Red patches on your face are usually a sign of inflammation in the skin. This inflammation can come from many different sources, including skin conditions, allergic reactions, infections, or environmental triggers. The most common causes are rosacea, eczema, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis, but the exact reason varies from person to person. Identifying the root … Read more
Cramps are a common reason people reach for the medicine cabinet. Whether it is a menstrual cramp, a muscle spasm after exercise, or a sudden stomach ache, the right choice depends on the cause. For period pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are the first-line choice. For muscle cramps, the evidence supports magnesium and … Read more
Rubbing alcohol can kill strep bacteria on surfaces, but it is not a treatment for a strep infection in your body. Isopropyl alcohol, the active ingredient in most rubbing alcohol, disrupts the outer membrane of bacteria, which causes the cells to break apart and die. However, using it on your skin or in your mouth … Read more
When someone is having a panic attack, your first job is to stay calm yourself. A panic attack feels like a sudden wave of intense fear that peaks within minutes, often with a racing heart, shortness of breath, and a feeling of losing control. The most effective way to help is to ground them in … Read more
Barley contains gluten. This is not a matter of debate. The gluten proteins in barley — primarily a group called hordeins — are harmful to people with celiac disease and can cause problems for those with gluten sensitivity. For anyone on a medically necessary gluten-free diet, barley is off the table. For everyone else, barley … Read more
Camu camu is a tart Amazonian fruit known for its extremely high vitamin C content. For most pregnant women, eating camu camu powder in small food amounts is likely safe, but taking it in large supplemental doses is not well studied and should be approached with caution. The real answer is that no clinical guidelines … Read more
Polyps are abnormal tissue growths that can appear in several parts of the body, most commonly in the colon, uterus, and nasal passages. The honest answer to whether you can get rid of them naturally is that it depends entirely on the type, location, and whether the polyp carries any risk of becoming cancerous. Some … Read more
Delsym is a popular over-the-counter cough medicine, but you should not take it with just anything. The active ingredient, dextromethorphan, can interact with certain medications, supplements, and even foods. The safest approach is to take Delsym alone, with water, and to avoid alcohol, sedatives, and certain antidepressants unless a doctor has confirmed it is safe … Read more
Menopause brings many changes to the body, and the genital area is no exception. Yes, the labia can shrink during menopause, but this is not a universal experience, and it is not a sign that something is wrong. The change happens because of falling estrogen levels, which alter the skin and tissue of the entire … Read more
Caffeine has a complicated relationship with headaches. For some people, it is a reliable tool that stops a migraine in its tracks. For others, it is the very thing causing the pain in the first place. The short answer is that caffeine can be good for certain headaches, but it can also make things worse … Read more