Itching Tips

Eyeglasses and contact lenses are both used for vision correction. Both of the options have their advantages and disadvantages but a number of factors like lifestyle, comfort and age etc. are important while deciding which one to choose. Here is a list of the fundamental differences between using spectacles and using contact lenses:

1. Distance from the cornea
Lenses are worn directly on the eye and are in constant physical contact with the cornea while glasses are worn over the eyes. Contact lenses may cause infections in the eye because the user has to touch the eye in order to wear them and to take them off.

2. Difference in vision
Since the lenses of the spectacles are a little distance away from the eye, vision can be slightly distorted but contact lenses can provide natural and accurate vision. Also, side vision is not improved by glasses as you have to turn your head to see what is beside you. The contacts move around with your eyeballs and the peripheral vision is in focus.

3. Ease of use
Some people find eyeglasses difficult to use because of the constant weight on the face and the obstruction caused by the frames of the glasses. There may also be a constant need to adjust the frames. Often eyeglasses slip down the nose when you sweat or engage in rigorous physical activity. Contacts are free from all these hassles- they not distracting or obstructive and so they are extensively used by dancers and athletes. Spectacles are very uncomfortable to wear during the rains or in humid weather because they fog up.

4. Infections and complications
Contact lenses can get displaced inside the eye and they can be difficult to reposition. They also cause the eyes to itch and water if you wear them for a very long time at a stretch or if tiny dust particles enter your eyes. The use of eyeglasses is far more flexible in this respect- they can be removed in case your eye itches or burns, but regular use of glasses causes dark circles and bags under the eyes.

5. Aesthetic differences
People often prefer contact lenses as they do not change the physical appearance- they help you to look natural and you can also use colored lenses to change the color of your eyes. Glasses may look slightly unnatural but some people also prefer them for the fashion quotient.

Tinea Capitis is a kind of an infection of the scalp. It is mainly caused by a fungi, known as Trichophyton and Microsporum. This condition mainly affects children, who are either in their adolescence stage or in late childhood. Scaly patches tend to occur on the scalp having some dry hairs, which are brittle in nature, going along with the inflammation, pustules as well as itching.

Let us now take a look at some of the details before going into the Ayurvedic Treatments for this problem.

Symptoms of Tinea Capitis

The different symptoms of this Tinea Capitis, which people could come across are as follows:

• Singular or multiple patches
• Scaling
• Areas of baldness
• Presence of dandruff
• Seborrhea

Causes of Tinea Capitis

Tinea Capitis, which is basically a kind of fungus, grows in stratum corneum and through which it enters the keratin. Scalp tends to become infected and hair turning out to be brittle. The causes can be listed as follows:

• Fungi known as Dermatophytes
• Sweating, where the skin stays wet for a long period of time
• Some sort of minor injuries related to nail or skin
• If the hygiene is extremely poor
• This can also get spread by cats

Ayurvedic Treatment for Tinea Capitis

In Ayurveda, there are two doshas, which cause the accumulation of toxins in the deeper tissues like nutrient plasma, blood, muscles and lymphatic are Kapha and Vata. They ultimately lead to the contamination of deeper tissues and hence, leads to ringworm Ayurveda looks to treat the disease by going into the root cause behind it. Natural treatment in Ayurveda can heal people out from this disorder without causing any kind of side-effects.

Some of the herbal remedies used for treating this condition are:

Neem Capsules: This is a 100% natural product, which gets obtained from needm, Azadirachta indica, which belongs to family Meliaceae. Benefits are:

• Helps to maintain healthy skin
• Contains anti-bacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties
• Effective in curing skin diseases like eczema, acne or fungal infections
• Helps to balance out Vata Dosha

Gandhak Rasayan: These are herbal tablets made from Shuddh Gandhak. Rasayan refers to Rejuvenation. It contains natural properties to rejuvenate the body without having any side-effects. The tablets help to remove toxins from one’s body and assist in maintaining healthy skin. Two tablets for two times in a day with plain water after meals would prove to be effective in treating Tinea Capitis.

Arogyavardhini Vati: These are purely herbal tablets, which help in balancing out all the three doshas. The benefits:

• It is anti-oxidant in nature
• There are anti-fungal properties
• Presence of anti-bacterial properties It is beneficial against different kinds of infectious disease. The ideal dose would be taking 2 tablets for two times in a day with normal water after meals.

What is molluscum contagiosum?
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection caused by molluscum contagiosum virus characterized by presentation of small, pink, water filled, pink lesions with a dimple at the centre with occasional itch or sore and may be present singly or in groups.
The disease is self-limiting though take years sometimes to get resolved.
The condition is contagious and may spread through direct contact or via contaminated objects and lesion may spread to other areas of the body parts by touching the parts after scratching the lesion.
Though it is a self limiting disease, cryotherapy is advised but it is not an ideal way.

Symptoms & causes -

Painless, fluid filled, pinkish red papules on any part of the body which may itch occasionally.

Causes -

Molluscum contagiosum is caused by virus (mollascum contagiosum virus) causing fluid filled lesions.

Diagnosis & treatment -

• Typical appearance of the rash is enough for diagnosis.
• Skin scraping or biopsy would further confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

• Cryotherapy is advised but should not be done as it is not going to help.
• The disease is self limiting so usually don't need any treatment as the rash disappears in 3-4 months.
• Medicines can be given if they persist.

Management
Management include:

• Counseling that the disease is self-limiting and would be gone in some time.
• Advice on care of the rashes should be given.
• Proper hygiene should be maintained.
• Homeopathic medicines.

Homeopathic management -

• Homeopathy can remove the lesions early and can help overcome the associated symptoms like itching, soreness and pain.
• Few medicines for mollascums are- merc sol, thuja, graphites, sulphur, nitric acid.
• But medicines should always be taken under guidance of qualified homoeopath as self medication may complicate the disease and make it worse.

Do’s and don’ts -
Do’s -

• Maintain hygiene.

Don’ts -

• Don't scratch the rashes.
• Don't clean the rashes harshly

A relentlessly itchy and bleeding scalp is an infection that is exotic and wild enough to drive anyone suffering from it to the brink of suicide. I'm not exaggerating but if you're experiencing this hell of a condition and no doctor or dermatologist has been able to cure you, this article is the right one for you. You are not alone!

Itchy scalp treatments and causes:

The causes of a relentless itchy bleeding scalp are due to scalp infections brought about by contamination with an infected person or by not taking care of your hair or scalp. It can also be brought about by accidental damage to the scalp through the use of different kinds of harsh hair products. Secondly, your itchy scalp can be caused by hormonal imbalances resulting from a combination of stress and or diet.

If you are suffering from itchy scalp, sore scalp or flaky dry scalp with redness and rashes that drive you crazy then you may end up scalp picking. Do you constantly find yourself picking at & scratching? If yes, your instinct might be to immediately hunt for an effective product from the store shelf or from your doctor. However, most of these itchy scalp treatments that promise relief from dry scalp seem very attractive until you start reading the fine prints.

Many products in the market today are not the best choices to use for itchy scalp treatment. Here are three reasons why:

1. An itchy scalp treatment should never involve the use of hazardous or chemically engineered substances especially, Sodium Lauryl sulphate & silicon conditioners. Such type of treatments should never include any unnecessary ingredients.

2. A perfect itchy scalp treatment should never contain anything else other than natural ingredients.

3. Most people expect a shampoo to foam up nicely, smell good, take all the so-called "nasty" oiliness out of their hair, and make their hair feel squeaky-clean. Think about it! If your shampoo didn't foam up, smell good, or leave your hair feeling squeaky-clean, would you trust it? Well, 90% of commercial shampoos achieve the foaming effect to strip off not only dirt and grime but also those valuable natural oils that your scalp truly needs.

Yes, indeed your scalp needs oil. There is no other better natural protection for your head area. Your scalp needs to maintain a natural pH balance that if disturbed, it can develop into a dry, itchy irritated scalp. Good news; there are many natural remedies you can use with moisturizing oils and natural powerful alternatives. These products (i.e. Jojoba oil tea, tree, lavender, lemon and basil) heal & reverse any scalp problem by restoring balance safely. Oils act as an excellent scalp moisturizer, which helps to rebalance sebum. It is a promising itchy scalp treatment against dandruff and even lice. It also enlivens the scalp and brings the cells & follicles to attention.

Lastly, neem can also prove as a wonderful itching scalp treatment. Neem extracts and neem oils remove redness and itching when applied directly to your scalp. It's also a great skin conditioner above all else.

In Ayurveda, the term ‘drishti dosha’ has been used to refer to eyesight issues. Ayurveda has identified and also explained a number of eyesight disorders. It has identified the causes, symptoms and different kinds of treatment for these eye disorders.

Causes of frail eyesight:
Weak eyesight is a common problem faced by people nowadays. Its major causes are-

1. Increased pollution in our surroundings leads to accumulation of dust within the eyes. This is a major cause of eye-related disorders.
2. Excessive use of computers, laptops and smartphones stresses the eyes which are very sensitive organs.
3. An unhealthy lifestyle including over-consumption of junk food, lack of sleep, irregular sleeping hours, mental disturbance and constant exposure to bright light weaken the eyes.

Symptoms:
Though the symptoms of eye-related problems vary from one type of disorder to another, there are certain common symptoms which include-

1. Redness and watering of the eye
2. Blurred vision
3. Itching and burning of eyes
4. Pain and swelling in or around the eye area
5. Excessive blinking of the eyes

How Ayurveda Can Help?

Ayurveda has several remedies which one can use to correct eyesight. These remedies are easy to follow and include simple tasks one can undertake on a daily basis. These include-

1. Indian gooseberry or amla is known to contain a high amount of Vitamin C, anti-oxidants and other nutrients to improve sight. The vitamin C contained in this fruit improves the function of the retina. One can consume 2-5 teaspoons of amla juice with some warm water in the morning and evening to improve vision. One can also consume the juice of this fruit with honey to improve the quality of vision.
2. Visual acuity is used to determine visual strength. To improve visual acuity, there are several Ayurvedic remedies. One such remedy is to consume a mixture of fennel, almond and sugar with milk every day before bedtime. The three ingredients must be powdered and mixed in an equal ratio for this remedy.
3. Coriander leaf juice can be mixed with honey and consumed fresh each day to improve vision.

Ayurveda provides several natural solutions to treat eye-related issues. One can practice these simple natural home remedies to improve vision.

Confidence and a better sense of self-image can be born with a number of measures to prevent and repair the various factors that make one feel less than confident. Our face and hair are one of the major areas that make us feel confident and balding is a big cause that can leave people feeling shy in facing the world. A hair transplant procedure may seem like a simple one, but it comes with many implications as far as maintenance in the long run goes. Beside certain side effects, one will also have to indulge in proper habits for the upkeep of the transplant so that balding does not set in again. An itchy scalp may be a common occurrence after going through this surgery. Read on to know more about this.

• Causes of Postoperative Itchiness: The scalp may undergo postoperative itchiness after the grafting process has been put into place because the scalp is still getting used to the new skin and the tingling sensation that will invariably be caused by the hair that is now busy growing from previously bald quarters. This itchy feeling can also come from the dryness that may be caused by the shampoo that one uses. Also, shampooing, in general, can cause dryness of these new grafts, which leads to an itching sensation. Further, the topical ointments that may have been prescribed can lead to an allergic reaction, which can also cause severe itching. Further, in extreme or drastic cases, the scalp may fall prey to infection and in such cases, itching is one of the first reactions or symptoms of the same. Finally, if you have been suffering from a skin condition, this can also lead to itching.
   
• How to Deal with Itching: When you suffer from an itching scalp as a side effect after such a surgery, it is best to avoid scratching the surface as this may lead to bleeding and subsequent infection in the area. Ask your dermatologist for a change in the topical ointments so that you can avoid feeling the need to scratch and ensure that you also use a cold compress to keep the area suitably moist and also to soothe the excess itching sensation you may be feeling. You may damage the healing tissues by scratching within the first month after the surgery, so you must also ensure that your nails are cut.
   
• Other Side Effects: Itching and scratching can give rise to other side effects after a hair transplant procedure. These include a pimple breakout, bruising due to constant abrasion, and mild swelling which can also lead to further itching. These typically go away with the itching in due time.

Also known as jock itch, ‘Tinea Cruris’ is a fungal infection of the groin; it commonly occurs in men. This disorder is primarily caused by a fungus known as dermatophytes. It is characterized by an appearance of circular patches on the skin which look similar to a ring. They usually do no harm. However, if conditions are right they can 'invade' the skin, multiply and cause infection. The conditions fungi like best are warm, moist and airless areas of skin, such as the groin.

Causes-

The fungus primarily tends to grow on the moist and warm parts of the body, such as the buttocks, thighs or the groin region. Men who are overweight are at an increased risk because of the excess sweat that provides the perfect thriving spot for the fungus. Athletes are also more vulnerable to this condition. Sharing objects such as shoes, towels and combs can also be a source of this infection.

Symptoms-

The groin becomes itchy and irritable, mainly in the crease between the top of the leg and the genitals. It is more common in men, and the scrotum may also be itchy. A red rash then develops in the groin, usually with a definite edge or border. Both groins are commonly affected. The rash often spreads a short way down the inside of both thighs.

Sometimes the infection spreads to the skin on other parts of the body (or may have first started in another area, such as athlete's foot). Fungal infections do not usually go deeper than the skin into the body and are not usually serious. 

Treatment-

This condition is usually mild, hence, can be treated with over the counter medications. It takes about a week or two for the symptoms to clear up completely. Anti-fungal creams and lotions are useful in getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to carry on with the treatment even after the symptoms subside; till you complete the required dosage. Also, continue the anti-fungal medication for at least two weeks after symptomatic relief to prevent recurrence.

In addition to the treatments, there are certain preventive measures that you can adopt–

1. Don’t wear the same set of clothes every day while exercising.

2. Wear fresh and properly washed undergarments.

3. Wear loose-fitting clothes; this prevents the area from getting too moist too soon.

4. Apply medicated talcum powder on the infected areas.

Skin irritants are everywhere. Even in your house, there is practically no place where there are no skin irritants. Laundry detergents, air fresheners and floor polishes are just a few factors that cause skin itching. The reason why this happens is because products like air fresheners and floor polishes take away essential oils and water from the skin which leads to dryness and irritation. This type of dry, itchy skin can also progress to skin conditions like eczema.

Here are some ways you can stop your skin from becoming dry and itchy:

1. Wear gloves

The ideal thing to do would be to wear soft, thin cotton gloves and only wear rubber gloves on top of that. Do not touch a bucket or sponge without it. Even if you cannot wear soft, thin cotton gloves underneath, at least wear the rubber gloves as this protects your hands from irritants. 

2. Rinse after swimming

Chlorine is one of the principal causes of itchiness in your skin. It is absolutely essential that once you have finished swimming you rinse your body with water and a little soap. Even more importantly, use a moisturizer with glycerin in it, as this will keep the moisture trapped inside. Glycerin is particularly good at holding on to moisture.

3. Petroleum jelly

Petroleum jelly has been proven to reduce the chances of dry, itchy skin because it contains only one ingredient. This one-ingredient formula is especially great when it is applied to sensitive skin. The reason why one ingredient is better than a moisturizer with many chemicals is because a one ingredient formula is gentler and therefore creates a protective barrier against irritants.

4. Oatmeal baths

For this kind of treatment, grind oatmeal in a blender and then sprinkle it in your bath water. Oatmeal has an anti-inflammatory substance known as avenanthramides which decreases itching and redness of the skin.

5. Cleanliness 

This is perhaps the most important tip which can be given. If you do not regularly clean your floors or wash your bed sheets in hot water than you are at a high risk of getting mites and these are one of the most common irritants of your skin.

Trichomonas Vaginalis, a virus, which affects almost 7.4 million men and women each year. This virus can cause a sexually transmitted disease upon contact with a person who may be carrying the same. This condition is more common in women than it is in men and causes a variety of symptoms. Let us learn more about this infection.

Symptoms

This disease does not have any obvious symptoms until the problem becomes pretty severe. The symptoms for men include irritation inside the penis, discharge, and a burning sensation upon urination and ejaculation. The symptoms for women include a strong odour filled discharge that may also be greenish yellow in colour, pain in the lower abdomen in case the infection is extremely severe, itching and irritation in the vagina, and pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse.

Diagnosis

The gynaecologist or the general physician will usually carry out the diagnosis with the help of blood and urine samples that will be sent to the lab for testing. These tests will help in determining the spread and severity of the infection. The doctor will also use vaginal or urethral fluid in order to diagnose the issue with the help of further lab tests. Most doctors will tell you that it is harder to detect the presence of the virus in women, than it is in men.

Treatment

The treatment of this disease is done with the help of metronidazole, which can be used to treat trichomoniasis in case the patient is pregnant. It is usually recommended that the sexual partner of the patient should also be treated for the infection so as to stem its spread. Also, the doctors will recommend abstinence from sex for the duration of the treatment. Antibiotics will also be prescribed for both partners. Usually, one will be asked to wait for all the symptoms to disappear before becoming sexually active again.

Complications

There is a risk of contracting the HIV virus in case pregnant women do not get treated for this disease on time. It can also cause premature rupture of the various membranes that protect the foetus, which can, in turn, lead to premature delivery of the baby. Further, women who are suffering from this disease are at higher risk of passing on the HIV virus to their partners. This happens when the woman is also infected with the HIV virus.

Prevention

There are various ways to prevent this disease including the proper use of condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners. Genital inflammation and pain should be checked by a doctor immediately to rule out the possibility of this STD. Also, one must take the necessary precautions to avoid catching and spreading this disease.

While it's assumed that numerous eye injuries are inflicted at work, just about the same number of them may happen while at home. 

Luckily, most eye wounds are preventable. Find ways to prevent eye injuries, as the eyes are very sensitive and delicate.

Here is a list of some of the most common eye injuries and tips on how to prevent them:

-  A lot of eye injuries happen from dust particles entering the eyes, causing itching and burning sensation. Protective glasses should be worn when doing any kind of activity in a dusty area with flying particles.

-  Pencils, scissors, forks, knives and all similar sharp objects can cause a serious eye injury. Day to day household items like bungee cords, wire coat hangers, rubber bands and fishhooks are capable of causing eye injuries. You must always remain aware and super conscious while using such objects.

-  While performing activities such as dusting, sweeping or lawn mowing, make sure to protect your 
eyes well as dust is involved.

-  Children are very curious by nature. Thus, all hazardous stuff like fertilizers, acids should be kept away from their reach. These contain harmful chemicals, which may inflict fatal damage to the eyes.

-  Cooking powder and spices like chili powder can cause injury to the eye. Always wash your hands 
after using these items, so that you don't harm the eyes if you by chance rub them with your hands.

-  Precautions should be taken while dealing with heat or boiling water or oil. They may spill and cause damage to the eyes.

-  Secure floor coverings and railings. On the off chance that a kid or elderly man lives in your home, use a safety gate at the top and base of stairs, and consider covering sharp furniture edges and corners with a padding material.

-  While travelling in a car, abrupt jerking or breaks may cause the head to bump and cause injury to the eye. Always put on your seat belt and do not allow children to sit in the front of a car.

-  Many modern toys which are very attractive have got sharp edges because of their fancy design. Abstain children from playing with these kinds of toys.

-  Laser pointers, a common fun gadget for children is very harmful and causes permanent damage to the retina. Stay away from laser pointers.

-  Wear eye gear to protect your eyes during sports activities. Also wear goggles during swimming as chlorine in swimming pool water damages the eyes.

Eye injuries may happen out of nowhere. You must always remain alert to avoid eye injuries.