Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a skin disorder in which the skin feels extremely itchy, is flaky, and can appear reddish and inflamed. While the skin condition usually develops and is common in young children, it can occur at any age. It is also observed eczema patients are at high risk of having asthma, hay fever, and some food allergies. Keep reading to learn more about the early warning signs of this disease. Reddish and itchy skin Eczema usually starts with this symptom, which can be noticed on the feet, hands, and face. The skin may also become scaly, rough, and dry in certain areas. It needs to be properly diagnosed by a healthcare professional for initiating proper topical treatment. Blisters In some cases of eczema, one of the symptoms includes developing blisters. These are small and often have fluid filled in them. They can also be extremely itchy and, when scratched, may break and ooze on the skin. In addition, it can lead to further skin irritation in the area. Cracked skin This skin condition develops thick skin, which gets inflamed or swollen and can lead to cracks. It can get extremely uncomfortable, especially around the areas where the skin is thin and folded. An example would include around the eyelids and also around the mouth. When these signs and symptoms are observed, it is recommended to see a health professional who can help with managing them. Increased sensitivity Those with eczema may be more sensitive to certain products and substances like cosmetics, detergents, soaps, and other cleaning agents. It can lead to skin inflammation, redness, and itchiness, which can be uncomfortable. One of the ways to manage these symptoms is to replace these products with alternatives that use organic and natural ingredients. Trouble sleeping The constant itching and skin inflammation can also cause insomnia in some people as they are constantly irritated with the symptoms.

With heaps of information floating around promising to uncover all secrets about skincare and beauty regimes, it can be daunting to find well-grounded sources. Many urban legends and myths are also passed down through generations, and these seem to do more harm than good. To help you make the right decisions for your skin’s health and overall glow, here are some popular myths you must know about and the science behind them! Myth: The order of application of skincare products doesn’t matter! There is a correct way of applying your skincare products, which helps ensure that it is absorbed properly and works effectively. Work with your dermatologist’s recommendation if you are confused about the right order of application, or go from the lightest to the heaviest density of product formulation. The general order is to start with a cleanser, followed by toner or mist, and then serums, moisturizers, facial oils, and sunscreen. Myth: You only need to wear sunscreen on sunny days The sun’s UVA and UVB rays can penetrate through the clouds and many types of glass, which can cause permanent damage to your skin. It is vital to wear sunscreen every day and reapply it every couple of hours, regardless of your exposure to the sun. Myth: You don’t need a moisturizer if your skin is oily Skipping the moisturizer when your skin feels oily may sound like a good idea, but oily skin can be dehydrated too. For many people, dehydration is a major reason behind increased sebum production, which makes the skin oily. If this is a concern for you, look for dermatologist-approved non-comedogenic moisturizers to keep your skin feeling healthy, supple, and hydrated. Myth: Your pores can open and close Contrary to popular belief, your pores do not open and close like shutters. This action is generally used to refer to pores dilating or becoming stretched out due to factors like age, temperature, or clogging.

We’re often under the impression that toothpaste and other oral hygiene products will keep our teeth healthy. But oral-care products can only help so far in protecting teeth. Most of the time, it is up to us to ensure we follow a healthy lifestyle to improve oral health. One way to do this is by avoiding these five foods that are secretly, but surely ruining the health of our teeth. Potato chips Chips contain lots of starch, which could become sugar and get trapped on and between the teeth. And the sugar feeds bacteria present in the plaque. Since people generally munch on many chips in one go, the acid production might linger for a while and damage the teeth. Therefore, one should ensure they floss after eating to remove any trapped particles. Sour candies Sour candies contain a large number of acids that are hard on the teeth. Furthermore, these candies are chewy and may stick to the teeth for a long time, making them more likely to decay. While the ideal solution is to avoid sweets, if one has cravings, one should munch on a bar of chocolate instead, which can wash away easily. Bread When a person chews on bread, the saliva breaks down starches into sugar. And when the bread becomes a gummy paste-like substance in the mouth, it sticks to crevices between the teeth, which could lead to cavities. So, those who want to eat carbs should pick less refined options like whole wheat. The variety contains fewer added sugars than refined carbs and does not break down easily. Citrus fruits The acid content in citrus fruits like oranges could erode the enamel and make one’s teeth more vulnerable to decay. The composition of such fruits could also make mouth sores more painful. One could still enjoy the benefits of citrus fruits by rinsing their mouth with water after consumption.

If “seeing is believing,” what is hearing? Hearing, too, is an important part of communication and plays an indispensable role in helping one perceive the world. Roughly 1.8 million people aged 12 and above in the country are affected by severe hearing loss. Owing to technological advancement, several facilities, including hearing aids and assistive learning devices, have been devised to help individuals who are hard of hearing. Timely detection of hearing problems helps doctors recommend suitable interventions. Here are some warning signs of hearing loss: Inability to understand what others say In the initial stages of losing their hearing, individuals cannot typically understand what others are saying, especially in crowded places. They may ask others to repeat themselves frequently and find it difficult to hold conversations. Difficulty hearing the other person over the phone Phone conversations can be harrowing for those with hearing difficulties, as they often find it difficult to follow the other person over a call. Thus, individuals who are hard of hearing and live alone may experience loneliness because of their inability to communicate over the phone. Tendency to increase TV or radio volume Those who are hard of hearing may find it difficult to hear dialogues or music playing on TV or radio. Hence, they may increase the volume of these devices more than is usually required. Distress due to strained hearing Individuals who cannot hear clearly have to strain their ears to understand others, which can cause them significant distress. Difficulties with hearing consonant sounds Another common sign of hearing loss is difficulty hearing consonant sounds in speech. In other words, individuals with hearing impairment may be able to decipher only vowel sounds while trying to listen to others. Tinnitus Tinnitus refers to a ringing sound in the ears; however, sometimes, individuals faced with this problem may also hear a roaring or buzzing sound.

It is normal for the bones to lose density and become weaker with age. Bone weakness develops gradually in most cases, but the onset can be quicker in people suffering from health issues like osteoporosis. This post lists a few common early warning signs of bone weakening that help identify the problem. Individuals who experience these should visit a healthcare professional to identify the cause and learn about the remedies to strengthen their bones. Lower back pain When a person has osteoporosis, their bone density reduces dramatically. In such a situation, the bones of the vertebrae, which are located one below the other in the spine, can come under increasing pressure. Sometimes, this pressure causes the lower-back bones to collapse or become compressed, resulting in massive discomfort and pain. Chronic back pain is among the earliest signs of osteoporosis. Receding gums The gums and jaw are closely connected to the bone structure in the head and face. So, if a person’s jawbone becomes weak, or, in other words, they lose bone in their jaw, it can cause their gums to recede from their teeth. In such instances, one should visit a dentist to check whether the problem is because of weak bones in the region. Brittle fingernails Although the fingernails may not be directly linked to the bones, they contain calcium like them. So, any brittleness could indicate weakening bones or other bone-related issues. Nail strength is often affected by exposure to extreme heat or cold, using acrylic paints or nail polish removers, and immersing the fingers in water for an extended period. If one does not perform these activities often and still has brittle fingernails, it is an alarming initial sign of osteoporosis. Changes in posture Weakening bones can affect a person’s posture too. If a person stoops often or appears shorter, it is a major sign of bone degradation.

Joint pain is a common occurrence in most elderly patients. But some often fail to get it checked and receive a proper diagnosis. Most older patients, and some young ones, who experience joint pain are diagnosed with one or other forms of arthritis. Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are two of the most common forms of the disease. Inflammation of joints is a primary symptom in all forms of arthritis. An early diagnosis is essential for better treatment and management of the condition. Pain Those with joint pain should get it checked as early as possible. One of the questions your doctor might ask is how suddenly or gradually the pain developed. The persistence of the pain is another factor that needs to be considered. The diagnosis will also determine whether or not the pain worsens with increased activity and decreases when one rests. Tenderness Tenderness and inflammation of joints is a warning sign of rheumatoid arthritis. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage of the joints wears away, which can result in tenderness and pain. Tenderness is often present in combination with other symptoms like joint swelling, pain, and redness. Stiff joints Stiff joints are one of the earliest warning signs of arthritis. It is described as discomfort in the joints after spending some time being inactive. It can occur even after the patient has spent time sitting without movement. Joint stiffness also encompasses a reduction in the range of motion. Fever Fever is not a very arthritis-specific symptom. It is, therefore, often overlooked in patients who could be vulnerable to rheumatoid arthritis or other types of the disease. Chronic inflammation, a primary symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, can give rise to a low-grade fever. Warm and red skin The skin tends to be warm in places where the body is trying to heal an injury.

Mental health is about the brain’s functioning and everything else that impacts it. It is an umbrella term for psychological and social well-being and the ability to regulate and address emotions. Given its deep-rooted effect on daily life, it has garnered more attention, popularity, and support in recent years. Therefore, here are the five daily activities that can positively affect mental health. So let us learn more about each of them in detail: Get quality sleep Quality sleep plays a significant role in governing one’s mental health. Those who do not get enough sleep, or experience disrupted sleep, have reported more frequent mental distress than others. Building healthy sleep habits (such as avoiding caffeine after 3 pm and sleeping and waking at the same hours daily) can help improve sleep quality and mental health. Reduce social media Constantly scrolling through social media may cause one to compare their life to that of others. This can lead to feelings of low self-worth and can cause anxiety or depression. Therefore, one must limit their social media screen time and take up more meaningful activities or hobbies instead. Strengthen relationships Positive relationships with loved ones can also significantly improve one’s mental health. For instance, having a stable and reliable group of friends can reduce feelings of loneliness, increase access to emotional support, and add meaning to one’s life. Engage in exercise Exercise can help relieve stress and uplift moods. It can also help one improve their sleep quality and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. “Exercise” doesn’t mandate going to the gym. Instead, it is about finding ways to move one’s body, such as going for a walk, joining a slow-paced restorative yoga class, trying seated exercises, throwing a dance party, taking stretching breaks in the middle of work, going on a hike with one’s family over the weekend, etc.

Despite external care and efforts to maintain healthy skin, one may experience various skin issues during one’s lifetime. While some may be caused due to a particular physical activity, changes in lifestyle, hormonal changes, or family history, some signs may be the precursor for serious health concerns. So it’s important to get these symptoms checked professionally to get expert advice and treatment. Here are 10 signs that should prompt one to consult a dermatologist. Persistent acne Breakouts may occur as a result of stress, unexpected changes in one’s eating habits, or during adolescence. While breakouts are normal, experiencing persistent aches without any significant changes in one’s lifestyle can be a cause for concern. Blemishes The damaged skin cells around a zit or acne leave pigmented spots and cause blemishes. These spots may fade gradually or with easy home remedies, but it’s better to have a dermatologist examine them if any areas do not lighten with time. Increase in size of dark circles The common causes of dark circles include lack of sleep, dehydration, advancing age, or excessive sun exposure. However, underlying health diseases like eczema or thyroid problems may also cause it. So, if one sees that the dark circles are growing in size elliptically, one should consult a doctor. Dryness Seasonal changes, especially winters, may cause one’s skin to feel dry. Usually, moisturizing and drinking enough water can fix the problem, but if one’s skin feels unnaturally dry, it may be a cause of other health concerns like diabetes or thyroid problems. Itching Excessive itching all over one’s body can be a sign of diabetes or infection. Also, a significant hike in creatinine levels, which indicates issues with liver or kidney function, can lead to itchiness. Allergies Skin allergies or rashes can result from a viral infection, overexposure to the sun, or a side effect of ongoing prescription treatment.