are wondering how to get rid of skin tags at home, there are a few natural remedies you could try. Keep in mind that you should always consult your dermatologist before trying them. All of them only have anecdotal evidence. These include:

Tea Tree Oil

This is an essential oil used to treat multiple skin conditions, including skin tags. Though this is the case, there isn’t any actual scientific evidence that confirms that it is effective. People usually apply a few drops of tea tree oil onto a cotton ball, which they secure to the skin tag with a bandage. The cotton ball is usually left on the skin tag for 10 minutes, three times a day. It may take several weeks for it to fall off.

Liquid Iodine

Soak a Q-tip in iodine and spread it all over the skin tag. Apply coconut oil on the surrounding skin to protect it. Cover everything with a bandage until the iodine dries. Repeat this twice a day until the tag falls off.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Soak a cotton round in apple cider vinegar and affix it to the skin tag with a bandage for 10 minutes two or three times a day until it falls off.

Do not try any of these around the eye area.

Differences between Skin Tags, Warts and Moles

Though all three of them are considered benign skin growths and can sometimes look similar, there are a few ways you could differentiate one from the other:

Warts

Warts are small, rough lumps on the skin that can appear on the palms, knuckles, fingers, and knees. Most people get them during their lifetime, and they usually go away on their own. Warts usually don’t cause any harm but sometimes people find them painful, itchy or embarrassing. You can treat them with creams and plasters that you can buy from your local pharmacy. The treatment might have to go on for up to 3 months.

Moles

Moles are skin growths, usually brown or black. They can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. As you get older, moles can change color, become raised or completely disappear. Most of them are benign, but if you notice changes in a mole’s color, height, size, or shape, you should have a dermatologist evaluate it.

Prevention

While it is impossible to prevent every skin tag from appearing, you can reduce the odds of getting them by:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Keeping all skin folds dry to prevent friction (apply baby powder to trap moisture)
  • Not wearing clothes or jewelry that irritate the skin (choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton)

Conclusion

Skin tags are harmless skin growths that can be easily removed if they are aesthetically unappealing to you. For the most part, they are just a nuisance. But if you have a skin growth that bleeds or changes color, consult with your doctor as soon as possible.

 

References:

https://www.aocd.org/page/SkinTags
https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2018/december/skin-tags
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3179001/
http://www.ijdvl.com/article.asp?issn=0378-6323;year=2008;volume=74;issue=3;spage=222;epage=225;aulast=Gupta
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/cryosurgery
https://www.healthline.com/health/electrocauterization
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/warts-and-verrucas/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12014-moles-freckles-skin-tags-lentigines–seborrheic-keratoses

Health

Does Mold Die in the Winter or in Cold?

Written By: Arch
Arch

Mold flourishes in damp and warm places. When air humidity is high and your home is warm, mold growth is likely to happen both indoors and outdoors. So what happens during winter when the air is dry and it gets freezing cold?

Does mold die in the winter or in cold? It would make sense to assume this. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Even though it needs a specific environment to flourish, mold can adapt to a variety of weather conditions.

Let’s take a look at what actually happens to it during the cold parts of the year.

Can Mold Grow in the Winter?

The short and unfortunate answer is “yes”. But how can this happen when the temperature during winter is low and the air is dry?

Well, don’t forget about the dampness coming from snow. Mold generally stops growing when the temperature is freezing, but this doesn’t happen all throughout winter. Occasionally, the temperature rises to the point at which snow melts, which creates the first factor of mold growth – moisture.

Unless your home foundation and walls are fully waterproof (which most aren’t), your walls might contain enough dampness for mold to grow. But where does the second important factor, warmth, come from?

It’s important to keep yourself warm during the cold days. But if it’s warm enough in your home for you to be comfortable, it’s warm enough for mold to grow. And that’s not the only thing that causes mold to flourish.

How Humidifiers Promote Mold Growth

During the winter months, people will turn on air humidifiers for a variety of reasons. When the air is very dry, it can have a plethora of negative effects on our body. It can become hard to breathe, and the air might irritate your throat or damage your skin.

One of the most common reasons why people turn on humidifiers during the winter is to battle the common cold, which is at its peak during this season. A humidifier can help you break the congestion caused by the common cold and breathe more easily.

On the downside, the same moisture you’re creating for yourself, you’re creating for mold too. Mold thrives in moist environments, and when you add the warmth you’re creating in your room, you’re creating a perfect environment for mold growth.

So what can you do to prevent this? The best approach is not to leave your humidifier in one place for a long time. You can use it regularly, just make sure to move it around the house from time to time so that you don’t create too much dampness in one place.

How to Know If Mold Is Forming?

Unlike mildew, which tends to form in places that you can notice easily, mold can be quite hard to find. Mildew can often be found in bathroom caulking and windowsills, but mold requires no light to grow, which is why finding it might be tough.

When it comes to identifying mold, its characteristic smell makes the search a bit easier. You might notice a strong, musty odor near the place where mold is forming. If you smell something like this, the next step is to think about the most logical places where mold can be found.

The most susceptible rooms are the kitchen and bathroom, as cooking or showering create warmth and moisture. Aside from this, you’ll want to check all areas around your windows and doors.

An issue you might encounter is not being sure whether it’s mold or just dirt. Sometimes, especially during winter, dirt can enter certain areas of your home and get stuck, particularly around windows and doors.

There are two ways of finding out which it is. The first one is mold tests which you can conduct by yourself, using a testing kit. These kits are usually inexpensive, and yield accurate results. However, if this seems like too much trouble, there’s another solution.

You can use the items you already have in your household to test for mold. Take a cotton swab, dip it in bleach, and then apply it to the affected area. If the area is still black after you do this, it’s most likely to be dirt. On the other hand, if it turns white, it’s either mold or mildew.

What to Do If You Have Mold?

If you’ve realized that mold has definitely formed in your home, you want to get rid of it as soon as possible. Mold can be quite dangerous, so take action right away. So what options are at your disposal?

Sadly, they’re pretty limited. There are some chemicals you can use to get rid of mold, but their effectiveness is questionable.

Chlorine bleach is the strongest, but also the most dangerous option. It does a good job at removing mold and reducing discoloration, but not in all cases. Sometimes, you don’t notice mold for a long time because it’s in the areas you don’t visit frequently. If this happens, and there’s a lot of mold that has built up, bleach might not be very effective.

Hydrogen peroxide is another good solution for killing mold that is still forming and hasn’t spread a lot. It’s a lot less harsh than bleach, but it’s also less effective and might take longer to work.

If you encounter mold, your safest bet is calling a professional to deal with it, especially if you haven’t encountered it before. Experimenting with chemicals isn’t the best idea, as it can not only be ineffective, but also quite dangerous.

The Final Word

So does mold die in the winter or in cold? No. In many cases, mold finds a way into your home, especially if you create a fitting environment for its growth. Mold can’t survive in freezing temperatures, so it won’t be a problem for the exterior of your home during cold days.

On the other hand, your warm home might also become home to the mold, especially if you use a humidifier. Try to prevent mold from forming as best as you can. And if it does form, think about seeking help from a professional.

 

References:

https://www.poison.org/articles/2011-oct/mold-101-effects-on-human-health
https://www.infoplease.com/science-health/weather/effects-dry-air-body
https://www.poison.org/articles/2011-oct/mold-101-effects-on-human-health
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/
https://www.apsnet.org/edcenter/intropp/LabExercises/Pages/PowderyMildew.aspx

Click to access Testing%20for%20Mold.pdf


https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chlorine-bleach-sodium-hypochlorite-solution/
https://www.poison.org/articles/2012-jun/hydrogen-peroxide

Health

How Long Does Food Stay in Your Stomach?

Written By: Arch
Arch

The digestive tract is one of the most important systems in the human body. It is responsible for transferring nutrients from the food you eat to your cells. Due to its unique role, it has a great impact on other organ systems as well. A compromised ability to digest food can cause a wide range of serious health problems, and it can even be lethal.

The digestive process is made up of five phases. It starts while the food is still in your mouth and ends in the large intestine. On its way through your body, the food you eat also passes through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

But how long does food stay in your stomach? Keep reading for the answer to that, and many other questions related to the digestive system.

Digestive Process

The entire digestive process, from the time you eat to the time the food leaves your body, can take anywhere between 24 and 72 hours. The exact time depends on many factors, like the type of food and the amount you ate. But it’s also influenced by your gender, age, possible digestive problems, and your metabolism rate.

For example, red meat and fish take the longest to digest, with the process lasting up to two full days. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables can run through your digestive system in less than a day. Junk foods are the fastest, taking mere hours to speed through your digestive system and get out.

There are five phases of food digestion and they happen in different parts of the digestive system. The major parts of the digestive system are the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Here’s a word or two on each major part.

Mouth

The first stage of digestion happens in your mouth as you eat. While you chew, your mouth releases saliva that contains enzymes in charge of the initial breakdown of the food you eat. The enzymes help turn the food into a soft and mushy mass you can swallow easily.

This is a very short phase, usually lasting no more than 20-30 seconds per bite. In the case of soft food, it might take even less time.

Esophagus

When you swallow food, it enters the esophagus, and it doesn’t stay there long. Nothing major happens in this phase, as it is a transitional one. At the bottom of the esophagus, there is a muscle, the esophageal sphincter, which acts as the gate between the esophagus and the stomach.

Stomach

The stomach phase is significantly longer than the previous two combined, but how long does food stay in your stomach, exactly? Experts at Colorado State University have determined, based on a series of studies and tests, that the stomach phase takes between 4 and 5 hours on average.

The acids in your stomach break the food down even further, preparing it for the final stages. The mixture of the partly digested food and stomach acids is called chyme.

Small Intestine

After the chyme leaves the stomach, it enters the small intestine. There, your liver and pancreas take the stage. The pancreatic juices are in charge of breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, while the liver bile deals with fats.

After this, water, vitamins, and other useful nutrients are transported directly to the bloodstream via the small intestine walls. All that’s left undigested after this phase goes over to the large intestine.

Large Intestine

The large intestine is the last checkpoint before the food is ready to leave your body. This is also the longest phase of the entire process. It is not unusual for the food to sit in your large intestine for an entire day or even two.

Following an extensive study, scientists at Mayo Clinic have found that the average duration of this phase is 40 hours. More precisely, 47 hours for women and 33 hours for men.

When this phase ends, all that’s left undigested moves to your rectum and forms into solid waste – commonly named stool. It sits there until your next bowel movement.

Possible Complications and Problems

Problems and complications with the digestive system can affect other parts of the body, and they can cause pain and discomfort. Here are some common conditions and diseases.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

According to a study published in 2010, irritable bowel syndrome affects between 3 and 20 percents of the population of the United States. Common symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, cramps, gas, and bloating. Women are more likely to contract it than men.

Celiac Disease

People with celiac disease are extremely sensitive to gluten, as their bodies are unable to digest it. This condition can seriously compromise one’s overall health and quality of life. People suffering from celiac disease have to follow a strict gluten-free diet.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is one of the most common digestive system problems. It happens when a weakened esophageal sphincter starts letting acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux.

Lactose Intolerance

People with lactose intolerance can’t consume milk dairy products. That’s because their bodies lack the enzyme that breaks down the sugar found in milk. Similarly to celiac disease, the main symptoms of lactose intolerance include nausea, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and cramps.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease has two main types – ulcerative colitis and Chron’s disease. The former commonly affects the large intestine, while the latter can hit any part of the digestive system. Chron’s disease most commonly targets the very end of the small intestine.

Doctors don’t yet know what causes inflammatory bowel disease. However, genetics and a compromised immune system are the main suspects.

How to Improve Digestion

There are many things you can do to boost your digestive system. Here are some of them.

  • Introduce more veggies and fruits into your diet. They pass through your digestive system quickly and help keep it in shape.
  • Regular exercise helps keep the entire body healthy, including the bowels.
  • As you consume more greens, consider cutting back on junk food and meat.
  • Make sure you get enough sleep. Your entire body, including the digestive tract, will thank you for it.

Final Thoughts

Food can take anywhere between 24 and 72 hours to move through your entire digestive system. The process consists of five phases, with digestion starting in your mouth and ending in the large intestine. While it might take you less than a minute to chew and swallow a bite, the large intestine can take up to two days to finish the process.

So, how long does food stay in your stomach? On average, it stays there for a period of 3 to 5 hours. Meat and fish take the longest to pass through, while junk food takes the least, leaving you hungry quickly after the meal.

 

References:

http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/pathphys/digestion/basics/transit.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/digestive-system/expert-answers/faq-20058340
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20074154
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016
https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lactose-intolerance/symptoms-causes/syc-20374232
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/

Health

How to Cure Acid Reflux without Medication

Written By: Arch
Arch

Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common chronic disorder caused by the acid in your stomach flowing back up into the esophagus. It is usually caused by a failure of the muscle valve (the lower esophageal sphincter) between the esophagus and the stomach to close properly.

There are more than 3 million cases of acid reflux each year in the US alone. Most people can manage the discomfort of GERD with certain lifestyle changes and OTC medications. But others could need stronger medications or even surgery to ease the symptoms. It usually occurs at night when people are laying down.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

The most common symptoms of GERD include:

  • heartburn (a burning sensation in the middle of your chest)
  • chest pain
  • belching
  • an unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • regurgitation of stomach contents
  • swallowing difficulties
  • bad breath

Considering that this condition is extremely common, it’s not always certain what causes it. There are many factors that can increase the risk and contribute to one getting GERD, and some of them are:

  • obesity
  • pregnancy
  • stress and anxiety
  • smoking
  • certain food and drinks (such as coffee, alcohol, fizzy drinks, spicy or fried food)
  • eating large meals or late at night

How to Cure Acid Reflux at Home

Seeing your GP is the first recommendation when dealing with any health concerns, but there are some lifestyle and dietary adjustments you can make to help alleviate symptoms. It can take up to 6 weeks for acid burns to heal, so don’t stop the medication or lifestyle and dietary modifications without talking to your doctor first. It can take up to 3-4 months for a full resolution.

  1. Eat small, frequent meals – large meals put a lot of pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and could allow contents from your stomach to enter the esophagus, which would cause irritation and pain. Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly is very important, since chewing is the first step in the digestion process and can keep heartburn at bay.
  2. Try maintaining a healthy weight – small weight losses of 5% can make a huge difference in relieving symptoms.
  3. Elevate the head of the bed – raise one end of the bed up to 20cm by placing something under your mattress – make it so that your head and chest are higher than the level of your waist, which will prevent stomach acid to progress up toward your throat.
  4. Stop smoking
  5. Do not eat at least 3-4 hours before going to bed – avoid lying down right after a meal, because when you do that, it is easier for the stomach acid to flow into your esophagus.
  6. Avoid or limit food and drinks that trigger acid reflux – common triggers include chocolate, tomatoes, citrus food and juices, garlic, peppermint, coffee and fatty foods.
  7. Chew gum – chewing gum stimulates the production of saliva and increases the rate of swallowing. After the saliva is swallowed, it neutralizes the acid in the esophagus. This is definitely worth a try after your meal.
  8. Write down your triggers – keeping a journal of the things that irritate your stomach can help you remember what to avoid in your day-to-day life.

Even though no alternative medicinal therapies have been proved to treat acid reflux or reverse damage to the esophagus, some herbal remedies might provide some relief, but they should only be considered after consulting your doctor. Chamomile and licorice are sometimes used for GERD. Also, different relaxation techniques could help with relieving symptoms, since stress and anxiety are one of the things that aggravate acid reflux. These include exercising, progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery.

How to Cure Acid Reflux with the Help of Your GP

If none of the abovementioned modifications and changes help, seriously consider going to your GP. Tracking your symptoms and what irritates your GERD could help your doctor figure out which is the fastest route to your recovery. Some of the options your doctor might recommend include:

Antacids for GERD

They neutralize the acid in the stomach so that there is no acid to reflux. The problem with them is that they leave your stomach quickly, usually in less than an hour, which means that the relief is very brief. Overuse of antacids could cause side effects, like diarrhea and, in more severe cases, kidney problems.

Histamine Antagonists

These medications reduce the production of acid. They include famotidine, cimetidine, ranitidine and, nizatidine. They are not as fast-acting as antacids but can provide extended relief that lasts up to 12 hours.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

They block the secretion of acid into the stomach by the acid-secreting cells. PPIs are more powerful acid blockers than histamine antagonists and give more time for damaged esophageal tissue to mend. Some of the over-the-counter ones are omeprazole and lansoprazole.

GERD can usually be controlled with medications. In case they don’t help or you wish to avoid long-term medication use, your doctor might suggest fundoplication. This is a procedure in which the surgeon wraps the upper curve of stomach to tighten the muscle and stop the reflux. It can be done using a technique called laparoscopy, which is minimally invasive.

Conclusion

Having acid reflux or GERD is obviously a very widespread problem due to our chaotic and stressful lifestyles. It can be an irritating and unpleasant problem, but if you tweak your habits, it can be easily resolved. Do not be afraid to consult your doctor while the symptoms are still mild and easily curable.

As with any health problem, if left untreated, it can cause severe complications that result in ulcers, inflammation of the lungs and larynx, asthma and more. But don’t be alarmed, since there are many ways for you to cure acid reflux by just changing your daily routine. That will not only alleviate the symptoms of this particular condition but help you lead a healthier life in general.

 

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30688703
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/

Click to access Acid-Reflux.pdf


https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940

Click to access TipsforAcidReflux_000.pdf


https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361959
https://web.archive.org/web/20161229003013/http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/page9.htm

Health

How to Make Your Ears Pop Safely

Written By: Arch
Arch

Having clogged or plugged ears is an irritating and highly uncomfortable sensation. And even though something as silly as improperly blowing your nose can cause it, that doesn’t make it any less annoying.

The first automatic response is to try and pop them. When you do that, the eustachian tube (which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose) opens and allows a small air bubble to move from the nose and into the ear. If the tube doesn’t open effortlessly, it could be blocked. This can be caused by earwax, fluid or mucus.

Easy Ear-Popping Techniques

How to make your ears pop safely? There are a few techniques:

1. Just Swallow

When you do this, your muscles automatically work to help open the eustachian tube. Sucking on hard candy or chewing sugar-free gum can also help since it helps saliva production.

2. Make Yourself Yawn

Or if you can’t do that, fake it. Open your mouth as wide as you can and try to breathe, that should cause a similar effect.

3. Valsalva Maneuver

This is done by closing your mouth and pinching your nose shut while trying to exhale. When doing this, be gentle and cautious, since there is a small risk of rupturing the eardrum. It was named after Antonio Maria Valsalva, a 17th century physician whose primary fascination was the human ear.

4. Toynbee Maneuver

This is a similar method to the Valsalva, since you do close your mouth and pinch the nose, but instead of blowing the air out, you try to swallow your saliva. Having a bit of water in your mouth might help.

5. Frenzel Maneuver

To do this maneuver, you just need to pinch your nose and make a clicking sound with your tongue.

Reasons Why Your Ears Might Be Clogged

Since there could be a variety of reasons why your ears are clogged, these might not always work. Here are some other possible causes of ear discomfort and the ways to resolve it:

1. Excessive Earwax

While an earwax blockage isn’t considered a serious medical emergency, it can cause problems that affect hearing or result in an ear infection. It’s not clear why such blockages occur, but some individuals seem to overproduce earwax. The ear canals should “self-clean”, but when that doesn’t happen, you should ask your physician for help.

2. Airplane Ear (Ear Barotrauma)

Airplane ear occurs when the air pressure in the environment and the air pressure in your middle ear are out of balance. For example, it could happen at the beginning or end of a flight or while deep diving. It can manifest in one or both ears and can cause pain, muffled hearing and feelings of fullness in the ears. If it lasts for more than a few hours, it can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and vertigo (spinning sensation).

While the above techniques can help with this condition, sometimes it’s helpful to use a nasal spray. Using filtered earplugs can help prevent ear barotrauma from happening. When flying with children, encourage swallowing, or consider using ear drops.

3. Short-Term Ear Infection

Since the eustachian tube runs from the middle of each ear to the back of the throat, it drains fluid that is made in the middle ear. If this tube gets blocked, the fluid can build up, which can lead to ear infections. Even though these infections can happen to adults, they are most common in infants and children.

Some of the symptoms include ear pain or earache, muffled hearing, fatigue, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Acute ear infections often start right after or during a cold, but there are many other factors that can cause them, like allergies, sinus infections, overgrown or inflamed adenoids and excessive exposure to tobacco smoke. If they are persistent (which happens often with children), their treatment requires antibiotics. Other remedies can include:

  • over-the-counter ear pain relief drops
  • applying a warm cloth over the affected ear
  • medications that relieve symptoms such as pain or fever

4. Allergies

Allergic rhinitis or hay fever, usually caused by allergens like dust or pollen, can lead to congested ear tubes. Since the nose canals are stuffed and irritated, the mucus comes back up and clogs the ear tube. Using nasal steroid sprays or nasal decongestants, as well as antihistamines helps with this particular problem.

Solving the Problem by Yourself

There are a few at-home remedies you can use for dealing with plugged ears, and some of them are:

1. Using Mineral Oils

Warm two tablespoons of mineral, baby or olive oil, put it in an eyedropper and put one to two drops into your ear. You should then keep the head tilted up to 15 seconds and be cautious not to make the oil too hot – this is so it won’t irritate the skin. Do this for a couple of days or until it feels better.

2. Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Mix hydrogen peroxide with warm water and drip the solution into your ear, the same way as the oils. You will most likely experience a fizzing sensation, so keep your head tilted until it stops.

3. A Warm Shower

Showering for 10-15 minutes can let steam into the ear canals, which can soften the earwax.

4. Ear Irrigation

This is a procedure which removes excess earwax and foreign materials from the ear. Ear irrigation can be done at home, but you should consult a physician before doing it.

Conclusion

There are various ways to make your ears pop, and in many cases a simple yawn will work just fine. But sometimes those aren’t enough because there are more problematic causes that make you have those nasty sensations in your ears.

If the symptoms don’t subside in a few days, even after trying different techniques, you should definitely seek professional help from your doctor. Don’t be afraid to do so, since all of these problems are easily treated and you will be back to your healthy self in no time.

 

References:

https://web.archive.org/web/20170115160916/http://www.medicinenet.com/eustachian_tube_problems/article.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-pop-your-ears#how-to-pop-yourears
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/airplane-ear/symptoms-causes/syc-20351701
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001064.htm
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321148.php
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000638.htm
https://web.archive.org/web/20170119191331/http://www.medicinenet.com/allergy/page7.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-unclog-ears#outer-ear
https://med.uth.edu/orl/2011/08/01/ear-infections-earache