Lots Of Pus Coming Out! ! Nails Crazily Embedded【Doctor Liu Pedicure】

January 1, 2025 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Nail Matrix

Your nail matrix is where your fingernails or toenails form. A healthy nail matrix is essential for healthy nails. A variety of conditions and injuries can damage your nail matrix. But in many cases, your nail matrix will heal with proper care.

Overview

A diagram of a finger showing the nail matrix and parts of the finger nail. — The nail matrix is where your fingernails form. You can’t see most of your nail matrix.

What is a nail matrix?

Your nail matrix is where your fingernails and toenails form. Your nail matrix has two parts: the germinal matrix and the sterile matrix.

Function

What does my nail matrix do?

Your nail matrix creates new cells that become your fingernails or toenails. About 90% of your nail growth comes from your germinal matrix. Your sterile matrix is responsible for the remaining 10% of cells that make up your fingernails and toenails, but is more important in keeping your nail attached to the underlying skin.

What happens if my nail matrix is damaged?

Injuries and certain health conditions can damage your nail matrix and interfere with nail growth. Minor damage to your nail matrix can temporarily change your nail’s appearance. You might notice:

A bruise.
Ridges.
Dents.
A change in how your nail feels to the touch.

A severe injury could cause your nail to fall off. Once your nail matrix heals, your nail will usually start to grow again. It may take several weeks before you see your new nail appear. In cases of severe nail matrix damage, some or all of your nail may not grow back.

Anatomy

Where is my nail matrix located?

Your nail’s germinal matrix is under the base of your nail, and the sterile matrix lies underneath your nail. You can’t see most of your nail matrix. The lunula (white crescent shape at the base of your nail) is the only visible part of your nail matrix. But some people don’t have visible lunulas, and that’s normal, too.

The nail matrix and lunula are part of your nail’s overall structure, which also includes your:

Cuticle (white or transparent skin at the base of your nail).
Lateral nail fold (skin that’s on either side of your nail).
Nail plate (your nail itself).
Nail bed (area under your nail plate).
Proximal nail fold (skin at the base of your nail below your cuticle).

What is my nail matrix made of?

Your nail matrix is made of special cells whose main job is to make new fingernails or toenails. Each nail matrix produces 196 layers of cells that combine to make each of your fingernails and toenails. Each nail matrix is constantly making new nail cells, unlike your hair follicles, which go through periods of rest.

Conditions and Disorders

What health conditions can affect my nail matrix?

Some health conditions and other factors can affect your nail matrix, including:

Fungal infection: Certain types of fungus (mold) can infect your nails, usually your toenails. Toenail fungus may appear as thick, yellow, cracked or cloudy nails.
Illnesses: A serious health event like a heart attack or an illness like COVID-19 or pneumonia can interrupt new nail growth and cause Beau’s lines (horizontal ridges in your nails).
Injuries: Pinching or crushing your finger or dropping something heavy on your toe can injure your nail matrix. After a nail matrix injury, you may have bruising, ridges or discoloration. Your nail may fall off. Some injuries to your fingernails or toenails can cause a nail infection.
Medications: Chemotherapy and other medications can temporarily affect your nail matrix, causing Beau’s lines or slow nail growth. Medications may also cause Mees’ lines (white bands across your nails) and nail color changes. Usually, these changes go away after you finish the medication.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Peripheral artery disease causes less blood flow to your legs and feet. This reduced blood flow affects your nail matrix and can make nail growth slower.

Additionally, certain skin conditions and diseases can affect your nail matrix, such as:

Eczema: Severe eczema can affect your nail matrix and temporarily interfere with nail growth. You might see Beau’s lines, pitting (small, pinhole-like dots) and texture or color changes.
Psoriasis: Up to 80% of people with psoriasis develop nail psoriasis. Nail psoriasis can cause changes to your nails, including white lines, pitting and crumbling.
Subungual melanoma: Nail matrix melanoma, also called subungual melanoma, is a type of skin cancer that affects your nail matrix. Brown or black discoloration on your nail is the most common sign. Seek medical care if you see any color changes in a single nail.

What are common signs of nail matrix problems?

Any change to the appearance or texture of one or more of your nails could be a sign of a nail matrix problem. If you have nail matrix damage or a condition affecting your nail matrix, your nails may have:

Dents (large or small).
Horizontal ridges or lines.
Pain or soreness.
Splits or cracks.
Spots or streaks of color.
Texture changes, such as becoming thicker or crumbly.

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a harmless nail change and one that requires treatment. If you notice any change to your fingernails or toenails, see a healthcare provider. They can determine the cause and recommend treatment, if needed.

How do I know if my nail matrix is damaged?

Not all nail changes mean your nail matrix is damaged. Some nail problems affect the nail bed, nail plate or nail folds, and not your nail matrix.

Your healthcare provider can tell you whether it’s a nail matrix problem or some other issue. Let your provider know if you notice any nail changes, from a small spot of color to lines or ridges.

How are nail matrix problems treated?

Treatment for a nail matrix condition depends on the cause. For example, your provider may recommend:

Medication: Prescription antifungal pills are the typical treatment for nail fungus. If you have nail psoriasis, certain medications can help you manage the condition. These may include pills, injections or topical treatments, depending on your needs.
Relieving nail injuries: If you have a bruise under your nail, you may benefit from a procedure that drains the trapped blood. This procedure, called nail trephination, provides pain relief and helps your new nail grow in correctly. Providers must perform this procedure within 48 hours of the injury, before your blood clots.
Surgery: Subungual melanoma needs to be removed with surgery. Your provider may take a biopsy (sample of tissue) to get a diagnosis. If the biopsy shows melanoma, your provider will remove the affected area in your nail matrix and under your nail. If the cancer has spread, you may need other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Care

How should I care for my nail matrix?

Accidents happen, so you can’t always prevent a nail matrix injury. But you can help prevent problems with your nail matrix if you:

Cut your nails properly: Trim toenails straight across to help prevent ingrown toenails. Trim fingernails with a slight curve at the edges, and don’t cut them too short. Avoid manipulation of the cuticle, either at home or at a nail salon.
Manage health conditions: If you have a condition that could affect your nails, such as psoriasis, see your provider regularly to manage the condition.
Minimize foot fungus risk: Don’t go barefoot in public bathrooms or locker rooms, where foot fungi commonly thrive. Change out of wet shoes and socks as soon as you can.
Protect your hands: If you work with tools or machinery, be familiar with “pinch points” that could injure your fingers or hands. Wear gloves if your employer advises it and if you work with chemicals.
Seek treatment for nail changes or injuries: If your nail has color changes, pitting, ridges, lines or texture changes, see a provider.
Wear proper footwear: If you play sports, wear the correct shoes for your sport and ensure they’re the right size. Replace shoes when they become worn or hurt your feet. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight. If you work with heavy objects or in construction, wear steel-toe boots to protect your toes.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Your nail matrix is the “factory” where your body makes new fingernails and toenails. Certain injuries and illnesses can damage your nail matrix and affect how your nails look or grow. But with the right treatment, you can often see healthy nails grow again. Even if your nail falls off, it usually grows back with proper medical care.

It’s rare for your nail matrix to be permanently damaged, preventing your nail from growing back. But if this happens, ask your provider if you should protect your finger or toe during physical activity. Over time, you’ll likely get used to your nail being gone. Remember that you can still live a full, active life without a fingernail or toenail.

Health

Do you believe his earwax is nearly 2 months old? – asmr-Earwax

January 1, 2025 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Ear wax

Wax can build up and block the ear canal. Wax blockage is one of the most common causes of hearing loss.

Wax blockage in the ear

Causes

Ear wax protects the ear by:

Trapping and preventing dust, bacteria, and other germs and small objects from entering and damaging the ear
Protecting the delicate skin of the ear canal from getting irritated when water is in the canal

In some people, the glands produce more wax than can be easily removed from the ear. This extra wax may harden in the ear canal and block the ear, causing an impaction. When you try to clean the ear, you may instead push wax deeper and block the ear canal. For this reason, health care providers recommend against trying to reach into your own ear to clean it.

Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms are:

Earache
Fullness in the ear or a sensation that the ear is plugged
Noises in the ear (tinnitus)
Partial hearing loss, which may get worse

Treatment

Most cases of ear wax blockage can be treated at home. The following remedies can be used to soften wax in the ear:

Baby oil
Commercial ear drops
Glycerin
Mineral oil
Water

Another method is to wash out the wax.

Use body-temperature water (cooler water may cause brief but severe dizziness or vertigo).
Hold your head upright and straighten the ear canal by holding the outside ear and gently pulling upward.
Use a syringe (you can buy one at the store) to gently direct a small stream of water against the ear canal wall next to the wax plug.
Tip your head to allow the water to drain. You may need to repeat irrigation several times.

Ask your provider before doing it on your own.

To avoid damaging your ear or causing an infection:

Never irrigate or use drops to soften the wax in the ear if the eardrum may have a hole in it or you have had recent ear surgery.
Do not irrigate the ear with a jet irrigator designed for cleaning teeth.

After the wax is removed, dry the ear thoroughly. You may use a few drops of alcohol in the ear or a hair dryer set on low to help dry the ear.

You may clean the outer ear canal by using a cloth or paper tissue wrapped around your finger. Mineral oil can be used to moisturize the ear and prevent the wax from drying.

Do not clean your ears too often or too hard. Ear wax also helps protect your ears. Never try to clean the ear by putting any object, such as a cotton swab, into the ear canal.

If you cannot remove the wax plug or you have discomfort, consult your provider, who may remove the wax by:

Repeating the irrigation attempts
Suctioning the ear canal
Using a small device called a curette
Using a microscope to help

Outlook (Prognosis)

The ear may become blocked with wax again in the future. Hearing loss is often temporary. In most cases, hearing returns completely after the blockage is removed. Hearing aid users should have their ear canal checked for excess wax every 3 to 6 months.

Rarely, trying to remove ear wax may cause an infection in the ear canal. This can also damage the eardrum.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

See your provider if your ears are blocked with wax and you are unable to remove the wax.

Also contact your provider if you have an ear wax blockage and you develop new symptoms, such as:

Drainage from the ear
Ear pain
Fever
Hearing loss that continues after you clean the wax

Alternative Names

Ear impaction; Cerumen impaction; Ear blockage; Hearing loss – ear wax

References

Riviello RJ. Otolaryngologic procedures. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges’ Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 63.

Schwartz SR, Magit AE, Rosenfeld RM, et al. Clinical practice guideline (update): earwax (cerumen impaction). Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156(1_suppl):S1-S29. PMID: 28045591 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28045591/.

Whitaker M. Office-based procedures in otology. In: Myers EN, Snyderman CH, eds. Operative Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 125.

Health

Timeline of everything that happens to your body when giving up alcohol as Dry January begins

January 1, 2025 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Timeline of everything that happens to your body when giving up alcohol as Dry January begins

Quitting alcohol could cause some severe symptoms in your body

It’s nearly about that time where people go from drinking for an entire week to suddenly going cold turkey for an entire month.

While Christmas and New Year is a great excuse to have all the treats you could ever hope for, tonight marks the end of a boozy era for many people.

A popular way to cleanse yourself for the New Year is to do Dry January – which is when people give up alcohol for the first month of the year.

Whoever does it will certainly feel better about not having hangovers, but it can be a struggle if all of your social connections are interlinked with alcohol.

But if you’re teetering on the fence about whether or not to do it, there are a lot of effects that giving up the sauce for a month can have on your body.

However, depending on how much you drink, it can range in severity.

As a caveat before we begin, if you are a heavy drinker or think you have a problem you should speak to your doctor. Suddenly stopping alcohol consumption completely can be dangerous in extreme cases and should be done under medical supervision.

For most people, however, Dry January can be a good way to cut back after indulging over Christmas and New Year.

So, according to Delamere, here is how stopping could affect your body.

12 hours (Getty Stock Image)

12 hours alcohol free

At the 12-hour mark you may start to feel some withdrawal symptoms. This could be hand tremors, sweating, restlessness, and retching.

12-24 hours (Getty Stock Image)

12-24 hours alcohol free

Between 12 and 24 hours these will continue. Sleep is likely to be disturbed, and you could experience some alcohol cravings, and a low mood.

12-72 hours (Getty Stock Image)

12-72 hours alcohol free

From 12 hours to 72 is considered to be the most dangerous period if you are a very heavy drinker. In extreme cases, this could mean an increased heart rate, raised blood pressure, and seizures.

Three to seven days (Getty Stock Image)

Three to seven days alcohol free

Between three and seven days for most people the symptoms will begin to recede. However, for a few cases they can worsen and become Delirium Tremens, or DTs.

If this does happen then you should speak to a doctor as soon as possible.

On week (Getty Stock Image)

One week alcohol free

After a week you may notice your sleep patterns beginning to improve, though it can sometimes take longer.

Two weeks (Getty Stock Image)

Two weeks alcohol free

At two weeks you may notice some weight loss, depending on how much you normally drink, as you are not taking in calories from your beverage of choice.

Three weeks (Getty Stock Image)

Three weeks alcohol free

From three to four weeks, you may see your blood pressure improving if alcohol was a factor in it before.

A month (Getty Stock Image)

A month alcohol free

Finally, at the one month mark you could see some improvement in your skin.

For the majority of people, cutting out alcohol for a month is a good way to reduce your consumption, and the dangers are only a factor in more extreme cases.

Taking a month out can also allow you to re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol as well as saving you a bit of cash.

If you do choose to start drinking again, you can do so because you enjoy it rather than perhaps as a compulsion or social crutch.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Health

Understanding Monkeypox: Key Guidelines for Managing the Viral Disease

December 27, 2024December 27, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Understanding Monkeypox: Key Guidelines for Managing the Viral Disease

“If topical treatment alone does not improve acne, or if acne is severe or extensive, oral medications are the best option. If you’ve tried several topical medications without success, or if your condition is severe, oral acne medications are usually the next step in the treatment process. Treatment usually includes oral antibiotics and applying a prescription gel or topical cream to the skin. Depending on people with acne, treatment may include using prescription creams to prevent acne, taking antibiotics to kill bacteria that contribute to acne, or, if acne is severe, taking stronger medications such as like isotretinoin, or even minor surgery. Even if you have tried topical acne treatments such as creams or gels without any lasting results, laser therapy may be the right solution for you. While I would like you to try natural remedies first, if you are not seeing improvement and severe hormonal acne is making your quality of life worse, other treatments can make a real difference. While it may take a while, treating hormonal acne from the inside out until your hormones are in their natural, happy balance will allow your skin to truly heal. While my approach isn’t an instant solution, and won’t replace everyone’s multi-drug regimen, hormonal acne can be very sensitive to a more holistic approach, which means less medication and more patches. While the studio treatments offered by Carolina Skin Care can be very effective in treating acne, patients should also commit to taking care of their skin at home. Multiple topical treatments, whether it’s steroids for eczema or topical antibiotics for acne, topical treatments may help in the short term, but in the long run, it can damage the skin, making you more likely to take it in the future. In addition to other treatments, you can take the most obvious step to soothe stress-related acne: reduce stress. If the creams and antibiotics you have been prescribed are not working, or if you cannot tolerate the side effects that medications may cause, you may want to consider acne treatments, which can be provided at your doctor’s office. Other treatments include birth control pills to control acne, hormonal drainage and extraction, and laser and phototherapy.”

Health / News

Eye Doctor Explains What To Do If You Start Seeing ‘Floaters’

December 27, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Experts have shared what to do if you see ‘eye floaters.’

The eyes are considered the most important organ of sense, as we perceive up to 80 percent of all impressions through our sight.

Our sense of sight is responsible for most of the information we absorb from our five combined senses.

The movements we perform, the tasks we complete, and personal interactions rely on vision somehow. Even sleep schedules are affected by the light we see during the day so having healthy eyes is hugely important.

Eyesight deterioration is a natural part of aging and usually isn’t any reason to be concerned, and one of the major symptoms includes eye floaters.

Many people are relieved to find out they are not the only ones experiencing ‘floaters.’

Someone writes: “I’ve learned about something new today, called ‘floaters?’ I always thought I had something in my eye.”

Another adds: “I keep seeing ‘flies’ everywhere, I keep rubbing at my eye but there’s really nothing there, it is so frustrating. I have constant floaters.”

“I thought this was just me, I keep thinking there’s a spider or fly… waving my arms like I’m crazy, only to realize it’s a floater,” a third responds.

Eye floaters are very common, affecting about seven in ten people, and can show up at any time.

Mayo Clinic reads: “Eye floaters are spots in your vision. They may look to you like black or gray specks, strings, or cobwebs. They may drift about when you move your eyes. Floaters appear to dart away when you try to look at them directly.”

Most eye floater issues are caused by age-related changes when the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside your eyes liquifies and contracts.

“As you age, the protein fibers that make up the vitreous shrink into little shreds that clump together,” writes Web MD specialist Rick Ansorge.

Scattered clumps of collagen fibers form within the vitreous and can cast tiny shadows on your retina. The shadows you see are called floaters.

Eye floaters are not often serious and are cause for concern.

The NHS shares that if you have experienced them for a long time, they are not getting worse, and the vision is not affected, you don’t have anything to worry about.

You’re more likely to have eye floaters if you’re nearsighted or have had cataract surgery.

Although for the most part, eye floaters are not a serious risk to your sight, sometimes they may be a result of ‘eye disease, eye injury, diabetic retinopathy, crystal-like deposits that form in the vitreous and eye tumors,’ as per Web MD.

The NHS also says it is a medical emergency if you begin to experience ‘floaters’ or flashes for the first time, you get sudden ones, and the number of them increases.

Other signs of something more serious include a dark ‘curtain’ or shadow moving across your vision, blurred vision, eye pain, and floaters after surgery or eye injury.

Any of these symptoms could mean serious problems with the back of the eye.

For the most part, floaters are common and harmless, however, if they do become an annoyance experts say you can try and get rid of them out of your field of vision by shifting the fluid around in your eyes.

You can do this by looking up and down.

Taking supplements for eye health such as omega-3, zinc, Vitamin A, and fatty acids can also help, while eating a healthy well balanced diet and avoiding smoking can also improve your vision.

Health / News

Study of over 1,000 women reveals the ideal penis size

December 26, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

When it comes to sexual satisfaction, size isn’t just a punchline—it’s a hot-button issue with some serious relationship implications.

Does penis size matter? Credit: RapidEye/Getty

A survey of 1,387 women, conducted by sexual health site Bad Girls Bible, has shed light on exactly what women think about penis size—and the results might surprise you.

The survey found that more than two-thirds of women are unlikely to be fully satisfied with a partner whose erect penis is less than four inches.

But there’s a limit to how much is too much. Over half of the women said they found anything over nine inches too large, citing pain, rushed orgasms, and even “sexual selfishness” as common issues with well-endowed partners.

Pain was a recurring theme, with larger sizes causing vaginal bruising, tearing, and discomfort. On the flip side, those who enjoy bigger sizes mentioned “the feeling” as their primary reason for preference.

So, what’s the sweet spot? The researchers pinpointed the ideal range between six and eight inches, with 7.2 inches being deemed the best size.

Credit: Predrag Popovski / Getty

This range left 77% of women fully satisfied. Interestingly, nearly nine in 10 women preferred a seven-inch length, and two-thirds said both length and width were critical to sexual satisfaction. The average preferred girth was two inches, slightly above the national average of 1.8 inches.

For perspective, the width of a standard golf ball is 1.7 inches.

Size isn’t just a factor in physical pleasure—it can influence relationships, too.

The survey revealed that 44% of women consider a man’s size before deciding to date them. Additionally, two-thirds of women said they’d consider breaking up with a partner whose size didn’t meet their needs.

It’s not just small sizes that can cause issues. Nearly 60% of women said they’d break up with someone whose penis was too large, and four in 10 admitted they might cheat on a partner if his size was too small.

For casual hookups, size still plays a role. Just under half of the women said it matters for one-night stands, while over two-thirds said it’s important in a “friends with benefits” arrangement.

For men feeling the pressure to measure up, there’s some good news. Foreplay and a partner’s gentleness were named as key factors in women’s satisfaction, regardless of size. In other words, skill and attentiveness can make up for anatomical shortcomings.

The survey also highlighted that extremes at both ends of the spectrum are rare but impactful. Women were least satisfied with penises measuring between one and three inches, a condition known as micropenis, which affects just one in 10,000 men in the US. At the other end, over nine inches proved too much for more than half the respondents.

Interestingly, one in 200 women said even a one-inch penis was too big. Researchers noted this might reflect the views of homosexual women or those with conditions like vaginismus, where the vaginal muscles involuntarily tighten during penetration.

The findings highlight how penis size can affect more than just physical pleasure. For many women, size plays a role in emotional and physical compatibility, influencing everything from dating decisions to long-term relationship stability.

Ultimately, while size matters to some degree, the survey also shows that communication, effort, and emotional connection remain key components of a satisfying sex life.

So, whether you’re above average, below, or somewhere in the middle, remember that the best lovers prioritize their partner’s overall experience—inside and outside the bedroom.

Health

Earwax Removal

December 25, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Earwax Removal 101: The Best (and Safest) Ways to Clear Clogged Ears

An adult putting ear drops in a child's ear

Trouble hearing? Or did you push that cotton swab a little too deep this time? A clogged ear from earwax buildup is at best annoying and at worst a prelude to hearing loss.

But earwax, also known as cerumen, is not only normal, it’s necessary.

“People think that earwax is dirty and needs to be cleaned, but earwax has both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties,” says ear, nose and throat specialist Anh Nguyen-Huynh, MD. “It also protects ears from things that could hurt the eardrum, such as dust, hair or small insects.”

Factors that can affect your amount of earwax include previous ear surgery or trauma, recurrent ear infections, or wearing hearing aids or deep earplugs.

How to remove earwax safely

So how can you best handle earwax woes?

“Sometimes, trying to clean them causes more problems than it’s worth,” says Dr. Nguyen-Huynh. “Ears are like self-cleaning ovens. When the outer layer of skin in the ear canal sheds, the wax will fall out with it.”

If earwax is becoming a nuisance, Dr. Nguyen-Huynh recommends several easy ear cleaning methods:

Over-the-counter ear cleaning drops

If you have a small amount of wax, over-the-counter ear cleaners work well. Look for drops that contain hydrogen peroxide or other kinds of peroxide. The peroxide does a good job of breaking up earwax.

Here’s how to use ear cleaning drops:

Lay sideways: Make sure the ear you’re cleaning faces up and add the drops as directed.
Let it sit: Allow the cleaning solution to sit in your ear for around five minutes. This lets the liquid soak in and soften things up.
Grab a tissue: When you sit up, the liquid should come out along with the earwax that broke loose. Have a tissue ready to catch it all.

Ear cleaning drops may not work if you have too much earwax or a condition called impacted cerumen (when there’s a firm wax plug blocking your ear canal).

“When it’s a plug, putting peroxide in your ear may make things worse because you’re softening the plug but not dissolving or removing it,” Dr. Nguyen-Huynh says. “Then the softened plug becomes like a wall of mud that can plug your ear even more.”

A bulb syringe

If ear cleaning drops don’t work, the ears might need flushing with a bulb syringe, which are available at drug stores or grocery stores. You’ll want to fill the syringe with warm water, place it near your ear opening, and carefully squeeze the bulb. The warm water will flood your ear and break up the wax. Turn your head to the side over a sink or bathtub to let the water (and, ideally, wax) flow out.

However, there are a few caveats:

Be gentle: Flush your ear gently to avoid harming your eardrum.
Watch the temperature: The water should not be too cold or too hot. If it is either, the temperature difference could make you dizzy.
Avoid if necessary: Don’t use the flushing method if you have a hole in your eardrum or if you’ve ever had eardrum surgery. Flushing may damage your eardrum repair.

If you are not comfortable flushing your own ears, says Dr. Nguyen-Huynh, you might want to check with your primary care provider’s office to see if there is a nurse who can do it for you.

Mineral or olive oil

Anecdotally, Dr. Nguyen-Huynh says people who put olive oil in an ear before getting a cleaning seem to get wax out more easily. “It lubricates the ear canal,” he explains. “But I’m not sure it’s any better than what we usually recommend, which is mineral oil.”

Earwax removal methods to avoid

All earwax removal hacks are not created equal. Dr. Nguyen-Huynh recommends steering clear of these two remedies:

Cotton swabs

A manufacturer’s warning on the package says it all: Do not insert swab into the ear canal. Dr. Nguyen-Huynh explains: “A cotton swab acts like a ramrod in an old-style cannon. The tip pushes the earwax in deeper, so the more you use it, the more earwax you push in. Plus, you may rupture your eardrum if you push too far. Or if you scratch your ear canal, it can get infected because now dirt and bacteria can penetrate under your skin.”

Earwax removal candles

Dr. Nguyen-Huynh says you should doubly stay away from this method: These candles don’t work, and they may burn you.

Why and when you should clean out earwax

While earwax is generally more annoying than dangerous, sometimes you need a doctor to clear it. Dr. Nguyen-Huynh says it’s smart to seek medical evaluation if home remedies don’t work, your ear hurts or you have trouble hearing.

“Someone needs to look in and see if the ear canal is open or if the wax is plugging it up,” he says.

Symptoms of a clogged ear include:

Pain
Your hearing becomes muffled
A feeling like your ear has something blocking it
Dizziness
Tinnitus

If the situation is minor, you may be able to get your ears unblocked right then and there. If not, a doctor can use operating microscopes to magnify inside the ear canal, loosen the wax and vacuum it out.

And a clogged ear may have other causes. “It could be a middle ear infection with fluid filling up the space behind the eardrum,” Dr. Nguyen-Huynh cautions. “Or you could have a viral infection that affects the inner ear. In those cases, a doctor can diagnose and treat you to prevent permanent hearing loss.”

But like most things in life, it’s all about balance — too much wax can block your ears and cause temporary hearing loss or infections. “A small number of people will need cleaning if they produce too much wax that jams up the ear, especially if they have a smaller-than-average ear canal,” Dr. Nguyen-Huynh explains.

Health

Celery Cucumber Detox: Detoxify Your Gut and Achieve a Flat Tummy!

December 24, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Ingredients:

4–5 celery stalks (washed and chopped)
1 medium cucumber (peeled and chopped)
1 green apple (optional, for natural sweetness)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for added detox benefits)
1 teaspoon grated ginger (for digestive support)
1 cup water or coconut water (for hydration)

How to Make Celery Cucumber Detox Juice

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Thoroughly wash and chop the celery and cucumber into small pieces. If using a green apple, core and chop it as well.

Step 2: Blend

Add the chopped celery, cucumber, green apple (if included), and grated ginger into a blender. Pour in the water or coconut water to ensure a smooth blend.

Step 3: Blend to Perfection

Blend the mixture on high speed until it becomes a smooth consistency.

Step 4: Strain (Optional)

For a silky juice, strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove pulp. For extra fiber, skip this step.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice

Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the mixture. This adds a refreshing tang and boosts the detoxifying power of the juice.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the juice into a glass, stir well, and enjoy it fresh. For a cooling effect, chill the juice in the refrigerator before serving.

Benefits of Celery Cucumber Detox Juice

1. Detoxifies the Gut
Celery and cucumber are rich in water and antioxidants, helping flush toxins from your digestive system. Celery acts as a natural diuretic, while cucumber aids in waste elimination, leaving your gut refreshed and revitalized.

2. Reduces Bloating

This juice effectively relieves bloating and water retention. Celery supports kidney function and eliminates excess water, while cucumber hydrates and aids digestion, resulting in a flatter tummy.

3. Enhances Digestion

Ginger, a key ingredient, stimulates digestion, reduces gas, and promotes smooth bowel movements. The fiber from celery and cucumber further aids in preventing constipation and maintaining gut health.

4. Supports Weight Loss

Low in calories and high in water content, this juice is perfect for weight management. It keeps you full without adding unnecessary calories, making it a great choice for those aiming for a slimmer waistline.

5. Hydrates the Body

The high water content in celery and cucumber ensures optimal hydration, which is essential for a healthy digestive system, radiant skin, and effective toxin elimination.

6. Boosts Metabolism

The combination of ginger and lemon helps stimulate metabolism, enabling your body to burn calories more efficiently, particularly in the abdominal area.

7. Nutrient-Rich

Celery provides vitamin K, potassium, and folate, while cucumber contributes vitamins A, C, and magnesium. Together, they deliver a nutrient-packed boost for your overall well-being.

How to Use Celery Cucumber Detox Juice

Best Time to Drink:
For optimal detox effects, drink this juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. It’s also perfect as a refreshing mid-day pick-me-up or part of a meal replacement plan.

How Often to Drink:
Consume this detox juice three to four times a week for best results. Pair it with a balanced diet to maximize its benefits.

Conclusion: Refresh and Rejuvenate with Celery Cucumber Detox Juice
This Celery Cucumber Detox Juice is a simple yet effective way to cleanse your body, enhance digestion, and promote a flatter stomach. Its hydrating, nutrient-rich properties leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Incorporate this juice into your routine to support your gut health and weight loss journey. Enjoy the natural benefits of this revitalizing drink and start your path to a healthier, lighter you!

Health

‘Mystery disease’ in Congo turned out to be malaria — and potentially, another disease

December 22, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

A microscope image of malaria parasites infecting red blood cells. (Image credit: Ed Reschke via Getty Images)

Early this month, health officials in the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported that an unknown, flu-like illness had killed dozens in the country within a few months. The World Health Organization (WHO) investigated, alongside local authorities.

Finally, on Tuesday (Dec. 17), the cause of the sicknesses was announced: severe malaria potentially complicated by malnutrition. Reuters covered the news, citing a statement from the Congo’s health ministry that read, “The mystery has finally been solved.” At the time, the case count was 592, with the earliest cases occurring in October.

But then, on Dec. 19, a man in the affected region died with symptoms of hemorrhagic fever, the Associated Press (AP) reported. This type of disease is typically caused by viruses — hinting that malaria and malnutrition might not be the only culprits.

As it stands, 37 deaths tied to the “mystery illness” have been confirmed in health care facilities, and additionally, 44 deaths documented in communities remain under investigation, the AP reported. Earlier estimates of the death toll ranged from 67 to 143.

Live Science spoke with experts about why the drivers behind these mystery illnesses have been so tricky to pin down.

“It’s very difficult to say,” said Benjamin Mordmüller, leader of the experimental medical parasitology group at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands. “It could be many things.”

Challenges to diagnosis

The Congo has a high incidence of malaria, a parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes. In 2022, the most recent year with data, the country reported over 27 million infections and over 24,000 deaths from the disease. For context, across all of Africa that year, there were 233 million malaria infections and 580,000 deaths.

Although malaria is endemic to the Congo, pinpointing the disease as a culprit in the unfolding situation is a complicated task.

“It is very difficult to attribute a disease like this to malaria,” said Mordmüller, who has conducted malaria research and vaccine trials in various countries, including Gabon and the Republic of Congo. “In this region, also at this time of the year, many children will have malaria parasites in the blood.” On Dec. 10, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that most of the cases and deaths have affected children under 14.

Dr. Matthew Ippolito, an associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, works in neighboring Zambia and noted that, at any given time, about 50% of the people in areas like this are walking around with malaria parasites in their blood.

“But that doesn’t mean that they have the symptoms,” Mordmüller added. In places where malaria is very common, many people may not show symptoms because they have some level of existing immunity. “So they could have something else, plus parasites in the blood.”

To confirm an illness is driven by malaria, you need diagnostic tests to rule out other causes. Clinically, Mordmüller said, symptomatic malaria can look a lot like other diseases, such as the flu — causing fever, headache, fatigue and chills early on. These nondescript symptoms make tests all the more important.

But as the WHO noted, “there is no functional laboratory in the health zone or province, requiring the collection and shipment of samples to Kinshasa [the nation’s capital] for analysis.”

The illnesses are happening in the remote Panzi health zone, located within the Kwango province in southwestern Congo. Reaching this rural area from Kinshasa takes 48 hours by road, and at this time of year, the rainy season makes the journey more difficult. Rain also boosts the number of malaria cases by increasing the number of suitable habitats for mosquitoes to lay eggs, Mordmüller added.

a mosquito biting into skin — Malaria is spread by female mosquitoes in the genus *Anopheles.* (Image credit: Imagine Photographer via Getty Images)

Complicated cases

The illnesses have been associated with coughs and runny noses; coughs are sometimes seen in malaria, but not typically runny noses. That said, “malaria can predispose you to other infections,” since it strains the immune system’s resources, Ippolito told Live Science. So the runny noses may stem from another disease, such as influenza.

In the deadly cases, difficulty breathing and acute malnutrition have often been observed.

Severe malaria is sometimes associated with “respiratory distress,” but it’s not always easy to identify the cause in places where even routine lab tests are not readily available, Ippolito said. The belabored breathing may stem from having too much acid in the blood, due to effects of the malaria parasites, or the parasites may be directly injuring lung tissue, he said.

The interaction of malnutrition with malaria is poorly understood, both Mordmüller and Ippolito said. Some studies suggest malnutrition may amplify malaria’s effects, while others suggest it suppresses the symptoms. “You’re not only starving the person, but you’re starving the parasite as well, in a sense,” Ippolito explained. So it’s complicated.

The Kwango province’s food insecurity worsened between spring and fall of 2024, the WHO noted. Also this year, much of southern Africa, including the Congo, experienced long dry spells, likely tied to climate change, CNN reported. Ippolito wondered how the droughts factor into the current malnutrition.

What can be done now?

Diagnostic tests and medications are now being transported to the Panzi health zone. Factors like limited mobile phone and internet network coverage complicate this effort. But assuming at least some of the diseases are caused by malaria, the medicines being deployed should help, Mordmüller said.

Given the case of hemorrhagic fever, though, a yet-unidentified virus may be another factor to contend with.

In last week’s address, the WHO Director-General said, “It’s possible that more than one disease is involved.” Mordmüller and Ippolito echoed similar sentiments. Ultimately, time will tell what the full story is.

Health

Dentist reveals common mistake people make that causes yellow teeth and how to avoid it

December 21, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

Sometimes our pearly whites don’t end up looking very pearly or white…

A dentist has answered the question that most people ask themselves: how do we keep our teeth looking nice and white?

With almost all celebrities having had some form of cosmetic dentistry, it’ll come as surprise that we also want picture perfect teeth.

According to Atrium Dental, evidence has suggested that around 90 percent of celebrities have made changes to their smiles.

For example, some people who are said to have had porcelain veneers include Tom Cruise, Zac Efron, Demi Moore, and Victoria Beckham.

But there are things we can do avoid to damaging our teeth and keeping them white, without having to book the next flight to Turkey.

Dr. Shaadi Manouchehri, who goes by @dr.shaadi.manouchehri on social media, revealed the things you should avoid doing to keep your pearly whites healthy.

If you’re the type person of person to reach for a cup of coffee before leaving for work in the morning, make sure you don’t brush your teeth immediately after consuming it.

“Never brush your teeth after you’ve just had coffee,” said Dr. Shaadi.

Brushing your teeth straight after coffee can damage the enamel (Getty Stock)

“Coffee is quite acidic… if you go and brush your teeth straightaway, you’re rubbing the acid onto the tooth and wearing the tooth away.

“Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes – you don’t actually have to brush your teeth, just rinse with some mouthwash or drink water.”

The acidity in drinks like coffee can be spread further round your mouth if you brush your teeth right after drinking it. Meanwhile, these types of beverages weaken your enamel as well.

Similarly, you shouldn’t brush your teeth after vomiting, as the contents of your stomach are extremely acidic.

“When the contents of the stomach have come into the mouth, then the mouth is very acidic,” said the dentist.

“And if you brush straight away, you’re rubbing the acid onto the tooth even more. So, wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before you brush your teeth.”

Dr. Shaadi also urged people to not brush their teeth straight after breakfast. Instead, we should be brushing out teeth beforehand.

Explaining why, the dentist said: “When you first wake up in the morning you have quite a lot of bacteria in the mouth and that needs to be brushed off before you have your breakfast.”

Married at First Sight participant dons dodgy teeth at altar

If you avoid these things, in the long run you’ll find that your teeth stay whiter for longer – without having to reach for the teeth whitening strips.