As the body’s largest organ, the skin provides a physical barrier that protects you from the outside world. If the skin isn’t functioning optimally, you may notice irregular or unpleasant symptoms, including pimples, lumps, bumps, and infections. You may not need to worry about some symptoms, while others may be cause for concern. Some may even require medical treatment to prevent symptoms from worsening. 

Underarm bumps, for example, are one such symptom that can be quite annoying. There are several cases to these bumps, so understanding how they came to be is integral to getting rid of them. To get to the root cause of symptoms and find the right course of action to take care of the issue, continue reading. 

Acne

If you have had acne before, you know that it typically occurs on the face, chest, back, and arms. Those little blemishes can rear their heads under the arms too, according to dermatologists. Acne has several causes, the most common of which include clogged hair follicles, excess oil, skin inflammation, or bacteria. Because the armpits have oil glands, you may see blemishes in those areas. Dermatologists recommend seeking out washes with active ingredients that fight acne. If you cannot clear up underarm pimples with an acne wash, a topic cream or oral medication may be necessary. 

Ingrown Hairs

Certain cultures, especially here in the United States, have normalized getting rid of body hair. If you shave, wax, or move your armpit hair in other ways, you increase the risk of ingrown hairs. Commonly associated with shaving, ingrown hairs, or razor bumps, resemble small pimples. As the hair grows between shaves, the hair shaft can curl back and penetrate the skin. That causes red, irritated skin and the pimple-like appearance. Although anyone who shaves can experience ingrown hairs, they are more common in people with curly or coarse hair. You can click here to learn about a lot of home remedies for razor bumps, which tend to clear up on their own. In some instances, you may need to treat ingrown hairs with dermatologist-recommended products. Word to the shavers out there: replace your blades because shaving with dull blades can easily cause ingrown hairs. 

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The what now? Commonly known as HS, hidradenitis suppurativa is a lesser-known cause of underarm bumps. This commonly occurs where skin touches skin, making the armpits a prime spot for the issue to occur. HS also goes by acne inversa, which can be mistaken for acne, even though it is not a type of acne. The underarm bumps are similar to lumps, but they can appear painful and drain pus, according to experts. Failure to treat them can result in scarring. HS is a chronic skin condition and there is no cure, unfortunately. Consult your dermatologist to determine the best course of action to take, i.e. antibacterial creams, oral antibiotics, or medical cleansers.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

If you notice a lump or swollen area in your armpit area, you may have swollen lymph nodes. The lymphatic system’s primary functions are to filter out foreign substances and fight off infection. You have hundreds of lymph nodes throughout the body, some of which are under your arms. Swollen lymph nodes in the underarm area can cause bumps or lumps, which you may be able to move with your fingers. There is always an underlying cause to swollen lymph nodes, as they don’t swell up on their own. Certain cancers, autoimmune disorders, and medications can cause lymph nodes to swell up. Because swollen lymph nodes are common, they aren’t always cause for concern. Your immune system may not be in its best working order and the swelling will calm down once it fights off the infection. Should swollen lymph nodes persist, especially if they are hard or tender to the touch, you may want to consult your healthcare professional.

Folliculitis

If you suspect that acne is the cause of your underarm bumps but the pimples don’t go away with over-the-counter treatments, folliculitis may be the culprit. Folliculitis is a common skin infection of the hair follicles, and the pus-filled bumps resemble acne. Bacteria can get into damaged hair follicles and cause folliculitis bumps, which mimic ingrown hairs. Hair follicles are easily damaged by shaving, wearing tight clothing that causes friction, or spending too much time in sweaty clothes after a workout. In mild cases, folliculitis will go away on its own. You can apply a warm compress to your underarms several times per day to help accelerate hair follicle recovery. You can also experiment with peroxide washes or antibacterial treatments, should folliculitis persist.

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Ear pain, medically known as otalgia, results from myriad reasons. It can develop because of a problem that directly affects the ear, or it happens in conjunction with another issue. This is what medical experts call “referred pain.” Ear pain can be minor or severe, and occasionally a sign of infection or underlying health issue. 

Health experts recommend that you never ignore ear pain. Figuring out the cause can help you address it with the appropriate treatment. The sooner you treat your ear pain, the sooner that dull or sharp burning sensation in one or both ears can go away. Read on to learn about seven common causes of ear pain.

Sinus Infection

A sinus infection occurs when the sinuses, which are air-filled pockets located behind the forehead and eyebrows, become inflamed. Bacteria can cause sinuses to become inflamed, but so can viruses and fungi. Fluid accumulation in the sinuses is the most common symptom of a sinus infection. This inflammation can block or inflame the Eustachian tube, which can lead to ear pain. Sinus infection may also cause headache, facial pain, runny nose, and congestion.

Ear Infection

Ear infections are most common among children, but anyone at any age can experience them. In children, the Eustachian tube clogs easily, but it should drain fluid made in the middle ear. If blockages occur, fluid builds up and a bacterial or viral infection in the middle ear can develop. Besides general ear pain, ear infection can cause congestion, ear drainage, fever, and other symptoms. Although mild ear infections tend to clear up on their own with home remedies, certain infections require antibiotic treatment. 

Wax Buildup

Believe it or not, the body produces earwax to help keep the ears clean and protected from debris. Too much earwax can lead to buildup that partially or fully blocks the ear canal, which can cause ear pain. In most cases, you can resolve wax buildup at home or with expert-backed methods to flush out excess wax. If you have too much wax or you have difficulty removing it on your own, consult your healthcare provider for more help.

The Common Cold

The common cold can affect the way the Eustachian tube functions. This tube links the back of the nose to the middle ear and it protects, ventilates, and drains the middle ear. If something prevents this tube from doing its job, that is classified as Eustachian tube dysfunction. This typically happens when the tube’s lining becomes inflamed, which can result from the common cold. Besides ear pain that results from a cold, Eustachian tube dysfunction can make your ear feel full, causing you to not hear as well or hear popping sounds.

Allergies

Exposure to dust, pollen, mold, or other allergens can irritate the sinuses, which causes sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes. In some cases, fluid may build up in the sinuses and cause inflammation of the Eustachian tube. As you know by now, swelling of the Eustachian tube can lead to ear pressure and general ear pain.

Swimmer’s Ear

Despite the name, this condition doesn’t always result from swimming or water activities. It refers to an infection, irritation, or inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. More often than not, it’s caused by bacteria from unclean water that gets into the ear. Swimmer’s ear can cause discharge to leak from the ear, but it also can cause ear pain, itchiness, and swelling. Because the infection can spread to other parts of the ear and worsen, contact a healthcare provider to examine this issue as soon as possible. 

Air Pressure Changes

If you drive in mountainous areas, dive underwater, or fly in a plane, you know that your ears pop. Pressure inside the ear is different from the pressure outside, so the ear has to adjust, but it doesn’t always pop the way you’d hope. This is why many people recommend yawning, chewing gum, or swallowing to stabilize the pressure and resolve the pain. If these things do not resolve the issue for several hours, you may need to see a healthcare provider, especially if you develop a fever, ear drainage, or severe ear pain. Untreated cases of ear barotrauma can damage the eardrum and cause hearing loss.

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When you are sick, there is nothing you want more than to just feel better. If there was a magic pill that automatically made you feel better after coming down with a cold, you would take it. Instead, you do what you can, taking vitamins or over-the-counter medications to boost immunity and get over the cold. You may also experiment with different home remedies, some of which help relieve symptoms while others don’t.

Sometimes, you blow your nose so much and cannot believe that you have more mucus to expel. Blowing can cause headaches and general sinus pain, not to mention puffy eyes or irritation around the nostrils. In order to stop your nose from leaking like a faulty faucet, should you consume chicken soup and heat packs? What is fiction and which home remedies actually help you drain your sinuses? Continue reading to find out.

Nasal Irrigation

Very effective at relieving nasal congestion or irritation, nasal irrigation involves flushing out the nasal passages with a saline solution. You may be aware of the neti pot, which is an inexpensive device that looks like a small teapot. You can make your own saline solution for the neti pot, squeeze bottle, or bulb syringe with the following steps:

• Mix 3 teaspoons of iodine-free salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda to create the dry mixture.
• Dissolve 1 teaspoon of the dry mixture into 1 cup of distilled, sterilized, or filtered water. 

In order to irrigate your sinuses, you first want to stand over a sink or basin. Pour, spray, or squirt a liberal amount of the solution into your right nostril while tilting your head so that your left ear is parallel to the ground. The saline solution should flow out of the other nostril. Do this to each nostril to help flush away any bacteria or irritants. 

Warm And Cold Compresses

Whether you have a cold or sore muscles, alternating between warm and cold compresses can benefit your situation. Lay back and apply a warm compress across your nose, cheeks, and forehead for three minutes. Remove the compress and replace it with a cold compress for 30 seconds. Repeat this cycle two more times to complete a total of three cycles. You can repeat this process between two to six times per day. 

Manuka Honey

There is a large body of evidence highlighting the health benefits of honey. It exhibits antibacterial properties and can help soothe sore throat. Manuka honey is a special type of honey that has many therapeutic uses. Researchers note that Manuka honey exhibits powerful antibacterial properties that may help get rid of a bacterial infection. Try adding Manuka honey to your next cup of tea if you have sinus congestion or a sore throat. 

Hydrate With Lots Of Water

The reason that you want to drink more water than you otherwise would is to help thin mucus and drain your sinuses. Fluids and humidity can lubricate your sinuses, making it easier to breathe. Hot beverages like herbal tea or hot water with lemon can also aid your hydration efforts. Hot beverages also provide the benefit of steam, which may aid breathing and soothe sore throat. 

Steam

Steam works to relieve congestion by loosening the mucus in your nasal passages. You can add essential oils to a diffuser if you have that available to you. Otherwise, you can pour boiling water into a heat-safe bowl and add a few drops of peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree essential oils to the water. Lean over the bowl and drape a towel over your head so that it falls all around you, creating a steam tent. Breathe deeply, in through the nose and out through the mouth, to help clear your sinuses.

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A hot topic that is constantly up for debate is whether or not being in the rain causes you to catch a cold. Although being wet for long periods of time may lower immune function, colds result from viruses, not rain. You may or may not believe that, but if you are like most people, you grew up hearing that you were going to get sick if you played outside in the rain. How truthful was that piece of wisdom and does it affect how you live your life? Do you need to avoid the rain in order to avoid sickness?

According to health experts, you may have a greater risk of getting sick after spending prolonged periods in the rain. The reality is simply more complex than the old saying goes. The body gets cold after prolonged exposure to rain, which can lower the effectiveness of your immune system. When your immune system is down, you are more likely to contract a cold virus, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get a cold. 

Does Being In The Rain Make You Catch A Cold?

A 2022 study found that being cold (lowering body temperature) can negatively affect the immune system. Although the rain itself won’t give you a cold, being wet outside for a long time weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of cold if you come in contact with certain viruses. As stated in the beginning of the article, though, colds happen because of viruses, not rain.

How Do You Catch A Cold?

There are over 200 viruses that can cause colds. They are contagious viruses that easily pass through the air or through close physical contact. Colds can also spread if a person touches their mouth, eyes, or nose with their hands after coming in contact with cold germs. Once you catch a cold, it is very hard to make it disappear, but there are things you can do to lessen the symptoms. Once you feel sick, keep the following tips in mind:

• Get enough sleep
• Avoid unnecessary touching of the eyes and mouth
• Wash your hands frequently
• Focus on whole food ingredients, not processed foods and dairy products
• Don’t share food, beverages, or household items with other people, or you may infect them

Can You Shorten A Cold?

If you catch a cold, there may be a few home remedies that can accelerate the recovery process. Some remedies work for some people, while others are more effective for other people. A lot of people resort to over-the-counter cold and flu medications, which can occasionally provide some relief. If you prefer not to take cold medications, consider the following home remedies to help kick your cold:

• Perform a saline rinse to clear your nasal passages
• Use a humidifier, or diffuser with essential oils that promote decongestion
• Drink lots of water, electrolytes, and herbal teas
• Gargle with salt water if you have a sore throat
• Make sure to get extra rest

The Takeaway

Being out in the rain does not mean that you will contract one of the many viruses that can cause a common cold. If you are wet for a prolonged period, though, it may weaken immune function, making you more susceptible to a cold, should you encounter viruses. If you catch a cold, you don’t have to be alarmed. Most colds resolve themselves within one to two weeks, but notify your doctor if symptoms become severe or linger for more than a couple weeks.

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You spent a glorious day in the park, hiking with friends, or walking your dog and now you feel itchy and notice splotchy red bumps. Poison ivy, or poison oak or poison sumac, has claimed yet another victim. All three of those plants contain urushiol, an oily, allergy-inducing sap that exists in every part of the plant, including the leaves, stem, fruit, and root. 

How Does Poison Ivy Rash Develop?

Bumps, blotches, and a linear streak of swelling or blisters typically indicates a poison ivy rash. It’s also possible for the rash to be weepy, crusty, and painfully itchy. The rash may not appear right away, as it can take four to 96 hours to show up. That said, a rash can take up to two weeks to appear if it’s your first time being exposed to poison ivy. The reason for this is because the immune system has to develop an allergic reaction first. If the body has never encountered it, the rash will take some time to appear. 

Although the best way to deal with poison ivy is to completely avoid it, that isn’t always possible. Even if you wear clothing that protects every inch of your skin, you can still rub your clothes that have brushed up against it and develop a rash that way. It spreads easily, even from pets to humans, and you can see a rash from the original point of contact to the places that you touch. If you do end up with that characteristic poison ivy rash, experiment with the following home remedies to soothe your skin and accelerate the healing process. Before you experiment with them, though, make sure to clean the affected areas and wash clothing and pets with detergent or soap. 

Aloe Vera

This succulent plan houses a sticky gel when you break it open. This gel is a common treatment for minor burns, sunburn, and other skin rashes, including poison ivy. Aloe exhibits cooling and anti-inflammatory properties that may relieve the itchiness that accompanies the rash. Unfortunately, several studies found that aloe vera does not accelerate the healing process, but it does provide temporary relief from burning and itching. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another common home remedy for relieving itchiness, especially if it accompanies a poison ivy rash. Research notes that you can also use baking soda to soothe irritated skin from dermatitis, bee stings, and other rashes. There are two ways to use baking soda to help relieve poison ivy rash. The first way is to add about one cup of baking soda to a lukewarm or cool bath and soak in it for about 20 minutes. The second way is to mix baking soda with water to form a paste that resembles toothpaste. Apply that paste directly to the rash. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a common pantry staple that has uses in many culinary applications. Research also shows that it may have a place in home remedies because of the health properties it exhibits. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that may help reduce the risk of skin infections that result from scratching. Because apple cider vinegar is acidic, be careful when experimenting with it, especially if the poison ivy rash contains blisters. Dilute the vinegar with a small amount of water and dab a cotton ball into the solution. Dab it onto a small patch of the rash and if it doesn’t irritate the skin and stops the itch, it may be a viable remedy. 

Colloidal Oatmeal

For anyone with itchy skin or rash, a great option to soothe the skin is to soak in a bath with colloidal oatmeal for 10 minutes. Colloidal oatmeal is made from finely ground oats and, unlike traditional oats, it doesn’t sink to the bottom of the bath. Instead, colloidal oatmeal easily disperses throughout the water to coat the skin and relieve the itch. You can typically find colloidal oatmeal at drugstores. 

Witch Hazel

Made from the leaves and bark of the Hamamelis virginiana plant, witch hazel contains tannins that work to fight infection and reduce swelling. You can pour witch hazel in a small bowl, dip a cotton ball in the liquid, and then dab the cotton ball on the affected areas. It can be beneficial to place the witch hazel in the refrigerator beforehand for an added cooling effect.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can effectively remove urushiol from the skin. Although this may not relieve itchy skin or other symptoms, it can help reduce the spread if you use it soon after exposure to poison ivy. Apply the rubbing alcohol to the affected area and then rinse thoroughly with water. You can also do the same thing to remove urushiol from your shoes.

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Natural remedies for acid reflux may be a lot closer to you than you realize. Look to your kitchen to find apple cider vinegar, lavender tea, ginger, turmeric, fruits, vegetables, and more. Many of these easily accessible foods may provide relief from acid reflux symptoms, but their health benefits are enhanced when paired with healthy diet and lifestyle changes. This article aims to expose acid reflux and the natural remedies that can quell the burning sensation that occurs in the chest.

What Is Acid Reflux?

There is a valve at the entrance to the stomach and this ring of muscle is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In a normal, healthy body, the LES closes as soon as food passes through it. If the LES doesn’t close all the way, or it opens too often, acid that the stomach produces can enter the esophagus. That can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest, also known as heartburn. If acid reflux symptoms occur more than twice a week, you may have acid reflux disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

A common cause of acid reflux is a hiatal hernia, which is a stomach abnormality. This happens when the upper part of the stomach and the LES move above the diaphragm, which separates the chest from the stomach. The diaphragm helps keep acid in the stomach, but a hiatal hernia can cause acid to move into the esophagus, causing acid reflux symptoms. Read on to learn about how the following home remedies can provide relief from acid reflux symptoms. 

Chamomile Tea

In addition to reducing stress and calming the mind, chamomile happens to be one of the best herbs for treating digestive disorders. According to health experts, drinking chamomile tea three to four times a day between meals can help relieve inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive tract. That works to normalize digestion, which may relieve symptoms of acid reflux. 

Eat Ripe Bananas

Bananas are naturally rich in potassium, making them fairly alkaline. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, alkaline foods may help prevent the stomach acid from irritating your esophagus. Unripe bananas, however, are less alkaline and heavy on the starch, which may trigger acid reflux in certain people. Make sure that bananas are ripe if you suffer from acid reflux. Additionally, focus on eating alkaline foods, including cauliflower, fruits, fennel, and nuts, all of which may offset heartburn.

Deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) Licorice Root

Licorice is a strong demulcent that has proven to be an effective treatment for peptic ulcers. Researchers note that licorice may protect the esophagus from damage by increasing mucus production. Make sure that you purchase the DGL licorice root because glycyrrhizinated licorice can cause some dangerous side effects.

Opt For Cooked Onions Instead Of Raw Ones

Raw onions commonly trigger acid reflux and heartburn. One study in people with acid reflux found that eating a meal with raw onion significantly increased burping, acid reflux, and heartburn. Frequent burping may indicate a higher production of gas, which researchers attribute to the fermentable fiber in onions. Additionally, raw onions are harder to digest and may irritate the esophageal lining, which can worsen heartburn. 

Baking Soda

As we mentioned earlier, alkaline foods are optimal for people who frequently experience acid reflux. Baking soda is naturally alkaline and can help neutralize acid. Because baking soda contains sodium, consult your doctor if you are on a low-sodium diet. Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and drink it whenever you experience symptoms.

Aloe Juice For

A quick note about purchasing aloe vera juice is that you need to purchase 100% aloe vera juice. Many varieties can contain excess sugar, artificial flavors, and other processed ingredients. Those varieties will not alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. Aloe vera juice works to soothe the irritation caused by acid reflux, while simultaneously encouraging healthy digestion. If you regularly experience heartburn, drink an ounce of aloe juice before the meal to soothe the esophagus and stomach.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are up to one million cases of shingles in the United States every year. About one in three people in the United States will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime. Shingles refers to the reactivation of the dormant herpes varicella zoster virus (chickenpox) after childhood. Various illnesses, aging, trauma, and stress can all activate the virus. 

If you had chickenpox as a child, the shingles virus remains dormant in the body. It can reactivate later in life in the form of the shingles rash, which can occur on any part of the body, but it typically affects small sections. When the virus begins, you may notice pain and itching in the skin before the signature rash appears one or two days later. Typically, small, water-filled blisters accompany the rash. Those blisters eventually rupture, scar, and fade over a few weeks. That process, however, can be very uncomfortable and painful. Other potential symptoms of shingles can include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Chills

If you think you have shingles, it’s best to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible, especially if it’s on your face or near the eyes. While there isn’t a cure for shingles, doctors often prescribe antiviral medication to help accelerate recovery and reduce the duration of symptoms. Although an antiviral treatment is very effective, the following home remedies may be able to reduce pain and discomfort. 

Oatmeal Or Baking Soda Baths

The best way to help reduce the pain and severity of shingles is to care for your skin safely as it heals. Soaking in an oatmeal or baking soda bath can soothe the skin if you have a shingles rash. These popular home remedies can help relieve itching, according to doctors. Look for colloidal (or ground) oatmeal or baking soda and add either of those ingredients to cool bath water. Both ingredients work to calm itching and are gentle on the skin. Grinding oat grain into a fine powder makes up colloidal oatmeal, which soothes the skin because it contains beneficial proteins, fats, minerals, and other nutrients. 

Cold Compresses

Applying a cool cloth or compress against the site of the rash may relieve itchiness and reduce inflammation. Lightly soak a natural cotton cloth or towel in cool water and wring it out before you put it on the sore area. Repeat this process as necessary. One thing to remember is that you do not want to expose the skin to extreme temperatures. Avoid the use of ice baths or very hot water. Hot water can increase blood flow and slow down the healing of sores, whereas ice increases skin sensitivity.

Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion is an over-the-counter, topical, pink lotion that is commonly used to treat mild itchiness, pain, and discomfort. This is a very important note: do not apply calamine lotion to active blisters. The reason for this is because you do not want to cause infection. Only apply calamine lotion once the skin forms scabs over the blisters. That may help soothe the discomfort you feel and reduce the urge to itch your skin, according to dermatologists. 

Modify Your Diet

A healthy diet is integral for helping the body’s systems and organs function optimally. It is best to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains in your diet to vary your nutritional intake. People with shingles should aim to eat more orange, red, and green foods because they contain carotenoids. This group of antioxidants includes zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, and provitamin A, all of which work to enhance immune function. Try to eat more carrots, squash, pumpkin, watermelon, red bell pepper, grapefruit, tomatoes, kale, parsley, spinach, melon, lettuce, and other leafy greens. 

Vaseline

Covering the rash with a thin layer of Vaseline and then a large cotton bandage protects the skin from clothing and other irritants. Speaking of clothing, stick to loose, cotton clothes, especially when you’re on the mend, as that material eases the discomfort. By protecting your rash with Vaseline and a cotton bandage, you help keep others safe. Shingles is very contagious only while rash blisters appear. When using Vaseline, try to use a plain, unscented variety to avoid irritation.

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Alcohol isn’t for everyone, but most people who’ve dabbled in the social lubricant have experienced their share of rough mornings. The morning after a night on the town can often have some consequences, such as nausea, queasiness, headache, dry mouth, and fuzzy memory. Although there isn’t a foolproof way to make a hangover go away, there are home remedies that can help you feel better. 

Aside from the nausea, splitting headache, and other accompanying hangover symptoms, a hangover has other complications. Inflammation is a big problem because it binds to chemical enzymes in the body and changes the way they act. Dehydration is another problem that’s associated with hangovers, and it can negatively affect your sleep quality. The good news is that you can take certain steps to recover from a hangover when it strikes. As a quick tip, though, make sure that you are sufficiently hydrated before an indulgent night. Alcohol causes frequent urination, depleting your body of fluids and increasing the severity of hangover symptoms. 

Avoid Drinks With Congeners

Congeners are toxic chemical byproducts that form in small amounts during the process of ethanol fermentation. During this process, sugars are converted into carbon dioxide and ethanol, or alcohol. Different alcoholic beverages contain varying amounts of congeners, and several studies indicate that consuming drinks high in congeners increases the risk and severity of hangovers. Congeners may slow the metabolism of alcohol, prolonging hangover symptoms. Drinks that are low in congeners include rum, vodka, and gin, but whiskey, cognac, and tequila have high amounts. Choosing drinks that are low in congeners may accelerate the metabolism of alcohol, which may reduce the severity and intensity of hangovers. 

Boost Your Blood Sugar With Carbohydrates 

It’s no secret that alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels. John Hopkins Medicine gathers that that may be a contributing factor to the weakness, fatigue, and irritability that results from intoxication. It may also explain why enjoying honey on toast for breakfast is a popular hangover cure. Having a snack that is high in carbs and sugars (like the fructose in honey) elevates blood sugar to provide immediate energy. Greasy foods, despite what you may think, will not cure your hangover. Grease does not absorb alcohol, even though these types of food sound good at the moment. Interestingly enough, a bowl of chicken noodle soup can be a great meal to get you out of a hangover. Noodles provide the carbs for energy, while the vegetables provide vitamins and minerals, and the chicken provides protein. 

Sweat Away Your Hangover

Health experts say that exercise is one of the best ways to kick your hangover to the curb. Exercise ramps up oxygen flow to the brain, increasing mood-boosting hormones that support energy levels. If you can find the will, engage in low- to moderate-intensity exercise the morning after a night out. Activity is great for people that are young and somewhat healthy. Other people may require rest, depending on age and physical health. You don’t need to hit the gym hard; rather, it is more beneficial to engage in low-intensity exercise. Additionally, drink lots of water post-workout, especially since the water is in a state of dehydration after drinking alcohol.

Drink Some Chamomile Tea

For some people, a hangover can be an emotionally taxing experience, with anxiety accompanying other physical hangover symptoms. If this doesn’t sound familiar to you, then you may not experience intense “hangxiety.” One study found that shy people experienced increased anxiety levels the day after drinking alcohol. Although high quality studies on chamomile for hangover recovery are lacking, some anecdotal reports claim that chamomile calms anxious feelings brought on by drinking. Research supports that chamomile can help soothe jitters, but that study used chamomile extract, not tea. 

Take Some Vitamins

We aren’t just talking about any vitamins because they may not do the trick. In a study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, researchers evaluated the diets for 24 hours before and after excessive drinking. The study observers based their results on what the participants said they ate. Researchers noted that people who consumed foods with greater amounts of zinc and B-vitamins experienced less severe hangovers.

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Pink eye is the layman’s term for the medical condition conjunctivitis. It’s an eye condition that causes the eye to become pink and irritated. It is very contagious, with about 80% of infections being viral. And despite the high rate of viral infections, they typically remain undiagnosed because the symptoms resemble allergic conjunctivitis or dry eye. Viral pink eye differs from allergic pink eye in that signs include red eyes, tearing, and irritation, staring in one eye and then spreading to the other. 

Although it is an irritating condition, pink eye tends to go away via home remedies and proper hygiene. The symptoms fade when the infection has gone or the allergic reaction comes to an end. Optometrists explain that there is no magic medicine to take that will make it go away. Pink eye is like the common cold in that regard. There are, however, a lot of things you can do to alleviate symptoms and promote faster healing. Use the following home remedies while you wait for pink eye to run its course, regardless of any underlying cause. 

Make A Cold Compress

Give your eyes a rest and apply a soothing, cold washcloth or eye mask. In addition to relieving inflammation and soreness, the cold may also reduce itchiness. One medical review of studios found that a cold compress is one of the most effective ways to feel better when you have pink eye.  Soak a clean washcloth or towel in cold water and wring out excess water. Apply it over your eyes for about five to 10 minutes. If an infection is the cause of pink eye, make sure that you do not reuse the washcloth, especially with other family members. Use a new clean washcloth when you want to apply another cold compress. If using an eye mask, make sure to properly sanitize it between uses. 

Don’t Use Contacts

If you wear contact lenses, take them out until symptoms come to an end. Ophthalmologists say that removing contacts will reduce irritation and help prevent reinfection. If you were wearing contacts when you developed symptoms, make sure that you discard those contacts, in addition to everything else involved in wearing them. That includes the case, bottle of solution, and anything else. For the same reason, stop wearing and discard any eye makeup that you used when you first noticed symptoms. 

Turn Off Your Screens

According to a 2021 study, looking at digital screens is associated with dry eye syndrome. The main thing to remember during your recovery period is to rest your eyes, which means avoiding screens. Take a break from working on a computer, scrolling through social media, or watching TV for extended periods. Entertain yourself the old fashioned way with a newspaper, a paperback book, or try painting. The main takeaway is to avoid any and all devices that irritate your eyes or cause them to dry out. 

Minimize Allergens

If your pink eye stems from allergies, meaning that it resulted from a bodily reaction to an allergen, then you need to minimize allergens in your space. Ease your symptoms by reducing your exposure to whatever triggered your pink eye. For example, maybe you started using a new detergent or face wash and the pink eye started after the new addition to your life. Find out what you changed in your routine or what recently entered your environment and remove the potential culprits. If you don’t know what the allergen is, consider talking to an optometrist to figure out the cause of your symptoms. 

Artificial Tears

A mainstay of pink eye home treatment, artificial tears are lubricating drops that work to rinse out irritants in the eye. Whether it’s a microbe, pet dander, or cosmetic ingredient, these drops aim to get it out. Ideally, choose drops that are free of preservatives and irritating chemicals because you don’t want to worsen the pain or infection. Additionally, use single-use vials to prevent reinfection and store the drops in the refrigerator before each use. This helps to refresh your eye and relieve any discomfort or burning. As a final note for these drops, make sure that you don’t use the ones that promise relief from redness. They tend to contain a small amount of a medication that constricts blood vessels in the eyes. That can actually cause further irritation to your pink eye.

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If you make it through summer without a single mosquito bite, consider yourself one of the luckiest people in the world. Mosquitos are a nuisance, even if they don’t all spread disease. They are attracted to human blood and they leave a bump, which may not appear until hours later. Most of the time, these bites are very itchy, especially if you are more sensitive to mosquitos. 

Mosquitos require protein and iron, which they get from human blood, in order to produce eggs. They lay eggs in stagnant water, where the eggs undergo various stages of development. They finally become adult mosquitos and begin to bite people to repeat the cycle. Mosquitos can carry harmful diseases, but the likelihood of contracting one will depend on where you reside. Some of the most common diseases that mosquitos spread include:

• Malaria
• Dengue fever
• Yellow fever
• West Nile virus
• Zika virus
• Encephalitis 

Chikungunya virus

The mosquito bite itself is often very annoying and itchy, so the natural instinct is to scratch it. By scratching the bite, you increase the risk of breaking skin, which makes the bite more susceptible to bacteria. When a mosquito bites you, use the following home remedies to provide relief. 

Aloe Vera

From sunburn relief to accelerated wound healing, it seems that aloe vera can do no wrong. It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that work to calm redness and itchiness, especially from mosquito bites. If you have access to an aloe plant, the fresh gel from inside an aloe leaf will have the most benefits. Apply it to the mosquito bite and allow it to dry. Apply two to three times a day for best results. 

Baking Soda

Baking soda has myriad uses outside the kitchen. Not only can you bake with it, but you can also use it to clean drains. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), baking soda may be able to provide relief from mosquito bites. All you have to do is make a baking soda paste by mixing one tablespoon of baking soda with water. Ideally, you want a thicker paste so it doesn’t slide off your skin. Apply it to the mosquito bite and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing. If this paste irritates your skin, stop this treatment. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

Applying a drop or two of apple cider vinegar on your mosquito bite may be very effective at relieving itchiness or burning. It helps to disinfect the bite, which is especially important if you’ve been scratching it nonstop. Should you require more relief, try to soak a washcloth in a solution of cold water and apple cider vinegar for a few minutes. Wring out the cloth and then apply it to the bite. If you have a lot of mosquito bites, dilute two cups of apple cider vinegar in a tepid bath and soak in it for 20 minutes. A hot bath can make itching worse, so don’t soak in hot water.

Thyme

When a mosquito bites you, it’s time for thyme! Fresh thyme leaves exhibit antibacterial properties, which may help reduce the risk of infection and itchiness around a mosquito bite. Pluck fresh thyme leaves and mince them, or smash them into a paste with a mortar and pestle. Apply the minced or crushed leaves to the bite and let sit for 10 minutes. Alternatively, boil a cup or two of water and pour it over a bundle of fresh thyme. Remove the thyme from the water once it cools. Dip a washcloth into the thyme-infused water and apply it to the bites for a couple minutes. 

Lemon Balm

Closely related to the mint plant, lemon balm is a centuries-old herb that you can use to remedy numerous symptoms. It works to soothe an upset stomach, but it may also relieve itching for people with mosquito bites or cold sores. Apply finely chopped lemon balm leaves directly to the mosquito bite, or you can purchase lemon balm cream and apply that to the bite. The tannins, in addition to it being a natural astringent, and polyphenols help to ease inflammation and accelerate the healing process. 

Peppermint Oil

A 2016 study found that peppermint oil may relieve itching from long-term causes, including liver conditions and diabetes. In theory, health experts believe that it may alleviate temporary itching, for example, from a mosquito bite. It should also be noted that peppermint oil is an age-old remedy that people used to relieve itching. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil in one ounce of carrier oil. Coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, or olive oil are excellent carrier oils to use. Do not apply undiluted peppermint oil directly on the skin! Apply the oil solution to the bites and reapply as needed.

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