Among all types of skin textures, dry skin is one of the toughest to handle. Apart from people who naturally have flaky skin, most people will experience dryness as the winter approaches resulting in dullness, pigmentation, and itchiness on the face. Naturally, you have to alter your skin care ritual as season transitions. However, a skin care regime is influenced by a range of factors such as age, gender, skin type, skin concerns, and preferences. So, it is apparent that an identical skin care system or a single product will not work for all individuals. However, you can take a number of measures that can help you achieve revitalized skin even in winters. Following are some helpful dry skin care tips you can incorporate in your daily skincare ritual. Since the facial skin is sensitive, these mostly focus on using the right elements for cleansing and moisturizing. Coconut oil – If you don’t like using manufactured products, then you can use coconut oil to hydrate your skin. Just take a few drops of the oil and apply it to your face before bedtime. Apart from moisturizing, coconut oil is also an excellent makeup remover which gets rid of all the grime from your face. Likewise, it also has antibacterial properties which curb infections such as breakouts and tackles premature aging and wrinkling of the skin. Milk – Do you have sensitive skin? Then try milk instead of chemical face washes and creams. Apply some cold milk and oats on your face and wipe it away with cotton. You can also combine milk with turmeric to fight lifeless skin. Apart from nurturing the skin, milk also is an excellent dry skin care tip for slowing down fine lines and managing sunburn. However, ensure you only use milk if you don’t suffer from acne.

Winter is approaching soon and you will have to use a modified regime for your skin to keep it healthy and moisturized. Primarily, this indicates the inclusion of a good face moisturizer. This apparently is because your skin will change as the atmosphere around you becomes increasingly dry. Whether you have a normal, oily or a naturally dry skin, a face moisturizer is a must for all the skin types. At the same time, it is important that you choose the right kind of moisturizer for your face. Here are some of the factors that you should keep in mind before buying a face moisturizer for dry skin. Age: You will find some products that are targeted towards consumers of a certain age. For instance, if someone is over forty then the moisturizer offered will not only hydrate their skin but will also help with skin related issues such as aging and wrinkling. Similarly, a person in their late twenties can opt for a moisturizing product that nourishes their facial skin as well as fights signs of premature aging and dullness. Type of skin: Your skin texture is a critical feature while choosing the right face moisturizer. For example, if you have an oily skin, a light face serum would be an apt choice. On the other hand, if you suffer from flaky and sensitive skin, then choose a heavy face moisturizer for dry skin which comprises of natural ingredients. Climate: If you live in an extreme chilly region, then you might need a moisturizer with rich and creamy elements. But if you happen to reside in a place where the winters are relatively balmier then you can choose a face moisturizer for dry skin that is mild but effective. Skin concerns: If your skin is dictated by problems like acne, pimples, patches, dullness, etc.

Having a cold and flu at the same time can be an exasperating condition, especially if you are down with a range of symptoms such as fever, muscle ache, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, headaches, sneezing, chest congestion, nasal stuffiness, nausea, loss of energy, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, it can undoubtedly interfere with your everyday activities. However, the good part is that there is a range of cold and flu treatments which can assist you in alleviating the discomfort. The following cold and flu treatments comprise the use of home remedies as well as OTC (over-the-counter) medications. The best aspect is that most of the home remedies can be easily found in your kitchen. OTC medications – Based on the signs, you can use OTC drugs to ease the distress caused by cold and flu. You can get a variety of medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, antipyretics, pain relievers, expectorants, combination medications, etc. For instance, if you are particularly suffering from a stuffy nose and fever, you can use nasal sprays, nose drops, antipyretics, combination medicines, etc. to get rid of the congestion. Likewise, if you are suffering from body ache and fever, you should opt for pain relievers and antipyretics to gain quick relief. You can get the mentioned cold and flu medicines in pharmacies. However, before consuming them seek the advice of your medical practitioner, especially if you have any existing allergies or are already on certain types of medicines. Similarly, if your child is suffering from a cold or flu, ensure that you don’t give them any medications without the doctor’s approval. Chicken soup or broth – Grandma’s secret recipe for swift recovery, a bowl of warm chicken soup or broth is a delicious way to bid farewell to cold and flu. It is especially beneficial for easing chest congestion.

Back pain can impact your everyday activities in a profound manner. It can even affect your sleeping patterns in the most unimaginable ways, which is why you must ensure that you choose the right kind of mattress. However, picking the best mattress for back pain isn’t so easy. Why? Mostly because no one kind of mattress is certified to be ideal for all kinds of sleepers. So, while you are on a shopping spree for a mattress for your back pain, make sure that you solely focus on your personal preferences and comforts. To make your decision a little easier, here are some shopping tips which will guide you to purchase the best mattress for back pain. Types – Everyone suffering from back pain will respond in a different way to a same kind of mattress. For instance, one might find an innerspring mattress inconvenient for spinal cord discomfort. Moreover, some might consider it as the most viable choice. And that is why, while you are shopping check out all the types available. Some of the most popular forms of mattresses for back pain are memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, air, futon, etc. Shortlist any of these by weighing the pros and cons with respect to factors like body contouring and firmness. Support – Most forms of chronic pain are caused because of hectic lifestyles which are largely dictated by poor posture and stress. The state of these conditions can be improved by having a good night’s sleep. However, if you chose an unsuitable type of mattress that doesn’t offer great support to your spinal cord, your back-pain condition will aggravate further. While you are looking at different mattresses, it is recommended that you try sleeping on them at least once. This will help you gauge its firmness as well as support qualities from a subjective point of view.

Back pain or neck pain is holding you back from performing your everyday task freely? You do not feel the usual activeness when you wake up in the morning! Well, then you must be sleeping in the wrong mattress. Many of you may ignore back pain caused by the improper mattress in the initial stages and have to experience mobility problems in their middle age. Though obesity, bone weakening or injuries are among the major causes of back pain, one cannot ignore the role of a mattress. Therefore, be careful to check the health of your mattress and take special care when selecting a new mattress for your bed. If you are experiencing back pain problems already or want to get the best mattress to avoid back pain, few tips mentioned below can be helpful. Check a few options- You may find several mattress manufacturers claiming to manufacture orthopedic mattress to ensure sound sleep to people with back pain. Do not trust them blindly. Check out few different options and decide the best mattress for your use. The mattress that you select should not only be able to take care of your back pain, but also it should be able to offer you the desired comfort. You can get a trial on the shortlisted mattress, to decide the right one for yourself. Personal preference is one of the most important criteria to be noted when you are selecting a mattress for back pain relief. Doctor’s suggestion might be helpful- Though doctors are not experts of mattresses, taking their opinions might be helpful in making the selection. They might guide you with the specifications of the mattress, which can, in turn, help you in making the right pick. Back support is essential- Just getting the comfort part fixed cannot be the only criteria for purchasing a mattress.

With so many auto-injectors out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Follow these tips to ensure you are using the right one and in the right way. Epinephrine or adrenaline is one of the fastest-working medications in the world. This drug is used in emergency situations so as to effectively and quickly treat allergic reactions to foodstuffs, drugs, insect bites and stings, etc. Epinephrine works by quickly raising blood pressure, stimulating the heart, easing breathing, as well as immediately reducing the swelling of the lips, throat, and face that are characteristics of anaphylaxis. Keeping this medication handy is made easy owing to the invention of the epinephrine pen. This device allows you to self-inject a dose of the medication in case of a severe or life-threatening allergy problem. Though epinephrine works quickly, it has to be injected immediately during anaphylaxis if it is to have any positive effect. Delaying the use of an Epinephrine pen can and does result in complications and anaphylactic deaths. The Food Allergy Research & education (FARE) recommends that you keep two epinephrine pens with you wherever you are so as to ensure quick access to this life-saver in times of need. If you have been prescribed epinephrine, then you are ready to buy your auto-injectors. Most people have the misconception that all epinephrine pens are made equal. They are not. While the dosage remains the same, the directions for preparing it as well as using the injector differ in different brands. Here are a few tips to help you choose and use the right Epinephrine pen for your needs. The doctor who prescribes epinephrine for you already knows everything about your case as well as the severity of your allergy. The first thing to do is to consult your doctor about which epinephrine pen is the right one for you.

Haemophilia is not a condition that you can take lightly. If you have these haemophilia symptoms, it is time to see medical attention now. Haemophilia is a medical condition in which the body’s natural ability to clot blood is severely compromised. This causes the patient to bleed profusely even when the injury is a slight or minor one. Generally caused due to the lack of a specific blood clotting factor, haemophilia is mostly a hereditary condition. Our bodies have a total of 13 clotting factors. Haemophilia A is caused by the lack of blood clotting factor number 8, while haemophilia B is caused by a lack of factor 9. More than 80 percent of the cases of haemophilia are categorized as being the A type. If you have this inherited blood disorder, you will see a number of haemophilia symptoms. Depending on the severity of the lack of clotting factors, haemophilia symptoms may be severe, moderate, or mild. In any case, if you see any of these signs or haemophilia symptoms, visit a doctor immediately, so your treatment can begin in earnest. Haemophilia Symptoms and Signs People with mild haemophilia usually only bleed post-surgery or after a major injury. They may not even have a bleeding problem. However, those with moderate haemophilia symptoms tend to have a bleeding problem at least once a month, while those with severe haemophilia symptoms may even bleed one to two times every week, with no cause or trauma at all (spontaneous bleeding). People with severe haemophilia also tend to bleed into their joints or muscles frequently. The general signs and haemophilia symptoms include the constant presence of deep or large bruises all over the body, and unexplained and heavy bleeding from seemingly minor cuts or injuries. This bleeding may be spontaneous, or happen after dental work or surgery.

With an alarming increase in the number of patients with adult onset asthma, it is important to have enough knowledge about the illness, its varied causes, prevention, and correct treatment. In general, asthma is detected in early childhood. However, in certain cases, an individual beyond the age of 20 years may be diagnosed with asthma, this condition is termed as adult onset asthma. Symptoms of asthma can occur at any point of time in life, and not necessarily only during childhood. Asthma is a disease where the sensitive airways have increased responsiveness towards various kinds of triggers such as allergens and irritants that obstruct the functioning of the airways. The muscles around the airways begin to contract and narrow the airway lining. The lining inside the airways experiences inflammation that causes the inner lining to swell up and secrete increased levels of mucus. This then causes extreme difficulty, and asthma symptoms such as coughing, tightness of the chest, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Depending on the severity of the illness, the types of adult onset asthma are categorized as: Mild intermittent asthma Mild persistent asthma Moderate persistent asthma Severe persistent asthma Adults have lowered lung capacity, which means that the volume of air that one can inhale and exhale within a second is much lower as compared to when they were younger. This also occurs due to the stiffening of chest walls and changes in the muscle structure after reaching middle age. Due to this decreased capacity, adult onset asthma often goes unnoticed by various doctors. Diagnoses can be done for adult onset asthma by investigating the patient’s medical history, clarifying the symptoms, and by using a spirometer to perform a lung functioning test. There are several triggers that lead to severe asthma attacks, such as climatic changes (dry/cold environments), vigorous exercises, hormonal changes, exposure to dust, animals, etc.

Psoriasis sufferers know how frustrating the condition can get. But did you know that staying away from these causes of psoriasis breakouts can reduce and even prevent your symptoms? Psoriasis is an abnormality of the skin, and this recurring autoimmune disorder presents itself in your body as thick, scaly, and itchy patches of skin. The symptoms of psoriasis include red, itchy patches of thickened skin covered in silvery scales; dry and cracked skin prone to bleeding; tiny scaling spots; nails that are thickened or ridges; and stiff, inflamed joints. The patches of psoriasis on your skin can range from just a few ones to major outbreaks that spread across a large area. Psoriasis is not a curable condition. It is a long-lasting disorder that can get quite frustrating for patients, particularly those who have frequent and major eruptions. At times, these flare-ups can even be painful. While there are medications and treatments available to provide relief to your skin, preventing the occurrence of psoriasis breakouts can be a more effective way of reducing your discomfort. For this, you need to be aware of what causes psoriasis breakouts. These triggers are not universal, but knowing the specific causes of psoriasis breakouts for you can help you stay away from such triggers and prevent painful psoriasis flare-ups. Watch out for these causes of psoriasis breakouts. Stress Studies suggest that stress can worsen your psoriasis symptoms, as it acts as one of the major causes of psoriasis breakouts. Since your symptoms may also lead to you getting stressed, it may seem like an endless cycle. However, you can work towards reducing stress in your everyday life by making yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises a part of your daily routine. Also remember to focus on the positive, talk to friends, and have a healthy lifestyle—all of which can contribute to reducing stress.

Having HIV and having AIDS does not mean one and the same thing. Learn how to tell one from the other. What is the exact difference between HIV and AIDS? Are they the same disease? These are a few of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to HIV. It is understandable that these terms confuse a lot of people, especially since they are often used in an interchangeable manner. However, the truth is that there is a difference between HIV and AIDS. Simply speaking, HIV is the virus that could lead to a medical condition called AIDS. What is HIV? The Huma Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV is a virus that is infectious in nature. As the name suggests, this virus only affects human beings, and its primary focus is on attacking the immune system so as to cause it to malfunction, and eventually shut it down. When it comes to most other viruses, our immune systems are well-versed with recognizing the foreign presence, and then working hard to annihilate it. However, the story is not the same in the case of HIV. For some reason, our immune systems seem completely unable to put up a fight against this virus. Scientists are still stumped as to why our immune systems are unable to attack HIV. While we cannot defeat HIV, it can be controlled very effectively with the use of medications. What is AIDS? Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS is a condition or syndrome. If you are infected with HIV, the chance of you developing AIDS exists. Once the HIV has caused severe enough damage inside the immune system, AIDS rears its ugly head. This syndrome affects and manifests in different people differently. Causing myriad varied symptoms in different people, AIDS symptoms are caused by the fact that the immune system is so compromised that it can no longer protect itself against any infections.