Shingles also called herpes zoster is a type of viral infection and a painful rash can be associated with this disease. At some point, a large number of people develop shingles and the varicella zoster is the virus that causes this infection and it is the same one that causes chickenpox. If you had suffered from chickenpox during your childhood days, the shingles virus will stay dormant in your body and it reactivates after a certain period to cause a shingles rash. The rash can affect any part and the first symptom of the shingle is the pain. In addition to the rash, you can find fluid-filled blisters within a few days and there can fatigue, light sensitivity or fever as well. You cannot find a magical solution for shingles. Anyhow, antiviral medications are available for reducing the symptoms and you can find several types of shingles ointments to treat this condition. Baking soda or cornstarch paste A past can be made with the help of water and cornstarch or baking soda to reduce the itching tendency involved with shingles. You have to add two parts cornstarch into a cup and one part water must be added to get the expected consistency. This mixture can be applied to the rash and it can be washed off after 15 minutes. This process has to be repeated many times in a day. Zovirax ointment Zovirax is a very popular prescription ointment cream for addressing the symptoms of shingles. It contains acyclovir, an anti-viral medication, and this shingles ointment is commonly used for treating cold sores and genital herpes found in your mouth. This product also offers good results when it comes to healing the skin lesions and you can use it to prevent the spread of the virus. All lesions need to be covered with Zovirax ointment and the only area you need to avoid is your eyes.

Allergic reactions affect everyone. Kids, infants, and toddlers are no exceptions. Your child could suffer from any of the numerous allergies. Identify the trigger, and consult with your pediatrician to find the right treatment. What are allergic reactions? Allergic reactions are the first signs of the body’s defense mechanism, kickstarting its work. The immune system releases a chemical called histamine which stimulates the body to display signals in the form of allergic reactions like—sneezing, running nose, rashes, etc. Histamine might help the body block or kick out invasive substances, but severe allergic reactions can be harmful. That is why people with allergies are prescribed antihistamines, which suppress the reactions caused by histamines. Allergies in kids Allergic reactions in kids can include skin symptoms like hives and rashes. These are caused by allergens like insect stings, animal dander, etc. Allergies can also manifest themselves in the form of respiratory symptoms like—blocked nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing. Severe reactions can trigger anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal. Some common allergic reactions: Rashes or hives Itchy skin Bumpy, inflamed red spots Sneezing Running nose Nasal congestion Coughing Itchy, watery eyes Wheezing If the reaction is severe, and it develops into anaphylaxis, you might notice these symptoms: Swollen throat, tongue or face Dizziness Cramps, nausea, and vomiting Diarrhoea Your child may even become unconscious If you notice any of these severe symptoms, emergency medical attention is required, so rush your child to a hospital. Kids allergy relief Consult your pediatrician about your kid’s allergies, and try to identify the common triggers. Once you find what causes the reaction, do your best to keep your child away from triggers. Knowing the best kids allergy relief is of utmost importance. If your pet is causing allergies: You may have to consider giving your pets away If the allergy is not severe, you could give the pets frequent wash and brush to keep them free of dander Limit the contact the child has with animals If insect bites cause an allergic reaction:

Turmeric is a culinary spice that has a use in every home in India. It has a bitter warm taste and can be identified as an additive flavor to almost all Asian dishes. Besides, it has been used conventionally as a disinfectant. A rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant, Curcuma longa belongs to the ginger family known as Zingiberaceae. Its underground stems—rhizomes, are the source from which turmeric is derived. Curcumin, a yellow-colored constituent in turmeric stems, is often used to color curry powders, butter, mustards, cheeses, and even cosmetics. It is the effective part of turmeric’s chemical composition, almost 2 to 6 percent of the spice in total. The chemical comes packed as a powerful antioxidant and carries anti-inflammatory properties. How Does It Work? Curcumin present in turmeric can help in reducing inflammation. Researchers suggest that turmeric intake helps ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The curcumin molecule itself appears to be a potent blocker of inflammation. This is why turmeric might be beneficial for treating almost all major diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular problems. There is a study that shows how curcumin causes death in Neuroblastoma cells, producing minor toxicity. Curcumin can be attached to nanoparticles and can be sent to the tumor cells. This can destroy neuroblastoma cells, which causes cancer in children. This shows that nanoparticles can be an effective delivery medium for cancer drugs. Why a Turmeric Supplement? Lab tests carried out on turmeric have shown promising results. Some of them are: It is evident that curcumin blocks the growth of some particular tumors. Turmeric extract has helped stabilize colorectal cancer in some cases. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in pain relief in the joints and muscles. Various skin disorders/diseases like lichen planus can be cured by the use of turmeric. Cardio-vascular issues like high cholesterol and heartburn (dyspepsia) can be cured by curcumin.

Probiotics are microorganisms which supplement natural bacteria in the gut and help in balancing of intestinal flora. World Health Organization has also defined probiotics as live microorganisms which offer health benefits to users. A common use of probiotics is in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments as inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a condition which is usually poorly understood and the treatment options are little. Probiotics are useful in the treatment of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Many research studies have been done in judging the role of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome. Research has shown that Bifidobacterium infantis is effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome. Bifidobacterium infantis is known to reduce the pain in the abdomen, bloating and difficulty in bowel movements. It is available in pure form and is known by the name of Align. Probiotics can be taken safely as it considered as a food by Food and Drug Administration. Health benefits of Probiotics Probiotics have numerous health benefits for any individual. They generally help the friendly bacteria in the human digestive system and are thus known to aid the process of digestion. The role of probiotics in aiding and healing conditions related to diarrhea is also well documented. They are also known to keep the heart of a person healthy and play a vital role in maintaining the mental balance of a person. Probiotics have been appreciated in particular for reducing the severity of allergies and are known to treat conditions related to eczema in particular. Irritable Bowel Syndrome It is a condition which causes discomfort in the belly and causes trouble in bowel movements. It is not life-threatening but can result in weakness in a person and will certainly affect the daily life of a person. Typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating, Irritable bowel syndrome can be triggered by multiple factors including consumption of certain foods and medicines.

The allergic reactions that are caused by the stamen of flowers are known as pollen allergy. The allergy is caused when the pollen disperses in the air. Due to its fine texture, it is easily transported by air currents. When you inhale pollen, or if it comes in contact with your nose, mouth, or nasal passages, you might get the allergy. Causes of Pollen Allergies Pollen allergies can occur due to different plant pollens that grow in various seasons. For example, if you experience pollen allergy in spring, it is due to the following plants: Oak Birch Hickory Pecan Grasses If you fall sick due to pollen allergy in summer and fall, it is mostly because of ragweed. Pollen allergy targets your nasal passages and sinuses. You could feel irritations in your nose, respiratory tracts, and throat. A pollen allergy test will help you detect the right cause. It may be due to grass, plants, trees, or weed pollen. The different pollens exhibit variant pollen allergy symptoms. Once you visit your allergist, he might provide a clear idea on the type of allergy you suffer from. After knowing about the allergen, effective measures can be taken. Understanding Pollen Count In order to combat pollen allergy symptoms, it is important for you to know about the pollen count in your area. If you are living in a rain forest, the pollen usually gets washed to the ground, and so, chances are very low for allergies. The pollen count is high in dry and arid regions like deserts and plateaus. You can subscribe to pollen count services and allergy forecast information. These services are accessible through the internet and smartphone applications. They provide a clear report on the pollen count in your area. Cities are termed high or low, with respect to the pollen count.

Lower back pain can be caused due to an injury to the spine, muscles, or ligaments in the lower back area of the body. In some cases, it can also be caused by the compression of nerves coming out from the spinal cord, due to some medical condition or accident. Tearing or damage to the lumbar discs can also cause severe back pain and inflammation, that needs immediate attention. Sometimes, pain in the lower back region can also result due to some degenerative condition like arthritis or osteoarthritis . It can also be caused due to tumors, infections or any other bone deformity. The severity of the back pain depends on the degree of injury sustained by the spine. If the spine is badly bruised or injured in an accident, you must visit a doctor and get a check up done for any serious complications. However, if the pain is mild and is caused by sudden twisting or bending, it can be treated at home. The treatment you opt for the Lower back pain relief depends on the nature and severity of the cause. Following are some of the treatment options available for Lower back pain relief. Home remedies Home remedies like hot or cold treatment are effective in alleviating back pain, by numbing the area or blocking the nerves from delivering the pain signals to the brain. You can also increase the blood flow in the area to reduce any swelling. An ice pack or a hot compress can be used to treat lower back pain. Antibiotic Medication If the home remedies do not work for you, you can consult a doctor and can follow a treatment course. Muscle Relaxants to relax the muscles that surrounds the lower back and to ease the pain. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs to reduce inflammation caused by injuries.

Primarily a headache disorder, migraine is usually characterized by recurrent headaches and can be diagnosed on the basis of medical history, symptoms, and physical & neurological examination. Migraine is a common problem in the country and is accompanied by physical warning signs like blind spots, nausea, flashes of light, tingling sensation in arms and legs, vomiting, etc. The excruciating pain during migraine last for several hours or even days. To combat this pain, there are several treatments for migraine that help in easing severe pain. Treatments for Migraine There are different treatments for migraine that are known to stop symptoms and avoid future attacks. There are different medications that are designed specifically to treat migraines. Medications used to combat migraines can be classified into the following two categories: Pain-relieving medications – abortive or acute treatment, these medications are usually taken at the time of migraine attack and are specifically designed to stop or avert the symptoms. Preventive medications – These medications are often taken regularly to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. There are some medicines that are not recommended or advised if the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, there are some medicines that are not suitable for children. It is best to consult a doctor before starting any medicine. Pain-relieving Medications Pain-relieving medication should be taken as soon as symptoms of migraine are experienced. The medication works when taking at an initial stage and helps in easing the pain. Also, during migraine attack, it is advised to sleep in a dark room with no light. Migraine treatment medications include: Pain relievers for mild migraines belong to classes and OTC drugs For moderate migraine pain medications belong to Acetaminophen, Aspirin and Caffeine, Triptans are classes of medications that are used for treating moderate to severe types of migraine.

Sinus is a swelling or an inflammation that is caused by the lining of the tissues of the sinus. They are a connected system of hollow cavities of the skull. Generally, sinus, when healthy, is filled with air, the problem occurs when these get blocked and get filled by germs which cause a lot of infection in the area. The structures present inside the sinus help to filter the air. The sinus is lined with soft and pink colored tissues called the mucosa. Sinus is generally of four types: Acute sinus, chronic sinus, sub-acute sinus, and recurrent sinus.The acute sinus lasts about 2–4 weeks; however, sub-acute sinus lasts for about 4-12 weeks. Moreover, chronic sinus lasts for about 12 weeks or more, and recurrent sinus occurs several times in a year. Our cheekbones have the largest amount of sinus, and the frontal sinuses are located in the lower center part of the forehead. Sinuses are also present in between the eyes and in the bones behind the nose. Millions of people develop sinus infections nowadays and this has become a common problem. Even young children are prone to sinus causes and develop this issue which often becomes a lifelong problem. People who suffer from sinus often experience pain which can be at different levels depending on the intensity of the infection. The forehead and the area between the eyes and the nose can become very painful. When someone suffers from sinus, they are required to blow their nose very often as there is a lot of nasal discharge which can be cloudy, green, or yellow. There is also constant nasal congestion as the inflamed sinus may restrict your breathing patterns a cause immense discomfort. The relentless swelling and pressure in the sinus can give a lot of bad headaches, and even ear pains and dental ache.

Dry eyes, or dry eye syndrome, as the name suggests is a condition when the surface of the eye isn’t adequately lubricated. The primary reason for this condition is inefficient functioning of the tear ducts in the eyes. Millions of people in the United States suffer from dry eyes. Tears and dry eyes The cornea is the dome-shaped outer surface of the eye. Basal tears are a fluid mixture secreted by the tear glands located near your eyes. These tears are produced to keep the eyes constantly lubricated. Tears do this by continuously layering themselves on the surface of the cornea, serving as liquid protection. This way, tears keep the eyes moisturized by being released with every blink, and never lets them dry. Tears also aid in clearer vision by helping light focus on the pupil, If your eyes don’t receive an adequate amount of basal tears, or the composition of the tears is abnormal, your eyes will experience difficulty seeing clearly and functioning normally. Tears are made up of three layers Oil/Lipid layer: This is the outer layer of the tears and is made of lipids. They are secreted by the Meibomian glands. Since these are molecules of oil, they do not evaporate from the corneal surface and help retain moisture for a long time. Aqueous layer: This is the middle layer of the tears and is made up of water-soluble protein and water. The main lacrimal gland and accessory lacrimal glands are responsible for secreted this layer of the basal tears. Mucin layer: This is the inner layer of the teardrops and is secreted by the goblet cells. The function of this layer is to bind to the water molecules of the aqueous layer and prevent them from evaporating quickly. Symptoms of dry eyes Dry eyes usually occur among adults and more prevalent among females.

The human neck is made up of vertebrae that extend from the skull right up till the upper torso. These cervical discs absorb shock that can occur between the bones. The ligaments, bones and muscles of the neck support the head and allow its motion. Neck pain relief will depend on the type of stiffness and neck pain can be caused by any inflammation, abnormalities, or injury. People experience neck pain or stiffness at different occasions. The most common cause of neck stiffness and neck pain is a bad, poor posture that eliminates lumbar support. Neck pain can also be caused due to an injury, a fall etc. that can occur during high impact physical activity. Most neck pains and stiffness are not a serious conditions, but if not treated and prevented, they can become chronic. Most of these can be fixed within days with effective neck pain relief medications and remedies, but sometimes neck pains and stiffness point towards a serious illness, injury or disorder and may require immediate medical care. Neck pain and stiffness that lasts for more than a week should be or is very severe should be treated by a doctor as a medical emergency. Causes of neck pain There can be a number of reasons that cause neck pain and stiffness. Muscle strain and tension Activities and behaviors given below cause muscle strain and tension: poor posture working at a desk for too long with no changing position jerking the neck during exercise Wrong sleep posture especially the neck region. health conditions like heart attack, meningitis or fibromyalgia A doctor usually performs a physical examination and takes into account the patient’s complete medical history. The doctor should be aware of all the symptoms and any prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements that have been consumed for providing effective neck pain relief treatment.