Most of us have painkillers, cold medicine, and antacids on hand. But these common health issues that arise call for something other than your standard Ibuprofen.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s)
What it is: According to the Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urinary-tract-infection/DS00286 Urinary Tract Infections are bacterial infections that can affect any part of the urinary system. This includes kidneys, ureters, the bladder and the urethra. However, most infections take place in the bladder and the urethra. UTIs are usually caused by E. coli, bacteria that are normally found on the skin around the rectal and vaginal areas and in the digestive tract. A UIT occurs when the bacteria enters the urethra and all the way up to the bladder, causing an infection.
Symptoms: (From Mayo Clinic) http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urinary-tract-infection/DS00286/DSECTIO…
• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain, in women
• Rectal pain, in men
Who has it: Women are at a greater risk than men of getting a UTI, likely because of differences in the shape and size of the urethra notes KidsHealth.org http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/stds/uti.html#
Solution: AZO urinary health medicine $9.99 at CVS Pharmacy http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Azo-Standard-Tablets?skuId=506493
Sunburn (Not just for summer!)
What it is: A sunburn is actually your skin responding to UV radiation notes Brown University Health Education.http://brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/common_college_health_issues/sun_protection.php
You are really experiencing cellular damage from ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). The body responds to the damage with increased blood flow to the capillary beds in your skin in order to bring in cells to repair the damage. The redness is therefore caused by the extra blood in your capillaries.
Who gets it: Occurs after large amounts of exposure to the sun and more often in those with fair skin. It’s important to note that you chance of getting sunburn is not restricted to the time you spend catching rays on the beach or getting your glow on at the local tanning salon. It occurs year round—even in the winter! Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s rays and can damage uncovered skin. The greatest sun damage occurs on any given day between 10 am and 4 pm—when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Symptoms: (From Mayo Clinic)
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunburn/DS00964/DSECTION=symptoms
• Pinkness or redness
• Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch
• Pain or tenderness
• Swelling
• Small fluid-filled blisters, which may break
• Headache, fever and fatigue if sunburn covers a large area
Solution (For first degree burns which heal within days, possibly some peeling):
Bland moisturizers (the less chemicals the better)
Over the counter hydrocortisone cream Try CVS Hydrocortisone Cream 1/2 % With Aloe $4.99 http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/CVS-Hydrocortisone-Cream-12-With-…
You can avoid sunburn by using a “broad-spectrum” sunscreen. These sunscreens reflect both UVA and UVB rays and do a better job of protecting skin from the sun. If you are allergic to chemical in most sunscreens, try a sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These sunscreens will also protect skin from UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreen and sun protective measures should be used even on cloudy, cool days or in the shade because sunburn can occur.
Athlete’s foot
What it is: According to the Mayo Clinic, Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection found in between your toes, and occasionally, on other parts of your foot. It’s also the most common type of fungal infection.
Who gets it: The Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/athletes-foot/DS00317
notes that you have an increased risk of getting athlete’s foot if you frequently:
• Wear damp socks, share mats, rugs, bed linens, clothes or shoes with someone who has a fungal infection or walk barefoot in public areas where the infection can spread (i.e.: locker rooms, public showers, etc.)
• Have a weakened immune system
Symptoms: (From Mayo Clinic)
• Itching, stinking and burning between your toes or on the soles of your feet
• Itchy blisters
• Crackling or peeling skin between your toes or on the soles of your feet
• Excessive dryness of the skin on your foot
• Thick or crumbly toenails that pull away from the nail bed
Solution: Try an over-the-counter antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray. Try Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra) $11.49 at CVS Pharmacy http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Lotrimin-Ultra-Antifungal-Cream?s…