Facts You Need To Know About The Common Cold

As the colder months approach, so do the colds and flu viruses which render us bed-ridden for days. There are a number of factors which increase our risk of catching colds and viruses, such as cold weather, changes in immunity and our eating habits, and poor hygiene habits make us more susceptible to infections. It’s common knowledge that in order to fend off infections, we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle of plenty of exercise, drinking enough water each day, and getting the right balance of nutrients from a diet that’s rich in fruits and vegetables. But there are other things to consider. Here are the main factors you need to be aware of in order to stay healthy during cold and flu season.

Vitamin D deficiency

As the days become shorter, our exposure to direct sunlight also decreases. This lack of exposure to the sun can lead to a vitamin D deficiency which can weaken our immune system, leading us to become more susceptible to infections. Some food products are now fortified with this vital nutrient but there are also supplements available to help ensure you get your daily dose.

Cold air

The dry and cold air can dry out your nasal passages which can irritate the throat and lungs, leading to coughs and colds. You may even find that your struggle with your breathing during this season, as your nasal passages are often blocked. This is known as cold-induced asthma which can irritate the linings of your nose and throat which are there to protect the respiratory passages, which can trigger a cough.

Humid weather

In the summer, the hot weather leads to you sweating a lot more – this increases the chance of respiratory infections developing due to dust particles and sweat triggering a sore throat and a dry cough. Breathing is naturally affected because of congestion, particularly in crowded places.

Smog

Allergies due to breathing in smoggy air are common in the summer months, because smog contains a pollutant known as ozone which directly attacks your lung function. This causes inflammation of the protective lining of the lungs and can trigger asthma.  Coughing due to smog is often very painful as it causes uneasiness of the chest and throat.

Weather changes

Because of the way we naturally react to  weather changes, coughs triggered  during the summer months don’t go away easily. For example, during the winter we tend to keep warm, rest a lot and drink hot fluids to help encourage recovery. But in summer, we drink cold drinks and these increase the chance of a cold infection. It may even worsen your gastroesophageal reflux disease causing a cough.

Rainy season

It’s more common to catch a cold  during a rainy season, as the common cold during this season comes accompanied by headaches and sore throats which are due to damp weather. It’s during rainier months that we need to be more on our guard in terms of preventative measures and leading a healthier lifestyle, to try and  fight off any possible infections.

Climate changes

Because of erratic climate changes taking place all the time, people with a healthy immune system also catch respiratory infections. For example, with monsoons after heavy rainfall the weather can sometimes turn very hot. This can lead to a cough or cold due to infections, allergies and breathing problems, all made worse by the weather. changing so drastically.

Categories: allergies, colds, common, Infections, nasal passages, rainy season, respiratory infections, season, summer months, Throat, weather

3 Factors That Contribute to Healthcare-Associated Infections

Going to the hospital is no picnic. Just ask anyone who has recently been admitted to a health care facility. Some people dislike hospitals so much that they resist going there as much as possible. They are only forced to do so at the last minute when efforts of self-treatment fail or when a simple disease like a cold has evolved into something more complex requiring a medical professional’s help. One of the reasons why they fear the hospital could be because of healthcare-associated infections–also known as hospital acquired infections–(HAIs) which often times can prove to be more fatal than the original illness.

 

Three years ago, HAIs became a leading cause of death, which probably also increased people’s anxiety about being admitted in the hospital. However, if you pin down the factors that contribute to HAIs, then it would be a lot easier to reduce the probability of it happening. Here are some of the major factors that increase the risk of Healthcare-Associated Infections.

 

Poor Hand Hygiene

 

Hand hygiene is crucial in the hospital especially since healthcare professionals are handling multiple patients at one time. The hands are the most common medium for pathogens to transfer from patient to patient–who are all confined within the same healthcare environment. Although proper hand hygiene must be observed in any hospital or other healthcare environments, it’s so easy to forget this practice especially when things become so hectic and there are more patients than hospital staff. One way to remedy this factor is to provide a brief refresher course on how to maintain proper hygiene–especially hand hygiene–at all times. The installation of hand sanitizer dispensers outside hospital room doors is also a great way to remind the staff to cleanse first before moving on to the next patient.

 

Nurse Understaffing

 

Nurse understaffing is a reality that exists in a lot of healthcare institutions today. Due to being understaffed, nurses are sometimes forced to go on multiple straight hour shifts, leaving them burned out and driven to the point of exhaustion. This in turns affects their performance at work and in the medical industry, this is a very dangerous thing. In fact articles likethis have explained the link between nurse understaffing and increase in HAIs. The article based its findings on a study published in JAMA Pediatrics. Looking at the problem, one of the best solutions would be to hire more people to lighten the load and help each nurse perform better. This is easier said than done as most hospitals are quicker in letting go of employees than hiring new ones. Some healthcare institutions are also struggling with budget cuts, forcing them to retrench employees further understaffing their workforce. It’s not easy for healthcare professionals to work straight shifts so what they can do is to take power naps in between. Even just a short nap can help rejuvenate them rather than having any sleep at all.

 

IV Infection

 

When people get admitted in the hospital, their immune systems are already compromised, making them even more vulnerable to HAI. Their condition could take a turn for the worse when bacterial infection sets in especially when it enters the bloodstream. IV infections can be deadly like the tragic incident that happened in Alabama. One of the ways that bloodstream infection can be prevented is through the use of iv access ports that   disinfect prior to line access to prevent contamination. By doing this, the probability for cross contamination in between rooms is greatly reduced.

 

Despite your fears about HAIs, don’t let these stop you from having a proper checkup. A simple cold could turn out to be more especially if you’re not getting any better for weeks. It’s still safe to get a healthcare professional’s advice.

Categories: factors, hais, hand hygiene, healthcare, healthcare institutions, healthcare professionals, hospital, Infections, nbsp, nbsp nurse, nurse understaffing

Suffering From a Yeast Infection: How to Fight Back

Yeast infections are a common ailment, affecting the sexual wellness and wellbeing of millions of women every year. They tend to recur as well, and can make having a normal sex life quite difficult and uncomfortable.

 

One of the reasons that yeast infections are so common is that most of us take antibiotics at some point in our lives (and most of us at several points in our lives). Antibiotics are designed to kill off the bad bacteria that is causing an infection in our bodies, but unfortunately, in so doing, they also kill off the good bacteria in the gut and the good bacteria in the vagina. You might find that if you are on a course of antibiotics, a bout of thrush soon follows. It’s always a good idea to see your doctor, though, as self-diagnosed yeast infections can turn out to be other things.

 

There are some very simple steps that you can take to help you steer clear of a yeast infection. Don’t use feminine hygiene sprays and don’t wash your vaginal area with any kind of perfumed soaps. Steer clear of perfumed sanitary pads, tampons and bubble bath too, as these seem to negatively affect the balance of acid in the vagina, leading to a thrush infection.

 

Wear cotton pants and avoid tight-fitting clothing too, as well as remembering to wipe from front to back, and you will also significantly reduce the number of yeast infections that you suffer from. Yeast thrives in warm, wet environments, so make sure you stay cool and dry ‘down below’.

 

If you are on the birth control pill, you could also find yourself more susceptible to thrush. Researchers have now found that certain types of birth control may cause a susceptibility to thrush as well.

Categories: Birth Control, infection, Infections, nbsp, steer clear, thrush, vagina, yeast, yeast infection, Yeast Infections

Getting Rid of Yeast Infections: Alternative Therapies

A yeast infection is considered a sexual wellness problem, but there are many ways in which you can contract such an infection. The fungus Candida albicans is always present in your vagina, but a variety of factors can cause this fungus to overproduce and cause a yeast infection. Causes of yeast infections include antibiotics, birth control pills, wearing tight undergarments, and a suppressed immune system, and complementary wellness therapies emphasise eliminating these causes to treat the yeast infection, rather than eliminating the fungus. But which therapy is best for your wellbeing?

 

1. Nutritional Therapy: The foundation of nutritional therapy is dietary changes and supplements, and this is no less the case when it comes to treating and preventing yeast infections. Certain foods can contribute to a yeast infection, either by encouraging the growth of the Candida albicans or by taxing your body’s immune system. Therefore, if you have a yeast infection, you may want to avoid the following foods until it clears up, and eat them in limited amounts thereafter:

 

• Sugars (including honey, fruit juices, and maple syrup)


• Artificial sweeteners


• Cheese


• Dried fruit


• Alcohol


• Mushrooms


• Meat, poultry, and milk (which can have traces of antibiotics in them)

 

You can also keep fungal growth in check by consuming items that can introduce “good” bacteria into your body. Live yoghurt and the bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and certain species of Bifidobacterium, which can be taken orally or used as a douche, can all prevent yeast infections – just be wary of artificially sweetened yoghurt. Other great antifungal foods include garlic, and anything containing caprylic acid, grapefruit seed extract, and undecenoic acid.

 

 

2. Herbal Medicine: There are several herbs which can bring your fungus levels back down to a healthy point, while others can strengthen your immune system. As well as being a folk-favourite for treating athlete’s foot, the bark of the pau d’arco tree is an excellent treatment for vaginal yeast infections – with the research to back it up. Studies have shown that the lapachol found in the bark is what works to fight infections, and you can consume this herb easily in the form of capsules, extract, or tea. Goldenseal is one of the most commonly used herbs for its immune-boosting properties, but you should not use it if you’re pregnant. Other herbal remedies for yeast infections include calendula, echinacea (purple coneflower), German chamomile, ginger, rosemary, tea tree and thyme.

 

 

3. Homeopathy: Using highly diluted doses of a natural substance that would produce the same infection symptoms if given in full strength to a healthy person, homeopathic medicine can stimulate your body to overpower the yeast infection. After asking you about your symptoms and general state of your emotional and physical wellness, your homeopath will give you an individualised remedy. Before attending your meeting, make sure you know the answers to the following questions:

 

1. Is there any vaginal discharge, and what is its colour, consistency, and smell?


2. Does walking or lying down increase the amount of discharge?


3. Is there any discomfort around your vagina?


4. Do you find it difficult or uncomfortable to urinate?

 

Once your practitioner is equipped with this information, he or she will prescribe the right remedy. This may be in the form of borax veneta, calcarea carbonica, kreosotum, mercurius solubilis, pulsatilla nigricans or sepia. For the most common symptoms of yeast infections, medical experts have formulated combination remedies that are available over the counter. However, because these remedies lack the individualisation that you usually get in homeopathy, they are considered less effective.

Categories: candida albicans, homeopathy, Infections, infections include, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, nutritional therapies, nutritional therapy, yeast, yeast infection, Yeast Infections

Yeast Infections: How To Cure Them With Home Remedies

The symptoms of vaginitis affect most women at some point in their lives – the itching, burning pain, and discharge that comes with a yeast infection are uncomfortable and undesirable no matter what age you are unfortunate enough to develop this infection. Yeast infections are caused by organisms which inhabit the vagina – one of the most common causes is the fungus Candida albicans. Yeast infections can be successfully treated at home, but it’s still advisable what you speak to your GP to ensure that it is actually a yeast infection. There are a number of reasons why you may be experiencing your symptoms, so you should check before taking any medication or trying any remedies. But, if you’ve checked with your GP, or have had a yeast infection in the past and are sure that you’ve developed it again, these remedies may be useful to you. The first rule of thumb is to ensure that you keep the genital area dry and loose so that air can circulate. Yeast organisms like warm, moist conditions so by wearing fabrics that don’t breathe, you’re giving them the perfect environment to thrive. You should dry the vaginal area well after showering or bathing, then opt for a breathable fabric such as cotton underwear and loose trousers or a skirt to let the area breathe.

Practicing good hygiene is also important as yeast infections produce secretions when they are irritated. Yeast can also be passed on through sexual activity and through things like shared baths, so avoid bathing together or sharing towels. Try to wash your clothing in hot water too, to destroy the yeast organisms on your clothes. You can also add a cup of vinegar to the cycle to kill the yeast. Not only can alcohol and chemicals in certain body washes cause irritation, but they can also pH balance to the vagina, which gives the yeast chance to flourish. Routine douching isn’t wise if you don’t have vaginal symptoms, but it can help to balance the pH balance if you have a yeast infection. Live yoghurt can cool your symptoms and restore the friendly microorganisms in the vaginal area. Eating yoghurt can help, but you can also insert one to two tablespoons into the vagina and externally to the areas that are affected. As an alternative, you can also use a lactobacillus tablet vaginally once a day and douching with vinegar twice a day for two days.

 

Studies have also shown that boric acid is a safe way to treat yeast infections. If your doctor agrees that it is a good idea, you could try using a boric acid capsule as a suppository if you experience a flare-up of symptoms. However, if you’re pregnant then you should skip this. The most common treatment is an over-the-counter fungal cream which removes the yeast infection quickly and effectively. Both miconazole and clotrimazole are effective in treating this problem and are readily available in pharmacies and many supermarkets. Follow the instructions on the packet, and complete the full course of medication even if your symptoms seem to have disappeared as the infection may still be present. If you regularly get yeast infections around the time of your period, you may find it useful to use an antifungal cream a few days before and after your period, as a preventative. Lastly, cranberry juice can be useful as the acidity in the juice can kill any bacteria in your urethra and create an inhospitable environment for the bacteria.

Categories: Bacteria, boric acid, infection, Infections, ph balance, vaginal area, women's health, yeast, yeast infection, Yeast Infections, yeast organisms

Feeling Uncomfortable? A Yeast Infection Could be to Blame

Yeast infections are a common sexual health hazard, affecting the wellness and wellbeing of both men and women all over the world. Women are most commonly affected by the condition – in fact, around 75 percent of all women will have a yeast infection such as thrush during the course of their lifetime, and around 45 percent of women will have at least two or more yeast infections.

 

In the United States, vaginal yeast infections are the second most common cause of reportedly abnormal vaginal discharge. The first most common cause is bacterial vaginosis.

 

Yeast infections are particularly common during pregnancy, perhaps due to the chemical changes which occur in the vagina during pregnancy. During this time, there is basically more sugar in the vagina for the bacteria spores to feed on.

 

Around five percent of the women who have vaginal yeast infections develop recurrent infections, which is known as vulvogainal candidiasis, which is defined as having four or more episodes of thrush in a one year period. Most women who suffer from this do not have any underlying medical conditions which make them more likely to get the condition.

 

During episodes of thrush, women experience thick or clotted discharge which may have a slight odour. Whilst vaginal discharge is normal, it is usually clear or cloudy and should be non-irritating. Thrush and other yeast infections cause itching and inflammation and can be quite uncomfortable.

 

One way to avoid getting a yeast infection is to avoid washing the vagina with perfumed soaps, or using perfumed deodorants or even bubble bath as this can upset the normal Ph. and bacteria balance in the vagina.

 

Many vaginal yeast infections can clear up without any treatment, however, there are cases when it can develop into something more serious, so you should make sure that you treat any and all episodes of vaginal yeast infection.

Categories: Infections, nbsp, thrush, vagina, vaginal, vaginal discharge, vaginal yeast, Women, yeast, yeast infection, Yeast Infections

The Anti-Aging Treatments That Could Kill You

Could your desire for the latest anti-aging product and the newest treatments actually be putting you in danger? A new study has shown that people prioritise their wellness and wellbeing behind their desire to look good on many occasions.

 

A trip to a spa or salon should, of course, be about a bit of pampering, and helping you to relax and feel beautiful, but there are times when simple beauty treatments can go horribly wrong, leading to infections, scarring and sometimes even death.

 

Most procedures are perfectly safe, especially when carried out by a qualified doctor or technician, but that doesn’t mean that you are every truly free from risk.

 

Take a simple manicure or pedicure, for example – no harm there, right? Wrong. In a place where feet are soaked and calluses are buffed, it’s possible to pick up both bacterial and fungal infections, including MRSA, which is an antibiotic resistant type of bacteria. This was the case with 46-year-old Kimberley Kay Jackson who went to get a pedicure and suffered a small cut to the heel from a pumice stone. An infection occurred and the woman died of an infection. Check out the cleanliness of a salon and make sure that you are comfortable with the salon’s hygiene procedures. If you spot any signs of infection later, visit your doctor straight away.

 

A Brazilian Blowout is a hair straightening product line, but a recent warning by the FDA has revealed that these products contain dangerously high levels of formaldehyde, which can cause cancer. Users of these products have reported problems including nosebleeds. Chest pain, vomiting, rashes and dizziness.

 

Botox is another risky one – there are serious side effects to the drug such as slurred speech, muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing, and they are rare but can lead to death if left untreated.

 

Categories: anti aging, beauty, Death, infection, Infections, nbsp, salon, treatment, Treatments

What Should You Be Aware Of When It Comes To STIs?

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are passed between people during sexual contact, and they’re increasing in prevalence. They can be passed during vaginal, anal and oral sex, as well as mere genital contact with an infected person. The only way to ensure that you’re limiting yourself from infections is to use a condom every time you have sex. There are many categories for STIs. Bacterial infections include syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Viral infections include HIV, hepatitis B, herpes and genital warts. Fungal infections include thrush, and parasitic infections include public lice and trichomonas vaginalis. These all have a variety of symptoms to look out for, and vary in terms of severity to your health. In women, the symptoms include abnormal vaginal discharge, genital lesions, bleeding between periods or after sex, and lower abdominal pain. In men, these symptoms involve discharge from the penis, pain or discomfort when passing urine, genital lesions and testicular pain. However, not all STIs carry symptoms, so you could be infected and not realise. This is why getting regular check-ups is so vital to your sexual health – they help you spot infections you may not be aware of.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI in the UK, and regularly infects people under 25 yrs. Both men and women contract this infection, and there are rarely symptoms which is why it spreads so easily. This is a particularly dangerous infection to have left untreated, as it could lead to serious long-term problems in the reproductive tract and abdomen, potentially leaving people infertile.

HIV

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It infects and gradually destroys the immune system, lowering the victims protection against cancers and infections. If it is left untreated, HIV will damage the immune system and develop into AIDS. This stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, and is a collection of illnesses which is caused by an ‘acquired’ virus. You can’t develop AIDS unless you are already HIV Positive. There may be no symptoms in someone who is living with HIV in the early stages, but eventually the individual will need medication to control it.

Genital warts

Most people who get the virus which develops into genital warts don’t show any specific symptoms, and this is why the virus remains un-diagnosed for a long time. But if there are symptoms present, they show as small white spots or lumps inside and around the vagina or anus. These are easily treated, but usually require a number of treatments.

Gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea is found in both men and women, and can affect the anus, genitals, rectum and throat. Around half of the women infected with this disease and around 90 per cent of men show symptoms, which is often a thin, watery discharge from the vagina or penis, and pain when urinating. A simple test or swab can diagnose this infection, and it can be treated with antibiotics. However, if complications occur, further treatment may be needed.

Syphilis

Syphilis usually begins with a small sore on the penis or vagina, and up to six months after the initial symptoms develop, you may experience aching and shivering, or other flu-like symptoms. It’s usually detected with a blood test and can be treated easily in the early stages. However, in later stages, it can cause damage to the nervous system or heart that can be irreversible. Regular check-ups are vital in order to spot this early, as you may be spreading infection without realising.

Categories: Check Ups, Early Stages, genital lesions, genital warts, Infections, infections include, left untreated, regular check, Sex, STIs, Symptoms

How to Spot The Warning Signs of Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are kind of – to use a technical term – an icky part of sexual health, but one that’s easily taken care of. However, it’s far better to protect your wellbeing against yeast infections through a few simple steps. Let’s take a look at how you can stop yeast infections and, if that doesn’t work, spot the signs that your wellness has been affected.

 

Also known as candidiasis, a yeast infection is caused by a fungus called candida albicans. It usually occurs in warm, moist parts of your body, like your mouth and moist areas of your skin. When you have a vaginal yeast infection, it is known as vulvovaginal candidiasis. There are several reasons as to why candida can overgrow; stress, pregnancy, and illnesses that affect the immune system may allow yeast to multiply, as can certain medicines including birth control pills and steroids. If you take antibiotics for other conditions, the medicine might kill the good bacteria responsible for keeping the growth of candida in the vagina in check. You may also be at a greater risk of yeast infection if your blood sugar level is high, as occurs in people with poorly-controlled diabetes.

 

If you do have a yeast infection, it will probably be the most obvious right before your period, as the menstrual cycle causes hormonal changes. Tight clothing and underwear, or clothes made of materials like nylon that trap heat and moisture, might make it more likely for you to have a yeast infection, as this is the kind of environment that yeast thrives in. This is also the case for scented sanitary products and douching, so avoid these if you think they’re giving you a yeast infection. Although yeast infections may spread from one sexual partner to the other, it’s a rarity and, as such, is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, if your partner does show symptoms, he or she may have to be treated.

 

The common signs and symptoms of yeast infections include:

• Itching and irritation in your vagina


• Redness, swelling, or itching in your vulva (which are the folds of skin outside your vagina)


• A thick, white discharge. This is usually odourless, but may smell like bread or yeast.


• Pain or burning when urinating or during sex

 

If any of these symptoms are affecting you, you should speak to your doctor. Some of these symptoms are similar to those you might find with an STI, but your doctor can give you the right diagnosis so that you can be treated appropriately. The test may involve your doctor taking a urine sample — to rule out a urinary tract infection — and swab some discharge from your vagina to examine under a microscope. Treatment for vaginal yeast infections usually involve a pill to swallow, or a cream, tablet or suppository to put in your vagina. Make sure that you abstain from sex until the infection has cleared up, as the medications for vaginal yeast infections can weaken condoms and diaphragms.

 

However, why let it get to that stage when you can prevent a yeast infection?

 

1. Dress right: What you wear can enable yeast infections to grow, so avoid wet bathing suits, tight jeans, and stretchy exercise gear. Nylon underwear, pantyhose, and other synthetic materials that trap moisture also make yeast infections more likely.

 

2. Watch out for beauty products: There are some dyes and perfumes in soaps, bath gels, lotions, sanitary products, and laundry detergents that some women react to, and this irritation can cause yeast infections to grow. Steer clear of perfumed products and to use mild and fragrance-free products when possible

Categories: infection, Infections, nbsp, prevention, sanitary products, Symptoms, vagina, vaginal yeast, yeast, yeast infection, Yeast Infections

The Vagina Mystery: What Do You Really Know About it?

It’s strange how even though female sexuality is plastered all over the internet, the vagina itself remains a mystery to men and women alike. For women, taking care of your downstairs region obviously plays a huge role in your sexual health and wellbeing, so why are we so in the dark about it? There are almost too many vagina myths to count, so it’s definitely time to separate the facts from the fictions. Here’s all you need to know about vaginal wellness:

 

1. Kegel exercises aren’t just for orgasms: Although helping to enhance your orgasms is a key benefit to Kegel exercises, they also strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. This can be helpful if you have trouble holding in your urine, stool or gas. ‘You can do these exercises just about anywhere,’ says Dr. Courtney Leigh Barnes, a gynaecologist at the University of Missouri. ‘These exercises can also be used to help with pelvic organ prolapse.’ This is a condition in which your pelvis drops and pushes against your vagina.

 

2. Probiotics could help prevent vaginal infections: The friendly bacteria known as probiotics can help digestion, combat diarrhoea and target gut inflammation. However, research suggests that using probiotics could help you fight against vaginal infections, such as yeast infections. However, Barnes notes, ‘There isn’t enough proof to make a specific recommendation. More research needs to be done to say for sure when, how much, and what types of probiotics are helpful.’ Still, Barnes has had patients who suffered from chronic vaginal infections, and said they felt better after taking probiotics. Although it’s not right for everyone, particularly if you have a lactose intolerance, Barnes says, ‘If I have a patient with recurrent vaginal infections, I will recommend probiotics in the form of fermented goat’s milk.’ To remove problem bacteria, ‘I always tell my patients to avoid douching,’ Barnes comments. ‘Flushing out the vagina with anything that might kill the lactobacilli can result in an overgrowth of other types of problematic bacteria.’ She also advises that you only use soap on the areas of skin that are covered in hair. ‘Water is sufficient for cleaning the non-hair-bearing regions,’ she explains.

 

3. There are discharges women should worry about: Your vagina is self-cleaning, meaning that it’s perfectly normal to experience some discharge. However, according to Barnes, ‘Any vaginal discharge that seems excessive, painful, irritating or foul in odour should be evaluated by a doctor.’ Although you may be embarrasses about this problem, and tempted to diagnose and treat it yourself, Barnes points out, ‘Unfortunately, research has shown that patients aren’t very accurate when it comes to self-diagnosis.’  It may be that you have something as simple as a yeast infection, but ‘other times, the infection can be more complicated, or even a sexually transmitted infection,’ Barnes warns, and you definitely need a doctor to catch this early.

 

4. Sex can keep your vagina healthy — especially after menopause: As a woman, your body goes through multiple hormonal changes. Puberty, childbirth, breastfeeding, the ageing process and menopause all bring about hormonal changes that could lead to vaginal dryness. Barnes explains, ‘Oestrogen helps keep the vagina healthy and lubricated. Once oestrogen levels drop, the vagina can become dry, and sometimes even be a source of pain.’ However, Barnes asserts, ‘Safe vaginal intercourse can help keep the vagina healthy and dilated.’ Using lubricants can help make intercourse more comfortable, and using hormonal therapies in the form of pills, patches, vaginal rings or creams may be an option if you experience extreme dryness and discomfort. Barnes cautions, ‘There are some risks to certain types of hormone therapy, so it’s important for women to discuss them with their doctor before making a decision to use them.’

Categories: Bacteria, barnes, Infections, Kegel Exercises, probiotics, vagina, vagina healthy, vaginal, vaginal infections

Does Circumcision Make Sex Better or Worse?

Circumcision has a big impact on men’s sexual health and wellness. While some research suggests that the practice of surgically removing the foreskin reduces your risk of STDs, HIV and other infections, circumcision has been suggested to negatively affect your sexual wellbeing; reducing the pleasure you feel during sex. Let’s take a look at some of the questions surrounding circumcision.

 

1. How does circumcision affect the sensitivity of your penis?

According to Men’s Health Physician and Medical Sex Therapist Dr Vijaysarathi Ramanathan, “Circumcision in infants and youngsters (who’ve never experienced having a foreskin) shouldn’t be much of a problem because they’ve programmed their mind and penis to be sensitive without the foreskin. However, if a person has experience having a foreskin and has to lose it later in life, they may feel it’s different and they are not getting the same pleasure as before.” Dr Ramanathan adds that, for the same reason, there’s nothing to suggest that circumcision makes oral sex any different.

 

2. Does circumcision prevent or cause STIs?

‘There is some protection against infections but there is still a big debate on whether it adds more benefit than wearing a condom,’ Dr Ramanathan explains. However, he warns that hygiene is a key concern for men who are not circumcised. Dr Ramanathan advises, ‘if they can retract and clean with water, then it shouldn’t make any difference. Remember, cleaning with water is more than adequate and DO NOT use soap as it alters the pH and can cause some fungal infections.’

 

3. Is there ever a medical reason to get a circumcision?

Dr Ramanthan says that circumcision is only warranted if your foreskin is infected and you’re unable to pass urine, but a routine medical procedure it doesn’t have much value. He adds, ‘The history of circumcision goes long back and one of the key reasons to do circumcision was to discourage boys from masturbating. This was a time when medical professionals were convinced that masturbation is the cause for infections like syphilis and that circumcision is the cure. [This] is now seen as unethical and it breeches the sexual rights of that person. Each individual must be able to make an informed decision whether or not they want to circumcise.’

Categories: circumcision, dr ramanathan, foreskin, Infections, Medical, pleasure, ramanathan, STI

Could an Infection Put You at Risk of Depression?

Infections and autoimmune disorders can take their toll on your physical wellness, but now Danish researchers have found that these disorders can affect other aspects of your wellbeing. According to their new study, published June 12^th in the journal JAMA Psychiatry, infections and autoimmune disorders may increase your risk of developing mental health problems, such as depression, later in life.

Of the three million people who were involved in the study, those who were hospitalised for infections were 62% more likely to go on to develop a mood disorder than with people not hospitalised for infections. Likewise, those who were hospitalised for an autoimmune disease – which occur when your immune system goes awry and attacks your body’s own cells or tissues – were 45% more likely to subsequently develop a mood disorder.

The study included people born in Denmark between 1945 and 1996 who were followed until the end of 2010. The results also revealed a correlation between risk of mood disorder and the number of times a person was hospitalised. Compared to those who weren’t hospitalised for an infection, those who were hospitalised three times with infections during the study had double the risk of a mood disorder, and those who were hospitalised seven times had triple the risk.

Scientists hypothesise that the inflammation that infections or autoimmune disease bring may affect your brain in a way that raises your risk of mood disorders, and the new study supports this theory. The researchers commented that they estimate infections could be responsible for up to 12% of mood disorders, but the link first needs to be confirmed in further studies. However, it’s important to bear in mind that, at this point, only an association has been found.

According to Ian Gotlib, a professor of psychology at Stanford University, who was not involved in the study, the researchers were unable to prove that infections or autoimmune diseases are the cause of mood disorders, as other factors may explain the link, such as stress or the experience of hospitalisation. He added that the study was “impressive” and raised important questions, but future studies need to untangle whether infections are really the cause of mood disorders, or if the two just happen to occur together.

Categories: autoimmune disease, autoimmune disorder, autoimmune disorders, infection, Infections, mood disorder, mood disorders, Research

Ways to Prevent and Treat a Fungal Nail Infection

Most people will develop a fungal nail infection at some point or another, and they are easily spread. The infection causes a thickened and unappealing nail which can sometimes become quite painful. It is easy to treat them with medication, but you will need to take this for several weeks in order to clear the infection fully. Studies suggest that between three and eight people in 100 have a fungal nail infection at some point in their lives, and these become more common as we age, with more people get them over the age of 55. They’re also common in people who go swimming regularly or work out in the gym, as communal showers or changing rooms are breeding grounds for infections such as these.

 

A fingernail infection may develop after a toenail infection has occurred, as you may scratch your toe and pick up the infection this way. Interestingly, if you wash your hands more regularly or have them in water a lot (such as if you’re a cleaner or a cook) you may be more prone to infections. This is because the protective skin at the base of the nail becomes damaged and this enables fungi to get in and grow. If you have other conditions you’re also more likely to develop these infections – such conditions include diabetes, poor circulation, psoriasis, a poor immune system or general poor health. Smoking also increases the risk, but sometimes there is no reason behind why you have a nail infection – fungus can grow in hot or humid conditions, so you may have picked up the germs from somewhere and unknowingly provided a prime environment for it to develop. You’ll be able to spot a fungal nail infection by the appearance of the nail – it usually becomes thicker and discoloured, usually turning a yellowish-green colour. In most cases this is all that occurs, but if the infection becomes worse it may lead to white or yellow patched on the nail, or it may become itchy and painful. Though it’s often easy to self-diagnose, other nail conditions can have similar symptoms, so you may wish to get it checked by a GP to confirm that you have a fungal infection. They will usually take a clipping of the nail to be sent for testing.

 

Treatment doesn’t always cure the infection, and the rates of curing for this condition average between 60 to 80 percent. It also doesn’t always clear the infection entirely, so you may find that it returns again later on. Your nail’s appearance might not return to normal – it’s common for people to be left with a stained or marked nail. Anti-fungal tablets or creams are used to treat the infection, as well as clearing any associated fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Anti-fungal nail lacquers are also an option, which are prescribed for specific infections such as those on the end of the nail. In order for it to be effective, it will need to be applied exactly as prescribed – you may need to use it for up to a year on toenail infections for it to clear the infection entirely. In severe cases, the nail may actually have to be removed. Research is being carried out to see if new treatments can be developed to clear fungal nail infections. If there is fresh and healthy nail growing from the base of your nail bed, it’s a sign that the treatment is working. This will continue to grow forward and will eventually grow out the marked or infected nail, so that your nail looks normal again.

 

If you want to prevent a fungal nail infection from developing, you should keep your nails cut short and file down thickened nails. If you do develop an infection, be sure to cut your nail with a separate pair of scissors or clippers than you use on the other nails to stop the spread of infection.

Categories: anti fungal, develop, fungal, fungal nail, infection, Infections, nail, nail infection, nails

Ways to Prevent and Treat a Fungal Nail Infection

Most people will develop a fungal nail infection at some point or another, and they are easily spread. The infection causes a thickened and unappealing nail which can sometimes become quite painful. It is easy to treat them with medication, but you will need to take this for several weeks in order to clear the infection fully. Studies suggest that between three and eight people in 100 have a fungal nail infection at some point in their lives, and these become more common as we age, with more people get them over the age of 55. They’re also common in people who go swimming regularly or work out in the gym, as communal showers or changing rooms are breeding grounds for infections such as these.

 

A fingernail infection may develop after a toenail infection has occurred, as you may scratch your toe and pick up the infection this way. Interestingly, if you wash your hands more regularly or have them in water a lot (such as if you’re a cleaner or a cook) you may be more prone to infections. This is because the protective skin at the base of the nail becomes damaged and this enables fungi to get in and grow. If you have other conditions you’re also more likely to develop these infections – such conditions include diabetes, poor circulation, psoriasis, a poor immune system or general poor health. Smoking also increases the risk, but sometimes there is no reason behind why you have a nail infection – fungus can grow in hot or humid conditions, so you may have picked up the germs from somewhere and unknowingly provided a prime environment for it to develop. You’ll be able to spot a fungal nail infection by the appearance of the nail – it usually becomes thicker and discoloured, usually turning a yellowish-green colour. In most cases this is all that occurs, but if the infection becomes worse it may lead to white or yellow patched on the nail, or it may become itchy and painful. Though it’s often easy to self-diagnose, other nail conditions can have similar symptoms, so you may wish to get it checked by a GP to confirm that you have a fungal infection. They will usually take a clipping of the nail to be sent for testing.

 

Treatment doesn’t always cure the infection, and the rates of curing for this condition average between 60 to 80 percent. It also doesn’t always clear the infection entirely, so you may find that it returns again later on. Your nail’s appearance might not return to normal – it’s common for people to be left with a stained or marked nail. Anti-fungal tablets or creams are used to treat the infection, as well as clearing any associated fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Anti-fungal nail lacquers are also an option, which are prescribed for specific infections such as those on the end of the nail. In order for it to be effective, it will need to be applied exactly as prescribed – you may need to use it for up to a year on toenail infections for it to clear the infection entirely. In severe cases, the nail may actually have to be removed. Research is being carried out to see if new treatments can be developed to clear fungal nail infections. If there is fresh and healthy nail growing from the base of your nail bed, it’s a sign that the treatment is working. This will continue to grow forward and will eventually grow out the marked or infected nail, so that your nail looks normal again.

 

If you want to prevent a fungal nail infection from developing, you should keep your nails cut short and file down thickened nails. If you do develop an infection, be sure to cut your nail with a separate pair of scissors or clippers than you use on the other nails to stop the spread of infection.

Categories: anti fungal, develop, fungal, fungal nail, infection, Infections, nail, nail infection, nails

Why are RA Seniors at Higher Risk of Serious Infections?

Canadian doctors have warned that the wellbeing of seniors with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is at risk, as they are significantly more likely to develop serious infections that could be overlooked. RA is a serious inflammatory condition that affects the wellness of roughly 4% of seniors, making them more vulnerable to infections, such as pneumonia, which can lead to hospitalisation.

Experts have estimated that if 100 seniors with rheumatoid arthritis were followed for one year, five would be hospitalised for an infection. Using hospital administrative data, McGill University researchers, who published their work in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, compared infections in RA patients in Ontario over age 66 with other people with rheumatoid arthritis of the same age and sex who weren’t diagnosed with a first infection.

Dr Sasha Bernatsky, a professor in the rheumatology and clinical epidemiology divisions at McGill University in Montreal, reported ‘Our findings were interesting on a couple of different levels.’ She explained that people with RA and other chronic health problems such as chronic lung disease and kidney disease were at increased risk of infection, and therefore when patients have these conditions, it’s a strong signal that doctors should keep a close watch on them.

She continued, ‘When it came to medication exposures, there were several of these immune suppressing drugs that seem to be associated with an increased risk of infection. But where the dramatic risk was really was for our oldest drug which is prednisone.’ This drug is often the first used to tackle infection, but as it decreases immune activity in people with RA, Bernatsky urged that it should be prescribed at the lowest possible dose for the shortest time. To a lesser degree than prednisone, disease modifying medications such as methotrexate and newer biologics also seemed to be associated with increased risk of infection.

According to Bernatsky, the results of the study have already made her more cautious in trying to taper people to lower doses of prednisone. However, she also said that patients shouldn’t shy away from trying other medications, as doctors are more aware of the risks associated with the newest drugs, whereas the risks of prednisone may no longer be top of mind. If you are a senior with RA, Bernatsky added that the best way to treat infection is with prevention, suggesting that you try to avoid some infections by getting vaccinated against the flu and strains of pneumonia.

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Why are RA Seniors at Higher Risk of Serious Infections?

Categories: Infections, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), seniors

What Kind of Infection is Causing Your Genital Itching?

Irritated by an itch in your pants? Bothered by a rash in your private parts? Well, you’re not alone – itches and rashes that afflict the testicles are a common problem for many men. And while sometimes the problems can be caused by sexually transmitted infections such as viral infections and lice infestations, there are other common, non-sexual problems that can cause that a rash, too. These can include inflammatory skin conditions and fungi.

Whatever is ailing your private parts, you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible. While topical skin creams bought over the counter from a pharmacy can give short-term relief, they will not get to the root of the problem, which might require antibiotics to clear.

The different condition cause itching and rashes to appear in different areas of your private parts. So what are the common problems to look out for?

Pubic lice, colloquially known as crabs, are usually spread by sexual contact with someone who already has pubic lice. These tiny parasites will attach themselves to your pubic hair, which will be the area most affected by itching. Look for bloodstains and black dots on your underwear for evidence of lice’s presence. You must consult your GP if you are concerned you have pubic lice.

Genital warts are caused by a sexually transmitted infection and are often found on the testicles, penis and in the pubic area.

Folliculitis is an infection of the skin’s hair follicles. While it can be painful, this condition is not a serious one and is easily cleared with antibiotic creams. Look for tiny, pus-filled spot at the base of a hair.

A highly contagious and easily spread condition, often through close sexual contact, is molluscum contagiosum. It will cause small, raised spots on the skin that are incredibly itchy and can take up to 18 months to clear.

One of the most common itches affecting the penis is genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection that causes blisters. A rare skin condition known as lichen nitidus can also cause genital itching. Its symptoms are usually tiny spot on the shaft of the penis.

Other common conditions that cause itching include the fungal infection candidiasis, scabies, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Always talk to your doctor about any itches or rashes in the genital area.

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What Kind of Infection is Causing Your Genital Itching?

Categories: genital itching, Infections, rashes