Thick and voluminous hair seems like an elusive dream for most of us. Thinning hair and hair fall affect both men and women of all ages. Thinning hair or hair loss can occur due to a variety of reasons. Emotional stress, hormonal changes, unhealthy eating habits, side effects of medication and harsh hair treatment are some of the common reasons for thinning hair. Consultation with a dermatologist can help find the cause of thinning hair and help find the right thinning hair products. Using the most suitable thinning hair products and making appropriate lifestyle changes can help treat thinning hair and hair loss. Causes of thinning hair Before moving on to thinning hair products, it helps in understanding the various causes of thinning hair in order to find the right fit. Hair loss not only affects the scalp but the entire body as well. The common causes of thinning hair are as follows: Family history: People who have a family history of thinning hair are potential candidates for thinning hair or hair fall. Thinning hair usually occurs with aging in men and women. Receding hairline and bald patches in men, and thinning hair in women are very common. Hormonal changes: Pregnancy and menopause in women are phases where hormonal changes occur. During these phases, women are likely to experience thinning hair. Women with thyroid problems are also likely to have thinning hair. Scalp infections: Scalp infections such as dandruff, oily scalp or dermatitis also cause thinning hair and hair loss. Medical conditions: Health conditions like alopecia areata causes hair loss in patches. Scalp infections also cause hair thinning. Medication and supplements: Side effects of certain medication could lead to thinning hair. Consuming health supplements is another reason for hair loss. Radiation and chemotherapy: Radiation and chemotherapy are treatments for cancer.

Toenail fungus or toe fungus is an infection of toenails that is contagious. If the toenail fungus starts in one nail of the toe, it can spread to the other toenails as well. Usually, dermophytes, a fungi group, is responsible for onychomycosis or toenail infection. This fungi group thrives on keratin which is the main component of nails and hair. When the fungus starts to grow, the patient’s nails get discolored and turn yellow, brown, or white. Eventually, the affected nails might harden, thicken, become brittle, and can even fall off. The treatment for toenail fungus can last for several weeks to several months. Various medications are available to deal with this contagious infection. However, it is always advisable to take medicines under the guidance of healthcare professionals as these medications might have several side effects depending on the person’s medical history. Here is a list of some of the most effective home remedies to treat a toenail fungus. Vinegar You can find vinegar in almost every household. It is a common cooking ingredient in a few cuisines. However, in some cases, you will discover this item in some home cleaning solutions as well. Although there is no clinical evidence to prove vinegar’s effectiveness in treating toenail fungus, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to support its potential for curing this condition. Mix vinegar in a bowl of warm water. Now, soak your infection-affected toe in this mixture. The ratio of water to vinegar should be 2:1. Baking soda Various medical reports have shown that baking soda helps in soaking up excess moisture, which is one of the leading causes of toenail fungus. While doing a medical study, researchers found that baking soda can effectively prevent the growth of normal fungi by a considerable amount. One of the easiest ways to use baking soda is to put it inside your shoes and socks so that it can soak up the moisture.

Most people who have suffered a gout attack pretty much know the signs of a flare-up. The worst part about a gout flare up is that there is not much you can do to stop it. Although there are no cures for the condition, there are some home treatments that can help in managing the symptoms of gout attacks. Gout, or gouty arthritis, has been reported as early as the fifth century B.C. This disease was dubbed as the “disease of kings” owing to its association with consumption of alcohol and rich food. A gout attack can occur with several warning signs or may occur suddenly without a warning. Its four stages are asymptomatic hyperuricemia, acute gout, interval gout, and chronic tophaceous gout. The symptoms and treatment vary for each stage. The most common joint where gout inflammation is observed are the joints in the feet. The top 5 gout treatments are a combination of medication and home care remedies that provide relief from pain and swelling. Causes of Gout Pain Gout is mainly caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body. The uric acid gets deposited in the form of crystals in the joints and tissues on the body, causing pain and inflammation. Gout is a complex health condition that comprises many contributing factors. High levels of uric acid, which lead to gout, may be caused due to digestive disorders or alcoholism, or unchecked diet. Foods like shellfish, red meat, sweet juices, organ meat, and salty food may cause a rise in uric acid levels. Kidney or thyroid problems may also lead to uric acid build up in the body. Those with a family history of gout are at a risk of developing gout. Alcoholism and medications are other causes of gout. The most commonly affected part is the big toe.

IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a condition where patients experience discomfort or pain in the belly along with unusual bowel habits. For some, the bowel movements might be more or lesser than usual, and for others, they might pass a different kind of stool. Almost 25 to 45 million people in the country suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Among them, the majority are women. An individual is more likely to be affected by IBS between their late teens and early 40s. The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and the passing of mucus during bowel movements. This complex motility and sensory disorder has physical as well as stress-related dimensions. Some people are able to control their IBS symptoms by managing their diet, altering their lifestyle, and controlling stress. Others might need the support of medication or counseling. Here are the various treatment options for IBS: Changing the lifestyle and diet Note that your dietary intake, as well as the stress-related factors, can worsen the symptoms of IBS. Discuss measures to reduce or avoid these symptoms with your health care provider or dietitian. Sometimes, even eating smaller quantities in frequent intervals helps reduce abdominal discomfort. Avoiding caffeine and including fiber in one’s diet can help one battle the symptoms of IBS. Adequate rest and exercise reduce stress levels, stimulate the regular contractions of the intestines, and increase positivity. If followed diligently, this can be one of the best treatment options for IBS. Medication If lifestyle changes don’t work, there are numerous medications available in the market that can provide relief from the symptoms of IBS. Even though antispasmodics have limited benefits, if you have the symptoms soon after eating, then such medication helps in relieving the abdominal pain. Consuming anti-diarrheal agents helps in reducing the diarrheal symptoms, but it might not be helpful for the pain associated with IBS.

Usually, an inflammation of the colon (also referred to as the large intestine) is known as colitis. It is a disease that has varied symptoms in different people. Colitis can be of different types such as: Microscopic colitis Ischemic colitis Inflammatory bowel disease colitis (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) Chemical colitis Pseudomembranous colitis Infectious colitis such as food poisoning, and infections caused by bacteria or parasites Depending on the type of colitis you have, your symptoms can vary. To pick the right treatment for colitis, it is crucial to get an accurate diagnosis. Here is a list of some colitis symptoms that will help you understand when you should consult a healthcare professional. Symptoms of colitis According to various medical study reports, most of the times, colitis is associated with diarrhea and abdominal pain. Pain caused by inflammation The muscle layers undergo intermittent spasms due to colon inflammation. This intermittent spasm causes cramp-like or colicky pain, which comes and goes. Usually, the affected person feels this pain in the lower abdomen. However, you might feel this pain at any point along the course of the colon. Due to the colitis, the body is unable to reabsorb water properly because any ingested food or drinks move through the colon rapidly as the muscles cannot contract in their regular pattern. All of this leads to watery diarrhea. If the colon lining breaks down and becomes inflamed, the affected person might experience bleeding. In the case of ulcerative colitis, small ulcers form and cause bleeding. Pain caused by diarrhea Often, the pain caused by colitis that involves the distal colon (sigmoid colon and rectum) increases gradually preceding a bowel movement. The pain might subside after the diarrheal bowel movement, but it can return with the next diarrheal episode. Also, the affected person may get the urgent feeling of wanting to go to the loo.

The membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord are called the meninges. The meninges are three ultrathin membrane layers that are surrounded by a fluid. Meningitis is a condition when the fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected. Bacterial or viral infections affect the meninges. They may also be infected due to cancer, medication allergies, chemical reactions or fungal infections. The types of meningitis are based on the cause of meninges infection. The brain and spinal tissue swell up due to meningitis. Due to the swelling, the oxygen and blood supply to the brain is inhibited. The most common symptoms of meningitis are fever, severe headache, and a stiff neck. Untreated, unchecked meningitis could be fatal. Types of meningitis Viral and bacterial meningitis are the two main types of meningitis. Viral meningitis : This is mainly caused by a virus called enterovirus. Other types of viruses like herpes, HIV and West Nile virus may also cause viral meningitis. Among the types of meningitis, viral meningitis is the least severe. The enterovirus is found in the gastrointestinal tract. During the time that our immunity system is lowered, the enterovirus activates and causes flu-like symptoms. The enterovirus spreads through a sneeze, cough, and unclean hands. Bacterial meningitis : Bacterial meningitis is rare, but severe among the types of meningitis. The most common cause of bacterial meningitis is the spreading of a respiratory infection to the brain. Pneumococcal and meningococcal are the two bacterial types of meningitis. Meningococcal meningitis is more prevalent in children and teens than adults. Pneumococcal meningitis is more prevalent in adults. Fungal meningitis : This type is rarer than bacterial meningitis. Unlike the other two types of meningitis, fungal meningitis is not contagious. Fungal meningitis occurs when fungi travel to the spinal cord through the bloodstream. Children and elderly are at a higher risk of developing fungal meningitis due to their weak immune system.

It is common knowledge that skin is among the most sensitive organs in the human body. Also, it is a shield of protection from various external factors like dust particles, microbial organisms, etc. Your skin is also prone to various disorders and problems from time to time. It is important to treat them before it gets worse and hard to cure. Of all the skin problems, the one common problem that a lot of people face is–rashes in the underarm region. This problem is annoying and can cause social discomfort especially if you are wearing sleeveless clothing. Though it might seem to be like a common rash or allergy, leaving it untreated can complicate the problem. So, if you are suffering from rashes in the underarm and looking for a solution, then you are at the right place–because remedies for underarm rash treatment are discussed here. But first, let’s take a look at the causes of rashes. Skin rupture In this case, the skin in the underarm or the armpit region tends to get ruptured due to the constant movement of the hands, sweat, bacteria, and dryness. So, the area shows rashes that makes you uncomfortable. If the skin rubs hard against itself for a longer duration, then irritation is likely to occur. Eczema In this condition, the skin turns red, dry, and scaly. Red patches might appear on the skin which can crack too. Usually, genetic factors, environmental factors or some foods can trigger this problem. If you notice this condition, you should stop using deodorants, roll-on etc., immediately. Eczema rashes are non-contagious and can last for more than a week.  Skin care products or chemical treatments Often cosmetics, lotions, creams and skin treatments like a chemical peel or laser treatments can cause allergic skin reactions. So, it is best to undergo a patch test before you try out any new cosmetic or perfume or a skin care product.

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. In this way, your body doesn’t get the sleep it requires, and in turn, it increases the risk of diseases due to fatigue. If you want to prevent your body from becoming vulnerable, then you have to stop using your smartphone at least one hour before you need to go to sleep. Most smartphones have an option of a nightlight. Turn that on as it will give signals to your brain indicating that it is time to sleep. Thus, reducing your mobile usage is one the ways to help you sleep better. Avoid caffeine late in the day Caffeine has a lot of benefits, and almost 90% of the population consumes it to boost their energy, focus, and performance.

Do you have visible white flakes caused by dandruff? Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the torso and head where you have oil-producing glands. It might look like red and flaky skin around the ears, scalp, and forehead. Most often, men and people with a weakened immune system face this condition. While it is not a curable ailment, one can take some steps to control it. You can use a medicated shampoo to control seborrheic dermatitis. All the flakes and dandruff can cause problems, and it can lower a patient’s confidence levels. Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition which affects a limited number of people. Even though there is no cure for it, you can reduce it to a manageable extent. How does it work? Shampoos that have selenium sulfide, salicylic acid, and coal tar are known to be effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis. While shopping for shampoos, you should always check the label. Make sure that it is suited to manage this ailment. You can use it according to the instructions written on the shampoo. Not every shampoo might work for you, and it is a good idea to experiment with what works and what doesn’t. Here are the top five shampoos that you can consider: NIZORAL® A-D Shampoo Dandruff is associated with the growth of fungus. This shampoo contains anti-fungal ingredients. It has ingredients such as wheat germ oil and wheat protein. You can apply this shampoo twice a week for good results. It has a fresh smell and is quite thick. You might want to consult the doctor if you are under 12 years old or pregnant. It is not recommended to use the product on inflamed or broken skin. If the shampoo gets in your eyes accidentally, you can rinse it off without any worries.