Shingles, scientifically named as ‘herpes zoster’, is a viral infection that causes rashes in small sections of the body along with immense pain and is sourced from the same virus that causes chickenpox which is known as varicella-zoster virus (VZV). If you had chicken pox in your childhood, then there is a chance that at later stages, you can develop shingles. The first symptom of shingles is the immense pain. After a couple of days, you will see rashes and fluid-filled blisters in small sections of your body, while some people also experience fever, fatigue, and sensitivity to light along with painful blisters. Shingles usually last from two to six weeks. Complications Although shingles isn’t a life-threatening disease, some people develop a more serious condition due to this, known as postherpetic neuralgia when the nerve fibers get damaged. This condition can cause shingles pain to last for weeks and months even after the rashes clears out. Although there is no perfect treatment for Shingles, antiviral medications prescribed by your doctor can help to reduce its symptoms and shorten the time span of shingles. Read on to know the various at-home treatment options for shingles. Top treatments for shingles Take healing baths One of the most effective and top treatments for shingles that prevents the rashes from spreading to different parts of the body is thoroughly cleansing the body on a daily basis. Taking a shower with cold water along with antiseptic soap can help you to soothe your skin and body as the coolness of the water will reduce the pain and itchiness of the shingles blisters. You can also prepare a healing bath for yourself which is considered to be one of the top 3 shingles treatments. To prepare a healing bath, you need to pour 1 to 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal or cornstarch into lukewarm water and leave it for 10-20 minutes before taking the bath.

Toenail fungus occurs mainly due to a living organism called dermatophyte which starts growing in your toenail. It lives and thrives in places that are damp and dark. Therefore, your toenail becomes a perfect place for the organism to grow. There are multiple, both cheap and expensive, treatment options available for toenail fungus. However, one of the cheapest and the most effective treatment options for toenail fungus would be the listerine mouthwash. However, many are skeptic about the results of l isterine for toenail fungus . So, in this article, let’s see the benefits of listerine. What is listerine? Before diving any further into the discussion, let’s have a look at the background and history of listerine. It was invented in the year 1879 as a disinfectant and surgical antiseptic by Dr. Joseph Lister. It is used effectively for the treatment of gonorrhea. Listerine is sometimes also used as a floor cleaner. Although it was invented long ago, listerine was not used as a bottle of mouthwash until the 1970s. Presently, many use listerine for toenail fungus treatment as well. How listerine Works for Toenail Fungus Listerine uses different antiseptic properties of various alcohols and other substances to treat toenail fungus. It has some incredible ingredients that really make listerine effective. However, the manufacturers of listerine do not market the product as a useful treatment option for fungal infection. Nonetheless, because it has some ingredients that might help to treat toenail fungus, you have all the right to assume the efficacy of Listerine for toenail fungus. Let’s have a look at some of those ingredients. Thymol It is extracted from the herb called Thyme. Thymol is rich in Vitamin A and C. It is also a good source for calcium and magnesium. It gets absorbed in the skin and plays the role of an anti-inflammatory agent.

A hemorrhoid is a condition that is caused by the movement or swelling of tissues found in the rectum and anus. Although it can be uncomfortable and painful, the hemorrhoid is not dangerous. There are primarily three types of hemorrhoids: internal, external, and mixed hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids are found inside the rectum, and they do not cause pain because the area doesn’t have any sensory nerves. On the other hand, external hemorrhoids are found under the skin near the anal aperture. Usually, they are itchy and they can be painful particularly during a bowel movement. Mixed hemorrhoids are a combination of both external and internal hemorrhoids. So how can you reduce the discomfort and pains that are associated with hemorrhoids? Keep reading to know more about hemorrhoid causes and ways to get a relief. Causes of hemorrhoids Anyone can suffer from hemorrhoids regardless of their age though this problem occurs more in people who are aged between 45 and 65 years. In young people, hemorrhoids occur in pregnant women or ladies who have just given birth. Although the exact cause of hemorrhoid is unknown, numerous factors enhance their development. You are at risk of suffering from this condition in case of the following situations. Lifting heavy loads frequently Lack of fiber in the diet Constipation or straining when passing stool Pregnancy and post delivery Sitting for a long time Obesity Symptoms linked to hemorrhoids include light bleeding, inflammation, burning sensation or pain, discomfort, and itching. So, what helps with hemorrhoid relief? Below are essential tips to help ease hemorrhoids symptoms and promote healing. Tips for hemorrhoid relief Increase your fiber intake – To get a hemorrhoid relief and prevent constipation you need to add fiber to your diet as well as increase your fluid intake. The best way to accomplish this is to take foods such as vegetables and fruits.

Coughing can be caused by cold or flu, but it can also be a symptom of an allergic reaction. To treat a cough that’s caused by allergies, you can try traditional remedies. In fact, these remedies can sometimes be effective in treating cough caused by flu and cold. Allergy Cough Treatment Whether caused by cold or allergies, a bad cough can be irritating and chronic coughing can cause pain and tiredness. Medications You can try decongestants, cough suppressants, and expectorants. Decongestants help by drying up mucus, reducing inflammation, and opening up air passages. Cough suppressants soothe the throat and block the cough reflex. Expectorants thin the mucus, making it easy for you to spit it out. Decongestants can increase blood pressure, so those with cardiac issues should consult a doctor before using decongestants. Hot Shower The heat can help decongest your nose and reduce post nasal drip that tickles your throat and causes coughing. Lots of Water Always stay hydrated as it helps prevent many ailments and helps clear toxins from the body. It also helps to thin out the mucus and prevent throat dryness that can also cause coughing. Mentholated Syrup A mentholated cough drop or syrup can help to soothe and numb the throat. It can also ease the pain and irritation. Best Home Remedies for Allergy Cough Treatments Many traditional remedies have been used for several years, to treat a cold and allergic cough. Here are a few of the best allergy treatments that you that can try: Honey Honey is a traditional remedy for a cough. It lubricates the throat and acts as a natural cough suppressant.  Take a spoonful of honey and swallow it slowly, one sip at a  time and  let it go down your throat slowly.  Mix a tablespoon of honey in warm water and drink it slowly.  Make a herbal drink with warm water and lemon juice.

Lower back pain is a problem that almost everyone experiences at some point in their life. Characterized by severe pain, it may need treatment until it subsides on its own. The severity of lower back pain may vary from case to case. Some people may experience a dull ache, while some other may get a sharp, shooting pain. Sometimes, the pain is so severe that you may find it difficult to stand straight or even stand-up. You may experience acute back pain due to injuries caused by sports or as a result of heavy lifting. If you face symptoms like loss of control over the movement of your bowels, inability to control your bladder, a fever, or pain while coughing or urinating, along with pain in the lower back, you must visit a doctor. Common causes of lower back pain If one experiences lower back pain, it is advisable to visit a doctor, especially if the patient has lost weight unexpectedly, has a family history of cancer, or other such complications. Lower back pain may result from a muscle strain that leads to bulged discs which will cause pain from your hips down to your legs. Lower back pain may also be associated with lifting objects every day, pulling things down and other such tasks which could a part of a patient’s job. At the same time, sitting at the same place for a long time, in a slouching posture, can also contribute to lower back pain. Going overboard while working out can also lead to lower back pain. People also face a high risk of lower back pain-related problems if they are overweight. One may need to perform exercises for lower back pain regularly if they have a sedentary lifestyle. Lower back pain can also be attributed to some chronic problems such as fibromyalgia and spinal stenosis.

To find a doctor, you need to understand what option is the most convenient for you. The credibility of the doctor as well as whether they are covered by your health plan or not are important considerations. Here are some ways to find a doctor: Doctors in the network The starting point to find a doctor would be your health plan. Depending on your area of residence, your health plan will have competitive rates for specific doctors as well as hospitals. These doctors are called in-network doctors according to insurance companies. The advantage of seeing an in-network doctor over an out-of-network doctor is the fees and consultation charges. If you pick an out-of-network doctor, you will have to bear all the expenses by yourself as these doctors do not recognize your insurance plan’s coverage. You can go the website of your insurance service provider or call their toll free number to find out if the hospital you intend to visit is covered under their plan or not. Area of expertise Now that you have identified the in-network doctors, it is essential to find out the area of expertise you require. You will have to choose your primary care physician from the different categories of doctors such as Family Practice, General Practice or Internal Medicine. As far as children are concerned, the primary care physician will be known as a pediatrician, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of children. Family practice: As far as expertise is concerned, family practice physicians are generalists. They can provide solutions for various types of health problems that specialists deal in, like injuries related to sports as well as issues relating to the health of women. Patients from any age bracket, be it children or senior citizens, can avail of their services. Internal medicine: These doctors restrict their treatment to adults.

Kids are more prone to allergies and it has been observed that most of the kids are more prone to food allergies because their immune system is not fully developed to adopt any food. That is why most kids are allergic to foods like milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, walnuts, cashews, fish or more. Few of the common symptoms of kids’ allergy Few of the most common allergy symptoms in the kids are as follows: A skin rash or redness in the skin scientifically termed as eczema Asthma or difficulty in breathing A runny nose or symptoms of a cough or cold Itchy or watery eyes Sneezing Upset stomach Dizziness Few of the most common allergies in kids List of common allergies that can be found in kids are: Allergies caused outdoor are from insect bites or stings, tree or plant pollen, etc. Allergies caused indoor are from dust mites, molds, etc. Pet or animal hair or fur. Irritation due to smoke of cigarette, perfume or car exhaust, etc. Foods allergies, as discussed above, through peanuts, milk and its products, etc. Allergy medicines for kids We have already discussed that kids are more sensitive and prone to allergies than adults; therefore, one should always be aware of all the medication that can treat such allergies. Here is a list of available medicines which help in allergies: Antihistamines The medicine blocks the histamine from connecting to tingle creating, snot-production body cells. Hence this is the best medicine which is prescribed for a runny nose, drippy nose, and nose congestion problems. This drug works instantly and works effectively on the kids by providing them instant relief. This can be utilized on and off all through the sensitivity season. Antihistamines are best for mild, common allergic symptoms. Some of the antihistamines over-the-counter medicines are:

Feeling pain is healthy as it is the body’s mechanism of signaling that something is not right. In fact, people who can’t feel pain like leprosy victims are often at risk of severe injuries like burns. Normal pain is supposed to be momentary even while it is acute. Even in the case of severe injuries, the pain will last until the wound is healed. When pain lasts longer than a healed injury or condition, it is termed as chronic pain. Severe chronic pain can be disabling as it reduces flexibility, mobility, and strength. The number of people seeking chronic pain management tips keeps on growing due to a myriad of factors. Chronic pain affects about 100 million people in the country alone. What causes chronic pain? It has been found that there are two characteristics that set apart chronic pain from acute pain. Chronic pain lasts for longer than six months. This usually happens when injuries fail to heal properly, when there is nerve damage, and when the joints or bones are affected by injury or aging. Neurologists are of the opinion that chronic pain happens when the nervous system remains in a permanent reactive state even after an injury heals. This reactive state becomes a cycle as the persistent pain elevates the reactivity in an upward spiral of pain. Neurologists say this leads to a state known as central sensitization, characterized by pain spreading to other parts of the body in proximity to the affected body parts. Chronic pain is often accompanied by other physical and mental problems. Sleep disorder, fatigue, lack of appetite, and irritability are commonly observed in people with chronic pain. Some of the more common types of chronic pain include the following: Lower back pain Neck pain Arthritis Cancer Damaged nerve pain Psychogenic pain (also known as ghost pain) While the main causes and mechanisms of chronic pain are yet to be fully understood, people with the following conditions are likely to suffer chronic pain:

Technology has made our lives super easy owing to the availability of innumerous gizmos that make us more productive at the same time. The same technology is also having adverse effects on our health. Busy schedules do not let people have enough time to focus on their well-being. The problem is more serious with people dealing with tight working schedules and aging issues. Even among these people, women are more worried as they get to deal with skin issues which they do not want at all. Skin wrinkles and harmful effect of sun rays affect the skin and confidence of the person. The following information about anti-aging foods and the top 5 anti-wrinkle creams will help in getting rid of wrinkles and other skin related problems. Using beauty products is a secondary option. One should try to put in effect alternate methods as well as changing lifestyle, dietary habits, and shunning some bad habits such as smoking. We can add tremendously to our good health by adopting good and healthy eating habits. The following foods are quite significant to hinder aging effects on the skin such as wrinkles and lines: Fruits: Anti-oxidant contents of blueberries accompanied by the intrinsic vitamins are good for the skin. Pineapple is considered as an anti-aging food owing to the fact that it has many minerals in it including manganese which is super beneficial for having toned skin. Watermelon comes with lycopene which regulates the moisture in the body and keeps the skin from dryness. Figs are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids which are helpful in removing free radical from the skin. Fiber and potassium content of avocados followed by the intrinsic mono-saturated fat make for superfood that is not only natural but also an excellent food for dealing with the aging process. Vegetables: No one can doubt the nutrients and minerals that are found in vegetables and their health benefits for the body.

According to research, it is estimated that around 103 million people in the country live with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. They also say that high blood pressure incidences rose by 38% between 2005 and 2015, killing around 79,000 people in this period. The AHA redefined high blood pressure as a reading of 130/80, from an earlier definition of a reading of 140/90. The first number is the systolic pressure (when your heart beats), and the second number is the diastolic pressure (between heartbeats). If you are living with this condition and looking for how to lower high blood pressure, it would be best to start by looking at the causes. What causes high blood pressure? Although the exact causes of high blood pressure have never been pinpointed, health experts agree that there are a number of indicators that lead to it. Lack of physical exercise and the attendant weight problems Kidney problems Disorders of the thyroid and adrenal glands Excessive alcohol consumption (more than 2 drinks per day) Excessive salt intake Sleep disorders Diabetes Smoking People over 65 years are more likely to have high blood pressure A history of high blood pressure in the family What are the risks of high blood pressure? High blood pressure increases the load on your cardiovascular system. The heart is forced to pump harder. Blood vessels get hardened and develop tears. Some of the serious health conditions that develop include: Stroke Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) Heart attack Loss of vision Kidney disorders/failure How to lower high blood pressure? A majority of people living with high blood pressure depend on medication, with more serious conditions requiring a daily dose. However, health experts recommend lifestyle adjustments to lower the risks of developing high blood pressure. Here are some tips on how to lower high blood pressure without necessarily depending on medications.