There are minor skin rashes that can occur due to sweating, allergies (because of soaps, shampoos, deodorants), insect bites, and acne. On the other hand, these can also manifest due to skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema. For some people, certain kinds of food can also be a trigger for skin rashes. Usually, skin rashes are accompanied by red and itchy sensation. You can notice a change in the texture and the color of the skin. They can occur on any part of the body. Rashes can be a sign of bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. If the allergy persists for over ten days, consult a doctor immediately. They will suggest skin rashes treatment to cure the condition. When it comes to minor skin rashes, they can be treated with the following home remedies. Cold compress The red and tender rash on the skin can feel warm and make you uncomfortable. The pain and discomfort might increase when the skin comes in contact with any object. It increases the chance of contracting an infection. Soaps and clothing can cause an allergic reaction. A home remedy for a skin rash can help you reduce the pain and irritation. You can use a cold compress as a treatment for skin rashes. You can simply do this by taking a plain cloth with ice cubes in it and place it over the affected area. If ice cubes seem inconvenient, then you can try using a cloth soaked in cold water. Oatmeal bath Oatmeal has a moisturizing effect on the skin. Bathe in colloidal oatmeal, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore it can reduce any swelling in the affected area. Oatmeal bath is an excellent treatment serious skin diseases for psoriasis and eczema. Add oatmeal to warm water and soak the mixture for thirty minutes.

Shingle is a viral infection which leads to the development of a powerful rash. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States has found out that one in every three people will suffer from shingles at any point in their life. Varicella-zoster virus causes shingles. Incidentally, this is the same virus which is responsible for the development of chickenpox. For people who had suffered from chickenpox in their childhood, shingles virus can attack at any point in their life since it lies in a dormant stage in such people. Though shingles can occur at any point in the body, the rashes in shingles make their appearance in a small region. Pain in the shingles affected region is the first symptom of this medical condition. Usually, within a few days of the appearance of pain fluid-filled blisters make their appearance. People who suffer from shingles also develop fever and face fatigue for the most of the day. It is commonly known that there is no treatment for shingles; doctors also recommend antiviral medications for shingles. However, these are not very effective remedies for shingles; therefore, several natural remedies for shingles have also been recommended for getting relief from this ailment. Healing Baths If daily cleaning of blisters is done, it will reduce the risk of spreading of shingles and is one of the effective remedies for shingles. The person suffering from shingles should take a cool bath or shower if possible since it will soothe the skin. The cool effect of water also eases the pain and offers relief from itching which is a common symptom of shingles. Wet, Cool, Compress If you are taking a healing bath to get some relief from shingles, application of cool and moist compress should be the next step in the series. This should be done several times in a day to get some relief from shingles related problems.

The only way to reduce the symptoms of severe body pain is by taking pain medications. Medicines can treat severe body pain. If you have ever experienced severe body pain, you must know how unbearable it is. So much unbearable that even easy measure such as complete relaxation fail to work. It can be a bad headache or acute back pain. You must have then taken non-prescribed painkillers such as Aspirin or Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to relieve the pain. But if your pain lingers on for quite some time you should pay a visit to your physician. Pain is a tormenting feeling often triggered by severe or hurtful sensation. This distasteful sensory experience comes with definite or probable tissue damage. Removing the sensation developing the pain and restoration to health heals most pain. Globally, pain is the chief reason for medical consultation. It is the main symptom in several medical circumstances. Simple medicines can bring relief in some cases of pain. But severe ones need medical attention. Pain has a negative impact on a person’s daily life and general performance. Pain is often accompanied in post-surgery cases. Pain Management Pain management includes: Feedback from patients about the pain Locating the area of pain Finding out the intensity of pain Feel factor of pain from the patient Making a note of when pain had commenced Assessing the type of treatment or medication required A pain management team may include a physiotherapist, medical practitioner, psychologist, and occupational therapist. Statistics of Severe Pain Severe and chronic pain has been more and more recognized as being on a continuous rise. Their growth depends on the initial pain undergone by the patient. A survey on adults done during a period of three months showed some revealing figures. Of all, 29% had low back pain, 17% encountered a migraine or a severe headache.

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.

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in strands. Mold could be present in homes all year round. The most common molds found in homes are as follows. Cladosporium Penicillium Alternaria Aspergillus Stachybotrys chartarum Stachybotrys chartarum is the greenish-black mold that is sometimes found indoors. It grows on surfaces rich in cellulose content, such as wood, fiberboard, paper, and dust. Molds reproduce by forming spores. These spores could travel through air and are invisible to the naked eye. Once mold spores form, they are hard to get rid of and could survive even in dry or harsh conditions. Molds travel with the wind and may grow when they come across a moist environment. Outdoor molds aid in the decomposition process of leaves and compost piles. These are most often found in damp and dark environments. The environments most suitable for growth of molds are as follows. Damp Warm Humid The mold found indoors could affect the surface where it grows and could lead to health issues as well. In homes, molds are most likely to be found in the following places. Bathrooms and basements Drywall Ceiling tiles Carpets Furniture Ductwork Roofing Wallpapers Mold spores enter homes through the following locations. Open doors Windows Vents Attached to shoes Through pets Molds may grow on foodstuff But not all molds are bad. Molds help in making some cheeses such as Brie Gorgonzola Stilton Molds involved with food manufacturing processes are safe and free from health risks. Health Risks Associated with Molds Molds produce allergens. Molds also produce mycotoxins. Presence of mold doesn’t imply that toxins are being produced. It may not imply a high health risk as well. Allergies are most common reactions caused by molds. But molds could lead to some other health problems, though these are rarer. Allergic Reactions to Molds Allergic reactions are the single most common problem associated with molds.

There are a variety of treatments for skin conditions like eczema, but unlike with steroids or other medications, treating the condition with natural remedies has no side effects. Eczema leads to the skin becoming excessively dry, itchy, flaky, and oozing clear liquid in severe cases. Luckily, it can easily be treated at home using ingredients commonly found in kitchens. Combining these home remedies for eczema with lifestyle and dietary changes can help the skin heal faster and you may not need to opt for any other medication at all. If the condition does not improve after a week of using home remedies, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. Natural remedies to treat eczema Aloe vera You can prepare a gel from the leaves of aloe vera at home or buy a gel from the market. Aloe vera has proven to have positive effects on the skin. It is anti-inflammatory and can improve the body’s immune system, which helps it fight allergies more effectively. Calendula Calendula lotion is made from the calendula flower. It is a natural remedy that is gentle on the skin and helps to reduce symptoms of itchiness. You can mix calendula lotion with aloe vera and apply to the affected area. If you are buying commercially, look for natural calendula lotion without other artificial ingredients. Oatmeal bath To prepare an oatmeal bath to treat eczema, you first need to powder oats. Then, mix this powder into a bath containing lukewarm water and let the oats soak for at least ten minutes. Bathing in the water is very helpful to moisturize the skin and reducing itching. An oatmeal bath also helps to reduce inflammation. Natural oils Several natural oils can be used to moisturize the skin instead of store-bought lotions. These oils, when applied to the eczema-affected area, provide relief from itching.

An extremely common type of heel pain, plantar fasciitis occurs when the flat band known as plantar fascia is strained. Stress on this tissue causes inflammation, weakness, and difficulty while you stand or walk. Usually, this condition is observed in individuals who are middle-aged. However, it is also common in younger people who are constantly on their feet, such as athletes or military personnel. Causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis As mentioned earlier, an intense and prolonged tension can lead to tiny tears in the tissues, causing severe pain. This situation can be a result of Overexertion caused due to sprinting, standing, or walking for an extended period. Obesity which can cause pressure on the feet due to the upper body weight. Pregnancy, although the effects might only be witnessed in the later stages. Using inappropriate shoe sizes. Extreme pronation, i.e., the feet rolling inwards while walking. Having flat or high arched heels. Tight Achilles tendons. The primary symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain and stiffness on the bottom of the feet. In most cases, it only affects one foot; however, it can develop in both the feet at the same time. For some patients, the pain can be dull, whereas, for other patients, it can cause burning or stabbing sensations. Such type of pain is experienced after waking up in the morning or after resting for a long time. The discomfort doesn’t flare up when you are involved in some physical activity. However, the swelling can intensify if you overdo workouts or are constantly on the move. Different treatments for plantar fasciitis To alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, you can use a blend of home and medical treatments. Usually, home treatments comprise the use of cold compression, exercise, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Moreover, if home treatments fail, your doctor might recommend corticosteroids, prescription drugs, and physical therapy to ease the discomfort.

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder in humans. It is a disorder that makes a person lose his or her control over sleep and wakefulness. Many people suffer from excessive sleepiness during the daytime. This is a common symptom of narcolepsy. The sleepiness can be at any time during the day, devoid of any environmental factors such as place, time, or activity. This sudden attack of sleepiness compels the person to drift off to sleep at odd intervals. The actual cause of narcolepsy is not known to health professionals, though studies in the field are still in progress. Difference between normal sleep and narcolepsy sleepiness Sleep is normally associated with night-time, with maybe 1 or 2 short naps during the daytime. The human sleep cycle involves various phases and levels. One does not slumber into a deep sleep the minute he or she closes their eyes. Studies show that a normal person takes approximately 90 minutes after falling asleep to enter a phase of deep sleep. Clinically, this phase of the sleep cycle is termed as Rapid Eye Movement or REM. This is the phase of sleep in which we have dreams. One does not wake up during this time. A patient with narcolepsy enters the REM phase almost immediately after falling asleep. This sleep need not take place during the night but can happen anytime during the day and any number of times. This abnormal and untimely sleep pattern often disrupts the person’s regular sleep cycle resulting in disrupted or sleeplessness during the night. Narcolepsy decreases the overall quality of a person’s sleeping pattern. Causes of narcolepsy The actual cause of narcolepsy is yet to be pinpointed upon by health experts. Researchers and health practitioners are still conducting studies to find out the exact causes of narcolepsy and understand why some people tend to suffer from untimely daytime sleep.

What is gout? Gout is a type of arthritis that primarily attacks the joints and other body parts like the ears, wrists, knuckles, knee, ankles, and other small joints. It is often characterized by painful swelling, stiffness, and inflammation of these affected joints. The swelling and stiffness are mainly the results of excess levels of uric acid forming crystals in the joints. The pain is due to the inflammatory response to the crystals formed. The causes of gout may include lack of exercise, high levels of uric acid in the system, genetics, excessive consumption of meat, being overweight, menopause, excessive consumption of alcohol, stress, and excessive protein content in the body. It mainly affects the big toe, causing an increased swelling, inflammation, and redness in the affected area. The deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint causes inflammation and makes the movement of the joint agonizing. The elevated levels of uric acid in the system also causes the depositing of crystals in the kidney, which, in turn, leads to stone formation. Gout attacks An overweight or an obese person is more likely to suffer from frequent gout attacks. A gout attack generally results from years of having high levels of uric acid in your bloodstream. This condition is called hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia might also lead to other diseases like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney failure, and heart failure. The most common sign of a gout attack is the night-time swelling of the big toe followed by redness, tenderness, redness, and gut-wrenching pain. This attack might continue for days or even weeks before the pain goes away completely. Swelling causes pain and pain induces swelling. Hence it is important to address both. Diagnosis of gout attacks After doing a thorough physical exam, the doctor may also take a sample of the fluid from the swelling of the joint to look for uric acid crystals.

Fibroids are benign growths in the outer uterine walls in women called the myometrium. Fibroids are also called myomas and can cause pain, pressure, and discomfort in the pelvic region. They are non-cancerous, benign tumors that tend to shrink after menopause. While most of the fibroids do not show any symptom, some can cause noticeable symptoms such as excessive menstrual bleeding, pain during menstruation, and pelvic, back and leg pain. Modern science has not found any specific causes of fibroids but there are certain factors and conditions that increase the risk of developing fibroids or increasing their growth. Some of these factors are hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, and obesity. The treatment of fibroids requires a holistic approach that includes right diet, physical exercise, and medical supplements and medication. Here are some natural ways to shrink fibroids. Make Changes To Your Diet The basic rule to follow while making changes to your diet to reduce fibroids is to avoid foods which cause hormonal imbalance and high blood pressure and including healthy, organic food items that keep your body processes running. Here is a list of food items you should avoid and include in your diet to aid in fibroid reduction. Foods To Avoid: Food products like processed meat, refined carbohydrates, and sugar should be avoided as they lead to obesity and hormonal imbalance in the body. Processed meat often contains chemical additives that disrupt the natural chemicals in the body and hinder their proper function. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided as they put excessive pressure on the liver and lead to increased estrogen levels and inflammation. Foods To Include: Green Leafy Vegetables Green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K. This helps in blood clotting and reducing excessive blood flow during menstruation. Iron Rich Foods One of the symptoms of fibroids is excessive blood loss during menstruation.

Statistics show that one out of eight American women gets breast cancer during her lifetime. This type of cancer is the most common in women after lung cancer, and researchers discovered that between 1970-2014, the number of breast cancer cases have increased fourfold. Eating more plant-based foods, keeping a check on your body weight, and performing regular exercises may help you to treat breast cancer. There is no one magic food which can prevent or treat this disease on its own. The home remedies listed in this article for breast cancer will not treat this condition completely. They can, however, definitely boost your immune system, and even destroy cancerous tissues to some extent. These include: Garlic This spice is known for its anti-cancer properties because it contains phytochemicals and allyl-sulfur compounds. There are studies which show that garlic can inactivate carcinogens and repair DNA so that cancer loses its power to spread further. Garlic can successfully thwart the blood vessel growth inside the tumor. You can either use whole garlic or slice it to get a mild flavor. Broccoli Broccoli is another great addition to your diet when you are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. It is a cruciferous vegetable which contains glucosinolates, vitamin C, carotenoids, quercetin, and compounds that help deactivate carcinogens. These antioxidant components can decrease inflammation and boost the immune system. Grapes Grapes are a great source of resveratrol, which is a phytochemical known for its anti-cancer properties. There is proof to suggest that the chemical works as an antioxidant. It can retard cancerous cell growth inside the breast tissue. Green tea Green tea contains catechins which have antioxidant effects. It is also said to have anti-cancer properties. Vegetables Lignans present in sesame seeds, flaxseeds, broccoli, and kale are phytoestrogens that can reduce cancerous cell development inside the breast tissue.

Depression is a common problem faced by many people. It can have a negative effect on one’s mental health. Food has an important role to play in fighting depression. There are certain food items that can help with depression and improve a person’s general mental health. Antioxidants It is believed that free radicals in the body have a role to play in causing depression. Antioxidants that are found in food can help fight them. This in turn helps to fight the symptoms of depression. Some of the foods rich in antioxidants are broccoli, carrots, peaches, pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes, nuts, seeds, sweet potato, kiwi, pepper, and green tea. Good carbohydrates There are certain food items that have ‘good’ carbohydrates. They are complex carbs that have a number of health benefits. They produce a chemical called serotonin that can help to improve one’s mood and thus fight depression. Good carbohydrates are found in whole grains, legumes, and fruits like apple. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like tuna, sardines, herring, and salmon. They are also abundantly found in nuts like walnuts and almonds. Apart from food, they are also available as food supplements. Studies have shown that consumption of omega-3 fatty acids helps to reduce anxiety levels in those who suffer from depression. Protein-rich food Food that is rich in protein can help in boosting the level of serotonin in the brain. This is good for overall mental health and to improve one’s mood. Food rich in protein like turkey, chicken, yogurt, beans, low-fat cheese, chickpeas, and pumpkin can be included in the diet. Leafy greens Vegetables are good for improving mental health. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, watercress, and Brussels sprouts have omega-3 fatty acids. They are also rich in folate content that can help in improving the mood of a person.