You know that flaky white stuff that shows up on your scalp or in your hair, and often on your shirt or blouse shoulder tops? It can be very embarrassing to most people, and extremely inconvenient at times. that dry skin that drifts down from your head can be very light or, in extreme cases, look like an avalanche on a snow covered mountain. Those white patches showing up on your clothes around your neck and clothing is called dandruff, which is dry, dead skin that has loosened from your scalp and is causing you to have an itchy head and an unsightly appearance.According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), Seborrheic Dermatitis is a common, inflammatory skin condition that causes flaky, white to yellowish scales to form on oily areas such as the scalp or inside the ear. It can occur with or without reddened skin. Cradle cap is the term used when seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp of infants. Seborrheic dermatitis is thought to be due to a combination of an over production of skin oil and irritation from a yeast called malessizia. Seborrheic dermatitis appears to run in families. Stress, fatigue, weather extremes, oily skin, infrequent shampoos or skin cleaning, use of lotions that contain alcohol, skin disorders (such as acne), or obesity may increase the risk.Neurologic conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, head injury, and stroke may be associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has also been linked to increased cases of seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis can occur on many different body areas. usually, it forms where the skin is oily or greasy. Commonly affected areas include the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, creases of the nose, lips, behind the ears, in the outer ear, and middle of the chest. Seborrheic dermatitis in infants, also called cradle cap, is a harmless, temporary condition. It appears as thick, crusty, yellow or brown scales over the child’s scalp. Similar scales may also be found on the eyelids, ear, around the nose, and in the groin. Cradle cap may be seen in newborns and small children up to age 3 .Cradle cap is not contagious, nor is it caused by poor hygiene. It is not an allergy, and it is not dangerous. Cradle cap may or may not itch. If it itches, excessive scratching of the area may cause additional inflammation, and breaks in skin may cause mild infections or bleeding. In general, symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis include:•Skin lesions•Plaques over large area•Greasy, oily areas of skin•Skin scales — white and flaking, or yellowish, oily, and adherent — “dandruff”•Itching — may become more itchy if infected•Mild redness•Hair lossAccording to HeadandShoulders.com, for the majority of people, dandruff problems begin with the onset of puberty. (If there are flakes visible in a child’s hair before puberty it’s worth consulting your doctor as it may indicate a more serious condition). During puberty, our bodies start producing much more testosterone. This hormone affects more than just hair growth. Testosterone can also have a dramatic effect upon the production of sebum, an entirely natural substance. Sebum is a greasy substance that protects our scalps and makes it difficult for micro-organisms to live there. however, one organism has adapted to live off sebum. It’s entirely natural that it lives on the areas of our bodies where our skin contains more “natural oils”, like the scalp. The microorganism produces oleic acid which it deposits on our scalps. The way our bodies respond to this causes irritation of the top layer of skin and this leads to an increased turnover of skin cells. They also clump together so we see them as flakes of dandruff. so that’s basically what dandruff is: a scalp reaction that leads to a speeding up of your natural cycle of skin replenishment.The condition can become troublesome when the skin gets infected, according to Home Remedies for You.com. there are two main types of dandruff, namely dry dandruff and oily dandruff. Those with an oily skin tend to suffer from oily dandruff while those with dry skin suffer from dry dandruff. The type of dandruff home remedy that one chooses must therefore be decided according to the type of dandruff. Oily dandruff can be a little tougher to treat as it tends to recur quite easily while dry dandruff can be prevented quite easily. nevertheless, with a suitable dandruff home remedy and a regular hair care regimen, you can get obtain permanent relief from this condition. while most people see dandruff as a purely cosmetic problem that can be embarrassing at times, dandruff can have several serious repercussions. Dandruff increases one’s risk of scalp infections, especially dry skin conditions, like psoriasis and it can also cause loss of hair which is generally temporary but which can be permanent. Dandruff can also cause itching on your forehead and face as it settles on your skin. This may explain why some people tend to confuse the itchiness and skin irritation symptoms of lice, or rather head lice with dandruff. A dandruff home remedy needs to be used for a prolonged period to ensure that the condition is successfully treated. very often, people use home remedies for dandruff for just a week or so and as soon as the dandruff has seemed to have cleared, they stop the treatment. however, discontinuing treatment before the condition has cleared completely will cause the problem to resurface. A dandruff home remedy is usually made up of natural ingredients and can be used for at least two weeks or so as this will ensure permanent relief. while information on home treatments and remedies may help you learn how to get rid of dandruff naturally, it’s often not easy to differentiate between dandruff vs dry scalp. You should consult a physician if you have a serious case of dry scalp or dandruff for more professional medical advice. For more home remedies and information about treatment, visit this website: home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Dandruff.html.According to Medical News Today (MTN), most experts do agree that dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene. here are some probable causes in most individuals:1.) Not enough hair brushing – People who do not comb/brush their hair regularly have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff – this is because they are not aiding the shedding of skin that combing/brushing provides. 2.) Yeast – People who are sensitive to yeast have a slightly higher risk of having dandruff, so it is logical to assume that yeast may play a part. Yeast-sensitive people who get dandruff find that it gets better during the warmer months and worse during the winter. UVA light from the sun counteracts the yeast. Some say, though, that during winter the skin is drier because of cold air and overheated rooms (exposure to extreme temperatures), making dandruff more likely. so, it is sometimes not that easy to know whether it is yeast or just dry skin. 3.) Dry skin – people with dry skin tend to get dandruff more often. Winter cold air, combined with overheated rooms is a common cause of itchy, flaking skin. People with dandruff caused by dry skin tend to have small flakes of dandruff; the flakes are not oily. 4.) Seborrheic dermatitis (irritated, oily skin) – People with seborrheic dermatitis are very prone to dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis affects many areas of the skin, including the backs of the ears, the breastbone, eyebrows, and the sides of the nose, not just the scalp. The patient will have red, greasy skin covered with flaky white or yellow scales. 5.) Not enough shampooing – some people say that if you don’t shampoo enough there can be a buildup of oil and dead skin cells, causing dandruff. however, many experts doubt this is true. 6.) Certain skin conditions – People with psoriasis, eczema and some other skin disorders tend to get dandruff much more frequently than other people. 7.) Some illnesses – Adults with Parkinson’s disease and some other neurological illnesses are more prone to having dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Patients recovering from heart attacks and strokes, and some people with weak immune systems may have dandruff more often than other people. 8.) Reaction to hair/skin care products – Some people react to some hair care products with a red, itchy, scaling scalp. many experts say that shampooing too often may cause dandruff as it can irritate the scalp. 9.) Malassezia – Malassezia is a fungus that lives on everybody’s scalp. Generally, it will cause no problems at all. however, it can grow out of control. It feeds on the oils our hair follicles secrete. When this happens the scalp can become irritated and produces extra skin cells. These extra skin cells die and fall off; they mix with the oil from the hair and scalp, and turn into what we see as dandruff. 10.) Diet – Some experts say that people who do not consume enough foods that contain zinc, B vitamins, and some types of fats are more prone to dandruff. 11.) Mental stress – Experts believe there is a link between stress and many skin problems. 12.) HIV – A study found that 10.6% of people with HIV have seborrheic dermatitis. Two factors should be considered when you treat dandruff, according to MTN: 1. your age. 2. The severity of your dandruff. Shampoos and products for the scalp are available OTC (over-the-counter, no prescription needed) at most supermarkets, pharmacies and many corner shops. It is important to remember that seborrheic dermatitis can be controlled, but not cured with these products. Before using an antifungal shampoo see if you can remove any scaly or crusty patches on your scalp – do this with care. If you manage to remove them the shampoo will be more effective. If you have dandruff on your beard you can use dandruff shampoo on it. Most anti-dandruff or anti-fungal shampoos contain at least one of the following active ingredients: 1.) Zinc pyrithione – an ingredient which slows down the production of yeast. 2.) Selenium sulphide – this reduces the production of natural oils your scalp glands produce. 3.) Coal tar – this has a natural anti-fungal agent. If your hair is dyed or treated remember that long-term coal tar usage can stain the hair. 4.) Ketoconazole – a very effective anti-fungal. Most people who use this are pleased with the results. Experts say shampoos with this ingredient can be used with young and elderly people. 5.) Salicylic acids – these help your scalp get rid of skin cells. It does not slow down the reproduction of skin cells. many “scalp scrubs” contain salicylic acids. Some people find salicylic acid treatments leave their scalps dry and eventually make the flaking of the skin worse. 6.) Tea-tree oil – This oil comes from the Australian Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). A growing number of shampoos now include tea-tree oil as one of its ingredients. It has been used for centuries as an antifungal, antibiotic, and an antiseptic. however, some people are allergic to it. 7.) Green Tea potential – Researchers from the Medical College of Georgia in the US found that green tea may have potential for the treatment of dandruff and psoriasis. Ideally, select a shampoo that has one of the above ingredients and shampoo your hair with it every day until your dandruff is under control. When that happens use them less frequently. You may find a particular shampoo stops being so effective after while, if this occurs switch to one that has another ingredient. make sure the shampoo has time to stay on your scalp before you rinse it off – perhaps about five minutes. If you rinse it off too quickly the ingredient will not have enough time to work. If after several weeks of treating yourself you still have dandruff, you should consider seeing your doctor or a dermatologist (skin specialist). A person with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis will hardly every experience complications. If one were to occur, it would more likely to be caused by one of the dandruff treatments. If you find one of your dandruff shampoos, or scalp treatments is causing irritation, stop using it and ask your pharmacist to suggest another one. Bacteria can get in under your skin if there is a break on the skin of the scalp. If this happens, and you feel unwell, or that area of skin is red, tender and swollen, go and see your doctor.until next time.

A sign on the Summit Township Municipal Building at 8900 Old French Road directs visitors to the former Tupper Insulation Services building near Presque Isle Downs & Casino.

A notice on the township website gives more details: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, the township offices and water authority offices have been temporarily relocated to 8288 Perry Highway.”

The circumstances beyond the township’s control are mold that caused allergic reactions for some township employees and visitors.

“People were getting sick in the building,” Summit Township Secretary Christene Yeast said.

Township officials closed the building in December and will build a new municipal building nearby. Supervisors voted 2-1 on Tuesday to build on Townhall Road, on 2 acres of township-owned land that backs up to the existing municipal complex.

Township Supervisor Tom Church voted against construction, though he said that it’s necessary.

“I’m not opposed to a new building; I think we need it. but I would have liked to know what the difference in cost would be to move our entire municipal operation versus building where we are. I would have liked to see an architectural assessment of both properties,” Church said.

Public discussion about the project, its cost and the location of a new municipal building in a residential neighborhood should have preceded construction approval, Church said.

“I don’t think that, number one, we put this to the board’s test of what and where this building should be or, number two, put this to the public’s test,” Church said.

The abandoned municipal building is more than 50 years old. Originally a house, the building was expanded a number of times. Mold has been a problem in the municipal building for years, and people with allergies seemed to be especially sensitive to it, township officials said.

“It seemed like people who have allergies, immediately on entering the building, started having issues,” said Yeast, who had no reaction to the mold.

People experienced scratchy throats, itchy eyes, skin problems and other allergy-like symptoms in the building. when an employee reported that symptoms were getting worse and were taking longer to subside after work, officials closed the building, Yeast said.

An inspection in December by a Waterford environmental firm uncovered several kinds of mold in the building, township officials said.

Numerous efforts through the years to remove the mold failed, Yeast said.

“Every time we found something, we corrected it. things would be good for a while and then start up again,” she said.

Supervisors could ramp up efforts to permanently remove the mold, but the cost would be “substantial” and there are no guarantees that they’d succeed, Church said.

“No one could guarantee us that, after we put on a new roof, uncovered a whole bunch of interior walls to see where and how deep the problem is, and put in a new heating and ventilation system, new windows, new carpets and new ceilings, this stuff wouldn’t still be there,” he said.

A smaller-scale project in 2011 cost more than $25,000, Church said.

About a dozen people worked in the municipal building, including four district court employees. the court moved out because of the mold and into a storefront in Summit Towne Centre in December. It will return when the new municipal building opens, Court Administrator Tom Aaron said in December.

Some equipment and most township records are still in the building, which will be razed after the new building opens.

“We are running back and forth when we need things,” Yeast said.

Supervisors are renting the Tupper building for $2,500 a month and have hired architect Shelane Buehler, of Buehler & Associates, to design the new municipal building. the township garage and sewer building remain open on Old French Road and will not be replaced.

VALERIE MYERS can be reached at 878-1913 or by e-mail.

When we feel that we have an itchy scalp, most of us would just head down to the grocery store and buy an anti-dandruff shampoo without giving it a second thought. However, while an over the counter itchy scalp shampoo will probably work out in most cases of dandruff, there is more to it than meet the eyes. There are a few other common causes of an itchy scalp that has nothing to do with dandruff.

In this article, we look at some of the other reasons you may be causing an itchy scalp that requires specific shampoo for each causes.

Dandruff

Firstly when it comes to shampoo for itchy scalp, dandruff is the number one reason people buy and use these types of products. Dandruff is just a shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp due to frequent exposure to extreme heat or cold. you should understand that while dandruff is neither dangerous nor contagious, it is also not curable. Dandruff shampoos that you can buy at any ordinary grocery shop may give a temporary relief to itchiness, it is not however permanent. As soon as you stop applying the shampoo, the skin would once again start to flake.

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

If you find that regular anti dandruff shampoo is not curing your itchy scalp, then there’s a good chance that what you have is not ordinary dandruff, but rather a condition known as seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a very common inflammation of the skin due to the reaction with a type of yeast, Malassezia which is found on the scalp. This condition causes an over production of skin oil or sebum. In addition, the yeast produces toxic substances that cause the itchiness and irritation of the scalp. In this case, you may need a special type of shampoo to decrease the oil overproduction in order to treat the problem.

Head Lice

One may think that all the causes of the itching of scalp are caused by the flaking of the scalp skin however you are mistaken. if you’ve tried all the common shampoo for itchy scalp and find yourself in the same spot, there is a high possibility that the itching may be caused by a tiny living organism living on your scalp with the name of the head lice or head louse.

The head lice are tiny wingless parasites that spend their entire life living on human scalp and feeds on human blood. This causes the itching and irritation sensation on your scalp. The head lice is one of the most difficult itchy scalp problems to identify as the eggs of the head lice looks exactly like the scalp shadings or dandruff. The normal treatment to head lice is to use shampoo for itchy scalp that contains permethrin. This type of shampoo can be easily bought at a store without any prescription.

Folliculitis

Next on the list is folliculitis. Folliculitis is the inflammation of one or more hair follicles that can occur anywhere on the skin. It is not caused by your average hair itching culprits such as the shedding of skin, overproduction of oil or the head lice but rather by a bacterial infection at the base of the hair.

Whenever you go to the barber for a haircut, it is common that some of the hair follicles are damaged due to unintentional friction or pulling. In most of the cases, the damaged or hurt hair follicles are infected by a bacterium known as Staphylococcus. In fact, if you look closely a scalp affected by folliculitis, you are likely to see and feel tiny pimples at the base of each hair. Unlike other itchy scalp problems, an anti-itch shampoo will most likely not solve the problem. unfortunately, antibiotics are required.

What To do if The Shampoo for Itchy Scalp is not Working

It is a natural reaction that when you have an itchy scalp, buy an anti-dandruff or anti-itch shampoo for your dry scalp. However, as you can see from this article, there are many different causes for itching of the scalp. if you find that the shampoo for itchy scalp is not solving the problem after a few days to a week, then you may need to visit your doctor for further inspection. There may still be a specific shampoo for itchy scalp that you have to prescribe use.

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View the original article here

1. Dandruff, Itchy Scalp and Hair Loss? a Natural Cure Which can Dramatically Improve This Problem
2. The Five Main Reasons your Head is Itching
3. 15 Loss of hair and scalp disorders and their treatments.
4. Nizoral Shampoo
5. Nizoral Shampoo Review for the Treatment of Traction Alopecia

If a woman is diagnosed with having a yeast infection, her concerns may not be directly connected to the infection itself due to her knowing that vaginal infections are treatable. It is the body part that the infection troubles that she might have the issue with like being embarrassed. Yeast infections are treated on a daily basis on women from around the globe regardless of skin colour. if you know what a vaginal yeast infection is, then you’ll know its not a life threatening condition but if you have no knowledge on the matter then it is good for you to get a better understanding. doing this may help you accept the reason why it is happened and more importantly how to prevent it.

A yeast infection, also known as candidiasis is an infection caused by yeast called candida albicans (fungus) which love clammy body parts, such as the mouth and other moist areas. if a vaginal infection has occurred from this then it is known as vulvovaginal candidiasis. yes it is a rather long word to remember let alone try to pronounce but dont worry; your doctor will know what you mean after you explain your symptoms. Candida can outnumber for many reasons i.e. stress, pregnancy, and sicknesses that affect the immune system.

Although antibiotics are a powerful curing agent they can however destroy the good bacteria that naturally live in the human body. Good bacteria are a vital element in helping keep growth of candida in the vagina under control. Yeast flourish greatly if a young girls blood sugar is high. Before the start of periods (menstruation) is when we recognize this condition to happen in young girls due to hormonal changes. Material tightness around the genitals can give rise for a yeast infection. Douching and particular scented bathroom products can upset the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and make yeast infections more likely. some women believe it necessary to use perfumed products on their vagina, well stop believing because the vagina would be a far healthier organ without feminine sweetness. Never douche unless under GP orders. Use specially created soaps/cream-washes for bathing the vagina. Speak to the counter assistant in the chemist on the best products purposely devised not to irritate or cause vaginal infections.

What to look out for if you have yeast infection:

irritation in the vagina

redness and swelling,

white discharge thick in consistency and appearing clotted with a yeasty smell,

pain/burning when urinating or during sexual intercourse

Discharge is an obvious sign of a yeast infection, and usually one of the first symptoms to show. Not everyone gets the discharge. if there is itching in and outside the vagina then you can tell from this. each individual differs, and due to these differences symptoms can differ also, in terms of type and intensity. A man infected sees the head of his penis affected. the male infection is also seen as caused by the same candida (Balanitis.) Balanitis symptoms, redness, sore or itchy penis tip and sometimes discharge.

Help prevent yeast infections.

Yeast develops in a clammy, moist milieu. keep genital area dry and airy. give genital site room to breathe. if possible go without underwear when you can. Clothing items to avoid are tight jeans, Lycra, nylon knickers, tights, and other synthetic materials that lock in moisture. Do this and you help reduce yeast infections occurring. Scented soaps, bubble baths/lotions, and just in general washing detergents can be accountable for irritation which then gives way for yeast infections. Wear loose breathable fabrics that allow you, not only space, but contribute to airing the vagina. Wear all-cotton panties. keep the vagina/anus dry and free from sweat. if you feel the vaginal area moistening up then bathe, dry and air. Remove wet bathing costumes or trunks as soon as. if you feel restriction on movement while wearing items as such then this tells you they are not ideal. Do you need to see a doctor? yes it makes sense. What you might believe to be a yeast infection may not be. It is due to much confusion that women have as many vaginal problems like they do. they tend to treat their ailments with inappropriate vaginal creams which are unhealthy and dangerous.

Have your GP determine your condition, since other vaginal infections are akin in symptoms but require different medications. You may be asked to bring along to your appointment a sample of urine – to rule out a urinary tract infection. A smidgen of vaginal discharge maybe requested for tests. if you have been diagnosed with a yeast infection your prescription may include oral medication (tablets) or a vaginal cream or suppository. Whatever the medicine follow all instructions accordingly. A suppository will come with an applicator to assist you with vaginal insertion. if you find this uncomfortable do speak with a nurse at the clinic. A yeast infection nearly always clears up with prescriptive drugs and normally as quick as in 7 days. some women prefer using vaginal cream than other for relieving their vaginal itch.

Both non-prescription and prescription medications are 90% effective regardless of time scale. A short time course of treatment will not make a slightest bit of difference to that of taking a long time course. Shorter treatments contain higher doses of healing ingredients while longer treatments contain less. the people we spoke of earlier whose worry lie with the embarrassment thing will more times look to find a home remedy for a cure in hope to avoid a doctors appointment. if you be one of these people who blush easily and is looking to treat your own yeast infection, then make sure you know what you are doing?

Have you ever heard of Reishi, it is a homemade solution concocted up from a medicinal mushroom and widely used in Japan as a treatment? Consult your GP before trying unfamiliar treatments and practicing unknown methods. You only need a little quantity of the mushrooms to feel them working. the good thing about Reishi is, it comes in many ways so you will find one way to suit. It can be added to tea, applied as a tincture or put in syrups, and most common in tablet form. some people find it hard to swallow tablets so therefore these options give them choice. as we speak there has been no indication to say a patient suffering with a yeast infection has had side effects from taking Reishi, nevertheless there is always the first time for everything. Monitor yourself while medication is in progress. another home remedy is called Osha which is effective in fighting bacteria as well as yeast cells, but more importantly for ridding the infection.

Eat yogurt, aside from helping in the vaginal quarters, it is a healthy eat. Yoghurt contains helpful bacteria (live cultures, including acidophilus and bifidus) that kill yeast. Smooth plain yogurt into the vagina using a finger. Be careful and just gently rub no harsh hand movement. Take your time and make sure you’re comfortable before you begin the procedure. Take lactobacillus/acidophilus supplements. Use according to the directions on the bottle. Never do other than suggested in the instructions as it wont speed up the curing process and you can make matters worse. Cut down on sugar and sweet foods. Yeast growth is hurried along by sugar.

Use a garlic clove as a suppository. Garlic contains a natural anti-fungal agent. Peel a fresh clove, wrap it in gauze and insert it into the vagina. Garlic has wondrous benefits for many things. Years ago garlic was rubbed on an open wound before an operation. call into your local herbal shop or chemist and ask to speak to the herbalist or pharmacist about gentian violet or a herbal douche.

Home remedies are the best option for fast relief from yeast itching. though OTC preparations can give fast relief, they often make the situation worse in the long run. So, it is better to stick to the home remedies.

1. Yoghurt:

Yoghurt used as a douche is probably the best know home treatment. There are a few ways you can use yoghurt, but using it as a douche is best. It is also possible to buy empty gelatin capsules, fill them with yoghurt and insert it in the vagina. when using yoghurt as a douche it is important that you remember to wear a sanitary towel to prevent leakage.

2. Apple vinegar:

Another way to obtain relief from yeast itching is by the use of apple vinegar. It is important to stress that it must be apple vinegar as any other vinegar will make matters worse. use the apple vinegar in a low warm bath with about 2 cups of apple vinegar in it.

Taking the apple cider vinegar internally will also help. Add about two tablespoons of apple vinegar to a glass of water twice a day. I agree the taste is awful and if you wish you can also use apple cider vinegar tablets.

3. Garlic:

The consumption of garlic can also be a great help. It is important to eat the garlic fresh and as soon as it has been chopped or even better try swallowing the clove whole. the reason for this is that the chemical in the garlic that combats the Candida loses its effectiveness very fast. the consumption of garlic tablets will also provide relief. It is important to remember that using garlic will take a little longer before you feel the results.

Other measures to prevent and relief the yeast itching:

1. Always use white unscented soap
2. Do not use any bubble baths etc. and do not soak in the bath for long periods. Actually it is best to take only showers.
3. Wear only cotton underwear
4. Do not wear any tight clothing
5. Make very sure to dry yourself properly after you had a bath or shower
6. Do not walk around in a wet swimsuit; change into dry clothes directly after you had a swim.
7. Eat unflavored, unsweetened yoghurt every day.
8. During an infection stay away from bread and all wheat products
9. Do not eat any sugar or sugary foods
10. During acute spells it is also advisable to keep from eating fruit. even though fruit is very healthy, it contains a lot of sugar that is food for the fungus.
11. Eat lots of fresh vegetables
12. Drink lots of water, at least eight glasses a day
13. Refrain from using alcohol or any yeast based drinks
14. If you are in a relationship, always treat your partner as well to prevent you from re-infecting each other all the time
15. Eat as little salt as possible
16. Stay away from sodas, even diet sodas can make matters worse

These are only a few general guidelines to help you get rid of that yeast itching. For real permanent relief a holistic approach is needed that includes diet and other measures. a good e-book such as Yeast Infection No more can really help.

The worst part about yeast infection is arguably the uncontrollable itching. I have no doubt if you are reading this article you know exactly what I’m talking about. You know that you shouldn’t scratch for fear of making things worse but that yeast infection itching is just too hard to resist. so you scratch and scratch and scratch knowing full well that what feels good now will feel horrible only a few short hours later.

The good news is that there are a few good home remedies that can really help you relieve that itching sensation and help you to at least forget about the yeast infection for a short while.

So, without anymore hesitation, if you want some quick yeast infection itching relief try out one of these home remedies.

Use Some Yogurt on the Affected Area

Some people will not do this simply because they don’t like the thought of it but yogurt is probably the best natural relief for a yeast infection and to stop that horrible itching. You can simply apply a little yogurt to the affected area for almost instant relief. The reason for this is that yogurt fights yeast naturally. Make sure the yogurt is plain and without sugar and don’t leave it in the same place for too long. once you feel relief for a few minutes wipe it off and reapply if necessary.

Use Garlic

It isn’t just to get rid of vampires. it will also help to get rid of yeast infections because garlic is a big enemy of yeast. Apply garlic to the affected area for relief. You can also eat large amount of garlic because doing so will help to combat the yeast infection and perhaps even help to remove it completely.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Like garlic and yogurt, apple-cider vinegar can be used both internally and externally. however, you do not want to apply it to your vagina full-strength as it will burn like all get out. instead, add a cup of it to your bathwater and take a nice, long bath. Also, never use white vinegar as it will actually feed the yeast.

Tea Tree Oil

This is a common treatment and has been for a lot of years. Simply place some tea tree oil on the affected area and it could save you from those horrible and irresistible yeast infection scratch attacks

You wrote that people should not give their dogs garlic to control fleas because it could cause anemia. I gave my dog fresh garlic for years. she had a horrible flea allergy, and nothing else helped at all. Without the garlic, she was miserable. by the way, she lived to be 16 years old. You really shouldn’t knock the garlic.

Several other readers agree with you, including some veterinarians. one wrote: “I am a holistic veterinarian with 30 years of experience. During that time, none of my canine patients has had anemia from garlic. Onions, yes; garlic, no. I don’t want dog owners to worry unnecessarily.”

Rely on your vet for advice.

I have just learned that I have high cholesterol and that I need to treat it with diet and exercise. the problem is that I already exercise and eat a very healthy diet. I have read that taking vinegar every day will lower cholesterol. Is this true?

There is some research to suggest that vinegar with a meal can help reduce triglycerides, LDL and total cholesterol in rats and rabbits (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, June 22, 2011; Lipids in Health and Disease, Jan. 28, 2010).

There is little research about the effect of vinegar on cholesterol in humans. We’re sending you our Guide to Cholesterol Control and Heart Health so you can learn more about natural approaches to getting your lipids under control.

Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (64 cents), self-addressed envelope to, Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, no. C-8, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. it can be downloaded for $2 from our website, peoplespharmacy.com.

The guide also describes the pros and cons of cholesterol-lowering drugs and red yeast rice.

I had such painful heartburn and reflux that it would wake me up in the middle of the night. I read somewhere that coconut water helps with heartburn. I have been drinking about two cups of coconut water for four days, and the heartburn is almost completely gone. I haven’t even had to give up my morning cup of coffee.

I cannot believe the quick response that I had to coconut water. I also noticed that I’m not getting cramps in my legs at night. A friend said that might be due to the potassium in the coconut water.

Coconut water is the clear liquid found inside coconuts. it is a popular beverage in the tropics and is indeed rich in potassium.

Your story is fascinating, but we have found no research to show that coconut water tames acid reflux.

We have, however, heard from another reader who reports: “Coconut water helps me with reflux. I drink a box every morning and take no meds. when I had to fast for my colonoscopy and drank coffee on an empty stomach, the acid attack returned. since I was allowed clear juice, I drank coconut water, and my stomach was soothed.”

My 16-year-old daughter was diagnosed with alpha-gal allergy several months ago after numerous trips to the ER. She’s had tick bites that itched, swelled and remained a large, hard knot for weeks.

She’s also had horrifying late-night reactions in which she was covered in hives.

We live on a farm and raise our own beef and lamb. My daughter handles the sheep and cows daily. she has plans to become an animal veterinarian and has worked with the university vet in various procedures without any problems.

Avoiding mammal meat is just a way of life for her now. when she is out with groups (4-H, etc.), she often has to skip what they eat (at hamburger cookouts, for example). her friends understand, as they have seen her with a horrible reaction and don’t want to see that again.

Alpha-gal allergy is initially triggered by a tick bite. it leads to a delayed, but serious allergic reaction to eating meat. Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing or anaphylactic shock.

There is a blood test to confirm the allergy. the only solution is to avoid eating meat. Anyone who would like more details about alpha-gal allergy may listen to our one-hour interview with the researcher who discovered it. Search for radio show no. 830 at PeoplesPharmacy.com

I have been on Catapres patches for several years to help control high blood pressure. My insurance company switched me to generic clonidine patches without my knowledge. Within 36 hours of switching to the generic, my blood pressure was out of control, higher than 200/100.

After a week, I changed the patch for a new one and wondered if that was the problem. I got my doctor to switch me back to the name brand, and within 24 hours my blood pressure was back to normal.

Doctors have known for years that sudden discontinuation of clonidine (Catapres) can lead to rebound hypertension.

Other symptoms may include headache, nervousness and tremor. your symptoms suggest that the generic clonidine patch was not delivering adequate medicine to prevent such a withdrawal reaction.

We recommend that people who think their generic drug is not performing appropriately make a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch program, FDA.gov/MedWatch, and to the generic drug office, genericdrugs(at)fda.hhs.gov.

Are there any simple treatments for severe eczema other than steroids? I just hate to keep smearing steroid cream on my skin all the time.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin inflammation that may be red, itchy, crusty or blistered.

Although topical steroid creams are effective for eczema, chronic use can thin the skin, leading to permanent stretch marks and prominent blood vessels.

Another option might be oolong tea. one study showed that it improved eczema in patients who drank it (Archives of Dermatology, January 2001).

We discuss a number of other approaches to easing eczema in our Guide to Skin Care. They include probiotics, dietary changes, Pycnogenol and CamoCare, as well as high-tech light therapy.

Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (64 cents), self-addressed envelope to, Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, no. S-28, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. it also can be downloaded for $2 from our website, peoplespharmacy.com.

• Write to the Graedons at their website, peoplespharmacy.com. their newest book is “Recipes & Remedies From the People’s Pharmacy.”

Photo: Getty Images

Antibiotics are not appropriate for most acute respiratory infections, according to a report by Linda F. McCaig of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). however, patients continue to expect antibiotics and physicians continue to prescribe them for viral infections. This practice contributes to antibiotic resistant bacteria in both the individual and the community.

The CDC began a campaign for appropriate antimicrobial use in 1995. to see how well this program has worked, McCaig compared antibiotic-prescribing statistics for the 1993 – 1994 winter flu season and the 2007 – 2008 season. She focused on the five most common acute respiratory infections for persons aged 14 years or younger.

The results showed:

1. for sore throat (pharyngitis), antibiotic-prescribing rates decreased 26 percent.

2. for common colds (nonspecific upper respiratory infection), antibiotic-prescribing rates decreased 19 percent.

3. Antibiotic-prescribing rates did not change significantly for ear infections (otitis media), bronchial infections (bronchitis), and sinus infections (sinusitis).all of these are viral infections in the majority of cases. McCaig attributed part of the decrease of overall prescribing rates to the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which has reduced the number of respiratory infections.

The CDC web site explained that children have the highest rates of antibiotic use. one survey showed that doctors prescribe antibiotics to children 62 percent of the time when they perceive that parents expect them, but only 7 percent of the time when they do not feel parent expect them. for acute respiratory tract infections, 80 percent of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary based on CDC guidelines.

Antibiotics are not harmless. The Merck Manual web site lists common side effects as upset stomach, diarrhea, and vaginal yeast infections. Less common but more serious side effects can impair the function of the liver, kidneys, bone marrow, and other organs.

Some individuals have allergic reactions to specific antibiotics. These include itchy rash, wheezing, swelling of the throat, breathing difficulty, and low blood pressure.

Have you been facing serious itching on your yeast infection? Yeast Infection Itching can be a very uncomfortable symptom for most people. Everyone has yeast in their bodies, but if it overgrows, you will start to experience itch. how to stop yeast infection itching?

-Avoid wearing thick and tight clothing
One of the concerns to take note of is to avoid wearing tight fitting clothes and it is also important to keep the affected area dry and clean. if the infection is around the vaginal or penile area, wear loose pants and stop wearing underwear until the condition is better. This is to avoid trapping heat and sweat around the area. This will help to reduce the yeast infection itching and aid the progress of healing.

-Have a healthy diet
Take food rich in fibre such as vegetables and drink more water. Healthy diet will help to develop a stronger immune system and can help to fight against the infection and cure the symptoms faster.

-Avoid eating sugar
Yeast needs sugar to grow and survive. if you avoid eating sugar, it means the food supply for the yeast is also cut off. if you want to cure your yeast infection quickly, you should refrain yourself from eating high sugar food for time being.

A yeast infection is best treated early with effective treatment because if it gets worse, it can even cause painful and burning sensation during urination and sexual intercourse. apart from all these problems, it can also affect the sexual life because the symptoms of the infection can actually cause you not to get intimate with your spouse. you will then also start to worry about the transmitting the infection to your loved one. the soreness and smell coming from the genital area is also very unpleasant.

In order to prevent the infection from getting worse, it is best to seek for effective treatment to get rid of the symptoms because sometimes the infection can persist for months or the chances of the symptoms recurring again can be quite high if it is not treated properly.

Today, more and more patients got their yeast problems solved with natural home remedies because it is safe from drugs, effective and cheap.

Hello and welcome to another rousing installment of You need Help! This has traditionally been done by way of individual Formspring accounts, Autostraddle’s Tumblr and a Formspring Friday column, which has all been very fun and insightful. But, because Formspring has a character limit and we’re wildly optimistic w/r/t our time-management skills, we thought we’d go one further and let you use our ASS private messaging to share advice-related feelings, too.

For more info on sending in questions, see the bottom of this post. Let’s get down to bossing people around on the internet! Today we’re gonna talk about exes, jealousy and drunk straight girls, which — let’s face it — are the best kind of straight girls. Here we go!

Q: My straight girl friend kept drunkenly kissing me at a party last night even though her boyfriend was there and I told her it was weird. now I can’t stop over-analyzing it. How do I figure out what my feelings are doing?

A: Your friend is a tool. That’s my first instinct. if this situation involved all heterosexuals — like the straight girl, her boyfriend and another guy instead of you — I would still think she was a tool. But! because it does involve you and you’re a queer girl, I’m especially irritated by her. I guess there’s a chance that she didn’t mean any harm and would feel terrible if she knew that you were over-analyzing your feelings now, but I’m not giving her the benefit of the doubt. Nope.

Your friend is a tool. Tell her I said that.

Q: Do I tell my girlfriend I am jealous of her new friendship with a girl she once said she found beautiful? This girl beats me in every catagery- she is beautiful and interesting and well-traveled. She has a boyfriend but she might be bisexual. 

A: I normally think you should share every last feeling with your girlfriend, but actually that’s going to backfire at least 10% of the time. This would be one of those times. Jealousy is a thing that’s born entirely inside your head. That’s not to say that it isn’t sometimes valid and based in actual reality, but the feelings you feel — those come straight from your interpretation of things.

And sometimes your interpretation of things is the most relevant part of a situation, like “When you called me a wool sweater, it made me feel sad and itchy.” because in this case, the person who hurt your feelings has actively done something — maybe they said you were as useless as a wool sweater, for example — and you don’t want them to do it again. You want them to understand why being called a wool sweater is offensive and in order to feel safe around this person, you need to believe they won’t say it again. This kind of exchange is useful for the future of your relationship.

But with jealousy, it’s all you. You can’t say, “When your friend is beautiful, it makes me feel inferior.” because what is she going to do? only have ugly friends? is she going to ask her beautiful friends to stop being so beautiful? No. There’s nothing she can do here to change the way you feel about yourself, because this isn’t about being called a mean name or someone dismissing your feelings — this is about YOU.

Wait, let me start at the beginning: sometimes girls are beautiful. One girl being beautiful doesn’t take away from another girl being beautiful. Smart girls don’t make other girls stupid. funny girls don’t make other girls bland. One girl’s possible bisexuality doesn’t take away from another girl’s gayness, either. And if this girl finds a way to make her hair the softest and shiniest it can ever be, it won’t take away from how cute your hair looked yesterday. Your hair looked really cute yesterday! mine didn’t, but maybe it will today. that doesn’t matter. She doesn’t matter. You matter!

Also ‘jealousy’ is a blanket term, like ‘anger,’ that doesn’t really explain anything or exist on its own; it never gets to the source. You’re not jealous, actually — your feelings are from something else. if I feel jealous of a person, it’s usually because I’m embarrassed about something in my own life that I know I could’ve done better. So I’m embarrassed, not jealous. like if a girl has a great ass, and my gf happens to notice, my number one feeling isn’t that I hate this girl for having the great ass, or that I hate my gf for looking, it’s GOD I WISH I’D DONE MORE YOGA LAST WEEK. I AM LAZY. I SHOULD’VE DONE YOGA INSTEAD OF WATCHING DISAPPEARED ON NETFLIX. SHIT. because really, I should’ve done more yoga last week, you know? the girl with great ass can have that great ass, I want my own great ass, which is subjective, really, and maybe I should’ve used an example involving cupcakes or something, but the truth is that I don’t really care about baking, so it would’ve lacked authenticity.

If you feel jealous, take some time to get to what you’re really feeling. if what’s bothering you turns out to be something about yourself that you can and want to improve, great! Get started! if it’s an inferiority complex about how close together your eyes are or how you wish your legs were longer, let it go. Just let it the fuck go. Your legs will never get longer and there are your eyeballs, right where they’re gonna be. the end! And guess what — this is the best part and that’s why I saved it for last — your girlfriend is dating YOU, punk. Not that girl or another girl, but YOU.

And yes, sometimes we date people who fuck with our heads and do shady things that make us crazy with self-doubt, jealousy and depression, and those people should be forced to squeeze lemon juice onto their yeast infections, but I’m assuming this isn’t your situation. if it is, break up with her. Head games that lead to jealousy are NOT your fault and if your girlfriend is fucking with your feelings like that, we think she’s a tool, too.

Q: Do you think it is wrong to date a friend’s ex? How would you tell your friend that you’re dating their ex?

A: Do I think it’s wrong? Have you counted how many gay girls are within a 25 mile radius of you? Not only is it not wrong, but it’s also probably not avoidable. I understand why you’d be concerned, though. There are ~three things that may cause your friend to have a difficult time with this situation and they are:

1. How/why their relationship ended. if the break-up was especially horrible or traumatic, just the thought of her ex might be too much for her to handle. if the ex did something really nasty, like cheat on her, your friend probably won’t want you to date someone who’s capable of such atrocities.

2. She still has feelings for her. This is a judgment call — you could either let her lingering feelings trump whatever you’ve started feeling and bow out of things, or! You could see where your feelings take you, based on the fact that you have but one life to live, etc. No two feelingsfests of this nature are the same and each will require that you take several things into consideration before making your decision, you know?

3. She wonders if either of you had feelings for each other while they were still together, or some other form of self-doubt. This is rare, I think, but sometimes late at night after we’ve consumed the entire bottle of $3.99 cab, we may start to wonder, “Were they planning this? did [person] use me to get closer to [person]?? in what ways did I fail with [ex] where [friend] is now succeeding? am I a failure? should I make a list and take it to my therapist tomorrow?” This kind of thinking is usually just ridiculous and unfounded and typically only happens in movies or on soap operas. also, it will probably pass quickly, unless A) she’s right or B) she’s crazy. if either A) or B) are the case, there’s really nothing you can do, I think.

I would say that you tell her face-to-face if possible. Wait, sometimes it’s better to relay information in written form, so the person has time to gather their thoughts and calm themselves. But also, having time to gather their thoughts can sometimes mean having time to drive themselves a little nuts with assumptions and misinterpretations, too. This will be another judgment call on your part. Take all that you know about your friend and this situation into consideration and determine which form of communication would work best! There, that wasn’t really advice at all, was it? You win some/lose some.

Ok, your turn! Have you dated your friend’s ex or spoken up about jealousy or kissed your drunk straight friend in front of her boyfriend? How did those things work out for you? What should these people do? What’s your favorite $3.99 cab? I like Green Fin!

To send your question via ASS personal messaging, choose an editor: Riese | Laneia | Rachel or ask any team member you’d like: Meet the Team *If messaging is down, email us! There are so many options, you guys! You could send carrier pigeons!* for 100% anonymity, contact us through Formspring:  Riese | Laneia | Rachel

Please keep your questions to around, at most, 100 words. due to the high volume of questions and feelings, not every question or feeling will be answered or published on Autostraddle. We hope you know that we love you regardless.