Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition amongst adolescents which causes acne-like small bumps on the skin. This occurs when your body produces too much of a single type of protein on the skin which deposits on the pores and hair follicles. These bumps can either be white or red but are generally not accompanied by itching or pain. It is mostly a chronic condition which isn’t a severe issue and disappears by the age of 30 in most people. However, it is a highly common skin condition that affects about 50 to 80% of the adolescents and about 40% adults. These bumps can be annoying and avoid you from wearing clothes that show off your arms or thighs where this condition affects. But, there are simple treatments to get rid of these bumps which are mentioned further in this article. Exfoliate Your Skin Repeated exfoliation is one of the easiest ways to fight these bumps. Exfoliation removes dead cells on the surface of your skin and lets your skin breathe. This applies to the keratin deposit on the skin as well and can release the trapped hair underneath it. It can give results in just a few weeks but has to be done regularly to maintain the smoothness of the skin. It can either be done mechanically or chemically by peeling the outermost layer of the skin. Sometimes these chemicals can irritate the skin, and constant rubbing can cause dehydration and roughening. So, make sure that you exfoliate your skin in moderation and don’t overdo it. Scrubbing You can use a soft loofah or sponge whenever you take a bath to gently rub down on the extra keratin deposited on your skin. You can also alternatively use a washcloth. However, if you have a highly sensitive skin, use a konjac sponge which is extremely gentle on the skin.

Cramps are a sudden and painful contraction of a muscle. Leg cramps, especially on the calf muscles, occur as you fall asleep or as you wake up. However, sometimes the cramps can be in the thigh or foot. Causes of Leg Cramps at Night Although exact causes of these cramps are not known, there are many reasons for it to occur. Some of them are: Sometimes, too much exercise, an injury or even excessive pressure to the muscle can lead to leg cramps Dehydration is another reason Pregnant women having deficiency of calcium and magnesium have high risk of leg cramps Cold environment or exposure to cold water may be one of the reasons for leg cramps Another reason might be deficiency of potassium and calcium in the bloodstream Sitting in a single position for hours, standing on hard surfaces for extended periods, or sleeping in awkward positions. Certain medications such as birth control, diuretics, antipsychotics, and steroids. Medical conditions affecting the kidney, thyroid, and multiple sclerosis. Treating Leg Cramps At Night There are many ways you can ease the cramp. Try these methods, and you will know how to treat leg cramps at night. Stretching Simply stretching the muscle that is cramping will give you instant relief. If you were sleeping in an awkward position, make sure you be aware of it the next time. Stretch the muscle gently by pumping your heel up and down and then hold the stretch for 30 seconds. Repeat the process until the cramp eases up. This is one way how you can treat leg cramps at night. Heat Remedy Use a heat pack directly to the muscle, as it can be a very effective method to relax the muscle. You can use a heat pack on the muscle when you experience leg cramps at night.

Do you often wake up with painful heels? Experiencing difficulty while walking due to heel pain? Heel pain is one of the most common bone problems experienced by men and women. Yet, it does not have any serious health threat. In most of the cases, the pain gets healed on its own, while some may need medication to cure the condition. However, in some rare cases, pain becomes severe and patients complaining of getting restricted mobility from this. There are several causes for heel pain. While some suffer from it due to standing for prolong period of time, others may get it after some exercise. Diabetes or faulty shoes can also lead to heel pain. Heel pain treatment is easily available with doctors. Yet, you can also apply home remedies to heal the condition. You can get remedies depending on the cause as well. Apply ice-pack- This is one of the proven home remedies for the heel pain treatment. It not just reduces the pain but also helps in controlling the puffiness that often makes walking difficult. To relieve the pain, you can apply ice pack three to four times a day. Yet, the duration for applying ice-pack should not be more than ten minutes as it can make adverse effect on the epidermis and nerves. Also make sure that you are not applying ice directly on your skin. Cold and hot water treatment- Many people have been able to relieve foot pain, especially heel pain by applying cold and hot water treatment. Take hot and cold water in different vessels. Dip your affected feet once in hot water and then in the cold one. Do this for ten minutes or so. While the cold water will check the inflammation, hot water will help in reducing the pain by maintaining proper blood circulation in the nerves.

Alcoholism is a drinking and alcohol abuse disorder, characterized by an uncontrollable urge to consume alcohol repeatedly. There are no known causes of alcohol abuse or addiction and the condition is influenced due to peer pressure and certain mental illnesses. In many cases, alcohol abuse is an indirect remedy taken up to counter the symptoms of depression or anxiety. Alcoholism is also a chronic condition and there is no proper cure. The condition can only be managed with proper treatment, medications, and therapy to avoid a relapse. In alcohol abuse, your genes can also boost the power of alcohol and simultaneously curb the symptoms of a hangover thus increasing your body’s resistance to these drinks. When resistance increases, addiction replaces habit and alcohol abuse can grow out of control. It is estimated that nearly 13% of the population suffers from mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of alcohol addiction. Symptoms of alcohol addiction The known symptoms of alcohol addiction will vary depending on the severity of the addiction. Here are some common warning signs you should look out when it comes to alcohol abuse. Increased tolerance to alcohol and reduced effects of a hangover Increased number of drinks consumed throughout your day Drinking out of control and blacking out as a result repeatedly Worrying about the quantity of alcohol left and restocking the bar more than usual Decreased productivity in many areas of life due to increased alcohol consumption Experiencing withdrawal symptoms while attempting to stay sober In case you experience any or even one of the aforesaid symptoms for prolonged periods, it is advisable to visit an alcohol addiction treatment center and assess the severity of the condition. Risks associated with alcohol addiction Alcohol abuse can result in several health complications including; Risk of developing a cancer Damage to the liver and internal organs Problems during pregnancy or complications during labor Homicidal and suicidal thoughts due to mental instability as a result of alcohol abuse Alcohol addiction treatment One in eight adults are addicted to alcohol and the number is increasing every year.

Diabetes has slowly become one of the most prevalent health condition affecting millions across the world, spanning different age groups. A lot of this has been a result of unhealthy lifestyles, faulty diets, lack of sufficient physical activities, and high levels of stress at home and work. Unless diabetes is kept under check through medications and natural home remedies, it will lead to an overall deterioration of your health. How can you prevent diabetes? Diabetes can be inherited or it can develop because of lifestyle changes. Whatever the cause, in this condition, the blood sugar levels become abnormally high. Since the condition is chronic, once you are affected by diabetes, you will be expected to take medications throughout your life. However, there are some home remedies which may be used for keeping blood sugar levels in check. Top home remedies that can help you keep your blood sugar levels low naturally: Regular exercise One of the most effective and easiest ways to maintain optimum blood glucose levels is to work out regularly. When you exercise daily, you lose weight and also improve insulin sensitivity. Exercise makes the muscles utilize blood sugar to generate energy. You must also monitor your body weight regularly, and engage in activities like walking, biking, running, dancing, swimming, and hiking to maintain blood sugar levels. Weight control Extra pounds can get in the way of you improving your overall health. Weight control keeps blood sugar levels in check. Incidentally, a 7% reduction in weight is capable of lowering the risk of getting diabetes by almost fifty-eight percent. Reduce your carb intake It is imperative to cut down on your carb intake. With excess carbohydrate intake, the blood sugar levels spike. To control this, you can count the portion of carbs in the meals you consume every day and plan them accordingly.

Sinuses are the area in the forehead just in the center of the eyes and behind the cheekbones. They are hollow air spaces whose primary function is to make mucus. This mucus keeps the inner side of your nose moist, thus protecting you from pollutants, allergies dust, and more. Hence, sinuses are not the cause of any problem. The problem occurs when you have a cold or any other allergy, and your nose gets swollen. This swelling blocks the sinus passage of your nose, making you feel uncomfortable. You may also find yourself unable to drain the nose. If you have a blockage in the sinus area of your nose, your speech is also affected. Let’s have a look at some of the common causes and triggers that can lead to sinus problems. Viruses Usually, sinus infections start with a cold. When you have a cold, your nasal tissues gets swollen, blocking the holes that drain the sinuses which leads to breathing difficulties. In case a virus is the cause of your sinus infection, then antibiotics are not capable of curing it as these medicines only kill bacteria, and not viruses. One should wash their hands regularly and keep themselves away from any sinus-infected person. Most of the times, a decongestant will cure you in four to five days. Allergies Allergies are one of the most common causes of sinus problems. People with a sinus infection can develop allergies, thus leading to aggravated sinusitis. If you are prone to allergies, avoid things that lead to an allergic reaction like dust, cockroaches, and so on. Prescribed nasal sprays can reduce chronic inflammation in the nasal lining that accompanies an allergy. Bacteria In case your sinus infection or cold does not get better in ten to twelve days, you may have a bacterial infection.

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are responsible for severe swelling or enlargement of the veins in the lower part of the rectum. As we know, the walls around such organs comprise of thousands of blood vessels. A condition in hemorrhoids causes these very vessels to stretch out, leading to an unpleasant and painful experience. Although having hemorrhoids can be a dreadful situation, they can be easily treated with simple ointments, suppositories, and non-surgical options, if and when treated on time. What causes hemorrhoids? The enlargement of veins around the anus can be caused by the following factors: Aging : Such a condition usually occurs among adults aged between 40 to 65 years. This, however, does not mean that it cannot affect people at a younger age. Constipation : Chronic constipation triggers the formation of hemorrhoids due to excessive pressure on the blood vessels. Pregnancy : During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges, which puts additional pressure on the veins, causing them to bulge. Relief from hemorrhoids in such a condition can be incurred by consuming high fiber food like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Heavy lifting : Lifting heavy weights without proper padding and knowledge can trigger the enlargement of veins around the rectum area. Obesity : Diet-related obesity can cause hemorrhoids. Sitting for long periods : Long periods of sitting in one position, especially on a toilet seat, can trigger hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be of two types: Internal hemorrhoids : These occur deep inside the rectum. They are usually painless, but they can worsen if excessive straining activities are undertaken. They tend to protrude through the anus and are, hence, commonly called protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoids. Such type of hemorrhoids can be very painful. External hemorrhoids : These are visible abruptions and usually occur under the skin around the anus. They are far more painful than internal hemorrhoids due to the presence of more sensitive nerves around the rectum.

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.

A gout is a form of arthritis that mainly affects the joints in the feet, mostly the big toe. It could also affect other joints in the body. It is an acutely painful condition, and causes sharp stinging and burning sensations, in the affected area. What causes gout? Body metabolism produces many waste products, among them is uric acid. It is usually flushed out of your body through urine. However, when the level of uric acid rises, it becomes difficult for the body to flush it out. Excess uric acid can lead to the formation of urate crystals, which can accumulate in the joints and cause inflammation. Gout and Purines Purines are chemical compounds that are present in the body, as well as in most foods. They are building blocks for DNA, and also perform many vital functions in the body. However, when purines are broken down, they produce uric acid. So, most traditional anti-gout diets focus on low-purine or no purine foods. If you have gout, you should eliminate or limit many foods that contain high levels of purine. Recent research has shown that not all purine-rich foods need to be avoided. Many vegetables high in purine can help reduce gout attacks. This is because these foods contain other beneficial nutrients that offset the effect, reduce the formation of urate crystals, and help reduce inflammation. Anti-Gout diet When you’re creating plans for an anti-gout diet, you have to focus on—foods to avoid and the foods to include. Besides this, you should also focus on other factors like keeping your weight under control and keeping your body hydrated. Watch your weight Being overweight causes many problems. It can increase fluid retention, increased uric acid levels and increased chances of gout attacks. Excess weight also puts stress on your joints, increasing joint pain.

Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes inflammation in the intestines and stomach. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are medications that help manage the symptoms. Understanding the symptoms of rotavirus can help one treat the condition immediately. In this article, we will be discussing the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods of rotavirus. Symptoms The symptoms of rotavirus start two days after the exposure to the virus. However, the symptoms can last for up to seven days. Fever and vomiting During the first three days, one may notice fever and vomiting. However, these symptoms may fade away by the fourth day. Dehydration Babies and younger children may experience severe dehydration. Irritability, lack of fluid consumption, little to no urine, and lethargy may be common symptoms of dehydration. Seek immediate medical help if you notice any of these symptoms. Watery diarrhea After the fever and vomiting fade away, one may experience watery diarrhea. This may last for up to seven days. Abdominal pain The diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Nevertheless, the stomach pain should subside within a couple of days. Causes Rotavirus is present in the fecal matter of a person and spreads through hand-to-mouth contact. It may be present in the infected person’s stool for two days before the symptoms show up. If a kid or a parent does not wash hands after using the toilet or changing a diaper, the virus can spread easily. The virus can stay on surfaces that have not been disinfected for up to months at a time. Contracting the viral infection is possible even after getting vaccinated. Therefore, prevention is crucial. Prevention To prevent or reduce the risk of getting contaminated, one must wash their hands after using the washroom.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors or GISTs are tumors formed in the digestive system organs, such as the small intestine and stomach. This is a severe form of cancer that affects individuals worldwide. But, here is some good news: GIST is treatable and manageable. Patients can avail various treatment methods and manage the condition by following a healthy diet and lifestyle. This article focuses on both of these aspects in brief. Treatment modes of GIST Surgery GISTs are typically small and not very aggressive. This makes surgery one of the topmost and primary modes of treatment. Studies have shown that doctors can eradicate the tumors in 85 percent of cases. Once the tumor has been removed, doctors study it under a microscope to check for chances of redevelopment and reoccurrence. Targeted therapy Depending on the severity of the condition and the tumor’s size, doctors can also suggest targeted therapy to treat GIST. This therapy uses certain medications to identify and attack the cancerous cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Supportive care Surgery and targeted therapy may be accompanied by supportive care. This method closely monitors a patient and manages any side effects or psychological problems that might arise during treatment. It is crucial to remember that GIST can reoccur within the first two years of removing the tumor. However, patients can reduce the risk of redevelopment by maintaining the right diet and following proper nutrition. Managing GIST with diet and nutrition Living with GIST is not easy as its symptoms can impact day-to-day life. Individuals can experience pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and may feel fatigued. This makes eating the right foods very essential. Here are some diet tips for managing GIST better: Ensure to get the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals from the diet. Avoid eating high sugar foods as they can worsen the symptoms.

Rotavirus is a contagious virus that causes inflammation in the intestines and stomach. It is one of the most common causes of diarrhea in children. Although there is no cure for this condition, there are medications that help manage the symptoms. Understanding the symptoms of rotavirus can help one treat the condition immediately. In this article, we will be discussing the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods of rotavirus. Symptoms The symptoms of rotavirus start two days after the exposure to the virus. However, the symptoms can last for up to seven days. Fever and vomiting During the first three days, one may notice fever and vomiting. However, these symptoms may fade away by the fourth day. Dehydration Babies and younger children may experience severe dehydration. Irritability, lack of fluid consumption, little to no urine, and lethargy may be common symptoms of dehydration. Seek immediate medical help if you notice any of these symptoms. Watery diarrhea After the fever and vomiting fade away, one may experience watery diarrhea. This may last for up to seven days. Abdominal pain The diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Nevertheless, the stomach pain should subside within a couple of days. Causes Rotavirus is present in the fecal matter of a person and spreads through hand-to-mouth contact. It may be present in the infected person’s stool for two days before the symptoms show up. If a kid or a parent does not wash hands after using the toilet or changing a diaper, the virus can spread easily. The virus can stay on surfaces that have not been disinfected for up to months at a time. Contracting the viral infection is possible even after getting vaccinated. Therefore, prevention is crucial. Prevention To prevent or reduce the risk of getting contaminated, one must wash their hands after using the washroom.