Age spots have several names such as liver spots, dark spots, or even sunspots. These are blotches on skin that appear due to aging or even exposure of the skin to sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiations. The areas that are most affected by these age spots include hands, face, arms, neck, and shoulders. These are the areas that are most vulnerable as these are exposed to the sun. These could be black, light brown to dark brown and even red. These spots make you look dull and lifeless. To get the best age spot treatments, it is important to know the causes. Causes Of Age Spots The causes that lead to age spots include skin’s exposure to the sun and they may also occur as a result of aging. When a person ages, basal cells form which accumulates at any particular spot can cause these spots too. Some of these cells consist of lipofuscin bodies which are impossible to get rid of. These aged cells affect the neighboring cells too. As a result, more cells become lipofuscin infected and show up as a spot at any particular place on the body. Age spot treatments hence become important as at times causes become unavoidable. On the other hand when a person is exposed to the sun, the quantity of melanin generated inside the cells increase and as a result age spots or in this case, sunspots occur. These normally occur in areas of the body that are exposed to the sun. Age Spots Treatment Options There are a number of age spot treatments available. Some are home remedies while others include the use of medicines. The choice rests on you completely. Natural Remedies • Aloe vera : The best natural remedy for age spots is aloe vera. It is readily available, and you may even grow this plant at home.

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.

An addiction is a complex condition that is characterized by an excessiveness in terms of an activity and consumption, despite being aware of the consequences. In simpler terms, it is a disease of the brain and, contrary to popular belief, it is not a moral failure. For individuals who suffer from addiction, they have an intense need to use a deleterious substance to the point that it causes damage to one’s well-being. Addiction can be in any form; however, the addition of substances commonly includes drugs and alcohol. A person with an addiction will continue to consume alcohol or use drugs despite knowing the repercussions it can have on one’s health and life. Addiction, like any other disease, disrupts the normal functionality of the body. It also has serious harmful consequences on the underlying organs and, thus, need to be addressed in the right time frame. People may get addicted to drugs and alcohol due to a slew of reasons that seem to be completely acceptable in the beginning. Drugs and alcohol give one a sense of pleasure, and the feel-good sensation can trigger the use of other such substances. There are some addicts who begin use in order to feel better. This is especially triggered among people who suffer from social or personal problems such as anxiety, depression, and excess stress that cannot be handled. In such cases, drug and alcohol abuse begins as an attempt to lessen the pressure being caused and completely cut off from the issue. Typically, stress is one of the most common reasons that cause initiation, continuation, and relapse of the addiction after recovery. The fire of addiction may also be ignited by curiosity. The younger generation is particularly vulnerable as they constantly find the need to keep up with peer pressure. Addiction to drugs and alcohol may be a way of expressing independence and keeping up with popular culture.

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that is mostly diagnosed at a young age. The blood doesn’t clot as it should in people with this disease, causing excessive bleeding, which can turn life-threatening. The condition largely occurs due to the absence of certain blood-clotting proteins (called clotting factors), although it can also be acquired due to an immune system issue. Physical therapy, clot-preserving medications, and vaccinations are viable treatment options. Alternatively, dietary choices can also help manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the beneficial foods to eat for people with hemophilia: Whole grains Oatmeal, brown rice, and barley are a few of the healthiest whole grains to eat for hemophilia patients. These foods contain fiber and nutrients that help stabilize blood glucose levels. By lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke, these foods prevent serious complications associated with hemophilia. Whole grains also reduce chronic inflammation, which can be touted as a major contributor to internal bleeding. Calcium-rich foods Important for the growth and maintenance of the bones, calcium is paramount for hemophilia patients. The nutrient helps keep tooth and bone health in check, preventing damage and subsequent blood loss. Also, the lack of calcium increases the risk of several diseases, some of which are known to cause internal bleeding and muscle damage. Dairy products are the standout sources of calcium, along with fish like sardines and pilchards. Leafy greens Dark, leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach are loaded with minerals that can help manage hemophilia and its possible complications. Collard greens are also great options, as they’re a good source of vitamin K that helps in blood clotting. The vegetable might also prove useful in maintaining bone health. At the same time, cabbage and beet greens come with their own list of benefits for people with hemophilia.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a common condition associated with the large intestine of our body. It affects around 25-45 million Americans. People in their late teens to the early 40s are likely to get affected by this condition. A person with IBS often experiences a mix of belly discomfort or pain along with trouble in bowel habits. Some other symptoms are cramping, bloating, mucus formation in the stool, and gas. Although it isn’t a life-threatening disease, it requires long-term management, a healthy lifestyle, and proper treatment to get rid of IBS. Mostly, healthcare professionals categorize IBS into three categories which are as follows: IBS-D where diarrhea is the predominant symptom IBS-C where constipation is the predominant symptom IBS-M where predominant symptoms can be a mix of diarrhea and constipation Factors that lead to IBS-D Though the precise causes of IBS-D are still unknown, let’s have a look at some of the factors that play a vital role in the development of this condition: Intestinal muscle contractions The intestinal walls have muscle linings that allow food to pass through the digestive tract through its contraction and relaxation movements. If the intestinal contractions are stronger than the average levels, it can lead to the formation of gas, bloating, and even diarrhea. At the same time, if the muscle contractions are weaker than usual, food passes slowly through the digestive tract, which can lead to the formation of hard and dry stool. Nervous system Abnormalities in the nerves in your digestive system can cause your body to overreact to changes. Thus, it could result in discomfort, pain, or even diarrhea and constipation. Intestinal inflammation Some people with IBS-D develops an increased number of immune-system cells in the intestinal walls which leads to inflammation of these walls. This condition plays a role in the formation of more serious digestive abnormalities including diarrhea and constipation.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas almost stop producing the insulin hormone that is needed to allow the glucose (sugar) to enter the cells and produce energy. This chronic condition is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes. It usually occurs when the immune system destroys the beta cells in the pancreas. Different medical research reports have reflected that several factors, including some viruses and genetics, may lead to this chronic condition. According to these medical reports, usually, type 1 diabetes can appear during the adolescence or childhood, and it can develop slowly in adults as well. Till date, different medical studies on this chronic condition have not come up with a permanent cure or remedy. However, the treatment mainly focuses on keeping the blood sugar levels in control with insulin. Additionally, some lifestyle changes along with a healthy diet can help prevent complications caused by type 1 diabetes. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes Due to this chronic condition, glucose from food items is unable to enter the cells and produce energy. Instead, it starts to build up in the blood, resulting in high blood sugar. It also causes the cells to starve. To prevent the life-threatening health complications caused by type 1 diabetes, patients require proper treatment. Here is a list of some of the most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes that will help you understand when to consult a doctor. Frequent urination: A patient with type 1 diabetes may feel like urinating quite often as the blood has extra sugar in it. Dehydration: The patient may become dehydrated due to frequent urination. DKA (Diabetic ketoacidosis): The combination of acidic ketones, dehydration, and extra glucose in the blood causes ketoacidosis. If not treated on time, DKA can become life-threatening. Weight loss Blurred vision Extreme hunger Increased thirst Mood swings and irritability Weakness and fatigue In the case of children, you may notice the problem of bed-wetting at night.

Opioids (narcotics) are commonly found medicines to relieve pain. They can be really helpful if you are suffering from a short-term pain such as the pain you experience post-surgery for a broken bone. They also have the ability to ease off the excruciating pain one has to go through if they are suffering from cancer. Always keep in mind that unlike other medicines, opioids are strong drugs and are not recommended when treating long-term pains like frequent headaches, arthritis or lower back pain. Such long-term pains are known as “chronic” pain. If you are planning to take opioids to relieve long-term pain then you must consult with your doctor for his suggestions and also ask him whether there are other ways to treat the particular long-term pain. Let us check out why: Opioids are prescribed too often People generally visit doctors due to the chronic pain they suffer from and most of the time they have prescribed opioids as chronic pain medicine. In the past few years, the country has seen a tremendous increase in the opioid prescription for chronic pain which can have severe side effects. Opioids commonly include: Hydrocodone (generic and Vicodin) Oxycodone (generic, OxyContin and Percocet) Since opioids are not chronic pain medicines, they work well to treat short-term pains but whether they will work equally well in treating long-term pain is uncertain. Side effects and risks associated with opioids One of the most common issues related to opioids is that over the time the body gets addicted to this drug, as a result, the drug fails to function properly. Moreover, to get rid of the same, the body demands us to take more and more. Also, an increase in the dosage of such a strong drug may lead to some deadly side effects such as: Constipation Vomiting Nausea Itching Unable to pass enough urine Some serious breathing issues Mental instability and confusion As we know our body gets used to opioids so we must discontinue its usage in the long run.

One of the most crippling diseases that can affect the lungs today is pneumonia. Of course, as with any infectious disease, there are many steps that you can take to avoid such an infection, but they aren’t always 100% efficient. Also, like with most other infections, bacteria are often the biggest culprit in adults. The infection in itself causes difficulty in breathing because it blocks the air sacs in the lungs and fills them with fluid or pus. Here are the symptoms, causes, and, most importantly, treatments that one can follow. Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms The symptoms of the infection depend greatly on how long the infection has been manifesting. This is why when these symptoms ever surface, one should get the possibility of Pneumonia ruled out as soon as possible. The symptoms can also be mild, severe, or life threatening. General pain around the chest area Coughing with phlegm and other types of mucus discharge A high body temperature that fluctuates Sweating and chills accompanied by shortness of breath Remember that these are just the basic symptoms of the infection. Depending on the state of your general health and well-being, your age, your symptoms may include other things as well. Symptoms influenced by age differ greatly for infants. They have difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing in general. They are also likely to show a lack of energy and vomit frequently. People on the other end of the spectrum will probably suffer from a body temperature that falls dangerously low during the infection. However, by far, the most interesting collection of symptoms come from the kind of infection that has plagued you. Viral pneumonia is likely to show the above-stated symptoms and resembles flu when it comes to the same. It also includes wheezing, but bacterial pneumonia is different. Bluish lips and a blue tint in the nails along with a general sense of confusion are only some of the symptoms that are involved when it comes to bacterial pneumonia.

The diverticular disease was sporadic before the 20th century but now it is quite common especially in the western countries. Diverticulitis is the most severe kind of diverticular diseases. The diverticula or pouches are formed in the intestinal wall, they are bacterially infected and inflamed and they form diverticulitis. The diverticulitis often comes with many complications. The diverticulitis treatment guidelines should be followed to combat diverticulitis; otherwise, it can lead to some serious health complications. Here are a few things related to diverticulitis. The common symptoms of diverticulitis There are several stages of diverticulitis. They vary from mild to severe with simple to complicated symptoms. These are: Abdominal pain occurs typically in the lower left side of the abdomen Fever Nausea Vomiting The increased urge for urination, frequent urination, or feeling of a burning sensation at the time of urination Constipation Diarrhea Blood in stool The causes of diverticulitis There are multiple factors responsible for causing diverticulitis. These are: A low-fiber diet The lack of dietary fiber in food is considered one of the main reasons for diverticulitis. Heredity From research, it is seen that there is a link of heredity with diverticulitis. There is at least 50 percent of the potential risk of diverticulitis which comes from genetics. Obesity Obesity is one of the main reasons for diverticulitis. It raises the risk of diverticulitis and its bleeding. Lack of physical workout The lack of physical exercise and living a sedentary life always increase the chance of diseases like diverticulitis. Smoking From studies, it is proven that smoking can cause diverticulitis and its complications. Certain medications Regular intake of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs may raise the chance of diverticulitis. The opiates and steroids can increase the risk of the perforation, the severe difficulty of diverticulitis. The deficiency of vitamin D From the studies, it is proven that people with less amount of vitamin D are more prone to diverticulitis and its complications.

According to various medical research reports, over 70 million adults in the country suffer from high cholesterol. People who have high cholesterol are more likely to get a heart attack or develop different heart diseases as compared to the people with right or controlled cholesterol level. Different medications are available for high cholesterol treatment. However, according to the healthcare professionals, some healthy lifestyle changes and maintaining a good and healthy diet can help you to keep your cholesterol level within the normal levels. Read on to know the natural ways that help in keeping your heart healthy and fit by controlling the cholesterol levels. Include heart-healthy foods in your diet Eat foods that contain rich omega-3 fatty acids – The foods that contain high omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing the blood pressure along with keeping your heart in good health. The best sources for these omega-3 fatty acids are the wild-caught oily fishes such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna. The more you add these oily fishes to your diet the better you can maintain your cholesterol level. Include more foods having soluble fiber in it – The soluble fiber helps in reducing the cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. Kidney beans, oatmeal, apples, pears, Brussels sprouts etc. are rich in soluble fiber. Hence, people who are undergoing high cholesterol treatment should include these foods in their diet list for effective results. Avoid foods having trans-fats in it – Various medical research reports have reflected the fact that trans-fats increase the overall levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Hence, medical experts advise avoiding such foods that contain trans-fats to the people suffering from high cholesterol. Foods such as store-bought cakes, crackers, and cookies are rich in trans-fats and while going through the high cholesterol treatment, these foods should be avoided.

Shingles rashes are a form of viral infection which leads to the formation of a painful rash. Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States of America has found out that one in every three people in the country will eventually develop shingles, once in their lifetime. Varicella-zoster virus is responsible for this viral infection. Incidentally, this is the same virus which is responsible for chickenpox formation. Shingles virus lies in the dormant stage in people who have suffered from chickenpox during their childhood years. This virus can get reactivated and cause the development of shingles rash in a person. This rash can develop in any part of the body but usually affects small areas only. The first symptom of the development of shingles rash is an evolution of a mild pain. Fever, sensitivity to light and development of fatigue are also some signs that shingles rash is on the way. Shingles rash treatments are few and doctors usually recommend antiviral medications which reduce the impact of this virus infestation. Below are listed some effective and natural shingles rash treatments. Bath which heals If the blisters are cleared on a daily basis, it reduces the chances of this infection from spreading further. The person affected from shingles rash should take a shower bath which will help in soothing the skin. This cool effect of the water will calm down the itching and will prevent the development of further blisters. Use of cool compress A cool and moist compress can also be applied in the area where shingles development has taken place. Doing this multiple times in a day will definitely help in reducing the incidence of itching and will relieve the symptoms of the shingles rash. This is one of the effective shingles rash treatments. Alternatively, a cloth soaked in cold water can also be applied on the rash and blisters.

The exact causes of eczema have not yet been identified. The recent research suggests that this skin condition is triggered by a blend of several factors including environmental and genetic. Environmental factors such as low humidity make your skin itchy and dirty and overexposure to dirt can lead to eczema. If your skin comes into contact with harsh chemicals, perfumes and soaps can cause irritation to the skin and over a period of time; these things can also result in eczema. Major symptoms of this skin condition are inflamed skin, scaly areas, excess itching, swelling, recurring skin rashes, patches of dark color, oozing and crusting as well. What are the best eczema rash treatment options available? Proper skin care and lifestyle changes Fundamentally speaking, proper skin care is vital to eczema rash treatment. If you are suffering from mild symptoms, this is what exactly you need and it should be combined with some lifestyle changes to get maximum protection. Give importance to soap and moisturizer A mild soap that does not create a drying effect on your skin must be used. It is always advisable to a use a cream ointment or lotion that offers excellent moisturizing effect on the skin. After having a bath, you need to apply it on your skin. Take baths with water containing bleach If you are experiencing severe eczema, you must take baths using water that contains a small quantity of bleach. This approach kills the bacteria that thrive in the affected area. Short warm showers also help and you should take care not to use hot water and take long showers to prevent the drying of the skin. Effective stress management Stress aggravates eczema and you need to manage stress effectively to control the skin rash. Performing regular exercise is a good option and you must find time to relax as well.