Nail fungal infection – Causes, symptoms, and management

Nail fungal infection – Causes, symptoms, and management

Fungus is normally present in the body, but when there is an overgrowth, it can lead to infection. One common infection is nail fungal infection, or onychomycosis or tinea unguium. It usually affects the toenails rather than the fingernails, causing them to become brittle and discolored. This infection develops over time, so any changes to the affected nails may be subtle initially. Here are some common types, causes, symptoms, and treatment measures for nail fungal infections. Types of nail fungal infections In general, there are four types of nail fungal infections. Distal or lateral subungual onychomycosis This is a common nail fungal infection caused by a type of fungus known as dermatophyte. This infection can occur in both toenails and fingernails. It usually starts as a yellowish-colored patch in the nail bed, right under the nail. Over time, this patch spreads to the center of the nail from the edges, causing the nail to separate from the nail bed. Candidal onychomycosis This type of infection is caused by yeast. It mostly occurs in the fingernails. The yeast causes the area around the infected nail to become inflamed and swollen. Sometimes, the nail might come off entirely from the nail bed. This usually happens when the nail has been damaged by an injury or another infection. Proximal subungual onychomycosis This is a rare type of nail fungal infection. It usually affects those who have autoimmune health disorders. The infection starts with the development of white spots in the center of the nail bed at the cuticle. As the nail grows, the spots start to move outwards. White superficial onychomycosis This is another rare nail fungal infection. It mainly occurs in the toenails. It starts as white spots on the surface of the nails. Over time, the spots become powdery, causing the nail to become brittle and crumble.
10 Expected Flower and Gift Deals for Black Friday 2023

10 Expected Flower and Gift Deals for Black Friday 2023

For those looking to buy the perfect holiday gifts for loved ones, now is the right time, as many brands and stores will have sales for Black Friday closer to the weekend. To get an idea of what to expect this year, it is recommended to check some of the Black Friday deals from last year. One can also check the websites of famous brands to see if any sale dates have been announced yet. Flower deliveries 1. FTD usually announces their Black Friday deals on their website and discounts some popular flower bouquets and kits. Some products shoppers can expect to be on sale during Black Friday include the Fiesta Bouquet, which starts at $60, the Pumpkin spice succulent duo for $52, and the Sun-Kissed Gerbera Bouquet, which costs $55. 2. One could save 75 to 85% off the pre-mixed garden kits for Holland Bulb Farms’ Black Friday specials. They also had other offers on bulbs – 50 bulbs could be bought for only $12.50, including tulips and daffodils. The Amaryllis gift kits were up to 55% off for Black Friday, pre-potted amaryllis were for $15 each, and waxed amaryllis bulbs were 30 to 50% off. The care instructions for each flower detail are provided, so anyone needing clarification about how to proceed with their choice can read through them carefully and choose the best option. Additionally, they may update their offer page with new discounts and coupon codes for this year. 3. Flower Explosion delivers fresh produce from the farm directly and has exclusive discounts on Black Friday. They have different categories to explore, like wedding flowers, wholesale flowers, and fundraiser flowers, and some people can also get a subscription. Some of the available flowers they’ve had for Black Friday before include the Metallic Purple roses, Ember Noir, Heart of Gold Specialty Roses, Holiday Frosting roses, Snowy red roses, snowy blue roses, and even Jingle Bell Golden roses, all starting from the price of $79.98.
8 fashion mistakes that instantly make one look older

8 fashion mistakes that instantly make one look older

The right outfit can define one’s personality. With changing trends, it can be overwhelming to keep up with fashion. However, there are some basics that one should stick to regardless, including wearing the right colors. While dressing up, many women opt for fashion choices that make them look older than their age. Consulting a personal stylist is not always the solution for many. Here are common mistakes one can avoid  to look their age. Opting for soft colors Wearing pastel-colored clothes is mainly associated with older skin and age. These softer, neutral colors look more flattering on older skin tone, which fades with age. Vibrant colors, on the other hand, can enhance one’s skin tone, giving them a youthful glow. If one prefers lighter shades, consider wearing ivory, beige, nude, or even light gray. Another good combination to explore is baby blue with soft pink. For a more sophisticated look, pair baby blue with navy, charcoal, black, or brown. One can mix and match the top and bottom with these shades accordingly. Wearing black always Black is a versatile color that can be effortlessly paired with accessories and shoes and is suitable for various occasions. However, wearing too much black, from head to toe, can make the person look older as it plays with the complexion of the skin. That said, there is no reason to omit black from the wardrobe. But there are some tips to make blacks look younger and more classy. Wear black on the bottom and pair them with colorful tops. Colorful accessories, like earrings, necklaces, or rings, can add life to the whole outfit. Spruce up the makeup game. Add some color to the lips and make the eyes glitter with neutral gold. On some occasions, add a pop of color to the eyes and leave the lips neutral.
Top tips to ensure a healthy pregnancy

Top tips to ensure a healthy pregnancy

Before you deliver a baby and can take care of your it, you must also take care of yourself and the unborn child. You will find a lot of advice pouring from all corners, but what you must follow or drop is often challenging for a new mother to decide. This guide will discuss tips on improving your physical and eating habits while pregnant and even after delivering a child, such as the following: Treatment options for pregnant women Every pregnant mother must take prenatal vitamins. It helps to start these vitamins early. Doctors recommend starting it the day you hear about your  pregnancy, or even beforehand, if you are planning a family,  because the baby’s neural tube develops into the spinal cord and brain in the first month. Thus, it is vital to add essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and folic acid, to your diet. These vitamins are available at a pharmacy near you without a prescription, but you can also get a doctor’s prescription. Some people feel uneasy after taking these vitamins. So, consume them at night or pair them with a light snack. You can also have a candy or pop a chewing gum afterward. In addition, you must also get a flu shot because the flu can make pregnant women very sick. Moreover, the disease increases the baby’s susceptibility to complications. Hence, get your flu shots at the right time to avoid any severe illness. It can protect your baby even after childbirth. Foods to eat Dairy and dairy byproducts While pregnant, you need more calcium and protein in your foods to cater to your baby’s needs. So, add cheese, milk, and yogurt to your meals. Dairy has two proteins – whey and casein. It meets your body’s calcium, zinc, magnesium, B vitamins, and phosphorous requirements. Whole grains Whole grains have nutrients like folic acid, iron, B vitamin, Vitamin E, selenium, and magnesium.
11 things excluded from Medicare coverage

11 things excluded from Medicare coverage

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people with certain disabilities and people over 65. Original Medicare has two main parts: Part A, which covers the cost of inpatient services, and Part B, which covers the cost of outpatient services and certain medical equipment. Although the program is meant to ease the financial burden of medical costs on people, it can be quite complex to navigate. This article explores 11 things that are excluded from Medicare coverage. 1. Medically unreasonable services and supplies Any services and supplies deemed unnecessary or unreasonable for diagnosis or treatment are not covered by Medicare. These may include: Services that could have been furnished at a lower-cost setting (such as at a nursing home) Services that exceed Medicare length of stay limitations Excessive therapy or diagnostic procedures Unrelated screenings, tests, examinations, or therapies (that the patient has no symptoms for) Unnecessary services based on patient diagnosis, such as transcendental meditation Exceptions to this rule include Medicare preventive services, transitional care management, chronic care management, and advance care planning. 2. Opticians and eye exams While Medicare covers ophthalmologic expenses (such as cataract surgery), it does not cover the cost of most vision services, including eyeglasses and contact lenses or routine examinations for prescription and fitting. Additionally, Medicare does not cover the cost of eye refractions provided by practitioners. Those looking for vision coverage must consider signing up for Medicare Advantage plans. 3. Dental work Original Medicare and Medigap policies do not cover routine dental services such as the care, treatment, filling, or removal of teeth or the structures supporting the teeth (that is, the periodontium, which includes the gingivae, dentogingival junction, periodontal membrane, cementum, and alveolar bone). However, there are certain exceptions for the same. Medicare may cover some dental services, such as an X-ray required for treatment of a jaw or bone fracture, tooth extraction for radiation treatment, oral or dental examination performed prior to a renal transplant or heart valve replacement, or a dental service performed as an integral part of a treatment.
10 must-have jewelry pieces for every woman

10 must-have jewelry pieces for every woman

A big part of dressing up apart from the clothes or the shoes are the accessories that can make or break your style. Jewelry amongst them is one of the star players in adding some bling to your wardrobe. Here are some must-haves jewelry pieces for every lady! Stud earrings A simple set of diamond stud earrings can go a long way! Add this to a simple trouser and shirt combo and turn a dull office look into an elegant evening look. You may also choose some stud earrings in different colors to add some zing. Hoop earrings Hoop earrings will probably never go out of style. You can choose what size suits you best, but we would advise something medium and chic to go with all kinds of outfits. And gold metal, perhaps? Bangle bracelet Use one or stack a couple on top of one another and add some funk to your style, depending on the occasion. A single gold bracelet could do well with some trousers and for everyday use. However, a couple stacked together could go well with a dress or a gown. Choose wisely! Coin pendants Don’t you just love the simplicity of this design! The pendant rests beautifully on the chest and goes well with most outfits. In fact, it could be one of the pieces of jewelry you wear on a day-to-day basis. What do you think? Cocktail rings Just as the name suggests, this is the perfect piece of jewelry for your evening out. Style this with a plain dress and let the bling from the ring gather everyone’s attention. With a piece of jewelry as shiny as this, you can accessorize minimally. Just make sure not to lose it through the night of fun! Stacking rings Casual and chic, these types of rings make for great everyday use.
10 Designer Perfume Deals to Expect on Black Friday 2023

10 Designer Perfume Deals to Expect on Black Friday 2023

The holiday season is just around the corner, during which Black Friday is the perfect time to buy the best perfumes for friends, family, or for personal use. This is because big sale days bring huge deals on popular yet rarely-discounted fragrances from luxury brands. From full-sized bottles to travel sets, brands typically offer huge discounts on perfumes, as seen last year. So, here are 10 designer perfume brands worth considering on Black Friday 2023:  1. Chanel Shoppers rarely see discounts from this top luxury all year round, with the exception of Black Friday deals. Last year, on the big sale day, shoppers could grab some of the popular Chanel perfumes for $100 or less. Additionally, many retailers such as Amazon, Ulta, and Sephora offered discounted Chanel gift sets with $30 or more off the retail price. 2. Giorgio Armani This luxury brand has some of the most sophisticated perfume collections in its inventory that do not carry discounts often. However, last year, shoppers had access to coupon codes through various retailers that enabled huge savings through discounts. For instance, one of the top Armani Eau De Parfum sprays containing notes of jasmine, gardenia, and a light woody base carried a $40 discount last Black Friday.  3. Creed A bottle of Creed perfume costs anywhere between $365 and $1,265. Known for its best-selling cologne for men called Aventus, the brand does not usually offer deals on its luxury fragrances. However, beauty retailers in the country offer discounts on Black Friday, making Creed perfumes slightly less expensive. Last shopping season, shoppers got 10% to 25% off Creed perfumes’ original price at big beauty retailers like Nordstrom, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sephora, and Ulta. 4. Gucci This is one of the few designer perfume brands that shoppers look forward to for great deals every year.
Top 9 alternative uses for trash bags

Top 9 alternative uses for trash bags

Trash bags are one of the most common things one will find in a person’s house. These bags help get rid of garbage like stale food and debris efficiently. But that’s not the only purpose they serve. The compact, lightweight, and cost-effective nature of trash bags lets us use them for other reasons too. These nine uses for trash bags other than getting rid of trash from the house are truly amazing. To collect items One of the most basic roles of a trash bag is to collect waste in a single place. But one could also use it to collect other items in their home, such as stored vegetables, cans, bottles, or fruits. Small items like old toys, blankets, and backup appliances could also be kept safe in a plastic bag. However, people should not forget to cover any sharp edges as this could tear the bag and cause the items to fall. Protection against the rain If it’s pouring on a day someone needs to travel, they could always use a trash bag to keep important things dry. It could be anything, like food, clothes, documentation, and electronics that are sensitive to water. A person could also seal important belongings in a trash bag if they ever need to cross a river while camping. Further, people can keep their shoes and feet dry in rainy weather or a wet region by stepping into trash bags and tying them shut against their shins. Ponchos Even if someone has an umbrella with them, harsh weather may wet their clothes. A trash bag could help in this situation. All one needs to do is take a large trash bag, cut holes for their head and arms, and wear it like a shirt. This temporary raincoat should help protect the individual against wet weather.
4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica. This prescription kills Deer ticks and helps prevent infections that may cause Lyme disease. Such an option must be given to your pet once a month and has lasting effects for up to 35 days. It is suitable for dogs six months or older and weighing at least 2.8 pounds. Other than the Deer tick, Simparica helps kill the lone star, Gulf Coast, American dog, and brown dog ticks. Bayer K9 Advantix II Bayer’s K9 Advantix II is a topical solution for dogs made from a combination of imidacloprid, pyriproxyfen, and permethrin. The formula is effective in exterminating and preventing fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and lice.
4 useful ways to manage Parkinson’s disease

4 useful ways to manage Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s is a nervous system disorder that affects around seven to ten million people worldwide. It occurs due to damage to specific nerve cells in the brain. The condition inhibits movement and leads to symptoms like tremors, stiffness, balance problems, and slurred or soft speech. These emerge gradually and may not be noticeable at the start. While the disease has no cure, the following treatments, meal plans, lifestyle tips, and therapies help manage Parkinson’s symptoms: Treatment options Treatment is necessary to manage the condition and must be started immediately after diagnosis. The popular options are: RYTARY RYTARY helps manage Parkinson’s symptoms like difficulty moving, shakiness, and stiffness. It contains two compounds: carbidopa and levodopa. Levodopa increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, a hormone necessary for normal brain function. On the other hand, carbidopa prevents levodopa   breakdown. It also helps lower levodopa side effects ,  like vomiting and nausea. The dosage of RYTARY is usually thrice a day, but one must consult a doctor before using it. It should not be chewed or crushed but swallowed as a whole to lower the risks of side effects. ONGENTYS ONGENTYS is an oral treatment usually used once daily at bedtime or as the doctor recommends. It has a substance called opicapone that improves the effects of levodopa and allows the brain to get more of it. Healthcare professionals recommend a dosage according to the patient’s condition. One should not eat anything for an hour before and after the dose .  The side effects of opicapone include severe muscle stiffness, fever, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, and uncontrolled or unwanted movements. Those who experience these must contact a doctor immediately. Foods to eat and avoid There is no specific meal plan for Parkinson’s disease, but certain foods help manage the condition. Doctors recommend brightly colored and dark fruits and vegetables like blueberries, spinach, and carrots as these have flavonoids and antioxidants that boost brain health.
Follow these eating habits and other tips to manage osteoporosis

Follow these eating habits and other tips to manage osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens the bones, causing them to turn brittle and fracture. About 10 million individuals in the country suffer from osteoporosis. The deterioration of bones occurs in one of five men. In women, the probability is higher with osteoporosis affecting one in three individuals. Doctors prefer various prescription methods to cope with the condition and may also recommend some food tips. Here we have a few tips for managing osteoporosis: Eat foods to improve bone health One way to avoid osteoporosis is by eating foods to improve bone health. Introducing foods rich in calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, and milk, can nourish the body with calcium. The element is a vital nutrient for the formation and maintenance of the skeleton. Foods rich in vitamin C, E, K, and B also help in improving bone health. A few foods rich in these vitamins are collards, kale, spinach, arugula, swiss chard, and beet greens. Adding these edibles to meals can also introduce minerals like magnesium, selenium, and manganese to improve the quality of bones. Furthermore, eating foods abundant in omega-3, such as salmon and eggs, nourish the bones and promote rigidity. The fatty acid can also curb inflammation that may relieve any pain a person feels in their joints. On the flip side, several foods are also bad for bones. These foods can trigger inflammation and also lead to other complications. Sodium is an element that can drastically impact bone health. A few foods rich in sodium include processed meats, deli turkey, hot dogs, and ham. The element is coupled with other nitrates and nitrites to preserve these foods and enhance their flavor. Other foods such as burgers, tacos, and pizzas also contain excessive salts. Drinking caffeinated products like energy drinks, beverages, and coffee are other unhealthy foods that can trigger osteoporosis.
Latest beauty and fashion trends to check out

Latest beauty and fashion trends to check out

With changing seasons, comes new fashion and beauty trends, and each of these trends reflects the mood of the season. However, this year, beauty and fashion trends have taken a whole new turn. From bleached eyebrows to bold-glossy lips, from colossal platform heels to bold monochrome shades, 2022 has something for everyone. Here are some top beauty and fashion trends you must be aware of to style your outfits in 2022: Loose layers Fashion is not merely about the latest trends. It is about comfort as well. However, what if you could combine both? Fortunately, 2022 is all about baggy, loose-fitting denim puffers and jackets with stylish prints. Furthermore, the designs are gender neutral, exhibiting the progressive mood of the year. Baggy jeans As mentioned earlier, 2022 is all about comfort and gender-neutrality. So, how can one neglect the comfort of baggy jeans? However, far from being limited to just comfort, baggy jeans are also known for their flexibility and versatility. You can combine them with underrated tank tops, simple T-shirts and blazers, or corset tops paired with jackets. They will surely give you a laid-back, practical, and fun appearance. Exquisite one-piece dresses Seasons change, years go by, but exquisite one-piece dresses never go out of fashion. The only things that vary are their colors, textures, and designs. Otherwise, they are every woman’s go-to option for formal occasions like weddings or informal events like dates and casual outings. The fact that they are versatile spares you the perils of rummaging in your wardrobe. Furthermore, they can make you look elegant, light, and beautiful, no matter the occasion. Daytime sparkles Embellishments tend to not only enhance your outfits but also make you look vibrant. Whether a formal office look or a casual chic appearance, daytime sparkles infuse life into your attire.