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Eczema – Early Signs and Home Remedies

Eczema – Early Signs and Home Remedies

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a prevalent skin disease affecting over 30 million people in our country. It can affect anyone regardless of age and lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms. Exposure to irritants or allergens and an overactive immune system are the primary triggers of the condition. This article discusses some common early signs of eczema and home remedies to help prevent flare-ups and keep the symptoms in check.

Early warning signs of eczema
This health condition causes several signs that are easy to identify. Do not delay a visit to the doctor if you develop chills and fever along with the following signs, as it may demand more intensive care:

Burning or itching skin
Before you notice any physical signs on the skin, eczema might trigger pain, itching, or burning. At times, the skin might also feel prickly. This is usually followed by the appearance of blisters or boils on the skin.

Boils
Boils or furuncles are tender, raised, red bumps on the skin’s surface. They usually surround hair follicles and sometimes break open and release fluid. Often, fungal infections are responsible for furuncles, but bacterial infections like staph might also be the reason. The staph bacteria causes crust-covered lesions. You can get relief from boils by using doctor-recommended treatments, creams, or ointments.

Fluid-filled and itchy blisters
Eczema might lead to fluid-filled blisters on one or more areas, including the feet, fingers, or palms. The skin might feel intensely painful or itchy in the areas where blisters develop. In some people, blisters develop in groups, covering a larger area. Red, itchy rashes are another prevalent sign of eczema, which usually precede blisters.

Skin infection
Scratching the itchy blisters might result in a skin infection. It happens because the scratching opens the blisters, allowing germs to enter. Some common skin infection signs include yellow crusting, redness, and swelling on the blister spot. Cellulitis is an example of a severe form of skin infection that can develop with eczema. Eczema can also lead to broken and weak skin, which is likely to become infected for reasons other than scratching a blister.

Dry skin
The skin might feel tight and dry even before it causes itching or redness. Dryness implies that the moisture from the skin is escaping quickly through the microscopic cracks on the skin’s surface. A leaky skin barrier cannot defend the body from allergens and irritants, triggering an inflammatory response and resulting in rashes, scaling, and redness. So, moisturize your skin all the time, not merely during the flare.

Eczema and food allergies go hand in hand. Studies suggest that 15 percent of children and babies with eczema also suffer from food allergies. These allergies might induce symptoms that demand immediate addressing, such as rash or hives, an itchy mouth, swelling of the lips and mouth, and GI issues like stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Parents should consult a health expert immediately if their child develops either of these symptoms, as food allergies might need additional vigilance and management.

Home remedies for eczema
Treatment might be necessary to manage the condition if you often have severe eczema flare-ups. However, while there are many treatment options, they can leave your skin irritated and drier. Thankfully, home remedies soothe itchy, red skin naturally. Below we will address a few such popular eczema home remedies:

Evening primrose oil
Evening primrose oil, derived from the primrose plant, can be applied to the skin to soothe irritation. The oil has gamma-linolenic acid and omega-6 fatty acids that help prevent inflammation in the body. It can also offer relief from other early signs of eczema.

Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel that comes from the leaves of the aloe plant has long helped cure several ailments, including eczema. The gel has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which can help soothe wounds and broken skin and promote healing. You can also use aloe vera gel to avoid skin infections that might develop with cracked or dry skin.

Honey
Honey has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, making it a helpful eczema home remedy. It is a humectant that hydrates the skin and helps soothe the wounds by maintaining a moist wound environment. Further, honey also forms a protective barrier when applied to the skin, which helps keep eczema infections at bay.

Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly is a staple moisturizer that helps keep eczema in check. It moisturizes well and does not sting or lead to allergies. But apply a thin coat on the damp skin initially and ensure it does not grease your clothes.

Sunflower oil
The oil from sunflower seeds does an excellent job guarding the skin’s outer layer by keeping bacteria out. Sunflower oil also reduces inflammation, redness, and itching and moisturizes the skin. You can apply it undiluted, directly onto the skin, especially after bathing when the skin is slightly damp.

Colloidal oatmeal
Colloidal oatmeal works wonders for softening and smoothening inflamed skin. Fortunately, it is easy to make colloidal oatmeal with finely-ground oats, and you can also find it in powder or cream form on the market. To use this eczema home remedy, add the colloidal oatmeal powder to lukewarm bathwater and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before bathing. Once you finish bathing, pat dry your skin and finish with a thick layer of hypoallergenic moisturizer with good oil content. This home remedy can help reduce itching and soothe rough skin.

Cold compress
Placing a wet, cool washcloth onto inflamed skin can ease itching and pain. But do not forget to run a fragrance-free moisturizer onto the skin after a cool compress. Also, ensure the washcloth is clean, as dirt can worsen skin irritation and lead to infection.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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14 Home Remedies for Cold-Like Symptoms

Feeling sick and congested is common during the flu season. The combination of fever, chills, body aches and nasal congestion can make anyone feel miserable. Fortunately, certain at-home remedies can relieve the symptoms, helping one return to their daily activities. These remedies can also alleviate cold and cold-like symptoms, like those of the flu. So here are some natural ways to manage cold-like symptoms, such as nasal congestion and sore throat: Stay hydrated One should have a lot of fluids, especially warm beverages, when they are affected by a cold, flu, or fever. Staying hydrated can help relieve congestion and keep the throat moist. So one can opt for water, sports drinks, herbal tea, and fresh juices. However, caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and sodas can cause dehydration, worsening the symptoms. Get adequate rest Dealing with an infection like Covid or the flu can drain one’s energy, leaving one feeling tired. So, to allow the body to combat the underlying infection, one must give it the rest it deserves. Those dealing with cold, flu, or other infections should take a break from school and work and rest to speed up recovery. As infections can be contagious, one should stay indoors and isolate themselves to avoid spreading the illness. Gargle with warm salt water Warm salt water can moisten the scratchy and sore throat and offer temporary relief. One can add half a teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water and garage with it four times a day till one’s health improves. Further, gargling or having warm tea can soothe the tickle in the throat. Try steam inhalation Inhaling warm steam or using a humidifier can help relieve the mucus buildup. It can also help one deal with a cold by reducing the recovery time. Humidifiers convert water into vapor to moisten the dry air. So, when one breathes in moisture, it dislodges and thins the mucus. Additionally, it also helps soothe irritated sinuses. However, one should ensure that the humidifier is cleaned once in a while, or it can become a breeding ground for microorganisms like bacteria and mold, which can aggravate sinus issues. Use a neti pot A neti pot can help rinse the mucus from the nose. This tool is designed to help flush out phlegm. All one has to do is bend their head sideways over the sink and insert the neti pot spout in their upper nostril. Next, they should pour the saltwater solution into the nostril and let water flow out of the other nostril. Alternatively, one can use devices like pressurized canisters and squeeze bottles if they do not have a neti pot. Choose foods with vitamin C Vitamin C offers several health benefits. Some excellent vitamin C sources include leafy greens, grapefruits, oranges, limes, lemons, and other fruits and vegetables. Adding some fresh lemon juice and honey to hot tea can help reduce phlegm when dealing with cold and nasal congestion. Cold or hot lemonade can also be beneficial. Even though these drinks might not relieve colds entirely, they can help one get the vitamin C that the immune system requires. Getting adequate amounts of this nutrient can offer relief from respiratory tract infections. Try beetroot juice Beetroot has healthy nutrients and antitumor, antioxidant, and liver-guarding properties. Beets also help stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce blood pressure, and help improve cognitive and physical performance. Further, studies suggest that beetroot juice can help combat cold symptoms, especially among people with asthma.   Clear the nose frequently This is the most straightforward technique to relieve cold and congestion. Blowing one’s nose can sometimes be better than sniffing the mucus back. However, one should be gentle and do not blow too hard as it can send the germ-carrying phlegm into the ear passages, resulting in ear aches. Take hot showers If one is looking for instant relief from all the viral symptoms, one should take a quick hot shower. Like steam and humidifiers, the vapors from hot water can help with a stuffy and runny nose. One should position their face directly into the steam for better results. Add spices and veggies to meals Some vegetables that help the immune system fight infections include broccoli and red bell peppers. Spices such as astragalus, garlic, and curry can also help with inflammation. Use a warm compress A warm compress helps unclog the stuffy nose by opening the nasal cavity and lowering inflammation. One can directly apply a hot compress to relieve cold-like symptoms. It will reduce the inflammation in the airways, making it easier to breathe. Increase zinc intake Zinc has a crucial role in strengthening one’s immunity and can prevent infectious agents like rhinovirus from reproducing and thriving. So, when one is affected by a viral infection, they can take zinc supplements or lozenges. In addition, adding zinc to daily meals can help relieve cold symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose in a day or two. However, one should seek expert advice on the dosage and type of zinc sources to consider. Try cold compresses If a sinus headache accompanies the cold, one can place a cold compress on the affected area to ease the symptoms by lowering the inflammation. One can make a cold compress by moistening a towel or cloth and freezing it for 15 minutes before placing it on the part of the body experiencing pain. When one has a fever, placing a damp and cool cloth on the forehead can help lower the temperature. Try honey Coughing at night can hamper sleep, making it difficult to get the rest one needs to recover. So, one can try some honey by adding a spoonful to lukewarm water. It may help soothe the throat and temporarily ease coughing. 

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