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How to Treat Hand Blisters

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

Blisters on Hand

A blister is a water-filled raised area of the skin. Blisters can happen on any part of the body, especially on surfaces that see a lot of friction like hands and soles of the feet. Hand blisters can be particularly painful as you have to wait till the blister breaks. Hand blisters in children and adults usually occur due to hard physical activity like gymnastics, cycling and even mastering the jungle gym.

There is also a condition which causes small blisters on hand. This condition is called dyshidrosis and is a form of eczema. The other hand blisters causes could be anything including excessive sweating, allergies, bad repetitive friction, or suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes which have been known to cause injuries on limbs.

Hand Blisters Treatment

There is no cure for hand blisters but there is treatment. The main hand blisters treatment is to drain them. This step can be a painful way to treat blisters but it is a necessary step. If the blister is not drained, an infection could start and spread around the blister. Before you lance the blister, you should clean your hands very well. If you are not comfortable lancing the blister, seek help from a doctor.

Once you have cleaned your hands, gather some clean towels, a disinfectant, and cotton swabs. You will also need a clean and preferably unused needle. Also keep a lit candle or a light next to you. Heat the needle till it becomes red hot and lightly touch it to the blister. It will hurt a lot but will also burst. As soon as the blister bursts, you need to soak up all the liquid. Once the liquid is absorbed, disinfect the area with fresh cotton and disinfectant. Do not allow the skin under the blister to get exposed. It could lead to that delicate skin getting exposed to potential infections. Do not aggravate this area and definitely not exert it until the blister completely heals. You can also apply over-the-counter ointments on the deflated blister but avoid bandaging it as the wound needs to breathe and bandages sometimes prevent that. When the blister is healing, avoid constantly touching it. It is an open invitation for infections. If you feel a fever coming on or see redness or a swelling around the blister, it could be the beginning of an infection. Home remedies like turmeric pastes and soothing aloe vera gel can also be used after the blister has been burst.

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Home Remedies for Heat Boils | Natural Cures for Heat Boils

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

Heat boils are boils that often occur in summer but are not because of summer. Boils can form for any number of reasons like ingrown hair, splinters or just a small scab. People with weakened immunity systems like those with diabetes or kidney failure also face recurrent threats of boils. Sometimes you can also get heat boils on the face and these boils could be mistaken for acne.

Heat boils start off as tender red skin. This slowly develops into a proper boil which develops a head with pus in it. There is no cure or treatment as such for the heat boils once you get them. Heat boils treatment options include prevention and methods to avoid further infection till the boil heals.

Home Remedies for Heat Boils Treatment

There are many home remedies for heat boils which help relieve the pain and infection from the heat boils. Once a boil has formed you can use a hot compress to help the boil burst faster. Once it bursts and the pus has drained, the boil will heal much faster.

•    You can use the juice of onion or garlic on the heat boil to help it form a head.

•    You can use juice of any one vegetable or both mixed in equal quantities.

•    Cream mixed with turmeric and a little vinegar makes a great poultice for heat boils.

•    A paste of cumin seeds with water is also good for controlling the infection of the heat boil.

•    You can also apply a paste of betel nut leaves on the heat boils.

•    Applying a paste of turmeric powder with water can also help the heat boil.

•    You can even reduce the infection by applying juice of wheat germ and carrot on the boils.

•    Warm honey mixed with castor oil is very good for heat boils.

Bread softened with water has also been known to reduce the suffering in heat boils. When the boils bursts, remember to clean and disinfect the area completely. You can disinfect the area with some iodine.

A well-balanced diet is a good way to prevent the boils from forming. Along with good hygiene, you should also avoid tea, coffee and other stimulants and junk food. Eating well, getting enough rest and doing basic outdoor exercise are good ways to keep your body systems healthy. Avoiding constipation also helps keep the boils from recurring. If you have any chronic condition and the boils refuse to heal or keep coming back, it might be the sign of something bigger.

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Home Remedies for Fever Blisters on Lips Treatments

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

Sometimes you may notice blisters in and around your mouth. These blisters are called fever blisters or cold sores and are caused by a herpes virus called type 1 or HSV-1.  These blisters appear on the lips, the mouth and even the nose. These blisters often first appear during adolescence and on the wet membranes of the mouth. Thus fever blisters on the lips are a very common condition that affects many people.

The main cause of fever blisters on lips is the spread of the infection from a virus. This virus can spread by direct contact like kissing or sharing items of personal hygiene. It can also spread by contact with the secretion of these blisters. There is no real cure for fever sores. Prevention is the best way to keep fever blisters on the lips in check.

Treatment for Fever Blisters

The primary treatment for fever blisters on lips is care that can be taken to reduce the suffering from the sores and prevent the infection from spreading. You can try different home remedies for fever blisters on lips. Try drinking several cups of sage tea with ginger in it till the blisters clear up. You can also apply cornstarch paste on the blisters, which help the blisters subside. Aloe vera gel and juice have great calming properties and act as an effective anti inflammation product. Dab a little juice or gel on the fever blisters on the lips till they subside. Icing the sores always helps. Rub ice cubes as frequently as needed.  You can also apply a mix of grapefruit seed extract and olive oil, directly on the sores.

If you regularly suffer from these sores, you can try a tincture of equal parts of calendula, oats, Echinacea,Burdock and Lomatium. This tincture can be taken as many times in a day and helps cleanse the body of the toxins. Vaseline or any generic petroleum jelly also helps the sores not to crack and hurt.  Take a little table salt and moisten it slightly and apply it directly on the sore. This helps the sores heal. An application of mint extract directly on the sores has often proved beneficial. You can also apply a steeped and cooled tea bag on the sores. It is very beneficial in soothing the sores. You can also apply some sprit of camphor on the sores.

Once the sores heal, it is very important to maintain good personal hygiene. Do not share any personal items like combs, towel and brushes. Use anti bacterial and hand sanitizers often. Follow a healthy diet so as to build better immunity.

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Cold Sores Treatment, Symptoms and Prevention

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

Cold sores, also called fever sores, are sores that appear on the lips, mouth or the nose. A virus that causes herpes, called mouth herpes causes these sores. These sores are small and filled with pus or liquid. This virus is such in nature that once you get these cold sores, you stand the chance of constantly getting them. There are a number of cold sores symptoms that one would easily be able to identify. The cold sores symptoms include small pus filled blisters that can be painful and unsightly.

There is definite cold sores cure and you need to manage the cold sores symptoms so that you prevent another attack. This is the only effective cold sores treatment. You will find many medicated creams that are available without prescription at chemists. These medicated creams contain benzyl alcohol which helps reduce the pain and irritation of the sores. Repeated and continual application is really beneficial but as these sores tend to be very contagious, it is very important to be careful and constantly disinfect after each application.

Home Treatments for Cold Sores

Home treatments and natural treatments are the most beneficial for cold sores especially as there is no other long term cure. Home remedies help relieve the irritation from the symptoms, thus making it easier to last it out till the sores are cured. Cooled and soaked tea bags have been known to reduce the irritation and the pain of the sores. This cold sore home treatment also reduces the spread of the virus. Carbolic acid mixed in coconut oil and applied on the sores acts as a natural disinfectant and cold sores natural treatment. Natural herbs can also help reduce the irritation of the sores. Try herbs like tea tree oil, sage and witchs hazel to reduce the irritation. If the sores are large and distended, then hot compresses help the sores to burst which will help cure them faster. But remember once they burst, they are more likely to spread the infection and should be quickly disinfected and cleaned.

Lemon juice is also known to help prevent the spread of these sores. Thin slices of lemon can be kept on sores and changed as they dry out. Instead of lemon juice, try spraying a little lemon juice on the sores directly. For a person suffering from cold sores, controlling the intake of foods that often trigger generic allergies, can sometimes help. Foods to avoid include chocolate, tea, coffee, grains and nuts. People suffering from cold sores should also maintain good hygiene and avoid sharing items of a personal nature. Cleanliness is the key to prevent cold sores.

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What is The Best Treatment for Boils

Friday, May 20th, 2011

Boils are pus-filled, large inflammations that occur on the surface of the skin. Boils can be symptoms for many other ailments or can be a skin infection. The primary treatment for boils is to let them completely heal on its own, lancing them in some cases. Hot compresses are also very beneficial in the treatment for boils.

Though lancing is a suggested treatment for boils it is not the best treatment you should undertake at home. Lancing needs an environment that is disinfected. There are other natural treatments for boils which you can do at home.

One main tip in the treatment for boils is that when the boil does burst, keep it constantly disinfected and clean. The pus from boil, if not cleaned, can quickly cause other boils. Usually bacteria cause the boils and white blood cells that fight infection in the body usually turn to pus in these boils. As the pus gathers in the boil, it forms a ‘head’. This head can be broken by giving it hot compresses. That is when you need to be careful.
Neem, a tree found on the Indian subcontinent, is great for disinfecting all kinds of skin-related disorders. A paste of the bark is very good for boils. It disinfects and cures skin ailments. Topical application of garlic cloves also helps the boil to burst and heal. Application of castor oil is also good for healing of boils.

Home Treatments for Boils Remedies

There are a number of home treatments for boils remedies that could be used along with the natural treatment for boils. Herbal medicines like Echinacea has anti viral and anti bacterial properties. This can help heal boils and prevent the formation of new boils.

•    Ginger is also a very effective in bursting the boil as it helps the formation of the head.

•    Oregano and grape seed extracts are also very beneficial to boils as they are used an anti inflammatory agent.

•    Turmeric power, applied as a paste or a salve or even a poultice, is very good for the boils.

•    As farfetched as it sounds, bread soaked in creamy milk and applied to boil is also known to give relief. It softens the taut boil and helps the pus to release.

•    Parsley, in a poultice form, works very effectively in softening the boil and aiding the healing process after the boil has burst.

Keeping your skin clean and eating well is a good way prevent the boils altogether. If the boils on your body are appearing repeatedly and not healing quickly, it could be the sign of some other illness and you should go to your doctor to get yourself checked out.

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How to Prevent Cold Sores on Lips

Thursday, April 14th, 2011

Cold Sores on Lips

Cold sores on lips are red sores that appear on the lips and mouth. Cold sores on lips are caused by a herpes causing virus called type 1. Cold sores on lips can happen to anyone over the age of 20. Cold sores on lips have no real cure and recur at any time once you have contracted them once.

Causes of cold sores on lips are largely exposure to the herpes type 1 virus especially as this virus and infection is very contagious. Cold sores generally take 10 to 14 days to heal. If yours are taking longer, you should visit a doctor.

The treatment for cold sores on lips is largely preventive or palliative as there is no cure. You can purchase some over-the-counter creams that contain benzyl alcohol and apply it with clean hands and cotton swabs on these sores. You need to repeatedly apply it till you see some improvement. It is important to wash, clean and disinfect after every application as it is a very contagious infection.

Home Treatment for Cold Sores

Home remedies for cold sores on lips treat the symptoms and provide relief but not really cure the sores. These home remedies relieve the irritation of these sores.

• Application of tea bags over these blisters is known to reduce irritation and also contain the spread. The bag can be kept on the sores for 20 to 30 minutes. It helps if the infected person curtails the intake of some of the allergy prone foods like peanuts, grains, chocolate, coffee and tea.

• Coconut oil mixed with a disinfectant and carbolic acid can also help.

• Witch hazel, salt and herbs like tea tree oil and sage have also been known to help in reducing the irritation of cold sores.

If these sores are distended and full, you can apply hot packs or hot compresses to get them to burst in a contained environment else it could spread the infection even faster. Ice is known to reduce the irritation and it can be constantly rubbed on infected areas till you feel better. Ice can also reduce the spread of the infection of the cold sores.

Once you have the virus in your system, it stays there. You can take preventive measures to ensure that you have fewer recurrences. Avoid acidic or salty foods. Ensure good hygiene. Avoid sharing bedding or cosmetics with anyone else. Avoid having unprotected sex or even kissing as it could spread the virus.

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Skin Rashes in Children-Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

A rash can be described as a reaction of the skin, to certain factors. There are several things that can lead to skin rashes, such as infections, allergies, drug reactions and so on. Skin rashes in children are probably a lot more common than in adults. This could be because a child’s skin is a lot more sensitive than an adult’s and reacts much faster and more severely to various substances. Fortunately, most instances of skin rashes in children are not a major cause for concern. Moreover, skin rashes in children usually go away on their own, without any treatment required. However, skin rashes in children should never be left unchecked; though rare, it is possible that at times, the rash could be caused by a serious underlying condition, which could even be life threatening. Hence, it is important for all parents to get skin rashes in children checked and investigated immediately, as it is important to know what the exact causes of skin rashes are.

Causes of Skin Rashes

The most common causes of skin rashes in children are allergies and infections. However, there are several other conditions too, that could lead to skin rashes in children. Some of the most common causes of skin rashes in children include:

•    Athlete’s foot
•    Chicken pox or varicella
•    Cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis
•    Diaper rash or diaper irritants
•    Erythema toxicum
•    Fever and petechiae
•    Impetigo
•    Infantile acne
•    Kawasaki disease
•    Lyme disease
•    Measles
•    Meningococcemia
•    Milia
•    Prickly heat or miliaria
•    Ringworm
•    Rocky mountain spotted fever
•    Roseola infantum
•    Rubella or German measles
•    Scabies
•    Scarlet fever, also known as Scarlatina

Symptoms of Skin Rashes

Most people know immediately when a child suffers from a rash, because of the presence of an outbreak of reddish bumps on the skin. This could be noted as the first symptoms of skin rashes. At times, the skin could also be affected by flaky and scaly patches, which are usually the signs of a fungal or bacterial infection. In most instances, skin rashes are accompanied by symptoms like itchiness, redness, swelling and severe irritation.

Treatment for Skin Rashes

Since there are different factors that could lead to skin rashes, it is important to identify what the exact cause is, before proceeding with the treatment for skin rashes. The treatment of skin rashes will vary, as it depends significantly on the factors that cause it. If you are unable to correctly treat the condition on your own, it would be wise to consult your doctor for an effective solution.

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How to Remove Plantar Warts on Feet

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

Plantar Warts On Feet

Plantar warts generally occur on feet. It is a viral infection that appears in the form of warts on the soles of feet. They are usually just thick skin and can sometimes be painful. The warts can aggravate when there is constant pressure and friction on the same part of the feet.

What causes plantar warts on feet? Plantar warts on feet are mainly caused by being barefoot while using public facilities like showers at the gymnasium, swimming pools or even using common shoes. These warts tend to flourish in warm environment. You become especially susceptible if you have a weakened immune system or an open wound.

The main symptom of plantar warts on feet often includes only pain. Most warts don’t pain so if your foot starts to pain, you should visit your doctor, especially if the warts start to bleed. There are times when plantar warts on feet can even affect posture. That happens when the warts have been around for a long time without any remedy.

There are many over-the-counter creams and treatments for plantar warts on feet. These are usually with salicylic acid or with chemicals that freeze the warts. When treating plantar warts on feet one could make use of some home remedies. Perseverance is the key in any treatment for warts.

Treatment for Plantar Warts

As part of your home remedies for plantar warts on feet you could try scrubbing, gently, with a pumice stone, after having soaked the foot with the warts, in hot water. Repeated scrubbing helps the skin to soften and eventually cures the warts. This scrubbing is not a good idea if the wart is paining you or is bleeding.

Taping the affected area with duct tape also works. While this is not a scientific remedy, it seems to help the wart and is a popular home remedy. Covering your wart or the affected area with a clove of garlic and then wrapping a bandage around it helps the wart heal faster. Garlic can be consumed in a capsule form too.

•    Rubbing raw potato slices on the wart is known to help cure the warts. Even rubbing chalk on the wart is supposed to help it get better.

•    Another soak for your wart is one with apple cider vinegar. Soak the bandage in it and wrap the warts. Repeated applications of this soaked bandage is a good home remedy.

•    Other home remedies include vitamin A oil and fish oil. You can also crush vitamin C tablets and apply it on the wart before covering the wart with a bandage. Keeping the bandage dry through the applications is very important. Ensure that your footwear does not get wet or is damp.

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Shingles Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Friday, January 21st, 2011

Symptoms of Shingles

Shingles is a medical condition which is triggered by the virus known as varicella zoster or herpes zoster. The same virus is also responsible for causing chicken pox. In those affected by chicken pox in childhood, the virus may remain dormant in the body. Later in life, the virus can become reactivated and that could lead to shingles.

The causes of shingles may include conditions such as fatigue, stress and weakened immunity caused by advancing age, disease or intake of certain drugs. Illnesses such as cancer and HIV may also be responsible for shingles. Shingles is characterized by a rash that develops all over the body. The symptoms of shingles also include headaches, nausea and dizziness. Those with weak immune systems are more likely to suffer from shingles. One of the first symptoms of shingles may include pain, tingling or burning on one side of the body. This may also be followed by itching, fever and chills. In about a couple of days, raised red bumps occur on the skin and fill with pus. In about ten or twelve days, scabs form. The rash goes away once the scabs fall off in 2 or 3 weeks and scarring may occur.

Shingles treatment involves antiviral medication. However such treatment is effective only in the early stages. Over-the-counter ointments may also be applied to ease the symptoms of shingles; mainly itching. It is important not to scratch the skin as this could lead to secondary infections.

Natural Treatment for Shingles

Many individuals opt for natural treatment for shingles. Firstly, it is necessary to improve the immune system by consuming vitamin C rich foods. Supplements of vitamin C may also be taken. The virus may also be flushed out the system by consuming a drink of water and sea salt. Including garlic in meals is another way of combating the virus.

•    To obtain relief from itching, honey may be applied to the affected areas.

•    To alleviate the rash, place a wash cloth dipped in a solution of apple cider vinegar and water on the affected skin. This helps to reduce burning.

•    The capsaicin contained in cayenne pepper is known to ease the rash caused by shingles. A small quantity of capsaicin may be added to a gentle body lotion and then applied on the skin.

•    Coconut oil may also be applied to treat shingle rash. The area can then be covered up with a bandage.

•    Essential oils such as geranium and peppermint oil are also known to be effective in treating shingles.

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How to Get Rid of Plantar Warts

Friday, January 21st, 2011

Causes of Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are a common viral infection in which the warts appear on the sole of the foot. These warts appear on areas where there is a lot of friction and pressure. When these warts aggravate, they can affect movement.

The causes of plantar warts include using public facilities like showers, swimming pool and even common shoes. Such places are warm, damp environments where the virus flourishes. Skin trauma and weakened immune system due to other diseases could also lead to plantar warts.

Symptoms of Plantar Warts

The symptoms of plantar warts are mostly pain in the foot. These warts do not usually pain so if you experience any pain or you notice any blood or lesions, you should seek the help of a doctor. Other symptoms include posture which gets affected due to the pain and thickened skin on the foot with calluses or any other form of growth.

You can treat plantar warts with over-the-counter treatments of salicylic acid or other ointments that freeze the warts. The plantar warts treatment includes home remedies. Treatment for plantar warts needs to be repeated frequently for the warts to be completely cured. Home remedies for plantar warts are just as effective and would require perseverance as the key to plantar warts treatment.

You can try removing the wart by gently scrubbing with a pumic stone after a warm soak. There is even the duct tape cure which seems to work. Wrap the area repeatedly in duct tape for a few weeks till it gets cured. This duct tape method is not entirely scientific but seems to be popular for plantar warts treatment.

Home Remedies for Plantar Warts Treatment

•    Other popular home remedies include garlic. You can cover your wart with garlic and bandage it over the pod. Doing this repeatedly ensured the healing of the wart. Consuming garlic capsules also helps.

•    You can also use an apple cider vinegar soaked bandage to cover the wart. Even in this treatment, perseverance is the key.

•    You can use vitamin A oil and fish oil, or you can crush vitamin C tablets and apply it on the wrats for effective plantar wrats treatment.

•    Another home remedy that works on plantar warts is rubbing the wart with slices of raw potato or chalk.

The best way to cure the wart is to prevent it altogether especially after recovering after one infection. Stay dry and keep the bandage dry. Ensure that the foot stays covered and keep the foot closed.

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