Shingles – Symptoms and Treatment

Shingles – Symptoms and Treatment
Signs & Symptoms

The virus varicella-zoster that causes chickenpox is also responsible for causing shingles. It is a viral infection that causes painful rashes on the skin. Usually, those who have been infected with chickenpox are more likely to acquire shingles. It appears as a stripe of blisters typically on the neck, face, or torso. In most cases, shingles take two to three weeks to clear up. Usually, if a person gets shingles once, it rarely happens again. According to various medial study reports, shingles is so common in the country that it affects almost one in the three people at some point in their lifetime. Here is a list of some of the most common symptoms of this viral infection along with the ways of how to treat shingles.

Symptoms of Shingles
The most common symptom of this viral infection is burning and pain. It can be a constant gnawing, stabbing, or sharp pain that comes and goes. Along with this pain, the affected person may experience blistering skin rash. The characteristics of the rashes may include

  • red patches,
  • itching,
  • rashes on the ears and face,
  • rashes wrapped around the torso starting from the spine, and
  • blisters filled with fluid that breaks out easily.

Some shingles-affected patients can experience symptoms beyond these rashes and pain. Some of these symptoms are

  • chills,
  • fever,
  • fatigue,
  • headaches,
  • muscle weakness, and
  • sensitivity to light.

Other than all these abovementioned signs and symptoms of shingles, it can involve some rare as well as serious complications. Intense pain in one of the ears or loss of hearing, loss of taste on the taste buds, dizziness etc. All these can be the symptoms of the Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Rashes and pain, which involve the eye. To avert permanent damage of the eye, it is important to know how to treat shingles.

Usually, those who are in their 60s or are older and are suffering from diseases that involve radiation treatment or chemotherapy and consuming medicines that weaken the immune system are more likely to get shingles.

How to Treat Shingles
If you are wondering how to treat shingles and get rid of this painful viral infection, you should know that until now, no cure for this is available. The treatment involves antiviral medications prescribed by your doctor to help in shortening the duration of the viral attack and reducing the intensity of the symptoms. Other than the antiviral medication, some natural remedies are available to reduce the discomfort and pain.

  • Healing Bath
    To reduce the risk of infection spreading, you can clean the blisters daily. Taking a cool shower or bath is a good option to soothe the skin. Also, you can pour 1 cup to 2 cups of cornstarch or colloidal oatmeal into the lukewarm bathwater. Then soak for around 20 minutes. When you are done, dry the body completely. This healing bath is quite effective in soothing the itching and burning skin.
  • Cornstarch and Baking Soda Paste
    Make a paste by mixing baking soda or cornstarch with water. Then, apply the paste on the infected part of the skin and the rashes. After 15 minutes, rinse the paste off. Applying this paste for quite a few times in a day is an effective answer to how to treat shingles .
  • Dietary Remedies
    Having a weakened immune system worsens the symptoms of shingles. A few healthy changes in the diet can help in strengthening the immune system and preventing this viral infection to spread further. Add foods in your diet that are rich in vitamin B-12, A, E, and C. Also, foods containing amino acids and lysine promote healing. Leafy green vegetables, eggs, red meat, yellow and orange fruits, whole grains, chicken, dairy products, wild-caught fish, spinach, legumes, tomatoes, beans etc. are part of a shingles diet.

Try to avoid foods containing high saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, arginine (gelatin, nuts, and chocolate), high amounts of sugar.

  • Soothing Creams and Lotions
    Applying soothing creams and lotions is another effective answer if you don’t know how to treat shingles. Scratching the rashes can prolong blisters and scarring. Well, these creams and lotions do not augment the healing process, but the application of these creams and lotions can give you instant comfort and temporary relief. Try to avoid perfumed or scented lotions as they may cause further irritation. It will be better if you can use any lotion or cream containing capsaicin, which is a natural ingredient that offers anti-inflammatory effects to ease the pain. Also, some herbal or homeopathic remedies are available to heal this viral skin infection.

Following any one of the above options can help one who does not know how to treat shingles. However, it is advisable to consult a medical expert before taking any medication or supplement as these might have several side effects. Consider taking the medications only under doctor’s guidance.

Latest.

Things to Know Before Opting for a Breast Enlargement Surgery

Things to Know Before Opting for a Breast Enlargement Surgery

Generally, women tend to ask questions quite often regarding the different ways in which they can increase the size of their breasts. Well, breast sizes differ from one woman to another. The size of the breasts grows over time, and the growth begins during puberty. In case the breast size has not grown over time due to hormonal abnormalities and one wants to enhance the size of their breasts, breast enlargement surgery is the best option. One can check out breast enlargement photos to get a proper idea. If one has already made up their mind, there are certain things that they need to know before opting for a breast enlargement surgery. Why go for breast enlargement? Breasts are an asset to the feminine look. It is often found that women want to enlarge their breast size, but they should be careful of fake medications in the market that may have harmful effects and may lead to dangerous issues. One of the ways to go for breast enlargement is to opt for a breast augmentation surgery. Take a look at some photos of breast enlargement for a better idea. What is breast augmentation surgery? Breast augmentation surgery is known to enhance the size of the breasts and give them an attractive shape. This cosmetic surgery is conducted by placing saline breast implants. One can even check out some breast enlargement photos before undergoing this surgery to see for themselves. These photos will give one a perfect picture of how they want to do it for themselves. A woman who is undergoing this surgery can give specifications or complete details regarding the size or shape that they want, and the surgeon will perform the breast enlargement by placing the implant accordingly. This surgery is opted by women for different purposes, some of which are enlisted below:
Top Skin Tightening Creams for a Youthful Look

Top Skin Tightening Creams for a Youthful Look

Almost everyone loves their skin in their 20s and 30s. Your skin is firm, bouncy and even if you’ve stayed out all night, a dab of cream and a little makeup can make you look fresh again. However, nothing stays forever, and as you age, it becomes harder to keep your skin looking fresh and young. By the time you reach your 50s, your skin produces only half the collagen it did in your youth. Fear not as you can shave off the years with skin tightening creams . These are creams that can help slow down the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and other such signs of aging. Here are some of the most popular creams that can tighten your skin . Bioelements Sleepwear This overnight cream is made up of a combination of time-released retinol, topical calcium, protein peptides, and cranberry seed oil, among other ingredients. While you sleep, this cream is hard at work replenishing antioxidants, strengthening the skin, revitalizing collagen, and improving moisture retention. When you wake up, you won’t just feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep, you’ll look fresh too. Artistry Luxury Crème Women who’ve used this cream have said that it made their skin feel softer and smoother in as little as two weeks. The cream uses Cell Effect Technology with a cardiolipin-driven complex to energize skin cells and repair visible signs of aging such as dark circles and wrinkles. It also moisturizes the skin and improves the skin’s moisture retention capabilities. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream This clinically proven skin tightening cream has been known to reduce wrinkles and make skin firmer in just 15 days. The cream uses a unique combination of Ginkgo Biloba, Mediterranean Algae, precious rose, Chlorella, and Mimosa absolutes to reduce the appearance of fine lines and moisturize the skin.
Top 10 Testosterone Boosting Supplements in the Country

Top 10 Testosterone Boosting Supplements in the Country

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and plays a vital role in the male reproductive system. It is responsible for developing reproductive tissues and promotes characteristics like bone density, muscle mass, and growth of body hair. This hormone is also responsible for the overall wellbeing of the human male body. The hormone is naturally secreted by testicles of the male anatomy. Although it is a natural hormone, testosterone also plays an important role in medication; for example, in the treatment for low testosterone levels in older men, certain forms of breast cancer, and to enhance physical performance mainly in athletes. The testosterone levels decrease as men age. Insufficient levels of testosterone in men may lead frailty and bone loss. Most men experience a decline in testosterone levels after 40. Testosterone boosters are supplements that can help men increase testosterone levels. The best testosterone boosters have certain ingredients responsible for naturally increasing the hormone levels. D-Aspartic Acid (D-AA) is an amino acid that can make and release the hormone in the brain, which results in testosterone production. Another important ingredient is ZMA, which is a combination of zinc monomethionine aspartate, magnesium aspartate, and vitamin B6. Vitamin D, a herb called Ginseng, and fenugreek are few other ingredients that are found to be the best testosterone boosters. Here are some of the best testosterone supplements available in the market: DAA Max by Vital Labs This product has been the all-time favorite for many years. It has high D-AA content that substantially increases hormone production. The composition also includes Vitamin D, Calcium, and Zinc among others. Apart from testosterone boost, it helps reduce estrogen levels. Individuals who have used the product consistently recommend the product. Sergeant Steel by Assault Labs It is one of the most recommended and top testosterone supplements as it includes effective ingredients that provide treatment for low testosterone levels.
Effective Tips to Control Your Blood Sugar Level

Effective Tips to Control Your Blood Sugar Level

Blood glucose levels are primarily controlled by the hormone insulin, which is secreted by the pancreas. After a meal, blood glucose rises due to the digestion of the food. This triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas, which promotes glucose absorption until it reaches the normal level. But, in individuals with defective functioning of insulin, the blood glucose level remains higher for a longer period. Chronic uncontrolled blood sugar or hyperglycemia damages various body organs, nerves, and eyes. As a diabetic, it is extremely important to keep your blood sugar level always in check. Blood sugar range : In a healthy person, the normal blood sugar levels are below 100 mg/dL after fasting, but can spike to 140 mg/dL 2 hours post meal. However, in a diabetic, the fasting blood sugar itself can reach to up to above 200 mg/dL. How to keep the blood sugar under check? A proper diet and exercise plan is a must to manage a diabetic’s blood sugar level . Moreover, a diabetic must monitor the blood sugar level on a regular basis for effective management of sugar levels. A few common tips to keep the blood sugar under check are as follows: Diet : A well-planned diet is a must for the management of high blood sugar. Carbohydrates : The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a proper monitoring of carbohydrate intake in a meal to control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Include healthy carbohydrates such as milk, fruits, legumes, grains, and yoghurt, which do not cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. Avoid highly processed or refined carbohydrates like candy, white rice, and white bread because they rapidly increase the blood sugar levels. A well-balanced diet must be designed after consulting a doctor to maintain the healthy blood sugar levels. Offset carbohydrates with fat and protein :
10 Home Remedies for Treating Hemorrhoids

10 Home Remedies for Treating Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids, or more commonly known as piles, are clusters of veins which lie just beneath the mucous membranes which line the lowest part of the rectum and the anus. This condition involves swelling and distension of those veins. Internal and external hemorrhoids are the two types of this condition. Internal ones occur in the lower rectum whereas the external ones develop under the skin around the anus. It is widely considered that external hemorrhoids are the ones which are the most painful and uncomfortable since the overlying skin erodes due to irritation. Moreover, if there is a blood clot on the inside of external hemorrhoid, then the pain can get much more severe. How can one recognize external hemorrhoids? Itchy or burning sensation around the anus A painful lump or swollen area near the anus Difficulty in sitting down Painful bowel movements Fecal incontinence There are different types of both homemade and surgical remedies available for curing external hemorrhoids. Some of the common ones have been explained in brief as follows: Witch hazel : Witch hazel is an astringent which causes tissues to shrink and reduce bruising. Along with this, it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. To use it, one has to add a small amount of witch hazel to a cotton ball and then dab it on the affected area to get relief from the symptoms. However, if there are signs of irritation, then one should go for a more indirect method. It is advised to not add alcohol to witch hazel in an attempt to dilute it as it can cause further irritation. Coconut oil : Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and can help with hemorrhoid symptoms like reducing irritation and swelling. Moreover, it can also reduce provide relief from the itchiness experienced. Aloe vera :
Best Foods for People with Kidney Disease

Best Foods for People with Kidney Disease

Due to an extremely fast-paced lifestyle which encourages bad habits, more than 10% of the world’s population is facing severe kidney problems. In order to keep your kidneys safe and healthy, you need to keep a check on your diet at all times. There are the certain foods that can help your kidney to function well that you must be aware of. Let’s take a look at some those foods that help you to adopt healthy kidney diet plans. Olive oil Olive oil is an excellent source of fat, and as it is free from phosphorous, it becomes a wonderful option for those people who have kidney issues. Generally, patients diagnosed with kidney problems experience a rapid loss in weight. Including a high-calorie food element makes for healthy kidney diet plans and this helps you maintain a suitable body weight Most of the fats in olive oil are monounsaturated which bear anti-inflammatory properties. One ounce or 28 grams of olive oil will provide you with: Potassium: 0.3 mg Sodium: 0.6 mg Phosphorus: 0 mg Buckwheat Most of the whole grains that are available in the market tend to be very high on the phosphorous content. However, buckwheat is a wonderful and healthy alternative to these grains. It is a food item rich in nutrition that provides the body with the required amount of iron, fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins. It is also free from gluten which makes buckwheat a great choice for those who suffer from celiac disease. One cup or 84 grams of buckwheat will provide you with: Potassium: 74 mg Sodium: 3.5 mg Phosphorus: 59 mg Garlic Generally, patients with kidney problems are asked to lower their sodium intake which includes the use of added salt. Garlic is a great alternative to that. It gives your dish a wonderful added taste and flavor.