Foods to avoid and foods to have for fever blisters

Foods to avoid and foods to have for fever blisters

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). These painful blisters often appear on or around the lips and can be quite uncomfortable. For anyone dealing with a cold sore or fever blisters, it is essential to understand how to manage this condition. One key aspect of preventing blisters is avoiding certain foods that can trigger or exacerbate it. So, here are some foods to avoid and specific foods to have when dealing with them. What are fever blisters? Before knowing the foods to avoid fever blisters, it is first important to understand what fever blisters are. Fever blisters or cold sores are small, painful, fluid-filled blisters that commonly appear on or around the lips. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once a person is infected, the virus can remain dormant in their body, occasionally reactivating and causing outbreaks of fever blisters. Foods to avoid to keep the cold sores at bay Arginine-rich foods The primary food category that one must avoid in order to not trigger and prevent fever blisters is arginine-rich foods. This is because arginine is an amino acid that helps the herpes simplex virus replicate, hence, triggering cold sore outbreaks.
Read Article
Common warning signs and symptoms of herpes

Common warning signs and symptoms of herpes

Herpes (or Herpes Simplex Virus/HSV) is a viral condition that can cause oral or genital herpes. This is a fairly common condition and can be transmitted by direct contact with the sores. Unfortunately, due to its stigma, many people do not know about the condition’s types, signs, and symptoms. This article aims to raise awareness about herpes by discussing the common warning signs and risks associated with the condition. Types of Herpes There are two main types of HSV: HSV-1: It mostly spreads by oral contact and is often referred to as oral herpes. It may cause cold sores or fever blisters around one’s mouth. In rare cases, the virus may also be transmitted via a shared lip balm, razors, drinkware, or eating utensils. HSV-2: Also known as genital herpes, HSV-2 spreads via sexual contact. It can lead to the formation of sores in or around intimate areas. Warning signs and symptoms of HSV The occurrence and severity of symptoms of herpes vary from person to person. Some warning signs that may indicate herpes include: Tingling, itching, or burning One may experience an irritating itching a day or two before blisters appear. Sores or blisters The appearance of painful, fluid-filled blisters is one of the most recognizable warning signs of herpes.
Read Article
8 conditions that cause blisters and warning signs to identify them

8 conditions that cause blisters and warning signs to identify them

The human body is susceptible to various infections and, consequently, certain symptoms that interfere with daily life. One of these complications includes blisters and small pockets of fluid in the upper skin layers, which is the body’s response to injury. However, a blister may also develop because of various health conditions that are often mistaken for something else. Here are certain warning signs that could cause blister because of health complications: Herpes simplex An individual may sometimes develop painful blisters on their genitals or the mouth. These might occur alone or in clusters, leak clear yellow fluid, and then crust over. This type of blister on the mouth is called a cold sore, while the ones on the genitals are called genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The oral and genital lesions are commonly caused by the viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2. The blisters might be triggered by stress, illness, sun exposure, and menstruation in people with the herpes simplex virus. The infected site usually starts to itch or tingle before the appearance of blisters. Impetigo The condition is a common bacterial infection in babies and children. It triggers an irritating rash and fluid-filled blisters that pop easily, forming a honey-colored crust.
Read Article
13 signs that may indicate one’s pet dog is sick

13 signs that may indicate one’s pet dog is sick

Dogs cannot communicate through words, but their actions, behavior, and body language can reveal their mental and physical health. Dogs may get sick for various reasons, including infections, injuries, or underlying health conditions. While seeing one’s beloved canine companion unwell can be distressing, being observant and proactive can make a significant difference in their recovery. Here are some telltale signs that indicate one’s pet dog may be under the weather. Changes in appetite Dogs love food and often finish their favorite meals and snacks within minutes. But if one’s dog suddenly loses interest in food or water or starts eating significantly less, it could be a warning sign. Their loss of appetite may be because of digestive problems, such as indigestion or constipation, dental problems like gum disease or broken teeth, or illnesses and infections. At times, dogs may resist a particular type of food due to allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients. Conversely, an abnormal and sudden increase in appetite, despite providing sufficient food in regular quantities, should also prompt one to consult a vet. Vomiting and diarrhea Gastrointestinal issues are common in dogs and can be caused by various factors, including infections, allergies, or underlying diseases. Frequent vomiting, especially if accompanied by diarrhea, can lead to dehydration and should not be ignored.
Read Article
8 common mistakes to avoid when buying furniture

8 common mistakes to avoid when buying furniture

Shopping for furniture can be both exciting and challenging. On one hand, the thrill of purchasing a brand-new dining table set or a cupboard that can elevate a home is undeniable. On the other hand, selecting the right piece that fits the vibe and space of a home involves plenty of preparation and forethought, both of which make the overall process somewhat overwhelming for shoppers. To make one’s buying experience better, here are some common mistakes to avoid while buying furniture: 1. Forgetting to measure the doorway Many buyers realize it too late that their purchased furniture pieces are larger than the doorway of the rooms where they will be placed. Measuring the doorway of a room in which new furniture will be added is one of the essentials of designing and furnishing one’s home. It’s also a simple process. All one needs to do is take a measuring tape and measure the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the doorway. Also, buyers are advised to measure the dimensions of one’s building stairways or elevators if they reside on one of the upper floors. Doing all these will prevent them from purchasing furniture that will not enter their building, house, or room.
Read Article
11 foods that can help reduce blood pressure

11 foods that can help reduce blood pressure

Many people opt for meal plans with less salt and processed foods when trying to reduce blood pressure. While this is a step in the right direction, it may not be enough. Adopting a heart-healthy nutrition plan is a more effective approach to managing high blood pressure. This involves including foods and beverages that lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, thus helping reduce blood pressure. To improve overall health, here are some foods that can help one get started on a journey. Garlic Garlic is a popular food known to help manage blood pressure due to its high allicin content. This substance contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties. In addition, it helps in managing hypertension by relaxing the blood vessels, which in turn allows blood to flow more freely. To get the benefits of garlic in reducing blood pressure, it is recommended to use fresh garlic cloves instead of processed or canned ones. Fresh cloves can be added to a variety of dishes, including soups, stir-fries, stews, pasta, and curries, to enhance the flavor. Fat-free or low-fat yogurt Yogurt is one of the most nutritious foods as it contains probiotics and calcium. The probiotics promote gut health and enhance the function of the digestive and immune systems.
Read Article
10 mistakes to avoid when buying pet insurance

10 mistakes to avoid when buying pet insurance

Pets are beloved members of the family. They keep people company, play around the house, and help brighten up one’s mood. However, pet ownership also presents a significant amount of responsibility. Like humans, pets can fall sick and need expert care, which can be expensive. Pet insurance helps people save money on health and other costs linked to their furry friends. However, one must avoid making these ten mistakes when buying a policy. Buying insurance too late People often wait for their pets to get sick before buying insurance. This approach can be rather expensive for two reasons. First, insurance becomes expensive as a pet ages and/or develops health issues, likely leading to higher premiums and less coverage. Second, insurance providers may refuse to offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, leading to total disqualification or minimal coverage from the plan. To ensure their pet is covered under the best insurance plan, individuals must buy insurance while their furry companion is still young and free of severe health conditions. Thinking of it as a savings plan Pet insurance is neither an investment nor a savings plan. It is a risk management tool meant to protect against unexpected health conditions. The plan is similar to homeowner’s insurance, which helps people avoid financial stress during unexpected events, such as a fire or a flood.
Read Article
10 household factors likely to trigger lung problems

10 household factors likely to trigger lung problems

Managing a household involves a host of activities and responsibilities, from cooking and cleaning to taking care of finances and maintaining the home. Another essential aspect of ensuring a safe and healthy household is to identify specific factors that can affect one’s health. Certain seemingly harmless factors may potentially trigger or aggravate lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. So, here are 11 household factors to note that may trigger lung problems. Mold This type of fungus releases tiny particles called spores in the air, which can cause lung infections, particularly among individuals with mold allergies. It can also worsen COPD and weaken one’s immune system, making one vulnerable to other health problems. Therefore, it is important to promptly fix leaks, prevent the development of moisture, and ensure that cut grass clumps do not form in one’s lawn. Flour Although an indispensable ingredient in baking, flour is classified as a hazardous substance for the lungs and often leads to coughing and wheezing among bakers. For example, flour dust typically causes occupational asthma and allergic rhinitis. In fact, one of the most common types of occupational asthma is one caused by exposure to cereal flour. This type of asthma is called baker’s asthma.
Read Article