A Soak Could Help You Find Some Relief Urinary tract infections are one of the most common outpatient consultations in the United States. They are one of the most common causes of fever in the young and elderly and can cause urinary incontinence in women. Yearly, around 250,000 cases of kidney infections or pyelonephritis occur among women in the United States. Costs for the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections in the United States can reach up to a total of $2-3 billion dollars a year. It might seem like a simple infection, but it can be really costly when you think of it from that scale. It is an essential infection to treat because it can lead to serious complications such as sepsis and renal damage if left untreated. That is why a lot of other remedies are being tested to see if they can alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections. This article will discuss how Epsom salt baths are good for UTIs, what benefits Epsom salt baths have, and how to prepare an Epsom salt bath. What are Urinary Tract Infections? What are the Symptoms? Urinary tract infections are infections of the parts that serve as the passageway of the urine out of our bodies; this includes the kidney, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Urine is a sterile substance that passes out of our bodies; therefore, the introduction of bacteria can lead to a bladder infection, inflammation, and pus formation that can lead to various symptoms. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain and burning sensation while urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, and abdominal pain. What are Epsom Salts? What Do They Do? Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate is a white, crystalline water-soluble chemical compound that has been used for centuries to treat various illnesses. Epsom salts are commonly used to relieve sore muscles, stiff joints, itching, skin irritation, and sunburn and are used as relief for headaches or foot pain. Its uses in the human body are varied, and it has been found to provide relief for various ailments, which include urinary tract infections. How is an Epsom Salt Bath Good for UTIs? What Benefits do Epsom Salt Baths Have? Epsom salts provide several benefits for treating urinary tract infections. The primary benefit of using Epsom salt baths for bladder infections or urinary tract infections is to relieve pain. Epsom salt baths can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with UTIs. UTIs present with a burning sensation, pain while urinating, and cloudy urine. The warm, calming nature of Epsom salt baths has been shown to help relieve this. [youmaylike] If you soak in an Epsom salt bath, it can be helpful to reduce inflammation as well. Because they are rich in magnesium, they can help cleanse the urinary tract and aid in the healing process. The increased concentration of magnesium sulfate is believed to help change the environment in the urinary tract, which can lead to conditions unfavorable for bacteria to grow. It can help prevent bacteria from growing or multiplying when you soak in an Epsom salt bath and has a disinfectant property. Epsom salt baths can also improve the circulation of blood in the body. It can cause dilation of the blood vessels leading to improved blood flow, which also promotes the passage of cells that help in the body’s immunity. Epsom salt baths provide an overall relaxing and calming experience that can leave you feeling detoxified as well. Are Epsom Salt Baths the Answer to UTIs? Although Epsom salt baths may relieve urinary tract infection symptoms, there is not enough evidence to recommend using Epsom salts over established treatments like antibiotics. Epsom salt baths are currently home remedies that can be adjuncts to treatment but cannot be used to replace the treatment of urinary tract infections with antibiotic medications. In order to treat the infection, you should still take an antibiotic regimen prescribed by your physician. Are Epsom Salt Baths Risk-Free? Do Epsom Salt Baths Have Any Side Effects? Generally, Epsom salt baths are safe and don’t have a lot of serious complications. However, you still need to make sure that Epsom salt baths are safe for you. The most common side effects of Epsom salt baths include allergic reactions. So if you have an allergy to Epsom salt, it is better that you avoid this. It can also aggravate pain or discomfort if you have an open wound or breaks or scratches in the skin. If you have these, stay away from Epsom salt baths to avoid further complications. How Do You Prepare an Epsom Salt Bath? The general way to prepare an Epsom salt bath is to dissolve Epsom salt in warm water. Epsom salt is easy to find and can easily be bought in health and grocery stores. Recommendations include dissolving 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt in a gallon of warm water to create a water-soak bath. It is important not to put too much to avoid irritation and drying of the skin. Let the Epsom salt dissolve in the water, which can take about a few minutes. If you have a bathtub, you can prepare it to submerge and soak in it. However, this can be done as you shower as well. When you have a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection, you can do a water soak for 15-20 minutes to help relieve symptoms. Rinse after every water soak. This can be done daily or on an average of 2-3 times per week. Doing this soak gives ample time in providing relief until the antibiotics start doing their work and control further growth and multiplication of bacteria, completely eliminating symptoms such as pain. If you think you have a urinary tract infection, consult your physician for an evaluation. Further, you should seek medical attention if you are experiencing any serious side effects from using Epsom salt baths. There are no studies that show that using an Epsom salt bath for UTIs will prevent or cure a urinary tract infection, so it is still important to go to the doctor for proper management. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
Symptoms of Cellulitis
Your skin is your body’s biggest organ. If there is anything wrong with your body, you can ensure that your skin will start showing some red flags right away. One way it shows signs of a problem is through infection. Cellulitis is one such infection that can become serious if it is not tended to right away. But what is it and what are the symptoms of cellulitis? Let’s find out.
What is Cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that is typically caused by bacteria penetrating the skin’s deeper layers through the top layer that is broken. It is usually due to an insect bite or a cut. This infection spreads quickly and causes a slew of inconvenient and harmful symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Cellulitis?
1. Swelling
As the area becomes infected, the skin starts swelling and becomes warm to the touch, and the swelling also becomes painful and red. You may also experience some tenderness, even if the swelling isn’t significant.
2. Blisters and Pitting
Alongside the swelling, cellulitis also causes blisters to form around the affected skin. The skin also becomes pitted, like an orange peel, leading to further skin sensitivity.
3. Fever and Chills
As with any infection, if you get cellulitis, your body reacts by triggering your immune system, thus causing fever and chills. This is a sign of concern. If you do develop a fever, you must seek medical attention immediately.
What Causes Cellulitis?
As stated above, when bacteria penetrate the inner layers of the skin, this causes cellulitis to break out. However, it is not only mosquito bites that lead to skin breakage, and even something like a paper cut can be the cause.
Other risk factors include chickenpox, shingles, skin conditions such as eczema and athlete’s foot, puncture wounds, bites, piercings and even tattoos.
Cellulitis also occurs due to bad hygiene or being overweight. It’s also common among people with chronic edema, so their limbs may stay swollen. Additionally, if you have longer nails, work outside, or even garden, these factors increase your chances of getting cellulitis since it is easier to get bacteria on yourself without really noticing.
How Cellulitis is Diagnosed
Please don’t waste time assuming that you will be fine when it comes to cellulitis. Cellulitis spreads on your skin, so your cellulitis will worsen if the swelling or redness spreads.
If you have an outdoor job that sometimes causes you to get nicks and cuts, or if you experience cuts and nicks because of sensitive skin, be careful of any bruise or cut you see on yourself. If you see a spot on your skin swelling and looking pitted, go to a doctor. You may be tempted to ignore it because the cut is small but swelling and inflammation are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.
It will only take a basic physical exam by a doctor to determine whether you have cellulitis. If they see any marks in and around the swelling, they will diagnose cellulitis.
How to Medically Treat Cellulitis
Cellulitis does not go away with over-the-counter medication. Only antibiotics can eliminate the bacteria strain that is festering in the wound. Although most doctors prescribe oral antibiotics, they may also treat your infection with an intravenous (IV) antibiotic, especially if you become feverish or faint or if the swelling becomes out of control and painful. Your doctor may also advise keeping your affected limb elevated to decrease swelling.
Is Cellulitis Serious?
It is uncommon to get complications from cellulitis because most patients get treated quickly. However, if you ignore the symptoms, the condition can cause deterioration and can become severe over time.
Aside from the swelling, cellulitis can sometimes cause vein swelling if the bacteria spread too close to the skin. It can also lead to blood infections, joint infections, bone infections and infections that affect the lining of the heart valves.
The condition can also lead to necrotizing fasciitis in severe cases, which requires immediate care.
How to Prevent Cellulitis
The best tip for preventing cellulitis is to maintain good wound care.
Clean every injury, even minor injuries, with soap and water. Clean and cover the wound with a dry bandage, and do not attempt to bandage any open, gaping wounds yourself. Instead, seek medical help if the wound is severe or deep.
If you have any skin infections that cause blisters or wounds, get them treated and regularly watch your skin for any signs of infection or injury. Cellulitis can be sneaky, so it is best to stay cautious.
In Conclusion
Cellulitis isn’t severe if you take good care of your body. Keep your skin clean, and always seek medical assistance if you feel like your skin isn’t looking well. Your body will thank you for staying healthy and happy.