Bathing or showering is essential to personal hygiene and isn’t hard to do. One only needs water, soap, and a towel to clean the body. However, some people make mistakes in the process that compromise their skin and hair quality, increasing the risk of skin irritation, dryness, and other problems. So, it’s imperative to know these bathing and showering mistakes and avoid them as far as possible for the best results. Spending a long time in the bath or shower Taking long hot showers is one of the biggest mistakes compromising skin quality. When hot water runs over the body, it strips away all the natural oils from the skin, leaving it completely dry. Dry, cracked skin can increase the risk of bacteria entering the body. Hence, experts recommend a cold water shower that lasts for five minutes to keep the skin healthy and moisturized. Washing the hair every day The hair produces oils, which are needed to keep it from becoming dry and brittle. However, many complain that these oils make their hair look greasy and, hence, wash their hair every day, depriving it of the much-needed oils. Experts recommend keeping a gap of around two to three days between each hair wash, which can change depending on hair type and age.

Cold sores (or fever blisters) that appear on or near the mouth are common symptoms of the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). These fluid-filled blisters can be extremely painful. While there is no permanent cure for this condition today, one can manage cold sores and relieve associated symptoms to improve their quality of life. Read on to learn about a few natural remedies that may help one get rid of cold sores: 1. Ice To manage pain associated with a cold sore, one should consider using an ice pack. It is important to wrap it in a towel before applying, as icing the area directly could damage the skin. 2. Sunscreen Direct sun exposure could trigger or worsen a cold sore. So, one should always wear sunscreen when heading out. 3. Aloe vera gel Aloe is well-renowned for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Using natural aloe on cold sores could be beneficial in fighting off viruses and helping the sore heal faster. 4. Apple cider vinegar A lot has been said about apple cider vinegar’s antimicrobial properties. It may help treat cold sores as well. However, it is best to dilute the vinegar in water before using it on the skin.

Life without blood cells is impossible to imagine. From supplying oxygen to forming blood clots and helping excrete waste products, the cells perform a host of functions. And that’s why it is important to detect any cell-related health conditions early. Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders in which the body generates cells that are either deformed or do not function well. Here are some signs and treatment options for myelodysplastic syndromes: Signs and symptoms Shortness of breath Many patients with myelodysplastic syndromes grapple with anemia. Since anemia is characterized by low red blood cell count, those suffering from anemia induced by myelodysplastic syndromes usually experience shortness of breath. Fatigue Anemia also tends to cause extreme tiredness and fatigue because oxygen levels in the body are very low. So, those with myelodysplastic syndromes may be highly fatigued throughout the day, even when not physically active. Frequent nosebleeds and bruises If one has a low platelet count, bleeding and bruising become more common than usual. For this reason, myelodysplastic syndrome causes frequent bruises and nosebleeds, even if the injury is minor. Petechiae Petechiae are tiny reddish spots that appear on the skin’s surface, often on the stomach and legs. Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes often experience bleeding into the skin, which reflects as these tiny spots on the skin.

Hemorrhoids are a common health complaint, generally around midlife. This condition is a result of swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum, which causes pain, swelling, itching, bleeding, and mucosal discharge, among other symptoms in the region. Although hemorrhoids are not typically dangerous, they can be painful and uncomfortable. So, here are a few ways to manage the condition at home, along with formal treatments and therapies to get rid of hemorrhoids. At-home management In case of mild swelling or symptoms, the following at-home remedies may help: – Increasing water intake can help reduce the risk of constipation or hard stool. – Eating high-fiber foods helps soften the stool and increase bulk, reducing pressure around the area. – One should avoid sitting on the toilet for a prolonged period. – Using topical treatments such as a hemorrhoid cream can help calm the affected area. – Soaking the affected region regularly in a warm or sitz bath can also help. – Ice packs can help relieve any swelling or pain. – Sitting on cushions rather than hard surfaces can help one manage swelling. – Using moistened pads (such as baby wipes) instead of regular toilet paper is a better option for gently cleaning the area.

An overactive bladder (OAB) is when one feels a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate. Individuals with this condition may feel the need to use the washroom multiple times during the day and night, which can hamper their daily functioning. For this reason, they may stay away from social situations to avoid discomfort and embarrassment. However, detecting the condition early on can help control its symptoms effectively. Doctors may suggest some treatment options in combination with lifestyle changes. Causes and possible triggers Here are a few causes and possible triggers of OAB: 1. Neurological disorders Many people with underlying neurological problems may find it difficult to control urination, mainly because of a spinal cord, brain, or nerve issue. So, those with neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis may grapple with nerve damage, triggering or worsening OAB. 2. Diabetes High blood sugar levels may cause damage to the nerves in the urinary tract, causing urinary tract problems. Consequently, those with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to OAB. 3. Bladder stones Bladder stones tend to affect the bladder’s functioning, so bladder stones can increase one’s risk of developing OAB. 4. Certain types of treatments Sometimes, an ongoing treatment course may trigger OAB as a possible side effect.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common condition where bacteria enters the urethra and infects the urinary tract of individuals. This bacteria is found on the skin or enters through the rectum, resulting in infection in the tract. The bladder infection, called cystitis, is one of the most common UTIs. UTIs are curable with the right care given at the right time. Here are some key details about this health condition: UTI symptoms One can detect UTI on the basis of certain typical symptoms of the conditions, including: Burning sensation during urination Due to the bladder getting infected, it becomes particularly painful to urinate. Pain during urination is one of the earliest signs that a person is developing a UTI within their body. People who experience this symptom should not ignore it, as the disease can cause serious health issues, especially if the bacteria travels to the kidneys. Constant urge to urinate Studies have found that a UTI tends to put pressure on the bladder, resulting in the need to empty the bladder immediately. However, when affected individuals go to the toilet to relieve themselves, they are unable to urinate much or at all in some cases. Causes of UTIs A urinary tract infection can be caused by various factors.

Testosterone is a crucial male hormone for growth, sustaining sexual function, and fighting diseases. Low testosterone levels in an individual can point toward a host of debilitating health conditions and poor overall health. That said, quite a few natural remedies can help one maintain healthy testosterone levels. Natural ways to increase testosterone are always preferable to synthetic ones, as they don’t have extreme side effects and can be sustainable. Here are some ways to boost testosterone levels: 1. Adding onion and garlic to meals Onion and garlic are beneficial foods that significantly improve a person’s libido. They also make great additions to recipes and enhance a dish’s flavor. Both of these foods have been medically found to increase the quality and quantity of sperm. Additionally, garlic and onions significantly increase testosterone levels. Onions and garlic are also rich in flavonoids, a compound that makes the body more resilient against external damage. 2. Increasing one’s daily protein consumption Amino acids, which make up protein, are the body’s building blocks. Therefore, consuming protein strengthens the body and helps absorb and assimilate other vital nutrients. Protein has also been shown to increase testosterone levels. That said, the same nutrient, when consumed in very high quantities, especially when living a sedentary lifestyle, can reduce testosterone levels.