Conditions + Treatments

If you ever get toenail fungus, don’t let it go unchecked. Worst case is you can lose your nail after it becomes warped and discolored. Or the infection can enter your bloodstream. The fungus growing under your nail is a microscopic organism that can cause infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Worst cases may require prescribed medication, but if you catch the fungus soon enough, there are simple home remedies that may restore your nail to health with some dedicated time and attention.

Mentholatum ointment is a topical analgesic. It contains active ingredients of 9 percent camphor and 1.3 percent menthol, while the inactive ingredients are the fragrance parfum, petrolatum and titanium dioxide. It is approved for use on anyone 2 or older. As of November 2010, 1 oz. of Mentholatum ointment costs about $2.29 and 3 oz. retails for about $6.79.

Red ginseng is also known as Korean red ginseng and sometimes called Asian ginseng, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The medicinal part of red ginseng is a root that is light tan in color. The plant has greenish-yellow flowers and rounded leaves.

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the brain and is essential to healthy functioning of the central nervous system. Dopamine helps regulate mood and emotion. When you have enough dopamine in your body, you will feel pleasure, euphoria, have appetite control and increased clarity and focus. If you don’t have enough dopamine in your system, you can be prone to feelings of depression, worthlessness, have cravings and compulsions, and an inability to pay attention.

Menopause is the stage in life in which a woman no longer ovulates and doesn’t have a monthly menstrual period. Most women assume that this is the end of uterine bleeding of all kinds and no longer need to stock feminine supplies. For some, this is accurate, but others may experience uterine bleeding after menopause from time to time. The causes for PMB, or post-menopausal bleeding, vary and may range in seriousness. Treatment for uterine bleeding after menopause may be as minor as adjusting hormones or can result in surgery.

Toothache pain can be debilitating. Those who are unable to see a dentist have found home remedies can help manage the pain until the tooth can be treated. Home remedies can even be used to prevent tooth decay.

Aloe vera is a popular herbal supplement and additive that has a long medicinal history. Aloe vera is the thick, clear or translucent juice from the leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe vera can be commercially extracted and purified, or taken directly by breaking a leaf from the plant and spreading the sap over irritated skin. While aloe vera has been widely used for its soothing and clearing properties, some individuals may experience serious side effects from prolonged use. As with any supplement, medical advice is prudent to determine aloe vera is safe to use with other treatments.

Tear ducts are tiny tubes that extend from the eye into the nose where tears usually drain from the eye. When they become blocked, the opening of the tear duct doesn’t open properly to let tears drain from the eyes. Obstructed tear ducts can be due to bacteria, fungi, dirt and viruses. Infants often get blocked ducts, as their skin is so new and dealing with the impacts of their environment. Whatever the cause, you can use a natural cure for a clogged tear duct that can involve massage, breast milk, or any of a number of simple ingredients.

Aside from the health risks, smoking has another nasty side effect: nicotine stains. These stains affect any area that is in close contact with the cigarette, which includes the fingers, teeth, lips and gums. Smoking filtered or even light cigarettes does not prevent nicotine staining. These nicotine stains can be an unsightly visible sign that you are a smoker.

While there is no quick fix for lowering blood pressure, a variety of medications can reduce hypertension in relatively short order. The article will stress the importance of improving lifestyle habits with the long-term goal of eliminating medications.

Many times your doctor will order a blood test and it will require that you fast before taking it. These could be, for example, a fasting glucose test to determine if you are a diabetic or it could be a test to measure cholesterol level. Eating or drinking can change the results of these tests and produce false positive or negative results. The amount of time you have to fast varies as does what you are not allowed to have, depending on the reason for the fast.

Skin tags are small growths of skin that can appear anywhere on the human body (and on animal bodies too). The growth is painless and essentially just an extra patch of skin. However, depending on where the skin tag is located, it can be a cosmetic issue and may be something you would like removed. Instead of paying for an expensive doctor visit you can actually remove the tag with nail polish.

Thrush mouth is a fungal (yeast) infection on the lining of your mouth. Symptoms are white lesions, resembling cottage cheese, on your tongue and cheeks that may be painful and bleed. It can be caused by steroids weakening your immune system, antibiotics or birth-control pills disrupting your body’s natural balance, or other immune system-weakening diseases.

Many women over the age of 40 suffer from unsightly veins in their legs. We often call these veins spider veins or varicose veins. These are actually 2 different types of disorders. It’s easy to distinguish spider veins from varicose veins. There are certain characteristics that separate one type of condition from the other.

The American Heart Association noted that approximately one in three adults has high blood pressure; however, some are not aware of it because with high blood pressure, there are no symptoms. Because of having no symptoms, high blood pressure undetected can lead to other health issues, which include kidney failure and stroke. Additionally, because of having no symptoms, high blood pressure is labeled as being the silent killer. Below are steps to how to control high blood pressure, the silent killer.

The Depo-Provera shot, known as the Depo shot for short, is a hormonal contraception administered by way of an injection. Each Depo shot lasts for approximately 13 weeks and you must keep up to date on your shots to ensure the Depo-Provera is effective. It is important to get as much information as you can about benefits and risks the shot before deciding if it is right for you.

In an earlier article I explained how several exercises could be used to ease eye strain for better vision. Simple, basic massage and acupressure techniques can relax the facial muscles and related eye muscle attachments.

Life goals are often not something that people stumble upon without much thought. It is common for people to think that they want something and later find out that the dream was short-lived. In order to find what you really want in life, you must be willing to think and plan often, opening your mind to new ideas and possibilities.

Carafate is a medication used to treat stomach (peptic) ulcers. Carafate, available in tablet form, is the brand name for sucralfate, which helps treat duodenal ulcers. It works by lining the stomach wall, thus preventing acids and salts from doing more damage to the ulcer. Over time the ulcer will heal itself. Patients are generally prescribed a higher dose for treating active ulcers and a maintenance dose to prevent more ulcers from forming.

The Mini iSmart Massager, a portable electronic device, works similarly to Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) units chiropractors use. ISmart Massagers have wire-connected pads that attach to the body and send electronic impulses through the skin. Although they’re efficient, you may still encounter problems.

Red, flaky skin can be caused by cold weather, an allergic reaction, a medical condition or certain medications. If your symptoms are mild and the condition is not disrupting your sleep, causing pain and there are no open cuts or sores, you can treat the rash at home. If these symptoms are present, you should see your physician.

The red deer (Cervus elaphus) is a game animal that is hunted and ranched worldwide, and its meat is frequently served in restaurants featuring venison. Blood testing is performed on both living animals and carcasses for several reasons.

Natural gas is a primary energy resource. It is a combustible mixture of methane and other hydrocarbons used mainly as a fuel. The primary component is methane. When natural gas burns, it emits a lot of energy, which is clean and safe since the levels of harmful byproducts emitted into the air are very low.

In the wake of global warming concerns, alternative energy solutions are receiving renewed attention. While solar energy resources are not used on a wide scale, its advocates tout innovative uses associated with solar energy advantages. The solar energy industry continues to undergo development, spanning the globe as well as reaching into the depths of outer space.

You are lying down on the couch taking a nap or reading a book, and suddenly you have this inexplicable pain in your ear. You immediately wonder if you should call a doctor, head to your medicine cabinet for some ibuprofen or drive to the local pharmacy for special drops. There are ways to relieve the earache naturally, without the aids of pills, doctors or ear drops.

People have relied on the medicinal properties of the gel and leaf lining of the aloe vera plant for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, for example, the plant was illustrated on stone carvings and included as a burial present for pharaohs. However, aloe is ineffective or even harmful as a treatment for some conditions.

With growing concern about the health consequences of chemicals found in the public water supply, water filtration systems have made their way into many households. They can be costly to purchase and maintain, however, making it important to find the right filter for your needs. Not only are there dozens of models on the market, but there are several broad categories that each model falls under. The first choice is between inline and countertop systems. The second choice is between carbon filters, distillers and reverse osmosis.

Cell division is the process that forms tissues. Different types of division provide for different types of tissue. Mitosis, the most common form of cell division, is an indirect division characterized by exact division of the chromosomes into two daughter cells. As the cytoplasm and nucleus split, mitosis produces two identical cells.

Studies investigating the effects of toner particles on human health have varied in their conclusions, but all agree the topic needs more study. Laser printers are standard for most large offices. Three studies from 2007 to 2010 illustrate the focus of current research. While one draws a direct link between toner exposure and reduced lung function in mice, another finds no correlation between increased death rates and toner exposure in human workers. A ground-breaking Australian study from 2007 showed microscopic toner particles released by printers can be inhaled deeply into the lungs.

People are said to have impaired vision when their sight is less than the average person’s field of vision. Visual impairments are usually more than just a need for glasses to read. Worldwide, around 314 million people are classified as being visually impaired, as statistics from the World Health Organization note. Of those, 45 million are totally blind. Childhood visual impairment accounts for more than 12 million cases of visual impairment.

Is it a given that every month in a woman’s life has to include a few days of extreme discomfort and pain? Menstrual cramps plague countless women, and discomfort can range from mild to severe, but it is possible to treat the cramps and relieve the pain associated with your monthly cycle. Pain from a menstrual cycle often affects the abdomen and pelvic area, but sometimes, pain can radiate to the back. Cramps and pain tend to subside with time, but if you need immediate relief, over-the-counter products and natural remedies are highly effective and offer long-term treatment.

Finding a prosthetic provider–a professional who creates artificial limbs or orthopedic braces–may seem like a daunting and stressful task. Not only do prosthetic providers create, fit and help patients manage their artificial limbs, but they also will continue to see the patients who wear their devices for the patient’s lifetime–continuing to manage, adjust and replace prosthetics as necessary. Finding a provider, though, is a relatively simple process. Using resources like the health professionals who help you with your rehabilitation as well as organizations representing prosthetic providers will make the process easy.

Phytoplankton are plankton that consist of plants, such as algae. Many species of these microscopic plants live in the ocean, each having a characteristic shape. Phytoplankton grow in abundance in water bodies all around the world. Phytoplankton are the basis of marine food chain and can change global climate. The vast majority of marine fish and mammals depend on phytoplankton for food. So, a downturn in phytoplankton survival can be a good indicator of change in marine environment. Phytoplankton crops are of high interest to Earth scientists around the globe.

According to Medline Plus, high blood pressure “is an increase in the force of blood against the arteries in the body.” Surprisingly, infants can suffer from high blood pressure, which can be caused by a number of reasons.

The flu is a contagious virus that often spreads during the winter. Symptoms of the flu include a sudden high fever, a runny nose, muscle aches, a dry cough, a headache, chills and fatigue. If your baby has the flu, it is important to understand what you can give her to relieve her symptoms.

Walking is wonderful exercise and an ideal way to meet standard recommendations of getting 30 minutes of physical exercise every day. For the cost of shoes and a little bit of time, you can improve your health. As you improve in fitness, you may wonder how far you are walking. Learning to measure distances by walking is integral to tracking your fitness progress. As you get into better shape, the distance you can walk in 30 minutes will gradually begin to increase.

There are three types of rabies inoculation or vaccine. One is a standard vaccine that prevents infection if given before infection, and another is used to treat someone who has already been exposed to the virus. The third type is used on animals to prevent outbreaks.

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that causes pain and stiffness. Arthritis pain can be long lasting and persistent. Treatment for joint pain relief will depend on the severity of your symptoms and what type of arthritis you have. Talk with your doctor about your joint pain and keep a journal to record when, where, how severe and how often your pain occurs.

Tazorac is one of many skin care products derived from vitamin A. Doctors typically prescribe it to treat acne and psoriasis. It helps normalize the growth of skin cells. You can do several things to gain optimal benefit and reduce common side effects.

Wheat germ oil is well-known for its ability to cure dry skin, reduce eczema outbreaks and reduce the appearance of scars. It contains nutrients essential for healthy skin as well as vitamins such as vitamins E and D. With just a few easy steps, you can see a dramatic decrease in your skin’s scars.

Nasal congestion is a condition characterized by inflamed tissues in the nose that restrict normal airflow. It has a number of potential causes, including allergies, cold and flu viruses, sinus infection and overuse of certain nasal medications. While nasal congestion in adults is typically a minor inconvenience, in infants it can lead to life-threatening breathing complications. Treatment for the condition varies with the age of the patient and the severity of symptoms.

A hiatal hernia occurs when part of your stomach protrudes through an opening in your diaphragm called the esophageal hiatus. Most hiatal hernias are not serious, but severe cases may require surgery.

Digestive health is vital to the overall health of our body. What we eat and how our stomach and intestines process that food and liquid can lead to symptoms of nausea, viruses, constipation and other, more severe consequences like kidney and liver problems. According to a recent study in U.S. News and World Report, there are seven common digestive disorders that you need to be aware of.

Serotonin, a natural neurotransmitter, occurs naturally in the body. Serotonin is best known for affecting mood levels, but it also impacts sleeping, memory retention, even appetite. For people suffering from depression, there are several ways to increase serotonin in the bloodstream, which helps to elevate one’s mood. Some methods are natural, involving exposure to sunlight, vitamins and minerals and physical movement. Other methods involve the intake of prescription drugs.

Excessive dry scalp is caused by a deficiency in oils secreted by the sebaceous glands on the scalp.

Hemorrhoids are the result of swollen veins in the rectum and cause pain, itching and sometimes bleeding. They can result from straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, obesity and low-fiber, low-fluid diets. Several treatment options are available that can easily be done on your own for mild cases. More serious cases require medical intervention.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a type of chemical that helps send nerve impulses from one area of the brain to another. It has been called the ‘feel good brain chemical’ and the ‘happiness hormone.’ Its function has been the subject of years of neuroscience research as it is widely believed to play a role in a range of mood disorders including depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Though the link between serotonin and such disorders is not well understood, there is some anecdotal evidence that increasing the level of serotonin may help individuals reduce their symptoms.

Clogged arteries in the legs typically affect those older than 50 and attack smokers much earlier than others. Basic lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of this disorder leading to stroke or heart attack.

Many health food companies, medical practitioners and alternative medical practitioners promote a multitude of “magic” cancer prevention pills. This raises questions on whether these magic pills to prevent cancer actually work. Dietary supplements (multi-vitamins), tamoxifen, curry and even birth control pills are touted for preventing various forms of cancer in men and women.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes scaly, red patches to appear on the skin. While there are several different forms of psoriasis, most can be treated with topical applications that help the pain, itching, and redness subside.