Postherpetic neuralgia is a painful skin condition caused by the herpes zoster (chickenpox) virus. Once the shingles start to crust and heal, neuralgia sets in, damaging the nerve endings in the skin. This causes a pain that burns and makes the skin sensitive to even the lightest touch. This condition can last from a few months to a year. People older than the age of 60 years are at a higher risk of developing this complication. Postherpetic Neuralgia Treatment Options Postherpetic neuralgia has no proper medication or treatment. A combination treatment for Postherpetic neuralgia is required in most cases to ease the pain. Medication Although medicines cannot eliminate the pain entirely, still they can work towards reducing it and making it more manageable for you. Initially, your health practitioner may recommend using an over-the-counter painkiller such as paracetamol or combine it with codeine to see its effect. However, these standard pills have been known to be ineffective against treating the condition, and most of the time it is required to explore alternative options for p ostherpetic neuralgia. These postherpetic neuralgia treatment options have been discussed below: Anti-depressants: Medicines such as duloxetine(Cymbalta) and amitriptyline are used to treat depression. As they target chemical reactions in the brain that form the core of pain impulses, they can also be used for treating the shingles pain. These are started off in small doses to work slowly on your nervous system, dulling the senses and providing relief from the pain. Side effects include drowsiness, feeling light-headed, dry mouth, and weight gain. Anti-convulsants: Anti-seizure medicines help stabilize abnormal spikes in brain activity that are caused by damage to nerve ends. Originally intended to treat epilepsy, this type of medication lessens the pain by causing a dampening effect on your nervous system. Pregabalin and gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin) are effective medications that are known to curb the pain sensitivity.

Watery eyes are also known as epiphora. Epiphora is a common condition but it is often commonly misunderstood. Basically, epiphora means overflowing of tears without any particular reason. Normally, tears drain through the nasolacrimal system, but if there is an insufficient tear film drainage through the eyes, the tears overflow on the face. This condition can affect individuals of any age, but it is more commonly seen in children under the age of two years or adults above the age of 60. Watery eyes can be treated effectively as long as you consult a doctor about the condition. Causes of water eyes Many conditions and factors cause watery eyes. In children, watery eyes are often the result of a tear duct blockage. Here, instead of draining away, the tears tend to build up in the tear sac and overflow. For older adults, aging is one of the main causes of watery eyes because the skin of the eyelids sags away from the eyeballs. Watery eyes may also be induced by certain medicines, such as chemotherapy, epinephrine, and eye drops. Other common causes for epiphora include allergies, eyelid inflammation, blocked tear ducts, common colds, corneal abrasion, corneal ulcer, dry eyes, and more. The causes of watery eyes can vary in the range of their severity. This is why, it is important to have watery eye symptoms checked to help find out the underlying cause for the same and receive a proper treatment. Home remedies for watery eyes Some home remedies to deal with the watery eyes that may be caused by allergies are: Cold milk The most important and the effective home remedy for watery eyes is using cold milk. In order to treat the watery eyes naturally at home, you are required to get a knit cloth dipped in cold milk and place it right on your affected eye.

Sensitive skin is a commonly observed phenomenon. According to a medical study, around 45% of men said that they had a sensitive skin. A sensitive skin may develop due to clinical conditions, careless skin care or even due to the way of shaving. A sensitive skin may develop skin bumps, pimples, cuts or rashes upon application of a skin lotion or cream or during shaving. Shaving is a difficult task to perform on a sensitive skin. Moreover, chemicals present in the shaving cream causes irritation. It is advisable to look for blades which have a lubricative mechanism and contain inflammation-fighting constituents such as vitamins. Luckily, to overcome all these problems, there are several disposable razors available for sensitive skin care. Some of the best options of premium disposable razor for sensitive skin include: Gillette Mach3 Men’s Disposable Razor It is one of the best disposable razors, specially designed for sensitive skin. It is easy to use and the razors are specially designed to reduce skin irritation. The blades are coated with a diamond coating that provides a sharp and close shave. These blades can be easily washed too. Schick ST2 for Men Sensitive Skin Disposable Razor This razor has a special grip for effective handling and it provides a closer shave without causing skin irritation. A special tab helps in cleaning the blades to increase the razor life. The razor is definitely a great choice for trimming purposes. Gillette Custom Plus Disposable Razor Due to its lubricating strips on the blades, this razor is a good choice for a close shave. The razor head can easily reach to places like below the chin. A soft grip helps in comfortable handling of the razor. BIC Metal Disposable Men’s Shaving Razors These razors are made up of stainless steel and possess a fixed and narrow head which is suitable for use in sensitive areas or face.

Tennis elbow is a painful inflammation of the tendon that occurs on the outer border of the elbow as a result of overuse of lower arm muscles. It is a common problem and is treated with the help of an elbow brace or tennis elbow strap. These straps are available widely in the market in different sizes, forms, and types. To choose a suitable elbow brace, one needs to try it out to see how the different types of braces work. Choosing elbow braces There are some primary factors you need to consider before buying elbow braces. Mainly, there are three varieties of elbow braces available in the market: Epicondylitis clasp Tennis elbow strap Elbow sleeve Epicondylitis clasp The Epicondylitis clasp is usually the more expensive variety of tennis elbow supports and needs to be fitted properly to be effective. Such straps come with a clip or plastic clasp which fits around the arm and is secured with a strap with a pressure point that coincides over a muscle just a couple of centimeters below the point of pain that is near the elbow. The pressure on the tendon or muscle that is attached to the lateral epicondyle absorbs the impact that is transmitted to the tissues causing the injury. The angle at which the tendon works also changes according to the direction of the forces, thereby relieving symptoms of golfers elbow and tennis elbow. Benefits of an epicondylitis clasp type tennis elbow brace: If fitted accurately, they can be applied precisely to the point required which can help ease the bothersome symptoms. Disadvantages of an epicondylitis clasp type tennis elbow brace: Can be pricey Difficulty in placement A fair chance of moving out of place An epicondylitis clasp elbow brace is usually recommended for skilled tennis players who need precision support for high impact forces.

Lupus, like many other autoimmune diseases, affects women more than men. Young women between the age group of 15 to 34 have been found to be suffering from lupus. However, no known cause of Lupus has been found. A mixture of genetic and environmental reasons has been attributed to Lupus. Lupus can affect any part of one’s body and the symptoms might vary from person to person. Some people show severe signs of Lupus while others might show only mild signs of this infection. Below are listed some of the common lupus symptoms in women, and an indication of any of these symptoms should be taken as a sign that one would be suffering from Lupus. Taking adequate precautions will always lead to signs of lupus getting weakened. Swelling in joints and pain One of the lupus symptoms in women is a pain, swelling in the joints, and stiffness in these parts in the morning. Pain and swelling in wrists and fingers indicate that lupus is on the way. However, this symptom is often confused with rheumatoid arthritis. However, the difference between lupus signs and rheumatoid arthritis can be understood from the fact that while lupus affects joints on one side of the body whereas, in rheumatoid arthritis, joints on both sides are affected. Moreover swelling in the case of Lupus is not permanent and might wither away with time. However, in rheumatoid arthritis, this swelling leads to disfiguring. Lupus also occurs in young women only and signs in older women do not develop to an advanced stage. Rashes on the face When exposed to the sun, lupus symptoms in women would include skin rashes. This is a characteristic feature of lupus. This kind of rash is typically known as butterfly rash and usually extends from bridge reason of the nose, goes through the cheekbone, and then further percolates to the jawbone.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS affects the bowel movements and impacts digestion and metabolism. It causes a great deal of irritation and discomfort in the abdomen. Proper bowel movement gets altered resulting in either constipation or diarrhea while also changing the stool consistency. Women are prone to this syndrome especially after the age of 25. The primary causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not known, though intestinal infections are found to have induced it. Some types of food can also cause sensitivity in the bowel region. Moreover, genetics can play a role in the development of this ailment. Stress is said to trigger irritable bowel syndrome, thereby aggravating the condition.The occurrence of muscle spasms inside the intestines is also a common phenomenon. A person suffering from irritable bowel syndrome constantly experiences extreme fatigue, bloating, anxiety, and stomach ache. It is also characterized by a continuous sensation of incomplete stool movement, even when the bowel has been emptied.Although it is not a serious medical condition, it can have a negative influence on an individual’s lifestyle. An individual can encounter any of the three types of the ailment. If IBS is characterized by recurrent constipation, it is known as IBS-C. On the other hand, the one characterized by chronic diarrhea is known as IBS-D. If there is an occurrence of both constipation and diarrhea alternately, the condition is known as alternating (mixed) IBS or IBS-A (IBS-M). When the individual does not face any typical symptoms of the above three types, he said to fall into the category of unsubtyped IBS. Irritable bowel syndrome can be troublesome if it is not managed properly. The best remedy is to have an IBS diet plan that is low on FODMAPs. The abbreviation FODMAP stands for Fermentable, Oligo, Di-, Monosaccharides, And Polyols: a series of carbohydrates that are not easily processed by the small intestine.

A pulmonary embolism can have many symptoms that are associated with other medical conditions like heart disease. However, if you do identify any of these symptoms in yourself or others, contact your nearest medical emergency services as it can be a life-threatening situation. What is a Pulmonary Embolism? A pulmonary embolism is a block in blood vessels associated with your lungs. These blockages can restrict blood supply to the lungs and deplete oxygen levels in the body because the lungs are affected. It can also lead to other complications. Mostly, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots, and a major cause of these blood clots is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep Vein Thrombosis DVT is a condition in which a blood clot develops in a vein that is deep in your body and not near the surface. These blood clots commonly begin at the calf muscles or thighs. However, these deep-vein blood clots can also begin somewhere else in the body. Wherever they begin, they can travel through the bloodstream and reach vital organs in your body, like your lungs. When the block occurs in a blood vessel that is connected to the lungs, it is a pulmonary embolism. Some of the most common causes of DVT are as follows: A leg fracture that damages a blood vessel which leads to blood clotting Obesity which can exert pressure on your legs A catheter inserted into a vein Hereditary – Other members of your family, previous generations, have had DVT Smoking Hormone medications Hormone fluctuations like pregnancy Being seated for a long time Some medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, and irritable bowel syndrome Surgery can also result in blood clots Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms and Diagnostic Tests A pulmonary embolism is caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to your lungs.

A hernia is a condition where an internal body part pushes into an area where it doesn’t belong. The hiatus is an opening in the muscular wall which separates the chest cavity from the abdomen called the diaphragm. It is through the hiatus that the esophagus (food pipe) attaches itself to the stomach. The stomach bulges up into the chest through that opening in a hiatal hernia (also called hiatus hernia). There are two types of a hiatal hernia, sliding hiatal hernias and fixed or paraesophageal hernias. When your stomach and esophagus slide into and out of your chest through the hiatus, it is known as a sliding hiatal hernia. This condition is relatively common, and usually, doesn’t cause any symptoms. This type of hernia may not even require treatment. In a fixed hiatal hernia, a part of your stomach pushes through your diaphragm and stays there. This condition is not dangerous in most cases. However, if the blood flow to your stomach is blocked, then it could cause damage. Following are some treatment options for a hiatal hernia: Lifestyle and dietary changes A hiatal hernia occurs most commonly in people who are overweight or obese. Losing weight relieves the abdominal pressure that promotes herniation. Even though this won’t necessarily reverse a hernia, it may prevent a mild hernia from developing into a grave paraesophageal hernia. Consuming a low-fat and high fiber diet helps normalize bowel function and relieves constipation that contributes to herniation. Eating high-fiber foods is the most effective treatment for a hiatal hernia. Proper hydration can further reduce the risk of constipation and dilute the concentration of acid in the stomach. So, one must ensure that they drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Whatever your age may be, you should avoid trigger foods like red meat, fried foods, spicy foods, whole-fat dairy products, tomato-based sauces, citric foods, carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol, and excessive salt.

The root cause of a stiff or hardened neck is a debilitating pain in the neck muscles due to a patient’s age or because of poor body posture. Research suggests that around 70-80% of Americans face the issue of neck pain at some point in their lives. Neck pain predominantly impacts your daily routines and also causes discomfort while working. Hence, we will talk about a couple of reasons behind a stiff neck and the measures which help provide relief from neck pain. Causes of neck pain Numerous circumstances can cause neck pain. It’s imperative that you consult a qualified specialist to have the problem examined so that you can get to the root of the problem. When you know the cause of the pain, it’ll be easier to treat it. Some reasons for neck pain are as follows: Poor working posture while working on a PC or laptop. Sitting for long hours leads to bad posture. Neck strain or different types of neck injuries Common diseases or infections that may result in swollen lymph nodes Stress as it can cause pressure in the neck region Squeezed nerves Fibromyalgia Degenerative disk problem An uncomfortable sleeping position Measures to treat neck pain If neck pain persists due to bad posture, sleeping in an uncomfortable position or due to any pressure while exercising, you will not need serious medical attention. Try the methods listed below to get instant relief from neck pain: Use the perfect pillow If you are facing this problem due to your sleeping habits, then it is best to change your pillow and get a new one that offers excellent support to your neck while sleeping. Make use of a feather or memory foam pillow which provides a contouring effect to your head while sleeping. Avoid using high and heavy pillows.

Natural remedies for gout usually involve foods that we consume on a regular basis. Gout is nothing but excessively high uric acid levels in the body. So, to address this, people should focus on eliminating foods that cause the buildup of uric acid in the body. Natural remedies for gout Before discussing the natural remedies for gout, it is essential to understand the foods which are detrimental and can worsen the condition of a patient. Here are some foods you should eliminate if you have gout: You should eliminate sugar from your diet. You also need to remove processed meat as they are a source of unhealthy hormones as well as antibiotics. Moreover, these meats are very acidic. As far as beverages are concerned, you need to take alcohol off the list. An effective diet for gout would include a high amount of vegetables, organic meats, and fruits. Patients can also add bone broth to their diet. Here are some natural remedies that can help treat gout: Celery seed extract: One of the best natural remedies for gout is the extract of celery seed and its juice. Studies show that uric acid levels fall rapidly after the consumption of celery seed extract. Celery seeds contain numerous antioxidants such as ferulic acid as well as caffeic acid. Flavonoids such as quercetin are also present in celery. You can readily find supplements or celery seed extracts in stores near you. Either have celery directly or consume it in the form of a juice. Black cherry juice: Black cherry in the form of a juice or extract are both beneficial for the treatment of gout. Studies show that when a gout patient takes black cherry along with allopurinol, their risk of gout attacks fell by 75%. Cherry juice is known to reduce the levels of uric acid in the body as well as inflammation.

Those who suffer from nerve pain often have to live with the painful symptoms for long. Some of this nerve pain related condition or neuropathic pain might get better with treatment but it can take some months or years to get over nerve pain completely. Sometimes this nerve pain does not heal soon enough and it is necessary to consult doctors to treat neuropathic pain. However, some home remedies can also be tried for relieving nerve pain. Causes of nerve pain Neuropathic pain is a result of nerve damage. This problem is generally caused due to medical conditions such as chemotherapy and diabetes. However, the real causes of nerve pain are not clearly understood and still remain unknown. Almost half of the people who have suffered from nerve pain try alternative approaches for treating nerve pain as these have shown good results. Keep a tab on your diabetes: People who suffer from diabetes need to keep blood sugar level under control. Having normal blood sugar level could be a viable way of keeping diabetic nerve pain under control. Walking often: The nervous system in people who do exercise on a regular basis often release a natural painkiller known as endorphins. Blood flow to the nerves of the feet and legs is also promoted by exercise. A long-lasting expansion of blood vessels in feet happens through regular exercise. This nourishes the damaged nerves and offers nerve pain relief. People who wish to reduce the nerve pain through this strategy can begin with a daily walk and can gradually increase the pace and distance of their daily walk. Pampering the feet: In cases when the feet are affected by nerve pain, ample care of the feet should be taken. Nerve pain can lead to impaired sensation and can result in injuries and pain.

Are you suffering from erectile dysfunction, premature climax, or complete loss of libido? A lot of men face these issues, so you should know that you aren’t the only one. Sex plays a major role in your life, so when there is a sexual dysfunction, it can be frustrating. How to tell? A lot of men don’t like talking about their sexual concerns, but this shouldn’t be the case. Identify the following signs and symptoms, and if they tally with what you’re feeling, make sure you consult a doctor and talk to your partner about it. Here are a few signs and symptoms that you’re likely to face if you suffer from loss or decrease in your sex drive: Less physical intimacy. Even touching is restricted only in the bedroom, especially before this you didn’t have any problem engaging in any sexual activity. Sex isn’t intimate anymore, and you can’t connect to your partner sexually. Sometimes this can affect your emotional connect as well. Your partner is the only one initiating the sex, and you feel ‘pressured.’ Sex becomes more like a routine. It is mechanical and monotonous. Sex doesn’t interest you anymore. Sexual fantasies and thoughts don’t strike you as much as they did before. Erectile dysfunction Sometimes, you might experience premature ejaculation. If you happen to relate to these signs and symptoms, then you most likely are suffering from loss or decrease of libido. What are the causes? Now that the signs seem familiar, you might want to know what are the causal factors of loss or decrease of libido. Stress Stress is the cause of many health problems, so this is a no-brainer. If you’ve been stressed at work or home, take some time out to de-stress. Pamper yourself with a spa or massage therapy or go on a long drive—whatever works for you.