Blackheads - The What, Whys and Hows?

Hello buddies! What's up? Hope you all are doing awesome!

Today's write-up is about blackheads. I know I have been writing a lot about skin care. But that's what I comes to my mind when it wants to blog! It's summers and I too have been taking a lot of care of my skin. So, I feel like talking about skin-care.

Do blackheads make you go bonkers?

Do you have tiny and stubborn blackheads on your nose and chin that just won't go away! They are like the tenants that occupy the area on your face and don't even pay rent! (ˆ▽ˆ) Just kidding!

So, let us take a look at what blackhead really are, why you get them and how to get rid of them.

What are Blackheads?

Blackheads are very tiny dots that appear on facial skin, especially on nose and chin. They appear black/gray in color. These are actually the skin pores that have been accumulating dead skin cells and dirt, which combine with the natural oil (sebum) that the skin secretes. This blocks the pores and appear as small dots on the skins.

What Causes Blackheads?

There are simple reasons why one gets blackheads, explained below.

Neglecting to Wash Your Face

Cleansing your face is of utmost importance. Some people fail to realize this simple fact that an unclean skin is the hot bed for bacteria. You can get acne or any other skin infection. The dirt and grime your collect on your face all day long needs to go down the drain. Otherwise, it will block the skin pores and give rise to blackheads.

Watch What You Eat

Sometimes, its the food we eat tends to cause blackheads. Sounds weird, right? But it's true. Foods that are high in starch and fats can give rise to blackheads. So, next time you hog on fries or chocolates, you might want to eat less.

Do You Drink Often?

If you are addicted to coffee or alcohol, odds are that you might be having nasty blackheads. These drinks mess up our sleep pattern and also affects the skin. Cut back on your caffeine or alcohol, or just cry over your dull skin.

Sleeping with Makeup On

Ladies, if you don't remove your makeup before going to bed, then you are total nuts! Sleeping with makeup still on is like the cardinal sin of skin care! The chemical crud blocks your pores and make way for blackheads.

Now, let me tell you how you can get rid of these nasty little bumps.

Scrubbing

Scrubbing is a great way for getting rid of blackheads. It works just right for me. I had tried so many things in the past to get rid of blackheads. But they just won't go away. They were like a permanent residents of my face! So, instead of scrubbing once or twice a week, I do it every day. Use a walnut scrub and massage it onto your skin in gentle circular motions. You might want to do it for two to three minutes. If you think your skin is fine with daily scrubbing, go for it.

Rigorous scrubbing is not suitable for people with oily skin. But gentle exfoliation will do the trick.

Use a Toner

Using a toner post cleansing is good, especially for people who have large skin pores. I don't use toner though. It shrinks your skin pores overtime, which is a nice way to prevent getting blackheads. Toner also helps maintain the pH balance of your skin.

If you are interested in home remedies to remove blackheads, take a look at this amazing YouTube video.

Moisturize 

Summers had taken a toll on my skin. Until last week my face felt like an old wall whose plaster is coming off. My skin was peeling and irritated. Scrubbing helped me get rid of dead cells but it also rendered my skin a little stretchy. A friend suggested that I should try Nivea's cold cream. It's non-sticky and does magic to the skin. I must say, of all the brands I have used, Nivea is by far the best cream for summers. If you don't like cold creams, you can always go for water based moisturizers.

Cover it Up

If possible, cover your face with a soft scarf. In my city, most college-goings girl, including me, and most working women have a collection of prettiest scarves. We use them to cover our face and head. It proves to be the best way to protect our skin from sunlight, pollution and dust.

This is all for today. I hope you enjoyed reading this write-up and will take good care of your skin. I will see you again with some more interesting stuff to read. Till then, bye! Have a nice week! J

Home Remedies for Oily Skin that Really Work

Do you have an oily skin and have been combating with associated skin problems? Are you one of those many women who have tried so many so-called oil control skin care products that make tall claims but are ineffective in the long run? You have landed at a right place, because today's write-up is about skin care tips for oily skin. These tips talk about the dos and don'ts as well as home remedies to incorporate in your skincare regimen.

Women with oily skin look younger than those with normal or dry skin. This is because the aging process of oily skin is comparatively slow. But oily skin continues to be one of the major concerns for most women. It brings along myriad of skin problems like enlarged pores, whiteheads, blackheads, acne and the resulting blemishes.

Google Images

To know more about effective home remedies for different conditions, please visit this link on YouTube --> Top 10 Home Remedies.

Let us take a look at some home remedies that with soothe your oily skin, making you feel fresh for longer.

The Cool Cucumbers

Cucumbers are high in water content and full of freshness. Not to mention their easy availability. Extract some cucumber juice by squeezing the grated cucumber and apply it on your face and neck with a cotton ball. Let it stay for 10-15 minutes and then wash off with cool water. Try this amazing idea before putting on make-up to make it stay fresh and smudge-free for several hours.

The Sassy Strawberry

This remedy is my personal favorite since last 6-7 years. I too have an oily skin and I love to use strawberry on my face. Its fruity fragrance refreshes my senses. Strawberries are a powerful astringent. An astringent has a tendency to shrink the skin cells, which is beneficial for people with engorged skin pores. Regular application of fresh strawberry juice on your face will bring down the size of the pores and make your skin appear even. It also helps lighten the scars or marks that have been left by acne.

Honey- Yogurt Face Mask

Honey is well known for its medicinal and healing properties. Turns out, it works like a magic for the skin. Add a teaspoonful of honey to a spoonful of yogurt and mix well. Apply this mixture on your face and neck with your finger tips. Leave it to dry for 15 minutes and then wash your face with water. This combo will moisturize your skin and keep dullness at bay, making your face glow.

Grape Juice

Grapes are yet another favorite fruit of our skin. It works like cleanser and fights skin oiliness and acne. It is rich in vitamins and mineral and provides nourishment to your skin. Squeeze some juice from sweet, ripe grapes and use it apply it on your skin for 10 minutes.

Now let us talk about the dos and don't when you have oily skin.

• Do not use facial scrub. They stimulate production of sebum, causing your skin to become oilier.

• Use a gentle and natural exfoliating agent. Make a paste of powdered almonds with some milk and use it as for exfoliating the layer of dead skin cells.

• Avoid washing your face too often, as it promotes production of oil in your skin.

• Always wear a sun-block lotion with adequate SPF before stepping out in the sun.

I hope you found this write-up useful and will benefit from trying some of the remedies yourself.

What Does Your Tongue Say?

Have you ever got tiny red bumps on your tongue that are sore and sensitive? It feels like you might have burnt your tongue, but you don't remember to have sipped on hot coffee or bit into hot food. At such times, the red spots on your tongue might point towards other health conditions. Let us take a look at what your tongue is trying to tell you.

One article on the website of U.S. National Library of Medicine says that the red spots on the tongue can be caused due to reasons as simple as anemia or deficiency of Vitamin B12 . If that is the case, eating foods rich in iron and vitamin B12 will certainly solve the problem.

However, sometimes red spots on the tongue may point towards dreadful diseases like scarlet fever or Kawasaki Syndrome. Kawasaki syndrome is a disease that affects the circulatory system. Other symptoms during advanced stages usually include fever and swelling in hands and feet. Children affected with Kawasaki syndrome usually exhibit symptoms before they turn 5. It is therefore necessary to not ignore a sore tongue of your child, especially if they don't seem to have caused physical trauma to it. Scarlet fever needs immediate treatment with antibiotics. If you seem to have high fever accompanied with red tongue, it would be extremely wise of you to rush to your doctor before things get out of hand.

According to iVillage, excessive smoking is yet another reason to have a bumpy tongue. Simple habits that go unnoticed like clenching or grinding your teeth can hurt the sides of the tongue, causing it to develop painful bumps. The red spot on your tongue could be just a mouth ulcer. The exact cause behind emergence of mouth ulcers is still unclear. Nevertheless, the odds of one getting mouth ulcers are high if they are stressed out.

Although most episodes of sore tongue are trivial, some of them aren't. It is quite possible to get a lump in the tongue that might not hurt. If it lasts more than a week, it might be a symptom of oral cancer. Pain might not be a symptom during the initial stages of oral cancer.

The next concern is treating the red spots on the tongue. If you have scalded your tongue by biting into a slice of pizza that just cam out of the oven, you can experience the pain for a couple of days until the tissues heal. In such a scenario all you can do it wait. Also, try not to drink or eat hot stuff. Rubbing an ice cube on the tongue does provide temporary relief from the fiery sensation.

According to Speedy Remedies, a simple mouth ulcer can be treated in a day or two with the help of herbal mouth ulcer gels available at the pharmacies. The gel has a cooling effect and soothes the aching tongue. Other than that, treating the underlying medical condition is the only way to get rid of sore tongue.

In a nutshell, no matter how simple a condition may seem, if you have no apparent reason to get it, your doctor is the best person to guide you through it.

Note- The contents of this site (texts, images, and other material contained) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician  regarding a medical condition you may have. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.

Aloe Vera - Coconut Oil Hair Mask with Step-by-Step Pictures

Previously we had discussed about the benefit of aloe vera application on skin. Today, I am writing about how to make a hair mask out of aloe vera and coconut oil. This hair mask is a great way to get rid of dandruff, itchy and dry scalp and dry hair. Aloe vera has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Thus, it leaves hair feeling clean and fresh after the wash. Shampooing tends to leave the hair dry. This hair mask would ensure that your hair are adequately moisturized.

Aloe vera also helps control hair fall. I have experienced the change over a span of a few months. I apply this hair mask twice or thrice a week prior to shampooing. However, you can use it once a week or twice a month, depending upon the suitability. Usually, aloe vera suits almost everyone's hair and skin. However, it might not suit some people, which is very rare. So, use this hair mask if you think aloe vera suits you. For first timers, I suggest you do a patch test before going for full application.

So, let us see how to make this hair mask.

I used a medium-sized stem, since I have thick and long hair. Not waist-length, but a bit longer than the shoulder length. You may take a small stem or half a stem if you have short hair. For longer tresses, you may use a bigger stem or 2 medium-sized stems in order to extract sufficient juice.

1. Clean the stem by washing it with water. Wipe it with a cloth. Cleaning the stem with water would remove the traces of dirt and soil on its surface.

2. Take a sharp knife and remove the thorns by lightly brushing the edge of knife along the edge of the stem.

Removing thorns would help prevent pricking on hands.

3. Now, using the knife peel of the aloe vera stem. You have to actually slice of the skin in a way that you do not waste the flesh inside the stem. Only the skin should come off.

4. The next step is to remove the flesh into a bowl or onto a plate. You may scrape it out using your fingers or knife. The flesh is soft and gooey and will come off easily. It is fine if some green part of the stem comes out with the gel extract.

5. Now, mix equal quantity (by volume) of coconut oil in the aloe vera extract. Use something like Parachute coconut oil, that as no additives or artificial fragrances.

6. Blend it well using your fingers. This is a little messy but totally worth it!

Lightly massaging your scalp and hair using this mixture. The hair should be covered from root to tip. When I apply it onto my hair, I leave my them untied. The mixture doesn't drip. It sticks to the hair. It feels like I have applied just oil to my hair. It doesn't look or feel anything unusual.

Keep the mask on for 30 minutes or so and wash off with lukewarm water and a mild shampoo, such as Sunsilk Shampoo. It is very mild yet cleanses the hair of excessive oil really well. I do not need to use any conditioner because this mask leaves my hair feeling soft, silky and hydrated. You may use a conditioner if you feel the need.

I hope this would be helpful to you. I will surely try to keep coming up with such simple home-made stuff. For more, stay tuned. :)

P.S. - Do check out the exciting range of products from Neutrogena India available online.

Product Review- Sunsilk Co-Creations Perfect Straight Range

Hello blogger buddies! How are you doing?? Great?? Good!!!

Today, I am writing a review on the Sunsilk Co-Creations Perfect Straight Shampoo and Conditioner. Actually, these products were launched way back, may be earlier this year as far as I can remember. But what the hey?!! I am still writing a review to share my experience with you guys.

I happen to love my tresses a little too much. I have naturally straight and silky hair, but they just don't stay put. They have got to fly helter-skelter, making me look like a mess. That's one reason I never let my hair out of the pony-tail while going to college. I have never used any straightening equipment till date. I was skeptical about using a straightening shampoo, fearing damage to my hair. But curiosity got the better of me. :D

So, I finally grabbed a bottle of Sunsilk Perfect Straight Shampoo off the rack at the supermarket yesterday. I bought the smallest bottle available and along came a free unit of Perfect Straight Conditioner. I wanted to see what kind of effect this shampoo would have on my already-straight hair. I was expecting the shampoo to help me pin my hair straight. Let us see what it did to my hair! But, before that let us take a look at the product specifications.

About the Sunsilk Perfect Straight Range

The Perfect Straight Shampoo

The Sunsilk Co-Creations Perfect Straight Range is created by Yuko Yamashita. The Shampoo came in an attractive purple bottle with a flip cap. It is meant for daily use, so it is comparatively mild than the other Sunsilk Shampoos. I needed around 12 ml of shampoo, since this one lathered a bit less. The fragrance is extremely pleasant and refreshing. The consistency is like any other shampoo.

Price- 56 INR

Quantity- 80 ml

The Perfect Straight 

The Conditioner came in a attractive purple tube. It smelled equally sweet. But again, too mild. I ended up using 10 ml of conditioner, which is way more than what should be used on medium length hair. Consistency and color looked like any other conditioner.

Price- 20 INR (This one came free with the Shampoo)

Quantity- 20 ml

The verdict

I did not tell anyone at home that I have used a new product. I waited for them to notice the change, if any. And my Dad and Sis did notice it! They said my hair look better in terms of staying pinned and neat. The instructions on the bottle say that the hair must be completely aligned as they dry. My hair definitely didn't become straighter, but the shampoo helped me make them stay in place. It also eased the little traces of frizzes.

This shampoo worked more like a hair-spray. It made my hair stay put for longer, which also made them a tad bit dry to touch. I suggest you massage your hair with hair-oil at least 1 hour prior shampooing. I didn't do it this time, so that might be the reason behind the slight dryness of hair.

And the below pic was clicked earlier today. My tresses remained under total control.

The Pros:

• Affordable
• Smells awesome! Believe me, I have been sniffing my hair every now and then since yesterday
• Beautiful packaging
• Helps remove frizzes effectively
• Makes hair shinier
• High on quality

The Cons:

• Very mild. You may need to use more quantity of shampoo and conditioner than usual
• Made my hair a little dry. Conditioner didn't seem to help much on maintaining the texture. May be a massage would help next time

Rating: 4 out of 5

In a nutshell, girls with thick and curly hair really won't benefit much from this product. The ones with unruly wavy tresses may find some relief. And the rest like me, your straight hair would become more manageable. Overall, an excellent and value for money product. Totally met my expectations!

Getting back to pink!

Irrespective of being a girl or a guy, lips are undoubtedly the most eminent and appealing feature of our face. But we often tend to care very little for our lips. Healthy pink lips add a charm to our smile. But sometimes our lips tend to lose their natural color and beauty and turn dark and dull. There is a series of reasons that cause hyperpigmentation or dullness of lips.

Hustling and stressful lifestyle, smoking, chewing tobacco, frequent use excessive make-up, insufficient water intake, treatment such as chemotherapy, sickness, etc can cause your lips to lose its luster. So, I wish to share simple tips of getting soft pink lips naturally. These home remedies would help revive the natural charm and color of your dull lips within a few weeks. Since these are home remedies, it will take time to show results.

By God's grace I have naturally pink lips. They began to get slightly pigmented after I got dental braces. By using the good stuff in the kitchen, I was able to reverse the pigmentation and maintain the natural color of my lips. It is my personal opinion that no matter how expensive and high-quality the cosmetics may be, they cause harm to the skin in the long run. Apart from a couple of occasions like dance competition and play during my school days, I have never used any make-up all my life. Here are a few simple tips that will help your lips get back their lost glory.

Water

Drinking plenty of water is good for your body. Chapped and dry lips can be your body's way to tell you that it is running low on fluids. When the body is well hydrated from within, your lips reflect the same.

Honey and lemon

Honey and lemon are great detoxifying agents. Mix a 2-3 drops of lemon with 1/2 tsp of honey and gently apply it on your lips. Let is dry, wash off and pat dry. The acidic and lightening properties of lemon would help bring out the natural color back to your lips.

Pomegranate and beet root

These amazingly delicious foods are a boon for your lips too. Squeeze out a teaspoon of pomegranate juice and mix it with milk cream. Apply this mixture to hydrate and moisturize chapped lips. If you don't have a pomegranate, you can use beet root instead.

Clarified butter

Gently applying clarified butter (ghee) on lips is very beneficial, especially during winters. It heals cracked lips and makes them super-soft. This is my most favorite remedy for cracked lips during winters. I love how ghee smells! Delicious!

Lip massage

A light lip massage improves blood circulation to your lips. You can use almond oil and massage your lips with fingertips before going to sleep.

Lip scrubbing

Using a soft toothbrush to gently scrub your lips removes the layer of dead skin, making your lips look fresh and clean. Scrubbing lips before applying the above mentioned mixtures would help them permeate deeper into the lips for optimal nourishment.

Limit the use of lip make-up

Avoid using lip color and lip gloss when not needed. Make sure you remove the make-up of your face and lips before sleeping. You can use cotton balls dipped in baby oil or almond oil to wipe your face clean.

Kick the butt and drop that weed

The best way to stop further damage to your lips is to quit smoking and chewing tobacco. Smoking and chewing tobacco cause the lips to darken and wrinkle. The fact that tobacco gives you cancer may make you feel motivated to kick the butt.

Sun is not fun

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight causes darkening of lips. Using a lip balm with adequate SPF would prevent damage to the lips.

An illustrative video on natural way to lighten dark lips

I hope you found these tips useful. Nothing would make me happier than helping you get those lips back to being luscious and pink. :)

Aloe Vera- For a Younger Looking & Beautiful Skin

Aloe Vera is known for a multitude of medicinal and healing properties since thousands of years. The Egyptians call it the 'plant of immortality'. Aloe Vera has internal and external applications. According to WebMD, it is good for skin as well as hair. Today's post talks about skin benefits of Aloe Vera. There are many brands in the market selling products and cosmetics loaded with Aloe Vera extract. But fresh and organic things are always the best. The same applies to Aloe Vera extract.

Aloe Vera is a type of a cactus that belongs to Liliaceae family. It is usually found growing in places with dry climatic conditions. The thick and fleshy leaves of Aloe Vera are packed with clear transparent gel. This gel can be applied directly on to the skin. It is a bit difficult to extract the gel out of the spiky leaves. The gel is slightly solid, slimy and sticky, but full of natural goodness. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties. You can extract the gel by filleting the leaf, scraping it off into a clean bowl and mashing it up with your fingers.

Aloe Vera extract can be used directly on to the skin. I personally use Aloe Vera twice a week for my oily skin. I apply it on my face, let it dry, wash off with water and pat dry. Avoid using Aloe Vera on area near the eyes. I suggest you do a patch test before applying Aloe Vera onto your skin. Some people may experience skin irritation resulting from Aloe Vera application. Tropical varieties of Aloe Vera are also known to cause skin irritation. Let us take a look at the host of benefits that Aloe Vera has to offer. 

Helps treat sun tan and sun burn

Direct application of aloe Vera gel helps treat sun tan and sun burn. Given to its antioxidant properties, it helps accelerate the healing process at the epithelial layer of skin.

Works excellent as a moisturizer and as anti-aging agent

Dry skin needs to be replenished with moisture and not oil. Instead of applying moisturizing lotions, one can apply Aloe Vera gel. The gel permeates deep into the skin and hydrates it. It works great as an anti-aging agent. The beta carotene and Vitamins C and E keep the skin moist and naturally firm. Thus, it makes the skin glow and look younger. 

Even men can explore the benefits of Aloe Vera. They can use the Aloe Vera gel instead of after-shave lotion. Aloe Vera has a cooling effect on the skin.

Treats acne effectively

Aloe Vera is an excellent remedy to treat skin disorders like acne, dark spots and blemishes. It lightens the dark spot over regular application. Aloe Vera get its anti-inflammatory properties from Gibberellin and Auxin. These two hormones accelerate growth rate of new cells, thus, speeding up the healing process.

Heals wound, burns and blisters

Aloe Vera has a soothing effect on skin that has sustained minor burns and wounds. It is good for treating blisters, itching and rashes resulting from eczema and psoriasis.

Aloe Vera is indeed nature's gift to the mankind. It is often used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat problems related to hair and skin. It is also used to detoxify the body through internal application of its extract. Aloe Vera must be used for internal application under the supervision of qualified medicine practitioner only.

An illustrative video for using Aloe Vera for naturally glowing skin

Note- The contents of this 'And My Life Goes On...' blog (texts, images, and other material contained) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician  regarding a medical condition you may have. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.

Sore throat- Unraveling The Reasons Behind Your Agony

Sore throat is the last thing in the world that anyone would like to have. The itch, burning sensation, tenderness and the discomfort it causes is enough to ruin your spirits. Sore throat leaves you feeling debilitated all day long. It is one of the prime reasons for frequent trips to doctor’s clinic and sick leaves from work. Sore throat is a symptom of a variety of medical conditions. It is necessary to probe into the causes and risk factors that increase your chances of getting a sore throat. Let us now discuss the reasons why you may get a sore throat.

1. Viral infection

Viral infection is the primary and most common reason why you get a sore throat. Most of the time viral sore throat is accompanied with flu-like symptoms.

• Common cold caused due to infection from Coronavirus or Rhinovirus gives you a runny and stuffed nose and a painful throat.
• Infection caused by Adenovirus and Parainfluenza virus is very common. It results into inflammation of pharynx, larynx and tonsils.
• Herpes simplex caused by herpes simplex virus is a condition wherein the patient has blisters and sores in the nasal mucosa, mouth and throat.
• Apart from these, there is Epstein-Barr virus that causes glandular fever or mononucleosis. Mono is characterized by swollen lymph nodes, swollen tonsils and a nasty sore throat. A person suffering from mono experiences difficulty in breathing and swallowing sputum or food.

2. Bacterial infection

• Out throat is susceptible to a number of bacterial infections. Streptococcal pharyngitis or strep throat is a medical condition that is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. It is characterized by sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, nausea, and high fever and chills. This is the most common bacterial infection that results into a sore throat. Close contact with the patient must be avoided since the infection is highly contagious.
• The chances of getting infected by Corynebacterium diphtheriae are very thin. However, in the eastern parts of Europe an increasing number of people are falling prey to this deadly bacterium every year. It causes infection of the upper respiratory tract which is known as Diphtheria. The patient exhibits symptoms like fever, chills, cough, lesions on skin, and swollen neck. The swelling in the neck is acute and very painful. There is difficulty in breathing, speaking and swallowing.
• Sore throat may be caused because of complications arising out of incomplete treatment of acute tonsillitis. Complications like development of PTS, i.e., Peritonsillar Abscess may crop up. PTA consists of production and accumulation of pus around the tonsils. It causes severe one-sided pain in the ear and throat due to which the patient cannot breathe, swallow or speak properly.
• Uvulitis refers to the inflammation of the uvula and is generally prevalent among children. Uvulitis may occur due to bacterial infection or trauma. Heamophilus influenzae type B, Streptococcus pyogenes, or Fusobacterium nucleatum could be the culprits behind the swollen and painful uvula in your child.
• Sore throat caused due to sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia may be extremely rare but not non-existent. When the bacteria Chlamydia thracomatis successfully breeds in the hostile environment of the throat, it can cause inflammation of the pharynx.

3.Fungal infections

• Oral candidiasis or oral thrush commonly caused by Candida albicans is a very superficial and localized yeast infection of the mucous membranes in the mouth. It is normally seen in babies. It may also infect adults and cause infection in the mouth as well as throat. The infection seen in adults is named as ‘Candidosis’. It may also attack the respiratory tract causing infection in the bronchi. It is called as ‘broncho-candidiasis’. All these types of infections cause irritation of the throat.

4. The non-infectious causes

Sore throat may be a result of pharyngitis caused by mechanical or chemical reasons, as explained below.

4.1. Humidity level

The preferred level of humidity in the atmosphere is 35% to 50%. Inappropriate level of humidity in the atmosphere can trigger illnesses of the respiratory tract. Low humidity sucks out the moisture from the tissues of nose, mouth and throat. This initiates irritation and itching in the throat.

High humidity aggravates the symptoms of asthma and sinusitis, pharyngitis being one of symptom.

4.2. Exposure to irritants

Exposure to irritants like pollution, cigarette smoke, dust and pollen can trigger respiratory ailments.

4.3. Thermal irritants

Swallowing food or liquid that is very hot or very cold can damage the tissues in your throat. It produces a burning sensation in your throat.

4.4. Heamatological disorders

People suffering from heamatological disorders like leukemia and aplastic anemia experience ulcers of the mouth and throat.

4.5. GERD

GERD stands for Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease. It is characterized by reflux of food and stomach acids into the esophagus. It is caused due to improper closure or relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscular valve located at the opening of the stomach.

The stomach acids cause irritation, inflammation and formation of sores in the esophagus, causing you to experience sore throat.

Having been discussed the reasons we get a sore throat, let us now elaborate the risk factors that increase our chances of getting one.

1. Age

Children and teenagers are more susceptible to respiratory illnesses. The degree of pain in the throat experienced by them is higher than that in adults. Older people easily catch cold because of low-immunity. No wonder why it usually advances into serious ailments like tuberculosis.

2. Chemical irritants

Particulate matter present in the smoke from combustion of coal, petrol, diesel etc cause irritation of throat.

3. Pre-existing medical conditions

People suffering from asthma and sinusitis are at an increased risk of getting viral and bacterial sore throat. People with poorly-managed diabetes can easily contract fungal infections like Candidosis due to lowered immunity.

4. Tumors

Tumors of the tongue, pharynx and larynx are generally associated with smoking and alcoholism. Such tumors cause sore throat and radiating pain in the ears.

5. Compromised immunity

People with HIV have suppressed immunity and low level of resistance. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, malnourished children, pregnant women and people undergoing treatment with steroids are all susceptible to infections of the respiratory tract. Hormonal imbalance and stress are also known to inhibit body’s immune response.

6. Congested living spaces

Viral and bacterial infections tend to spread rapidly in overcrowded places like schools, prisons, hospitals and offices.

7. Proximity to the patients

Close contact with patients suffering from respiratory illnesses or other contagious infections can spread the infection to other people, especially by the way of airborne droplets.

Understanding the causes of getting a sore throat and the associated risk factors is necessary for effective and timely treatment of the underlying medical condition. It is also helpful to avoid getting such throat infections in future.

Note- The contents of this 'And My Life Goes On...' blog (texts, images, and other material contained) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician  regarding a medical condition you may have. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.

Top 4 Causes of Dark Spots That Will Blow Your Mind

All the beautiful ladies out there, if your are looking to find reasons behind the coffee-colored patches on your skin, you have come at a right place.

Dark spots on skin can occur due an array of reasons. Dark spots show up on not only the face but also back, shoulders, waist and thighs. Dark spots develop due to accelerated production of melanin in the skin. According to Daily Makeover, the exact reason depends upon the area that is affected. The phenomenon of dark spots is also known as hyperpigmentation. Dark spots result into uneven skin tone or discoloration, which can literally break an otherwise beautiful complexion. Let us take a look at the culprits causing dark spots and how to remove that.

The Sun

The Sun is the number one perpetrator when it comes to giving dark spots. Summers may fade away but the damage sustained by the sun-exposed skin shows itself very clearly. Make-up can camouflage the hyperpigmentation temporarily, but it is necessary to contain and reverse the damage. Prolong exposure to sunlight triggers excessive production of melanin, a pigment which gives color to our skin, resulting into blotchy and patchy skin. The best way to prevent dark spots due to sun-damage is to use a good sunscreen that provides adequate protection against the UV rays of the Sun.

Constricted innerwear

While a fabulous well-fitted innerwear can enhance your appearance and boost your confidence, an extremely constricted innerwear can cause skin blemishes. Tight innerwear cause friction between itself and the skin, causing skin irritation and ultimately darkening of skin. Dark spots may appear near armpits, shoulders, neck and back if you wear an extremely tight bra that struggles to accommodate you. Similarly, skin irritation may occur around the waistline and groin due to tight-fitting panties. It would be extremely smart of you to dump your constricted lingerie and buy new well-fitting lingerie that doesn't dig in your skin. If the damage has been done, the dark spots can be treated with prescribed hydroquinone gel.

When hormones go haywire!

Hormonal changes affect women not only psychologically but also physically. While a woman experiences mood swings as her estrogen and progesterone play hide and seek, it is the skin that also undergoes changes. Hormonal changes due to pregnancy or intake of hormonal pills often takes a toll on the skin. Surge in these hormones cause accelerated melanin production and ultimately hypermigmentation. Dark patchy spots usually occur on forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. In case of pregnancy, dark spots vanish after delivery as hormones tend to settle down. When on hormonal pills, consulting a GP and switching over to another type of birth control measure is the only way out.

Hair removal

Hair removal can cause dark spots to develop, if the technique applied for getting rid of stray hair is faulty. Using depilatory creams and razors for hair removal causes skin irritation and darkening of skin. Waxing is known to the safest and most reliable way of hair removal. But getting your arms, legs or face waxed from an inexperienced or unskilled beautician can give you terrible dark spots. If you are already hit by dark spots due to faulty hair removal techniques, you can treat it with hydrocortisone cream under a physician's supervision.

An informative video on how to treat dark spots caused by acne

Making little changes in the way we do things on daily basis can help prevent dark spots and blotchy skin from ruining our complexion. By following a healthy routine of exfoliating, cleansing and moisturizing the skin, we can make it stay younger, healthier and glowing.

Note- The contents of this 'And My Life Goes On...' blog (texts, images, and other material contained) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician  regarding a medical condition you may have. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.

Knowing the Facts of Severe Food Allergies - A guest post by Tammy Mahan

There are millions of people in the world having severe reactions caused by food allergies each year. While the symptoms of most food allergies are minor and the reactions mild, there are those that cause severe, even life threatening reactions. Food allergies cannot be cured; important measures for the prevention of serious consequences to health are recognizing the allergy early and managing the reactions to food.

Allergic reactions can be caused by over one hundred and sixty foods. The eight that are most common make up ninety percent of the allergic reactions to food and the source of a number of ingredients. This is why food labeling laws pinpoint these eight foods on ingredient labels. 

Top Eight Allergy Foods

• Wheat

• Peanuts

• Soybeans

• Tree nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)

• Eggs

• Dairy (milk)

• Crustacean shellfish (lobster, shrimp, crab)

• Fish

The food labeling law (requiring allergens to be identified on labels) designates these as major allergens that could lead to severe reactions. The individual ingredients have to be listed on the label with the source of the food in parenthesis beside them if it is not obvious from the food name itself. There can be an allergy warning that says: this product contains (name of allergen), or that the food was made in a facility that also makes one of the common allergens. 

Reacting to Severe Food Allergy Symptoms

A food allergy could be present if there is the appearance of certain symptoms and avoiding them can prevent the re-occurrence.

• Reading labels will help to avoid the foods that result in the allergy. Recognizing the first symptoms of an allergic reaction and being knowledge of the proper measures for treatment is important. 

• Treatment should be initiated immediately by those that have a food allergy and begin having symptoms while eating or after eating. Visiting the emergency room should be done if the symptoms worsen.

Allergic Reaction Symptoms

Severe food allergy reactions can appear after a few minutes or up to two hours after the food has been eaten. Hives, rash, swelling of the lips, face and tongue and abdominal cramps are all signs of allergic reactions. There can also be difficulty breathing, dizziness, loss of consciousness and swelling of the vocal cords and throat with an allergic reaction.

It is important to learn to identify the symptoms early so that treatment can be gotten immediately to prevent death from resulting.

Severe Food Allergies Can Threaten Your Life

Anaphylaxis can result from eating a food that you are allergic too. The airways in the lungs can become constricted. Swelling of the throat can lead to suffocation, and anaphylactic shock can occur when the blood pressure drops severely leading to shock.

Anaphylaxis from severe food allergies results in approximately one hundred and fifty deaths, two thousand hospitalizations and thirty thousand visits to the emergency room in the United States per year.

Learning which foods that you are allergic too and educating yourself about the reading of labels to identify common allergy inducing foods is of the utmost importance for your health when you live with severe food allergies.

About the Author

Tammy Mahan earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing at the State University of New York. She practiced as a Registered Nurse for 20 years. She has experience working in the following medical units; intensive care, cardiac care, medical/surgical, oncology, pediatrics, neo-natal intensive care, and emergency room care. As a Certified Natural Health Consultant, she advises people on alternative treatments and helps them set up treatment plans that will best suit their needs. Tammy has written hundreds of articles, blog posts and eBooks related to health and medical topics. She has also ghost written thousands of articles on topics ranging from arts and crafts to zoo animals. She also has excellent research skills that allows her to write informative articles on any topic in laymen terms and for the highly educated. Tammy is also the author of a cookbook, a children’s non-fiction book, and a new age book. As a mother, she is also well versed in topics relating to family and children. As an animal lover, she enjoys spending time with and caring for her pets. Tammy has also traveled extensively throughout the United States and several other countries. As a professional writer, she creates content that is informative and engaging to her readers.

Simple ways to lose pregnancy weight

This one is for all the new moms out there! I know how delighted you are at the arrival of the new baby. But now you have plenty of things on hand; feed the baby, clean the baby and lose some pregnancy weight. It’s obvious for many of you to be tired of listening to how quickly celeb moms slim down after having a baby, as if it was a piece of cake for them.

But the truth is that these celebs are backed up with specialized services or doctors, private trainers, nutritionists as well as personal chefs. And if it still doesn’t work out, there are Photoshop specialists who make them appear at their best post-pregnancy. But what should an ordinary mom do?

A woman has numerous ways to lose pregnancy weight in a viable manner. Following are important suggestions that will prove to be useful.

Have a support system in place

‘Me time’ is a rare thing to get for new moms. You have to take some time out of your hectic agenda in order to work on yourself. And here your family members and friends can come to your rescue.

You won’t be able to perform all the tasks by yourself, so don’t try doing so. Put your husband on grocery duty and request grandma to babysit the baby. Some health centers and gymnasiums provide babysitting facility, while you work your way to slim down and get fit. Utilize the resources on hand in the best possible manner.

Taking care of your body

Your taste-buds may get attract towards junk food, but this isn’t the right time to give up on your temptations. Pregnancy gives a hard time to your body. However it’s in your hands that you can accelerate the recovery process. You can have several smaller and wholesome meals throughout the day. Green vegetables, dairy products, whole grains, lean proteins, and fruits that are rich in fiber should form major components of your diet.

It is a natural thing that if you’re breastfeeding the baby, you may need to consume more calories than the usual, so that you and your baby stay fit. Drink lots of water. Nursing moms need to consume more water, at least 64-128 ounces every day.

Move your body

On some days you may not feel like getting out of bed. But its time you get moving. Cardio exercise makes you strong and helps lose weight in lesser time. You don’t necessarily need to join a gyn. You can exercise in your garden as the baby rests in a cool and shady place. You can also take long walk with your baby as he rests in a pram.

It is advisable that you do cardio for at least half an hour and 5 days in a week. You will notice a boost in your energy levels, as your weight goes down. Yoga is beneficial for releasing all the stress and making your mind calm, as well as losing weight. Do the stretches and aasanas (poses) early in the morning to have a rejuvenating experience. Before going to sleep, do the breathing exercises. Also meditate for a while, to get a sound sleep.

Stay invigorated

It is definitely not easy with a baby for you to get ample quality sleep every night. But sleep is important for your body and mind. The best way to get adequate rest is to sleep when the baby also goes to sleep. This way you won’t be disturbed.

Sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system. A person is unable to stay focused. Also the natural healing process of the body becomes sluggish. Sadly there are many people who don’t get enough sleep- new moms being one of them!

You can take care of your dear ones only when you’re fit. With appropriate nutrition, work out and adequate sleep you will be slim and slender again in no time!

Toothache- Everything you need to know

Ouch! My tooth! It hurts! Ow!

Toothache reminds me of this scene-
Alfalfa (Bug Hall) faking a toothache in  the movie 'The Little Rascals', 1994

You definitely know how a toothache feels like. Everyone of us has experienced a toothache at some point of time in our lives. A toothache may sound like a trivial affair but it truly has the audacity to wreck your daily routine. It won’t let you concentrate on your work or let you get some good night sleep. Tooth decay is usually the chief cause of toothache. However, it is imperative that you undergo a complete dental check-up in order to rule out any possibilities of severe health problems. By the time you get an appointment with your dentist, you can try out these top 10 home remedies to temporarily alleviate your agony.

Let us understand why we get aching teeth.

According to Deltadentalins, there are several reasons behind toothache; some of the major ones are listed below:

• Dental cavity

• Exposed roots- It gives a shrill pain when you eat anything hot or cold, often known as sensitivity

• Cracked teeth/ dental trauma

• Infection in the gum tissues

• Bruxism

• Eruption of milk teeth in case of babies

• Eruption of permanent teeth in case of young children

• Eruption of wisdom teeth in adults

• Certain ailments pertaining to heart such as the angina, can cause tenderness around the jaws and teeth

• Infection of the sinuses or the ear causes toothache. It is normally coupled with headache

What symptoms are exhibited with a toothache?

It would be really wise that you schedule an appointment with your dentist right away if you notice any of the following symptoms.

• If you notice abscess or pus around the painful area, there are high chances that it is a severe gum infection that can possibly infect your jaw bone. Your mouth could have a foul taste from the abscess.

• Inflammation of gum tissues

• Bleeding gums

• You could feel pain when you bite your food

• Chronic pain in the jaw, gums or teeth

What does a dentist do to help you?

Usually, dentist does a comprehensive oral examination and take x-rays if needed, to identify the underlying cause of your toothache. The course of treatment will depend upon the diagnosis of your condition. He may prescribe dental gels, painkillers and antibiotics to cure the ailment. In severe cases, extraction of infected tooth and root canal may be advised.

Prevention is better than cure

The best way to fight against toothache is not getting one! Here are some simple tips to prevent bad teeth.

• Brush, brush and brush! It is the simplest way to avoid tooth ailments. Brush twice a day with a good toothbrush, so that the most difficult areas are cleansed properly. Use good quality toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush at appropriate regular intervals, preferably every month. Use a good mouthwash too.

• Use dental floss to remove minutest food particles stuck between the teeth. You may floss once daily.

• Rinse your mouth properly with water after every meal.

• Visit your dentist are regular intervals for dental check-up and cleaning.

So now that you are aware of the basic whats, whys and hows of the toothache, I hope you found this post useful. Please do take a look at the home remedies link at the beginning of this post, to know how simple ingredients like cloves, garlic, onion, ice cubes, salt and pepper etc can help temporarily treat toothache.


Note- The contents of this site (texts, images, and other material contained) are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician  regarding a medical condition you may have. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site