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.
What is Vitiligo?
Especially in recent years, where media is striving for representation, you may have noticed a few actors or models with contrasting skin pigmentation. Many individuals with these discolored patches of skin have vitiligo. While this condition has only recently been receiving more acknowledgment and visibility, people all over the world have had vitiligo for many years.
Symptoms of Vitiligo
Individuals with this condition exhibit patchy skin color. Many are often born with a monotone skin pigment, and symptoms manifest over the years. Every person suffers from the condition differently, involving a wide range of severity and affected areas. Different types can affect different parts of the body:
- Universal vitiligo: nearly all of your body
- Generalized vitiligo: many parts of your body (often symmetrically)
- Segmental vitiligo: only one side of your body
- Localized (focal) vitiligo: affects just a few targeted spots on the body
- Acrofacial vitiligo: affects just the hands
While the loss of skin color can appear anywhere, some areas of the body are often affected first. These areas include the hands, face, and parts of the body surrounded by openings (such as the genitals).
It may also manifest as the premature loss of color in the hair. Although graying hair is expected with age, vitiligo may cause this to happen much earlier, such as in adolescence or teen years.
Some people may only exhibit symptoms when they are older; however, a vast majority of cases appear before the age of 30. Sometimes, the skin will regain its color over time with treatment. In other cases, the condition progresses. It’s difficult to gauge how vitiligo will impact a person.
Although the disease itself is not life-threatening, there are certain complications individuals suffering from this condition should keep in mind. Vitiligo increases the risk of sunburn, hearing problems, and eye problems. Additionally, the social stigma surrounding the condition sometimes forces individuals to endure social and psychological stress.
What Causes Vitiligo?
On a microscopic level, vitiligo refers to the death of melanocytes. Melanocytes are pigment-producing cells that give skin, eyes, and hair their natural color. When these cells die, the skin is left incredibly pale in appearance. Researchers are not sure of the exact cause of this cell death; however, there are several different theories why one would suffer from the disease.
Autoimmune Disorders
Some experts speculate that immune system disorders are responsible for abnormal behavior. The immune system is responsible for keeping the body safe and healthy. Some believe that when the body’s defense accidentally attacks healthy tissue, it can cause some damage. If the immune system happens to target melanocytes, this theoretically results in loss of pigmented tissue.
Genetics
Researchers found a connection between heredity and this condition. It’s possible that an inheritable genetic mutation is responsible for symptoms.
Environmental Factors
A traumatic triggering event may cause it. Triggering events can include stressful situations such as severe sunburns or contact with an incredibly corrosive chemical.
How to Get Diagnosed
Diagnosis of vitiligo involves a medical examination. A trained physician can assess your case. If you notice patchy pigmentation abnormalities appearing in your skin, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. Although there is no cure for vitiligo, there are several treatments that may help with symptoms.
Treatments for Vitiligo
There are no treatments that stop vitiligo; however, some treatments may get color back in some cases. Depending on the medical assessment you receive, a doctor may suggest anti-inflammatory medication, light therapy, photochemotherapy, or depigmentation. However, these may have side effects to consider and are not guaranteed to be effective.
Above all when answering, it’s important to remember that vitiligo’s symptoms are more superficial than anything. Treatments are available to offer patients desired solutions, but vitiligo is not a dangerous condition that requires much treatment. Aside from taking extra care when the skin is exposed to the sun, if you are comfortable with your condition, there is no need to seek treatment.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of patchy spots, using makeup can help blend your skin colors together. Many individuals found happiness and success from embracing their vitiligo versus struggling to cover it up and blend in.