Poison ivy is a toxic plant widely found throughout the country. This plant, upon contact with human skin, causes a painful rash, known as contact dermatitis. The rash is caused by an allergic reaction to an oily resin, called urushiol, which is found in the leaves, roots, and stem of the plant. If you come in contact with the oil, wash your hands immediately to avoid the rash. In case it develops, it may be extremely itchy and last for weeks. Mild cases of poison ivy rash can be treated at home, using cool baths and soothing lotions. However, if the rash becomes widespread and severe, you may require proper medical evaluation and suitable medication. Common symptoms of poison ivy rash Usually, the rash appears after 12 to 48 hours of the contact and lasts up to 2-3 weeks. The most common symptoms include: Swelling Redness Itching Blisters Difficulty in breathing. This usually happens if you have inhaled the smoke produced from the burning of poison ivy. The severity of the rash depends upon the amount of urushiol that comes in contact with your skin. If this oil is more, the rash will be more intense. Usually, the rash looks like a straight line because of the way the plant brushes against your body.

Nothing can refresh you as much as a good night’s rest. It rejuvenates your body and gets you ready for working hard the next day. Sleeping well is as important as your diet and exercise. However, many people all over the world face sleep deprivation. Inadequate sleep will result in weight gain and increase the risk of falling ill due to low immunity. At the same time, sleeping well will ensure that you have a hearty appetite, it will improve your health, and increase your stamina. It is crucial to remember the importance of adequate sleep. Let’s discuss five ways to help you sleep better. Get your smartphone out of the bedroom The first thing you have to do to sleep well is to make sure that you don’t use your smartphone in your bedroom. Remember that the bedroom is only for sleeping and resting. When you get to your bed after a long day, your body will want to sleep. However, when you browse the internet and use various apps on your phone, you’re making sure that your body does not get enough rest. The white light of your smartphone’s screen sends signals to your brain indicating that it’s not the time to sleep.

When you feel pain in your lower back, you will find it difficult to do some of the basic chores of your daily life like walking, bending your back to pick up something, or even climbing stairs. The condition of your lower back hip doesn’t have to be like this all the time. You can improve this condition with the help of some simple measures. Here is what you can do to control your lower back hip pain. Hot And Cold Treatment Using both ice and a hot water bag are very much beneficial as far as your lower back hip pain is concerned. You need to keep order if you need maximum results. After you have an injury, first you have to apply ice, and then you need to use a hot water bag. As you feel pain on your lower back, ice it for the first 24 to 48 hours. There are some ways you can apply ice and reap maximum benefits. Here is how you should be doing it: Buy a cool pack or get a plastic bag and fill it with ice. Now, wrap the ice pack or bag in a cloth to protect your skin.

Hidradenitis suppurativa, commonly referred to as acne inversa, is a chronic skin condition which is difficult and complicated to deal with. Triggered during puberty, teens, or 20s by unhealthy lifestyle habits, this condition is caused by a blockage in the apocrine glands. It is characterized by the appearance of painful bumps under the skin, in the hair roots, or near some sweat glands. They typically occur where skin rubs together, such as in the groin, armpits, and buttocks. The lumps may break open and emit a bad smell or cause tunnels under the skin. Hidradenitis suppurativa can persist for several years, and this skin condition usually worsens with time. It can impact one’s daily life as well as mental well-being. Therefore, it is vital to diagnose it in time so that a doctor can  recommend appropriate treatment. With the right treatment, one can also prevent the formation of new lumps and other complications such as depression. Common symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa Hidradenitis suppurativa typically occurs in areas surrounding the hair follicles. It may also appear in a single area or multiple parts of the body. Common signs and symptoms of this disease that you should watch out for include: Red and tender bumps:

Aches and pains are almost inevitable no matter how hard you try to stay healthy. Pain can be caused due to a lot of conditions and even diseases. Moreover, it can be mild or can go on to be really troublesome. Thankfully, there are a variety of pain relievers available in the market today. These pain relievers can help you get through the pain and you can get on with your daily activities. Whether it is your back that is bothering you or a headache, painkillers always provide the much needed temporary relief. TYLENOL® Extra Strength Caplets This is the best pain reliever that you should have at all times. While this pain reliever comes in different formats and formulas, these tablets are highly recommended by the best doctors and are tried and tested. This tablet is specially made to treat pains as well as minor aches. However, if you have pain that is associated with swelling, then Tylenol is perhaps not the best option. You can go for this option when you are dealing with backaches, headaches and the like. Aleve Caplets If you are facing back pain, then Aleve is a great choice as it is considered one of the best pain relievers.

Toenail fungus is a common problem that begins with a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. Nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken, and crumble at the edge as the fungal infection goes deeper. It can attack any nail. You may not need a treatment if your condition is light and not disturbing you. If the nail fungus becomes painful and makes the nails thickened, home remedies and medications may be effective. Nail fungus usually comes back even if the treatment is successful. Read on to know the symptoms nail fungus and methods on how to get rid of it: Symptoms Although the fungus mainly affects the toenails, nail fungus can affect any fingernail. If properly treated, fungal nail infections don’t usually lead to serious long-term problems. However, in certain individuals who have diabetes or a weakened immune system, they may be more serious. There is no pain associated with the infection, but if you find your nails thickened or show discoloration from white to yellowish brown, you may have fingernail fungus. Nails becoming brittle, crumbly, ragged or distorted in shape are also its symptoms. Debris may build up under the nail and make the nail dark.

Pollen can cause allergies and hay fever, and this is a very common problem in the country. Pollen is a powdery substance produced by flowers and trees. Many people show adverse effects when they breathe in pollen. Usually, when a harmful invader like bacteria or virus enters the body, the immune system starts to fight against it. However, some people face a problem whereby their immune system starts attacking pollen when it enters the body, even though it is not harmful. This response is known as an allergic reaction, and the pollen is known as the allergens. Many people face this problem throughout the year while others have to deal with it only during a specific time of the year. Pollen count Pollen count is the level of pollen present in the atmosphere in a particular place. Checking this count is quite useful for the people who suffer from a pollen allergy. Based on the weather condition, the count will vary from place to place. An allergist carries out this test which helps us know the exact pollen count in an area. When you have an idea about the pollen levels outside, you will be able to plan your outdoor activities with ease.

Have you ever imagined that a bug that is not visible to the naked eye could cause serious allergic reactions? Dust mites that can only be seen through a microscope can cause allergies that may even lead to breathing difficulties! Belonging to the tick and spider family, dust mites can be found in warm and humid environments. Common places at home where these mites thrive are bedding, soft toys, upholsteries, and carpeting. These microscopic creatures feed on dead skin. On an average, around one and a half grams of skin is shed every day by an adult human. This is the best food for dust mites. A runny nose and sneezing fits are common dust mite allergy symptoms. Long-term exposure to these mites may result in asthma and sinus infections. What is a Dust Mite Allergy? Dust mites survive in any type of climate and almost any altitude. These are microscopic bugs that thrive in humid conditions and   feed on the dead skin that shed by humans. As many as 20 million people in the country are affected by dust mite allergy. When people are exposed to the waste products of dust mites, the immune system is triggered. As a result, antibodies are produced against normal, harmless substances.

Erection problems occur when a man cannot achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse with a partner. While this is not a life-threatening issue, one should still consult a medical expert if they are unable to achieve an erection for one-quarter of the time to find out the underlying cause for this problem. Erectile problems are also known as: Sexual dysfunction Impotence ED or erectile dysfunction Common causes of erection problems It is necessary to understand why this problem occurs to get the right treatment. According to various medical reports, the most common causes of erection problems are psychological, physical, or a combination of both. Some research studies state that older men suffer from erectile dysfunction due to various physical reasons. The blood vessels and nerves responsible for an erection may be affected by this disorder. On the other hand, some medical studies indicate that most of the times, psychological effects and lifestyle concerns cause erectile dysfunction in young men. Here is a list of the probable physical causes that lead to erectile dysfunction in men. Note that these causes may vary from one person to another. Diabetes Heart disease along with the narrowing of the blood vessels High cholesterol High blood pressure Metabolic syndrome and obesity Multiple sclerosis Parkinson’s disease Peyronie’s disease (anatomical or structural penis disorder) Hardening of the arteries Substance abuse Kidney or liver disease Alcoholism Treatment processes for the prostate issues Congenital genitalia issues Excessive tobacco use Hormonal disorders like testosterone deficiency and thyroid conditions Radiation therapy in the pelvic region Injuries to the spinal cord or pelvic area Surgical complications Almost 90 percent of the erection problems are the result of physical causes.

Sinuses are the area in the forehead just in the center of the eyes and behind the cheekbones. They are hollow air spaces whose primary function is to make mucus. This mucus keeps the inner side of your nose moist, thus protecting you from pollutants, allergies dust, and more. Hence, sinuses are not the cause of any problem. The problem occurs when you have a cold or any other allergy, and your nose gets swollen. This swelling blocks the sinus passage of your nose, making you feel uncomfortable. You may also find yourself unable to drain the nose. If you have a blockage in the sinus area of your nose, your speech is also affected. Let’s have a look at some of the common causes and triggers that can lead to sinus problems. Viruses Usually, sinus infections start with a cold. When you have a cold, your nasal tissues gets swollen, blocking the holes that drain the sinuses which leads to breathing difficulties. In case a virus is the cause of your sinus infection, then antibiotics are not capable of curing it as these medicines only kill bacteria, and not viruses. One should wash their hands regularly and keep themselves away from any sinus-infected person.