Have you ever felt a rash on your skin for which you couldn’t find a concrete reason? Did you ever experience abrupt sneezing followed by watery eyes? The reason behind most of these unexplainable symptoms is an allergy. Allergy is a condition that is initiated by an overreaction of the body’s immune system to an allergen in the surroundings. Normally, a bout of allergy is acute and occurs instantaneously. There are different kinds of allergens that affect individuals differently. A person who is allergic to mushrooms might not be allergic to dust mites, while someone might not be allergic to both. The typical forms of allergies include hay fever which is the most common type of allergy and is particularly caused by sensitivity to pollen.Dust and dry weather fuel the occurrence of atopic dermatitis. Just like hay fever inflames the nasal cavity, this eczema inflames the skin tissue. Asthma is an allergy that is activated by air pollution and low levels of air purity. The allergen, in this case, is the suspended particulate matter. Food allergy is triggered by a food product or a category of products such as eggs, wheat, milk, and seafood.Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic disease that is caused by an insect bite. It is not easy to determine the exact cause of the allergy since almost all the allergic reactions produce similar symptoms. You can inherit a particular allergy from your family and may find your siblings suffering from the same. Some individuals are also sensitive to changes in weather and animal dander. Most of the time, uneasiness is experienced due to undesirable effects of medicines. A distinct skin type or a specific race of individuals are also more responsive to allergens. Symptoms of a possible allergy are coughing and heavy breath followed by a running nose.

Nerve pain is a condition that affects 7%-10% of the population in the country. It is also known as neuropathic pain and it is a highly subjective experience for each individual. There are several nerve pain relief treatments available, based on the diagnosis. What is Nerve Pain? The nerves in our body help us feel sensations like touch, heat, cold, pressure, pleasure, and pain. When they suffer damage due to disease or injuries, they may send random, inaccurate, or false signals to the pain centers in the brain and spinal cord. Specific Neuropathy Types There are different, specific forms of nerve pain: Trigeminal Neuralgia It is a type where patients experience intense and sudden facial pain due to damage to the trigeminal nerve that controls chewing and sensation in the face. Phantom-limb Pain The person experiences false pain in a missing or amputated limb. Herpes Herpes pain follows an attack of herpes zoster or shingles and can last for months, sometimes even years. Symptoms People with this condition feel stabbing, shooting, burning or crawling sensations, along with other sensations like tingling, numbness, or a feeling of being pricked by pins and needles. Some people experience an electric-shock kind of sensation. People who suffer from this condition are over-sensitive to different sensations like cold, heat, and touch. Even a casual brushing of the skin can cause enormous discomfort and pain. It is usually worse at night. Sleep disturbances, anxiety and depression are commonly experienced by those with nerve pain. Nerve pain is more commonly reported in women especially for patients aged above 50. In other cases, there may be a complete lack of the response to pain even when injuries are suffered. This is commonly seen in conditions like diabetic neuropathy or vitamin B12 deficiency when the person does not feel any sensation of pain although injuries have occurred.

Sinus blockage occurs when there is a swelling and congestion in the sinus tissues. This can occur due to an infection or it can be caused by allergies. Clearing the congestion is the best way to get relief from the pain and discomfort caused by sinusitis. Sinusitis There are small hollow spaces in the skull, around the nose, known as sinuses. These spaces are filled with air and are lined with thin tissues. These sinuses secrete mucus. The mucus helps clear the nasal passages, making it easier for you to breathe and preventing pollutants from blocking up the airways. However, an infection like cold or flu or an allergy could cause an inflammation in the sinuses. This condition is referred to as sinusitis. This blocks up the cavities, and as a result, air and mucus get trapped inside. This exerts pressure on the facial bones and muscles, causing nasal congestion, and all of this results in pain and discomfort. Sinusitis can be acute or chronic. In the former case, the condition lasts for up to a month. In the case of chronic sinusitis, the problem can persist for several months, maybe even years. Symptoms of sinusitis Listed below are some of the common symptoms of sinusitis: Facial pressure Headaches Difficulty in breathing Aches in the cheeks, around the nose, and behind the eyes Nasal discharge Fever Tiredness Treatment for sinusitis Sinusitis is mostly caused due to a viral infection like cold or flu. However, you can also get bacterial sinus infections. In addition, sinusitis can also occur due to an allergy. Medicines For a bacterial infection, the doctor might prescribe certain antibiotics. If an allergy has triggered your sinusitis, you may be prescribed with antihistamines. You can also take some over-the-counter or prescription pain medications. Decongestant medications are also a popular choice.

Have you spent one too many days with a runny nose? If nasal congestion has been putting you down, read on. Nasal congestion is caused by the inflammation of the nasal membranes. The blood vessels that supply blood to the nasal membranes get inflamed, which causes the lining to swell. In most cases, nasal congestion is accompanied by nasal discharge, commonly called ‘a runny nose’. Nasal congestion could be a minor inconvenience to some people, but in rare cases, it can be life-threatening. Nasal congestion interferes with breathing, speaking, and sleeping. Nasal congestion during sleep can manifest itself in the form of sleep apnea, snoring, or the individual might experience difficulty in sleeping. This is especially hard on children who would find it hard to concentrate in school in the next few days. Adults could also suffer from performance deficits in their work. Nasal congestion can also interfere with hearing. Apart from the difficulty breathing, nasal congestion can cause headaches, pain in the face, sinusitis, and generalized discomfort. Nasal congestion can occur due to a variety of causes, ranging from the common cold to severe gastric reflux. Severe nasal congestion relief involves the use of over-the-counter or prescription medication. Some cases also benefit from home remedies. Causes of Nasal Congestion Apart from the common cold and influenza, nasal congestion can be caused by hay fever or other conditions like— allergies, a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse, sinusitis, or nasal polyps. In some instances, nasal congestion can turn into a chronic condition. Severe Nasal Congestion Relief: Treatment Options The most effective way to get an instantaneous severe nasal congestion relief is to blow your nose. If there’s too much mucus present, this is a fast and effective way to provide temporary relief. Severe nasal congestion relief can be attained by using both medication and homemade remedies.

The skin gets its pigment or natural color from melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes, which also protect the skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Certain conditions, like vitiligo, often classified into segmental and nonsegmental, can cause abnormal melanocyte development. Depending on the type, the skin can gradually or rapidly start losing its color in certain or all areas of the body. So, individuals with vitiligo may require treatment involving repigmentation or restoring the skin’s pigment. Nonsegmental vitiligo vs segmental vitiligo In nonsegmental or bilateral vitiligo, the skin on both sides of the body starts to lose its natural pigmentation. For instance, the condition might cause symmetrical white patches to appear on either side of the body, such as on both hands or knees. It is an autoimmune disorder and is often triggered by other autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Addison’s disease. This form differs from segmental vitiligo, which causes rapid pigment loss on just one side. After 6 to 12 months, this type of vitiligo stops spreading. This means the color loss stops, and no new patches or spots develop. Repigmentation to manage vitiligo Repigmentation involves restoring the color or natural pigment of the skin with the help of various processes, such as light therapy or surgery. Often, repigmentation is one of the main ways of managing the condition and is usually done if an individual has widespread vitiligo. Light therapy Also known as phototherapy, light therapy involves using light boxes, medical-grade lasers, or UVB or ultraviolet light sources. Here, the skin is exposed to any of these sources over several sessions to restore its pigment. Surgery This can involve procedures like skin grafting and blister grafting. Skin grafting involves using skin from one part of the body to cover a vitiligo-affected part. A similar procedure is followed with blister grafting.

Shingle is an infection which is caused by the same virus that gives you chickenpox and it appears as a painful rash which generally persists for 4 weeks at most. The condition causes an itching sensation, burning, all-around discomfort, and immense pain in its duration. While the symptoms of the disease are quite hard to handle, they can be managed and put to rest with effective treatment and by practicing home remedies. The best course of action is generally getting a cream to tackle shingles. Following the shingles virus, you may suffer from an extremely painful condition called post-herpetic neuralgia. The condition is characterized by pain occurring in the areas of the body where the rash was once present. It may or may not occur before the onset of the rash that characterizes shingles. The pain generally follows a nerve’s path on one side of the body. Here are a few ways you can manage nerve pain from shingles and lead a pain-free life. Pain from shingles To treat nerve pain that has preceded the appearance of the shingles rash, or which is ongoing during its appearance and treatment, it is necessary to manage shingles by following the below-mentioned methods first. Avoid scratching your blisters: When you are suffering from painful and itchy blisters, abstaining from scratching them is a task in itself. To effectively manage nerve pain from shingles, you need to try to keep from scratching your blisters. They will eventually crust over and fall off on their own terms. Scratching them only makes things worse as they will open up and become much more susceptible to infection. You may also end up spreading bacteria if you keep scratching your blisters. If you have accidentally scratched them, wash your hands immediately to avoid the spread of harmful infection-leading bacteria.

It is quite hard to deal with nail fungus. It starts off as a yellow blemish and spreads to the entire nail if it is left untreated. It can cause discomfort, pain, and tenderness. Many home remedies can help you treat this issue, and the most popular item among them is hydrogen peroxide. Why is hydrogen peroxide effective at treating toenail fungus? Hydrogen peroxide is a household item that is applied to sanitize minor injuries and wounds. Its antifungal properties destroy the fungus, allowing the broken part of your nails to grow back again. This liquid has numerous applications as an antiseptic, disinfectant, oxidizer, bleaching agent, and as an antifungal agent. Depending on the severity of the infection, you can restore your nails within weeks or months with constant use of hydrogen peroxide. To prevent further fungal infections, it is advised to keep practicing this therapy for a few months even after your nail has recovered. Even though there aren’t many scientific studies proving the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide for treating toenail fungus, several people have tried and tested this home remedy. Here are some treatments for toenail fungus that use hydrogen peroxide: Soak your feet in a hydrogen peroxide solution You will require 3% hydrogen peroxide, distilled water, plastic tub, and tissues for this method. Stir equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water in a plastic tub. Make sure that the hydrogen peroxide that has a concentration of 3% or less, otherwise it may damage your skin. Dip the infected nails in this solution and wait for 30 minutes until they are soaked. Wipe and dry your nails with a tissue. Make sure that the affected nails are dry before you cover them. Repeat this method every day, even after the problem subsides. Getting relief from nail fungus is not that simple and will require a lot of patience and persistence.

Keratosis pilaris is a general, harmless skin ailment that causes small and hard bumps on the skin, making it feel like sandpaper. These light-colored bumps appear on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks and are sometimes accompanied by redness or swelling. These bumps might show up on an individual’s face, but it is an infrequent phenomenon. Many children and teens are prone to keratosis pilaris and feel an itchy sensation. These bumps disappear over a period of time or as one gets old. A build-up of keratin in the system causes Keratosis pilaris. Keratin is a protein that shields your skin from infections and other harmful bacteria. The accumulation of the chemical leads to the formation of a plug that blocks the opening of a hair follicle. However, the exact reason for triggering the build-up is still unknown. People with dry skin are more prone to keratosis pilaris. The surface can get worse in winter when there is less moisture in the air. Here are a few things one can opt for keratosis pilaris treatment. Omega-3 Food rich in omega-3 help in keeping your skin moisturized and healthy. Walnuts, flaxseeds, salmon, tuna, sardines, and soybeans are rich sources of omega-3. For overall skin, health and function include leafy vegetables and greens to your daily diet. Certain foods are known to worsen the condition; dairy products can trigger inflammation, which can trigger conditions like keratosis pilaris. Fragrance-free Body Products Fragranced body products like lotions, creams, and perfume sprays, using scented soaps and body washes can exacerbate keratosis pilaris. Use products and follow a body-care regimen that is fragrance-free. Also, do not shower with hot water. Instead, use luke-warm water for bathing. Minimize skin dehydration by keeping bath time short, i.e, under seven minutes. Keratolytic Agents These agents help remove the scales that block the follicles and cause the formation of bumps.

All of us know what constipation is, but not many know how to treat it. People often get anxious as they don’t know how to prevent this condition. This article aims to help readers understand what constipation is, what are its causes, and what foods one should consume if they are constipated. What is constipation? Constipation is the partial, or in rare cases, complete inability to pass stools or have bowel moments. It may also cause mild to extreme pain. Constipation can occur to anyone at any time, and generally, it is common in young people below the age of 20. The problem usually goes away in a day, though sometimes, in severe cases, it may take weeks to cure this condition. What are the causes of constipation? While the causes of constipation can vary depending upon one’s diet, age, and location, the common causes of constipation are as follows: Sudden changes to your diet or activities Inadequate consumption of water or fiber Eating a lot of dairy products Not being active Resisting the urge to have bowel moments Stress or tension Overuse of laxatives Medications such as strong painkillers, narcotics, antidepressants, iron pills, and any supplement taken in bulk Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Pregnancy Aging Other changes in the routine like the excessive intake of carbs or fats Other forms of disorders and diseases What should one do if they experience these bowel problems for more than a day? If you don’t wish to visit the doctor and want to treat your problem at home, it’s rather easy. Adopting a diet for constipation can go a long way of not only curing the problem but also preventing it in the future. What should one consume if they have constipation? Water If you have constipation, you should drink a lot of water, irrespective of how severe your condition may be.

Shingles, scientifically named as ‘herpes zoster’, is a viral infection that causes rashes in small sections of the body along with immense pain and is sourced from the same virus that causes chickenpox which is known as varicella-zoster virus (VZV). If you had chicken pox in your childhood, then there is a chance that at later stages, you can develop shingles. The first symptom of shingles is the immense pain. After a couple of days, you will see rashes and fluid-filled blisters in small sections of your body, while some people also experience fever, fatigue, and sensitivity to light along with painful blisters. Shingles usually last from two to six weeks. Complications Although shingles isn’t a life-threatening disease, some people develop a more serious condition due to this, known as postherpetic neuralgia when the nerve fibers get damaged. This condition can cause shingles pain to last for weeks and months even after the rashes clears out. Although there is no perfect treatment for Shingles, antiviral medications prescribed by your doctor can help to reduce its symptoms and shorten the time span of shingles. Read on to know the various at-home treatment options for shingles. Top treatments for shingles Take healing baths One of the most effective and top treatments for shingles that prevents the rashes from spreading to different parts of the body is thoroughly cleansing the body on a daily basis. Taking a shower with cold water along with antiseptic soap can help you to soothe your skin and body as the coolness of the water will reduce the pain and itchiness of the shingles blisters. You can also prepare a healing bath for yourself which is considered to be one of the top 3 shingles treatments. To prepare a healing bath, you need to pour 1 to 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal or cornstarch into lukewarm water and leave it for 10-20 minutes before taking the bath.

Nail fungus can be diagnosed with either yellow or white spots around the nails of the toes or fingers. If one does not get undertake timely treatment for the spots around the fingernails or toenails, then the nails could become discolored, thick, or might start breaking around the edges. As long as they do not cause any kind of severe pain, one can easily treat toenail fungus at home. Fungi usually thrive in warm and moist environments. It does not need sunlight to grow or spread. Therefore, people who sweat a lot or those who swim a lot have more chances of being affected by toenail fungus. A dermatophyte is one of the types of fungi that can cause nail fungus. Molds and yeast can also be a prominent cause for this condition. This type of fungi affects the toenails more than the fingernails; therefore, in most cases, one suffers from a toenail infection. There are a number of home remedies for toenail fungus that one can try out before the condition gets worse or before the nails become discolored or start to smell. 10 effective toenail fungus remedies One may not have to visit a doctor if they notice the symptoms of toenail fungus in the earlier stages. However, it can be really bothersome if one does not get rid of it. Fortunately, one can make the most of a number of natural cures for toenail fungus. Some of the popular remedies have been listed as follows: Baking soda Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is known for its antifungal properties. There are different kinds of fungal species and any of them can cause toenail fungus. Baking soda can be a good option as one a toenail fungus remedy. Using water and baking soda, one can make a smooth paste and apply it on the affected area.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures. A person is said to have epilepsy if he experiences two or more seizures, a disorder in the electrical communication between neurons in the brain, separated by a period of 24 hours. The consequences of an epileptic seizure can vary from uncontrolled jerking movement to momentary loss of awareness. These can also vary in frequency, from several times in a day to only once in a year. Understanding epilepsy seizure symptoms is the first step in treating this disorder. Types of epileptic seizures and their symptoms Differentiating seizure types is important for causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Epilepsy seizure symptoms are broadly classified into two groups – focal seizures and generalized seizures. Focal seizures are the ones which initially affect only one hemisphere of the brain. There are four lobes in each hemisphere of the brain. The seizure symptoms vary based on where the seizure has occurred. This is further divided into two categories: Focal aware seizure – This affects only a small area of the brain and people experiencing this type of seizure remain conscious. The common symptoms include the following. A sudden feeling of fear, anger, anxiety Falling or moving sensations Altered sense of hearing Strenuous speech or incapable of speaking If asleep, hallucinations or illusions Focal impaired awareness seizure – This is associated with unilateral cerebral hemisphere and results in impairment of awareness. The common symptoms include the following. A feeling of déjà vu, a feeling that a person has lived through the present situation A feeling of euphoria or depersonalization Display of automatisms like, lip smacking or swallowing Generalized seizures – These are typically characterized by no apparent cause. Unlike focal seizures, it affects more or the whole part of the brain. This is further classified into the following types.