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.
Earwax Removal 101: The Best (and Safest) Ways to Clear Clogged Ears
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.
Celery and cucumber, both nutrient-dense and low-calorie vegetables, are an ideal duo for detoxifying your body and promoting a flatter stomach. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and hydration, this powerful detox juice supports digestion, flushes out toxins, and combats bloating. Drinking this Celery Cucumber Detox Juice regularly can transform your gut health and help you achieve your fitness goals naturally.
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!
An initially “unknown” illness affecting hundreds in the Democratic Republic of the Congo may be attributable to malaria, malnutrition and a viral infection. But investigations are ongoing.
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.
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.
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.
Experts has revealed what it means if you have to pee moments after you’ve just urinated.
Credit: Westend61/Getty
Have you ever felt the urge to want to go to the toilet even though you’ve just been? It can be frustrating but there might be a reason behind it.
Known in the healthcare industry as “frequent urination,” there could be five main reasons why this happens, according to Business Insider.
Drinking excessive fluids or irritants
One of the main reasons this could be happening might be related to what you’re putting into your body. From drinking excessive amounts of liquid to consuming bladder-irritating foods, there’s a host of things to look out for.
According to Dr. Courtenay Moore, a urologist and clinical associate professor of urology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, some things that can cause irritation are acidic fruits or fruit juices, alcohol, fizzy drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, and spicy foods.
So what can you do to stop this from happening?
The quickest and easiest thing to do, according to Moore, is to limit how many of the “irritating” foods and drinks you’re having in your daily diet.
It is also advised to try drinking smaller amounts of liquid throughout the day rather than large amounts all at once, as this can put pressure on your bladder rather than gradually filling it up.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
The next underlying reason for needing to pee frequently, even after you’ve just been, could be related to a urinary tract infection.
Now, if you’ve ever had the displeasure of experiencing this common but annoying bacterial infection, then you know just how irritating they can be.
Dr. Ramesh Krishnan, a urologist at Memorial Hermann Medical Group, has previously emphasized that UTIs can cause inflammation in the bladder, which in turn causes the bladder to become overactive.
Other symptoms can also range from painful urination, pressure in the abdomen or pelvis, and pee that’s bloody, cloudy, or smelly.
In terms of treatment, UTIs are usually treated with a course of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Drinking extra fluids can also help to flush the infection out of the area.
Credit: Thomas Barwick/Getty
Overactive bladder
Having a generally overactive bladder can also increase the amount one needs to go to the toilet.
While it is considered normal to be going to the toilet between six to eight times a day, if you’re having to go more than that, then you’ve probably got an overactive bladder, if it’s not anything else on this list.
To confirm this, a healthcare professional would need to identify the underlying cause – whether it be Bladder obstructions, hormonal changes or the introduction of new medication – before they could work on the appropriate treatment.
Interstitial cystitis
The next reason can be related to something known as interstitial cystitis.
Business Insider states that interstitial cystitis sometimes referred to as painful bladder syndrome, is a “chronic condition that results in pain in the pelvic region and frequent urination.”
As per Moore’s advice, many of those who experience this sensation find relief when they go to the toilet as the pressure builds up over time as their bladder fills up.
The pain can range from mild to severe but in the most extreme cases, Moore says some people may even go to the bathroom about 50 times a day.
The condition is much more common in women than men, experts say.
There isn’t a particular treatment for this one, but it can be managed better using tactics such as pelvic physical therapy, botox injections into the bladder, and dietary modification to avoid bladder irritants.
Credit: Goodboy Picture Company/Getty
Prostate issues
And one of the final reasons some people need to pee just after they’ve gone to the toilet could be a prostate issue.
In men, prostate issues, particularly an enlarged prostate, can cause frequent urges to pee, Krishnan told the outlet, noting that it could be related to signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Other symptoms include peeing in the middle of the night, trouble emptying the bladder, and having a weak flow of pee.
So there we have it.
If you suspect that you may be experiencing any of the above, please seek medical advice from a trained professional.
Our eyes are important sensory organs that help us understand our surroundings. It is essential to keep them free from hazardous diseases in order to maintain the general health and vision of the eyes.
The probable causes of eye infections include bacteria, viruses, allergies, and negligent eye care procedures. We’ll go over several key strategies for preventing eye infections and keeping your vision for years in this piece.
Wash your hands often:
One of the best ways to avoid eye infections is to keep your hands clean. Before handling contact lenses or touching your eyes, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. This helps to get rid of germs and viruses that can be harmful.
Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Many surfaces that our hands come into contact with could be home to harmful microorganisms. Unnecessary touching or scratching of the eyes can introduce bacteria and irritants into the eyes, causing infections or exacerbating already present ones.
Contact lens care procedures:
If you wear contact lenses, maintain strict hygiene practices to reduce the risk of eye infections. As instructed by your eye doctor, always clean and disinfect your contact lenses. Replace them frequently and never sleep with lenses in unless your eye doctor advises you to.
Regularly clean and sanitize your glasses or sunglasses to prevent eye infections. When they come into touch with your eyes, dust, debris, and bacteria that have accumulated on these surfaces can hurt you and make you sick.
Keeping Eye Makeup Private:
Sharing eye makeup with others increases the risk of an eye infection by spreading bacteria and viruses. Don’t take someone else’s eyeliner, mascara, or eye shadow. Replace your eye makeup on a regular basis to prevent the formation of dangerous microorganisms.
Keeping Your Eyes Safe in Polluted Environments:
Air pollution can irritate and harm the eyes. If you live in a highly polluted area or are exposed to irritants like smoke, dust, or chemicals, wear protective eyewear or goggles to protect your eyes from potential harm.
Incorporate easy-to-use techniques into your everyday routine to safeguard your eyes from infections. By maintaining good cleanliness, being careful with eye care products, and scheduling routine eye exams, you may be able to preserve your eyesight.
Long-term eye health can also be improved by leading a healthy lifestyle and making wise choices in polluted environments. Remember that prevention is always preferable to cure when it comes to eyesight, therefore prioritize your eye health so you can see the world’s beauty with clear, infection-free eyes.
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: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
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?
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
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.
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.
How to Remove a Tick from Your Dog and What to Do Next
An Interview with Tick Expert Dan Wolff of TickEase
What should you do if you find a tick on your dog? Dog owners are rightfully concerned about ticks biting their four-legged friends, especially in tick endemic areas like the northeast, and there are lots of questions! How do I protect my dog from ticks? What’s the best way to remove one? Tick expert Dan Wolff has the answers and he shares them in this video interview and guide.
Highlights from the Interview
How to Check for Ticks on Dogs
Ticks are small and hard to see in a dog’s hair
Use feeling rather than only looking with your eyes
Push fingers through your dog’s coat like a comb, feeling for bumps
On dogs, ticks are usually found on the face, head and neck
Ticks like dark areas and crevices
Be sure to check under the collar
Check in and around the ears
Check between toes, front legs, groin, and around the tail
What is the best way to remove a tick from your dog?
To avoid contact with dangerous bacteria, wear vinyl or other thin rubber gloves if available.
Use an inexpensive removal tool with a forked tip like TickEase.
If a removal tool is not available, use tweezers.
With a forked tool, it’s easy to go in sideways along the tick.
A small bit of flesh may come out with the tick bite.
Keep the tick so you can identify it.
How to Protect Dogs from Ticks
Do regular tick checks (as outlined above)
Ticks hide in grass, and shady, leaf-covered ground
Do a tick check whenever your dog has been in wooded areas or around brush
Mow, trim and clean up leafy, grassy areas in your yard
Consider using a bug repellent dog collar and/or topical repellent
What is the risk of a tick bite for a dog compared to a human?
This is where identifying the tick itself is important. You can use a free service like TickSpotters. The younger the tick, the less likely it is to be carrying infection. It’s important to know how old the tick is. Ticks on dogs tend to leave clear evidence of the tick bite. It becomes a hard and scabby, crusty welt. This may last weeks or months, but it has no bearing on whether the dog has been exposed to disease.
Should I take my dog to the vet when it’s bitten by a tick?
Dogs will let you know how they are feeling. Unlike humans who may still go to work if they are feeling slightly unwell, a dog may seem low on energy, less enthusiastic about eating or going out. If you know you pulled a tick off a week ago and your dog is now not wanting to eat, this is a good indication to take the dog to the vet.
Explore Insect Repellent Clothing for Pets
Transcript of the Interview
Mark at Insect Shield
We’re here today with Tick Man Dan, Dan Wolf, our resident tick expert. But you know, you’re in Massachusetts. So you’re a resident of Massachusetts.
Tick Man Dan
Right? But in my heart…
Mark at Insect Shield
That’s right. In your heart, you’re a resident of Seattle. We’re open to, you know, visitors. The topic of today is dogs and ticks. And this is quite a big deal, even in the news. Lot’s of people are concerned about ticks on their dogs. And I want to find out more. I know that we’ve got a lot of viewers who would like to learn more about it, because there are a lot of questions. So we can just launch into those, Dan, although if you want to give yourself a little intro, that’d be awesome.
Tick Man Dan
Sure, well, thanks, Mark. It’s a pleasure to be here, as always. I know this isn’t the first time that we’ve provided some information. I am here, as you said, in the Boston area of Massachusetts, and I’m out all the time, in areas where there are lots of ticks. I am a family man with children who are older now, but have grown up worrying about ticks and fortunate, I guess, to have me as a dad, so I could sort of guide them through their tick encounters. I also have two large, goofy dogs, who are always getting ticks on them, regardless of what we do to prevent them. They’re always very insidious little creatures that kind of can break down and get through our defenses. So I’ve been studying ticks for about 25 years, and deer behavior and the relationship [between] the two of them in suburban Massachusetts, where we do have a very, very high tick and deer density now in our suburban settings.
Mark at Insect Shield
Great. So you’ve been studying ticks and working in this area for quite a while. And in fact, I think you’ve innovated a tick removal tool. So we’ll talk about that a little bit. I’m really excited to have your knowledge and be able to, to put some of this out there. So I looked into this a little bit, and looked for the top questions about dogs and ticks. I mean, the first one that I found is people saying, you know, what should I do? Obviously, ticks are not great. Most people understand that. But how do you deal with ticks? And what’s the best way to look for ticks on your dog?
Tick Man Dan
I get people calling me up all the time, regarding their pets, particularly their dogs. It’s interesting, because cats certainly get ticks on them as well. But for some reason, they really hardly ever, if ever show symptoms of tick borne illness. So it’s a little confusing, a little bit of a mystery as to why dogs can get terribly sick in certain instances, but cats seem to remain kind of immune to the exposure to these pathogens. Although if you have a cat, you certainly want to get ticks off if they pick them up. And the methods for removing these ticks on dogs and cats is the same. So I just wanted to put that out there to all of the cat lovers out there. And I know some people have dogs and cats at the same time. And given the close proximity, you know, the dogs that go outside can bring the ticks home and bring them to their feline friends.
As far as what to do with dogs. I mean, there’s a lot involved here. And I get a lot of different questions from people. Regarding ticks and dogs, I think that one of the most important things at least in the northeast, and I’d have to check to see the prevalence of disease carrying types of ticks in other parts of the country. But I’m more familiar with what’s going on here in the northeast, which is a pretty populous area of the country. And we do have a lot of people with what I’ve experienced not to say that in other parts of the country, they don’t, but we have a lot of people with good experience in the veterinary field regarding ticks, so the first thing I would say is it’s important to properly identify ticks. And there’s a couple of ways we can do that. I mean, you can study them and look online and try to match them up. But it’s really difficult once the ticks become engorged or have taken a blood meal to tell them apart.
This is an adult female deer tick and this is unfed. So what you can see here is a coloration, you can see this part of the tick, which is called the scutum. It’s kind of like a shell. Now, this is really important in identifying ticks, because there are specific markings on this part of the tick that can determine the type of tick. Why is this important? Well, this is important, because the deer tick in our area is the worst offender when it comes to being able to transmit disease, or they’re called a “vector.” A vector is anything that’s able to transmit disease from one thing to another – one creature to another. [Mosquitoes have been] the biggest offenders when it comes to vectors, and that is malaria and other you know, mosquito borne illnesses are starting to creep up, pun intended, in that area, with the types of diseases and the concern of the health community and for people and animals combined.
So we want to identify that tick, because the dog tick in our area here is not known for carrying too many diseases. It’s possible they can carry things like tularemia or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It’s possible, much more common in the south. For what reason? I don’t know. But up here, I consider the dog tick more of a nuisance, rather than a potential vector. So it’s important to know, you know, so you don’t want to freak out too much. Depending on where you are, regarding the type of tick, and on the dog tick the scutum is pretty clear. So you can tell from looking at that part of the tick, even if the back end of the tick is swollen up like a water balloon.
Mark at Insect Shield
Can people go on line and find the ticks? I’m assuming there are a lot of pictures out there that would show what a dog tick looks like.
Tick Man Dan
Absolutely, you can find us online, real photos I’ve got on the website (tickease.com). But, you know, the CDC has ID cards, usually your state public health department will have tick identification, they’ll have a dedicated area, typically, for identification and information regarding tips and illnesses, right, is a good website that is a free resource. It’s based out of the University of Rhode Island and I use it all the time, it’s taken counter.org and then you search for the word tick spotters up on the menu bar. And then you can submit a picture and their experts will positively ID that tick. Of course, it’s destroyed. But if the tick generally intact tic tac, they’ll be able to provide you with a proper ID and then you know, you can decide whether or not I’m going to worry about this or I’m not going to so that’s pretty much the you know the basic thing once your dog is has been bitten by a tick, okay, always, you know, the rule of thumb is when your animal or yourself have a tick you want to get that tick off, even if it’s not gonna, you know, potentially transmit disease to you.
The idea is to get the tick off quickly and properly. So there are a lot of methods for that we can talk about that later if you want but identifying the tick and then just knowing sort of what happens in every scenario of what happens when your dog is bitten by a tick if it’s engorged what should you do? How can you prevent and prepare yourself and you know I can I can help you with those questions too.
Mark at Insect Shield
Yeah, well that’s definitely the place we want to start I think because you know removing the tick we talked about this in another interview that we did but there’s a lot of wrong ways or even some myths you know and kind of urban legends about the best way to remove a tick, and some amazing stuff actually trying to you know, not burn it but light a match and heat it up and then it pulls its head out, stuff like that. But I think like your tool for example has one side which is the kind of recommended side for humans, that very thin needle tweezers type that allows you to grab the head of the tick very carefully and remove it. But the other side that I have a question about is more like a kind of a forked tong thing, a scoop or a slotted spatula.
Tick Man Dan
And yeah, it’s important to understand these various methods for tick removal, and actually, I replied to one of my YouTube videos, this was funny this morning, and if anybody wants to check out some really good and kind of graphic at times, demonstrations of live tick removal, you can go to the YouTube channel and search TickEase. Please subscribe. I won’t disappoint you as far as the growth factor goes, if you like that kind of stuff, but it’s important to see what I’m doing so that you can do it yourself. But this gentleman replied and somehow he equated the old methods of tick removal to wearing a mask. He said he was referring to using a match on the tick, and that it’s been a tried and true method for decades and generations. Oh, and by the way, don’t kill the tick because they have feelings too. And make sure you’re always wearing your mask when you remove the tick.
Mark at Insect Shield
Oh he was being sarcastic? He wasn’t suggesting actually to wear a mask?
Tick Man Dan
I don’t know. Not sure. Okay. People do wear gloves. And that’s appropriate because the infectious agents are liquid.
Mark at Insect Shield
You can’t inhale the infectious juices of the tick though, right?
Tick Man Dan
Yeah, it hasn’t become aerosolized. I call it yucky tick juice.
Mark at Insect Shield
Right, your technical term.
Tick Man Dan
If you squeeze it, and this and the yucky tick juice comes out, and it’s on your finger. Well, now you’re a potential vehicle for exposure? Absolutely. So what I’m getting at is that on dogs, and particularly long haired dogs, it’s really difficult to first of all, detect the ticks when they first get on. And it depends on the time of the year because ticks have a life cycle, like everything else. And the baby ticks are smaller, just like people, babies are smaller than full grown adults are not exponentially. Yeah. It’s really hard. For example, I don’t know if I can show you all this, but this is what we’re dealing with. When we talk about nymphal-stage deer ticks (they are) are tiny. And they’re very tiny. Yeah. Are you going to find that on a St. Bernard? When it’s just embedding itself? You’re not.
Mark at Insect Shield
It looks like those ticks were socially distanced there in your in your tray.
Dan showing the difference in size between a nymph vs a fully fed deer tick
Tick Man Dan
But okay, so you saw those were nymphs. So look at look at the larger one there. Right. Fully fed deer tick. That’s just one. Yeah. I mean, it’s hundreds of times expanded from its state. I mean, they have elasticity in their abdomens that will to swell up and become full of blood and yucky tick juice. Yes. What I do with my dogs is I’m constantly feeling rather than looking. And I can you know, my dog loves it. So they climb up on my lap. And I’ll just, you know, like what I do on myself on my own hair.
So you just massage the dog, and particularly around the base of the ears. On the chin, under the neck. Just pick out the crevices where the legs meet the body and right, the other area, the back of the tail.
13:50
But I usually find them on the face, head and neck. The ticks seem to like to gravitate to those areas. So when you feel them, you can feel the tick is going to be attached.
See this is called the hypostome here, that’s the only thing that goes into your body is this little piece, that’s that single piece. Okay, the tick is kind of flexible. When it’s biting, it’s biting like this, sometimes it’ll lay a little flat and you can do this. So when you’re feeling on the skin, you can feel like a little skin tag or a scab. And that’s you got to take a closer look. And if you didn’t find the tick, you’ll be able to remove it now. That’s what I say with dogs with long hair. You mostly find them by feel and then determine that this tick is in its feeding state or has become somewhat in gorged or fully engorged. Then you want to take the next step you want to say hi, I got to get this tick out. Right. And there have been a lot of methods over the years.
I happen to have a few of them here. These are what I actually recommend not using.
Tick Removal Options: Comparing the improved design of TickEase (left) to Ticked Off, or the Tick Spoon (right)
This is called the ticked off, or the tick spoon, which seems to have popularity. And it’s okay, you know, it was designed a while ago, and on certain areas of your animal and flat areas with fully engorged ticks, it’s fine.
What I did was I designed a, you know, similar method, which is the root. But compared to the footprint of the spoon, we have a much smaller, you know, area there, right, so it’s easier to get into those tight spots. Like I said, it’s the same idea, or the same concept here. Only this will be a lot more effective and tighter areas. Sure. I’ve had ticks in my belly button. But I want to see you get that out of your belly button (with this tool).
And then this “tick key”, which is also very popular. I don’t understand. Because what you do is when the tick is biting, I’m hoping you can see this Yeah, actually, at the top, and you pull it this way. Oh, dear. You know, you’re pulling sideways on a vertical penetration of that appendage. And that can only potentially weaken the connection and possibly break off that mouth part. So between your toes. And in your belly button, how the heck, you can get this to work there.
I mean, you know, there’s other things like this crazy looking tool. And why you would want to go get so complicated.
Mark at Insect Shield
Yeah, that’s kind of space-age, though.
Tick Man Dan
Just use a sharp tweezer. And you can just go, boom, you don’t have to have spring loaded gadgets like this. But getting back to the dog. Alright, so your dog has an engorged tick. Basically, like I said, you’re going to want to…see my watch, I can’t take that one off. But what you’re going to do is you’re going to want to go in, sideways, okay, so the tick’s feeding like that. You want to go in this way. Okay? Not this way, right? Going this way on the tick. And when you go in that way, you’re gonna wiggle it to the back. And then you don’t want to pry it or twist it, you want to lift it slowly and steadily straight out.
And, you know, depending on the type of tick is they have different sizes of their mouth parts compared to their bodies. Dog ticks are kind of stubby and their mouth parts, and they can pop out a lot easier. But what I’ve noticed is that most of the dog ticks I removed also grab a chunk of flesh. And so you’re obviously a little white speck of flesh in their mouth. But that’s fine. Don’t panic about that because you want everything out, you know you’ve got everything if it has a chunk of skin in it. Not all of them have that. But most of the ones that I remove do have that little piece of skin.
I mean, that’s really what you want to do. And then people kind of freak out a little bit, which is understandable.
Mark at Insect Shield
So there’s other questions I had. We’ve talked about getting that tick out. And of course, that’s the most important thing. So maybe compared to a bite to human because it’s sort of the same risks, but how different or similar is the is the risk for a dog like what could happen if they’re bitten by a tick, what’s kind of the worst scenario?
Tick Man Dan
Ideally, you have gotten a out before it’s been on the dog very long, right? That’s, that’s important to the time that it’s been, you know, biting. This is where identification comes into play, and what TickSpotters on the tickencounter.org website will do is this. They’ll tell you the type of tick and at what stage of its life it’s in. Because you have to understand that when ticks grow, and change, transition from one stage of life to another, they require a blood meal, to do that, to get the energy to go to another stage of life, or at the end to lay eggs and then die or mate, in the case of the males.
So they don’t feed that often. But they’re mostly starting from a clean slate when they’re born. So the younger the tick, the smaller the tick, the less likely it has infectious agents within it. So but on the other side of things, even though it has less infectious agents in it as a nymph versus an adult, more people get sick from nymphs. Because they’re much harder to detect because of their size, close to those nymphs I showed you earlier, versus the adults, which are substantially larger, even though they’re still small, comparatively speaking, they’re substantially larger. Yeah. So it’s important to know what type of tick because if my dog gets a young dog tick on or in him, I’m really not going to worry too much. But if it’s an adult stage deer tick that’s fully engaged, then I’ve got to be a little concerned. So do I react the same with let’s say, if it was my wife or my son? Versus my dog? No.
Because going to the vet, I mean, my dog gets ticks a lot more than I do. Yeah. And seems to be okay, although one of my dogs has had some disease. We didn’t specify which tick borne illness but has had tick borne illness. I’m going to assume it’s Lyme. And we did treat him and he’s fine, thankfully, but it’s important to know a couple of things: ticks on, dogs tend to leave very pronounced evidence of the bite at the bite site. What I found is it’s very strange, it gets hard, it can raise like a big welt in some cases, and becomes like a crusty scabby welt. And I don’t, I mean, I certainly that wouldn’t be caused for me to be freaking out. Because my dog’s had tons of tick bites. And he seems to have this reaction quite often. And I think it’s just a reaction to the bite. And that’s it.
In the instance that he got sick, I didn’t really notice anything unusual at the bite site. So regardless of exposure, a lot of dogs will get this big welt, crusty welt that looks like it itches and feels terrible. But my dog seems to not be bothered by it. And even afterwards, to this day, I know he had a tick bite on his, it’s kind of near his tail. So I think it has that kind of effect on the animal, but that doesn’t have any bearing on exposure to disease. I think that’s just a separate issue. So I’m trying to try to tell people not to freak out. Just because it has a crusty scabby welt after the bite. That’s kind of typical.
Mark at Insect Shield
So I mean, how alarming is it? You know, you’re saying you’ve got to try to identify that tick on your dog once you remove it. But what about going to the vet? I mean, should people seriously consider taking the dog to the vet once it’s been bitten or not?
Tick Man Dan
You can, although if it were me, my dogs would be going quite often and it would get kind of expensive. What I do is I let the dog and his behavior tell me what’s going on. Because unlike people, dogs are pretty, you know, clear if they’re not feeling well.
As far as what I know about tick borne illnesses, for example, you know, some people might feel a little tired, but they still go to work. They’re not telling anybody because you know, it’s just I’m getting old or you know, I have allergies. I don’t know what it is. And they may be infected. But well, dogs tend to… you know their behavior. My dogs are food obsessed. They are crazy when it comes to chasing squirrels and going on their walks and all that stuff like most dogs are, and just out of the blue one day, Charlie, he was laying down, it’s time to eat. He just picked up his head and looked at me and put his head back down. Okay? This is not right. Okay, maybe he’s got a little stomach thing. We waited a little while, a day or so. And he was still kind of lethargic. But then later that evening, usually he jumps right up on the chair, or on the couch. His back legs were like jelly, and he was limping. And I said, Okay, you’re going to the vet. They wanted to do all sorts of tests. I said, you know, just put him on the antibiotics. Within five days he was back to normal. Three to five days. And he was he then kept on the antibiotics for a month.
A lot of people get their dogs vaccinated. I’m not so sure what my opinion is on that. I don’t have one either way. Personally, I don’t get my dogs vaccinated. Because I’m, I’m just not you know, it’s that whole vaccine thing, although I did get the covid vaccine. So I’m not against vaccines.
But I’m just kind of not sure about this particular one. And he’s 12 years old, and he’s had plenty of ticks and only had one bout with tick borne illness. So I’ll leave that up to the dog owners out there. If they want to get that vaccine, that’s fine. But notice these things, if you know if you know you pulled a tick off a week ago, and all of a sudden, your dog that will eat everything in sight is certain is all sudden loses interest in food? Yeah, but that’s a pretty big red flag. Sure, absolutely.
Mark at Insect Shield
Sure, absolutely.
Tick Man Dan
I would be hesitant to say, you know, this can cause fatalities if left untreated for a certain period of time. I’ll leave that up to the professional veterinarians. I know, it can be debilitating. And I know, in certain breeds that are susceptible to dysplasia and other joint type issues, this may be a trigger to sort of accelerate natural problems in those joint areas.
Mark at Insect Shield
Okay, so it can be a catalyst for, you know, longer lasting issues.
Tick Man Dan
For sure. I suppose if you didn’t recognize the symptoms, and your dog stopped eating and stopped drinking, then, of course, that could be a major issue with malnutrition, and, and others. Plus, taking them to the vet, when you notice these symptoms. First of all, I mean, if you didn’t notice a tick, that’s one thing, but if you pulled off a tick recently, and then the dog is now showing symptoms, just go, you know, don’t even question it. Just take him or her and get the antibiotic treatment. If you didn’t realize that there was a tick, and they start feeling that way. Give it a day or so. It may be something unrelated, you know, my dogs get into things in the yard.
You know, let them see if it’s gonna work it out themselves. If not take them to the vet. But I think that in and of itself, the Lyme disease is not going to kill the dog, it may make them suffer terribly with these joint issues, and lead to other types of symptoms. But, you know, rule of thumb is just if you notice something wrong, just try to get it addressed. And most of the veterinarians in our area, are pretty good at identifying the symptoms. But then again, you also want to know, if you can, what type of tick it was and not to worry so much about it.
Mark at Insect Shield
Okay, because that was one question I had is should we get this tick analyzed, and we’ll talk in another interview, at some point about, you know, the services that are available, and I know you worked with TickEncounter at tickencounter.org.
The last, I guess kind of question I have is how to, if there are ways to keep ticks off your dog. And I’ve actually seen I didn’t know that people do this, but they will spray their dog with a kind of repellent. And I think it’s permethrin that that they will use which we offer, you know, spray cans of permethrin that’s for treating clothing. We do not advertise it as for treating dogs. But is that something that people do? And you know, beyond that, what other ways are there that you can keep ticks away from your dog?
Tick Man Dan
Well, there’s a million different thoughts on that.
Mark at Insect Shield
How about you light a match next to your dog?
Tick Man Dan
I wouldn’t try that. I saw on social media a couple years ago that somebody actually lit their dog on fire doing that.
Mark at Insect Shield
Crazy.
Tick Man Dan
You’d say that can’t be real, but apparently it was. And you know, given today’s world I’m not shocked.
I mean, there’s a variety of different ideas. Some people are resistant to put, you know, the chemicals on but the permethrin based products have been around and tested forever. I think there might be some type of treated clothing that somebody is selling.
Oh, that’s true. I’ve heard that. Yeah, you can actually buy that. And in fact, we do sell clothing for dogs, you know treated with permethrin so that that might be one.
Right now what I tell people is, first of all, Insect Shield, in my opinion has the best products for not only repelling the ticks but killing the ticks. Permethrin is a wonderful, wonderful thing to use against ticks.
There are other things to use, but I just don’t think they’re that effective. I mean, you know I’m talking humans here but DEET, picaridin, other seed oils or lemon, Eucalyptus and all these organic things. I think for ticks, it’s just not going to have the punch that you get with the permethrin and the Insect Shield stuff. And I do tell people, you know, I will be a licensed distributor for Insect Shield coming up soon. We have a bandana that the dog wears around the neck. And this is important because dogs going through sniffing the grass. This is where most ticks get on them and then they start to move. If the ticks come in contact directly with the apparel, they will die; they’ll fall off and die.
Unlike some repellents, which the dog may carry a tick inside the house, then the ticket is repelled but not killed. It jumps off or falls off and now it’s in the house. I found them in my bed before. So I do think permethrin is the best pyrethroid based products, I’m not aware of the ones that you would apply directly to the animal. But, you know, pyrethroids have been around since the old lice powders and shampoos. Perhaps there’s now a product that’s similar to that. But I don’t think it’ll have the impact that a treated apparel piece will have. Although I do recommend using the treated apparel on dogs, not to be used on cats, on dogs, as an added layer of protection on top of your preferred flea and tick preventative.
People are using Bravecto and Seresto and Frontline and Pet Armor and these types of topicals and other collars.
You know, and I’ll leave that up to the pet owner to decide which one is the best. There’s a product called Wondercide out there that you can apply directly to the animal. But you know, I’m thinking Well, every time we go for a walk, am I gonna come in and spray the dog down? And how much of that stuff am I gonna go through? And yeah, is it good for the dog? Apparently it is shown to be safe. But I just don’t know about that. That amount of activity. Or is this going to be costing an arm and a leg? I don’t really know. But there are products out there. I prefer the ones with the punch rather than the less punchy ones like the organics.
Mark at Insect Shield
This is flea and tick that you’re talking about specifically, are these going to repel? I’m sorry, not ticks? Will the repellents that you’re talking about you do put on the dog or collar? Is that effective against ticks? Or is it really for fleas?
Tick Man Dan
Yeah, no, it from what I understand, in particular, the ones I mentioned, are very effective or can be very effective against ticks.
As far as I understand, (Seresto) has been very effective. All of the feedback that I’ve heard, has been very effective, although there have been some claims recently that there were having some adverse reactions on dogs, but it was a very, very low number compared to how long it’s been out there and how many millions of collars have been sold. Sure. I don’t know, you know, whatever an acceptable risk is, but that’s again something that you’ll have to determine yourself.
Mark at Insect Shield
As a matter of fact, you know, we’ve we had some complaints quite a few years ago about permethrin and cats and so you know, that info sort of persisted. I don’t think there’s ever been a case of a cat you know, becoming ill from permethrin but that kind of builds on social media and whatnot.
Tick Man Dan
What I say is unless you’re going to submerge your cat in liquid permethrin or the cat’s gonna eat like 1,000 treated bandanas, right? And you really don’t have to worry about you know, if you have it on your dog and your dog and your cat are snuggling. I doubt there’s going to be any effects whatsoever. Don’t quote me on that. But that’s my opinion, I think it has to do with the way that the product is metabolized, versus humans and dogs.
But then again, the reason that it’s put on apparel is because once it dries, it becomes non water soluble, right? So it’s hard for it to spread. But so you have to be careful when you’re applying it. Also, when it’s in its liquid form.
Mark at Insect Shield
Right. And that’s, that’s the beauty of the Insect Shield treatment, as you know: Even if we treat people’s clothes that they send in to us, still the same process bonds to the fabric. It’s a heat generated process. And once that’s done, it’s good to go for [five times longer than clothes you treat yourself with spray].
Tick Man Dan
Many, many washings. Yeah, yeah, I’ve had good luck with that, I’ve actually been able to put a bunch of live ticks on a bandana that was treated and did a video of that and watch them curl up and desiccate pretty quickly…. I love watching that, because you know that you can hear the little ticks screaming. And it’s like…
Mark at Insect Shield
All right, well, on that note, I think we should probably wrap up our discussion of ticks and dogs.
Really appreciate it, Dan. It’s always a pleasure talking with you and getting your insights about ticks. So I think we’ll follow on with another interview at some point about testing of ticks, which I’m looking forward to learning about. So thanks so much.
Tick Man Dan
Yeah, tell your listeners to look out for my TickEase product.
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The work sheds fresh light on the relationship between 32 different food groups, drinks and nutrients and the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, with strong evidence that some food groups could help stave off the symptoms.
The findings show that some dietary factors—including oily fish and Vitamin D—could have a protective role and help stop people developing the disease. Eating more cereals, including whole grains and breakfast cereals and fruit seems to be linked to a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis, while drinking more tea could be linked to a higher risk.
But the results are not straightforward, according to research author Yuanyuan Dong, a Ph.D. researcher in the university’s School of Food Science and Nutrition. For example drinking two units of alcohol a week—the equivalent to a pint of lower-strength lager or beer or a standard glass of wine a week—may have a protective effect, but excessive consumption increases the risk of developing the condition.
The protective effect of alcohol diminished with higher intake, disappearing entirely at approximately 7.5 units of alcohol per week—about four pints of lower-strength beer/lager/cider per week or 3.5 standard glasses of wine.
Dong said, “Rheumatoid arthritis is a typical multifactorial disease, driven by both genetic and environmental factors. My research investigates whether dietary factors contribute to the risk of rheumatoid arthritis by increasing inflammation and affecting the immune system.
“These findings offer a deeper understanding of how diet can impact rheumatoid arthritis risk and suggest potential dietary modifications for disease prevention and management.”
And while every cup of tea drunk per day increased the risk by 4%, the baseline risk from drinking tea was low, meaning that even with the 4% increase the overall risk remained low. Tea has many health benefits, the researchers stressed, and people should consider their overall diet and lifestyle when making choices about what to eat and drink.
More research could help even pinpoint how different types of tea might influence autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Dong added.
The researchers are arguing that “one-size-fits-all” advice to follow a general “healthy diet” is not helpful for people who have autoimmune diseases, instead urging a more tailored approach that fits their specific needs.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common autoimmune disease—caused by the immune system attacking healthy cells by mistake. Its symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, swelling and difficulty grasping or holding things. It can lead to long-term disability, but early diagnosis and treatment can significantly mitigate the effects. It affects half a million people in the UK and is more common among older people and women.
Foods associated with a reduced rheumatoid arthritis risk:
Oily fish, Vitamin D, and vegetables showed potential protective effects against rheumatoid arthritis development, but the association was non-linear with evidence showing moderate intake decreases risk but the effect plateaus or even diminishes if a person’s intake is increased beyond this level.
Increased consumption of fruits and cereals was linked to a reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Low-to-moderate alcohol consumption (specifically beer) was associated with a reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis, with each two unit/week increase in alcohol linked to a 4% risk reduction. However the protective effect diminished with higher intake, the risk of RA began to rise once reached around 7.5 units of alcohol per week, indicating no protective effect at higher levels of consumption.
Foods associated with a higher rheumatoid arthritis risk:
Tea consumption was associated with a 4% increased risk per additional cup/day.
Coffee also showed a less pronounced association with increased rheumatoid arthritis risk, suggesting the need for further investigation.
Co-author and Ph.D. supervisor Janet Cade, Professor of Nutritional Epidemiology, added, “This is a comprehensive study taking in the results of thirty different large-scale studies looking into the effects of diet on risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The results are promising, showing that by eating higher amounts of foods like oily fish, cereals, vegetables and the nutrient vitamin D, people may be able to lower their chances of developing this painful and debilitating condition.
“It is also interesting to see that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol—the equivalent of one pint of lower-strength lager or beer, or one glass of wine a week—can lower rheumatoid arthritis risk. However, tea and coffee consumption may increase risk a little.
“More research will help us pinpoint exactly why these foods have the effect we have observed and develop tailored nutritional advice for people living with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.”
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