Fungal skin infections are a common occurrence, and many people will experience some variation of a fungal infection during their lifetime. They are caused by many different kinds of fungi, including yeasts.[1]

A fungal infection can refer to a variety of different conditions, from athlete’s foot to ringworm. Nail infections are also common issues that can be found on both hands and feet, as a result of the presence of one fungus or another. They most commonly start at the edge of the nail.[2]

A quick search online will show you plenty of common household ingredients claiming to be the miracle cure for fungal infection. But what are these so-called cures, and do they actually work?

Garlic

Garlic is one of the best-known home remedies for fungal infection, considered to have antibiotic qualities. In particular, the major biologically active component of garlic, Allicin, exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties.

However, there is no definitive medical answer as to whether garlic is an effective cure for fungal infections, and results from studies have been mixed. One piece of research conducted in 2006 found garlic to be a promising component in reversing the effects of fungus growth.[3] However, another study found the effects of short-term doses of garlic to be inconclusive.[4]

Cranberry Juice

It’s commonly stated that cranberry juice can help to alleviate a urinary tract infection, or UTI, thanks to the presence of nutrients believed to stop fungal bacteria from sticking to the mucus membranes.

However, recent research has found that the main benefit of drinking lots of cranberry juice when suffering with an infection is simply staying hydrated. In this sense, cranberry juice specifically isn’t really any more effective than drinking plenty of water. A Yale University study looked at 185 women over the course of the year and found that cranberries had no significant effect on bacteria in urine.[5] Staying hydrated dilutes the urine, making it seem as though the infection is passing.

Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is another ingredient frequently hailed as a cure for fungal infections. There is some truth to this, as one study found that coconut oil can help to tackle certain strains of yeast, particularly those present in vaginal infections, due to the medium chain fatty acids in the oil itself.[6]

As such, coconut oil is an established anti-fungal. However, research into the area is limited and further studies are needed in order to determine the possible long- and short-term effectiveness of using coconut oil to treat yeast infections.

Your best bet? Anti-fungal medication

While some home remedies may go some way to relieving symptoms of a fungal infection, none have been shown to have the consistent, proven effectiveness of clinically-tested anti-fungal medication.

Anti-fungal medication is the first and most important aspect of treatment advised to anyone suffering with an infection of this kind.[7] Fungal issues of the nail, in particular, do not clear up by themselves, and can require a long-term course of specifically tailored condition in order to clear up the infected area fully.[8]

The NHS advises simple lifestyle changes such as keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing clean socks every day, wearing flipflops in public showers and getting rid of old shoes.[9]

These are habits that are advised to be carried out alongside the necessary medication, not instead of it.

You can find effective and safe anti-fungal treatment at Express Pharmacy. Curanail is designed to treat mild fungal infections in the fingernails and toenails. If you have any further queries, contact the Express Pharmacy team today by calling 0208 123 07 03 or by using our discreet Live Chat service.

[1] Bupa UK. Fungal Skin Infections. 2018.

[2] NHS UK. Fungal Nail Infections. 2017.

[3] Shams-Ghahfaroki, M. et al. In vitro antifungal activities of Allium cepa, Allium sativum and ketoconazole against some pathogenic yeasts and dermatophytes. Fitoterapia. 2006.

[4] Watson, C. J. Allium sativum (garlic) and candidiasis. Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care Academic Centre, The University of Melbourne. 2013.

[5] Juthani-Mehta, M, PhD. et al. Effect of Cranberry Capsules on Bacteriuria Plus Pyuria Among Older Women in Nursing Homes. Jama. 2016.

[6] Ogbolu, DO. et al. In vitro antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on Candida species in Ibadan, Nigeria. US National Library of Medicine. 2007.

[7] NICE. Fungal skin infection – body and groin. 2018.

[8] British Association of Dermatologists. Fungal infections of the nails. 2017.

[9] NHS UK. Fungal Nail Infections. 2017.

Hair loss is rarely something to worry about from a medical standpoint. Losing hair to some degree is normal for everybody. We tend to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day without noticing.[1]

But for many people, the onset of balding can be emotionally distressing. High levels of hair loss can take its toll on your confidence and overall wellbeing, and you may be left feeling powerless and confused.

Understanding what’s behind your hair loss is the first step to overcoming these feelings. We’re going to take a closer look at this condition, including many of the myths that surround it and the possible treatments available.

What is hair loss?

Hair loss can often be a distressing experience, and in many instances it has a significant detrimental effect on the sufferer’s quality of life[2] with people suggesting that it contributes to low self-esteem. The most common form of hair loss is male pattern baldness, or male pattern hair loss.

In the case of male pattern hair loss, high levels of androgens, including DHT, can shrink your hair follicles and shorten the growth cycle, which can cause hair to appear thinner and more brittle.[3] DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a by-product of testosterone.

What causes hair loss?

Hair loss can be the result of many different factors, from stress and family history to nutrition and diet.[4] In certain situations, hair loss can be the sign of a larger health concern, such as iron deficiency, extreme weight loss or cancer treatment.[5]

But with so many factors involved in hair loss, a great deal of misinformation gets spread about the condition. This makes it even more confusing to work out exactly what is behind your symptoms. Let’s explore some of the widely regarded facts and myths surrounding hair loss.

Swimming?

For a long time, people have held the belief that continuously exposing your hair to pool-water can lead to baldness. This is largely based on the course, dry feeling of your hair after using a pool treated with chlorine.

However, evidence suggests that in order for swimming to be the sole cause of hair loss, the swimmer would have to be allergic to the pool’s chemicals, or the chlorine levels would need to be dangerously high.[6]

Hats?

Another common untruth surrounding hair loss is that wearing a hat can make it more likely. However, while it is true that frequent hat wearing can lead to the loss of hairs, these hairs would have to be vulnerable to shedding already in order to be affected. In other words, you need to already be at risk of hair loss in order to lose your hair as a result of wearing a hat, meaning your hat isn’t to be held responsible.[7]

Hair dryers?

Similarly, drying your hair with a hair dryer is unlikely to be the sole cause of significant hair loss. However, hair loss can occur as a result of overtreating your hair.

This form of hair loss, known as traumatic alopecia, is caused by potentially damaging hairdressing techniques. These include pulling the hair into tight braids, twisting the hair, exposing the hair to extreme heat or bleaching the hair with strong chemicals.[8]

Stress?

Anxiety can lead to hair loss. This connection may present itself in several different ways. For example, stress may cause you to pull at your hair as a nervous habit, or your diet may suffer meaning your hair becomes weaker and more susceptible to falling out.

Telogen effluvium is a specific form of hair loss which occurs following a major body stress, such as major surgery, serious infection or a prolonged illness. It can also happen after a significant change in hormones, such as for women after giving birth.[9]

Hormones?

It is thought that, overall, hormones do have a role to play in hair loss. In the past, the level of testosterone itself has been thought to have an impact on male baldness. However, more recent studies appear to contradict this theory. One German study found that total testosterone was not significantly associated with general hair loss in male participants.[10]

In fact, as outlined earlier, it is a particular by-product of testosterone – DHT – which is at the root of much male pattern baldness.

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) can occur at any age, although it is most common during the menopause. This does not necessarily mean that hormones are solely responsible, but oestrogen may have a protective role. Genetics are thought to be an important factor in FPHL.[11]

Genes?

A family history of hair loss can increase your risk of suffering from hair loss, particularly male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness or male pattern hair loss (MPHL) is the most common type of hair loss among men, affecting as many as half of men over the age of 50.[12] It is also known as androgenetic alopecia. It is thought that men are more susceptible to the symptoms of MPHL if they have a family history of the condition.

How to prevent or reverse hair loss

There are many different factors which have been suggested as ways to avoid hair loss, from changing your hair products to investing in technology like a laser comb.[13] Sometimes, studies occur which seem to offer hope to sufferers of hair loss. For example, a 2016 Japanese study found that scalp massages increased hair thickness in 24 weeks.[14] While encouraging, results like these do not necessarily mean that such treatments will work in all cases of hair loss.

Some of the more extreme treatments for hair loss include hair transplantation, scalp expansion or reduction, flap surgery and skin lifts and grafts.[15]

Medications like Propecia and its generic equivalent, Finasteride, have been proven to effectively slow and even reverse the symptoms of male pattern baldness. After two years of treatment, 99% of men had visible results – 66% had hair growth and 33% had no further hair loss.[16]

As such, many men suffering from hair loss find medication to be the safest and most effective way to treat their symptoms.

Discover effective hair loss treatment at Express Pharmacy. If you have any queries about your health, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact our NHS-approved pharmacists today by calling 0208 123 07 03 or leave your enquiry by using our discreet online Live Chat service.

[1] NHS UK. Hair Loss. 2018.

[2] Phillips, TG., Slomiany, WP., Allison, R. Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatments. American Family Physician. 2017.

[3] Healthline. What You Need to Know About DHT and Hair Loss. 2019.

[4] MedicinePlus. Hair Loss. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 2019.

[5] NHS UK. Hair Loss. 2018.

[6] Belgravia Centre. Can Swimming Pools Cause Hair Loss? 2013.

[7] LiveStrong. How Do Hats Cause Thinning Hair? 2017.

[8] Harvard Health Publishing. Hair Loss: What is it? 2018.

[9] Harvard Health Publishing. Hair Loss: What is it? 2018.

[10] Kische, H. Arnold, A., Gross, S., Wallaschofski, H., Volzke, H., Matthias, N., Haring, R. Sex Hormones and Hair Loss in Men from the General Population of North-Eastern Germany. JAMA Dermatology. 2017.

[11] Women’s Health Concern. Menopausal Hair Loss. 2018.

[12] British Association of Dermatologists. Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia). 2012 [Reviewed 2019]

[13] The Guardian. Seven ways… to avoid hair loss. 2018.

[14] Koyama, T., Kobayashi, K., Hama, T., Murakami, K., Ogawa, R. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty. 2016.

[15] UCLA Health. Hair Loss. UCLA Dermatology. 2018.

[16] Kaufman, K. et al. Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride Male Pattern Hair Loss Study Group. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1998.

As its name suggests, the common cold is one of the most prevalent health conditions around the globe. Almost all UK adults will experience a cold at some point int their lifetime, but luckily, the condition tends to be mild. Usually lasting no more than a week or two, the common cold can generally be treated with rest, sleep and plenty of fluids.[1]

Although we tend to think of a cold as something that strikes in winter, research shows that the condition can easily catch us off guard as the weather gets warmer.

Are colds more common in spring?

A study published in the American Society for Microbiology found that, although the common cold is most dominant in winter, the arrival of spring sees it get a second wind.[2] So though the cold can be seen as a winter condition, it can still strike as the temperature rises.

This is partly because any shift in climate and season can leave us more vulnerable to illness. Our bodies get used to dealing with a certain kind of environment, so when that changes it can force the body into a period of adjustment. This is a view shared by Dr Bradley Chipps, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, who states that changes in barometric pressure, temperature and wind can compromise your immune system’s built-in defences against cold and flu.[3]

It’s also possible that people are more likely to venture outside in spring and interact with others. This is good for our overall health, but potentially risky when it comes to colds. The weather may have warmed up a bit but could still be cool enough to encourage the spread of cold viruses. Factors like these may account for studies that have found spring to be an even more important time for rhinovirus transmission than the early autumn.[4]

Are spring and summer colds worse than their winter counterparts?

The rhinovirus is the most common cause of the cold, responsible for as many as 50% of cold infections.[5] Rhinovirus has been shown to thrive best in colder, drier climates[6] but other causes of cold-like symptoms, such as enteroviruses, are more common in the summer and can lead to more severe symptoms.[7]

A study published in Health Psychology found that spring and summer colds can feel worse than winter ones because they’re unexpected, and patients feel like they’re suffering alone. In other words, feeling like your missing out on fun in the sun can actually make your symptoms feel worse.[8]

In some cases, people may experience cold-like symptoms when they’re actually suffering from common springtime health concerns – typically hay fever. Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is an allergic reaction to pollen, which starts to become more prevalent in the atmosphere during spring. Between 10 and 30% of all adults suffer from hay fever[9], and symptoms can include sneezing, coughing, a blocked nose, itchy eyes, headaches and lethargy, all of which are also common in colds.[10]

So while the common cold may be at its most common in winter, it’s a good idea to take precaution against the condition all year round.

Find safe and effective antihistamine medication here at Express Pharmacy. Click here to see our hay fever treatments for yourself or get in touch with our team today by calling 0208 123 07 03. You can also use our discreet Live Chat system to discuss your health concerns.

[1] NHS UK. Common Cold. 2017

[2] Jacobs, SE., Lamson, DM., George, KS. & Walsh, TJ. Human Rhinovirus. American Society for Microbiology. 2013.

[3] Heid, M. Why are you more likely to get sick when the seasons change? TIME Magazine. 2018.

[4] Monto, AS. The seasonality of rhinovirus infections and its implications for clinical recognition. Clinical Therapeutics. 2002

[5] Annamalay, AA. et al. Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Human Rhinovirus Infection in Healthy Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Western Australian Children. 2013.

[6] Ikäheimo, TM. et al. A Decrease in Temperature and Humidity Precedes Human Rhinovirus Infections in a Cold Climate. 2016.

[7] NIH. Catching a Cold When It’s Warm. 2012

[8] LeRoy, AS., Murdock, KW., Jaremka, LM., Loya, A. Loneliness Predicts Self-Reported Cold Symptoms After a Viral Challeneg. Health Psychology. 2017.

[9] Allergy UK. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay fever). 2013

[10] NHS UK. Hay Fever. 2017

High Fevers. Bone-breaking Chills. Abdominal Pain. And, oh, those muscles aches. Like you’ve just hiked 10 kilometres straight uphill with no relief! With symptoms like these, should you even visit countries that are at risk for malaria? Is it worth taking the chances? What should you do? Should you even travel?

The answer is a cautious maybe. Careful planning and taking the right precautions can help to ease any fears you have about travelling abroad. And it is always wise to “think about health in advance of your trip," says Bradley Connor, MD, a travel health specialist at Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

Here is some common sense advice to help keep you free of malaria:

1. Understand What Malaria Is

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite that the female Anopheles mosquito is infected with; this incredibly tiny parasite attaches itself to the mother mosquito and when she bites humans to feed her growing eggs, she injects the parasite into the human host as well.

The parasite makes its way through the bloodstream and eventually lands within the liver to grow. Each little parasite attaches itself to red blood cells, and produces more parasites until the red blood cell bursts open. When this happens, it releases all the growing parasites to attach themselves to even more red blood cells, and you start to feel very, very sick.

There are five specific species of the Plasmodium parasite that a mosquito can carry:

Plasmodium falciparum

Plasmodium malariae

Plasmodium vivax

Plasmodium ovale

Plasmodium knowlesi

Of the five types, plasmodium knowlesi is rarely contracted by humans, as it typically only infects monkeys. The deadliest of the types is Plasmodium falciparum. Scientists Against Malaria say, “Almost every malarial death is caused by P. falciparum” as it has a unique ability during the multiplication of the parasite to make the red blood cells become very sticky in the veins and capillaries. If the parasite is not treated (and killed) by medication, it can kill the person by clogging the blood supply that feeds the brain or other vital organs.

The other three types of malaria (malariae, vivax, ovale) can cause a great deal of misery, but they are rarely fatal.

2. Know the Hotspots for Malaria

When considering places to visit, remember, mosquitoes like warm and moist areas. Warm areas that have lakes, streams, rivers, and jungles. Most notably these will be in the tropics and subtropical areas where mosquito populations are greatest. Deserts typically have much lower mosquito populations due to the dry, arid conditions but in areas with water, such as an oasis, malaria-carrying mosquitos may be found.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, “The highest transmission is found in Africa, South of the Sahara, and in parts of Oceania such as Papua New Guinea.” If you are travelling anywhere along the equator, it is good to research your trip’s locations to see if you are at risk of contracting malaria. Fit for Travel is one such excellent website that can provide you with the most up-to-date information.

3. Be Prepared

Anti-malarial medications can help to kill the Plasmodium parasite within your body, and there are three main options to choose from:

Malarone – This medicine is started two days before your trip and continues for one week after you return. Side effects are usually minimal as this medicine is well tolerated in most people, but they can include coughing, headache, nausea, dizziness, and weakness.

Doxycycline – The medicine is taken two days prior to the beginning of your travels, and it continues until four weeks after your return. Side effects can be a heightened sensitivity to sunlight (you can get a nasty sunburn), and it can also cause blurred vision, headache, thrush, and diarrhoea.

Lariam – A once-a-week table to prevent malaria; this medicine is started (preferably) two weeks prior to your trip and continued until four weeks after your return. Lariam can cause some noticeable side effects like nausea, headache, abdominal pain, convulsions, nightmares and even depression.

4. Understand Your Current Health

Dr. Bradley Connor also says “If you have a chronic health problem, get a check-up before you leave." Travelling can bring out the best and worst in your health, so it is good to know what you are dealing with prior to leaving to ensure that you will feel great on your trip.

There are some travellers who should not visit areas that are endemic with malaria. Women who are currently pregnant should avoid travelling to areas with malaria if at all possible. The CDC states “infection in pregnant women can be more severe than in nonpregnant women. Malaria can increase the risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including prematurity, abortion, and stillbirth.”

Those who previously lived in endemic malaria areas, moved away, and want to return should also carefully reassess their health. For some types of malaria, the body can create immunities against the parasite. However, this immunity can quickly lessen over time, and they will be at the same risk as a first-time traveller.

Who else should be cautious about their health in areas with malaria?

Those on immune-suppressing drugs

Organ transplant patients

People undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy

Those who have recently undergone surgery or suffered a heart attack or stroke

5. Prevention 101: Don’t Get Bitten!

One of the best ways to avoid being bitten by the mosquito is to keep it away from your skin. Try these easy steps:

Stay inside during the late evening and early morning hours when mosquitoes are most active.

Wearing long sleeved clothing, trousers, and long skirts can help to shield you from the bites. Note: keep those shirt-tails tucked in to protect your back and stomach areas.

Wear socks and shoes; no sandals. It also helps to tuck your trousers into your socks to ensure that no skin is exposed.

Always sleep under a mosquito net – preferably one that has been treated with an insecticide.

Use bug spray that has 20-40% DEET in it. Picaridin and Lemon Eucalyptus oil are DEET-free options that can be used, but remember, they should be applied more frequently to provide the right protection.

6. Know The Symptoms

Most children and travellers know the sight of a mosquito bite; it is a red, raised itchy bump on your skin. However, the female Anopheles mosquito does not leave a mark at all. Additionally, the mosquito’s saliva can act as an anaesthetic, so most people do not even know that they were bitten by the mosquito until the symptoms start showing. Because of this, it is important to know the symptoms of malaria. The treatment of the disease works better and faster when it is first discovered versus waiting until you are extremely sick.

According to WebMD, the symptoms are shaking chills, high fever, profuse sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, yellowing skin, diarrhoea, muscle pain, convulsions (like a seizure), and bloody stools.

7. Keep Your GP Informed

Your general practitioner (GP) should be informed of your travels to areas that have malaria. This information can help them prepare you for the trip and keep you healthier. Additionally after, returning from these areas, you may want to have a follow-up appointment as well. This may seem as if you are overdoing it, but malaria can mimic many different illnesses initially. It can appear as flu-like symptoms, migraines, gastrointestinal illness (stomach bug), and even worse conditions like seizures or bleeding in the intestines. If your GP knows that you have visited areas with malaria, they can be vigilant to order the right tests if you do become ill.

Another important consideration is Plasmodium vivax. This type of malaria is one of the more confusing types. It can lie dormant (asleep) within your body for months or years, and then suddenly arise causing many symptoms. While it is typically not fatal in of itself, it can interfere with your current health problems and worsen them. If you already have difficult, chronic health conditions, you may struggle more than usual

It is our goal here at Express Pharmacy that you return from your travels with happy memories and are as healthy (or even healthier!) than when you left. Being prepared for malaria is very important, and we are here to help you get ready in the most effective way possible. Discover medications for your anti-malarial needs – here at Express Pharmacy. We can help you gain access to effective treatment swiftly and discreetly. Contact us today by calling 0208 123 07 03 or by using our online Live Chat service.

Premature ejaculation is the term used to describe a situation in which a man reaches climax too quickly during sexual intercourse. It’s the most common ejaculation problem in the UK. As a general rule of thumb, premature ejaculation is typically diagnosed when a man continually ejaculates within one or two minutes.

One potential way to help treat premature ejaculation is with kegel exercises.

A lot has come to light about kegel exercises and the benefits they have when it comes to strengthening your pelvic area, but what's true and what's a myth? We’re going to take a closer look at these exercises to determine whether they truly are the best way to tackle premature ejaculation.

What Are Kegel Exercises and What Are The Benefits of Kegel Exercises?

Kegel exercises are designed to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Generally speaking, your pelvic floor muscles are the muscles on your thighs, buttocks and lower abdomen. It has long been known that through strengthening these areas, you can have a positive impact on your sexual function and performance.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation such as kegel exercises have been shown to be an effective means of delaying premature ejaculation, as they help to strengthen the pubococcygeus muscle. One study found that, after 12 weeks of pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation, 82.5% of participants had gained greater control of their ejaculatory reflex.

How Do You Do Kegels Correctly?

Common kegel exercises, also known as slow kegels, involve simply contracting your pelvic floor muscles, holding for five seconds and then relaxing them. Repeat this up to ten times, pausing in between for five seconds of relaxation.

Over time, you can start to increase the length of time you contract your muscles for. You can also move on to fast kegels, which involve the exact same movements but carried out at a faster speed.

Good times to practise kegel exercises include when you wake up in the morning, after going to the toilet and before going to bed.

What Should A Kegel Feel Like?

Kegel exercises feel like a slight tightening around your pelvic area. They are not painful when done correctly nor should exhaust you.

Kegel exercises can be practised at near enough any time throughout the day. The best way to ensure that you're doing them correctly is by tightening the muscles which prevent you from passing gas. This exact movement is a kegel exercise.

As your pelvic floor muscles get stronger, you should be able to practise this movement with ease, moving on to doing so while standing or walking.

Other Ways To Cure Premature Ejaculation

Although kegel exercises have proven to be an effective means of treatment for some premature ejaculation sufferers, their effectiveness has not been officially established and they are not guaranteed to prevent premature ejaculation in everybody. This is why, while practising kegel exercises, it is also worth seeking ways to treat premature ejaculation through other methods.

Other ways to treat premature ejaculation include the “stop-start technique”, in which the male sex partner pauses sexual interaction or masturbation if they feel they are close to orgasm, and waits until the feeling passes before continuing. If the sufferer is in a relationship, talking openly with your partner about your concerns and working around the issue together is highly recommended. Behavioural therapy is thought to help 60-90% of men with the condition, but it requires cooperation from both partners.

What is the most effective way to tackle premature ejaculation?

Finding the right treatment for premature ejaculation depends largely on the individual case, and particularly what has caused the problem. If the issue is psychological, it may be that therapy is the best course of action. For many people, effective medication is the most dependable means of treatment.

Studies have revealed the effectiveness of medication options like Priligy. In one study, sexual satisfaction of participants increased from 50% at the beginning of the study to 80% at the end of the study, compared to 55% from participants using a placebo drug.

Discover effective premature ejaculation treatment from Express Pharmacy by clicking here. For more information on the condition, get in touch with our team by calling 0208 123 07 03 or by using our discreet online Live Chat service.