Commonly known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is usually characterized by its cold-like symptoms like congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, sinus pressure, and runny nose. However, unlike the cold, hay fever is caused by allergens (e.g. dust mites, pollen, and animal dander) - not a virus.

Nasonex is a commonly used nasal spray against hay fever. But will Nasonex prevent your hay fever from coming back? Let’s find out.

What does Nasonex actually do?

Nasonex is a popular branded equivalent of Mometasone Furoate Monohydrate. This type of drug is used to help relieve the symptoms of both year-round allergic rhinitis and hay fever.

Mometasone, the active ingredient in Nasonex, is a corticosteroid. This group of medicines work by reducing the inflammation and swelling in your sinuses to relieve hay fever symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and runny nose.

Unlike other allergy medications, Nasonex does not make you feel drowsy. This means that you can still keep doing your day to day activities without any problems while under medication.

Will Nasonex prevent my hay fever from coming back?

Nasonex is designed to relieve the symptoms of hay fever but it doesn’t resolve the root cause of the issue. Remember that hay fever can be seasonal or year-round and it’s usually caused by allergens like pollen, fur, dust, and pet dander which are suspended in the air. Nasonex will help alleviate your symptoms but if you don’t remove these allergens from your home or take necessary precautions to limit your exposure, your hay fever will be back as soon as you stop taking the medication.

How long can you use Nasonex?

It is safe to use Nasonex daily. Usually, the prescribed dose of this medication is one or two squirts in each nostril every day. You can reduce your dosage to one squirt per day once your hay fever symptoms are under control. Take note that this medication may not work right away. Some people report that they started feeling its effects within two days. Studies suggest that it may take up to two weeks before you feel the full effect of the drug.

If you are using Nasonex to prevent seasonal hay fever, start taking the medication 2-4 weeks before the pollen season begins. You might need to ask your doctor for advice if you are planning to take Nasonex for more than six months or if you are taking other medications which may interact with the treatment.

Nasonex must only be taken by ages 12 and up. If your symptoms don’t improve after two weeks, consult your GP.

What time of the day should I take Nasonex?

If your dosage is two squirts a day. You can take Nasonex once in the morning and then one squirt again in the evening. The rule of the thumb is that you take Nasonex at precisely the same time each day. Don’t increase your dosage.

If you are wondering how to safely get rid of facial hair as a woman, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we are going to talk about the reasons why some women have excessive hair growth and then we are going to provide you with options on how to treat the problem.

What causes unwanted facial hair?

The medical term for the cause of unwanted facial hair is hirsutism. This medical condition is characterized by having excessive hair growth on a woman’s chest, back, arms, and face. Normally, women have hair on the body and on the face (commonly referred to as “peach fuzz”). But hirsutism is different. This type of hair growth is usually coarse and dark.

Unwanted facial hair shares the same characteristics associated with male hormones. Hence, excessive hair growth is usually seen in areas where it’s common and normal for men to have coarse, dark hair.

Unwanted facial hair is not harmful but it can damage a woman’s self-confidence. There are some reports that hirsutism has led some women into depression.

What are the causes of unwanted facial hair?

Most of the time, unwanted facial hair is caused by hormonal imbalance --- particularly above normal levels of androgen and testosterone. There are certain medical conditions that cause this hormonal imbalance. Some of the most common ones include:

Disorders in your adrenal glands

Cancer, tumours, Cushing’s disease, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia can affect the ability of your adrenal glands to produce hormones properly. For example, in the case of Cushing’s disease, your adrenal glands tend to produce more cortisol or stress hormone than normal, affecting the levels of androgen in your body.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS is considered to be one of the most common reasons behind unwanted facial hair growth in women. In fact, polycystic ovarian syndrome is responsible for 75% of hirsutism cases! This disorder is characterized by the presence of benign cysts on the ovaries that can change your hormone level production. PCOS can also cause irregular periods and infertility.

Certain medications

Some medications can lead to the growth of unwanted facial hair. Some of these include:

• Anabolic steroids
• Testosterone
• Minoxidil
• Cyclosporine

How can a woman get rid of facial hair?

Below are some of the proven ways on how a woman can get rid of unwanted facial hair:

Managing your hormones

Treating hirsutism usually involves addressing the cause of the hormonal imbalance. If your unwanted facial hair is caused by PCOS or disorders in your adrenal glands, then you will need medical treatment such as hormone management:

Taking combination birth control pills - combination pills contain the hormones estrogen and progesterone which help shrink the cysts from PCOS. Estrogen is also helpful in getting rid of excessive facial hair.

Taking antiandrogen medications - pure antiandrogens and steroidal androgens can help reduce the production of androgen from your adrenal glands by blocking androgen receptors in your body.

Getting hair removal treatment

Another way to get rid of facial hair is by using hair removal techniques. This non-medical way involves methods that have been used by women for years in keeping their bikini area, underarms, and legs hair-free.

Laser hair removal - this technique involves damaging your hair follicles with concentrated light rays so they can no longer produce hair. This kind of treatment also causes the existing hair to fall out. Laser hair removal can provide a permanent way of eliminating facial hair.

Waxing and shaving - this method is affordable and you can see results immediately. The only downside to this technique is that it’s not a long term, permanent solution to your facial hair problem. Eventually, the hair will grow back and you will have to repeat the process again.

Electrolysis - this technique makes use of an electric current to damage the hair follicle and keep it from producing hair again. Each follicle needs to be treated so electrolysis sessions can take a long time. Like laser hair removal, electrolysis can be costly but provides almost near-permanent results.

Using Cream

Creams containing eflornithine can help slow down the growth of facial hair within one to two months. One of the most common creams prescribed by doctors is Vaniqa. This cream has the active ingredient eflornithine hydrochloride. Vaniqa is designed to be applied on the face and adjacent areas under the skin. This facial hair treatment has been proven to work in women of various ethnicities.

How to use Vaniqa

Vaniqa must be applied on the face or adjacent areas twice a day. Make sure there’s an 8-hour gap between each session. Depending on the severity of your hirsutism, you should see significant results after using Vaniqa for 4 to 8 weeks.

Where to buy Vaniqa

You can buy Vaniqa online today and get it delivered to your doorstep from Express Pharmacy.

Can you get pregnant on the pill? How effective is it? Birth control pills are one of the most commonly used contraception methods in the globe. Why? Because when used properly, they can stop unwanted pregnancies 99% of the time. In this article, you are going to learn what the pill is and how effective it is. Towards the end, we will answer the most important question: Can you get pregnant on the pill?

What is the pill?

Hormonal contraceptives - or more commonly known as “the pill” - are used by women around the globe to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Taken orally, the pill is considered to be one of the most effective methods of contraception --- stopping 99.9% of pregnancies if used as directed. Generally safe, you can use the pill multiple times.

There are two types of pills, the combination pill and the mini pill. Let’s talk about each type briefly below:

Combination Pills

These pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin --- hence the name. These hormones are man-made and they are usually taken in 21-day courses (mimicking a menstrual cycle). Some pills come in 28-day courses where the remaining 7 pills don’t contain any active hormones. It’s designed this way to help you keep the habit of taking one pill a day.

Combined pills work by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg. They also help prevent pregnancy by thickening the mucus lining on the entrance of the womb to prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. Some combined pills work by thinning the lining of your uterus to prevent the fertilised egg from implanting itself.

Mini Pills

Unlike combined pills, mini pills contain only one hormone --- progestin. These pills are perfect for those who experience side effects when using combined pills. Mini pills are usually prescribed to women who are breastfeeding.

One mini-pill is taken every day. The pill prevents pregnancy by thickening the mucus in your cervix, making it hard for the sperm to pass through and enter the uterus. The hormone in the pill also thins the lining of the uterus so the fertilized egg is less likely to implant itself and grow.

In terms of effectiveness, mini pills are 95% to 99% effective in stopping unwanted pregnancies if used correctly.

Can you get pregnant on the pill?

Short answer? Yes. Although doctors consider the pill as one of the best contraceptive methods, it’s still not guaranteed to work 100% of the time. Why? Human error. Below are some of the things that can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.

Missing a dose

Manufacturers and health experts stress that the pill is most effective if taken daily. If you miss a dose, your hormone levels may not be consistent enough to prevent pregnancy. We understand that some people find it hard to keep the habit of taking one pill a day. If you are one of them, consider different methods of contraception that don’t require sticking into a habit.

Not taking your pill at the same time every day

Aside from taking your pill daily, you also need to take it at precisely the same time so your hormone levels remain consistent. For example, if you are taking a mini pill, there’s only a 3-hour time window each day that you should take the pill. If you miss this window, you need to abstain from sex or use emergency contraception if you’ve had unprotected sex. To help you take the pill at precisely the same time, consider setting an alarm.

Vomiting

There are days that we don’t feel good. If you feel nauseous and vomited after taking the pill, take another dose as quickly as possible. Why? Because there’s a good chance that your body has not fully absorbed the pill yet when you vomited.

Taking other medicines that react with the pill

Medicines like antibiotics, epilepsy, antiviral and antifungal drugs can make the pill less effective. If you’ve had unprotected sex while taking any of these medicines, consider using emergency contraception to lower your risks of pregnancy. You can also use other forms of contraceptives like the condom when under any of these medications.

Not starting a new pack on time

Doctors recommend starting a new pack right away after finishing your previous course to keep your hormone levels as consistent as possible. However, not everyone has access to a new pack of pills right away. If you’ve missed two or more pills, avoid sex as much as possible until you’ve taken your pills for a week. If you can’t help it, consider using backup contraceptive methods.

How to NOT get pregnant on the pill

We want you to enjoy your sex life as much as possible without worrying about unwanted pregnancy. To help you maximize the effectiveness of the pill, consider these tips:

• Always read the instructions included in your packet carefully
• Always take the pill at precisely the same time each day. Set an alarm to help you remember.
• Always have a new pack on hand at least a week before your pack runs out. Consider making it a habit to buy two packs of contraceptive pills every time.
• If you missed a dose, take the missed pill as quickly as possible.
• If you missed your pill for two or more times, use a backup contraceptive method like a condom to lower your risks of getting pregnant.

You can buy the pill online and get it delivered to your doorstep from Express Pharmacy.

Fungi are single-celled or multicellular organisms. They are found almost everywhere! And most of the time, these organisms are too small to see without using a microscope. Fungi thrive outdoors in plants and soil. They can also live indoors on various surfaces. Fungi also live inside the body and on your skin. There are millions of fungi species and so far, we have only identified a few hundred that can make us sick.

What are the causes of fungal infections?

There are several types of fungi that can cause infections or mycosis on your hair, skin, and nails. These infections can spread from one person to another, from animals to humans, or to a person from a contaminated surface. Other types of fungal infections may also come from an overgrowth of fungi that naturally exist on or in your body. A classic example of this is candida or yeast infections.

Fungal infections are usually caused by an overgrowth of a naturally-occurring species of fungi in or on your body or by invasive fungi species. Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments. You increase your chances of developing an infection if you:

• Have skin folds which rub against each other. This is particularly common if you are overweight.
• Wear tight shoes or clothing that is not breathable.

You are also more at risk of catching fungal infections if you:

• Are suffering from diabetes.
• Are pregnant.
• Have a compromised immune system
• Have been under antibiotic treatment.

Common types of fungal infections and their causes

There are several types of fungal infections that affect different parts of your body. Below, we will give the most common ones. We will also discuss their causes and what treatments are available for you.

Athletes Foot

Medically known as tinea pedis, athletes foot is a fungal infection on your foot. This type of fungal infection is commonly found in hot and humid climates. People who don’t change their socks or wear tight shoes are most likely to develop this infection.

Causes

Athletes foot is commonly caused by the fungi Trichophyton rubrum which is commonly found on the dead tissues of your skin, toenails, and hair.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of athletes foot are:

• Burning feeling on the skin
• Itching
• Broken down skin
• Red or softened skin
• Blisters
• Scaly, cracking or peeling feet

Jock Itch

Also known as tinea cruris, jock itch is a type of fungal infection commonly found on your inner thighs, buttocks, and genitals. Like most fungal infections, jock itch is also more common in areas that are warm and wet. Mildly contagious, this fungal infection can spread to others through direct or indirect contact.

Causes

Jock itch is caused by a fungus called tinea. This type of fungus loves warm and moist areas.

Symptoms

Jock itch is usually characterized by:

• Peeling, cracking, or flaking skin
• Redness or burning on your thigh or groin
• Red and circular rash with raised edges.
• Itching or chafing in your groin area

Ringworm

Another common type of fungal infection is ringworm --- named after its characteristic ring-shaped rash. Ringworm is contagious and can spread through direct contact or indirectly through clothing and furniture.

Causes

Despite the name, ringworm is not actually caused by a worm. Instead, it’s caused by fungi that thrives in humidity and warm areas.

Symptoms

Ringworm is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Red, circular rash that is scaly.
• Overlapping patches of red rings
• The outer part of the rash may be raised and worm-like in appearance while the inner area of the sore appears normal

Yeast Infections

Also known as cutaneous candidiasis, yeast infections commonly appear in your armpits and groin area. In infants, this type of fungal infection can cause diaper rash. It can also spread to your nails, mouth, and vagina. Yeast infections are not contagious.

Causes

Yeast infections are usually caused by a type of fungus called candida. This fungus is naturally present in the body. Infection only occurs if it grows too much.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of yeast infections include:

• Pimple-like bumps
• Rash
• Sores with clear fluid discharge
• Burning and itching

How to treat fungal infections

Most fungal infections are treated at home using over the counter treatments. Most of these antifungal treatments are topical, meaning you put them directly onto your skin. They can be available as lotions, creams, medicated powders and shampoos.

If your fungal infection covers a wide area, you may need to take antifungal tablets instead. Your GP should be able to prescribe the right treatment for you or you can shop online at Express Pharmacy today.

Within this article, we will be answering frequently asked questions about EMLA cream, establishing why it is such a popular treatment for premature ejaculation.

What is EMLA?

EMLA is a topical local anaesthetic cream that delays premature ejaculation. It contains the active ingredients Lidocaine and Prilocaine. This trusted product has been in the UK for over 20 years and has been certified by the UK medicines authority (MHRA).

What’s EMLA cream used for?

Being a local topical anaesthetic, EMLA is used to numb certain areas of the skin. It’s usually applied before medical needle or laser procedures like in tattoos and cosmetics. More recently, EMLA has gained in popularity through being a treatment for premature ejaculation.

How Does EMLA Work?

EMLA works by numbing the treated area — making it less responsive to stimulation. It’s two active ingredients prevent nerve signals from the treated area from reaching the brain. In terms of premature ejaculation, EMLA numbs the sensitive part of the penis so you last longer in bed.

How long does EMLA last for?

Premature ejaculation is a common problem in men who cannot control or delay ejaculation within the first two minutes of sexual intercourse. Premature ejaculation is caused by several psychological and physical factors including stress, guilt, anxiety, excitement, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

As treatment for premature ejaculation, several clinical studies suggest that EMLA is an effective alternative. According to this particular study published by St James University Hospital in Leeds, EMLA can increase Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time by up to six times with negligible side effects. EMLA cream itself can last on the skin for one to five hours.

How To Use EMLA Cream

Using EMLA is easy. Just apply a pea-size amount of the cream to the head of the penis about 30 minutes before intercourse. Remember that EMLA cream is formulated as an oil in water emulsion which may cause condoms to weaken. Make sure to wipe off the cream before continuing intercourse.

Is EMLA cream dangerous?

Like all medicines, EMLA also has its own share of side effects. These include:

• Slight puffiness on the affected area
• Burning
• Itching
• Paleness or redness of the skin

These side effects are normal and go away on their own.

Although rare, EMLA may also have some serious side effects like bruising on the skin, increase in blood sugar levels, fatigue, increased levels of methemoglobin in the blood, and dizziness.

It’s also possible to develop an allergic reaction to EMLA. Stop using the treatment if you experience swelling (lips, tongue, face, and throat), hives, and difficulty breathing.

Can I buy EMLA cream over the counter?

Yes. You can buy EMLA cream without any prescription. Express Pharmacy stocks EMLA cream that you can order safely and discreetly online.