Methods of Scalp Psoriasis Treatment

Methods of Scalp Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that occurs when the immune system sends incorrect signals to the skin, causing the cells to mature extremely quickly. These new cells are formed within days instead of weeks causing the excess skin to pile up on the surface of the older skin, as the body is unable to shed the excess skin cells. This leads to a patchy formation on the skin surface called psoriasis. It can range from being “mild”, which involves reddish and small rashes, to “severe”, consisting of scaly and thick plaques. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the skin, but the scalp is one of the most common spots, seen in up to 50% of the cases. Scalp psoriasis treatment is different from that of psoriasis found elsewhere on the skin, due to barriers such as hair and also softer skin of the scalp. It must be remembered that scalp psoriasis differs from person to person and thus the effect of the treatment might vary from person to person. Mentioned below are some of the scalp psoriasis treatments: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Scalp Psoriasis Treatment One can use OTC medications and products to begin the treatment with, and ease the itchiness caused. Some of OTC products to be used are : Coal tar shampoo: Coal tar, a byproduct of coal production, is one of oldest treatments for scalp psoriasis. It reduces the exponential growth of the skin cells and helps to reduce the itching, scaling, and inflammation. The higher the coal tar concentration, the more effective is the treatment. Although the US Food and Drug Administration permits a maximum of 5% of concentration in the shampoos for scalp psoriasis treatment. Salicylic acid: This scalp psoriasis treatment involves salicylic acid, often mixed with coal tar, in shampoos and scalp solutions. It reduces the scaling and also helps in sloughing off the dead skin cells.
Know in Details about Vitamins for Energy

Know in Details about Vitamins for Energy

Feeling low or sluggish and exhausted all the time, unable to concentrate on the tasks at hand, there may be a chance that you lack the proper vitamin intake needed to give you sustained energy levels. Low levels of critical vitamins like Vitamin B, B12, B2, B3, folic acid, etc. may be hampering your ability to work and give your best performance, whether at work or otherwise. The sluggish and the fast-paced lifestyle, with improper sleep and living patterns along with a poor diet can also lead to several vitamin deficiencies that may cause for us to feel tired and demotivated throughout the day. Though the body is capable of making most of the essential nutrients that our body needs, vitamins are some essential substances which our body cannot make up on its own, but are needed to support the growth and proper functioning of our body, hence we derive them from our food intake. Having the right amount of vitamins for energy ensures that our body has what it needs to be active and attentive in performing day to day work. Where these vitamins for energy are in deficiency, then there arises a need to obtain them through artificial means in the form of tablets and supplements. We start off with the most crucial and essential vitamin that the body needs, i.e., B vitamins called the metabolism vitamin. These are popularly categorized individually in the following series as per the compound order – Vitamin B1 – Thiamin, Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin, Vitamin B3 – Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B7 – Biotin, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 and if found collectively are known as Vitamin B complex. The Thiamin found naturally in milk, nuts, peas, spinach, etc. supports our nervous system and ensures its proper functioning. The Riboflavin helps the production of vitamins for energy.
An Overview of Addiction and Taking the Path to Recovery

An Overview of Addiction and Taking the Path to Recovery

An addiction is a complex condition that is characterized by an excessiveness in terms of an activity and consumption, despite being aware of the consequences. In simpler terms, it is a disease of the brain and, contrary to popular belief, it is not a moral failure. For individuals who suffer from addiction, they have an intense need to use a deleterious substance to the point that it causes damage to one’s well-being. Addiction can be in any form; however, the addition of substances commonly includes drugs and alcohol. A person with an addiction will continue to consume alcohol or use drugs despite knowing the repercussions it can have on one’s health and life. Addiction, like any other disease, disrupts the normal functionality of the body. It also has serious harmful consequences on the underlying organs and, thus, need to be addressed in the right time frame. People may get addicted to drugs and alcohol due to a slew of reasons that seem to be completely acceptable in the beginning. Drugs and alcohol give one a sense of pleasure, and the feel-good sensation can trigger the use of other such substances. There are some addicts who begin use in order to feel better. This is especially triggered among people who suffer from social or personal problems such as anxiety, depression, and excess stress that cannot be handled. In such cases, drug and alcohol abuse begins as an attempt to lessen the pressure being caused and completely cut off from the issue. Typically, stress is one of the most common reasons that cause initiation, continuation, and relapse of the addiction after recovery. The fire of addiction may also be ignited by curiosity. The younger generation is particularly vulnerable as they constantly find the need to keep up with peer pressure. Addiction to drugs and alcohol may be a way of expressing independence and keeping up with popular culture.
All You Need to Know About Tardive Dyskinesia

All You Need to Know About Tardive Dyskinesia

Tardive dyskinesia is a syndrome that is related to the neurological health of an individual. The medical condition affects a huge number of people not just in the country, but all over the world. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by the random or involuntary movements of the body parts including the tongue, the lips, the trunk, and the face. The disorder is found to occur in individuals who are treated with dopaminergic antagonist medications for long periods. Thus, people who have been diagnosed with conditions such as a neuropsychiatric disorder or schizophrenia are more vulnerable to the development of tardive dyskinesia. In most cases, tardive dyskinesia is triggered in people who use antipsychotic drugs for long periods of time. However, the condition can even develop among people who have just begun to take the medications. Unfortunately, there is not much that one can do about these drugs, as they are essential to maintaining the overall health of the patient and can even be life-saving. Cause of tardive dyskinesia As mentioned above, the primary cause associated with tardive dyskinesia is the long-term use of neuroleptic and psychotic medications. Also known as neuroleptic drugs, they block a chemical known as dopamine in the brain. It aids in the smoother movement of the muscles while controlling the pleasure and reward centers in the brain. When there is too little production of this chemical, the body movements are affected and there may also be an effect on the motor system. In rare cases, tardive dyskinesia may also be caused because of menopause, aging, and excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs. Diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia The diagnosis of tardive dyskinesia can be a tough process. The symptoms of the condition may not appear for the longest time and may go unnoticed sometimes. Moreover, the timing of the symptoms can make it extremely difficult to understand whether they were actually triggered by the medication or due to some other reason.
Popular Herbal Remedies for Psoriatic Arthritis

Popular Herbal Remedies for Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes itching and scaly red patches to appear on the skin or scalp. Psoriatic arthritis is an advanced form of psoriasis that affects the small joints in one’s body. There are five known types of psoriatic arthritis that exhibit different symptoms with varying levels of severity. These include symmetric arthritis, asymmetric arthritis, distal interphalangeal predominant (DIP), spondylitis, and arthritis mutilans. Inflammation is one of the major triggers that can result in the condition worsening with time. Complications develop over time, and some of its symptoms can be managed with a simple combination of everyday ingredients to make herbal remedies for psoriatic arthritis. Here are five powerful herbal remedies for psoriatic arthritis. Apple cider vinegar It is one of the most versatile ingredients when it comes to treating skin disorders and diseases. Apple cider vinegar is effective against the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis as it is a natural anti-itch agent. Apple cider vinegar can be applied gently on the scalp and other affected areas on the body to counter the itching sensation. However, one must avoid direct application of raw apple cider vinegar in areas where the skin has blistered, or where there are visible cracks and signs of bleeding. Aloe vera Aloe vera gel has been commonly used to treat skin conditions and disorders for thousands of years. It is an affordable option when it comes to using herbal remedies for treating psoriatic arthritis. Aloe vera is particularly effective to treat skin burns and counter the irritation caused by inflammation. It is rich in glucomannan that accelerates healthy skin cell growth and healing of the affected area. Inflammation is one of the most persistent symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and the aloe vera gel’s naturally soothing properties cool the affected area. The gel soothes inflammation to reduce abrasions and burns.
Home remedies that help relieve nasal congestion in children

Home remedies that help relieve nasal congestion in children

Colds, flu, and allergic reactions are common causes of nasal congestion seen in infants, toddlers, and young children. Unfortunately, most of these conditions cannot be treated with the help of antibiotics alone. Instead, they need to be tackled with supportive treatment methods that help soothe symptoms and boost the immune system to fight the virus. Following are a few natural treatments and home remedies to ease nasal congestion and stuffiness in children. Clear out the mucus Nasal congestion is mainly caused due to the inflammation of the blood vessels that lie in the lining of the nose. In some cases, nasal stuffiness can also be attributed to increased mucus secretions. So, one way to tackle a stuffy nose is to clear out the mucus. If you are dealing with an infant, you may want to try out a nasal bulb. Nasal bulbs provide suction and gently clear up the build of mucus in the nasal passage. Try steam inhalation Steam inhalation is a popular and effective home remedy to tackle nasal congestion. The warm steam can help loosen thick mucus in the nasal passage and give the child much-needed relief. You can try giving the child a warm bath before bedtime. You can also get a steam machine. Use a humidifier Humidifiers are used to add moisture to the air. This helps prevent dryness that can lead to irritation. To tackle nasal congestion, you can try a cool-mist humidifier. This helps keep the air moist and reduces symptoms such as dry cough and stuffiness. Use humidifiers, especially at night, and try to keep them out of the child’s reach. Don’t forget to clean out the humidifier often, as mold can grow in wet and moist spaces. Chicken soup can help Another great home remedy for nasal congestion and stuffiness is chicken soup.
4 foods to avoid for digestive health

4 foods to avoid for digestive health

People with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can experience symptoms such as rectal bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and muscle loss. IBDs cause inflammation in the colon, rectum, upper gastrointestinal tract, and other critical areas in the digestive and excretory systems. Certain foods can trigger such inflammation and aggravate IBD symptoms. So, the following foods should be avoided when dealing with an IBD. Foods to avoid One should make changes to their meal plans when dealing with digestive or gastrointestinal issues like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, malabsorption, short bowel syndrome, and intestinal ischemia. Here are foods to avoid for IBD: Coffee Caffeine-based drinks like coffee can aggravate inflammation associated with an IBD, especially Crohn’s disease. Regular and excessive coffee intake can cause diarrhea, flare-ups, and discomfort in people dealing with bowel issues, making coffee one of the key foods to avoid for IBD. Walnuts Nuts and seeds of all kinds are difficult for the body to digest and absorb, worsening symptoms of IBD. Healthcare experts and nutritionists advise people with the condition to avoid nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, peanuts, and seeds like sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, wild rice, and pumpkin seeds. Limiting these foods can help one avoid flare-ups, gas, diarrhea, and bloating. Broccoli High-fiber foods can dramatically increase the frequency of flare-ups in IBD patients. Broccoli and beans are among the most fiber-heavy foods. While fiber is a key component in boosting digestive health, it can trigger constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain with excessive intake. So, to avoid such complications, people with inflammatory bowel diseases should limit such foods. Instead, they can opt for low-fiber foods such as eggs, tofu, and shellfish. Fried chicken Fried and processed foods cannot be fully absorbed in the small intestines. This aggravates IBD symptoms, loose stools, and cramping.
Foods to avoid to help prevent Parkinson’s

Foods to avoid to help prevent Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that leads to impaired movement. Symptoms vary by individual, but they typically include muscle spasms, tremors, and muscle soreness. There is no cure, but one can manage the condition by making changes to overall meal plans. While some foods, like fruits and vegetables, can help with symptoms, others should be avoided to maintain overall health. Thus, here are some foods to avoid to help prevent developing Parkinson’s. Foods to avoid to help prevent Parkinson’s disease Processed food Processed foods, such as canned goods, sodas, cereals, chips, sweets, and cakes, have been linked to increased symptoms of the condition. Parkinson’s disease frequently causes symptoms such as swallowing, speech, and odor problems. Processed foods only exacerbate these issues, making it vital to avoid them. Dairy products Drinking milk and having dairy products regularly may increase the chances of developing this condition; it may also hasten the progress. Thus, it is better to stay away from significant amounts of dairy items. Sausages Protein is essential for good health, but processed meats like sausages can weaken the immune system and raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Instead of cured meats like sausages and hams, one should eat fatty fish, skinless chicken, turkey breast, and various plant-based types of meat. Steamed bag of vegetables While vegetables are safe to eat, steamed bagged vegetables contain a chemical called bisphenol A, which, when heated, can leach into the food, causing severe a flare-up of symptoms. To avoid exposure to dangerous chemicals, choose fresh vegetables and frozen items not packed in microwave steam bags. Pasta and bread White flour, used in bread and pasta, can disrupt the digestive system’s normal operation. These foods are rich in unhealthy carbs and sugar, which weaken muscles and impair the brain, potentially worsening Parkinson’s. White flour pasta and bread can be replaced with brown rice, lettuce, leafy greens, and cauliflower.
Vitamins Harmful and Useful to Kidney Health

Vitamins Harmful and Useful to Kidney Health

Kidneys are bean-shaped organs present behind the abdominal cavity in the human body. These play a vital role in the filtration and excretory functions of the body. In humans, the left kidney lies at vertebral level T12 and L3 and the right kidney sits below the diaphragm, slightly lower than the left due to asymmetry caused by the position of the liver. Kidneys are complex waste removal systems which sort waste from the body while purifying the blood. Every day, kidneys process around 200 liters of blood and make urine from surplus fluid and unwanted chemicals in the blood. This urine passes out of the body through a narrow tube called urethra. How to maintain healthy kidneys Kidneys are important organs that filter blood and keep the body chemically balanced. Hence, taking good care and eating a balanced diet to keep kidneys healthy is of utmost importance. The human body requires various vitamins for kidneys to help them perform their functions. Vitamin D helps in the renal reabsorption, which is the removal of water and solutes from pre-urine, and returning them to circulating blood. Another one of the important vitamins for kidneys is B complex, which are water-soluble vitamins and good for renal health. Drinking plenty of water is the easiest way to keep kidneys healthy, as this helps them perform the most important function of removing toxins. Exercising, limited intake of alcohol and no smoking is also recommended for further care of kidneys. Kidney conditions Due to the various crucial functions the kidneys perform and the toxins they encounter, kidneys are prone to various conditions or ailments. In most of these conditions, kidneys are unable to remove or filter waste. These conditions include Kidney stones Chronic kidney disease Kidney failure Acute nephritis Polycystic kidney diseases Under such circumstances, it becomes important to supplement your daily diet with certain beneficial vitamins for kidneys.
Natural Ways to Get Relief from Abdominal Pain

Natural Ways to Get Relief from Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain refers to the pain between your lower ribs and groin area. This pain can be caused by a number of conditions. It can greatly vary in severity, depending upon the cause. Abdominal pain usually arises from digestive disorders. The condition is usually no cause for concern and it is often possible to treat it at home using natural home remedies. The most common symptoms of abdominal pain include the following: Nausea Heartburn Gas and bloating Belching Coughing or hiccups Sour breath In the following, some of the best natural abdominal pain remedies to get prompt pain relief have been listed. Heat application Heat application is an effective natural remedy to cure abdominal pain. You can use warm rice compressors or a warm heated towel to relax the tense muscles. Cook one cup of rice in a sock for 1 minute in a microwave. Pour the rice in a plastic bag and cover it with a cotton cloth. Apply the bag on your abdomen to relieve the pain. Alternatively, you can heat a small quantity of salt and put it in a tube sock. Apply the sock on your stomach to improve abdominal blood circulation. It will offer quick abdominal pain relief. Ginger Ginger is a common and one of the most effective abdominal pain remedies. The spice improves the digestion capacity of the digestive system and helps reduce diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. You can add ginger to your food or drink it as a tea. You can also try some all-natural ginger ales to relieve the pain. Mint Mint contains menthol which helps to Prevent diarrhea and vomiting Relieve pain Reduce muscle spasms in the intestine Mint leaves can be consumed in the cooked or raw form. The best way is to boil the leaves and add it to your tea.
Tips to Treat Fire Ant Bites

Tips to Treat Fire Ant Bites

A fiery sting is the best term that describes the bite of a fire ant. Living up to their name, these ants are the color of fire. When you are caught in an army of fire ants, they swarm onto your skin and pack a powerful, fiery sting that can be quite an ordeal! Symptoms of fire ant bites range from mild rashes to allergic reactions like breathing difficulty. Treatment for fire ants’ bite depends on the severity of the sting. You’d be surprised to know that a tiny fire ant can pack a sting that delivers a venom that contains 46 proteins at least! Fire Ants These ants come in different colors, like red-brown or black, and usually grow up to lengths of a quarter of an inch. They live in sand mounds that are built on lawns and pastures. Fire ants can get very aggressive when their nest is disturbed. If you accidentally disturb their nest, you will probably end up in a burning stream of painful stings. The sting causes pain and itching long after you are bitten by fire ants. Fire ants sting by clamping their mandibles on your skin; hence, it is difficult to remove ants that have actually latched onto you. You need to rub them off your skin with fingers or a rag. What do Fire Ant Bites Look Like? When fire ants are provoked, they swarm onto the skin and anchor themselves strongly with their mandibles. Once they latch onto your skin, they sting repeatedly injecting a toxin called solenopsin. Fire ant sting looks like a swollen red spot with a blister on top. Fire ant stings can be painful and itchy for nearly a week. As soon as you are stung by the ant, you will experience an intense pinching or burning sensation.
Effective Treatment Methods for Tick-borne Illness

Effective Treatment Methods for Tick-borne Illness

Ticks—the small-sized bloodsucking arthropods—are the leading carriers of various vector-borne diseases in humans. In most of the cases, the toxins, organisms, or secretions in the tick’s saliva that transmit through the tick bite cause such diseases. According to various medical studies, different types of tick-borne diseases can be found in the country. Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, Lyme disease, Tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Colorado tick fever are some examples of common diseases caused by tick bites. However, you should not panic if you get a rash from tick bites. Timely and proper medical guidance is the secret to successfully dealing with such tick-borne illnesses. The ticks are so tiny in size that people sometimes do not even particularly realize when the ticks are biting until they get a rash from tick bites. There are certain cases when you may not get rashes but flu-like symptoms from the tick bites, which are also an indication of the disease. Signs and Symptoms of Tick-Borne Illnesses Flu-like symptoms such as chills, headaches, and achiness Numbness Fever Palpitations Weakness Paralysis Neck stiffness Joint pains, swelling in the body joints Rash (the type of the rash from tick bites can vary depending on the pathogen type transmitted by the tick) Vomiting Nausea Swollen lymph nodes Shortness of breath Medical guidance is needed if any of the following conditions exist. Ticks cannot be removed from the skin. Even after the removal, the mouth or the head of the tick is still stuck onto the skin. Exhibiting fever, lethargy, paralysis, headache, numbness, and rash from tick bites. Immuno-suppressed individuals should consult medical experts if they get tick bites. If a pregnant woman gets a tick a doctor should be consulted bite before taking any medication. Treatment for Tick-borne Illnesses Not all ticks carry the same pathogen. Hence, the treatment process and the medications obviously vary depending on the type of the pathogen transmitted by the tick while biting.