Cracked heels

What is it?
Cracked heels is one of the common foot problem and sometime referred to as heel fissures. In severe cases, cracked heels may lead to pain and bleeding of the heels.

What cause cracked heels?
Commonly caused by dry skin. Some said allergies to the chemicals use for the floor. Other factors that may cause crack heels are such as prolonged standing, being overweight, wearing open back on the shoes, skin conditions (i.e eczema, psoriasis) and some medical conditions that may lead to the dryness of the skin.

Tips to heal the cracked heels

1. Wear stockings/socks. Stocking helps to protect and cover your heels from dust, dirt and chemicals that you probably did not know you allergy to. Remember to change to a clean socks everyday. This has work for me.

2. Every time you take a shower or bath, spare some time to gently scrub your heels with a pumice stone. This tips however is not really suitable for people with bleeding heels.

3. After having your shower or bath, put some crack heels cream (there are plenty of creams available in the market) around your heels. If possible, every morning and before you going off to bed. I found out by doing this, these creams easily absorb by the skin. 


4. Spare some times spoiling your feet by immersing it in a warm water mixed with a salt. It helps release the tension and odors. Otherwise, just go to any spa providing this service. Nowadays spa, usually offer this service and refer to it as foot detox. It helps the body cleanse by drawing out toxins and heavy metals from the many pores located at the soles of your feet.

5. Immerse your feet in a warm water that being filled with dried Asam Gelugor (Malay Pronunciation) for around half an hour. It is a big-sized perennial fruit tree, which is endemic to Peninsular Malaysia. But it grows in a large part of South East Asia and also grows in North East India.


References:
buzzle.com
epodiatry

Sinus Infection

What is Sinus Infection?
Also called as Sinusitis (medical term) is commonly caused by either cold, allergies, bacterial infection or abnormal growth that is blocking our nasal passage.

Symptoms?
The common symptoms are stuffed nose and headache. I personally experience these symptoms. Many of my friends having a Sinus without actually realizing it.  Other signs includes facial tenderness, bad breath, sore throat, coughing and yellowish greenish discharge from your nasal. It can cause a headache or pressure in the eyes, nose, cheek area, or on one side of the head

Causes?
Allergens, pollutants, bacteria and fungi. Bacteria that normally cause acute sinusitis are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. These microorganisms, along with Staphylococcus aureus and some anaerobes (bacteria that live without oxygen), are involved in chronic sinusitis.


Oriental Treatment?

In Malaysia, most of the Malay treatment available offer you a sinus treatment procedure using resdung sticks which contains selected herbs and bee honey. This treatment usually took around 30 minutes per session. I personally tried the treatment couple of times. However this treatment need to be done constantly in certain amount of times. But honestly, it feels so good and relief with all the itchiness around your nose and face gone after having the treatment. The sticks also can be bought in the herbs store and can be done at home.

7 Tips to avoid Sinus:
1. Avoid keeping pets such as dogs, cats or rabbits inside the house. 
2. Do not use blanket, bed and pillow sheets made from animal furs.
3. Wash your blanket, bed and pillow sheets with hot water to kill the germs and bugs.
4. Avoid eating foods that you have an allergy to (i.e: seafood).
5. Drinks plenty amount of warm water.
6. Wash your face regularly, better with warm water especially when you just coming back from work or shopping.
7. Clean your carpets or rugs regularly. Do not forget to wear face mask especially when you are cleaning the dusty area around the house.    
 

Useful references:
emedicinehealth.com
webmd.com 
buzzle.com