Dealing with nail fungus can be a frustrating and stubborn challenge, but there’s a natural solution that works wonders—and it’s faster than you might think. By combining the power of tea tree oil and vinegar, you can effectively eliminate nail fungus without resorting to harsh chemicals. This proven method not only fights the infection but also promotes the growth of healthy, clear nails.
The Powerful Duo: Tea Tree Oil and Vinegar Soak
1 tablespoon of tea tree oil
1/2 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
2 cups of warm water
A small basin for soaking
How to Use It:
Prepare the Soak
In a small basin, mix warm water, vinegar, and tea tree oil until thoroughly combined.
Soak Your Nails
Submerge the affected nails in the mixture and let them soak for 15–20 minutes.
Dry Thoroughly
Pat the nails dry using a clean towel. Ensure no moisture is left behind, as dampness can encourage fungal growth.
Apply Tea Tree Oil
After drying, apply a few drops of pure tea tree oil directly onto the affected nails and surrounding skin. Let it air dry naturally.
Why This Remedy Works
Tea Tree Oil: Rich in antifungal compounds like terpinen-4-ol, it attacks and kills fungal infections at their source.
Vinegar: Alters the pH level around the nails, creating an environment that fungi cannot tolerate.
How Often Should You Use It?
Consistency is crucial for success. Perform this routine daily until the fungus is gone. Most users notice visible improvement within a week, though it may take several weeks for the infection to completely clear. Stick with it, and you’ll see results.
Trim and File Your Nails: Regularly trim the affected nails and gently file down any thickened areas. This allows the solution to penetrate deeper and work more effectively.
Keep Nails Dry: Fungi thrive in moist conditions, so always keep your nails clean and dry.
Disinfect Shoes and Tools: Use an antifungal spray for your shoes and sanitize nail tools regularly to prevent reinfection.
What could happen if avian flu crosses the species barrier?
Jose A. Bernat Bacete//Getty Images
A new study by biologists from the Scripps Research Institute shows that a bird flu virus is just a single mutation away from having human-ready receptors.
If the H5N1 virus does make the switch, it could lead to widespread infection rates in humans.
Thus far, the virus has been limited in humans.
According to a new study published in the journal Science by Scripps Research Institute biologists, the avian H5N1 virus has the potential to quickly shift from a bird flu to a human flu. The authors wrote that the pathogen, which first popped up in North America in 2021, is just a “single mutation” away from being able to infect humans with the same efficacy it can currently infect other animals.
“In nature, the occurrence of this single mutation could be an indicator of human pandemic risk,” according to an editorial note attached to the paper. The study showed that just one mutation—the amino acid glutamine transforming into leucine, specifically at “residue 226 of the virus hemagglutinin”—was enough to make the switch from avian to human.
Each virus has a certain kind of cell that it is best at infecting. In order to latch onto a host, that host has to have the proper receptors for the virus to attach to. Birds and humans have different receptors on their cells, which means that a virus requires just the right match to pick the lock of the cell, so to speak, to be easily transferrable.
Since its discovery in 2021, the H5N1 virus has been able to bond with receptors in avian species, marine mammals, and even (occasionally) humans. By 2024, that virus was spreading widely in the country’s dairy cattle population, causing mild cases in over 50 people.
Those human infections raised concerns about the capability for bovine-to-human (or even human-to-human) transmission, despite the fact that the virus was still best suited to avian receptors. The concern, understandably, is the potential for a pandemic if the disease becomes broadly and easily transmissible to and between humans.
“For a new pandemic H5N1 virus, we know that it has to switch receptor specificity from avian-type to human-type,” the study authors wrote. “So, what will it take?” Apparently, just one mutation.
“The initial infection is what we’re concerned about to initiate a pandemic,” Paulson said, according to Scientific American, “and we believe that the weak binding that we see with this single mutation is at least equivalent to a known human pandemic virus.”
The Paulson-led research team synthesized the genetic sequence for the strain of bird flu found in a Texas dairy worker—the first human known infected with the H5N1 virus—and then examined proteins on the outer surface of the virus, where it links to the cell membrane of its host. To find the right docking equipment, so to speak, the team researched past examples of the avian flu jumping to humans, and found that a change from glutamine to leucine in position 226 would switch the virus into a mode compatible with easily infecting human biology.
Many of the human cases of the virus came from dairy workers repeatedly exposed to the virus, which likely overpowered the cells by entering through the eyes and nose in great numbers. For a quick and easy spread, the virus must transmit via infected droplets traveling in the air from a sneeze or cough. “In this context, the virus needs to be able to recognize human-type receptors to bind to cells in the human airway in amounts sufficient to cause infection,” Paulson said.
While this hasn’t yet happened in the H5N1, it has occurred in the past. And if the change does occur now, it could spark a quick-moving avian flu virus ready-made for humans to pass along to one another.
Plenty of variables remain—including whether this mutation will ever even occur—and predicting the severeness or concern over the H5N1 is only speculative. But it’s good to know what we’re up against, should that one little switch occur.
Hundreds of vials containing live viruses have gone missing from a laboratory in Australia, sparking an investigation.
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced today that 323 samples of live viruses—including Hendra virus, Lyssavirus and Hantavirus—went missing in 2021 in a “serious breach of biosecurity protocols.”
The breach was discovered in August 2023, with nearly 100 of the missing vials containing Hendra virus, which is deadly. Two of the vials contained hantavirus, while 223 vials contained samples of lyssavirus.
Stock image of vials in a laboratory (main) and virus particles (inset). Hundreds of vials containing samples of deadly viruses have gone missing from a lab in Australia.ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Hendra virus was first discovered in the mid-1990s after infecting and killing several horses in Australia. Only a handful of humans have caught the disease after being infected by horses, but a large proportion of infected people died.
“Hendra virus has a 57 percent fatality rate in humans and has had a devastating impact on those who have been infected, their families and on the veterinary and equine industries in areas where the virus spills over,” Raina Plowright, a professor at the department of public and ecosystem health at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, previously told Newsweek.
Hantavirus is carried by rodents and can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), which has a mortality rate of around 38 percent, while lyssavirus is similar to rabies and also has a very high mortality rate.
The lab has not been able to conclude if the viruses were destroyed or removed from secure storage, but they do not appear to have been stolen.
“There is nothing to suggest that these have been taken from the laboratory. Secondly […] we don’t have any evidence that Hendra virus has been weaponized in any way in any research laboratory,” Nicholls said at a press conference.
“Of course, all this kind of research is taken in secret, but we are not aware that this has been weaponized in any way. The process of weaponizing a virus is very sophisticated, and is not something an amateur does.”
The samples appear to have gone unaccounted for after a freezer they were being stored in at Queensland’s Public Health Virology Laboratory broke down.
“It’s this part of the transfer of those materials that is causing concern,” Nicholls said, as reported by local news ABC.
“They were transferred to a functioning freezer without the appropriate paperwork being completed. The materials may have been removed from that secure storage and lost, or otherwise unaccounted-for.”
According to a statement from the Queensland government, there is “no evidence of risk to the community from the breach,” as the viruses would have degraded very quickly and subsequently become harmless to humans.
“It’s difficult to conceive of a scenario whereby the public could be at risk,” Queensland Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said in the statement.
“It’s important to note that virus samples would degrade very rapidly outside a low temperature freezer and become non-infectious.
Gerrard notes that the samples were incredibly unlikely to have been thrown away in geeral waste, and were probably destroyed in an autoclave as per usual lab protocol.
“Importantly, no Hendra or Lyssavirus cases have been detected among humans in Queensland over the past five years, and there have been no reports of Hantavirus infections in humans ever in Australia,” Gerrard explained.
An investigation into the breach has been initiated, which hopes to find out exactly how these viruses went missing and what prevented the discovery of the breach for nearly two years.
“With such a serious breach of biosecurity protocols and infectious virus samples potentially missing, Queensland Health must investigate what occurred and how to prevent it from happening again,” Nicholls said in the statement.
“The Part 9 Investigation will ensure nothing has been overlooked in responding to this incident and examine the current policies and procedures in operation today at the laboratory,” he said.
“I’m advised Queensland Health has taken proactive measures since discovering the breaches including retraining staff to ensure ongoing compliance with required regulations and an audit of all relevant permits to ensure accountability and correct storage of materials.”
How To Get Rid of (and Prevent) Blackheads: 10 Solutions
Is there anything more annoying than seeing little black specks on your face?
We’ve all stood in front of the mirror and examined our pores from time to time, cursing our skin. But if the appearance of blackheads on your face really does bother you — rest assured, there are ways to get rid of them.
How To Get Rid of (and Prevent) Blackheads: 10 Solutions
Dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, discusses how to get rid of blackheads and offers tips to prevent new ones from forming.
How to get rid of blackheads at home
“There are a few different ways we can attack blackheads,” says Dr. Vij. “But I do stress to be patient with your skin and that consistency is key. It took a while for your skin to get to this place and it will take a little while to get it back to where it was before.”
Learn how to remove blackheads with these tips:
Opt for salicylic acid
“My go-to treatment for blackheads is recommending a salicylic acid wash once a day,” he says. “There are even medicated face wipes that contain it.”
If you want to try salicylic acid, start off by using a product that contains between 2% and 4%. Then, you can modify the amount used by how your skin reacts. If it’s drying you out, opt to go down a bit.
Use an alpha or beta hydroxy acid cleanser
Alpha or beta hydroxy acid, also known as AHAs and BHAs, are a group of compounds known for its skin care benefits. Some of the most popular elements in this group include salicylic acid, lactic acid and citric acid.
Another great option for removing blackheads in the AHA family is using a product containing glycolic acid. Aim to use a cleanser with 10%. Glycolic acid serves as a great exfoliator, helping to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells — and those annoying blackheads.
Try a retinoid
“From a medical standpoint, I’ll typically prescribe a topical retinoid as treatment,” says Dr. Vij. “It’s good for making sure that the dead skin cells aren’t collecting inside the pores. It also helps to prevent outbreaks and reduces the formation of acne scars.”
Sometimes, it works to split treatment between a retinoid and an alpha or beta hydroxy acid. An example treatment could be using a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning and a retinoid at night.
Make sure you exfoliate
Exfoliation is an important part of every skin care routine — but it’s very easy to overdo.
“You should really only be exfoliating a couple times a week,” explains Dr. Vij. “Over-exfoliating your skin, especially your face, will dry it out very quickly.”
What’s worse? When your skin is dried out it produces more oil, which contributes to more blackheads. Your best bet is to keep exfoliating to a minimum.
Consider in-office treatments for stubborn blackheads
So, how do you get rid of stubborn blackheads? You may need the assistance of your dermatologist, who may recommend these in-office methods.
Chemical peels
Your dermatologist might suggest a chemical peel. This technique uses a chemical solution to remove your skin’s damaged outer layers. This can result in improved skin texture and smoothness.
But be aware — not all insurances cover these types of treatment.
And depending on whether you have a light, medium or deep chemical peel you may experience redness, stinging and swelling of your skin in the first 48 hours.
Microdermabrasion
Another treatment is microdermabrasion, which is also known as a “power peel.” Your skin is sprayed with tiny crystals to gently sand away your outer layer of skin.
The minimally invasive procedure improves the appearance of your skin. You may have mild side effects like redness, swelling and tenderness for a few hours after your treatment.
And like chemical peels, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for microdermabrasion.
Extraction
Sometimes, a good course of action for stubborn blackheads is by manual extraction, but it should always be kept in the hands of a professional.
Otherwise, you risk scarring your skin.
A professional — whether it’s a dermatologist or esthetician — may prep your skin with a light steam to expand your pores. Then, using a sterile metal tool called a comedone extractor, they’ll apply pressure to the blackhead to remove it from your pore.
Some professionals opt to use their fingers, which are typically covered in cotton, to perform the extraction.
Preventing blackheads
Your best defense against blackheads? Prevention. Here are some things you can do to help prevent or limit how many blackheads you get:
Don’t pick at your skin
While this is easier said than done, it’s vital.
Bacteria and oil are all over your hands, and anytime you touch or pick at your skin, you’re transferring it to your face. It can lead to increased inflammation and additional skin problems, including hyperpigmentation.
Picking at your skin can also cause permanent scarring. We know it’s hard, but try to resist.
Choose the right makeup and skin care products
If you’re serious about putting an end to pesky blackheads, be mindful about the products you put on your face.
Noncomedogenic makeup and skin products are specifically designed to not clog your pores. Using these types of products can help cut down on the number of blackheads you have. Dr. Vij also stresses the importance of using a facial moisturizer with an SPF of at least 30.
And try to avoid wearing oily and heavy products. A good rule of thumb is the thinner the product, the better. Anytime something is on your skin — even a moisturizer — it has the potential to clog your pores.
Tread lightly with pore strips and face masks
If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of blackheads on your nose, you may have turned to pore strips or skin care face masks.
Adhesive strips and skin care masks tend to have the immediate gratification that most people are looking for, but oftentimes, these products don’t solve the underlying skin issue at hand.
“Pore stripes use an adhesive to lift the congestion out of the pore, which can be helpful if you’re getting ready for an event. For example, a teenager who wants to get ready for prom,” notes Dr. Vij. “But it will really only temporarily clear your skin and can have some side effects such as excess irritation and dryness.”
So, while it’s good advice to tread lightly with pore strips and skin care masks, they can serve a purpose from time to time. If you’re a savvy skin care user, ask your dermatologist about what products they recommend. This way, you can minimize the risk of using a mask or strip that could potentially irritate your skin.
While blackheads can be annoying and even embarrassing there are ways to combat the skin care issue — and it’s key to find a solution that works best for you and your skin type.
“Every skin type is different and should be treated that way,” states Dr. Vij. “And part of my job is to help you figure out what combination of treatment works for your skin.”
Just subscribe and save this $6 under eye brightener cuz the moment you see these results, you’ll never wanna be without it again.
1.An O’Keeffe’s Lip Repair sleeping mask so you can wake up with soft, hydrated lippies. No one loves a chapped pout, so let this balm heal and repair your dry, cracked lips. Reviewers love love love this brand’s Working Hands and Healthy Feet creams, and they’re obsessing over this sleep mask just as much.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: “When I travel, my lips get so chapped! It’s painful. I found this product when I searched for something for extremely chapped lips. I’ve used other O’Keeffe’s products so I trusted the brand. I used this as directed in the morning and before bed and my lips healed up faster than ever. Also, on the next trip I went on, I took it with me and used it daily. My lips stayed healthy and didn’t get chapped at all. This stuff is magic and I won’t go anywhere without it now.” —Anna C. Adams
Get it from Amazon for $10.84+ (also available in a two-pack).
2.A dog shampoo for your funky pup because you love them but my goodness, you’re tired of cuddling a smelly pooch. And since you can’t resist cuddles from your absolutely adorable pup, you snuggle ’em, stinky and all. This’ll moisturize their dry, smelly fur with lavender, aloe vera, and oatmeal to have them looking and smelling their absolute best.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: “Bye bye bad odor, bye bye dry itchy skin. It leaves them super soft, shiny, and smelling fresh. My dogs have very sensitive skin and this has been incredibly great for them. Will definitely buy again.” —Amazon Customer
“Love this product and how clean it gets my dogs. They smell so good for days after using. This is our fourth time buying this shampoo and we don’t plan on switching. Highly recommend.” —Wendy Zeng
Get it from Amazon for $11.95.
3.A Wet n Wild dewy foundation because, I mean, come onnn, are ya’ll seeing this tattoo before and after below?! Imagine how perfect it’ll have your makeup looking. Need I say more? This one’s going in the cart immediately.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: “Best foundation on the market for its price! I do makeup ALL the time! I do it for stage shows and just for fun. I LOVE this foundation! I have dry skin and the dewiness really helps with that. I use a dry Beauty Blender when I apply it. I don’t always set my foundation but if I do, I just use a translucent powder. BUY IT! WORTH IT!” —Joshua Ricker
“Discovered this foundation after an influencer compared it to very high-end products. This product delivers. High end results without the price. Does what it says. Sheer and light, yet has excellent coverage. Moist, not greasy. (I do use a foundation brush to apply) Lasts. True skin color. Find your match and save a ton of money!” —JC
Get it from Amazon for$5.47 (available in 16 shades).
4.A bottle of seriously yummy Mike’s Hot Honey to take your leftovers or boring takeout to the next level. A perfect blend of sweet and spicy — you probz won’t be able to resist the urge to put this stuff on literally everything. It’ll taste like Gordon Ramsay cooked it and you won’t even have to be called an idiot sandwich.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising reviews: “Oh Michael, what can be said about your most hot of honeys that has yet to be said? My tongue yearns for the sweet burn, as my mouth opens almost on its own in anticipation for this honey. I’ve spent days, nay, weeks obsessing over the feeling of the honey, drizzling into my mouth and down my chin, as I try so desperately to lap up every last drop of this sweet, spicy, and undoubtedly succulent honey. The honey has nearly consumed my entire life as I cannot prepare a dish without looking into the pantry longingly, wondering if this honey will improve yet another unexpected food item (it always does) and bring me endless joy and satisfaction. I have nary a doubt that if you, a fellow consumer, purchase this tantalizing, appetizing, incredibly satisfying honey, you will NOT regret it. Please, I beg of you, do yourself a favor and put this on every food item you shove down your gullet for the rest of your life. Sincerely, Michelle Hot Honey.” —yeehaw dandy
Get it from Amazon for $11.47 (available in multipacks).
5.A bleach-free weekly shower spray that’ll clean your shower till it sparkles, but that’s not all, friends. This baby also helps prevent future soap scum buildup. Spray it, let it sit for 8–12 hours (so probz spray before bed), then wake up to a totally new shower.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews:“I got this product about three months ago and haven’t had to scrub my shower since! I just use this every week and rinse it off. It’s life changing!!” —Linds
“I hardly ever leave a review but this stuff is amazing. I regretted getting glass shower doors until I got this stuff. Sprayed it on and waited overnight. All I had to do was spray the glass down and it looked the same as the day it was installed. All of the soap scum was completely gone without scrubbing. Will be buying again.” —Rebecca Hash
Get it from Amazon for $20.98+ (available in three sizes and in a two-pack).
6.An Elizabeth Mott face primer — a K-beauty pore-minimizing miracle to help control your oily skin and keep you shine-free. Lock in your look with this bad boy and avoid having your makeup move and shift around. And later, at the end of your day, when you see how good your makeup *still* looks, you’ll seriously be thanking this stuff.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Elizabeth Mott is a Korean American woman-owned biz!
Promising reviews: “I wore this primer under my foundation (Nars and Maybelline Fit Me) along with setting spray (Nyx) in this photo [above right]. I had been dunked in the pool two times and went down a giant slide that caused you to go under water three times. This was the result of my makeup! Love this product. A little goes a long way!” —Ryan Brooks
“I have extremely sensitive, acne prone skin. I realized the makeup I was previously using was breaking me out so I threw it away and purchased this primer with a powder foundation from another brand. THIS PRIMER THOUGH!! I hated the powder foundation I purchased and got rid of that too, but this stays. I use this as my foundation now! It comes out green but blends into your face quickly. It covers my redness and uneven skin tone, but my freckles can still be seen. It makes my face look almost flawless, hydrated and clear. This blew me away. I’ve already been suggesting it to friends and I will continue to buy this over and over again.” —Lucy
Get it from Amazon for$15.99 (available in four styles and in a bundle)
7.A jar of the TikTok-famous Pink Stuff that’s totally worth ALL the hype. Your jaw will be on the floor once you see what this cleaner can do. This paste plays no games when it’s time to get tidy.
www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: “I was heartbroken when I saw that my daughters had written on the dresser with Sharpie! I tried so many different chemicals and nothing worked! I found this on TikTok and said ‘Welp let me try my luck and see if it really works!’ And let me tell you I am still shocked at how amazing this product works!!!! Yayyyy, I’m so soo soo happy to see my dresser white again!!!!😭😭😭 Thank youuuu!!!!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE LITTLE KIDS IN THE HOUSE!!!!” —Gabriela Portillo Solorio
“I used it to clean a very dirty neglected bathroom sink and it worked great. Probably one of the best cleaners I have ever used. I will buy it again for tough jobs.” —J–Utah
Get it from Amazon for $5.97.
8.Kojic Acid Dark Spot Remover Soap because you never thought you’d be able to fade your acne scars, but you thought wrong, my friend! The combo of hyaluronic acid, shea butter, olive oil, retinol, and tumeric will help reduce hyperpigmentation and scars while also restoring moisture to your skin.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Promising reviews: “My wife and I recently started using this kojic acid soap, and it has truly worked wonders for our skin. The results have been impressive. Not only has it helped fade dark spots and blemishes, but it has also given our skin a brighter and more even complexion. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in the texture of my skin as well, and it feels smoother and softer. This soap lathers well and has a pleasant scent for us, making it a joy to use daily. We’re delighted with the results and highly recommend this for anyone looking to achieve more radiant skin.” —BATHUSI LOBAKA
“This soap has my skin looking so much healthier and brighter and the smell is amazing. I am definitely buying this again.10/10 recommend.” —alyssa
Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.99 (available in more multipacks).
9.A pack of four migraine/headache patches that’ll come in clutch when your head is pounding after a rough day. They have a cooling effect that lasts up to 12 hours and some reviewers say they even use ’em for hangovers. Slap one on your forehead or neck for some much needed relief.
Jordan Grigsby / BuzzFeed, www.amazon.com
I had COVID a few weeks ago and because I’m, like, a fake adult (like I still drink Capri-Suns, the fact that I’m an actual adult is wild), I of course had basically NOTHING in my med cabinet except Band-Aids and things to use when I get hurt cuz I get hurt more than I get sick. So I called my mom and she brought me more testing kits, soup, ginger ale…mom stuff. But I was still in pain and forgot to ask her for actual medicine. Luckily, my cousin lives in my apartment complex and she brought over a little sick care package — tea, more soup, Body Armor drinks, Tylenol, and these little miracles. The migraines were making me SO nauseous and I couldn’t sleep, so I slapped one of these on my forehead and OMG, the literal instant relief was wild.It has a slight menthol-y smell combined with some sort of magic, and a cooling effect that helped make my head stop throbbing so I could sleep (yes, I slept with them on). I love these so much and I will never be without them again. These were my quarantine MVP.
Get a pack of four from Amazon for $4.99.
10.Nasal gel with ~soothing~ aloe so your dry little nose can get the moisture it so desperately needs. It’s compatible with your delicate nasal tissues and gentle enough for even babies to use. Dryness, colds, and nosebleeds are no match for this heaven-sent little miracle.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: “I don’t like to talk about it, but every year my nose becomes super dry to the point where I sometimes get a bloody nose. I usually use some squeeze saline, but it got so bad this year that I decided to get this gel. A dab on a finger or a swab and my nose is hydrated, moistened, and not dry as a desert. No winter bloody noses! It is very light, is not slimy or like Vaseline, and it does not have any smell.” —Catherine
Get it from Amazon for $3.62 (also available in a two-pack).
11.A jar of Brazilian Bum Bum body cream made with a caffeine-rich guarana extract formula to help smooth and tighten skin. Over 35,000 people are in loooove with this stuff and some reviewers even just use it as, like, a perfume. Yeah, it smells that good.
@soldejaniero / Via www.instagram.com, www.amazon.com
Promising reviews: “Y’all. This stuff smells like heaven. Somehow this scent is appropriate for summer and winter at the same time. It absorbs quickly with no sticky feelings afterward. The one thing that might deter some people from buying it is that there is a shimmer to it. Once I’ve used it on my hands, I notice that in sunlight, my skin has a bit of a glimmer. I personally love this and can’t wait to use this lotion during the summer. I think it’s 100% worth the high price tag. When I can summon up the will to spend the money, I’ll be buying the body wash, spray, and full-size lotion as well but for now, the mini lotion stays in my purse.” —Elizabeth
Get it from Amazon for $24.
12.A Tower 28 tinted sunscreen + foundation with aloe vera, prickly pear, and SPF 30 that’ll deliver a lightweight, natural finish while also helping to even out any redness and calm your UV-stressed skin. Use this 2-in-1 miracle for a light, fresh face *or* build this buildable baby up to more of a medium coverage look. Plus, it won’t be too matte ~or~ too dewy — win.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Tower 28 is an LA-based, Asian woman-owned small biz that creates vegan and cruelty-free beauty products for all skin types.
Promising reviews: “Wore this everyday at the beach in Florida and didn’t get burned at all! Super impressed.” —Mads
“I gave it to my sister as a gift and the color was accurate (not ashy like some other products tend to make their darker shades). No burning and, when you put makeup on top of it, it looks just as neat.” —Sher
Get it from Amazon for$32 (available in 13 shades).
13.A good ole roll of boob tape that’ll do all the lifting of a bra without needing to *actually* wear one. It’s breathable, sweat-proof, and the perfect option to wear under any shirt or dress. Tape ’em up however you need for whatever you wear!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: “As someone with large boobs, I’ve always struggled with strapless bras and basically accepted that I’d never be able to wear backless clothing. Growing up, I used those little sticky bras (the ones that look like chicken cutlets, you know the ones) but now, they just don’t provide enough coverage or support for 36G boobs. For an upcoming wedding, I got a beautiful jumpsuit with an open-ish back and was determined to find something to hold my boobs up/in. Tried this boob tape and watched a couple of YouTube how-to videos and my life has been changed!!!Worked super well and held up perfectly for 8–9 hours in the LA summer heat (+ after party sweat). Was also not painful at all to remove at the end of the night. Highly recommend this boob tape for your backless top needs!!!” —k
Get it from Amazon for $14.95 (available in 12 styles).
14.A bottle of Rain-X Original Windshield Treatment to help improve driving visibility and wiper blade performance in those vicious showers so you don’t have a freakout moment since you can’t. see. ANYTHING. Rain, snow, and sleet are no match for this magical repellant.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: “I had a cheap, untempered windshield that was awful in the rain. A friend of mine from college recommended Rain-X and I was shocked at the difference. I applied it with a soft rag and sat there wondering if it was even on properly. I trusted the system and then later that night took my car out for a drive; it rained while I was out and the difference was instantly noticeable. Before, when using my wipers, streaks would obscure my view so much that any lights would make driving in the rain hard. Now, the droplets don’t smear and smaller ones sometimes just roll off. It’s pretty great.” —Alison
Get two bottles from Amazon for $8.08.
15.Sweat Block wipes that do exactly what they say they’re gonna do! Just press these on dry, clean skin before bed, air dry for five minutes before going to sleep, wake up the next day, wash the treated areas, and there ya go! Dry for up to SEVEN days!!
www.amazon.com
Oh! BTW this stuff is reaaaally STRONG so make sure you do a spot test first — especially if you have sensitive skin!
Promising review: “Cannot recommend enough!!! If you suffer from excessive sweat like I do, this stuff is a lifesaver!! I’ve always had a problem with underarm sweat and I’ve tried every kind of antiperspirant available and nothing worked. I finally saw this on BuzzFeed and decided to give it a try. I can’t believe I’ve suffered this long without this product. I showered at night, dabbed the wipe on, took another shower in the morning and it’s been almost three days now and almost no sweat! It did itch a little but nothing unbearable and I can deal with that for the payoff!!!” —Kathy
Get 10 wipes from Amazon for $15.99 (available in multipacks).
16.An under-eye brightener because you aren’t sure if you’ll ever actually not be exhausted, but you can def stop looking like it. It’s ~enriched~! with shea butter and hyaluronic acid to give your dark circles a more radiant look. The pinkish tint helps balance out the blueish tint under your eyes, so no one will be able to tell that losing that hour of sleep is kicking your butt.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: “Anyone with dark under eye probs like myself need to have a brightener! I used to spend $40 on Becca, but this one is better in my opinion!! It’s very pigmented and covers blue hues in the corners of my eyes. It can be worn alone but I prefer it under my concealer. It blends incredibly well, it’s very creamy, and easy to apply. It will probably last me six months — a little dab goes a long way. It’s extremely buildable, too. I am just so in love. I’m a sucker for saving money and this purchase just saved me over $30. I will recommend to all my friends and family. Just BUY it!” —Caitlin Newcomb
Get it from Amazon for$6 (available in two shades).
17.A reviewer-beloved Javy cold brew concentrate for some quick, easy, convenient coffee. Iced coffee, espressos, lattes, you want it? You got it! Simply mix one or two teaspoons of this yummy stuff with water or milk and there ya have it! Delicious coffee in seconds!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: “I bought this after seeing it on TikTok, specifically for making iced coffees this summer. I am not going to lie, I was dubious as I love my coffee SUPER STRONG and most other coffee concentrates simply fall short. Many have a terrible, bitter burned flavor and just don’t deliver the high impact caffeine that I crave. I am in shock at the quality that this coffee concentrate has! I mixed just one teaspoon (it was getting late and I wanted to get some sleep that evening) with two pumps of my white chocolate syrup, ice, and milk. OMG!! It was amazing. I will be keeping it on hand for iced coffee permanently!” —natalie kehew
Get it from Amazon for $19.30+ (available in six flavors and in multipacks).
18.A pack of 40 acne patches because a pimple is NOT ruining our day babe! These patches absorb all the gunk and speed up the pimple-healing process without picking or popping. Psh, what pimple?
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review: “YES! TikTok made me buy them and they 100% do what they should. I just pop them on before bed and by morning the blemish is ready to go. Will be ordering more.” —Sky k.
Get a 40-pack of the small patches from Amazon for $6.79 (available in two sizes/counts).
19.A bottle of Sunny & Honey Carpet Miracle that’ll help give your carpets the cleaning they have soooo needed. This stuff is tough on dirty carpets and will have ’em looking brand new again no matter how big or old the stains from your kids, pets, or clumsy self (🙋♀️).
www.amazon.com
This solution works great with Bissell, Hoover, McCulloch, Rug Doctor, Kenmore, and Carpet Express cleaners.
Sunny & Honey is a family-run small biz that specializes in biodegradable cleaning products.
Promising review: “I never write reviews but I had to with this product because it’s literally life changing! I have tried several carpet cleaning solutions. I have a puppy whom I did not train properly due to some life circumstances that made it very hard for me at the time. Now, I am paying the price by having to shampoo my carpets weekly. It’s only in my hallway upstairs and just takes a bit longer than vacuuming, but I have felt I’m wasting my time with the other enzymatic cleaners I have used. They barely make the smell more bearable. This completely took the stench away and now it actually smells lovely in my hallway. I will be making sure this is on auto ship now.” —Boymom 03
Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in two sizes and two scents).
20.A Burt’s Bees after-sun soother because getting sunburned sucks and the aftereffects aren’t any better. The aloe and coconut oil will work their magic to help soothe your bod. Oh, and reviewers love that it isn’t greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: “Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into the skin like lotion so you don’t feel greasy and you can immediately put on clothes after application. A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Even if it does peel later on, it’s minimal compared to what it would be and look like if I had not used this sun soother. I don’t burn easily and love this product; my husband is as fair as they come and it’s his favorite sunburn solution as well. Highly recommend!” —Jessie Patterson
Get it from Amazon for $9.97.
21.A jar of chili onion crisp that you can basically throw on everything. Veggies, noodles, meat, even ice cream — you won’t be able to eat without this savory, spicy, umami-flavored, crunchy goodness drizzled on top. Don’t be surprised when this stuff has you in an absolute freakin’ chokehold. I won’t judge you if you keep a jar in your purse.
Fly By Jing
Fly By Jing is an Asian woman-owned small biz that specializes in sauces, dumplings, and spices.
Check out a TikTok of the chili crisp in action.
Here’s what former BuzzFeeder Britt Ross says about this chili crisp:
“Ever since my sister introduced me to this life-changing condiment, I’ve slathered it on pretty much everything I could think of — from roasted vegetables and noodles to seafood and popcorn. It’s got a kick, yes, and while I’m a big fan of spicy food, the thing I love most about this chili crisp is that it also has great flavor that doesn’t get overpowered by the heat, which happens with so many other spicy sauces. That deep savory flavor comes from ingredients like fermented black bean, shallots, mushroom powder, ginger, and seaweed, so it’s no wonder it’s become my go-to pantry staple when I want to zhuzh up my dinner. PS: Some people even swear by it as an ice cream topping!”
Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in two sizes, a two-pack, and an extra spicy version) or Fly By Jing for $12.
22.A bottle of Drop It to help reduce the amount of sulfites and tannins (which contribute to headaches) in your wine in just 20 seconds. Add a few drops to whatever vino is your fave — riesling, merlot, pinot, champagne, anything you like! And no, the flavor won’t be altered. So long wine headaches!
Emma Lord/BuzzFeed
Once it’s in the glass, swirl lightly for 20 seconds, and drink up!
Promising review: “Life changing. I had stopped drinking red wine because I got the most awful headaches. These drops are amazing. They don’t change the flavor of the wine and my negative reaction to the wine itself has gone away. They won’t stop you from having a hangover if you drink too much wine but if you find yourself reacting to red wine in general, they really work.” —MichelleMcC
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
23.An Anua heartleaf pore-clearing cleansing oil that is perfect for all skin types and will help get rid of makeup residue, blackheads, and sebum while also preventing your pores from clogging up. In fact, it’s so effective, reviewers say you can actually see the gunk and oil leave your face. You’ll be kinda grossed out by the ick seeping out of your pores while also being totally in love with the results.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Oh! Anddd reviewers say they use this as a step in their double cleansing routine. What the heck is that, you may ask? Well, double cleansing is a method of cleansing your face twice — first with an oil-based cleanser, and then again with a water-based cleanser to help get all the gross stuff out of your pores.
See why this reviewer loves this cleansing oil for glass skin on TikTok!
Promising review: “This is my first time ordering an oil-based cleanser and I’m so glad I purchased this one. I originally saw this product on TikTok and wanted to see what the hype was all about. After using the cleanser on my dry face for 2–3 minutes, I could visibly see my white- and blackheads on my fingers. I was a little hesitant to try oil cleansing because I have acne-prone skin, however, my face has never looked better. After each use, my face is as soft as a baby’s bottom and my scarring doesn’t look as deep! The cleanser has a light clean scent. Not super strong! I am currently pairing this cleanser with the Anua heartleaf soothing toner to achieve glass skin. #glassskinera” —Myshel Cagle
Get it from Amazon for $13.90.
24.A plant-based cooking oil solidifier because pouring oil down your drain is no bueno and could cause problems in the future. This is a quick, easy way to dispose of that oil you have no clue what to do with. Sprinkle the powder into the leftover oil while it’s hot, let it cool, and then throw it out!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
FryAway is a Latine woman-owned small biz founded by Laura Lady, who specializes in planet-friendly ways to dispose of oil.
Promising review: “Quite impressive. After making some fries, we added a packet to the hot oil and stirred a few times. Maybe 10 minutes later, we checked the pan, and the oil had solidified. Using a wood spoon, we easily removed the solid and put it in the trash. I will always make sure to keep a pack of FryAway in our pantry. Highly recommended.” —Ryan O.
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two styes).
25.A leave-in conditioning spray for curly hair to help you on those mornings where your kid wakes up with their hair literally everywhere and you’ve got five minutes to work some sort of magic on their little locks — talk about a scary situation. And this stuff gets the job done without any nasty parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Breakage, buh-bye. Elasticity and bounce, helloooooo!
www.amazon.com
Reviewers say this spray will leave wavy or curly hair (from 2a–4c hair) shiny, soft, and bouncy.
Promising review: “Amazing transformation! Highly recommend! I went down an Instagram rabbit hole and saw a similar girl show how her frizz was transformed to curls. I ordered this!! My mind has been blown!! This has changed our lives. It smells so good! It is easy to use and air dry. Before my daughter woke up with terrible bed head. Now it is gorgeous soft curls. We will definitely buy again and tell everyone about this product!!” —Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in two sizes and in a two-pack).
26.A stain cleaner so you can *finally* tackle those moldy shower walls that you’ve been avoiding eye contact with for months. It clings to the thin area around your shower head and in between your tiles so that mildew can be banished for good. I fully support you saying “I banish thee” while you use it.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: “Over the past few years, the grout at the base of my shower door had become a solid black…GROSS! I had tried various shower cleaning products and even strips of cotton soaked with bleach — no luck. I have no knowledge or training in replacing caulk, but then, I saw this in a BuzzFeed article online and thought, why not? My opinion? THIS STUFF IS A MIRACLE! I swear the grout is more white than when I moved in 20 years ago!! Definitely a product worthy of a 5-star review!!” —JK LaFayette
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
27.A vegan ingrown hair oil to help with those pesky, painful ingrown bumps after shaving or waxing and keep *down there* smooth.
Amazon
Bushbalm is an Ottawa-based small biz that specializes in products for the pubic zone(s) that treat ingrown hairs, dark spots, and razor burn.
Pstttt! Those results in the pics (above) were achieved by using this with the scrub!
Promising review: “I have literally tried everything to prevent razor burn for the past 10+ years and nothing worked. I tried products, pre-shave routines, post-shave routines, every kind of razor and shaving cream combination you can think of, etc. and despite all of my efforts, money and time, I still always had razor burn. That all changed last week when I tried Bushbalm for the first time. I cannot believe how well this stuff works. I never write reviews, like, this is literally the first one I’ve ever written, but seriously, if you struggle with bikini line irritation after shaving, buy this stuff for real. I’m so happy I finally found something that works and hope this review helps someone else avoid an expensive and painful 10-year battle to find a solution to their razor burn problems!” —Katie
Get it from Amazon for $18.20 (available in three other styles).
28.An eco-friendly hard water stain remover that’ll get rid of any stubborn soap scum, rust, and residue that just WON’T GO AWAY. It’s biodegradable and safe to use on glass, tiles, windows, and grout. If you clean and still aren’t totally satisfied with the results, this is just what you need.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: “This product deserves ALL the stars and praise! This stuff is seriously amazing. I have tried every product imaginable to clean the hard water stains off of my glass shower door with no luck at all. After about 10 minutes of gentle scrubbing (on about six years’ worth of buildup), my shower door is crystal clear and looks brand new! I cannot tell you how amazed I was! I will absolutely buy this again and highly recommend it!” —Kaitlin
If you get blackheads — a type of acne that happens when dead skin cells and oil clog your pores — you have plenty of methods to treat them. There are also ways to prevent new ones from forming.But remember: Picking, squeezing, and popping blackheads aren’t among your options. That approach could make your situation a lot worse. Try some of these treatments instead.Salicylic acidSalicylic acid is a popular over-the-counter ingredient in many skin cleansers. It breaks down dead skin cells and extra oil before they can clog your pores.
When you go to the pharmacy, check the ingredient labels carefully. You’ll find products with salicylic acid that range in strength from 0.5% to 5%. The acid can be harsh on some people’s skin. You might want to put it on every other day, rather than daily, to see how your skin reacts.
As for other acne-fighting ingredients, blackheads don’t contain bacteria, so benzoyl peroxide — a powerful antibacterial against most other forms of acne — may or may not help.
Retinoid creams and lotionsRetinoid creams and lotions, which are made from vitamin A, can unclog your pores. They also help your body make new skin cells.You can buy some retinoids over the counter in drugstores, but you’ll need a prescription for most. Because retinoids make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, you should use these creams and lotions before bed and out of the sun.Extraction
“Extraction” might sound scary, but many health professionals know how to remove unsightly blackheads with specialized tools.
You can find home extraction kits in stores. But most medical experts repeat that classic advice: “Don’t try this at home.” A DIY procedure can cause scarring, even if you think you know what you’re doing.
Get Rid of Blackheads: 4 Proven Ways
Chemical peels
A chemical peel is usually for people who want to improve the appearance of sun damage and minor scars, but it may help with certain types of acne. The procedure can unclog pores and start up new skin growth.
You get a chemical peel in your doctor’s office. It removes cells from the top layer of your skin.
Related:Which Acne Treatment Is Right for You?
Skin brushA skin brush can help get rid of the built-up debris that contributes to acne. It can also slow the signs of aging. You should always rehydrate your skin after using a skin brush.There are many different skin brushes available to buy. Your dermatologist can tell you if using one may be right for you. They can also tell you what kind to use and how to use them correctly. If you don’t use them the way you should, it can make acne worse.Noncomedogenic products
Most noncomedogenic products don’t contain any oil and don’t block your pores. That lowers your risk of getting blackheads.
You should be able to find cleansers, moisturizers, and makeup that are non-comedogenic.
Blackhead Prevention
To prevent blackheads, try tips such as:
Wash your face when you get up, before bed, and after you sweat.
Put non-abrasive cleaners on your skin gently, using your fingertips. Scrubbing with washcloths or sponges can irritate the skin.
Use alcohol-free skin products.
Avoid the sun since some acne medicines can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
Shampoo oily hair regularly.
Limit how many times you touch your face.
Change pillowcases often.
Also, some studies suggest certain foods can worsen acne. A few of the suspects are skim milk, chocolate, and carbohydrate-rich foods like bread and chips.
Blackhead Treatments to Avoid
Certain treatments won’t work for blackheads. You should avoid oil-based and alcohol-based cleaners.
If you have oily skin, products that have these ingredients can irritate your skin.
If you have normal skin, moisturizers that contain some light oil should be fine. If you have dry skin, oil-based moisturizers may help.
Blackheads: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Blackheads are small bumps that appear on your skin due to clogged hair follicles. These bumps are called blackheads because the surface looks dark or black. Blackheads can usually be treated with over-the-counter acne products.
Blackheads are a mild type of acne that usually form on the face, but they can also appear on the following body parts:
back
chest
neck
arms
shoulders
Acne affects nearly 50 million Americans and is the most common skin disorder in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
What do blackheads look like?
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What causes blackheads?
Blackheads form when a clog or plug develops in the opening of hair follicles in your skin. Each follicle contains one hair and a sebaceous gland that produces oil. This oil, called sebum, helps keep your skin soft.
Dead skin cells and oils collect in the opening to the skin follicle, producing a bump called a comedo. If the skin over the bump stays closed, the bump is called a whitehead. When the skin over the bump opens, exposure to the air causes it to look black and a blackhead forms.
Some factors can increase your chances of developing acne and blackheads, including:
producing too much body oil
the buildup of the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria on the skin
irritation of the hair follicles when dead skins cells don’t shed on a regular basis
undergoing hormonal changes that cause an increase in oil production during the teen years, during menstruation, or while taking birth control pills
taking certain drugs, such as corticosteroids, lithium, or androgens
Some people believe that what you eat or drink can affect acne. Dairy products and foods that increase blood sugar levels, such as carbohydrates, may play a part in triggering acne, but researchers aren’t convinced that there’s a strong connection.
What are symptoms of blackheads?
Because of their dark color, blackheads are easy to spot on the skin. They’re slightly raised, although they aren’t painful because they aren’t inflamed like pimples. Pimples form when bacteria invade the blockage in the hair follicle, causing redness and inflammation.
How are blackheads treated?
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments
Many acne medications are available at drug and grocery stores and online without a prescription. These medications are available in cream, gel, and pad form and are put directly on your skin. The drugs contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and resorcinol. They work by killing bacteria, drying excess oil, and forcing the skin to shed dead skin cells.
Prescription medications
If OTC treatment doesn’t improve your acne, your doctor may suggest that you use stronger prescription medications. Medications that contain vitamin A keep plugs from forming in the hair follicles and promote more rapid turnover of skin cells. These medications are applied directly to your skin and can include tretinoin, tazarotene, or adapalene.
Your doctor may also prescribe another type of topical medication that contains benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics. If you have pimples or acne cysts in addition to your blackheads, this type of medication may be particularly helpful.
Manual removal
Dermatologists or specially trained skin care professionals use a special instrument called a round loop extractor to remove the plug causing the blackhead. After a small opening is made in the plug, the doctor applies pressure with the extractor to remove the clog.
The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you don’t already have a dermatologist.
Microdermabrasion
During microdermabrasion, a doctor or skin care professional uses a special instrument that contains a rough surface to sand the top layers of your skin. Sanding the skin removes clogs that cause blackheads.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels also remove clogs and get rid of the dead skins cells that contribute to blackheads. During a peel, a strong chemical solution is applied to the skin. Over time, the top layers of the skin peel off, revealing smoother skin underneath. Mild peels are available over the counter, while stronger peels are performed by dermatologists or other skincare professionals.
Laser and light therapy
Laser and light therapies use tiny beams of intense light to decrease oil production or kill bacteria. Both lasers and light beams reach below the surface of the skin to treat blackheads and acne without damaging the top layers of the skin.
Read on to learn more about acne treatments.
How can blackheads be prevented?
You can prevent blackheads without spending a lot of money by trying a few of the following ideas:
Wash regularly
Wash your face when you wake up and before you go to bed to remove oil buildup. Washing more than twice each day can irritate your skin and make your acne worse. Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t make your skin red or irritated. Some acne cleansing products have antibacterial ingredients that kill P. acnes bacteria.
Consider washing your hair every day, too, particularly if it’s oily. Hair oils can contribute to clogged pores. It’s also important to wash your face after you eat oily foods such as pizza, because oil from these foods can clog pores.
Use oil-free products
Any product that contains oil can contribute to new blackheads. Choose oil-free or noncomedogenic makeup, lotions, and sunscreens to avoid making your problem worse.
Try an exfoliating product
Exfoliating scrubs and masks remove dead skin cells from your face and can help reduce blackheads. Look for products that don’t irritate your skin.
Shingles is a painful infection and rash that can occur on your scalp. Symptoms may include facial drooping (due to weakened muscles) and headaches. The shingles rash usually goes away after a few months, but the pain can last long after the rash clears up.
Shingles causes blistery, itchy, and intensely painful rashes to develop anywhere on the body. These rashes are much more painful and challenging to treat and manage when they appear on the scalp. This is because the scalp is very sensitive, and any pressure, such as from scratching or brushing your hair, can cause blisters to burst and bleed.
Keep reading to learn about shingles on the scalp, including symptoms, causes, complications, diagnosis, and treatment.
Symptoms
The earliest signs of shingles are burning, tingling, numbness, and sharp pain on the skin on one side of the body or the face. The most common sites for shingles blisters are the waistline, face, neck, chest, abdomen, and back.1
Additional early symptoms of shingles may include:
Extreme fatigue
Chills
Fever
Headache
Upset stomach or belly pain
Sensitivity to light
Symptoms that appear a few days after initial symptoms include:
Itching, tingling, or burning in the affected area of skin
Redness
Raised rash
Blisters that are filled with fluid. These will break open and then scab.
Mild to severe pain in the affected area of the skin
Shingles rashes usually affect nerve paths, and blisters are typically found in a line.2 Rashes might also appear on one side of the face or the scalp. On the face, the rash can appear near your eye or on your ear.
In addition to painful blisters, shingles of the scalp might also cause headaches or weakness on one side of the face.3 This weakness can cause the affected side of the face to look droopy.
Causes
Shingles is caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox.2 After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus might travel into nerve tissues, where it will remain dormant for decades. Shingles will result when the virus reawakens and travels back up the nerve pathways and into the skin.
Anyone who has ever had chickenpox is at risk of shingles later in life, usually as an older adult. Shingles is more common in people older than age 50, and the risk increases with age.4
Additional risk factors include:
Having an illness that weakens your immune system, such as HIV/AIDS
Undergoing cancer treatments: Radiation or chemotherapy can lower your immune defenses and may trigger shingles.
Taking certain medicines: Taking immunosuppressive drugs after an organ transplant or prolonged use of steroids like prednisone can increase the risk of shingles.
Prolonged stress or infection: The immune system can be weaker if you are experiencing high levels of stress or have an infection, which can increase your risk of shingles.4
If you are not immune to chickenpox—either from having had chickenpox or after being vaccinated against it—it is possible to contract the varicella-zoster virus from someone else.5 This often happens if there is direct contact with open sores from a shingles rash.
While you may not develop shingles right away, you might become infected with the varicella-zoster virus. If you are not immune to chickenpox, you will develop chickenpox instead.
Once you have had chickenpox, you are at risk of shingles later down the road. While this means that shingles isn’t highly contagious, you should still exercise caution when caring for someone with open sores.5
What Causes Shingles?
Complications
Shingles pain can last for weeks, months, or even years—often long after skin symptoms have healed.6 This long-term pain is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN occurs in the places where the shingles rash was, even after the skin has cleared. This pain can sometimes be so severe that it affects a person’s quality of life.
According to the CDC, up to 18% of people who get shingles will experience PHN.7 The risk of PHN increases with age, and older adults are more likely to develop PHN and have long-lasting and more severe pain than a younger person would. PHN is rare in people under 40.7
Shingles of the scalp can lead to hair loss from scratching or combing too hard during an outbreak. It can also lead to a condition called cicatricial alopecia or scarring alopecia.8 The hair loss occurs because the shingles rash destroys cells in hair follicles responsible for new hair growth. Once those cells are destroyed, the balding is permanent.
Shingles might lead to other serious complications, including those of the eyes, such as vision loss. In rare cases, shingles can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, encephalitis (brain inflammation), or death.7
When Should You See a Healthcare Provider?
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you suspect you might have shingles, especially if you are older than age 60.9
You should also seek out medical attention for:
Pain and/or a rash near the eye. Left untreated, shingles could lead to permanent eye damage.
Pain, redness, or rash on the face
A very painful and widespread rash
A high fever or feeling very sick in addition to a rash
Blister spread to other parts of the body
A severe headache with a rash on the scalp or head
Weakness on one side of the face
The National Institute on Aging recommends seeing your healthcare provider no later than three days after the start of the shingles rash.9
Diagnosis
One of the first things your healthcare provider will do in making a diagnosis is to examine the rash that has appeared on the skin or scalp. The shingles rash is the main sign, and your healthcare provider can often tell you have shingles just from the appearance and feel of the rash.
Your healthcare provider will also want to know about other symptoms you might be experiencing. Symptoms that are common when a shingles rash is present are fever, chills, nausea, and headache.
Tests for shingles usually aren’t done unless the rash alone isn’t enough to confirm a diagnosis. Your healthcare provider may want to do a shingles test if you are at a higher risk of complications.
A shingles test can check to see if you have been infected with the varicella-zoster virus.10 This test can be done in two different ways. The first involves taking a blood sample from a vein, and the second samples fluid from a blister. Both tests check for virus antibodies. The blister test can also check for the virus.
Treatment
There is no cure for shingles, but treatment with antiviral medications and self-care can speed up healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Medications
Antiviral drugs can slow down the progression of shingles rashes. These drugs need to be taken within the first 72 hours of showing signs of shingles.1 They can keep the rash from spreading or getting worse, and they might help to lower the chance of complications.
Antiviral treatments that your healthcare provider might prescribe include acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir.11 Talk to your healthcare provider about the side effects connected to these medicines.
You can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers to relieve mild pain and swelling from the shingles rash and blisters. OTC pain relievers that might help include ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen.
If you continue to have severe pain after the rash and the infection clear, your healthcare provider can prescribe treatments to help. This might include:12
Capsaicin cream to reduce skin pain and swelling
A numbing medication like lidocaine
Antibiotics to treat skin bacteria
Tricyclic antidepressants to ease skin pain that lingers after the shingles rash has healed
How Shingles Is Treated
At-Home Care
If you have shingles blisters on the scalp, combing or brushing your hair can cause the skin to feel sensitive. Be careful when brushing or combing to avoid scaping the rash or popping a blister. Scratching the scalp too hard can cause scars that destroy hair follicles.
Other ways to manage scalp pain and itching and prevent permanent damage include:
Applying cold compresses to the affected part of the scalp
Applying calamine or menthol lotion on the head to soothe the pain and itching13
Avoiding harsh or scented shampoos on the hair. Instead, use gentle, unscented cleansers.
Avoiding scrubbing when washing your hair
Patting hair dry with a towel after washing it
Using lukewarm water when washing hair
Avoiding hairspray and other hair styling products
Ask your healthcare provider about other creams that can help soothe the shingles rash on your scalp and to reduce itching.
Coping With Shingles
Prognosis
Shingles with a rash—regardless of where the rash is located—can take up to five weeks to completely heal.1 Even without a rash, symptoms can still take up to five weeks to heal.
For most people, the lesions will heal, the pain will subside, and the blisters won’t leave scarring. However, people who have compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of complications and might find that it takes longer to heal or might have lingering pain long after the rash has cleared.
Shingles can be very painful. The best way to improve your prognosis is to seek out diagnosis and treatment as soon as you experience symptoms.
A better option is to do what you can to reduce your risk of shingles. If you have had chickenpox in the past, ask your healthcare provider about getting the shingles vaccine. If you have not had chickenpox, ask your healthcare provider about the chickenpox vaccine.
Blisters on the face can have many causes, including:
Cold sores
Also known as facial herpes, these are small fluid-filled blisters that appear around the mouth. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Before the blisters appear, the area may feel itchy or burning. Cold sores usually heal without scarring, but they can come back.
Impetigo
A contagious skin infection that can cause larger blisters around the mouth or on other parts of the face. It is caused by bacteria.
Sunburn
UV rays from the sun damage skin cells, and the body creates blisters to heal the damaged area.
Stress
Stress rashes can appear as raised red bumps called hives on the face, neck, chest, or arms. Hives can be itchy or cause a burning or tingling sensation.
Other causes
Blisters can also be caused by burns, scalds, rubbing, allergic reactions, autoimmune disease, or rare genetic diseases.
Most blisters heal on their own in 3 to 7 days. You should avoid popping the blister, as this can lead to infection or slow down healing. If the blister does pop, you can wash the area with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment. You can cover it with a bandage during the day, but remove it at night to let it dry.
What is perioral dermatitis and how is it treated?
Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition that causes a rash around the mouth. Perioral dermatitis may also occur around the eyes, nose, or genitals, but this is much less common. Treatments may include certain creams, lotions, or gels.
What is perioral dermatitis?
Dermatitis refers to an inflammation of the skin, while perioral means around the mouth.
Perioral dermatitis is most common in females between the ages of 20 and 45 yearsTrusted Source. Older adults, males, and children can also have the condition, but it happens less frequently.
Perioral dermatitis belongs to the broader category of periorificial dermatitis, which can affect the skin predominantly around the eyes, the nostrils, the mouth, and occasionally the genitals.
However, when medical professionals discuss the condition affecting specifically the skin around the mouth, they use the term perioral dermatitis.
Types of perioral dermatitis
In most cases, perioral dermatitis affects young adults and adult females up to the age of 45Trusted Source. But when it affects children, health experts call it childhood perioral dermatitis.
Lupoid perioral dermatitis is a more severe version that results in a person developing denser groupings of bumps that can be red and brown on both light and darker skin tones.
Another related type of condition is granulomatous periorificial dermatitis. While it primarily occurs inTrusted Source children with darker skin tones, it can also present in children with light skin tones. It usually appears as flesh-colored, yellow-brown papules.
What are the symptoms of perioral dermatitis?
Perioral dermatitis is a rash that developsTrusted Source around the mouth and tends to be bumpy or scaly.
These bumps generally do not affect the skin right next to the mouth but appear a short distance away from the lips. They may also form a ring around the mouth.
Sometimes the rash can appear around the nose or eyes. It can occasionally appear around the genitals too, but this is rare.
What does it look and feel like?
Some people with perioral dermatitis may only get a few bumps, and their rash may not be very discernible. Others may have many lumps forming a noticeable rash.
The bumps may be skin colored or hyperpigmented and may appear red or pink in people with fair skin. Although they might resemble pimples, the bumps are not the same as acne. The rash may look inflamed, with the underlying and surrounding skin appearing red, pink, or flesh toned.
The rash may be itchy or non-itchy, but it does not usually hurt. Some people with perioral dermatitis may feel tightness or mild burning in the affected skin, which may be dry or flaky.
Granulomatous periorificial dermatitis is more common in darker-skinned people, who may experience less evident skin flushing and color changes. This condition has associations with burning, so individuals with darker skin may experienceTrusted Source this symptom more frequently.
Share on PinterestPerioral dermatitis is a common facial skin problem.
Photo by DermNet New Zealand
Share on PinterestIt presents as tiny red papules around the mouth and chin.
Photo by DermNet New Zealand
Share on PinterestThe condition is commonly treated with facial ointments and creams.
Photo by DermNet New Zealand
Share on PinterestThe skin is usually dry and itchy, with the papules presenting in clusters.
Miroslav Lukic/Shutterstock
Share on PinterestHealing time varies for each individual but usually takes 2–4 weeks.
The Korean Dermatological Association and The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology/NBCI
What causes perioral dermatitis?
There is no underlying condition that causes perioral dermatitis, and it is not contagious. Although the exact cause is unknownTrusted Source, researchers think it may relate to the use of topical corticosteroids.
Topical corticosteroids are steroid ointments, creams, or gels that people use to treat skin conditions. However, individuals should only ever use topical corticosteroids as a short-term treatment, and most of them are not suitable for applying on the face. Sometimes, a person uses corticosteroids for longer than they should or use them on their face. This can result in skin damage.
A 2021 studyTrusted Source showed that topical corticosteroids may have a link to a variety of skin conditions, including perioral dermatitis. Research from 2017Trusted Source that explored the effects of the misuse of topical corticosteroids on facial skin also showed that perioral dermatitis was one of the adverse effects.
Additional possible causes of perioral dermatitis may include:
a problem with the skin’s protective barrier
a change in the bacteria on the skin
bacteria getting into the hair follicles
an allergic reaction
irritation resulting from a skin care product or fluorinated toothpaste
hormonal changes
strong winds
UV light
in children:
lip licking and chewing
thumb sucking
drooling
chewing gum
inhalingTrusted Source nasal steroids
More research is necessary to understand the exact causes of perioral dermatitis, but using heavily-scented toiletries or skin care products or wearing heavy makeup can trigger the condition.
Other possible risk factors can include young age, being female, hormonal imbalance, topical steroid use, and a history of allergies.
In a groundbreaking decision, the FDA has officially banned a controversial soda ingredient that has long been prohibited in many countries worldwide. This move marks a significant shift in the beverage industry and highlights the ongoing scrutiny of food additives in the United States.
Brominated vegetable oil (BVO), once a common additive in citrus-flavored sodas, has finally met its demise in the American market. This decision aligns the United States with numerous other nations that have long since outlawed the substance. The FDA’s ruling comes after decades of debate and mounting scientific evidence regarding BVO’s potential health risks.
Countries such as Japan, India, and members of the European Union have banned BVO for years, citing concerns over its long-term effects on human health. The state of California took a pioneering step in October 2022 by legislating against BVO, with the ban set to take effect in 2027. This proactive approach mirrors the global trend of increased scrutiny on food additives, similar to the ongoing investigations into synthetic food dyes and their potential health risks.
The FDA’s decision to revoke BVO’s registration stems from recent toxicology studies that have cast doubt on its safety for continued use in food products. James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner for human foods, emphasized that this action exemplifies the agency’s commitment to monitoring emerging evidence and conducting scientific research to ensure food safety.
The science behind the ban
BVO’s journey from a widely used emulsifier to a banned substance is rooted in scientific research spanning several decades. Initially introduced in the 1930s, BVO served as an effective agent to prevent citrus flavoring from separating in sodas. Its unique chemical structure, created by attaching bromine atoms to vegetable oil, allowed it to disperse evenly throughout beverages.
However, animal studies have consistently suggested that BVO can accumulate in fatty tissues over time. This bioaccumulation raises concerns about its long-term effects on human health, particularly its potential interference with thyroid function. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, and any disruption to its function can have far-reaching consequences.
A significant study conducted in the UK during the 1970s found evidence of bromine buildup in human tissues. Subsequent animal studies linked high concentrations of BVO to:
Heart problems
Behavioral issues
Potential thyroid dysfunction
These findings, coupled with more recent research using concentrations relevant to human consumption, ultimately convinced the FDA to take decisive action. This decision-making process mirrors the agency’s approach to other substances, such as the FDA’s evaluation of antidepressants for potential cancer treatments, highlighting the organization’s commitment to evidence-based regulation.
Industry response and alternatives
The beverage industry has been anticipating this regulatory shift for some time. Major players like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have proactively phased out BVO from their products over the past decade. This forward-thinking approach has enabled a relatively smooth transition away from the controversial ingredient.
James Jones noted that many beverage makers had already reformulated their products to replace BVO with alternative ingredients. This industry-wide shift has resulted in very few beverages in the US still containing BVO, making the FDA’s ban more of a formality than a disruptive force.
The search for safe alternatives to BVO has led to innovations in food science. Companies have explored various options, including:
Alternative
Function
Source
Glycerol ester of wood rosin
Emulsifier
Pine trees
Sucrose acetate isobutyrate
Density adjuster
Synthetic
Vegetable gums
Stabilizer
Plants
These alternatives not only serve the functional purpose of keeping citrus flavors well-mixed but also address the growing consumer demand for natural and healthier ingredients. This shift in the industry parallels other health-conscious trends, such as the scrutiny of certain cooking oils and their potential health impacts.
Future implications for food regulation
The FDA’s decision to ban BVO signals a potential shift in the agency’s approach to food additives. Jones has indicated that the FDA is reviewing regulations authorizing the use of certain food additives, with a view to streamlining the process for prohibiting substances found to cause cancer in humans or animals.
This more agile regulatory framework could lead to faster responses to emerging scientific evidence, potentially resulting in quicker bans or restrictions on questionable food additives. The move aligns with global trends in food safety regulation, as seen in the EU’s strict stance on pesticides in imported products.
Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed this development, seeing it as a step towards more transparent and health-focused food regulations. The ban on BVO serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in food safety and the importance of continual scientific research in shaping public health policies.
As the food and beverage industry adapts to this new landscape, consumers can expect to see further innovations in product formulations. The focus on safer, more natural ingredients is likely to continue, driven by both regulatory pressures and changing consumer preferences. The FDA’s decision on BVO may well be the harbinger of a new era in food additive regulation, one that prioritizes long-term health impacts over short-term convenience.
