Fever blisters, more commonly called cold sores, are a bunch of sores that form around the mouth and sometimes on the lips. The sores are painful and often start with a burning sensation or itching. As they progress, they can begin to redden and swell. Cold sores are caused by Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV, which spreads on close contact. Since there’s no cure, patients can use these five remedies to manage their condition better. Aloe vera gel Aloe vera gel is rich in anthraquinone, a strong anti-inflammatory compound. It is also antiviral and can help reduce the swelling present with cold sores. The gel can bring temporary relief from the pain and inflammation as well. One can dab some aloe vera gel over the areas impacted by the sores multiple times daily for healing. Apple cider vinegar Research tells us that apple cider vinegar can protect the body against harmful microbial activity. It can also help remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface faster, speeding up the healing process. However, one should try this cold sore remedy only after speaking to a doctor. Sunscreen Sun exposure can trigger cold sores and aggravate the discomfort and symptoms in those with the problem.

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of disorders caused by poorly formed blood cells or those that don’t function properly. This condition results from something missing in the spongy section inside the bones where the blood cells are formed (bone marrow). However, some signs and symptoms can help diagnose the condition, followed by a treatment or management plan that helps keep the body functioning well. Read more to discover the common signs and a management plan. Signs and symptoms These do not appear at the start and will start to show when the condition has started affecting other body parts. Shortness in breath Unusual paleness caused by a lack of red blood cells, also called anemia Unusual bleeding or bruising that happens often and easily. This is caused by a low blood platelet count called thrombocytopenia Tiny red spots appear right under the skin, and this is caused by bleeding underneath, also called petechiae Experiencing fatigue Frequent infections due to low white blood cells, also called leukopenia Treatment options There is no cure for this disease, but some management options may help slow the progression of the disease, such as: Blood transfusions One approach to alleviate the symptoms of this illness is by utilizing healthy blood cells obtained from a donor to replace the red blood cells and platelets in affected individuals.

Those with a credit score below 579 but over 300 do qualify for a car loan, but it may come with some drawbacks. Taking a loan on low credit usually is more expensive in terms of interest rates than a regular auto loan. However, several banks, credit unions, and lenders may provide auto loans with no minimum income requirement, and some may even accept past credit-related issues. Here is how to get such loans: 1. Research well Even with a bad credit score, one should prepare to negotiate loan terms with their lender. So, one should do some research and make a note of the auto loan rates in the market, average interest rate for those with similar credit scores, amount of monthly repayment one can afford, and annual percentage rate (APR), among other things. When equipped with this information, one is less likely to shell out more than required. 2. Determine the budget One needs to factor in many expenses associated with owning a car, and not just the monthly loan repayment amount. This includes fuel and maintenance costs and insurance. Based on the total cost and how much one can afford to pay for a car, one should set a realistic budget.

Hemorrhoids refer to the swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus region of the body and are also known as piles. Depending on where they develop, they can be classified into internal and external. Various treatment options are available to help get rid of them, including home remedies, minimally invasive procedures, and lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition. Here are some of the treatment options that one can explore. Home remedies and lifestyle changes High-fiber food: Foods with high fiber content soften the stool and help increase its bulk. This means the bowel movement is easy and does not cause strain. Topical treatments: Some doctors recommend using a hemorrhoid cream, which has numbing properties. Soak in warm water: Soaking the anal area in warm water a couple of times a day is recommended. Soak for 10-15 minutes to help relieve discomfort, and repeat as necessary. A sitz bath that fits over the toilet is available. Minimally invasive procedures Rubber band ligation: In this procedure, the doctor may use a rubber band at the base of the internal hemorrhoid, which cuts off the blood flow to the area. After a couple of weeks, the hemorrhoid falls off by itself.

Parting ways with a car one has driven around for years can be an emotional moment. Still, it is a job that needs doing. The individual may want to upgrade to a new car with more space for their family or downsize for financial reasons. In either case, one will need to find a reliable buyer and make a good deal. Here are six tips to help one go about selling their pre-owned car online. Determine the correct value One of the first steps to preparing a second-hand car for sale is to determine its value. The individual could find online dealerships that will check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and gather details about the car’s condition before offering a set value for it. It is important to be upfront about each aspect of the vehicle’s condition to prevent a depreciation in the quoted value at the time of sale. Get a copy of the title Individuals must keep the original vehicle title in a safe place. If one has misplaced it, one should obtain a copy from the appropriate authorities to sell the vehicle and transfer the title to the new owner. Run a vehicle history report Sellers must ensure they offer potential buyers as much information as possible about the car.

Tap water can be contaminated and contain bacteria, dirt, and unpleasant taste or smell, making filtering it before use extremely important. Installing a water filtration system at home is a simple way to ensure one gets safe, clean drinking water. However, to ensure that the filtration system works well and keeps contaminants at bay, one has to choose a suitable filter and maintain it. To do that, one should avoid the following mistakes: 1. Skipping research A good water filtration system ensures that all the impurities and contaminants are removed from the water before one drinks it. However, each home may need a specific type of filtration system. So, it is important to do some research to understand the different types of filtration systems and which one meets most of the requirements. For instance, an activated carbon filter system removes contaminants such as agricultural chemicals, sediments, and chlorine. However, a UV system can remove bacteria and viruses. So, one must first determine the common contaminants present in the water they receive and then buy a filter that can get rid of these impurities. 2. Overlooking filter certification Another thing to consider when buying a filtration system is its certification. If a water filter has been certified by either the National Sanitation Foundation or the Water Quality Association, it means the system is reliable and safe to use.

Urinary tract infections can be highly distressing for cats, although they do not develop them as often as dogs. Older cats are often vulnerable to several urinary tract issues that tend to have certain common symptoms. In such cases, it is a good idea to identify the signs early to consult a veterinarian for timely treatment and control such symptoms. Here are some common warning signs of UTI in cats and their management options Signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections Difficulty urinating If a cat cannot pass urine properly or visibly struggles while urinating, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. The presence of bladder stones or bladder inflammation could cause this difficulty. Blood in urine Urine may be discolored among cats with UTI. Furthermore, sometimes, one may notice a trace of blood in their urine, which is a common sign of UTI, especially among female cats. Avoiding the litter box If cats frequently urinate outside their litter boxes, it may – although not necessarily – indicate that they have a urinary tract infection. So, if a cat urinates outside the litter box often and shows other signs of a UTI, one should consult a vet immediately.

Testosterone is an important hormone that affects many functions in the body. For instance, it triggers physical changes like muscle development, hair growth, and voice changes. The hormone is majorly produced in the testis and ovaries, but the adrenal glands also produce it in small amounts. An optimal level of testosterone is essential for the body to function well. Those with low levels can gradually boost testosterone in a few simple ways. Exercise There are several notable benefits to exercising, and an important one that makes it to the list is increased testosterone in the body. However, the extent of this benefit depends on what kind of exercise one performs and how intensely. Weight training is noted to boost the levels of this hormone in the body for the short term. Minimize stress When stressed, the body’s cortisol level shoots up, which reduces testosterone levels. This is because the two hormones share an inverse relationship with each other. If one goes up, the other comes down, and vice versa. Get more vitamin D Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient that helps one build strong bones and sleep well. Some studies also suggest low vitamin D may be linked to low testosterone.