Causes and Symptoms

Trauma or injury to the skin is some of the most common causes of spider veins. However, some people are more likely than others to suffer the condition, such as nurses, beauticians, teachers, and factory workers, who spend a great deal of time standing on their feet throughout the day. Other factors that contribute to spider veins include:

• Your family tree
• Obesity
• Hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, and menopause)
• Use of birth control pills
• Hormonal replacement
• History of blood clots

Patients with spider veins sometimes suffer pain or discomfort, such as aching or cramping in the legs. Other symptoms of the condition include tiredness, restlessness, burning, throbbing, tingling, or heaviness in the legs. Symptoms for women tend to worsen during certain times of their menstrual cycle or while pregnant. Large sores may even develop, as well as darkening of the skin around the ankle region. In the worst cases, spider veins can lead to painful blood clots and inflammation of the vein called thrombophlebitis [1].

Spider Vein Home Remedies

For many, spider veins are simply an unpleasing sight that plagues the skin, while others suffer the threat of medical complications. To hide, lessen the appearance, or ease the existence of these colorful blemishes, consider the following home remedies for spider veins:

a) Make-Up:

Spider veins are difficult to cover up with makeup, but depending on your natural skin tone, heavy foundation may do the trick. Spider veins with a purplish tint usually respond well to a green-tinted foundation.

b) Get Active:

Since standing in one place for more than a couple of minutes creates the perfect environment for spider veins to develop, move around when you find yourself stagnant for too long. The movement will cause venous blood to keep traveling instead of pooling in one place when you’re in a standing position.

c) Weight Loss:

Individuals battling obesity tend to put more pressure on their legs when they walk or stand. Lose extra pounds to prevent and lessen the visibility of spider veins.

d) Walking:

Treat the appearance of spider veins by walking to get your circulation pumping, which also provides a way for people to lose weight, if needed.

e) Epsom Salt:

Soak in a hot bath filled with Epsom salts twice a week.

f) Lunges:

If standing for long periods of time is a must, take breaks to stretch out your body. One of the best methods is the lunge. Stand with your feet together, sliding one foot about a foot forward. Shift your weight to it, and then bend your back leg at a 45-degree angle (at the knee). Hold this position for one second, and then stand up straight. Return to your original position and repeat with the other foot. This exercise will help keep your blood moving and avoid collection in the veins.

g) Yoga:

Certain postures in yoga can help lessen the pressure on veins and drain blood from your legs. Consider the following when fighting the appearance of spider veins: Viparitakarni, Sarvangasana, Padmasana, Gomukhasana, Sirshasana, Vajrasana, and Shalabhasana.

h) Stockings:

Tight fitting support hose can lessen the pain and discomfort associated with spider veins. Common stockings include those that fit below and above the knee, as well as various styles of pantyhose.

i) Feet on Floor:

If you are employed at a job that has you sitting a lot, make sure you sit up straight with your feet flat on the ground or floor to decrease pressure on your veins.

j) Avoid Crossing:

Don’t forget that crossing your legs at the knees increases pressure, which can lead to spider veins.

[1] http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/guide/cosmetic-procedures-spider-veins

Identifying a Fire Ant

In their nest, this stinging species of ant varies in size – from 1/16 to 1/5 inch long. Their head and body are dark reddish brown with a darker underside. They build and live in mounds that can reach more than 15 inches high, 15 inches in diameter, and up to five feet deep [1]. Disturb their activities or come too close to their nest and they are extremely aggressive. Fire ants will swarm over anything that poses a threat to the nest, including wild animals, pets, and humans. In some cases, an attack can result in a death.

In the United States, fire ants sting 20 million people in a year. They live in regions throughout Alabama, Florida, California, Kansas, Maryland, and Puerto Rico. According to Texas A&M University, fire ants cause the state of Texas an estimated $1 billion in damages on a yearly basis.

If a fire ant bites you, expect painful stings that eventually turn into a small welt. Multiple bites will result in clusters that resemble a rash.

Fire Ant Home Remedies

When it comes to controlling fire ants, the best approach is one drenched in patience. While some fire ant infestations take a couple of hours to calm down, others include weeks or months of work. It is important to treat or remove all fire ant mounds because missing even the smallest of colonies can result in a reinfestation that kicks off in less than one year. A couple of suggestions on how to win the battle against these blazing pests include the following home remedies for fire ants:

a) Target Only Fire Ants:

When fire ants become an issue, it’s common for homeowners to launch a full assault on all ants, but keep in mind – other ants contribute to the slowing down of fire ant populations, such as cutting down their food supply. Make sure you only target fire ants when using home remedies.

b) Dry Ice:

Slip into a pair of work gloves to safely insert a piece of dry ice into the top of a fire ant mound. It is your goal to kill the queen and most of the worker ants with this negative 110-degree approach.

c) Shovel:

During the winter season, you can still fight fire ants. With shovel in hand, dig up mounds and toss them downwind as far as possible. Refill the mound with new soil. After the sun sets and overall temperatures drop, the ants left above ground will die.

d) Lye:

If you happen to have a bar of lye soap in your house, melt ½ bar and add to five gallons of water. Remember, when handling lye, it is important to wear rubber gloves and protect your eyes. Pour the mixture into a fire ant mound for a remedy that’s also safe for the environment.

e) Urine:

Human urine has a knack for turning off fire ants. In some cases, pouring the liquid on and around mounds have encouraged some colonies to set up shop elsewhere.

f) Spearmint:

If you don’t mind the scent or spreading of spearmint in your yard, plant the herb close to an infestation, which some say repels fire ants.

g) Hot Water:

If you only have one or two mounds in your yard, dig up the colony and deposit a 5-gallon bucket of hot, soapy water. Allow the water to sit for 24 hours. Hopefully, the hotness of the water mixed with the soap will scald the ants. Keep in mind that ants can survive underwater for up to 14 days, so the key to this method is using boiling hot water. When disturbing the nest, stay alert to prevent a swarm of fire ants from stinging you.

h) Remove Their Scent Trails:

Fire ants use scent trails to find their way back home. Right before a downpour and before the ants have returned underground, dig up the ants and toss them as far as you can. Make sure that you transport the ants downwind. When it rains, their scent trails will wash out and most of them will not be able to find their way back to their home. Oftentimes, this method must be repeated.

i) Fire Ant Bait:

If you’re looking for a homemade bait to lure fire ants to their end or make traps enticing enough for pests to bite, you can a) mix equal parts of borax and granulated sugar, b) create a mixture of corn syrup and borax, or c) combine peanut butter and boric acid (15%) in a jar lid.

j) Diatomaceous Earth:

Comprised of silicate shells belonging to microscopic sea creatures called diatoms, fire ants become dehydrated after coming in contact with the razor-sharp edges of these shell fragments. Damaging the exoskeleton and disrupting the waxy coating of the ants, they can suffer dehydration within 12 to 24 hours.

Resources

[1] http://www.fireant.net/

Symptoms of a Bee Sting

A bee sting causes the skin to become red, swollen, intensely painful, and plagued with a burning sensation. In some cases, severe allergic reactions take place, where victims of bee stings suffer difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, swollen eyes and mouth, and disorientation. In the worst instances, unconsciousness or death is a possibility.

Bee Sting Home Remedies

When attacked by a bee, one of the first things to do is carefully remove the stinger – making sure not to squeeze it. This will avoid the excessive transfer of allergic chemicals into the body. Other home remedies for bee stings known to calm the pain and encourage healing include:

a) Toothpaste:

To ease the burning sensation of a bee sting, apply toothpaste.

b) Sugar:

To prevent a bee sting from leaving behind a scar, rub granulated sugar over the affected site.

c) Raw Onion:

Prevent infection and help draw out toxins by rubbing a slice of raw onion on a bee sting.

d) Meat Tenderizer:

Neutralize bee sting poison in a couple of minutes by applying meat tenderizer to the site – the kind that you use for cooking.

e) Baking Soda And Vinegar:

To remove the stinger of a bee, place baking soda on a sting and then pour vinegar over the baking soda until the powder disappears. The bubbling effect will draw out the poison and help ease out the stinger.

f) Parsley:

Apply freshly crushed parsley to a bee sting and rub it in, which helps ease pain and neutralize the poison.

g) Ammonia:

Beekeepers usually keep a highly diluted solution of ammonia in a spray bottle nearby for treating bee stings.

h) Basil:

Crush fresh basil leaves and apply directly to a bee sting to ease symptoms.

i) Apple Cider Vinegar:

Tame the sensation of a bee wound by rubbing apple cider vinegar quickly after suffering a sting.

j) Baking Soda:

Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste that will soothe bee stings when directly applied to the skin.

k) Papaya:

Cut a slice of fresh papaya and apply to a bee sting for one hour.

l) Mud:

Add dirt to a small amount of water to create a mud pack that attaches to the stinger and easily pulls it out, as well as reduces swelling.

m) Window Cleaner [1] :

Reduce the swelling and pain of a bee sting by applying on a bit of spray-on window cleaner after removing the stinger. Choose a product that contains ammonia, but stay away from concentrated selections.

Resources

[1] Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things by Reader’s Digest; pg. 385

What is the Flu?

Attacking your respiratory system, a viral infection zeroes in on your nose, throat, bronchial tubes, and lungs – wreaking havoc on your entire body [1]. Three different types (or strains) of viruses are responsible for the flu (also known as influenza). Type A is the most dangerous – a constantly changing virus with the ability to strike on a worldwide scale. Type B usually is responsible for more localized outbreaks, but evolves into new strains on a regular basis. The fairly stable Type C is often connected to the flu that circulates during the wintertime – affecting people on a smaller scale.

Causes and Symptoms

When an infected individual coughs, sneezes or talks, the flu virus travels through the air in droplets. Many people directly inhale the droplets, while others pick up flu germs by coming in contact with a contaminated object, such as a telephone or computer keyboard – transferring the virus to their eyes, nose or mouth. Often mentioned in the same breath, influenza differs from the common cold because it is usually more uncomfortable and involves a sudden fever over 101 F, headaches, achy muscles (especially in the back, arms and legs), extreme fatigue, and intense coughing.

Other symptoms of the flu include:

• Chills and sweats
• Nasal congestion
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea and vomiting in children

Flu Home Remedies

While you can use home remedies for flu to treat your runny nose, coughing, and other symptoms, keep in mind that this condition is serious business. Seek the assistance of a doctor if your voice becomes extremely hoarse; chest pains arise; your phlegm is yellow or green; prolonged vomiting takes place; or you experience difficulty breathing. Other than that, the following flu home remedies will have you feeling better in no time:

a) Horseradish:

Fight a sore throat, gain fever relief, break up mucus, and ease the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections by adding horseradish to your dishes.

b) Heating Pad:

To relieve tired, achy muscles, place a heating pad to ease the discomfort and pain associated with the flu.

c) Your Diet:

When the flu is at its worst, your appetite will most likely take a dive. When you start to feel the urge to munch on something, choose bland, starchy foods – like dry toast, applesauce, cottage cheese, bananas, boiled rice, rice pudding, cooked cereal, and baked potatoes.

d) Vitamin C:

Increase your intake of vitamin C to give your immune system a boost, as well as increase the number of white blood cells in your body.

e) Diluted Ginger Ale:

Drink flat ginger ale or dilute your soda with water to avoid an upset stomach and nauseous feeling that carbonation can create in flu patients.

f) Hard Candy:

A moist throat means less discomfort. Suck on hard candy to reduce irritation in your throat.

g) KY Jelly:

Use K-Y Jelly (or petroleum jelly) to ease the irritation and redness when blowing your nose causes overworked nostrils. Keep in mind that K-Y Jelly tends to dry slower than petroleum jelly.

h) Frequent Hand Washing:

Lessen your chances of re-infecting yourself and others by getting in the habit of frequently washing your hands.

i) Hot Water Soak:

Soaking your feet in hot water can battle flu headaches and nasal congestion.

j) Avoid Alcohol and Cigarettes:

Keep in mind that smoking and alcohol can lower your resistance to sickness and make it harder for you to overcome the flu.

k) Bed Rest:

Being too active can weaken your defenses and increase your chances of suffering prolonged symptoms. Rest your body to effectively fight the flu infection

l) Back Rub:

Give your immune system a boost to fight a flu infection by enjoying a back rub.

m) No Handkerchiefs:

Since the cold virus can live for several hours, avoid wiping your nose or sneezing into a handkerchief. Use paper tissues instead to avoid re-infection.

n) No Aspirin:

It might be tempting to pop an aspirin to relieve your flu symptoms, but avoid taking the little white pill, which has a reputation for irritating mucus membranes.

Resources

[1] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/influenza/DS00081

What is the Common Cold?

A viral infection attacking your upper respiratory tract (the throat and nose) is responsible for the common cold. Although it feels like the end of the world to be stuck with a box of tissues by your side, colds are generally harmless. From a runny nose to nasal congestion, people respond in different ways to the sickness – partly due to the more than 200 viruses associated with the common cold.

Is It a Cold or the Flu?

Often lumped in the same category, the kinds of organisms responsible for causing a common cold and the flu are completely different. Usually, the flu causes greater discomfort, while a cold tends to last longer. Other differences include:

• Fevers are rare with colds, while a flu victim generally suffers a sudden spike in temperature.
• Headaches come with the flu, while colds rarely bring on a pounding head.
• Slight aches may emerge with a cold, while the flu causes extreme body aches.
• Runny noses and sore throats are common with a cold.
• A mild to moderate hacking cough is typical with a cold, while the flu causes severe coughing.
• Colds are mildly fatiguing, while the flu can have you out of commission for an average of two weeks.

Causes and Symptoms

Cold viruses enter the body by way of the nose or mouth. After a sick person coughs, sneezes, or even talks, the virus travels though droplets released into the air. Hand-to-hand contact with contaminated objects, such as telephone receivers and hand towels, also spreads the cold virus. Oftentimes, touching the nose, eyes, or mouth after being exposed to infection can lead to ‘catching’ a cold. Out of the more than 200 viruses responsible for colds, the most common offender is the highly contagious rhinovirus [1].

Signs and symptoms of the common cold may include stuffy or runny nose, itchy or sore throat, watery eyes, cough, congestion, body aches, mild headache, sneezing, mild fatigue, and a low-grade fever (up to 102 F degrees).

Common Cold Home Remedies

While home remedies for the common cold use convenient ingredients and methods typically found in the comforts of your own household – it’s important to recognize when your symptoms indicate something more serious. Contact a physician if you experience fevers above 101°F for more than three days; extreme pain; greenish or bloody sputum; shortness of breath; difficulty swallowing, excessive loss of appetite; and/or wheezing. For treating the general under-the-weather cold, consider the following home remedies:

a) Lemon and Honey:

Combine one teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey. Add hot water to the ingredients to create a healing syrup, which soothes the throat, loosens mucous membranes, treats fever, and eases body aches.

b) Pot of Boiling Water:

Boil a pot of water on the stove. Turn off the flame and drape a towel to form a tent over your head and the pot of hot water. Inhale the steam to moisten a dry throat, calm coughing fits, and make it easier to breathe.

c) Garlic:

Add a spoonful of garlic paste to a glass of warm milk to reduce chest congestion and make breathing easier.

d) Ginger:

Drink ginger tea to soothe the coughing that comes with a cold.

e) Cinnamon:

In a glass of water, boil cinnamon with a pinch of pepper and honey to treat a sore throat and reduce the lingering effects of a cold.

f) Onion:

Use onion to help liquefy phlegm, making it easier to remove the unwanted substance from your system.

g) Garlic Tomato Soup:

Boil two to three tomatoes in a cup of water. Add one teaspoon of garlic paste, butter, and black pepper powder to the blend. Consume the soup two to three times a day to relieve nasal congestion.

h) Sage:

With powerful antiviral properties, gargle a sage infusion to treat a sore throat, stuffy nose, and persistent cough.

i) Horseradish:

Grate enough horseradish to create one to two teaspoons. Add one teaspoon of apple vinegar or honey to the horseradish. Place a small amount of the mixture on your tongue and take a long breath in, which aids in loosening up congestion.

j) Vitamin C:

A study conducted at University of Wisconsin revealed that participants taking 500 milligrams of vitamin C four times per day suffered about half as many cold symptoms as people who did not. The vitamin may also decrease the frequency of sneezing and coughing. Increase the amount of vitamin C in your diet by drinking orange, grapefruit, and cranberry juices.

k) Zinc:

According to research conducted in Great Britain and the United States, cut the length of your cold by sucking on zinc lozenges – known to lessen your suffering on an average of four days. Zinc also treats dry, irritated throats. Beware of the unpleasant taste of zinc, which can be softened by the addition of lemon or honey.

l) Keep Warm:

Stay warm when battling cold symptoms to encourage your immune system to focus on fighting the cold infection instead of using energy to protect you from cold weather.

m) Avoid Handkerchiefs:

When you need to blow your nose or wipe a runny nose, opt for paper tissues instead of handkerchiefs, which provide the perfect environment for the cold virus to thrive.

n) Wash Your Hands:

Reduce your chances of re-infecting yourself (and others) by washing your hands on a frequent basis.

o) Mild Exercise:

Improving your circulation can help the immune system circulate much-need antibodies that fight your cold infection. Take a ½ hour walk or enjoy light aerobics to get the blood pumping.

p) Chicken Soup:

Unclog nasal passages with a cup of hot chicken soup, which encourages the flow of congesting mucus – the stuff that comes out when you blow your nose or sneeze.

q) Clear Liquids:

Flush out the cold virus by drinking six to eight glasses of water, tea, juice, and other clear liquids on a daily basis.

r) Hot Toddy:

At night, a stuffy nose may respond to a half a glass of wine or a couple sips of brandy.

s) Avoid Smoking:

Your throat doesn’t need any more irritation; smoking tobacco products only worsens your cold. It also hinders your body’s ability to fight infection and remove bacteria out of the lungs and throat.

t) Saltwater:

Gargle with saltwater morning, noon, and night to provide sore throat relief. Mix one teaspoon of salt in a glassful of warm water.

u) Steamy Shower:

Clear congestion by taking a steamy shower to open up lung and nasal passages.

v) Petroleum Jelly:

When blowing your nose becomes a painful experience, use a Q-tip to apply a layer of petroleum jelly outside the rim of your nostrils.

Resources

[1] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/common-cold/DS00056/DSECTION=causes

What is a Splinter?

A splinter is actually any foreign body that is partially or fully embedded in the skin. While typically comprised of wood, small pieces of glass, metal, and plastic materials are also considered a splinter. The worst cases usually involve foreign materials embedded or lodged under fingernails and toenails. The most common places to find a splinter include underneath the skin of the hand or foot.

Splinter Home Remedies

The majority of people suffering a splinter are successful in removing and treating their condition. Splinters often create a unique sensation, alerting an individual of its presence. However, don’t underestimate the power of something with such a small size – splinters carry germs. Many people have suffered an infection, inflammation, or an allergic/toxic reaction when they’ve gone unnoticed [1], which is why it’s important to get acquainted with the following home remedies for splinters:

a) Elmer’s Glue:

Pour a drop of Elmer’s Glue-All over the splinter. After it dries, you should be able to peel the dried glue off the skin with splinter attached.

b) Magnifying Glass:

Sometimes it is hard to pinpoint the location or position of a splinter. Use a magnifying glass to gain a better look at the foreign object.

c) Soap and Water:

Before attempting to remove a splinter, thoroughly wash your hands and the splinter site with soap and water.

d) Hydrogen Peroxide:

Pour hydrogen peroxide over the location of a splinter. Within minutes, you should see your splinter lying outside of the skin, as the bubbling action of the hydrogen peroxide causes material to lift out of their hiding places.

e) Ice:

Place an ice cube on the skin to numb the area before attempting to remove a splinter.

f) Duct Tape:

Place a piece of duct tape over a splinter, and leave on for 30 minutes. Slowly peel away the tape to hopefully remove the foreign material out of your skin.

g) Tweezers:

One of the best ways to remove wood, fiberglass splinters, and small pieces of glass is to use a pair of slant-tip tweezers.

h) Egg Shell:

Crack a whole egg and empty the contents into a bowl. Place the inside (wet side) of the shell onto the splinter for a couple of minutes. Once removed, you should find that the splinter has worked its way up so that you can pick it out using a pair of tweezers.

i) Needle [2]:

Wipe rubbing alcohol on a clean, sharp needle, which you can use to break the skin covering your splinter. Use the needle to gently lift the tip of the foreign object.

j) Castor Oil:

For an overnight home remedy to treat stubborn splinters, rub on a small amount of castor oil and cover the splinter area with a Band-Aid. In the morning, the splinter will have surfaced for easy removal.

k) Warm Water Soak:

Try soaking in a relaxing warm bath for 10 to 15 minutes to coax out a wooden splinter. Use a washcloth and rub the skin outward – along the line of the splinter to make it surface. Usually, the splinter pops out on its own because water causes the wood to swell and travel towards the opening of your skin.

Resources

[1] http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030615/2557.html

[2] http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid/FA00055

Causes and Symptoms

If you haven’t disturbed a healing pimple, acne scars are often the handiwork of inflamed lesions, such as a papule, pustule, or cyst [1]. The inflammation and its aftermath occur when the follicle (or pore) is overrun with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. As the pore swells, a break in the follicle wall takes place. If a rupture takes place on the surface of the skin, lesion damage is typically minor and you should expect faster healing. However, pair severe lesions with a deep break in the follicle wall and an infection arises – infiltrating the dermis and destroying health skin tissue.

Pimple scars range from darker or lighter spots of discoloration; pits or grooves in the skin; and in the worst cases, bubbly masses of scar tissue called keloids.

Pimple Scar Home Remedies

As frustrating as they may be, pimple scars are all part of our body’s natural healing process. While some facial blemishes refuse to fade without professional help, others have the potential to response to some of the following home remedies for pimple scars:

a) Fresh Lemons or Limes:

Using a cotton ball, directly apply the juice of fresh lemons or limes to pimple scars. Allow your skin to soak up the lemon juice before rinsing your face with water. Lemon juice is known to improve dark pimple scars by lightening their appearance in the same manner that people use lemons to lighten their hair.

b) Ice Cubes:

Rubbing ice cubes on the skin can help reduce the appearance of pimple scars. However, keep in mind that leaving ice cubes on your face for too long will result in damaged skin cells.

c) Vitamin E:

Spread the contents of a 200 IU capsule of vitamin E on your pimple scar.

d) Aloe Vera:

Delivering the healing efforts of vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc, use aloe vera to encourage the healing of pimple scars. Spread the gel found inside a fresh aloe vera plant on scars several times a day.

e) Mint Leaves:

Gardeners who plant mint have an advantage for in-house pimple scar treatments. Mint leaves have a knack for softening the appearance of scars, acne, and dark circles. Wash 10 to 15 leaves and place in between a clean cotton cloth with perforations. Create mint leaf juice and apply the extract to pimple scars.

f) Sour Cream, Yogurt and Oatmeal:

Create a healing mixture by thoroughly blending one tablespoon each of sour cream, yogurt, and ground oatmeal with a couple of drops of lemon juice. Apply the pasty mixture to your face for 10 minutes, and then wash off. Repeat this process four times a day. It is suggested to use low-fat sour cream if you suffer from oily skin.

g) Honey:

Directly apply honey (a known natural moisturizer) to pimple scars and leave on overnight as a mask to promote healing of stubborn pimple scars.

h) Egg Whites:

Treat pimple scars by using a cotton ball to dab on egg whites. Leave on overnight.

i) Zinc:

Increase the amount of foods in your diet that contain zinc, which is known to enhance the healing process. Suggested sources include pumpkin seeds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, lean red meat, as well as Swiss and Cheddar cheeses.

j) Cucumber:

Cucumbers have a reputation for soothing inflammation, refreshing the skin, and healing acne scars. To treat dark pimple scarring, prepare a facial mask comprised of cucumber juice or a freshly mashed cucumber paste. Keep masks on for five to 10 minutes, followed by a washing off. Repeat this process two to three times per day for the best results.

k) Banana:

Mash a ripe banana and apply the fruit on pimple scars, allowing the remedy to dry for five to seven minutes before washing off.

l) Olive Oil:

Lessen the appearance of stubborn pimple scars and soften the texture of skin by massaging olive oil into affected areas.

m) Garlic:

Cut a fresh garlic clove in half and rub on pimples to reduce the appearance of scars.

n) Tomato Juice:

Perhaps it’s the acidic content found in tomatoes that helps some people overcome facial scars attributed to pimples. We do know that the vitamin A found in the vegetable possesses antioxidant properties that rejuvenate scarred and damaged skin. Apply fresh tomato juice to affected areas or rub the cut-side of ½ tomato across your skin.

o) Papaya Juice:

The natural fruit enzymes of papaya juice aids in the exfoliation and reduction of blemishes on the skin.

p) Sunscreen:

Before leaving the house, protect your skin and prevent pimple scars from becoming darker with a daily application of sunscreen. It’s usually best to rub the sunscreen into your face and neck 20 minutes before going outdoors.

q) Homemade Facial Peel:

This homemade facial peel contains one green and chamomile teabag, one peeled cucumber, one pouch unflavored gelatin, and 1 ounce of aloe vera gel. First, add ½ cup of water to steep the teas in separate cups. Squeeze teabags and set aside around one ounce of liquid from each cup. Place cucumber in a food processor to create a paste, and then strain. Set aside the juice for the rest of the recipe. In a small saucepan, heat the tea. Add the gelatin and stir until it dissolves. Remove mixture from the heat and pour into a glass bowl. Add the cucumber juice and aloe vera gel. Mix well. Place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill. The remedy will thicken within ½ hour. Apply the facial peel to your face and leave on for 15 minutes. After it has completely dried, peel off the mask, followed by a wet, warm washcloth to the skin.

Resources

[1] http://www.acnegroup.org/aboutacne.php4

What are Sand Fleas?

While the sand flea looks like an insect, it’s actually a crustacean that chooses to lay its eggs in rotting seaweed [1]. Found in parts of the Mediterranean, southern Asia, India, South America, and Africa, the sand flea also resides in Florida and other parts of the United States. Munching on organic and decaying plants, it’s easy to come in contact with a sand flea since beach seaweed is a favorite meal for the pests. Whenever seaweed washes ashore, large numbers of sand fleas can gather to feast.

The sand flea measures less than 1/8 of an inch (3 mm) long, making it pretty tricky to pinpoint in sandy beaches. Ranging in color from pale to brownish in color, the flea looks quite similar to a shrimp-like creature. Equipped with long legs, the flea swims or jumps to its next destination. Sand fleas bite, causing an uncomfortable setting for beachgoers during the evening, nighttime, and dawn hours of the day. Other places that sand fleas frequent include swamplands, creeks, lakebeds, and wetlands.

Sand Flea Fever

While a sand flea bite is not particularly painful, it is the allergic reaction accompanied by intense itching that makes many people feel uncomfortable. The bites can also cause welts and lesions in some victims that last for hours. Some red welts measure one to two inches wide [2]. The itching drives individuals to scratch, which can sometimes lead to infection.

To make matters worse, there’s people who develop sand flea fever – often battling sores that resemble volcanoes with raised edges and centralized craters. Over time, the size and appearance of the sores will change. Other symptoms of sand flea fever include headache, feverishness, flushed face, chills, muscle and joint aches, shivering, and bloodshot eyes.

Sand Flea Home Remedies

The main threat of sand fleas is the itching they cause with their bites. To encourage a speedy recovery and tame an itch attack, consider the following home remedies for sand flea bites:

a) Hydrocortisone Cream 1%:

Somewhere in the back of your medicine cabinet, you may have a tube of hydrocortisone cream. It’s the kind of cream that knocks out itchiness, but can also take care of the redness and inflammation of bites.

b) Garlic:

Cut a clove of garlic in half and directly rub onto a sand flea bite. Safe to use on both adults and children, you can easily put an end to itchy skin.

c) Calamine Lotion:

This popular standby for mosquito bites also takes care of sand flea bites.

d) Baking Soda and Water:

If you don’t have any calamine lotion on hand, mix baking soda and water to create a smooth paste to spread across your bites.

e) Salt:

Mix a small amount of water and one teaspoon of salt to treat sand flea bites. Dab on a bit of the remedy. Do not use a towel to wipe or dry off. While the water dries, the salt residue remains to fight itching. Another remedy – take a dip in saltwater to calm the itchiness of sand flea bites.

f) Aloe Vera:

A window shelf aloe plant comes in handy when sand fleas have bitten you. Break a small piece off of the plant and rub on a bite or infected skin.

g) Citrus Juices:

Bitter-tasting juices possess components that can ease sand flea bites, including lemon juice and lime juice.

h) Hydrogen Peroxide:

When a scab forms on a sand flea bite, create a 50/50 mix of hydrogen peroxide and betadine solution. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and dab around the wound.

i) Rubbing Alcohol:

When no scab has formed, clean a bite site with rubbing alcohol and follow up with an application of antibacterial ointment.

j) Powdered Milk:

When the itch of sand flea bites are driving you crazy, create a paste out of one part powdered milk and two parts water with a pinch of salt. Dab onto bites for relief. The enzymes contained in the milk powder help to neutralize allergens associated with the sand flea.

k) Chest Rub:

Provide immediate relief for itchy bug bites with a layer of chest rub (like Vicks Vaporub) – thanks to the menthol and eucalyptus contained in the product [3].

Resources

[1] http://www.flea-i.com/sand-fleas.html
[2] http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/stings.htm
[3] Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things by Reader’s Digest; pg. 123

Causes and Symptoms

In the majority of cases, a dental issue is the most common reason behind achy teeth, including gum disease, cavities, cracked teeth, TMJ, and impacted molars [1]. Outside factors, such as sensitivities to heat and coldness, nerve damage, earaches, sports injury, or sinus infections, can also bring on a bout of tooth pain. Discomfort may emerge around affected teeth and radiate into the jaw region. Some people experience a dull ache; while others complain of unbearably, sharp pain. Depending on the cause of your tooth pain, swollen or bleeding gums may occur.

Tooth Pain Home Remedies

Tooth pain makes it difficult to get a good night’s sleep and/or complete your everyday activities. In order to ease the constant reminder of a tooth or medical issue until you are able to seek professional help (if needed), consider the following home remedies for tooth pain:

a) Elevate Your Head:

At night, tooth pain either arises or worsens due to increased blood pressure in the head region. If you keep your head elevated during bedtime, you can lessen some of the pressure that often leads to painful teeth.

b) Water:

Sometimes, trapped food is the cause of your tooth pain, where all it takes is a mouthful of water and a vigorous rinse to dislodge offending food particles.

c) Ice:

Some people have treated tooth pain by manipulating the pressure point located at the V-shaped area where the bones of the thumb and forefinger join on one hand. Rub an ice cube in this space for five to seven minutes.

d) Garlic:

Chew a clove of garlic in the morning to ease the symptoms of tooth pain.

e) Vanilla Extract:

Two to three drops of vanilla extract placed on a painful tooth can provide instant relief.

f) Salt and Warm Water:

To ease minor tooth pain, try gargling a glass of warm water with one teaspoon of salt. It is recommended to repeat after every meal and before going to bed.

g) Avoid the Heat:

If an infection is causing your tooth pain, keep away the heat, as the warmth contributes to the transfer of bacteria to the outside of the jaw, which worsens your symptoms.

h) Chest Rub:

Smear a dab of Vicks Vapor Rub on the side of your face associated with the tooth pain. Place a paper towel on top and lie down in the bed. The chest rub creates heat that absorbs into the skin, delivering relief to your pain.

i) Potato:

Slice a piece of refrigerated potato and place on your achy tooth for about 15 minutes.

j) Tea Bag:

Press a hot, moist tea bag to a painful tooth to enjoy quick relief.

k) Cough Drops:

Reach for two Halls cough drops and allow both to dissolve in your mouth, as a small amount of anesthetic will go to work on your tooth pain.

l) Wheat Grass:

Lucky is the juicer who has a handful of wheat grass in their home. Battling bad breath, dental decay, and tooth pain – use the juice to draw out toxins in your gums and curb the growth of bacteria.

m) Listerine:

Tap into the antiseptic power of Listerine and gargle a small amount to treat tooth pain.

n) Cucumber:

It is said that a cold piece of cut cucumber placed directly on a tooth can help ease the pain.

o) Brandy:

Soak a cotton ball with brandy and squeeze out onto an infected tooth to numb the pain. Some people prefer taking a swig of hard liquor (like whiskey) and holding it over a painful tooth.

p) Cashews:

Some people have chewed cashews, which contain components that promote the healing of a painful abscess of a tooth.

q) Onion:

Chew a raw onion for around three minutes to eradicate any germs in the mouth that may cause your tooth to hurt.

r) Lime:

With the power to prevent decay, strengthen teeth, fight dental cavities, calm bleeding gums, and ease toothaches, try drinking lime juice.

s) Floss Your Teeth:

If tiny food particles (especially the ones left behind by starchy or sugary foods) stuck between your teeth are causing pain, gently floss your teeth to remove the source of your discomfort.

Resources

[1] http://www.endodovgan.com/Endoinfo_Toothache.htm

What is a Bed Bug?

Feeding on the blood of warm-blooded creatures, bed bugs are small, wingless insects that wait until nighttime before painlessly stealing away a few drops of blood [1]. During the feeding process, a miniscule amount of their saliva enters the skin, which causes victims to suffer skin reactions. Bites tend to occur around the arms, hands, neck, torso, and even the face.

Symptoms

People with skin sensitivities and individuals with repeated exposure to bed bugs walk away with mild to severe allergic responses. For some, bed bug bites look nothing more than mosquito bites, and are hard to tell apart. In other cases, the frequency or cluster of bites often alert victims to a bed bug attack, but can also be mistaken for a severe rash. Welts or red lesions are a common bodily reaction to bed bug bites, where scratching intensifies bites in size and level of itchiness.

Bed Bug Bite Home Remedies

A bed bug bite can last from a couple of days to a few weeks, which all depends on the allergic sensitivities of a victim. At first, the itching will subside, followed by the fading away of the bite mark. To speed up the process and ease unbearable itching, consider the following home remedies for bed bug bites:

a) Soap and Water:

Clean bed bug bites with antibacterial soap and water to prevent bacteria from entering broken skin.

b) Calamine Lotion:

Offering protection for the skin, calamine lotion dries out the bites, promotes healing, and calms itchiness.

c) Cool Water:

Rinse bed bug bites with cool water to take some of the sting out of itchy skin and calm down any swelling.

d) Ice:

Treat swollen and itchy skin by applying ice to cool the bites, decrease inflammation, and ease your desire to scratch. Press an ice cube on and off the skin for a couple of minutes throughout the day for relief. Some people reduce their chances of frostbitten skin by wrapping ice in a towel to create a cool compress.

e) Oatmeal:

Add powdered oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and soak to reduce the irritation of itchy skin.

f) Salt and Baking Soda:

Relieve the discomfort and itchiness of bed bug bites by mixing equal parts of baking soda and salt with enough water to make a thick paste. Apply to bites when needed.

g) Alka-Seltzer:

Treat the itch of bed bug bites by dipping a cotton ball into a ½ glass of water containing two Alka-Seltzer tablets and applying to bites. If you are allergic to aspirin, do not try this remedy.

Resources

[1] http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/bedbugs/#what
[2] Reader’s Digest Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things; pg 38