• How to Get Rid of Corn and Calluses How to Get Rid of Corn and Calluses

    Corn and calluses form on the skin due to continuous pressure or friction applied on the skin. They are thick and hard parts of the skin and a natural mechanism to protect the underlying sensitive skin. Calluses develop when continuous friction is applied to a particular part of the body, foot, for example, while the development of corns is attributed to bone pressure on the skin. They are conical or round in shape and show bumpy appearance on the skin. Corns and calluses generally occur on toes, toenail, either side of the foot and bottom of the foot. Morphologically, corns can be either hard or soft. The development of corn on the bottom of the foot interferes with the normal walking activity.

    • Causes of corn development:
      A person can develop foot corn if he wears tight shoes. Moreover, during a long walk, pressure due to body weight is continuously borne by the feet. This constant friction can lead to the development of corn on the bottom of the feet. Even arthritis can lead to corn development. Typically, most of the corn and calluses disappear when the pressure or friction responsible for causing them stops.
      Treatment of corn and calluses
      The following tips are recommended for foot corn treatment.
    • Warm water
      The corn or callus can be soaked in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften the skin.
    • Wear proper shoes
      A common reason for corn development is wearing shoes which are not of right size and shape. Do not buy too tight shoes to avoid excess pressure or friction. Keep your feet dry and wear soft cotton socks with properly fitted shoes. Avoid wearing socks made up of synthetic fibers to avoid any irritation to the skin.
    • Apply moisturizing cream
      It softens the skin around the corn and helps in cases where cracks have been developed in the corn. Generally, a moisturizing cream can be applied overnight and covered with a sock. Next morning, rub off the corn/callus gently using a soft cloth. Alternatively, a pumice stone can be used prior to applying a cream to remove the dead skin. Use the creams only after the prescription from a doctor.
    • Surgery
      A surgical method can be used for foot corn treatment. However, it does not guarantee that it won`t come back.
    • Antibiotics
      Antibiotics are prescribed for foot corn treatment in cases where an infection has been developed in corn. However, pus must be drained via a small incision.
    • Natural remedies
      Natural remedies must be performed only after consulting an expert or a doctor. A few commonly used natural remedies for foot corn treatment are:
    • Castor oil and apple cider vinegar
      A cup of apple cider vinegar in hot water can be used to soak the corn. After a 15 minute soaking, the corn gets softened, and castor oil can be applied. A ten-day treatment may remove the corn.
    • Lemon
      Place a lemon slice over the corn overnight and secure with a bandage.
    • Onion
      A white onion slice soaked in white vinegar can be applied on the corn overnight using a bandage. It helps in softening of the corn.
    • Epsom salts
      Soak your feet in Epsom salt water and rest for 15 minutes. This will soften the corn. This will help in removing the dead skin from the top of the corn. Use a pumice stone to gently remove the corn layers. Repeat this exercise for several days.
    • Turmeric
      Prepare a mixture of turmeric, honey and apply it on corn. After air drying, rinse with water. This can be repeated twice a day for 2-3 days for visible results. This is a very effective and natural foot corn treatment due to antimicrobial and healing properties of turmeric and soothing effects of honey.
    • Baking soda
      A mix of baking soda, water, and lime juice can be applied over corn overnight. The process can be repeated for 5-7 days for good results. This mixture will remove the dead skin and prevent any infection.
    • Turpentine oil
      It increases the blood circulation and reduces irritation and softens the skin.
    • Coconut oil
      It is applied over corn to soften the skin owing to excellent moisturizing properties.
    • Bread
      A bread piece soaked in vinegar can be applied over a corn and left overnight. Vinegar will soften the skin which can be easily rubbed off the next morning. This can be repeated for 1-2 nights.

    Foot corn and calluses appear due to excessive pressure or friction applied over the skin for a longer period of time. The best prevention method is to wear proper size shoes and to take rest in between walking. Several remedies for foot corn treatment, both allopathic and natural, require consultation with an expert before use.

  • All You Need to Know about Bulging Disc All You Need to Know about Bulging Disc

    Bulging disc is a condition where the discs between your vertebrae tend to bulge outwards. When the outer fibrous region of your disc weakens, it causes a bulging disc. If a bulging disc is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to the problem of disc tears, which is known as a herniated disc.

    Causes for a bulging disc
    The primary reason behind the problem of a bulging disc is that of disc degeneration. Degeneration refers to the gradual wear and tear of your body’s discs. With age, the water content in your spinal discs tends to go down. As a result, your spinal discs start to lose flexibility. At such times, even a minor strain or small twist can make you prone to ruptures or tears.

    Lifting heavy objects can lead to the problem of a bulging disc as well. It occurs when you are not using your leg and thigh muscles, but the muscles of your back while lifting heavy objects.

    Risk factors
    Age is one of the risk factors behind the problem of bulging discs. With age, the water content in your discs tends to go down, and because of this, your discs become inflexible and brittle. As a result of gravity, the weakened cartilage tends to bulge towards your spinal cavity. Smoking cigarettes also put you at risk. Smoking leads to a weakening of your cartilage, thus causing your discs to bulge. In such instances, you will need the right treatment for a bulging disc.

    People who have a family history of spinal problems are at a higher risk of developing this condition. Injuries caused by accidents during physical exercises and workouts, weightlifting, car accidents, slipping on the pavement or poor movements can also lead to a bulging disc.

    Poor lifestyle choices also contribute to a bulging disc. Lack of physical exercises and weight gain, accompanied by a poor diet puts you at risk of several problems, including a bulging disc.

    Poor posture, such as when your neck is forward and shoulders are slouching, can result in muscle imbalances and this can increase your chances of developing a bulging disc.

    In all such instances, if you develop this condition, you need to get the right treatment on time, before the situation worsens.

    Points to note before you start with your treatment for a bulging disc

    Bulging disc is characterized by symptoms like pain and numbness. Typically, numbness and pain are experienced in a particular region of your spine. This tends to vary from case to case. You may also experience weakness and tingling. Bulging disc is accompanied by certain other symptoms such as muscle spasms or cramping.

    A bulging disc may occur in the lower or upper part of your back. If it the upper part of your back, that is, the cervical area hurts, then your neck, arms, shoulders, and hands will be affected. In case your bulging disc occurs in the lower part of the body, you will experience symptoms like pain, weakness, numbness in your hips, legs, buttocks, and feet.

    To diagnose a bulging disc, you may have to undergo imaging tests like X-rays to rule out other illnesses and conditions. A doctor may also recommend a CT scan. Your doctor may conduct MRI scans to identify the location of the bulging disc. These scans will also help doctors identify the affected nerves as well. A myelogram can be useful in detecting any pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.

    Treatment options for a bulging disc
    As a part of the treatment process for a bulging disc, you will most likely need to take rest, and your doctor may also prescribe some medications. You may also be asked to take up light exercise. Hot and cold compress are also recommended to deal with the pain and other symptoms associated with a bulging disc. You may also have to bring about some changes to your lifestyle to keep this problem at bay.

    Physical therapy is one of the treatment options for a bulging disc. It involves exercises that strengthen your back muscles. Physical therapy exercises tend to include activities that make your muscles flexible. You can try out stretching exercises and aerobic exercises too. Your physical therapist may recommend walks or riding a bicycle as a part of the treatment process for a bulging disc. Massage therapy may help relieve the pain associated with this condition. The medical professional may also use electrical muscle stimulation to cope with the symptoms of a bulging disc.

    You can opt for over-the-counter medications to reduce the pain associated with this problem. These may include naproxen or ibuprofen. Your doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants to deal with muscle spasms.

    You may need epidural injections when other treatments and management options for a bulging disc such as pain relievers, rest or physical therapy do not provide much relief. You also have the option to opt for surgery if none of these treatments help with the symptoms of bulging disc.

  • What You Need to Know about Bags under Your Eyes What You Need to Know about Bags under Your Eyes

    Most of us notice bags under our eyes when we are very exhausted. Many start getting bags under their eyes with growing age. This is not a medical problem that should cause you a lot of concern. Usually, home remedies are an effective solution. Lifestyle changes are also required and can be helpful in preventing it from occurring.

    Symptoms

    • Mild swelling
    • Sagging skin or loose skin
    • Dark circles

    What causes bags under your eyes?
    With age, the supporting muscles and tissues of your eyes become weaker. As there is sagging of the skin, fat in the orbit of the eye moves into this area. There could be fluid accumulation in the area leading to a puffy appearance. This could become worse with retention of fluid due to a salty meal, poor sleep, allergies, smoking or genetic reasons.

    Ways to get rid of bags under your eyes

    Salt intake: The region around your eyes is one of the places which have high sodium and water moves from the low-sodium areas to the high-sodium areas. Ensure that you don’t take additional salt while having dinner as this is one of the causes of puffy eyes.

    Allergies: There is a direct correlation between puffiness of the eyes and allergies. However, over-the-counter medications for allergies not only stop a runny nose but also help in removing the puffiness of the eyes as well.

    Neti pot: Using a neti pot, salt water can be poured in one nostril and then drained out through the other nostril. The additional moisture that accumulates from colds, seasonal allergies and infections is removed by this. The sinuses are irrigated and mucus, as well as other types of debris, are removed.

    Sleep position: The way you sleep has a bearing on the puffiness of the eyes. Fluid accumulates under your eyes due to gravity. So, avoid sleeping on your side or your stomach. Ensure that your back is facing the bed and use an extra pillow to elevate your head.

    Remove makeup: Be sure that all your makeup is cleaned before you go to sleep. It could lead to watering of the eyes causing morning-after puffiness. Wash it off with soap and water or keep a remover handy to clean it every night.

    Alcohol intake: Puffiness around the eyes also results from excessive alcohol intake. Drinking in moderation, like an occasional glass of wine, is fine. Alcohol dehydrates your skin. This results in weakening of the area around the eyes and they sink into a sac. If you do have alcohol during the day, have plenty of water before you go to sleep. Using a moisturizer around your eyes would also help.

    UV rays: Protection of your body, as well as your face from harmful UV rays, is extremely important. High exposure to the sun could result in sagging or wrinkling of the skin surrounding your eyes. Always use hats, sunscreen as well as well as sunglasses while going out in the sun.

    Stop smoking: Giving up your smoking habit would have the added benefit of preventing the eyes from a droopy or wrinkled appearance. The facial skin becomes dry and weak due to smoking.

    Cool down: Cooling your eyes with cold compresses is an effective remedy for swollen eyes. You could use tea bags, cucumber slices or chilled spoons. You could use anything else that works, the important thing is ensuring they bring down the temperature.

    Eye cream: You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to options for eye creams. Find out the one that is most effective for you. However, hemorrhoid creams are to be avoided at all costs. This can cause irritation to the skin that is around your eyes. Retinol cream would be a better option.

    Concealer: When you are troubled by dark circles, concealers can be effective in helping hide them. Try to find a concealer that is in sync with the tone of your skin. Make sure you apply it lightly and not rub it vigorously.

    Treatment options when you have bags under your eyes

    Medications: If the puffiness is due to some allergy, then consult a doctor regarding prescription allergy medications.

    Therapies: Wrinkles can be treated through various therapies like laser resurfacing or chemical peels to improve the tone of the skin, make the skin tighter and give the bags under the eyes a rejuvenated look.

    Surgery: If the cause of the bags under your eyes demands it, then surgery could be considered. The procedure is known as blepharoplasty. With this surgical procedure, excess fat is removed into the upper eyelid crease or in the lower lid. Dissolving stitches are then used to rejoin the skin. There could be side effects like dry eyes, pain, watery eyes, bruising, swelling and vision being blurred. Serious side effects that rarely occur are loss of vision, bleeding, eye muscles being injured, abrasion of the cornea as well as eyelid drooping.

     

Hand Picked

  • Top Foods that Cause Acid Reflux Top Foods that Cause Acid Reflux

    If you suffer from a burning sensation or acute discomfort that travels up from your stomach into your chest and the regurgitation of food that you recently ate along with a sharp and sour taste of acid, these symptoms are native to acid reflux. While the occasional experience of acid reflux need not worry you, if it becomes regular, more intense, and disturbs your sleep, you must visit your doctor.

    Food that enters the stomach is retained by means of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscular ring, and it must close immediately as it may become weak or damaged. If it doesn’t close fully or remains open too often, it causes digestive acids to move up into the food pipe or esophagus. This causes the typical symptoms of heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, regurgitation, dyspepsia or burning sensation in the stomach, nausea, upset stomach, bloated feeling, difficulty swallowing, burping, dry cough, and a sore throat. Sometimes, the symptoms are so severe that they can be mistaken for a heart attack. If symptoms persist and are left untreated, you can develop gastroesophageal reflux disease.

    Relationship Between Food and Acid Reflux
    Your diet has a significant impact on acid reflux. Foods that are acidic in nature contribute to the increase of acids in the stomach and there are more chances of these causing reflux through a weak or damaged LES. There are many such trigger foods, and along with the medication, exercise and lifestyle changes that your doctor recommends, avoiding such foods can help you manage and eliminate your symptoms.

    Eating heavy meals close to bedtime and lying down immediately after a meal can trigger an attack. Being obese or pregnant, bending over after a meal, snacking close to bedtime, smoking, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and muscle relaxants, certain antibiotics, and blood-pressure medications can set off acid reflux symptoms.

    Foods to Avoid with Acid Reflux
    Some common foods that cause acid reflux symptoms are as follows:

    • Deep-fried dishes like onion rings and fries
    • High-fat foods
    • Foods made in excess butter and oil
    • Spices like cinnamon, mace, ground ginger, dill, parsley, basil, thyme, and tarragon
    • Caffeine products like tea and coffee
    • Peppermint
    • Citrus fruits
    • Vegetables like raw/cooked onions, tomatoes, garlic, mint, and spearmint
    • Fizzy drinks and alcohol
    • Citrus/Tomato juices
    • Whole milk
    • Certain types of vinegar and wine
    • Refined and processed foods

    Helpful Hints
    Being diagnosed with acid reflux need not restrict your fun or enjoyment of good food. While it’s easy to manage these issues at home, it can be challenging while eating out at restaurants or at other people’s homes. It’s important to reduce drinking and stay with plain water. Eat smaller and more frequent meals. Add drinks like camomile tea and warm water first thing in the morning to reduce symptoms. You can also practice portion control and eat slowly, chewing well to allow the food to digest properly. If you’re hungry later, choose safer options like carrot/cucumber sticks, graham crackers, raisins etc. Hard candy is a good option to after-dinner mints but it could induce air-swallowing. Make sure that the last meal of the day is eaten at least three hours before bedtime.

    Other useful tips are as follows:

    • Quit smoking because the nicotine content in tobacco affects the elasticity of the lower esophageal muscles
    • Never lie down immediately after a meal
    • Wear looser clothes and sit up straight while eating
    • Extra pillows may not be beneficial. Instead, elevate the top of your bed by 6-8 inches

    Diet for Acid Reflux
    The optimum diet for acid reflux is highly personalized. While the symptoms are common, each person’s trigger foods that cause acid reflux are unique to them. It’s important to identify and document the foods that set off your particular acid reflux symptoms. Generally, these are foods that do not cause the symptoms of acid reflux:

    • Non-citrus fruits like apples, bananas, melons
    • Berries like blueberries
    • All vegetables without adding dressings, sauces or toppings
    • Lean proteins, lean meats, egg-whites
    • Whole complex grains like rice, couscous, and oats
    • Dried or canned peas, lentils, beans
    • Dark oils like sesame oil, monounsaturated fats like peanut oil, olive oil, canola, sunflower oil
    • Polyunsaturated fats like soybean, fatty fish, tofu, flaxseed, walnuts
    • Dehydrated rather than fresh spices and herbs
    • Homemade baked goods
    • Chewing gum or licorice
    • Greek yogurt

    As this list is quite comprehensive, not too many dietary changes are required. They all promote weight loss and healthy eating. The aim is to get combinations of these foods and create a varied, tasty and balanced diet. Greasy and oily foods take a long time to digest and cause the food to remain in the stomach for longer periods, triggering off acid reflux.

    Acid reflux affects millions of people. There are a variety of symptoms that crop up when you eat foods that cause acid reflux. Avoid the foods that cause the symptoms and make healthier food choices to reduces chances of increasing and developing acid reflux. Certain lifestyle changes can provide long-term benefits.

  • Top Pain Relievers in the Country Top Pain Relievers in the Country

    Aches and pains are almost inevitable no matter how hard you try to stay healthy. Pain can be caused due to a lot of conditions and even diseases. Moreover, it can be mild or can go on to be really troublesome. Thankfully, there are a variety of pain relievers available in the market today. These pain relievers can help you get through the pain and you can get on with your daily activities. Whether it is your back that is bothering you or a headache, painkillers always provide the much needed temporary relief.

    TYLENOL® Extra Strength Caplets
    This is the best pain reliever that you should have at all times. While this pain reliever comes in different formats and formulas, these tablets are highly recommended by the best doctors and are tried and tested. This tablet is specially made to treat pains as well as minor aches. However, if you have pain that is associated with swelling, then Tylenol is perhaps not the best option. You can go for this option when you are dealing with backaches, headaches and the like.

    Aleve Caplets
    If you are facing back pain, then Aleve is a great choice as it is considered one of the best pain relievers. It targets inflammation that often contributes to back pain. The medicine is perfect for back pain associated with arthritis. Just by taking one caplet, you can get rid of pain for 12 hours. It contains naproxen sodium that is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and is indeed a powerful pain reliever. The drawback of Aleve Caplets is that they can cause stomach irritation in some people. Before consuming the caplets, you should carefully read the instructions and also consult your doctor. It is also very effective if you are facing toothache or menstrual cramps.

    Excedrin® Extra Strength Caplets
    According to a lot of customer surveys, nothing provides relief for a headache like the Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets. It has a high amount of coffee that tremendously helps with headaches and within the time span of 15 minutes, you can experience relief. So if you are suffering from headaches, then Excedrin is one of the best pain relievers out there. Be careful while taking it at night as it can potentially interfere with your sleep.

    Pamprin® Maximum Strength
    Periods can be really painful, and if you have an important task or a meeting on the same day, then painkillers provide the needed relief. Pamprin is really effective in dealing with the side effects of periods such as headaches, irritability, and cramps. It also helps with water retention and all the weight gain that happens due to it. Thus, if you are looking for pills for periods, then Pamprin is among the best pain relievers. Women have reported that this is indeed very helpful and say that they always carry one strip with them at all times.

    Advil® Liqui-Gels®
    Exercise is excellent for our health and is very crucial for the overall well being of the body. However, it can also cause muscle pain and when you feel as if you cannot take it anymore, then Advil can come in handy. It is known to help with not only the pain and headache but also inflammation. Loyal customers always buy Advil as it is proven for providing relief from pain. The liquid gels are very easy to swallow which is why people prefer them. Apart from helping with muscle aches, the liquid gel pain reliever also helps fevers and headaches.

    Biofreeze Classic Pain Relief Gel
    If you are suffering from arthritis, then having Biofreeze by the side will always be a good idea. It has a gel formula that is very easy to apply wherever you are feeling the pain. Whether the joint pain is due to weather, age, or due to any rigorous movement, you are sure to get pain relief. It is perfect for providing temporary relief and you do not have to go for prescribed medicines. You may also get it in a spray formula as it will be very easy to apply.

    Excedrin® Migraine Geltabs
    When it comes to migraines, Excedrin Migraine gel tabs are the best pain relievers. For most of the migraine cases, you might need a prescription, but Excedrin is a pill that you can get over the counter. Moreover, it can also help with sensitivity to light and sound as well as nausea. These symptoms are usually associated with migraines. It works quickly and taking the pills will provide you with instant relief.

    Thus, the above-mentioned products are the best pain relievers available in the country. Whether it is menstrual cramps that you are experiencing or a headache, these medicines will help a lot in relieving the pain.

Find a doctor

Find a doctor

  • Cancer Memorial Contribution-American Institute For Cancer
    WashingtonDC
    (180) 084 - 3811
  • Virginia Cancer Specialists - Loudoun
    44035 Riverside Parkway Suite 300LeesburgVA
    (170) 355 - 4680
  • Virginia Cancer Care: Ravneet Grewal, MD
    19415 Deerfield Ave Suite 107LeesburgVA
    (170) 399 - 7131
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