Imagine yourself coming home late after a day’s work, ready to hit the hay, but only to find yourself awake and distressed due to the small insects moving over your body and biting your skin. If you have bite marks on your skin and are not aware of what’s keeping you sleepless at night, these insects may be bed bugs. Bed bugs are tiny, wingless insects that hide in the crevices of your furniture and feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals like humans. They feed at night from midnight to 5 am, and their bite marks become visible on human skin after a period of around 14 days. These parasites are not found to carry diseases, but they can cause a lot of stress, sleeplessness, change in the quality of life, and sometimes even embarrassment. Bed bug infestation is difficult to detect and often becomes an issue before you know it. Therefore, you must look around the house for tiny signs of their presence. Look into tiny cracks and crevices in the furniture, pillows, and mattresses. If your credit card can fit into crevices, bed bugs can squeeze into such cracks as well. You will notice rusty stains, a black spot made by their excrement or small, yellow bed bug eggs. You can even ask a professional to inspect your house if necessary. Also, you can comprehend bed bug bites that are red and raised. Often, the bites occur in a row. However, the marks tend to appear after 14 days, which is a sufficient time for the bed bugs to spread. Therefore, you must consult a doctor in time and get your skin treated. Once your house gets infested with bed bugs, it can become quite a difficult task to get rid of them. These little creatures live in places away from human reach yet close enough to feed on them.

When people talk about skin issues, they often forget to consider scars. Most people are preoccupied with breakouts and zits, or they worry about superficial damage to the skin. However, acne can leave behind scars and dull spots. Several people start feeling conscious of the way they look because of these scars. If you have facial scars, you need to make sure that you get the right treatment for it. It all starts with picking a scar cream that addresses the issues which lead to the formation of these marks in the first place. The best scar cream is one that works slowly but provides a permanent solution. Here is a brief guide to the different types of scars, and some tips to help you pick the best scar cream for yourself. What are scars and how do they form? Scars are a signature of an injury or damage caused to the dermis, which is the skin’s second deepest layer. This damage can be self-inflicted if you pick your skin, or it could be a leftover mark from surgery. Scars form due to your skin’s ability to heal fast. Whenever you get a wound, your skin immediately goes to work by fixing that wound. It starts with clotting the blood in the area of injury to prevent bleeding, and it forms a barrier on the cut to protect it from the external world. We see this as a scab. Scabs are fragile and easily broken. However, as soon as the scab forms, the dermal layer starts producing fibroblasts. It helps to fix the collagen on the skin to form a smooth, pink layer that we see on the surface. The problem starts at this point. The fibroblast is produced at a fast rate, and the collagen isn’t laid out evenly.

Probiotics are ideal for resolving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. These symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and bowel movements. Probiotics contain microorganisms that supplement the natural bacteria of the intestine. What are probiotics and IBS? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a common ailment of the intestine which is quite challenging to treat. It is characterized by diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. Other symptoms include abdominal cramps, protruding belly, and excretion of abnormally hard stool. Probiotics help in restoring the balance of the intestinal flora. The natural bacteria of the intestine are supplemented by microorganisms known as probiotics. These probiotics are available as supplements. Probiotics with a strain of bacteria known as Bifidobacterium infantis seem to be the most effective when it comes to resolving symptoms of IBS. Categories of probiotics for treating the symptoms of IBS One cannot only depend on probiotics for treating IBS. They should use it in combination with regular medication before or after following a FODMAP diet. Probiotics are bacteria which are beneficial for our health. There are bacteria in our gut or large intestine known as gut microbiota. These microbiota comprise numerous species of bacteria which are further made up of individual strains. Probiotics can contain a single species or strain or multiple species and strains. It is vital to understand the correlation between the species of bacteria present in your gut and the species that you are consuming. As far as IBS is concerned, the best probiotics are: Bifantis® (Bifidobacterium infantis 35624): This bacteria is supposed to be present in the intestine, and the strain required is 35624. A lot of people don’t have this strain of Bifidobacterium infantis in their large intestine. VSL#3®: This probiotic mixture consists of eight strains including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis, and Lactobacillus casei. Several clinical trials have proved its effectiveness.

Stomach acid and reflux problem is a condition that is characterized by the discomfort caused by the reversed flow of the acidic content from the stomach to the esophagus or the food pipe. This problem occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter becomes weak and opens up abnormally, which causes the contents of your stomach to move upwards. This problem can be dealt by using stomach acid remedies and various treatments depending upon your case. Symptoms of stomach acid and reflux Typically, patients who are diagnosed with reflux and stomach acid abnormalities show symptoms like heartburn, a burning sensation that you experience in your chest, the taste of a sour acidic liquid in the back of your mouth accompanied by pain in the chest, etc. You may also experience difficulties in swallowing your food. Remedies to treat acid reflux As a part of stomach acid reflux remedies and treatments, you may first be recommended to make some lifestyle modifications and changes in your diet as recommended by your doctor. You may also be recommended to try over the counter medicines during the initial stages. However, if you do not experience any relief from the treatment, you may be advised to go for surgery or prescription medicines. Antacids may be recommended by your doctor to get quick relief from the problem of stomach acid reflux. These may include Rolaids, Tums, and Mylanta. Certain medications that help in curbing acid production in your stomach, termed as H-2 receptor blockers may also be helpful in providing relief. These include famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine. Proton pump inhibitors are medications that may be taken to help block the production of acid in your stomach and to heal your esophagus. This treatment is amongst the most efficient stomach acid reflux remedies when compared to H-2 receptor blockers.

Before getting to know about the home remedies for heartburn, you need to understand the underlying causes. An unbearable pain occurs in the lower chest due to acid reflux. It happens when the contents of the stomach are pushed back into the esophagus. What are the home remedies for heartburn? It is vital to note that every mode of treatment comes with its risks, and hence it is advisable to consult a medical professional before deciding the best solution for yourself. If you are wondering how to stop or treat heartburn, you can read some of the tips and home remedies given below: Avoid overeating: When you overeat, you exert pressure on the esophageal sphincter which is a ring-like muscle that connects the esophagus to the stomach. It is similar to a valve, and thus, it prevents the stomach’s acidic content from going back to the esophagus. People with acid reflux have weak sphincters. Overeating causes acid to push into the esophagus. Losing weight: Acid reflux occurs when the pressure on the abdomen is high, particularly for those who are obese and for pregnant women as well. So to get relief from heartburn, one should try to lose weight. Excessive abdominal pressure pushes the esophageal sphincter upwards, causing the stomach acid to enter the esophagus, thus causing acid reflux. Low-carb diet: Carbs that remain undigested lead to bacterial overgrowth and increase the abdominal pressure. An excess of undigested carbs in the stomach is the main cause of gas and bloating. You might feel like belching because of this. Thus, following a low-carb diet is a good home remedy for heartburn. Controlling alcohol: The chances of getting acidity and heartburn rise due to the consumption of alcohol. Symptoms worsen as there is an increase in stomach acid. The esophageal sphincter becomes relaxed, and therefore, it cannot prevent the acid from entering the esophagus.

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are responsible for severe swelling or enlargement of the veins in the lower part of the rectum. As we know, the walls around such organs comprise of thousands of blood vessels. A condition in hemorrhoids causes these very vessels to stretch out, leading to an unpleasant and painful experience. Although having hemorrhoids can be a dreadful situation, they can be easily treated with simple ointments, suppositories, and non-surgical options, if and when treated on time. What causes hemorrhoids? The enlargement of veins around the anus can be caused by the following factors: Aging : Such a condition usually occurs among adults aged between 40 to 65 years. This, however, does not mean that it cannot affect people at a younger age. Constipation : Chronic constipation triggers the formation of hemorrhoids due to excessive pressure on the blood vessels. Pregnancy : During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges, which puts additional pressure on the veins, causing them to bulge. Relief from hemorrhoids in such a condition can be incurred by consuming high fiber food like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Heavy lifting : Lifting heavy weights without proper padding and knowledge can trigger the enlargement of veins around the rectum area. Obesity : Diet-related obesity can cause hemorrhoids. Sitting for long periods : Long periods of sitting in one position, especially on a toilet seat, can trigger hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be of two types: Internal hemorrhoids : These occur deep inside the rectum. They are usually painless, but they can worsen if excessive straining activities are undertaken. They tend to protrude through the anus and are, hence, commonly called protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoids. Such type of hemorrhoids can be very painful. External hemorrhoids : These are visible abruptions and usually occur under the skin around the anus. They are far more painful than internal hemorrhoids due to the presence of more sensitive nerves around the rectum.

In the country, more than 18 million suffer from atopic dermatitis. This condition is a type of eczema which affects the skin. This condition commonly begins in childhood and can progress into adulthood. It is important for a person to know the right atopic dermatitis treatment plans for effective management of the condition. What Is atopic dermatitis? This condition is characterized by inflamed skin and itchiness. Although this condition is mostly seen in children, it can happen at any age. It is a chronic condition with periods of extreme redness and itchiness on the skin and asthma or hay fever may occur along with it. Signs and symptoms can differ from person to person but the most common ones include extremely dry or scaly skin, itching, red or brown patches all over the body, and tiny raised bumps or open sores due to scratching. In children, the first symptoms are usually dry and scaly skin patches that are seen on the face, forehead, and scalp. Atopic dermatitis pictures mostly show children with a patch or patches of reddened skin on the cheeks. Atopic dermatitis is a genetic condition that prevents the skin from retaining the moisture it needs. This leads to the skin easily getting affected by several environmental factors and allergies. Some children may develop the condition due to food allergies. Other conditions like hay fever or asthma can increase the risk of developing atopic dermatitis. How is atopic dermatitis treated? There is no cure for atopic dermatitis. However, with the right treatment, symptoms can be reduced and a person can experience a normal life. Atopic dermatitis treatment begins with examining a person’s skin and checking for a family history of the condition. As this is a chronic condition, treatment, and care over a long period of time can be effective in reducing the symptoms.

The membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord are called the meninges. The meninges are three ultrathin membrane layers that are surrounded by a fluid. Meningitis is a condition when the fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected. Bacterial or viral infections affect the meninges. They may also be infected due to cancer, medication allergies, chemical reactions or fungal infections. The types of meningitis are based on the cause of meninges infection. The brain and spinal tissue swell up due to meningitis. Due to the swelling, the oxygen and blood supply to the brain is inhibited. The most common symptoms of meningitis are fever, severe headache, and a stiff neck. Untreated, unchecked meningitis could be fatal. Types of meningitis Viral and bacterial meningitis are the two main types of meningitis. Viral meningitis : This is mainly caused by a virus called enterovirus. Other types of viruses like herpes, HIV and West Nile virus may also cause viral meningitis. Among the types of meningitis, viral meningitis is the least severe. The enterovirus is found in the gastrointestinal tract. During the time that our immunity system is lowered, the enterovirus activates and causes flu-like symptoms. The enterovirus spreads through a sneeze, cough, and unclean hands. Bacterial meningitis : Bacterial meningitis is rare, but severe among the types of meningitis. The most common cause of bacterial meningitis is the spreading of a respiratory infection to the brain. Pneumococcal and meningococcal are the two bacterial types of meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis is more prevalent in children and teens than adults. Pneumococcal meningitis is more prevalent in adults. Fungal meningitis : This type is rarer than bacterial meningitis. Unlike the other two types of meningitis, fungal meningitis is not contagious. Fungal meningitis occurs when fungi travel to the spinal cord through the bloodstream. Children and elderly are at a higher risk of developing fungal meningitis due to their weak immune system.

Taking an arthritis pain relief shot can help one manage the pain associated with arthritis. The pain relief shots also reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with arthritis. Thus, it helps to decrease the discomfort caused by the disease. One should avoid taking opioids to get relief from arthritis pain as they may help treat the pain temporarily but can lead to addiction in the long term. Over 100 Americans die of opioid overdose each year, so awareness is crucial. Several different types of injections are available for treating arthritis. If one suffers from osteoarthritis, the doctor may inject medication into the knee. It is the best type of treatment if one has not taken cortisone shots. Of the many arthritis pain relief shots, cortisone injections are the most commonly used. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug that helps decrease the discomfort and pain associated with the disease. The effects of cortisone generally take up to five days to appear. Here is all one needs to know about cortisone-based arthritis pain relief shots and how they work. How do arthritis pain relief shots work? Depending on the type of arthritis that one has, taking injections can help with the pain associated with the condition. Taking medications through injections can help with managing pain related to osteoarthritis. It is the best treatments available for those who are willing to take cortisone injections. Cortisone injections are powerful anti-inflammatory injections used to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. While the medication starts working immediately, its effects may appear later based on a lot of underlying factors. How long does it take for the effects to appear? The effects of arthritis pain relief shots may appear immediately or occur after several days. Some people experience instant results while in other cases, the improvement will show up after several weeks.

The prostate gland has a direct relationship with pelvic organs such as the rectum, bladder, and pelvic muscles along with the central nervous system. If you are facing the symptoms of enlarged prostate including frequent urination, urinary leakage, and urinary tract infections, among others, then it is vital to seek different remedies. Men with enlarged prostate also suffer from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even insomnia. Initially, it is best to seek the opinion of a medical professional to establish the extent of the condition. In some cases, the enlargement of the prostate is indicative of an underlying health issue. Thus, it is essential to fully evaluate the treatment options for enlarged prostate before opting for natural treatments. Natural treatments for an enlarged prostate If your problem is at the initial stage and is not yet severe, treatment options may include acupuncture, prostate massage, herbal and nutritional supplements, medical hypnosis, and relaxation. However, if your condition is advanced, then you should depend upon the advice of an experienced health professional. Sometimes, surgeries may be required to remove excess prostate tissue. This procedure is vital to restore full urinary functioning. The traditional treatment, however, includes pharmaceutical medicines that help to alleviate the symptoms and address the root cause of the enlarged prostate. Keep in mind that these medicines may have potential side effects. So, it is best to opt for natural treatments for an enlarged prostate. These include: Adjustments in lifestyle It is only through improvement in your lifestyle that can you address the problem. Here are some natural lifestyle changes that can help with the treatment of an enlarged prostate: Shedding extra weight Eating a healthy diet which is rich in antioxidants Consuming lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains Increasing the intake of leafy, dark vegetables, and tomatoes Consuming products that contain phytoestrogens, such as soy foods, chickpeas, alfalfa, and fava beans Avoiding red meat, starchy refined foods, carbonated drinks, and nicotine Minimizing alcohol consumption to approximately two drinks per day Reducing caffeine consumption Consuming minimum water right before bedtime Staying hydrated by drinking at least two liters of water daily Walking regularly Incorporating a healthy exercise schedule Learning yoga techniques for reducing the size of the prostate Exploring herbal options Saw palmetto is one of the most common herbal treatments for an enlarged prostate.