What are shingles? Also known as herpes zoster, shingles is a condition that is triggered by the varicella zoster virus. It is the virus that is responsible for causing chickenpox. After chickenpox is treated, it remains in a dormant state inside the nervous system. Usually, shingles is characterized by a blistering rash on the skin. It is mostly a common condition in elderly individuals, who have a fragile immune system. However, any person can contract shingles. In most cases, after patients have recovered from shingles they will not get affected by it again. Although, it is possible for it to occur more than once. Shingles is not a contagious condition, but there is a small possibility of the virus spreading to someone who has never had chickenpox and isn’t vaccinated either. Symptoms of shingles The most common symptom that is witnessed is a persistent form of pain that can be dull, sharp or might even burn. However, for some patients, the discomfort could be intermittent. The other signs indicating the onset of shingles are – A rash that instantly progresses into blisters containing secretions. Apart from being painful, these can be immensely itchy, although they might not spread to the other parts of the body. They usually appear on the face and upper body, but on rare occasions, these can affect the lower areas of the body too. Severe inflammation might be noticed around the area affected by shingles. In some cases, the shingles might target the eyes, damaging the ophthalmic nerve which can lead to pain, swelling and in extreme circumstances temporary or irreversible loss of vision. Patients may also experience heightened sensitivity, i.e., even the slightest touch can cause distress. At times, blisters can form a band which may come across as a skin damage resulting from severe burns.

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, is a disease characterized by swollen veins that are located in the lower rectum or around the anus. As per studies, nearly every 9 out of 10 people experience hemorrhoids from time to time. Therefore, it is necessary to know the symptoms along with different hemorrhoid treatments option that can help us tackle it efficiently. There are two types of hemorrhoids; they can either be external or internal. External hemorrhoids, as the name suggests, usually develop outside of the anus. Internal hemorrhoids, on the other hand, develop within the rectum or anus. External hemorrhoids are found to be more troublesome and pain causing. Before discussing different hemorrhoid treatments, let’s look at the symptoms first. Below mentioned are some of the symptoms of hemorrhoids. Itching coupled with pain around the anus. Irritation and swelling near the anus. Fecal leakage Extreme pain during bowel movements Blood discharge on the tissue after passing stool. Hemorrhoid treatments Pain relief – If severe pain is experienced, it is best advised to soak the affected area in a tub of warm water for a minimum of 10 minutes. This is a good option for relieving pain. Using a hot water bottle is also a good option to relieve pain caused due to external hemorrhoids. However, in case the pain becomes unbearable, an over-the-counter medicated suppository can be used to get relief from itching and burning. Fiber supplements – When suffering from constipation, it is best to use fiber supplement as it helps in help softening stool and makes bowel movement easier. Psyllium and methylcellulose are two common over-the-counter supplements of this type for hemorrhoid treatments. Home remedies Maintaining good personal hygiene is a must. Basic hemorrhoid treatments include cleaning of the anus with warm water every day while taking a shower.

Both our knee joints have a meniscus, which is a cartilage that acts as padding between the femur and tibia. This piece of cartilage can be damaged or torn while performing activities that exert pressure on the knee joints. For people who play games like football, basketball, soccer, and tennis, a meniscus tear is quite common. However, it is not necessary that only athletes get a meniscus tear, just a sudden and careless movement of standing from a squatting position, a pivot turn, or heavy lifting is good enough to cause a meniscus tear. Meniscus tear treatment, of course, then depends on the severity of the injury, which may vary from home remedies to surgery. However, being a little careful while exercising or playing goes a long way to help prevent injury to the menisci. Who is more prone to a meniscus tear? Children, adolescents, as well as aged people, anyone can get a meniscus tear. Children and adolescents can injure their menisci while playing organized or competitive sports. As the meniscus also tends to weaken with age, tears are more widespread in people who have crossed the threshold of 30 years. Someone with weak menisci, weaker and thinner cartilage can even get it injured from squatting or misstepping. People with osteoarthritis are also at a high risk of injuring the knee cartilage. Symptoms of a meniscus tear are many, starting right from pain, swelling, difficulty in movement or bending the knee, knee giving way, and a knee locking and popping sound coming from the area around the knee joint. In case you find any of these symptoms, it’s advisable that you see your doctor. The diagnosis of a meniscus tear is done through various ways like a physical exam, image tests, knee x-ray, MRI, Ultrasound or arthroscopy depending on the condition of the knees and symptoms.

Sinuses are hollow regions or pockets surrounding your nose. They secrete mucus that is drained in your nose. Sinus pain pressure is also known as Sinusitis or an infection of sinus due to which there is an inflammation in the region of the sinus pockets. This blocks the sinuses and causes pain in the facial region, congestion, and a dripping nose. The other signs and effects of a rhinosinusitis could be fever, sore throat, and also a poor judgment of smell. There are different ways through which a sinus pain pressure can be treated. Some of the most common forms of over the counter medicines like the various anti-allergy sprays, nasal sprays to clear the mucus and other forms of antibiotics are usually used to relieve the sinus pain pressure. Ditch the Drugs, for Natural Ways to Get Relief from Sinus Pain-Pressure Sinus is something that can occur from a large number of factors. There could be a large number of things that could trigger off this irritation. However, doctors have confirmed the fact that sinus pain pressure occurs due to viral infection and not by bacteria, at least in most of the cases. In such a situation we see that one should not be in a hurry to take different types of medications. In case you become dependent on these medicines and nasal sprays, then, with time either you would become immune to their effects or might develop a counter allergy. Hence, most of the doctors are of the opinion that one must wait for a few days before resorting to over the counter medicines. Often sinus pain pressure gets better on their own without taking any type of medication. Also, you could take some of the age-old home remedies and natural cure process that could offer you a better relief from sinus pain pressure.

The human neck is made up of vertebrae that extend from the skull right up till the upper torso. These cervical discs absorb shock that can occur between the bones. The ligaments, bones and muscles of the neck support the head and allow its motion. Neck pain relief will depend on the type of stiffness and neck pain can be caused by any inflammation, abnormalities, or injury. People experience neck pain or stiffness at different occasions. The most common cause of neck stiffness and neck pain is a bad, poor posture that eliminates lumbar support. Neck pain can also be caused due to an injury, a fall etc. that can occur during high impact physical activity. Most neck pains and stiffness are not a serious conditions, but if not treated and prevented, they can become chronic. Most of these can be fixed within days with effective neck pain relief medications and remedies, but sometimes neck pains and stiffness point towards a serious illness, injury or disorder and may require immediate medical care. Neck pain and stiffness that lasts for more than a week should be or is very severe should be treated by a doctor as a medical emergency. Causes of neck pain There can be a number of reasons that cause neck pain and stiffness. Muscle strain and tension Activities and behaviors given below cause muscle strain and tension: poor posture working at a desk for too long with no changing position jerking the neck during exercise Wrong sleep posture especially the neck region. health conditions like heart attack, meningitis or fibromyalgia A doctor usually performs a physical examination and takes into account the patient’s complete medical history. The doctor should be aware of all the symptoms and any prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements that have been consumed for providing effective neck pain relief treatment.

Spring is a season when flowers bloom, and the plants and trees flourish. So undoubtedly nature is at its best. During springtime, the trees and flowers release pollen in the air to reproduce. However, for some people, spring means a period of allergic reactions and numerous visits to the doctor. The allergic reactions can be caused due to trees and weeds like alder, ash, aspen, box elder, cypress, elm, beech, hickory, oak, olive, orchard, redtop, and many more. Allergic reactions are common, but certain people are at a higher risk due to their genetic disposition, which makes them more susceptible to these reactions. When our body comes in contact with an allergen, it starts producing allergy specific antibodies called immunoglobulin, as the part of a natural immune reaction. These antibodies are present in our nose, throat, eyes, and lungs. As soon as our body comes in contact with any allergens such as pollen, the natural reaction begins, and spring allergy symptoms like sneezing and burning eyes appear. The spring allergy symptoms could be visible, but occur late, so it should be anticipated early, and preventive measures should be taken to avoid the discomfort. Following are some of the common spring allergy symptoms. A runny nose A runny nose is the most common symptom of spring allergy. You might experience a frequent discharge of nasal fluids at random times, during the day. Keep a handkerchief with you always, to keep your nose clear and to maintain hygiene. A homemade nasal irrigation solution can help clear the nasal passage and the sinus tract. Mix a quarter teaspoon of salt and baking soda, in distilled water to make your nasal irrigation mixture. Transfer this mixture to a squeeze bottle and irrigate your nose three times a day, to relieve the symptoms. Taking a steam treatment can also help to unclog the nasal passage.

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.

It can be painful for new parents when their baby keeps crying for a long time, especially when they are unable to understand why their baby is crying. One of the main reasons why babies cry is due to gas as it creates pain. Babies tend to pass gas at least 13 to 21 times in a day. Many babies will not have any problem in passing gas, but there are a few kids who get stuck. Such babies feel pain and an uneasy sensation. So, before you see tips to relieve your baby from gas, you should know about its causes and symptoms. Why do babies pass so much gas? It is very common for babies to pass so much gas because they take in a lot of air when they are eating, being breastfed, sucking a pacifier or crying. All this air gets stuck in the tummy, and comes out in the form of gas. When the baby is unable to release the gas, they feel uneasy and get fussy. With no words to express their uneasiness and pain, wails are the only way that babies can communicate how they are feeling. At such times, it is essential to take appropriate measures to comfort the baby by easing their pain. What are the signs that your baby is having gas problems? How do you know if your baby is crying because of gas? Here are the things that you should keep an eye on: Check out if your baby is crying frequently If the baby is arching the back away from you, it could be a sign of gas problems When their face is turning red If your baby is scrunching their face as if they are in pain If you notice these signs, then you need to check if your baby is having trouble in passing gas, and you need to do something to make sure that your baby gets relief from gas.

Do you have bags under your eyes? Well, it could be a mild type of swelling or puffiness that occurs as you age. This is not a medical problem that should cause you too much 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 are the causes of 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. How to get rid of bags under your eyes Salt intake: The region around your eyes is one of the places which has 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 are removed by this. The sinuses are irrigated and mucus, as well as other types of debris, are removed. Sleeping position : The way you sleep has a bearing on the puffiness of the eyes.

Hair loss is something that is experienced by almost everyone at some point in time. Hair loss occurs due to a multitude of causes such as heredity, changes in hormone levels, medical conditions, aging, food habits, and weather conditions. The hair is considered as a valuable asset by many. Good hair enhances one’s appearance. Hence, everyone wants to stop hair thinning as early as possible. If you’re experiencing excessive hair fall, it could be due to too much of physical or mental stress. It may also be due to factors like pollution, using wrong hair care products, or following an improper hair care routine. Hair thinning is often reversible. There are many ways to improve the volume and health of your hair. If you’re asking yourself ‘How to get thicker hair?’, here are a few tips for you to boost your hair health. Olive oil Olive oil can work wonders for your hair. Olive oil not only helps in increasing hair thickness but also helps soften your hair. Massaging your hair with olive oil regularly helps to strengthen your tresses. Heat olive oil till it is warm. Massage your hair and scalp thoroughly with the oil for around five minutes. Leave it on for at least half an hour, and rinse it properly. Wash your hair with a gentle and good quality shampoo. You can apply the oil to your hair and leave it on overnight, and shampoo the next morning. Following this routine regularly can make your hair thicker. Enhance the health of your hair with avocado If you are wondering how to get thicker hair with avocados, here’s how. Avocado is one of the best natural remedies for getting thicker hair. Besides, the fruit moisturizes the hair and prevents your scalp from dryness. Avocado is rich in Vitamin E.

Skin-related diseases like psoriasis and eczema have become a deep source of concern for several people. They make people constantly worry about their appearance and reduce the quality of life. Psoriasis and eczema can be described as non-infectious skin diseases, and the most common symptoms are scaly red patches and rashes on the skin. These skin diseases lead to painful swelling and severe scaling. You also have to deal with plaques, burning, itching, and bleeding cracks. They may affect different parts of your body including feet soles, genitals, neck, knees, elbows, palms, and scalp. Psoriasis is a disease with a hereditary nature while eczema is an allergic reaction. What are the best eczema and psoriasis treatment options available? Popular eczema and psoriasis treatment options: Treatment options for eczema There are a good number of home remedies as well as medications available for treating eczema. Since it is an allergic reaction, you have to remove the things or circumstances that cause the allergy. It can be anything from changing the fabric softener or detergent to switching to a new climate. Take a bath with lukewarm water and apply moisturizing lotion all over the body You should do everything to prevent your skin from being dry. It is a good option to have showers or baths using lukewarm for around 10 to 15 minutes. A body cleanser or a mild soap can be used while taking a bath. You must dry yourself carefully. You should never vigorously rub your skin; therefore, you must ensure to pat your skin dry. After the bath, moisturizing skin lotions should be applied all over the body. You should not use any lotions with irritating substances including fragrances. Enough care should be taken not to come in contact with irritating fibers like mohair or wool. Never wear rough clothes and never scratch on the affected area You must not wear any rough, scratchy or tight-fitting cloth while facing eczema-related issues.

Knee pain is something we all must have experienced or do experience every now and then. Knee pain surprisingly develops from everyday wear and tear, which could be sports activities, running errands, previous injury, or simply getting old. If everyone didn’t know, the knee is the largest joint in our body. Doctors and experts say that knee pain is generally caused due to some previous injuries or sudden twists in knee movements. Prolonged pressure on the knee can also cause severe to moderate knee pain. Knee pain can have various symptoms like redness around the area, swelling, stiffness, weakness or instability, and crunching noises; one of the major symptoms is the inability to fully straighten the knee. Moreover, one must not ignore any discomfort in that area and must quickly get relief. Here are some remedies that can be done at home or under the supervision of an expert. These remedies can help you get rid of knee pain or at least give you some leverl of knee pain relief that you might just be hoping for. Ginger tea and turmeric Both these ingredients are anti inflammatory and help a lot in curing arthritis issues. Moreover, turmeric is full of anti-oxidants, which helps in knee pain relief and cure. You can easily make some tea infused with ginger and add a little bit of turmeric and have it so that you can be eventually free from any bodily pains. Epsom salt soak Epsom salt soak has been widely used for treating body pain, and it is especially used for knee pain relief. Epsom salt is rich in magnesium sulfate and many doctors recommend using this. All you have to do is mix some Epsom salt in a bowl and soak the area to relieve yourself from any pain. For knee pain relief, have a long bath with Epsom salt mixed in water.