6 Effective Remedies for Treating Cold Sores

6 Effective Remedies for Treating Cold Sores

Cold sore is the infection around the lips caused by herpes simplex virus. It creates tiny fluid-filled lesions on or around the lips. Usually, cold sores affect people in the age of 14 to 60 years. The most common symptoms of a cold sore are a burning sensation in or on the skin, accompanied by sore lips, tingling lips, or ulcer, blisters, rashes, ulcers, or redness. This virus can quickly spread through physical contact. Generally, self-diagnosable, this virus which causes cold sores are found in 90% of the population, but in most of the cases, it is harmless. When this virus becomes active, it causes oral herpes or cold sores. Even in its inactive state, this virus remains in the body. The infection caused by the herpes simplex virus can recur at any point in the future depending upon the levels of stress, hormonal imbalance, and various other factors. The treatment for cold sores aims to reduce or suppress the pain and discomfort, however, there is no cure for it. Read on to find out some at-home cold sore treatments to alleviate the symptoms. Ice packs Ice packs help you to reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by the cold sores by numbing the nerves in and around the affected area. This reduces the pain caused due to the blisters. Just apply an ice cube over the troubled area thrice a day to get instant relief. Do not extend the application for more than 20 minutes as it can cause damage to the skin. Aloe vera gel Aloe vera is the most commonly used cosmetic product which is anti-inflammatory and has soothing properties for the skin. The redness and itchiness caused due to the blisters can be calmed down by applying aloe vera gel topically. For best results, freeze a scoop of aloe vera in the refrigerator and apply this aloe vera ice cube to the affected part at least twice a day.
Best Treatments for Urinary Tract Infection

Best Treatments for Urinary Tract Infection

The human body’s urinary tract is known as the urinary or the renal system. This is the system that is used to excrete toxins and waste from the human body. The urinary tract is comprised of the kidneys, ureter, the bladder, and the urethra. An infection anywhere in the urinary system is known as a urinary tract infection, commonly referred to as a UTI. It can affect the ureter, the bladders, or even the kidneys. A bladder infection is known as cystitis. When your upper urinary tract or kidneys become infected it is known as pyelonephritis. A very common reason for such UTI is the E. coli bacteria. Other possible causes for a UTI could be frequent sexual intercourse, or intercourse with multiple partners, diabetes, a lack of hygiene, menopause, and even kidney stones. You could even fall prey to a UTI if you urinate in unclean public restrooms. An infection in the lower urinary tract could cause an urge to urinate frequently, even if the bladder is empty. In some cases, you may even experience pain when you urinate. A kidney infection, whether chronic or acute, is extremely dangerous and could leave lifelong effects and even become potentially life-threatening. So you need to take the necessary steps to make sure your kidney health is good and doesn’t become potentially life-threatening. The Best Treatment for UTI A urinary tract infection is a fairly common problem. Urinary tract infections are reported in women more often than men. A UTI is an infection that can be cured fairly easily, and has a large number of treatment options. There are a number of measures you can take to ensure you get the best treatment for UTI possible. These are just a few of them. Drink More Water – Drinking more water than usual is one of the simplest and most important ways to treat, and cure a bladder infection.
How To Effectively Treat Epilepsy

How To Effectively Treat Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition that results in seizures, triggered by a multitude of reasons, but they all start in the very same manner – in the brain. Epilepsy is caused due to a sudden change in the pattern that your brain cells send and receive electrical signals. The fact that the nature of the problem is the same in every case, doesn’t mean that every type of epilepsy or epileptic seizure can be treated in the same manner. Epilepsy can also be passed down through your genes and inherited. Epilepsy can be caused by sudden head trauma, other physical trauma or pre-existing brain conditions. In order to treat epilepsy correctly, the doctor must first diagnose the actual cause and nature of epilepsy on a case-to-case basis. Based on this, your doctor could offer a solution that would be the best course of treatment for you in particular. Drugs and Medication A large number of cases of epilepsy can be treated over time with medication. While there’s no cure for epilepsy, there is treatment. The right medication and care can be effective in handling seizures and their intensity. Medication is effective in treating at least 80% of the cases epilepsy. This, unfortunately, means that, for the remaining 20% of cases, medication doesn’t offer much relief. In some instances, people taking medication share that the drugs don’t make a significant enough difference in preventing seizures. So, while effective in over 80% of cases of epilepsy, whether medication on its own is the best treatment for epilepsy is still debatable. Often, in case the prescribed medication fails to treat the seizures, doctors can change the medication for improved results. There are at least twenty different types of medication that could be prescribed for epilepsy. Know your options to ensure you get the best treatment for epilepsy.
Causes of Shoulder Pain and its Treatments

Causes of Shoulder Pain and its Treatments

The shoulder is that part of your body which is used the maximum and mobility has a heavy price. The shoulder is a combination of three main bones namely the upper arm bone, the collarbone, and the shoulder blade. This part of your body is vital for you to move freely. Shoulder pain is common for people above the age of 60 years as the tissues surrounding the shoulder become weak. There are several reasons for shoulder pain. Poor posture Poor posture is one of the common cause of shoulder pain and this is mainly because there is a specific shape of your shoulder that helps it perform the motion functions efficiently. Inappropriate posture causes the shoulder to strain to work resulting in a pull in the muscle leading to severe shoulder pain. Another reason can also be our over-demanding lifestyle that might urge us to sit in a posture that causes shoulder pain. One example to this can be sitting in front of computers for long hours. Frozen shoulder Frozen shoulder is a situation where your upper arm bone does not have enough space to function freely. This causes swelling and thickening of shoulder resulting in severe pain. Frozen shoulder makes it difficult for you to manage your everyday tasks such as driving, lifting your hands etc. If unattended, this can lead to lack of shoulder movement altogether. Shoulder instability Shoulder instability can be caused either by too much movement of the shoulder or by the inappropriate position of the shoulder for a long duration. This results in numbness or catchy feeling around the shoulder area making it impossible to move freely. There are two types of shoulder instability: traumatic that is sudden instability of the shoulder due to large impacts such as accidents and a traumatic that is over the period instability of the shoulder.
Simple Remedies For Corns And Calluses

Simple Remedies For Corns And Calluses

Foot corns are an irksome skin condition that can be painful. In areas of excess pressure, these create a thick skin. In medical science, hyperkeratosis is the name for this thickened skin. These are often classified as corns and calluses, each of which is distinct. Corn is more localized and thicker. It is often in a conical or circular shape and could have a translucent appearance. A callus is a section of thick and flat skin. This is often stiffer than corn. Corn could occur somewhere on the feet or the fingers. Some of the most frequent locations wherein corns occur are: On the sole. Most often over the ball of the foot. Often, corns appear on the little finger of the foot because of the friction between the foot and the shoe. At times, corns occur between the fourth and fifth fingers of the toe. If corn appears between the fingers, then it is more likely to be whitish. Such corn may seem slimy and are known as soft corns. Why Do Corns Develop: Corns are thickening of the skin. This thickening takes place to form a natural protection mechanism. Corns come into existence in places where the skin becomes tough. This is to counter high levels of friction. Here are some of the reasons why corns form: At times, corns come to prominence owing to foot or toe distortions. A bony elevation over the foot could lead to corn formation. Tight footwear which puts pressure on the skin could cause a formation of corns. If one has an aberration in movement, it increases the pressure applied to certain areas of the foot. So the odds of developing a corn increase. Finger corns do not occur at locations which are normal areas of friction. These often come into prominence because of using tools.
10 Home Remedies for Treating Hemorrhoids

10 Home Remedies for Treating Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, or more commonly known as piles, are clusters of veins which lie just beneath the mucous membranes which line the lowest part of the rectum and the anus. This condition involves swelling and distension of those veins. Internal and external hemorrhoids are the two types of this condition. Internal ones occur in the lower rectum whereas the external ones develop under the skin around the anus. It is widely considered that external hemorrhoids are the ones which are the most painful and uncomfortable since the overlying skin erodes due to irritation. Moreover, if there is a blood clot on the inside of external hemorrhoid, then the pain can get much more severe. How can one recognize external hemorrhoids? Itchy or burning sensation around the anus A painful lump or swollen area near the anus Difficulty in sitting down Painful bowel movements Fecal incontinence There are different types of both homemade and surgical remedies available for curing external hemorrhoids. Some of the common ones have been explained in brief as follows: Witch hazel : Witch hazel is an astringent which causes tissues to shrink and reduce bruising. Along with this, it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. To use it, one has to add a small amount of witch hazel to a cotton ball and then dab it on the affected area to get relief from the symptoms. However, if there are signs of irritation, then one should go for a more indirect method. It is advised to not add alcohol to witch hazel in an attempt to dilute it as it can cause further irritation. Coconut oil : Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and can help with hemorrhoid symptoms like reducing irritation and swelling. Moreover, it can also reduce provide relief from the itchiness experienced. Aloe vera :
What You Need to Know about Bags under Your Eyes

What You Need to Know about Bags under Your Eyes

Most of us notice bags under our eyes when we are very exhausted. Many start getting bags under their eyes with growing age. This is not a medical problem that should cause you a lot of concern. Usually, home remedies are an effective solution. Lifestyle changes are also required and can be helpful in preventing it from occurring. Symptoms Mild swelling Sagging skin or loose skin Dark circles What causes bags under your eyes? With age, the supporting muscles and tissues of your eyes become weaker. As there is sagging of the skin, fat in the orbit of the eye moves into this area. There could be fluid accumulation in the area leading to a puffy appearance. This could become worse with retention of fluid due to a salty meal, poor sleep, allergies, smoking or genetic reasons. Ways to get rid of bags under your eyes Salt intake: The region around your eyes is one of the places which have high sodium and water moves from the low-sodium areas to the high-sodium areas. Ensure that you don’t take additional salt while having dinner as this is one of the causes of puffy eyes. Allergies : There is a direct correlation between puffiness of the eyes and allergies. However, over-the-counter medications for allergies not only stop a runny nose but also help in removing the puffiness of the eyes as well. Neti pot : Using a neti pot, salt water can be poured in one nostril and then drained out through the other nostril. The additional moisture that accumulates from colds, seasonal allergies and infections is removed by this. The sinuses are irrigated and mucus, as well as other types of debris, are removed. Sleep position : The way you sleep has a bearing on the puffiness of the eyes. Fluid accumulates under your eyes due to gravity.
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.
10 High-Protein Foods that are Effective for Weight Loss

10 High-Protein Foods that are Effective for Weight Loss

Protein is the most essential nutrient when it comes to weight loss. Consuming a high-protein diet boosts the body’s overall metabolism and helps in controlling hunger pangs. Also, it helps prevent muscle loss and makes you burn more calories. Increasing your daily protein intake is simple. You do not have to restrict anything but just add some natural high-protein foods to your diet. Couple it with a healthy workout regimen and witness the amazing transformation in your body. To get the best results, here is a list of high-protein foods that can be added to your everyday diet to lose weight. Almonds when it comes to high-protein foods, almonds undoubtedly top the list. This delicious nut is a storehouse of protein. One almond contains 0.3 grams of protein and a substantial amount of fiber. Munching on this protein-rich snack can provide a feeling of satiety, which in turn improves appetite control and leads to a reduced calorie intake. Broccoli Usually a nightmare for every kid, broccoli secures the second top spot on our list of high-protein foods. One cup (91grams) of raw and chopped broccoli contains 2.6 grams of protein. Besides, it is also rich in vitamin C and K, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. Chickpeas Chickpeas are a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, and potassium. One cup (200 grams) of chickpeas contains 39 grams of protein, which helps in suppressing hunger for longer durations. Also, they are cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat, making it a perfect addition to your heart-healthy diet. Eggs Eggs are among the healthiest high-protein foods you can consume for weight management and gaining muscle strength. They are incredibly nutrient-dense and filling, with every single egg containing 6 grams of protein. Eggs also contain several essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, which ramps up your metabolism and make you feel fuller for longer.
Everything You Need to Know about Mold Allergies

Everything You Need to Know about Mold Allergies

Do you often have an allergy across seasons? If yes, then you could be sensitive to mold spores as well as other fungi. Mold lives everywhere, and you can accidentally send a lot of spores in the air by upsetting a source of mold. Inhaling spores causes allergic reactions in some people, and this is why many people suffer from symptoms of mold allergy during the monsoons. Although there are various kinds of molds, very few of them can cause an allergic reaction. Most molds grow on fallen leaves and rotten logs, on grain and grass, and in composite piles. Outdoor molds are not active during the winter, and they mostly grow on plants in the spring. At home, this fungus thrives in damp areas, and you can look for it in the kitchen, basement, and bathroom. Let’s have a look at the various symptoms of mold allergy: Symptoms of mold allergies The symptoms of a mold allergy are similar to the symptoms of other types of allergies. Some of these signs include congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itching, and dry or scaling skin. Indoor molds cause allergic reactions throughout the year while spores from outdoor molds are responsible for these symptoms during the summer or fall. When mold spores get into your nose, they can cause signs of hay fever. Sometimes, these spores may get to the lungs and trigger asthma. The chemical released by mold spores causes the symptoms of mold allergy when they get into the lungs or nose. This reaction can happen right away or may take some time. At times, mold allergy causes delayed symptoms, and this leads to worsening asthma and nasal congestion over time. If your symptoms get worse when you expose yourself to a moldy or damp room such as the basement, then this means that you are allergic to mold.
8 Ways to Treat Back Pain Without Surgery

8 Ways to Treat Back Pain Without Surgery

Back pain is one of the most common health problems that affect a large number of people in the country. The pain can range from a minor, constant ache to a sudden, sharp, and penetrating sensation that makes the person unable to move. Back pain can strike at any time. It can result from a strain or injury in the back due to an accident or heavy lifting or can develop over time due to changes in the spine as we age. Moreover, a sedentary lifestyle can also lead to chronic back pain. In most cases, stress or tension in the back muscles causes pain. In this article, we will explore different ways of treating back muscle pain without surgery. Treatment options for back pain If you are experiencing unbearable pain, you need to visit a healthcare professional. However, a lot of times, the pain is short-term and can be effectively treated with a combination of non-surgical options that offer instant relief. Benefits of non-surgical treatments The chief benefit of non-surgical back pain treatments is that you can manage your pain and move towards an active lifestyle. Some of the other advantages are: The ability to work and treat your pain simultaneously Better flexibility Improvement in the body’s posture Learning effective ways to prevent back pain in the future Effective non-surgical treatments Physical therapy Exercise is the best solution to get relief from chronic back pain. It is the first line of treatment that you should try under the guidance of a trained spine physical therapist or physician. Different people have diverse problem areas. So, the physical therapy should be tailored according to your specific symptoms and condition. By performing the prescribed set of exercises regularly, you can prevent backaches in the future. The following activities will be included in a physical therapy routine to get relief from back pain:
10 Products to Get Relief From the Symptoms of Eczema

10 Products to Get Relief From the Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema is a group of skin conditions with symptoms such as itchy, inflamed cracked, rough, and reddish skin. Sometimes, patients may also develop blisters due to this skin problem. One of the most common kinds of eczema is atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis. There are numerous eczema creams available in the market to treat this condition. You can talk to your dermatologist to know which is the best cream for eczema. Common symptoms of eczema The symptoms are different for kids and adults. Some of the common signs of eczema are: Rashes: Rashes are commonly seen on the elbows, nape of neck, and knees. However, they can appear on any other part of the body as well. Most of the times, these rashes lead to other symptoms. Dry skin: These rashes can make the skin dry as well. Itchiness: There are chances that skin rashes will become itchier every single day. Skin infections: These rashes may lead to skin infections if not treated in time. Colored rashes: The color of these rashes keep changing, either they get darker or lighter. Oozing pus: Bubbles may form on the rashes and become bumpy before they leak fluids. It is vital to treat eczema to avoid skin infections. Here is a list of some of the best creams for eczema available in the market for treating this condition: Skinfix Hand Repair Cream Skinfix Hand Repair Cream is one of the best creams for eczema and is quite popular too. It contains one percent of colloidal oatmeal, and you will be able to get immediate relief from itchy skin after applying this cream. AVEENO® Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream AVEENO® Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream is one of the best creams for eczema. People with eczema should keep their skin moisturized at all times. This cream contains colloidal oatmeal and lipids, which can help prevent dry skin.