Popular Treatment Options for Shingles

Popular Treatment Options for Shingles

Shingles also called herpes zoster is a type of viral infection and a painful rash can be associated with this disease. At some point, a large number of people develop shingles and the varicella zoster is the virus that causes this infection and it is the same one that causes chickenpox. If you had suffered from chickenpox during your childhood days, the shingles virus will stay dormant in your body and it reactivates after a certain period to cause a shingles rash. The rash can affect any part and the first symptom of the shingle is the pain. In addition to the rash, you can find fluid-filled blisters within a few days and there can fatigue, light sensitivity or fever as well. You cannot find a magical solution for shingles. Anyhow, antiviral medications are available for reducing the symptoms and you can find several types of shingles ointments to treat this condition. Baking soda or cornstarch paste A past can be made with the help of water and cornstarch or baking soda to reduce the itching tendency involved with shingles. You have to add two parts cornstarch into a cup and one part water must be added to get the expected consistency. This mixture can be applied to the rash and it can be washed off after 15 minutes. This process has to be repeated many times in a day. Zovirax ointment Zovirax is a very popular prescription ointment cream for addressing the symptoms of shingles. It contains acyclovir, an anti-viral medication, and this shingles ointment is commonly used for treating cold sores and genital herpes found in your mouth. This product also offers good results when it comes to healing the skin lesions and you can use it to prevent the spread of the virus. All lesions need to be covered with Zovirax ointment and the only area you need to avoid is your eyes.
Best Ways to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes

Best Ways to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under Eyes

The dark coloration of the skin under the eyes is referred to as dark circles. They are relatively common. Dark circles under the eyes are very unpleasant to deal with. Losing a good night’s sleep even for a day or two can bring them about. In fact, if you are swamped with work, the stress is bound to tire you out and leave dark circles under eyes. Dark circles are fairly common, and almost all of us have had them at some point or the other. They leave you looking tired and weary. However, the good news is that you can get rid of dark circles under eyes very easily. Major reasons behind dark circles under eyes There are many reasons behind dark circles. Some of them can be due to aging or they can even be hereditary. If the reason is dry skin or stress, then something can be done to prevent it. Otherwise, there are ways through which the dark circles can be removed. Dark circles are caused if a person sits in front of the computer for long hours or because of crying for too long. Other primary reasons for dark circles under eyes were found to be unhealthy diets and lack of sleep. Dark circles as such is not a skin problem. It arises due to external or mental factors. It is unhealthy to let it go on and it is best to fix it immediately with simple home remedies. Home remedies to get rid of dark circles under eyes Here are a few remedies that will take just a few minutes from your daily routine. These will help you get rid of them in no time. Almond Oil This is one of the most suggested methods for removing dark circles under eyes. It is a completely natural method, and so you will not have to worry about any side effects.
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.
Remedies to Reduce the Root Canal Pain

Remedies to Reduce the Root Canal Pain

The pain from a root canal can be extremely unbearable. Some of the reasons behind this harrowing pain are narrowing the old metal filling, infected damaged pulp, which deteriorates the dentin and the enamel of the tooth. The pain leads us to not eat some kinds of food. While people may argue that the condition requires medical assistance, in reality, curing the pain arising out of a root canal surgery is something that can even be done at home. Here some of the remedies for curing the root canal pain. Ice Pack This technique is appreciated by patients themselves. It is one of the easiest ways to reduce pain. Put the cubes of ice in a cloth and apply that on the face for nearly five minutes. This process releases one from pain. Cucumber Cucumber is best known for its multiple properties. One of the important properties of cucumber is to ease tooth pain. To get rid of root canal pain, take a piece of cucumber and keep it on the affected tooth. To get the appropriate results, the patient needs to repeat the process regularly. Eating soft and mild food To get rid of root canal pain, the patient should follow a certain kind of diet. He should eat soft food instead of eating sweet and spicy food items. In this case, eating high protein food also helps to cure the pain early. Elevated Pillow Using an elevated pillow is another way to ease the pain of a root canal. There is a scientific reason for using an elevated pillow while sleeping. The elevation of the pillow allows the blood to flow in a particular direction, thereby preventing bleeding inside the tooth. Gargle Gargle is another easiest way to fight infection of the teeth. Gargling with salt water thrice a day gives amazing results.
Tips to Treat Fire Ant Bites

Tips to Treat Fire Ant Bites

A fiery sting is the best term that describes the bite of a fire ant. Living up to their name, these ants are the color of fire. When you are caught in an army of fire ants, they swarm onto your skin and pack a powerful, fiery sting that can be quite an ordeal! Symptoms of fire ant bites range from mild rashes to allergic reactions like breathing difficulty. Treatment for fire ants’ bite depends on the severity of the sting. You’d be surprised to know that a tiny fire ant can pack a sting that delivers a venom that contains 46 proteins at least! Fire Ants These ants come in different colors, like red-brown or black, and usually grow up to lengths of a quarter of an inch. They live in sand mounds that are built on lawns and pastures. Fire ants can get very aggressive when their nest is disturbed. If you accidentally disturb their nest, you will probably end up in a burning stream of painful stings. The sting causes pain and itching long after you are bitten by fire ants. Fire ants sting by clamping their mandibles on your skin; hence, it is difficult to remove ants that have actually latched onto you. You need to rub them off your skin with fingers or a rag. What do Fire Ant Bites Look Like? When fire ants are provoked, they swarm onto the skin and anchor themselves strongly with their mandibles. Once they latch onto your skin, they sting repeatedly injecting a toxin called solenopsin. Fire ant sting looks like a swollen red spot with a blister on top. Fire ant stings can be painful and itchy for nearly a week. As soon as you are stung by the ant, you will experience an intense pinching or burning sensation.
Tips for Instant Relief from a Stiff Neck

Tips for Instant Relief from a Stiff Neck

Neck pain can be quite a nerve-racking experience. It can throw your life out of gear and cause considerable pain even with the slightest neck movement. Stiff neck or neck pain limits one’s overall mobility. People experience a sharp pain while driving or sleeping or simply turning their head. Causes of neck pain could be many, ranging from injury to the wrong posture. Irrespective of the cause of neck pain, one needs to get rid of the pain at the earliest in order to restore normalcy in daily activities. The neck is supported by bones, ligaments, and muscles. An inflammation, abnormality or injury to this support system causes neck pain. Neck pain or strain occurs when one or more fibers in a neck muscle strain or tear. This is also referred to as a pulled muscle. The pain varies based on the extent and location of the damage to the neck muscle. Mild neck pain usually subsides on its own with rest, but sharp or severe pain may require treatment. Before knowing how to cure neck pain, it is important to know what causes it. Causes of stiff neck Neck pain is usually caused by a strain or injury to the ligament, tendon or muscles supporting the neck. The neck vertebrae extend from the base of the skull all the way up to the upper torso. The neck area is made up of a network of tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Neck pain results from a damage or strain or stretching of any of these parts. Here are the common causes of neck pain: Muscle tension or strain : Neck muscles can get stretched or strained due to a wear and tear, bad posture, wrong sleeping position or jerky movement during exercise. Injury : The neck is prone to injury. Accidental fall or sports injury or sudden jerky movements cause injury to the neck muscles.
How to Deal with Severe Constipation

How to Deal with Severe Constipation

Constipation is a common problem and can be caused due to consuming certain types of food, medication or living a particular lifestyle. Constipation is when you experience less than three bowel movements per week. There are several other symptoms that are associated with the condition such as discomfort when you use the washroom, abdominal pain and bloating, and stools that are difficult to pass. Constipation can definitely affect your day to day life and can cause a lot of frustration. The situation is even worse when you experience severe constipation. Below are a few ways in which you can deal with the condition. Drink plenty of water Constipation is also caused by being dehydrated. This is why it is necessary to drink a significant amount of water. Sparkling water helps a lot in case you are facing severe constipation. According to studies, sparkling water is more effective than tap water and helps a lot in relieving constipation. However, you should not drink carbonated drinks like soda as it can make the condition worse. Keeping dehydration away is a great way of staying healthy and dealing with constipation. Eat fiber-rich food People who are facing constipation are often advised to eat a fiber-rich diet. Fiber helps in increasing the consistency of bowel movements as well as its bulk. This makes the stool pass easily. Insoluble fibers such as vegetables, whole grains, and wheat bran add bulk to your stools. Whereas soluble fiber such as nuts, lentils, beans, and peas soften the stools and helps with its consistency. One of the best ways of treating severe constipation is by consuming a mix of both- insoluble and soluble fibers. Exercise While exercising is not directly linked to constipation, it certainly helps in relieving the symptoms. Going for regular walks or running and doing yoga can help in staying healthy in general.
4 Reasons for Shoulder Pain

4 Reasons for Shoulder Pain

Are you unable to lift your hand above your head without feeling any discomfort? Well, this can be a symptom of a frozen shoulder or a rotator cuff injury or a dislocated shoulder. As per an estimate, about 67% of people in the country suffer from shoulder pain at some point over the course of their lives. The shoulder is made up of bones secured in place by muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is one of the most mobile joints. The well-combined joints and muscles help you perform all activities like allowing the shoulder to move freely in different directions, raising your arms over your head, throwing a baseball, or scratching your back. Joints are used in almost every day-to-day activity, and their regular wear and tear can create a lot of problems and pain. Here are a few reasons for shoulder pain symptoms. Rotator cuff tendonitis There are several reasons for shoulder pain, and the most common of these is the rotator cuff. A recent study showcased two-thirds of people having shoulder pain had a rotator cuff problem. The rotator cuff is a tough sheath of tendons and ligaments that support the arm at the shoulder joint, keeping the ball of your upper arm bone centered in your shoulder socket, making it easy to raise and rotate your arm. Performing some motions regularly can lead to inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, also known as tendonitis, which can cause shoulder pain. With tendonitis, shoulder pain symptoms and weakness are often mild at first and barely noticeable when you move the joint; after a while, they can grow more severe and occur all the time. Change in activities to avoid provoking the pain can help heal the tendons. The good news is that rotator cuff tendonitis can improve with time.
7 foods and remedies to fight cancer

7 foods and remedies to fight cancer

The food one eats plays an important role in their overall well-being. Options such as green leafy vegetables, fruits, and nuts can significantly help curb or reduce the risk of developing untoward health conditions. However, when it comes to chronic conditions like cancer, food options become more limited, and while eating healthy may not cure the disease, it helps boost the immune system. This then aids in a faster recovery. 7 foods that helps fight cancer Berries Berries are nutritious and contain vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and folate, which help the immune system fight the cancer cells. A few examples of cancer-fighting berries are mulberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. The fruits also contain antioxidants like gallic acid and chlorogenic acid, which promote anti-cancer agents. Garlic Apart from being a delicious addition to any meal, garlic also has health benefits. The vegetable is an anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial food with natural antioxidants that may benefit your overall health. Garlic also contains allicin, which is an active compound known to reduce potential stomach cancer. Tomato Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, vitamin A, C, E and possess other health benefits too. These properties help ward off any potential cancer risks. Additionally, lycopene is an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of heart diseases. Grapes Grapes contain an abundance of resveratrol, which is a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties known to prevent damage caused by cancer. Similarly, fruits like limes, lemons, and oranges can also help fight the effects of cancer. Broccoli Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable known for its anti-cancerous properties. It contains glucosinolates; a substance that produces protective enzymes as it moves through the digestive system. Further, these enzymes can negate harmful chemicals in the system and lower the risk of cancer. Apples Apples are rich in potassium, vitamins C, and calcium, making them superfoods for the human body.
Simple Steps to Understand Symptoms and Treatments of Mold Allergies

Simple Steps to Understand Symptoms and Treatments of Mold Allergies

What are mold allergies? Molds are nothing but a form of fungus which can grow indoors as well as outdoors. Inside your house, molds usually thrive in bathrooms, basements, kitchen, etc. Although, moisture is the key element for their existence, so if bedroom happens to be damp, molds can quickly develop there. As the name suggests, mold allergies are caused by the mold spores (seeds) which enter your system via air. The immune system then responds to these inhaled allergens strongly, i.e., by repeated wheezing, sneezing, skin irritation, etc. The most common types of molds that can trigger allergies are Rhizopus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Helminthosporium, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Epicoccum, and Mucor. What are the symptoms of mold allergies? Identifying the symptoms of mold allergies can be a bit tricky as they can be similar to other forms of allergies. So, you must seek the counsel of your general practitioner to gain confirmation. The following are some of the most common symptoms associated with mold allergies. Runny nose Discomfort in the throat Eyes itching or watering regularly Chest congestion Persistent coughing Experiencing trouble while breathing Headaches or stomach pain Swollen eyelids Skin rashes The symptoms mentioned above vary from person to person. For certain individuals, they might be mild and for some extremely severe. For instance, if a person has asthma then these symptoms might get worse, so as soon as you experience these promptly seek medical help. Who has a higher risk of developing mold allergies? If air-borne allergies or asthma are a hereditary condition in your family, then you probably might suffer from mold allergies. If you have been living in an atmosphere which has been vulnerable to water leakages or humidity for the longest period, you might contract a mold allergy. Certain professions such as farming, baking, furniture production or repairs, logging, winemaking, etc.
Effective Tips to Treat Chronic Diarrhea

Effective Tips to Treat Chronic Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common problem experienced by almost everyone in their lifetime. Though this mostly affects the babies and toddlers, adults and elderly people too can get diarrhea for improper food habits or digestive problems. Like several other mild issues, diarrhea can also be treated with home remedies or over-the-counter pills and seldom requires medical attention. While diarrhea is generally healed in a couple of days or three, chronic diarrhea can cause distress for a prolonged period. Consulting a doctor becomes necessary to heal the chronic condition. However, some proven natural remedies for chronic diarrhea treatment are also available. Finding the cause Whether you are looking for home remedies or taking medications prescribed by a medical practitioner, it is very important for you to find the cause. The repeated occurrence of diarrhea can only be stopped when you know the cause triggering the factor. Some people get diarrhea as bacterial infection, while others may get it as a viral infection. Food poisoning or antibiotic usage may also lead to this condition. Lactose intolerance is also found responsible for this bowel disorder. Not just that, drinking contaminated water may also cause diarrhea in patients. If the cause is healed, the risk of repeated occurrence will be reduced. Some essential tips for successful chronic diarrhea treatments are listed below: Keep yourself hydrated – Repeated bowel movement caused by diarrhea often leads dehydration of the body. Therefore, it is extremely important to drink water or any other fluids at frequent intervals. However, avoiding fruit juices or aerated juices is not recommended, as it can trigger the condition further. Keep oral rehydrating syrup handy or mix a teaspoon of sugar with one pinch salt in a glass of water and drink. Dehydration of the body can increase the severity further and may even lead to hospitalization of the patient.
Things You Should Know About Pneumococcal Pneumonia

Things You Should Know About Pneumococcal Pneumonia

Pneumococcal pneumonia can be considered as a type of pneumonia which infects upper respiratory tract and spreads to lungs, middle ear and nervous system, if not checked in time. This disease causes pneumonia in children who are less than five years of age or adults who are 65 years or older. Elder people are at more risk of pneumococcal pneumonia and can even die in rare cases. People who suffer from some medical conditions including chronic heart ailment, liver diseases, and sickle cell anemia are also at a risk of being infected with pneumococcal pneumonia. Causal Agents Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Streptococcus pneumoniae is also known to cause Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Transmission Pneumococcal pneumonia is spread when a contact with people who are at risk is established. Also, this bacterium is also carried in the throat. The respiratory droplets of the infected person are also known to initiate the spread of Pneumococcal Pneumonia. Children, in particular, carry this bacteria in the throat even when they are not sick. Symptoms of Pneumococcal Pneumonia This infection begins suddenly in a person, and the person might suffer from severe chill symptoms which are followed by high fever, cough, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and chest pain. Nausea, vomiting, and headache are other symptoms of Pneumococcal pneumonia. Diagnosis Pneumococcal Pneumonia is diagnosed by the medical health provider based on symptoms, physical examination of the patient and lab tests including some chest x-rays if required. Pneumonia is also caused by other bacteria and germs. If a person suffers from signs of Pneumococcal Pneumonia, the best course of action would be to take immediate medical treatment. Healthcare providers also diagnose Pneumococcal Pneumonia based on the presence of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria in the blood, saliva or the lung fluid. Treatment of Pneumococcal Pneumonia Antibiotics are usually prescribed the doctor for treating complications related to Pneumococcal Pneumonia.