Posts Tagged ‘Infection’

What are different home remedies for different skin problems?

skin is made up of layers that are constantly changing. There are different skin problems that are faced by most of us now-a-days. There are many home remedies available for treating different skin problems.

HOME REMEDIES FOR TREATING SKIN PROBLEMS

1. Aloe Vera
- Aloe Vera is used in its pure form as a skin softener and moisturizer.
- The gel, which is the fluid within the leaves, has been used for centuries to accelerate wound healing.
- It is a topical pain reliever.
- Aloe Vera to be very effective in the treatment of psoriasis, a relatively common condition that leads to itchy, red scaly patches on the skin and scalp.
- Aloe Vera has been used in the treatment of radiation ulcers, burns, and frostbite injuries in animals.
- Aloe Vera increases the blood supply to the second layer of skin, the dermis.
- This speeds healing by bringing in vital nutrients and removing dangerous toxins.
- Aloe Vera decreases tissue destruction after a burn
Arnica flower.
- Topical preparations are especially helpful for wound healing.
- It is effective as an analgesic (pain reliever), antiseptic and anti-inflammatory cream.
- This treatment is recommended for bruises and swelling due to trauma or surgery.
- It is also helpful in speeding the healing of simple skin abrasions, insect bites and for soothing joint pain.

2. Calendula flower
- It is used in the treatment of burns, bruises, skin infections, cuts and rashes.
- Compresses made with calendula tea are also useful.
- The tea can be used as a mouth rinse to treat painful lesions in the mouth.

3. Comfrey
- Both the roots and leaves of comfrey have been used for centuries to improve healing of cuts and bruises.
- It has also been useful as an anti-inflammatory for treatment of rashes.
- It is thought to promote healing of closed fractures when applied on the skin over the site of injury.
- Application over broken skin can lead to toxicity.
- Tea made from the comfrey leaf is also useful but should not exceed three cups per day.

4. The Tea Tree
- The leaves have been used for centuries as an antiseptic
- They were used in World War I as a disinfectant.
- The oil from the leaves has been harvested to treat cuts, insect bites and other common skin problems.
- The oil has been shown to kill both fungus and bacteria.
- Tea tree oil may be toxic and should never be taken by mouth.

5. Chamomile
- It has been used for thousands of years for treatment of various medical problems.
- Dried and fresh flowers made into a tea have been used for minor stomach upset.
- As an oral treatment, rinse to treat gingivitis and painful mouth lesions.
- It is used to improve wound healing and treat mild skin problems, such as itchy lesions, hives and sunburn.

6. Cayenne
- This spicy red pepper has been used for a multitude of medical problems such as high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, poor circulation, and lung and skin infections.
- There are many formulas that combine capsaicin with other herbal products to maximize antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

7. Calaguala Fern and Pine Tar Products
- Calaguala fern is known for its use in dry, itchy skin and scalp problems, has been combined with pine tar.
- Skin creams, bath products, soaps, shampoos, and conditioners have been made from this combination.
- They are very helpful for dry, itchy skin and scalp problems.

8. Emu Oil
- Emu oil is great for cuts, bites, burns, and the itch of poison ivy.
- It promotes hair growth by rejuvenating skin and hair cells.

9. Flaxseed
- Flaxseed comes from the herb flax and contains those omega-3 essential fatty acids.
- These are necessary for the proper synthesis of immune and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- It is useful in the management of skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis, which are associated with inflammatory processes.
- One to two tablespoons of cold-pressed flaxseed oil should be taken daily, preferably with other foods.

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What are different home remedies for swimmer’s ear – a summer problem?

Characteristics of Swimmer’s Ear
- It is caused by excess water getting trapped in the ear canal.
- It generally happens most during the summer or the swimming season.
- It can also happen throughout the year as well.
- Swimmer’s ear is also known as Otitis Externa.
- It is a condition when the ear is infected and gets an inflammatory feeling.
- It leads to fungus or bacteria.
- Their skin becomes soft around the ears leading to wrinkles on it.
- The extra soft skin could then break and create room for infections to enter.
- If there is any cut, the harmful bacteria in the water could then enter and create havoc.
- This problem causes great pain and discomfort.
- One experiences formation of earwax, loss of hearing, pain or swelling in the ear amongst other things.

Home remedies for Swimmmer’s Ear

1. Rubbing Alcohol and White Vinegar
- Rinse ears using a cotton ball that is soaked in a mixture of half white vinegar and half rubbing alcohol.
- According to Dr. Emily Senay, a CBS medical correspondent, the vinegar can kill any bacteria lurking in the ear.
- The rubbing alcohol will dry out excess water.

2. Olive Oil
- Warm a few drops of extra virgin olive oil.
- Then place it in the ear.
- Cover with a cotton ball to prevent drainage.

3. Hot Compresses
- Hold a heating pad or warm cloth against the painful ear.
- The heat will help to evaporate excess water.
- It will then reduce pain in the ear.

4. Baby Oil
- Place two to three drops of baby oil into the ears prior to entering the water.
- This can help prevent swimmer’s ear.

5. Garlic Oil
- To reduce the inflammation, place two to three drops of garlic oil into the ear canal.
- This can also aid in healing and boost immunity.

6. Blow Dry
- Set your blow dryer to a low heat setting and gently blow into the ear.
- Hold the dryer at least 12 to 18 inches away from the ear.
- This should help eliminate any excess water in the ear.

7. Ear Plugs
- Consider using ear plugs made for swimmers when you are in the water.
- This will help prevent water from getting in the ear and causing irritation.

8. Apple cider vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar is an effective cure for otitis externa.
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with equal amounts of water and rubbing alcohol and put the solution in to the affected ear.
- Do this 2 times daily.
- It kills all bacteria and fungi.

Other additional Home Remedies
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar, water and hydrogen peroxide solution and put in to the affected ear.
- Application of hot compress on the affected ear reduces pain and soreness.
- Resting one’s ear against a heating pad with a towel in between gives immense relief.
- Cleansing one’s ear with a saline solution is another effective remedy
- Swimmers must take care not to jump into unclean water as it could contain bacteria.
- Care must be taken to wear a swimmer’s cap to avoid water from entering into the ear canal.
- Swimmers are advised not to poke into or scratch their ears.

What are different treatment options available for hepatitis?

Hepatitis is a medical condition in which the liver cells are inflamed.

Overview
- The word hepatitis comes from the Ancient Greek word hepar (root word hepat) which means ‘liver’, and the suffix Latin itis meaning inflammation.
- Its plural is hepatitides.
- This condition is recognized by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ.
- This condition can progress to cirrhosis and fibrosis.
- Hepatitis may occur with limited or no symptoms.
- It often leads to jaundice, anorexia (poor appetite) and malaise.
- Hepatitis is acute when it lasts less than six months.
- It is chronic when it persists longer.
- A group of viruses known as the hepatitis viruses cause most cases of hepatitis worldwide.
- It can also be due to toxins (notably alcohol, certain medications, some industrial organic solvents and plants).
- It can also be due to other infections and autoimmune diseases.

How many types of hepatitis are there?
There are five main types of hepatitis that are caused by a virus, A, B, C, D, and E – plus types X and G.

Treatment for Hepatitis A
- There is no treatment specifically for hepatitis A.
- Doctor will advise the patient to abstain from alcohol and drugs during the recovery.
- The vast majority of patients with Hepatitis A will recover spontaneously.

Treatment for Hepatitis B
- A patient with Hepatitis B needs to rest.
- He will require a diet that is high in protein and carbohydrate.
- This is to repair damaged liver cells, as well as to protect the liver.
- The doctor may prescribe interferon.
- Interferon is an antiviral agent.

Treatment for Hepatitis C
- A patient with Hepatitis C will be prescribed pegylated interferon and ribavirin.

Treatment for Hepatitis D or E
- There is no effective treatment for either Hepatitis D or E.

Treatment for Non-Viral Hepatitis
- If the patient has non-viral hepatitis, the doctor needs to remove the harmful substance.
- It will be flushed out of the stomach by hyperventilation or induced vomiting.
- Patients with drug-induced hepatitis may be prescribed corticosteroids.

How to prevent Hepatitis A?
- Wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet.
- Only consume food that has just been cooked.
- Only drink commercially bottled water, or boiled water if you unsure of local sanitation.
- Only eat fruits that you can peel if you are somewhere where sanitation is unreliable.
- Only eat raw vegetables if you are sure they have been cleaned/disinfected thoroughly.
- Get a vaccine for Hepatitis A if you travel to places where hepatitis may be endemic.

How to prevent Hepatitis B?
- Tell the partner if you are a carrier or try to find out whether he/she is a carrier.
- Practice safe sex.
- Only use clean syringes that have not been used by anyone else.
- Do not share toothbrushes, razors, or manicure instruments.
- Have a Hepatitis B series of shots if you are at risk.
- Only allow well sterilized skin perforating equipment (tattoo, acupuncture, etc.).

How to prevent Hepatitis C?
- If you are infected do not let others share your toothbrush, razor, manicure equipment.
- If you are infected cover open wounds.
- Do not share needles, toothbrushes, or manicure equipment.
- If your skin is to be pierced, make sure equipment is well sterilized (tattoo, etc.).
- Go easy on the alcohol.
- Do not share drug equipment.

How to prevent Hepatitis D?
- Use the same guidelines as for Hepatitis B.
- Only a person who is infected with Hepatitis B can become infected with Hepatitis D.

How to prevent Hepatitis E?
- Do the same as you would to protect yourself from Hepatitis A infection.

How to prevent Alcoholic Hepatitis?
- Go easy on the alcohol, or abstain from consuming alcohol.

How to prevent Toxic/Drug Induced Hepatitis?
- Make sure you know about the lethal contents of all chemicals.
- Make sure the spray is not pointing at you.
- Make sure you wear protective gear.