Symptoms and Effective Treatment Options for Shingles

Symptoms and Effective Treatment Options for Shingles

Several people are looking for the most effective types of shingles pain treatments available. Shingles can be described as a viral infection that causes a painful skin rash. The virus known as Varicella Zoster is one that causes this skin condition. Chickenpox is caused by the same Varicella Zoster virus. If you ever had chickenpox, this virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues located near your brain or spinal cord, and after many years, it reactivates to cause shingles. They are usually found in a strip, band, or a small area on the face or other body parts. Older adults are more vulnerable to shingles; moreover, if you have a weak immune system due to injury, medicines, or stress, you have higher chances of getting affected by this skin disease. Shingles are not basically infectious Shingles are not a serious problem but the pain can be really severe. You do not need to worry getting this disease from someone else because it is not an infectious disease. Still, there is a small possibility of a virus getting spread from a person suffering from shingles rash to another person who has never got affected with chickenpox or who has not taken the chickenpox vaccine. The symptoms of shingles Only a smart part or one side of your body becomes vulnerable to shingles. You experience pain and burning sensation and a tingling sensation or numbness can also be felt. Another common symptom is the sensitivity to touch and after having started the pain, a red rash starts to appear after some days. Sometimes, fluid-filled blisters are formed and they often break and crust over. Itching is another tendency that many people feel. It has been reported that some other people experience fatigue, light sensitivity, headache, and fever. Of course, pain the first sign and it can become really intense.
Causes and Effective Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis

Causes and Effective Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis

The skin is the largest organ in the body and our first line of defense against the outside world. Since the skin is so visible, it is an important part of our identity, which is why skin conditions are often so hard to deal with. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that begins in childhood and often continues into adulthood. Atopic means a tendency to develop skin allergies, and dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is a common condition that usually begins in the first year of life. It results in red, itchy, and swollen eruptions on the skin. These skin eruptions may exude a clear fluid when scratched. Atopic dermatitis is also called eczema or atopic eczema. In childhood and infancy, the rashes and eruptions can cover most of the body. In children and young adults, the rashes are concentrated over the knees, elbows, hands, and feet. Atopic dermatitis is an allergic reaction. It is commonly associated with asthma, hay fever, and other allergic conditions. In atopic dermatitis, the skin becomes red, dry, and inflamed. Often, these eruptions develop into blisters and may cause scarring. Atopic Dermatitis: Pictures Of Pain Atopic dermatitis usually manifests in early infancy or childhood. Sometimes the condition will subside for years and manifest again in adulthood. Symptoms of atopic dermatitis include: Dry, scaly skin all over the body Itchiness Raised, red lesions over the folds of skin like the elbows, knees, and neck Scratching the lesions releases a clear fluid If you think you may have atopic dermatitis, pictures and other visual comparisons may be helpful in judging if you have similar lesions. Atopic dermatitis lesions over the eyelids are characteristic of the condition. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation over the eyelids, cheeks, and neck is common. Atopic dermatitis pictures are a great way to familiarize yourself with the appearance of these signs.
How to Naturally Lower LDL Levels

How to Naturally Lower LDL Levels

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance, made by the liver. It performs many vital functions in the body, so it is not inherently harmful. However, there is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Cholesterol Functions Cholesterol is produced by the liver. A small percentage is made available through the food you eat. All cholesterol is not bad, it has many uses for the body. Cholesterol aids in the production of steroid hormones. A deficiency in these hormones can affect many aspects of health including sexual function, digestion, mental health, and bone health. Cholesterol is a component of cell structure. It helps maintain the structural integrity of the cell membrane. Cholesterol plays a vital role in digestion. It helps the liver produce and secrete bile, which is necessary to digest fat. Sunlight helps the body produce Vitamin D. However, the body needs cholesterol, along with sunlight, in order to make Vitamin D. The Good and The Bad Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream in the lipids. When you take a lipid profile test, it shows the total cholesterol level in your body, the LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides levels. There are three types of lipoproteins in the bloodstream- Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL), High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL), and Triglycerides. LDL is referred to as bad cholesterol because it has very low protein content and is high in cholesterol. HDL is low in cholesterol and high in protein content. Triglycerides are lipids that help the body store excess energy. However, a rise in triglyceride level is also bad for health. LDL and Plaque Buildup Consider LDL as a sort of capsule where the outer shell, made of lipoprotein, encapsulates cholesterol. As LDL particles are not as dense as other cholesterol particles, the cholesterol can break off and stick to the walls of blood vessels. Your white blood cells, try to destroy LDL particles.
Natural Home Remedies For Swollen Feet

Natural Home Remedies For Swollen Feet

Fluid buildup in the muscles and tissues cause swelling in the feet. If you are hale and healthy, swollen feet can be a result of exertion. Taking adequate rest and keeping the legs elevated brings down the swelling. When it gets severe, swollen feet, medically termed as peripheral edema, can lead to difficulty while walking, skin ulcerations, scarred tissue, increase the risk of infection and a decrease in blood circulation. Peripheral edema can manifest across all age groups. The elderly who have suffered a muscle wear and tear, and athletes engaged in high impact activities, are at a higher risk of suffering from swollen feet and ankles. The swelling is painless and can occur in one or both the legs. Primary Causes The feet can swell due to—injury, pregnancy, ageing, being overweight, excess consumption of salt, underlying medical conditions, high altitude, binge drinking, menstruation/PMS, standing or sitting in the same position for long duration, and intake of medications such as antidepressants, steroids, birth-control pills with high estrogen, calcium channel blockers, and medication for diabetes. Heart, liver and kidney failure can also cause swollen feet, due to the accumulation of fluids. Other underlying conditions that can be the cause for swollen feet include—varicose veins, insect bite, arthritis of the feet, thyroid disorder, venous insufficiency, blood clots, excessive use of laxatives, drugs, and diuretics, salt retention, malnutrition, lymphatic obstruction, any allergic reaction, and leg or foot surgery. Treating the underlying medical condition and a monitoring diet and lifestyle can help to prevent swollen feet. Here are 10 natural remedies for swollen feet that are effective in reducing the swelling. Foot Massage The best and effective remedy for swollen feet is a foot massage. When the feet are massaged, the pressure applied to the affected area relaxes the sore muscles and improves circulation.
5 Easy Snack Recipes for Weight Loss

5 Easy Snack Recipes for Weight Loss

Making healthy food choices can be very difficult and mettle-testing, especially when you are trying to lose weight. The road to healthy weight loss is through discipline and not giving in to unhealthy food choices. Unfortunately, some food items that assist in weight loss might not taste appetizing. However, with some creative pairing, you can whip up some of the most mouth-watering recipes for weight loss from seemingly unappetizing food. Here are some easy snack recipes that require minimum ingredients to assist in healthy weight loss: Sweet potato fries – These are a healthy replacement to your regular potato fries deep fried in vegetable oil. Sweet potato fries contain a healthy dose of beta-carotene, which is good for general immunity and vision. Here’s how can make yourself a healthy treat out of sweet potatoes and a handful of other ingredients. Preparation – Slice two medium-sized (scrubbed and peeled) sweet potatoes into julienne strips. Preheat an oven to 450-degrees Fahrenheit. Combine half a tablespoon of red chili powder and black pepper in a bowl. Add one or two tablespoons (based on your preference) of extra-virgin olive oil and toss and coat all the sweet potato slices. Place these slices in a single layer on an aluminium foil or non-stick cooking sheet. Bake for at least 30 minutes, until the potatoes turn crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. Do not forget to toss the potatoes once after 15 minutes of baking. Baked zucchini chips – Crispy, salty, and full of unhealthy fats, potato chips are quick-fixes for those untimely hunger pangs. Replace them with these healthy baked zucchini chips that contain a mere 99 calories per serving. Zucchini is rich in saturated fats and helps balance the sodium levels in your body. It also helps improve digestion and slows the aging process.
Adult Acne – Causes and Treatment Options

Adult Acne – Causes and Treatment Options

Are you facing an acne problem even when you are in your 30s or 40s? Acne has never been just a teen problem. However, it is infamous for affecting young people. These days, various causes like an increase in pollution and rising stress levels have caused a surge in the number of acne cases in men and women. Getting the right treatment can help adults control an acne breakout. What causes acne? Acne is a skin condition that results in blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules, and a lot more. These unsightly blemishes on the skin are most prevalent in teens because of hormonal changes. However, adult acne is also a common problem. Acne is caused by a buildup of excess body oil (sebum) in the skin pores. This sebum is sticky, and so hair, dust, and other particles stick to it, causing raised bumps. The blocked pores can no longer push out the excess sebum or clear the skin of toxins by sweating. So, the dirt accumulates, creating a conducive environment for bacterial infections. Causes of adult acne While acne breakouts mostly reduce once you enter your twenties, you can still get it if your skin pores are blocked. People with oily skin are especially vulnerable because their skin normally secretes excessive sebum. Adult acne can be triggered by: Environmental pollution Hormone fluctuations Using harsh cosmetic products Using creamy, oil-based skin-care products on oily skin Eating a high-sugar diet Not taking good care of your skin Treatments for adult acne One can use medications, light therapy, and home remedies to treat adult acne. Some of these treatment options are: Adult acne medication For adult acne, you may be asked to use the following — topical applications and oral medications. Topical applications Salicylic acid-based creams: These creams give a gentle exfoliation effect, thus removing dead cells.
All You Need to Know about Nerve Pain Relief

All You Need to Know about Nerve Pain Relief

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.
Get Quick Relief from Cold Sores

Get Quick Relief from Cold Sores

Cold sores can be painful, irritating, and prove to be a damper on your looks. This is because cold sores mostly appear on the face, around the mouth and lips. These sores are caused by a virus infection-the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). The causes and cures of cold sores Cold sores, also sometimes called fever blisters, are mainly caused by HSV Type 1, but sometimes, HSV Type 2 may also be the cause. Most people are said to suffer from cold sores at least once in their lifetime. They appear as blisters which break after some days and ooze. They then turn into scabs. When these crusts or scabs fall off, the sore is healed, and new skin appears in its place. Cold sores usually last from 7 to 10 days. Cold sores are contagious and spread by direct contact or through the use of items like towels, plates, etc., that the infected person has used. They can spread to other people and also to other parts of your body until the sores are completely dry and scabs start to appear. The first attack of cold sores is the most painful, sometimes accompanied by fever. After the initial attack, many people develop antibodies against it and do not suffer from more cold sores. However, a large number of people suffer from repeated cold sores as they do not develop resistance to it. Cold sores effects Cold sores are not a very serious condition, and they heal by themselves within ten days. However, in some cases, they might have very adverse effects. In some children, cold sores can cause a critical illness. Those who have low immunity, like AIDS patients or those who suffer from impaired immunity as a result of other illnesses or due to side effects of medications can be badly affected.
Remedies for an Overactive Bladder

Remedies for an Overactive Bladder

An overactive bladder can make one feel the urge to urinate about eight or more times every day. It can also lead to incontinence and leakage. Moreover, an overactive bladder could be a warning sign of an underlying medical condition. It is not just a medical condition, but it can also affect one’s professional and social life. However, there are some traditional remedies and ways to train the bladder and get it back under control. What causes overactive bladder? Medical conditions: Sometimes, diseases like diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, among others can cause OAB. Age: As you age, your muscles start to weaken. Older people, especially those above the age of 60, are more likely to have OAB. Menopause: Women going through menopause experience several changes in their body. Sometimes, they also face the problem of incontinence. The drop in estrogen levels is believed to be one of the causes of this condition. Pelvic muscle weakness: When your pelvic floor muscles are damaged or weakened, it can distort the bladder and can result in OAB. UTI: Urinary tract infections can also cause OAB. Sometimes, OAB can occur without any identifiable causes. Symptoms Urge to urinate several times a day, both during the day and night Incontinence Urine leakage OAB and your lifestyle Those who suffer from an overactive bladder and incontinence may feel its effects in many aspects of their lives. They may be embarrassed by the frequent trips to the restroom. Some patients may also suffer from constant anxiety. People start to avoid social gatherings, going out to the movies or any other public place, skip going on vacation, may even feel uneasy in their own home, with their own family. Common remedies for an overactive bladder OAB can be treated and controlled in the following ways: Medications: There are a few drugs prescribed for OAB that are known as anticholinergics.