Testicular Cyst Causes, Pictures, Symptoms and Treatment for a Cyst on Testicle

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Testicular Cyst Causes, Pictures, Symptoms and Treatment for a Cyst on Testicle

Testicular cysts may be caused by cancer, fibrosis or just epidydymal cysts. The symptoms include swelling, lesions, inflammations and problems during ejaculation. Here are all the causes, pictures, removal and other treatments worth knowing.

A testicular lump is an abnormal mass in the testicles. The testicles are—the egg-shaped male reproductive glands. They hang below the penis in a sac called the scrotum. Their primary function is to produce sperm and testosterone.

A testicular mass, cyst or lump, may be located in one or both testicles, and is a fairly common condition. Lumps can occur in both men and teenage boys. Testicular lumps are signs of problems with the testicles.

They may be caused by an injury, but they can also indicate a serious underlying medical problem. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms and treatments.

What is a cyst on testicle? Pictures

A cyst on testicles may appear as a small mass, lump or bump. The cyst usually forms on either one or both testicles. Since they are commonly caused by injury or trauma to the testicles, the cysts may be painful. But how do testicular cysts look like? Here are pictures, images and photos to help you identify your symptoms.

Epidydymal cyst or lump on testicles
Epidydymal cyst or lump on testicles

Types of testicular masses or lumps

Most testicle lumps occur because of an injury. However, birth defects and other factors can also cause lumps in the testicles. There are different types of masses and cysts on the testicles. They include torsions, hydroceles, varicoceles, cancer masses and epidydymal cysts.

a) Varicocele on testicles

This type of lump is the most common, occurring in about one in every seven men. Enlarged veins in the testicles cause varicocele lumps. They become more noticeable after puberty when blood flow increases in the fully developed testicles.

b) Hydrocele on scrotum sack

A hydrocele testicular lump is caused by the buildup of fluid in the testicles. You are likely to see he sack of testicles having a small bulge. This type of testicular lump occurs in one to two out of every 100 newborn males.

  • According to Mayo Clinic. “Older boys and adult men can develop a hydrocele due to inflammation or injury within the scrotum.”
  • Hydrocele masses on the scrotum are not painful.
  • In most newborns, these cysts will go away on their own without treatment.

c) Epididymal cyst

An epididymal cyst or spermatocele occurs when the long, coiled tube behind the testicles(epididymis) becomes filled with fluid and cannot drain. If it contains sperm, it is known as a spermatocele. This form of testicular lump affects up to one in three men, and most often resolves on its own.

d) Testicular torsion

Testicular torsion occurs when the testicles become twisted, typically due to an injury or accident. This condition most often occurs in boys between the ages of 13 and 17, but can affect men of all ages. This is a medical emergency and requires urgent investigation and possible treatment.

  • Torsion causes complete or partial lack of blood supply to the testicles.
  • The most prominent and immediate symptom of torsion is sudden pain.
  • Formation of a mass or tumor is also common with these kinds of cysts.

e) Testicular cancer lumps

testicular cyst or lump from cancer
A testicular cyst from cancer.

Some testicular cysts and lumps indicate the growth of testicular cancer. Only a doctor will be able to determine if a lump is cancerous. Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer for American men between the ages of 15 and 34, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Testicular Cysts Causes

Not all lumps indicate the presence of testicular cancer. Nevertheless, a medical professional should examine any changes in the testicles, especially lumps or swelling.

Men over the age of 14 should do monthly testicle self-examination to help spot any lumps early so that they can be properly examined and treated. Here are the causes of cysts on testicles and scrotum.

1. Testicular Cancer

The testicular cysts can also be a sign of cancer. Men with testicular cancer may experience a variety of symptoms or signs. Sometimes, men with testicular cancer do not show any of these symptoms. In addition, these symptoms can be caused by other conditions besides cancer, so the presence of these symptoms does not mean that a man has cancer.

Usually, the first sign of testicular cancer is enlargement of the testicle or a small lump or area of hardness on the testicle sack. Any lump, enlargement, hardness, pain, or tenderness of the testicle should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.

Other symptoms of testicular cancer usually do not appear until after the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms of testicular cancer may include:

  1. Painless lump or swelling on either testicle. If detected early, a testicular tumor may be about the size of a pea or a marble, but it can grow much larger.
  2. Pain or discomfort, with or without swelling, in a testicle or the scrotum.
  3. Change in the way a testicle feels or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. For example, one testicle may become more firm than the other testicle. Or, testicular cancer may cause the testicle to grow bigger or to become smaller.
  4. Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin
  5. Sudden buildup of fluid in the scrotum
  6. Breast tenderness or growth. Although rare, some testicular tumors produce hormones that cause breast tenderness or growth of breast tissue, a condition called gynecomastia.
  7. Lower back pain, shortness of breath, chest pain, and bloody sputum or phlegm can be symptoms of later-stage testicular cancer.

2. Spermatocele cyst on testicles

A spermatocele is an abnormal sac (cyst) that develops in the epididymis — the small, coiled tube located on the upper testicle that collects and transports sperm. Noncancerous and generally painless, spermatocele testicular cysts usually are filled with milky or clear fluid that might contain sperm.

The exact cause of spermatoceles is unknown but might be due to a blockage in one of the tubes that transports sperm. Spermatocele cysts, sometimes called spermatic cysts, are common. They typically don’t reduce fertility or require treatment.

While diagnosing the ultrasound, your doctor will most likely use ultrasound. An ultrasound orsonogram scan is a procedure of using high-frequency sound waves to retrieve the image of a body part.

3. Epydidymal cysts

Another cause of cysts on scrotum or crotch is an epydidymal cyst. A cyst is a sac that is filled with a fluid or semi-fluid material. Cysts develop in various places in the body and arise from different parts (tissues) of the body.

An epididymal cyst is a non-cancerous (benign) growth filled with clear liquid which is found at the top end of the testis (testicle) where the spermatic cord (vas deferens) is attached. This area is known as the epididymis.

This is the inflammation of the epididymis, the comma-shaped structure above and behind the testicle that stores and transports sperm. Epididymitis is often caused by a bacterial infection, including sexually transmitted bacterial infections, such as chlamydia. Less commonly, epididymitis is caused by a viral infection or abnormal flow of urine into the epididymis.

4. Orchitis or viral infections

This is inflammation of the testicle usually due to a viral infection — most commonly mumps. When orchitis is caused by a bacterial infection, the epididymis also might be infected.

5. Hydrocele or painless cyst on scrotum

Hydrocele occurs when there is excess fluid between the layers of a sac that surrounds each testicle. A small amount of fluid in this space is normal, but the excess fluid of a hydrocele usually results in a painless swelling of the scrotum.

In infants, a hydrocele occurs usually because an opening between the abdomen and the scrotum hasn’t properly sealed during development. In adults, a hydrocele occurs usually because of an imbalance in the production or absorption of fluid, often as a result of injury or infection in the scrotum.

6. Hematocele blood cyst on balls

Hematocele occurs where there is blood between the layers of a sac that surrounds each testicle. Traumatic injury, such as a direct blow to the testicles, is the most likely cause of a blood blister on balls.

7. Varicocele

This is the enlargement of the veins within the scrotum that carry oxygen-depleted blood from each testicle and epididymis. Varicocele is more common on the left side of the scrotum because of differences in how blood circulates from each side. A varicocele cyst on testicles might cause infertility

8. Inguinal hernia

This is a condition in which a portion of the small intestine pushes through an opening or weak spot in the tissue separating the abdomen and groin. In infants, an inguinal hernia usually occurs because the passageway from the abdomen to the scrotum has failed to close during development.

An inguinal hernia might appear as a mass in the scrotum or higher in the groin.

9. Testicular torsion

This is a twisting of the spermatic cord, the bundle of blood vessels, nerves and the tube that carries semen from the testicle to the penis.

This painful condition cuts off blood to the testicle and can result in the loss of the testicle if not promptly treated. The affected testicle might be sideways, enlarged and higher than normal.

Symptoms of Testicular Cysts

Symptoms of a testicular lump or cyst on scrotum vary depending on the underlying cause. However, nearly all lumps cause noticeable swelling and changes in the texture of the testicles.

A varicocele rarely causes symptoms. If it does, the affected testicle may feel heavier than the other, or the lump may feel like a small sac of worms.

Painless lumps

A hydrocele is painless in infants, but older boys or men may feel abdominal pressure. It causes visible swelling of the testicles.

Epididymal cysts are also generally painless; one testicle can feel heavier than normal in some men.

Testicular cyst pain

A common symptom is a painful cyst on testicles when raptured or popped. Inflammatory swellings may require anti-inflammatory drugs or painkillers to relieve the discomfort. However, if the pain from the cyst is persistent, see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Because it is typically caused by a scrotal injury, testicular torsion can be extremely painful. It is a medical emergency that causes the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Frequent urination
  • Nausea
  • Swelling of the scrotum
  • Vomiting
  • A testicle that’s higher than normal or oddly angled
  • An unusual lump
  • A dull aching pain or feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
  • Pain that radiates throughout the groin, abdomen or lower back
  • Tender, swollen or hardened testicle
  • Tender, swollen or hardened epididymis (ep-ih-did-uh-mis), the soft, comma-shaped tube above and behind the testicle that stores and transports sperm
  • Swelling in the scrotum
  • Redness of the skin of the scrotum
  • Nausea or vomiting

A lump caused by testicular cancer can produce the following symptoms:

  • Dull ache in the abdomen or groin
  • Swelling or tenderness in the breasts
  • Heaviness in the scrotum
  • Pain
  • Sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum

If the cause of a scrotal mass is an infection, signs and symptoms also might include:

Treatment for Testicular Cysts

Pain from a varicocele usually subsides without treatment. However, your doctor may prescribe pain medication or advise that you use over-the-counter pain relievers.

In cases of recurring episodes of discomfort, surgery may be required to eliminate the congestion in the veins.

1. Surgery for Scrotal cyst removal or testicular cyst removal

The surgery may involve either tying off the affected veins or diverting blood flow to those veins through other methods. This causes blood to bypass those veins, which eliminates the swelling.

Treatment for a hydrocele lump may also involve surgery, but it most often clears up on its own by age two. The surgery involves making a small incision in the scrotum to drain excess fluid if natural treatment is not the case.

Hydrocele repair, excision of an epididymal cyst (pictured) and open surgery, laparoscopic surgery or radiological embolisation may be needed for significant symptoms from the swelling. Otherwise, no treatment is necessary.

2. Excision of big cysts on scrotum

An epididymal cyst does not require treatment unless it causes pain or discomfort.

  • If the cyst is small and causing no problems you may need no treatment. You just need to keep an eye on it and seek medical advice if it gets larger or becomes painful.
  • Children do not usually need treatment because most cysts disappear by themselves. However, surgical removal may be necessary if they become painful or don’t start to shrink.
  • Large or painful cysts can be removed surgically. The operation is a simple one and recovery is usually uneventful. Occasionally, infection can set in or you can develop a blood clot in the scrotum (a scrotal haematoma).

3. Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy used to be performed as an alternative to surgery. It involves injecting the cyst with a liquid called a sclerosant. However, it is not often done these days as the cyst frequently grows back.

The procedure involves surgically removing the cyst and sealing the scrotum with dissolvable stitches that typically disappear within 10 days.

4. Antibiotics for bacterial infections

Additionally, antibiotics are used for infection of the epididymis. Your GP may refer you to a urologist (if you are over 50 or have a urinary infection) or to a genitomedical clinic (if you are young or your infection may be sexually-acquired).

Testicular involvement with mumps usually requires no specific treatment apart from painkillers. Suspected torsion of the testis requires emergency admission and immediate surgery.

Testicular torsion requires immediate surgery to restore blood flow to the testicle, preventing tissue death.

5. Chemotherapy and radiation

Testicular cancer is treated in the same way as other types of cancer: through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and other methods. Treatment method depends on how early the cancer is detected.

Surgical removal of the testicle may be an option to prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.

A specialist in cancer treatment (oncologist) will recommend treatments based on whether the cancer is isolated to a testicle or has spread to other tissues in the body. Your age and overall health also are factors in choosing treatment options for testicular cancer.

  • Radical inguinal orchiectomy. This is the primary treatment for testicular cancer. It’s a surgical procedure to remove the affected testicle and spermatic cord through an incision in the groin. Lymph nodes in your abdomen also might be removed if the cancer has spread to them.
  • Radiation therapy. This type of therapy uses high-dose X-rays or other high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells that may remain after removal of the affected testicle.
  • This is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill cancer cells.

Home Remedies and Care

  1. Enjoy tomatoes. They contain nutrients that help prevent the formation of cysts.
  2. Roast up some pumpkin seeds and eat them while still warm.
  3. Eat foods high in zinc to promote healing.
  4. Limit foods that are hard on the body such as refined sugars and caffeine.
  5. Leave the cyst alone unless it causes pain. In most cases they will go away on their own over time.

Sources and References

  1. Mayo Clinic: Scrotal Masses, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.
  2. Hydroceles
  3. Healthline: Testicle Lump: Causes, Types, Symptoms and Treatments.
  4. Net: Testicular Cancer Signs and Symptoms.
  5. British Association of Urological Surgeons: Lumps on Scrotum and Testicles

Swollen Ear Canal Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Swollen Ear Canal Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

A swollen ear canal can be painful and cause a lot of discomfort. The causes can range from a simple pimple in the ear to an infection. When the ear canal gets swollen shut, see a doctor immediately. Here are the causes of the outer ear canal swelling and how to treat with home remedies.

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is a painful inflammation and infection of the ear canal. It occurs when the protective film that covers the ear canal (lipid layer) is removed.

This causes the ear canal to look red and swollen. The ear canal may be narrower than normal and is tender when the outside of the ear is gently pulled up and back. Read on to find out the causes, symptoms and remedies for this condition.

Before you continue reading: Are you interested in home remedies for swollen ear canal? If so, we highly recommend checking Garlic Essential Oil. (Click here to see reviews on Amazon)

Swollen Ear Canal Causes – What Causes Swelling In Ear Canal?

A swelling in the ear canal can be caused by irritation, infections and even physical trauma or injuries to that section of the ear.

While some causes can be serious, others may clear on their own without need for treatment. Here are the causes of inflammation in the ear canal, followed by treatments and home remedies.

1. Pimple in Ear

Most often pimples inside ear, as well as pimples near the ears are not felt immediately. Only if they are touched when combing hair, they will hurt, as in this area skin is very sensitive.

Cold-related pimple in ear is also quite common. Especially dangerous are summer draughts, which immediately affect sweating skin with different kinds of acne. In winter cold pimples can affect those who do not recognize the necessity of headgear.

2. Ear drum Injuries

Many people don’t know that cleaning their ears with cotton swabs is a major cause of eardrum injuries. That’s because poking around in the ear canal too harshly can easily injure the eardrum’s fragile tissue, especially in young children, who have very narrow ear canals. (Tip: To clean wax build-up in the ears, opt for a wet washcloth and gently wipe outside the ear canal.)

But eardrums can be injured in lots of other ways, including:

Ear infections

An infection of the middle ear or inner ear (such as otitis media) can lead to pus or fluid buildup behind the eardrum, which can cause it to burst. This is a common cause of ruptured eardrums in children.

High or low altitudes (barotrauma)

Usually, the air pressure in the middle ear and the pressure in the environment are in balance. A sudden change in barometric pressure (such as during air travel, driving on a mountain road, or scuba diving) can be enough to rupture an eardrum.

Loud noises (acoustic trauma)

Although uncommon, loud noises (like an explosion) can sometimes produce sound waves that are strong enough to damage the ear canal. Any loud noise also can cause temporary or permanent hearing damage to the cochlea and lead to hearing loss.

Foreign objects

Besides cotton swabs, hairpins and other small objects that kids can fit in the ear canal can cause injuries and subsequently a swollen ear canal.

3. Allergies

Allergies primarily affect the middle ear.  If this tube is clogged with mucus or its opening is blocked by allergy swelling, then pressure and fluid can build up in the middle ear.  This gives us the sensation of being down a well, having the need to “pop” our ears frequently, and can result in a swollen ear canal which in turn causes diminished hearing.  Fluid build-up also creates a good environment for infection to occur.

Middle ear infections, called otitis media or OM, occur commonly in early childhood and are a frequent reason for antibiotic treatment and missed school days.  Allergies are a well recognized cause for recurrent OM and kids who have more than their share of middle ear infections should be allergy tested.

Disorders affecting the inner ear, such as Meniere’s disease, may have an allergic component as well.  Patients who fail to respond to conservative therapy may benefit from allergy desensitization, though evidence to support this comes largely from case series and anecdotal evidence.

4. Temporo-Mandibular Joint Pain

In most patients, pain associated with the TMJ is a result of displacement of the cartilage disc that causes pressure and stretching of the associated sensory nerves. The popping or clicking occurs when the disk snaps into place when the jaw moves. In addition, the chewing muscles may spasm, not function efficiently, and cause pain, a swollen ear canal and tenderness.

What are the symptoms?

  • Ear pain
  • Sore jaw muscles
  • Temple/cheek pain
  • Jaw popping/clicking
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Difficulty in opening the mouth fully
  • Frequent head/neck aches

The pain may be sharp and searing, occurring each time you swallow, yawn, talk, or chew, or it may be dull and constant. It hurts over the joint, immediately in front of the ear, but pain can also radiate elsewhere.

It often causes spasms in the adjacent muscles that are attached to the bones of the skull, face, and jaws. Then pain can be felt at the side of the head (the temple), the cheek, the lower jaw, and the teeth.

A very common focus of pain is in the ear. Many patients come to the ear specialist quite convinced their pain is from an ear infection. When the earache is not associated with a hearing loss and the eardrum looks normal, the doctor will consider the possibility that the pain comes from TMJ.

5. Cholesteatoma and swollen ear canal

An abnormal skin growth in the middle ear behind the eardrum is called cholesteatoma. Repeated infections and/or a tear or pulling inward of the eardrum can allow skin into the middle ear.

A cholesteatoma usually occurs because of poor eustachian tube function, a swollen ear canal as well as infection in the middle ear. The eustachian tube conveys air from the back of the nose into the middle ear to equalize ear pressure (clear the ears).

When the eustachian tubes work poorly, perhaps due to allergy, a cold, or sinusitis, the air in the middle ear is absorbed by the body, creating a partial vacuum in the ear.

The vacuum pressure sucks in a pouch or sac by stretching the eardrum, especially areas weakened by previous infections. This can develop into a sac and become a cholesteatoma.

6. Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes in which you feel as if you’re spinning (vertigo).

This is accompanied with fluctuating hearing loss with a progressive, ultimately permanent loss of hearing, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and sometimes a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ear.

In most cases, Meniere’s disease affects only one ear.

7. Glue Ear and swelling

Glue ear is a common childhood condition where the middle ear becomes filled with fluid. The medical term for glue ear is otitis media with effusion (OME).

The middle ear is the part of the ear directly behind the eardrum. It contains three tiny bones that carry sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

The build-up of fluid associated with glue ear prevents these bones moving freely, which affects hearing because it means they can’t pass sound vibrations to the inner ear.

It’s thought that problems with the Eustachian tube may be caused by things like a previous ear infection, smoke irritation or allergies. Glue ear isn’t caused by a build-up of ear wax, or by getting water in the ear after swimming or showering.

Other factors that are also thought to increase the risk of getting glue ear include:

  • growing up in a household where adults smoke.
  • being bottlefed rather than breastfed as a baby.
  • having siblings (brothers and sisters) who’ve had the condition.

Symptoms of a Swollen Ear Canal

When one experiences a swelling inside the ear canal, it can be quite uncomfortable. The symptoms of a swollen ear canal include:

  • ear pain,
  • fullness in the ear,
  • hearing loss,
  • ringing in the ear,
  • discharge from the ear,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting

Symptoms may follow a respiratory infection such as the common cold.

Discharge from the ear canal is often caused by the infection known as swimmer’s ear (otitis externa). A painful ear with decreased hearing is often the result of otitis media, an middle ear infection

Otitis media is often associated with an upper respiratory tract infection such as a common cold. A raised temperature often accompanies the infection.

Pain is caused by a build-up of fluid and pus in the middle ear, which can also cause temporary hearing loss.

Very young children may become irritable and have feeding problems; older children will complain of pain and a feeling of fullness in the ear. The following are common symptoms of otitis externa:

  • Itching, and a feeling of fullness inside the ear – usually the first sign of infection
  • Swelling of the ear canal
  • Watery discharge from the ear
  • Severe pain and tenderness in the ear – especially when moving the head and jaw, or gently pulling the earlobe. Unlike a middle ear infection (otitis media), the pain of an ear canal inflammation or infection is worse when you chew, when you press on the “tag” in front of the ear, or when you wiggle your earlobe. The pain also often worsens when the ear starts discharging.
  • A foul-smelling, yellowish discharge from the ear.
  • Temporarily muffled hearing (caused by blockage of the ear canal).
  • Swelling shut of the ear canal and swelling of the side of the face.
  • Enlarged neck glands – these may make it difficult to open the jaw.

Ear Canal Swollen Shut

Ear canal infection (otitis externa) is an inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal, the passage leading from the external ear to the eardrum. It may develop when water, dirt or other debris gets into the ear canal.

Since it is often associated with excess water in the ear canal, and frequently occurs in children and young adults who swim a great deal, the common name for this inflammation is “swimmer’s ear”.

When the ear gets an infection, you will have a swollen ear canal and you will experience a swelling of the side of the face.

When the eardrum is red and bulging, with fluid or pus behind the eardrum, often associated with pain and fever, this is called “acute otitis media.” “Glue Ear” often follows “Acute Otitis Media” or may occur on its own.

Fluid is present behind the eardrum, but there is no fever, and the eardrum is not inflamed or bulging and you may not experience pain. In some instances, the eardrum is actually retracted inwards to varying degrees.

Outer Ear Canal Swelling

Outer ear canal swelling can be caused by the following:

  1. Moisture in the ear fosters fungal and certain kinds of bacterial infections. Swimming, especially in contaminated water, thus increases the risk of otitis externa. Showering, washing your hair, or getting caught in the rain is less likely to raise risk.
  2. Skin disorders, such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis, may cause inflammation.
  3. Objects inserted into the ear, like cotton swabs, may irritate the skin or cause small cuts that are vulnerable to infection.
  4. Inadequate production of earwax renders the ear more vulnerable to infection.
  5. Earwax removers, hair dyes, shampoos, hairsprays, or chlorinated water may irritate the ear canal.

See also:

How to Treat a Swollen Ear Canal

  1. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be taken. (Children should take acetaminophen, not aspirin.)
  2. Your doctor may use a small suction device to remove excess fluid and pus from the ear canal.
  3. Topical antibiotics or antifungal ear drops may be prescribed to treat infection, in addition to corticosteroid drops to reduce inflammation. A spongelike wick may be inserted into the ear to allow medication to travel deeply into the ear canal. Oral antibiotics may be given for severe infection.
  4. Surgical removal of dead tissue may be required to treat malignant otitis externa.
  5. Codeine or narcotics may be prescribed to relieve severe pain.
  6. After symptoms disappear, avoid getting water into the ear canal for up to three weeks; protect your ears when showering and avoid swimming.
  7. In the event of recurrence, keep a supply of the prescription ear drops on hand to ease symptoms.

Home Remedies for a swelling ear canal

What can you do at home to get rid of the swelling in the ear canal section? Most medical treatments can get rid of inflammation, bacteria and fungal infections in the ear.

However, if the infection is not severe, you can treat it at home with these home remedies.

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1. Salt remedy for ear pain and swelling

Salt is probably the most readily available home remedy to relieve the swelling inside the ear canal. Here’s how to apply salt to heal the swelling and inflammation of the ear.

  1. Heat up one cup of salt on a pan over low heat for a few minutes.
  2. Place the hot salt on a cloth and seal the open end with rubber band (or tie a knot).
  3. When it is bearably hot, lay down and put the cloth on the affected ear for 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Repeat this remedy daily as many times as needed. The heat generated from the sock will help draw out fluid from the ear and relieve swelling and pain.

As an alternative, you can use one cup of rice in the same manner described above.

2. Garlic for infected ears

Garlic has antimicrobial properties and natural pain relieving qualities, making it highly effective in the treatment of ear infections. There are a few ways to use garlic as a home treatment.

  1. Make garlic oil by cooking two garlic cloves in two tablespoons of sesame oil or mustard oil until it turns blackish. You can also buy one with Glass Dropper on Amazon
  2. Strain the solution.
  3. When it is bearably hot, use two to four drops of this oil in the swollen ear canal as ear drops.

Alternatively, you can also boil two or three fresh garlic cloves in water for five minutes, then crush them and add some salt.

Put the mixture in a clean cloth and place it against the affected ear. Consuming two to three cloves of raw garlic daily also helps speed up the healing process.

3. Basil to treat earache at home

You can also use holy basil to treat minor earache and ear infections. It can relieve ear pain fast as well as reduce infection.

  1. Crush four to five fresh holy basil leaves gently to extract the juice.
  2. Apply the basil juice on or around the infected ear.
  3. Avoid getting the juice in the swollen ear canal.
  4. You can also mix a few drops of holy basil oil with an equal amount of carrier oil like coconut oil.
  5. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and gently wipe just inside the ear, around the outer edge and behind the ear.
  6. Repeat the process twice daily.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

To get rid of the fungus that may be causing the ear infection, apple cider vinegar is a good option due to its antifungal properties.

  1. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water or alcohol.
  2. Soak a cotton ball in the solution.
  3. Put the cotton ball in your ear like a plug and leave it for about five minutes.
  4. Remove the cotton ball and lay down on your opposite side to drain the liquid from the swollen ear canal.
  5. Use a hair dryer to dry your ear as much as possible.

If apple cider vinegar is not available, you can use white vinegar. If the cause of the ear infection is in the Eustachian tubes, try gargling with apple cider vinegar.

5. Use olive oil to relieve swelling in the ear

One of the main causes of a swollen ear canal and a subsequent ear infection is wax in the ear catching some fungal or bacterial growth leading to a blockage in the Eustachian tubes. You can easily clear the obstruction with the help of olive oil.

  1. Warm some olive oil slightly.
  2. Put a few drops of the warm oil into the infected ear. The oil will cause the wax to soften.
  3. Remove the infected wax with cotton-tipped swabs. Be careful not to put the swab too far in the ear or you might damage the eardrum.
  4. Use mustard oil for the procedure as an alternative cure. You can get the top quality mustard oil from on Amazon

6. Warm water bottle remedy

As soon as possible, apply some heat to the ear near the swollen ear canal. This will quickly relieve some of the pain and will also prevent micro-organism infestation.

  1. Press a warm water bottle or heating pad against the ear.
  2. You can also use a warm compress.
  3. Dip a clean washcloth in lukewarm water, ring out the excess water and then place the washcloth on the infected ear.
  4. Do not apply heat to the ear for long periods of time.
  5. Start with five minutes, remove the heat for a while and then repeat the process as needed.

To relieve the pain, you can also use a warm wash cloth pressed on the ear with pain or a heat washcloth on low.

Sources and references

  1. WebMD: Allergies
  2. Health Communities: Outer Ear Infections.
  3. Mayo Clinic: Swimmers Ear Definition.
  4. Mayo Clinic: Meniere’s Disease Definition.

Stringy, Excess Eye Mucus Coming Out of Eye Causes, Treatment

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Stringy, Excess Eye Mucus Coming Out of Eye Causes, Treatment

What is mucus in eye? Why is mucus coming out of my eye in the morning or after waking up? Excessive and stringy eye mucus can be a sign of an eye infection. Here are the causes and treatments for excessive eye discharge or crusty eye mucus.

Eye discharge, or “sleep” in your eyes, is a combination of mucus, oil, skin cells and other debris that accumulates in the corner of your eye while you sleep. It can be wet and sticky or dry and crusty, depending on how much of the liquid in the discharge has evaporated.

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Other terms used to describe eye discharge include eye boogers, eye mattering, eye gunk and eye pus. Sometimes called rheum, eye discharge has a protective function, removing waste products and potentially harmful debris from the tear film and the front surface of your eyes.

Your eyes produce mucus throughout the day, but a continuous thin film of tears bathes your eyes when you blink, flushing out the rheum before it hardens in your eyes.

When you’re asleep — and not blinking — eye discharge (or mucus in eye) collects and crusts in the corners of your eyes and sometimes along the lash line, hence the term “sleep in your eyes.”

Some sleep in your eyes upon waking is normal, but excessive eye discharge, especially if it’s green or yellow in color and accompanied by blurry vision, light sensitivity or eye pain, can indicate a serious eye infection or eye disease and should be promptly examined by your eye doctor.

This article will highlight the causes of the stringy eye mucus and possible modes of treatment available for this condition.

Why is mucus coming out of eye?  What causes eye mucus?

The causes of eye mucus discharge, in excess include allergies, common cold, infections of the tear ducts and even after lasik eye surgery. Both viral and bacterial infections, glaucoma and bronchitis can also show signs of excess mucus in the eye.

1. Common cold

When you get a common cold, you may experience mucus in your eye. This occurs when the bacteria in the sinus cavities around the nose build up enough to take over and cause an infection. Sinus headaches. Pain or severe pressure behind and around the eyes, forehead, and upper cheeks can be a sign of sinus infection.

Remember, it is normal to have some headache at the beginning of a cold, or during the worst part of a cold. Green discharge from the eyes. If this is the only symptom, then it may be pink eye (or conjunctivitis). Eye drainage accompanied with all these other symptoms can mean sinus infection.

2. Allergies and pink eye mucus

Pink eye symptoms vary by type of conjunctivitis. Your symptoms may be a clue to the type of conjunctivitis you have.

If you have a bacterial infection causing your pink eye, you will usually have very red eyes. You may find crusting on your eyelids that can make them stick together as well as a heavy, pus-like discharge from your eyes that may be greenish at times. This infection may spread to both eyes.

Crusty mucus in eye in the morning
Crusty eyelids from pink eye or blepharitis

With viral conjunctivitis a very red, swollen eye, crusty eyelids and a more watery discharge is likely. This discharge can also have strands of mucus on eye or white, ropy strands. While many cases of viral pink eye infect only one eye, this infection can also spread to the other eye.

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If allergies are causing your conjunctivitis, it will often look similar to viral conjunctivitis. Your eyes will be red and tearing. However, they will also be itchy. It is likely you may have a stuffy, runny or itchy nose as well.

3. Tear duct infection

Dacryocystitis is an infection in the tear drainage system. Tears drain from each eye through small canals, a tear sac (lacrimal sac) and a tear duct (nasolacrimal duct).

Tears are made by a small organ above the eye under the upper lid. At the inner corner of each upper and lower eyelid is an opening to a small tube (drainage canal). The drainage canals carry away tears that have rinsed the front surface of the eye away so fresh tears can come in.

The tear drainage system can get infected if it becomes blocked and bacteria collect in the ducts or the lacrimal sac. A blockage near the nose also can cause excessive tearing from the eye.

Typical symptoms of acute tear duct infection include:

  • Pain, redness and swelling of the lower eyelid at the inner corner of the eye
  • Excessive tearing
  • Pus or mucus in eye
  • Fever

4. Contaminated eye contacts

Contaminated eye contacts can cause excess and stringy eye mucus
Contaminated eye contacts can cause excess and stringy eye mucus

Wearing old or dirty contact lenses is also a common cause of discharge. Contact lenses that are old are harmful in many ways.

First, the lenses themselves may be contaminated with bacteria or virus organisms that embed themselves into the lens or case material.

Second, deposits of protein and oils from your normal tear flow build up on the contact lens surface and are no longer recognized by your immune system as normal. This causes your body to react to these deposits with an inflammation that includes discharge and mucus in eye.

Third, old contact lenses don’t transmit as much oxygen to the front of the eyes, thereby causing hypoxia and leaving your eyes even more susceptible to opportunistic infection.

5. After lasik surgery

Dry eyes can occur naturally or as a result of LASIK eye surgery or or cataract surgery Kansas. Dry eyes may be a temporary side effect after a patient undergoes laser surgery. A person who had the condition prior to surgery may find their condition worsened.

If you are considering LASIK surgery, it is important to alert your surgeon prior to surgery if you have dry eye.

The eye requires natural tears, which are produced by the eye, providing continuous moisture. Dry eyes result where some people do not produce enough tears to keep the eye comfortable and healthy. This condition is known as Dry Eye Syndrome.

If you have Dry Eyes, you may experience a number of common symptoms including stinging or burning, scratchiness, excessive mucus in your eyes, reduced tolerance to smoke or wind, difficulty wearing contact lenses and excessive tearing.

In addition to irritation and physical pain of dry eyes, in more severe cases, the condition may impair overall visual function, with complaints of poor visual acuity or quality.

6. Bronchitis

Coughing up yellow and green mucus, fatigue, soreness in the chest: these are the symptoms of bronchitis. The acute form of bronchitis is usually a chest cold gone bad. The bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed which produces mucus and creates a cough.

Other signs of bronchitis include a mild headache, body aches, a low-grade fever, watery eyes, mucus in eyes and a sore throat. Most of these symptoms will last up to two miserable weeks, but the cough might linger for up to 8 weeks.

7. Glaucoma

A clear fluid called aqueous humor circulates inside the front portion of our eyes. To maintain a constant healthy eye pressure, the eye continually produces a small amount of aqueous humor while an equal amount of this fluid flows out of the eye.

The fluid flows out through a very tiny drain called the trabecular meshwork, a complex network of cells and tissue in an area called the drainage angle.

If you have glaucoma, the aqueous humor does not flow through the trabecular meshwork properly.

If the drainage angle is becoming less efficient at draining fluid, as in the common open-angle glaucoma, excess fluid cannot flow out of the eye properly, causing the intraocular pressure (IOP) to increase.

This lack of drainage or a less efficient drainage system causes build-up of the liquid humor and this in turn causes formation mucus in eye.

8. Viral and bacterial infections

Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is caused by a virus such as the common cold or herpes simplex virus. Eye discharge associated with viral pink eye typically is clear and watery, but may include a white or light yellow mucus in eye component.

Bacterial conjunctivitis, as the name indicates, is caused by bacterial infection and can be sight-threatening if not treated promptly. Eye discharge is usually thicker and more pus-like (purulent) in consistency than viral pink eye, and is commonly yellow, green or even gray.

Often, the sticky mattering will cause your eyelids to feel completely glued shut upon waking in the morning.

See also:

Eye mucus in toddlers and infants.

A common problem in babies is a clogged tear duct in one or both eyes. Tears are made in the upper eyelid and drain into the nose through a duct on the lower eyelid.

A blocked tear duct causes the eye to appear to water excessively. Sometimes a thick, yellow drainage occurs. Unless the white of the eyeball looks red, this is not pink eye.

A small amount of dry stuff only in the corner of the eye. It may not even be pus. A collection of mucus can be cream colored. Often due to an irritant that got in the eye from dirty hands. Needs no treatment except wiping it away with warm water.

Blocked Tear Duct- Present in 10% of newborns. Main symptom is a constant watery eye. Tears fill the eye and run down the face. This happens even when not crying. The eye is not red and the eyelid is not swollen. The wet eye may get secondary infections. This will cause mucus in the eye of the toddler.

Excess eye mucus discharge

Conjunctivitis will cause your eyes to feel itchy, irritated, and gritty, and produces green, white, or yellow eye mucus that results in severe crusting. Conjunctivitis could make your eyes feel as if they are glued shut upon your waking.

  • Blepharitis – This eyelid disorder can often result in the production of excessive yellow or green eye pus, foamy eye discharge, and eyelid crusting.
  • Stye – Often caused by an infected eyelash follicle, a stye can trigger yellow pus, eyelid crusting and discomfort while blinking.

These conditions can cause the eye to have excess discharge of mucus in eyes. It would be advisable to seek medical help from your primary healthcare provider.

White mucus in eye

Small amounts of white mucus in the eye are common. Some drainage or crusting of the lids, especially in the morning, may be normal.

Clear or watery drainage from the eye is often due to allergies or a virus. The eyes may also be itchy and red and feel scratchy. Colds, flu, and viral pinkeye (conjunctivitis) also can cause watery eyes and a runny nose.

It is very common for pinkeye drainage to cause the eyelids to stick together during sleep. When the eyelids are stuck together, they may swell during the night. This matting of the eyelids occurs with almost every type of pinkeye.

Once this matted drainage is cleaned away, the eyelid swelling usually goes away.

Creamy white drainage that causes the eyelids to be red, puffy, or stick together in the morning may mean a bacterial infection. If swelling and redness improve within 1 or 2 hours of opening your eyes and the drainage is clearing up gradually over a couple of days, the problem may be less serious.

If there are no other symptoms, 3 or 4 days of home treatment may be all that is needed to clear up the symptoms.

Stringy eye mucus

Mucus fishing is both something that patients do and a medical diagnosis. Patients with MFS literally ‘fish’ mucus in eyes with their finger, a tissue, cotton bud etc.

Common causes include dry eye, viral and allergic conjunctivitis, blepharitis and pterygium. For whatever reason the eyes produce more mucus and patients naturally clean it away. Unfortunately touching the very sensitive tissues on the surface of the eye or inside of the eyelid causes more inflammation and greater mucus production. Increased amounts can also come out when blowing nose.

Even if the original problem goes away a vicious cycle of production of mucus in eyes and fishing continues.

The most common complaint is the presence of stringy mucus that gathers inside the lower eyelid, sticks to the surface of the eye and covers the cornea interfering with vision. Some patients also complain of irritable, red and itchy eyes.

Related symptoms

Eye mucus may be accompanied with other symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, sneezing, blurry vision and discomfort at night or when waking up in the morning. Here are the different symptoms to look out for.

Sore throat and cough

When you get a cold that causes production of mucus in eyes, it will most likely to be accompanied by sore throat and a cough that could become severe. This is because for a cold to cause you to experience mucus in eyes, it has to be a really serious cold.

Blurry vision

Your eyes produce mucus throughout the day, but a continuous thin film of tears bathes your eyes when you blink, flushing out the rheum before it hardens in your eyes.

When you’re asleep — and not blinking — eye discharge collects and crusts in the corners of your eyes and sometimes along the lash line, hence the term “sleep in your eyes.”

Some sleep in your eyes upon waking is normal, but excessive eye discharge, especially if it’s green or yellow in color and accompanied by blurry vision, light sensitivity or eye pain, can indicate a serious eye infection or eye disease and should be promptly examined by your eye doctor

Eye mucus at night and after waking up

Eye mucus is described as thick, yellow discharge that forms in the corners of the eye. Often settling into a hard crust on the eyelid and lashes, mucus in eye can also be more pus-like, with green, liquid discharge leaking from the eye.

Most commonly, mucus builds overnight while you are sleeping, and it seeps out of your eye throughout the night. In more extreme cases, you might even wake up being unable to open your eyes. If you have an eye infection, such as conjunctivitis, mucus will continue to seep from the eye throughout the day.

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  1. A small amount of eye discharge is harmless, but if you notice changes in the color, frequency, consistency and amount, consult your eye doctor.
  2. If an eye infection is the cause of eye mucus, your eye care practitioner may prescribe antibiotic or antiviral eye drops and ointments. If eye allergies are making your eyes watery and irritated, over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops and decongestants may relieve symptoms.
  3. Warm compresses placed over your eyes may help relieve symptoms of itching and general eye discomfort, as well as help remove eye mucus. You can find great warm compresses on amazon here
  4. If your eyelids are stuck together, the best way to “unglue” your lids is to wet a washcloth in hot water and place it over your eyes for a few minutes, before gently wiping away the eye gunk.
  5. Using Tea Bags – Regular black or green tea bags that have been steeped in warm or cool water may help reduce swollen eyelids and redness of the eyes.
  6. The natural antioxidants and tannins in the tea may also provide some comfort from itchiness and burning.
  7. Placing tea bags on an infected or irritated eye shouldn’t have any adverse effects.
  8. Throwing away old make-up, especially make-up that was used while you had an infection in your eyes, will greatly reduce the chances of the infection coming back.
  9. Contaminated cosmetics are a leading cause of eye infection, and if they are not thrown away you will be reapplying the bacteria every time you use them.
  10. Replace and care for your contact lenses according to your eye doctor’s instructions. Remember to replace your storage case regularly as well. There are great contact lens solutions that work like your eyes with the same lubricant they have naturally

Sources and references:

  1. All About Vision: Eye Discharge.
  2. Seattle Children’s: Eye-Pus or Drainage.
  3. Eye Health Web: Eye Discharge- Symptoms, Causes and Reliefs.
  4. Silverstein Eye Centers: Signs of Abnormal Eye Discharge.

White Spots on Lips: Pictures & How to Get Rid of The Dots

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White Spots on Lips: Pictures & How to Get Rid of The Dots

Small white spots, patches, bumps or blotches on lips definitely mean something is happening to your lips. The little bumps appear on the lower lip, upper lip or even corners of lips. They may appear as little papules that are easily visible around the mouth when stretched, or even under the skin.

It is easy to think they are herpes or STD symptoms. Here are the causes and pictures of small white dots on lips and how to get rid of them.

Do you have small white or yellow colored small bumps on your lips? Are they painless? Most people complain of having white dots on lips that do not show symptoms, no pain and discomfort. The only type of discomfort that you may feel is the cosmetic trauma they may cause.

What do white dots on my lips mean?

White dots, spots, blotches, patches and bumps around lips and mouth are as a result of mild inflammation on the lips. They may be caused by any mild trauma that the mouth may suffer, maybe due to an infection such as an STD, cold sore or soreness and many other reasons that may not be specified.

Having small raised white bumps on lips can also mean Fordyce spots. Fordyce spots are painless but small raised yellowish white granules that form on the lips. They are said not to be harmful, but it is important to see a doctor to avoid any health problems with your lips.

Pictures and images

How do white bumps around lips look like? The actual appearance will depend on the cause. Some bumps or spots are raised dots while others are clusters of white spots that look like a rash on the lips.

White dots on lips
Clusters of small white bumps on lips

Fordyce spots, for example, appear as yellowish or whitish granules on the lips, either the upper lip or the lower lip. STD or HPV (herpes) spots can appear as painless blister-like spots on your lips. Cancer dots on the mouth can be hard and recurring.

Causes

Causes may vary depending on the actual type of papules or bumps on the lips. For instance, Fordyce granules may be normal only that they appear on the lips (where they are actually not supposed to appear).

STDs such as herpes (HPV), HIV, and cancer, smoking, common cold, vitamin deficiency, fungal infections, stress, sun exposure and allergic reactions can all cause white dots on lips.

1. Fordyce spots

white fordyce granules on lips above and below
White fordyce granules on lips above and below

Fordyce spots are also called Fordyce granules. They can be about 1 millimeter to 3 millimeter. They appear as small white granules or tiny white dots. Typically, Fordyce dots are small bumps that appear on the border of your lips or on the lip line. Fordyce dots and granules form within the part of the mouth tissue that is colored.

Do not worry about Fordyce granules and spots because they are normal oily glands which may just be visible because of reasons of skin complexion and variation in the pigmentation. Some people notice Fordyce spots as white dots on lips when stretched. Note that:

  • Fordyce patches and granules are painless
  • They are harmless glands
  • These dots are not an STD, but you should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.

See pictures of white Fordyce bumps to be able to distinguish them from other conditions that manifest themselves in the same way. See the end for Fordyce spots on lips treatment.

2. STDs, herpes or HPV

Another possible cause of white bumps on the lips is herpes or human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Normally, the symptoms of HPV are visible on other parts of the body as well, such as the vagina, penis and in the throat.

According to WebMD, “…sexually-transmitted HPV viruses are spread through contact with infected genital skin, mucous membranes, or bodily fluids, and can be passed through intercourse and oral sex.”

Sharing drinks, utensils such as spoons, cups and glasses with an infected person can easily transmit HPV to other people. White dots around the mouth after kissing could also be a cause of these bumps on your lips.

3. HSV virus and cold sores or fever blisters

Another possible cause is the herpes simplex virus (HSV). This one causes cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth and nose.

Yellowish white areas on the lips may be caused by HSV1 on the lips and may appear as tiny white blisters around the mouth or corners of the mouth.

Sometimes, the blisters may be formed on the lip line, upper lip or lower lip, and may become itchy and eventually rapture. They start as small itchy pimples and may grow into a blister in two days.

4. Milia spots

Milia spots appear as little whiteheads. They may keep coming and going away. Milia spots are small white cysts that are found in clusters or groups. They are caused by “keratin that becomes trapped beneath the surface of the skin.”

According to Dermadoctor, milia spots can occur on the cheeks, mouth, and even mucous membranes of the body.

“Certain lipsticks, lip balms and products meant to help with chapped lips may be the cause of little white pearly milia developing around the lipstick edge (aka vermillion border) of the lips.” [Dermadoctor.com]

5. Allergic reaction

Rashes form on the lips due to contact with some irritants such as titanium and mica chemicals.

Symptoms of contact allergy rash on the mouth include burning sensation, white bumps or white rash, and even peeling.

Antihistamines and steroid creams may be used to treat contact allergy and inflammation of the lips. It will help a lot to get rid of the white spots on lips if you avoid contact with the allergen that caused the rash in the first place.

6. White pimple on lip

A white spot on the lip line could be a pimple or whitehead. Pimples or acne spots are caused by clogged pores.

When pores are clogged with sweat, excess oil and dead skin cells, bacterial activity leads to an infection within the pore. The result will be a small raised dot.

Exfoliating your lips regularly can really help get rid of whiteheads and pimples. Anti-acne medications can also help reduce flare-ups. If you have a painful pimple around your mouth, anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve the pain.

7. Hard spot from oral cancer

Oral cancer white patch on lips that won't go away
Oral cancer white patch on lips that won’t go away.

This symptom may extend into white patches in the throat and on tonsils. This could be an indication of oral cancer, which is a dangerous problem altogether that you will need to seek medical attention soonest possible.

Oral cancer may manifest itself in an array of symptoms, among them hard white bumps on the lips, mouth, throat and areas around the oral cavity.

Sometimes, you may find that the patches, dots and bumps become open sores and lumps that do not heal, and may remain hard.

If you have a problem of white lumps around the mouth, ensure you see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Read more about oral cancer here.

8. Fungal infection or oral thrush

Oral thrush or fungal infections in the mouth are likely to lead to white patches or white dots.

Different strains yeast of the candida fungus can cause oral thrush patches, the most common one is candida albicans.

Oral thrush, affects mostly babies
Oral thrush, affects mostly babies

Women on birth control pills and patients on corticosteroid medications and some antibiotics are likely to get white dots and patches on lips more often. White spots on lips in babies are also common due to the high risk of fungal infections they are prone to.

People who suffer from immune depleting diseases such as diabetes, cancer and anemia can experience oral thrush a lot more than those who are healthy. Other factors that increase the risk of fungal infections in the mouth include smoking, wearing dentures and pregnancy.

9. Smoking, Juvederm, stress and sun exposure

Other causes of white dots on lips include smoking, stress and too much exposure to the sun. Some people who have undergone juvederm complain of white marks on lips. These may be unrelated or coincidental.

Smoking is a major cause of leukoplakia in the mouth. Leukoplakia manifests as white patches in the mouth. Therefore, white dots on inner lips may be a sign of leukoplakia patches spreading in the mouth.

Stress and vitamin deficiency may also lead to white bumps on lips. When stressed, the body is likely to produce excess oil that leads to acne breakouts. Stress rash is also another common occurrence on the lips.

Canker sores are also another cause of white dots that are not raised. They appear as if they are white dots under skin on lips. They are likely come and go or won’t go away easily. On the other hand, small vitiligo spots appear when lips are stretched.

Little dots or small white spots

Little white dots on lips are the most commonly reported symptom when people suffer from different conditions that manifest themselves as with small granules or bumps. Some of these may be a result of white fungus. Some people may experience white patches inside the mouth as well.

It is highly likely that when you have this sign, you could be having Fordyce spots. However, it could turn out to be something else as well as tiny white dots can also be hard, painless or even soft, tender and easy to rapture. In this case, an underlying bacterial infection, fungal infection or just the normal Fordyce could cause them.

  • If the little white dots are flat on the lips, then they are not likely to be Fordyce.
  • Raised tiny bumps are likely to be Fordyce white dots on lips.
  • White patches around your lips could be thrush and can spread to other parts of the mouth.
  • Vitiligo is the loss of your skin pigmentation or color and can show by small white dots around the mouth.

Bumps on the edge or corner of lips

It is common for herpes to form on the corners of lips or on the edges of lips. However, herpes is not a conclusive finding since the symptoms may differ from one person to another.

To be specific, white dots on corners of lips may be herpes lesions, which are generally known to begin on the corners of the mouth.

Important characteristics that may identify them as herpes are as follows:

  • The papules may also appear on other parts of the body such as the tongue
  • The white lip dots may appear as small blisters especially at their onset
  • The small tender white bumps on the lips may rapture
  • Some papules may become ulcerated before rapturing
  • Most importantly, white dots on the lips and mouth corners may be painful if they are a sign of herpes
  • Lastly, they can crust time before they heal.

White spot on lower lip and upper lip

White spot on lower lip
White spot on lower lip

Both the lower and the upper lip can get affected with white spots and dots. The causes may be any of those discussed above. The dots may appear as itchy, raised, small or large, on the upper lip line, as single dots or as clusters of white dots on the lower lip or upper lip depending on the cause.

Note that you should see a doctor as soon as possible if you have a growing bump on upper lip or lower lip. Painful and itchy dots on lips should be properly diagnosed because they could be caused by cancer, which can be fatal if not managed early enough.

Treatment

There is no known working way to prevent white vitiligo spots or even cure them. However, if caused by herpes or a fungal infection, the doctor may prescribe a treatment that is an anti-fungal, antibacterial or antiviral medications.

The treatment of white pots around and on your lips may depend on the causes or the underlying cause. Small white papules on lips are treated or cured by eliminating the underlying cause. Below are the common treatments that are applied to get rid of white lip dots after a diagnosis by the physician.

  • Cold sores are treated using antivirals that get rid of herpes simplex.
  • White spots caused by sunburn can be treated using vitamin E ointments and creams for the lips.
  • If the cause is contact allergy, you may get rid of white spots on lips by taking anti-allergens and avoiding those substances that cause the allergic reaction.
  • Fordyce spots on lips treatment involves laser treatment of the lips, which uses pulse dye laser beams.
  • Oral thrush and lip cancer may be treated the same way other cancers are cured. This may involve removal of the cancerous tissue on the lips or even using chemotherapy treatments.

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There you have it! The treatments and symptoms, causes of white dots on the lips that you should probably be aware of.

Of importance to note is that you must see a doctor before making any assumptions about what could be the problem of white dots on lips.

Sources and references

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Genital HPV Infection – Fact Sheet
  3. Healthline Networks: What Is a Milium Cyst?

Pimples on Chin: Meaning & How to Get Rid of Chin Acne

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Pimples on Chin: Meaning & How to Get Rid of Chin Acne

Acne and pimples normally affect the face, neck area, back, chest and even shoulders. Most teenagers get pimples, but they can persist or disappear and occur at certain stages of life. Pimples during pregnancy, when ovulating and having periods (PMS) are common. These are associated with hormonal imbalance and changes in the body as you will learn under causes of chin pimples below.

Pimples on your chin can be painful, deep and blind. Hormonal chin acne is a major cause of the breakouts. Stress, birth control and hormonal imbalance in women is also a reason for acne on the jawline, chin and below the neck.

Here’s how to get rid of the painful pimples and whitehead on the chin with treatments and remedies.

Deep cystic pimples on chin
Flare-ups on the chin can be caused by hormonal imbalances.

Acne pimples on chin meaning

What do pimples on the chin mean? According to Chinese face mapping theories and Dr. Wang Zheng Hu, the “location of acne spots on your face can give you an indication of their underlying cause” in addition to telling the status of your general internal health.

In most cases, prominent white spots on chin, or acne on chin can mean hormonal problems and some gynecological issues. Kidney and liver problems have been found to have a notable relationship with chin breakouts. In addition, the bumps on chin or under chin can also mean you rest your hands on the face a lot.

It is common for people to get acne and pimple breakouts on the forehead, neck, around mouth, lips, chest, cheeks, jawline, chin line, under lip etc. The general causes may apply, other than those specified by Chinese medicine. Below are the causes of pimples around the chin area.

What causes pimples on chin?

According to Proactiv, pimples start to appear about two weeks before they erupt into breakouts. Pimples and acne zits start when skin pores get clogged with excess sebum and dead skin cells. Within the plugged pores, bacterial activity causes the body’s immune system into action, causing small pus-filled bumps on the skin that are pimples.

Both males and females can get pimples on the face and around the chin. The causes are basically the same, except for a few that may be unique to females than males, or people of different ages. Clogged skin pores, poor shaving, fatty diet, birth control and stress all cause pimples on the chin.

1. Hormonal acne from hormone imbalance

Hormonal pimples on chin are caused by an imbalance in the body’s hormones at different stages of growth. During puberty, teenagers get breakouts around the face for the same reason. For women, menstrual periods (PMS), pregnancy and menopause causes an imbalance in hormones.

How are hormone changes related to acne around the chin? A rise in progesterone hormone before period stimulates the production of sebum or excess oil in the skin. At this time, the skin will plump up and the pores get compressed. The excess oil acts as food for bacteria on skin. The result is increased breakouts and inflammation on the face, chin, jawline, breasts and around the mouth.

2. Chin breakouts after shaving (in men)

In men, shaving, waxing and threading can result in razor burn and razor bumps. Bumps around the neck and chin (appearing as pimples on chin) are a result of poor shaving techniques. Commonly, the bumps around the jawline, neck and chin appear to be red. They are caused by irritation on the skin when shaving.

If you have thick hair, you are prone to getting razor bump breakouts on the face, jawline and neck after shaving. This mostly occurs in men than in women. Noskinproblems.com identifies harsh shaving and aftershave products and tools as a cause of chin pimples and bumps as well.

3. Stress causes pimples in adults

Does stress cause breakouts around the face? Stress in itself does not cause acne on face. However, it triggers most of the causes in adults. Stress periods stimulate adrenal glands and in turn stimulate your sebaceous glands to produce more sebum or oil on the skin.

Pimple breakouts around the chin, forehead, jawline and cheeks can be a sign of stress. These areas receive the worst inflammation whenever the body or mind undergoes stress conditions. Other than flare-ups on chin and face, sleeplessness, hair loss and anxiety are some of the signs of stress in adults that may show alongside acne spots around the mouth.

4. You stopped your birth control pills

Birth control pills are usually used to help get rid of hormonal imbalance problems that cause pimples on chin, sides of jaw and cheeks. It is common for some women who are on birth control to get acne breakouts on chin after stopping the birth control pills.

Hormonal stabilization can take time before the whiteheads can go away. During this period, avoiding foods that cause acne cysts can help control the breakouts. Facial cleanses can also help unclog pores on the skin and prevent pimples.

5. Digestion problems

Chinese face mapping lists forehead pimples and chin pimples as a sign of digestive problems. It gets worse if your diet contains foods that cause acne, i.e. foods that are fatty or contain a high amount of fats.

According to Acne Einstein and Body Ecology, acne and gastrointestinal problems have strong connections. Acne patients have been found to show a “higher prevalence of gut problems.” Abdominal bloating, constipation, heartburn and intestinal inflammation patients are more likely to get acne on the forehead, jawline, chin and sides of cheeks. That is according to a study that included 13000 adolescents.

6. Diet (foods)

The one thing that could be the cause of a face full of pimples is diet or food allergies. But what foods can make you break out around the chin and mouth? Foods that make you have a high blood sugar level are more likely to cause acne flare-ups on the skin.

In a 2007 study, teenage boys who ate a low glycemic content in their food “showed significant improvement in their breakouts than those who didn’t. The following are diets and foods that cause pimples around chin and face.

  • Chocolate
  • Spicy foods such as those with red chilies
  • Cheese and most dairy products
  • Nuts
  • Peanut butter
  • Sushi
  • French Fries
  • Milk
  • Potato chips

In general, fatty foods and those laden with calories are not good for the health of your skin.

7. Breakouts before period, ovulation and during pregnancy

Expert sources on pregnancy such as Pregnancy Center note that being pregnant in itself “can trigger acne or make existing adult acne worse.” During pregnancy, ovulation and before period, there is a higher level of androgens in the body.

These hormones cause the enlargement of sebaceous glands, resulting in an increase in the amount of sebum produced around the face. Excess sebum and sweat is a precursor to acne and pimple breakouts on face during pregnancy, before period and ovulation or mid cycle.

8. Poor hygiene

Poor hygiene habits can also cause and worsen pimples on the chin and around the face. If you like touching your face, you are more likely to develop acne on areas you touch the most. Dirty cellphones touching the skin encourage bacteria that can contribute to pimples under chin, on sides of cheeks and temples.

Toughing the chin area, neck and jawline can also cause acne to spread around this area. Hands pick up dirt and can spread bad bacteria on other parts of the body, including your face.

9. Excessive sweating after exercise

Why do I get chin pimples after exercise? Too much sweat on the skin due to climates that are hot and humid can cause pimples and bumps on the face. This is common in people with an oily skin and the type of acne associated by sweating is called pityrosporum folliculitis.

The reason for pimples on chin from sweat is that the normal yeast on the skin can start to overgrow inside the pores. When temperatures go high during exercise and during summer, the yeast grows and feeds on the dirt and excess sweat on the skin, causing pimples, cysts and zits.

10. Menopause acne

During menopause, hormone levels and balance change in women. The level of estrogen reduces will that of testosterone increases. This change comes with stimulated sebaceous glands that end up producing excess sebum.

An oily skin is prone to acne breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads. “Women in menopause are most likely to spot acne blemishes near their chin, jaw, and mouth, but pimples can also appear on the chest and back” according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

11. Poor lymphatic drainage

Deep pimples or cystic pimples under chin and neck could be a sign of lymphatic drainage problems. Congestion in the lymphatic system due to poor drainage leaves your body with a load of toxins. These accumulate in the blood and skin.

  • Signs include: “Acne and cystic acne along the jawline, near the ears, cheeks, and/or sides of the mouth and chin (this is where lymph vessels run close to the surface)” [TheLoveVitamin.com].

Lymphatic drainage problems result in pimple breakouts that occur on areas that are mostly affected, including the neck, jawline, cheeks etc. So, if you are getting the zits and pimples that won’t go away all of a sudden, you could be having this problem.

Other causes of pimples near the chin and mouth include the following:

  • Kissing with makeup on. Makeup can clog pores and leave you with blemishes and breakouts.
  • Genetic disposition or hereditary acne.
  • Smoking regularly, which affects the health of your skin a lot.
  • Herpes and HIV infections can cause white bumps on lips and around the mouth and chin.
  • It is also possible to get pimple-like bumps under the chin from cold sores, rosacea, warts, ringworm infections, keratosis pilaris, moles and boils. See your doctor or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment in case you think you have any of these conditions.

Painful pimple on chin or cystic acne pimples

Painful breakouts with no head can be difficult to get rid of. They can be itchy and highly inflamed. Blind pimples form deep in the skin and can hurt when you touch them. Why are pimples on my chin painful and deep?

Cystic acne forms deeper in the skin. The inflammation occurs closer to the nerves. Whiteheads that appear close to the skin can be squeezed and removed, but cystic pimples and cystic acne can take a long time before the head can become visible.

  • You can reduce the hurt from painful pimples using an ice pack. Place an ice pack on the pimple under your chin repeatedly at intervals of 5 minutes. This will reduce the pain from cystic pimples and acne.

Creams with salicylic acid, bentonite and zinc oxide can also help relieve the pain fast. They work by dissolving the debris and excess oil that clogs up pores. Getting rid of this plug reduces the inflammation.

Small hard pimples under chin

White bumps on chin can also be keratosis pilaris
White bumps on chin can also be keratosis pilaris

Pimples can be small or big, tender and sometimes hard bumps. A small hard pimple under your chin or on the jaw can be acne, but not always. It is possible that the hard pimples around the chin are small fatty cysts, keratosis pilaris or other types of bumps.

Small pimples that are consistent on the chin can also be keratosis pilaris bumps. Keratosis pilaris “a benign condition which appears as numerous small, rough red or tan bumps primarily around hair follicles on the upper arms, legs, buttocks, chin, and sometimes cheeks.” [Lagunaskincenter.com]. It manifests like goose bumps on the chin. These are sometimes called chicken skin or small bumps on chin.

How Get Rid of Pimples on Your Chin

Treatments and remedies alike can help you get rid of pimples on chin. However, treating the cause is the first step towards eliminating the breakouts on chin, jaw, neck and below lips.

Hormonal acne and cystic pimples under chin may require different methods of removal compared to normal breakouts. Below, we have discussed how to get rid of pimples on the chin naturally and with medical treatments.

1. Use topical acne creams, lotions and gels

Both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) creams can help get rid of chin pimples fast. Topical creams may however not be effective for acne vulgaris and cystic acne. Acne bumps on skin without open sores, also called comedones (or comedonal acne) can be treated using topical anti-acne creams.

  • Creams containing salicylic acid e.g. Stridex and Propa pH can help reduce chin pimples.
  • Triaz and Brevoxyl are benzoyl peroxide-based lotions that are said to remove the zits effectively too.
  • Another common ingredient to look for when looking for a topical anti-acne gel is retinoids. Creams such as Tazorac and Differin contain Retin-A or tretinoin, which is known to treat acne pimples successfully.

Another commonly prescribed cream is Azelex, containing azelaic acid. Be careful when choosing a topical cream for relieving itchy acne on chin. Some of these creams can be too strong for a sensitive skin, especially those with tretinoin.

2. Antibiotic treatment

Antibiotics can be used topically or orally. Antibiotic medications for acne on jawline, chin and cheeks or face area are only used when bacteria are present. Infected pimples on face can form small pus-filled cysts.

Inflamed pimples can be treated using oral antibiotics or topical options such as isotretinoin. For most of these, you will need a prescription from your doctor to be able to get some. However, you can also try OTC ones, mostly containing sulfur and sodium sulfacetamide. Some products with benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin can also help get rid of acne-causing bacteria.

3. Use tea tree oil remedy

Home remedies for acne can also be effective. Tea tree oil is one of the best, but should not be used on sensitive skin unless it is diluted. Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties and will help disinfect your pores and get rid of bacteria causing the inflammation. Here’s how to use tea tree oil to get rid of acne on chin, jawline and under the lip.

We highly recommend Essential Oil Labs Tea Tree Oil (Check price on Amazon)
  1. Put a few drops of tea tree oil in a glass.
  2. Using a cotton swab, dab the oil on your chin, making sure the bumps are covered with it.
  3. Repeat this three times a day.
  4. Mix tea tree oil with aloe vera or water if it causes your skin to dry, feel irritated or become red.

4. Fuller’s earth face mask remedy

Fuller’s earth, also called multani mitti, has long been used as a natural home remedy for oily skin. It reduces excess oil and opens up skin pores. This helps prevent pimples on the face, forehead, cheeks and even neck area. It can also help fade pimple marks fast and improve skin complexion. Here’s how to use this remedy.

Multani mitti face mask can cure chin breakouts
Multani mitti face mask can cure chin breakouts overnight.
  1. Gather your ingredients of sandalwood powder, rose water and fuller’s earth.
  2. Mix the three in equal proportions to make mud or paste of good thickness.
  3. Apply the mud to your face, including the chin area with pimples.
  4. Leave it on your face for about 30 minutes to dry up.
  5. Wash it off.

This natural home remedy for pimples can be applied once every week until the pimples clear.

5. Use apple cider vinegar remedy

Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria that cause breakouts on the skin. It will also help balance the pH of your skin, making it difficult for bacteria to thrive on it, feed on sweat and excess sebum to cause pimples.

  1. Cleanse your face with clean water and pat it dry.
  2. Mix apple cider vinegar with water in a ratio of 1:3.
  3. Dip a cotton ball into the solution and apply it on the chin acne pimples or zits.
  4. Leave it on the face for about 10 minutes. You can also leave it overnight.
  5. Wash the face with clean water and pat dry.
  6. Repeat this home treatment several times a day.
  7. Apply moisturizer to hydrate your skin and prevent it from drying.

6. Use honey for breakouts on chin

Honey is used to remove pimples on face. It can also help fade scars faster. Honey acts as a natural antibiotic as well as anti-inflammatory treatment. You can use it as a face mask and by consuming it directly in your diet.

  1. Put a little honey on your palm.
  2. Apply it to the acne and pimple breakouts using your fingers. You can apply it to the whole face.
  3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
  4. Wash off the honey with lukewarm water.
  5. Repeat this remedy twice a day to get rid of pimples on chin fast.

7. Manage your stress

Stress can cause hormones to surge. As seen above, hormonal fluctuations can cause deep pimples on the face, jawline and under lips. Yoga, music and even massage therapies have been found to relieve stress. Here are more tips to help you manage and reduce stress and prevent whiteheads on chin.

  1. Identify the cause of your stress and start taking positive steps towards solving it.
  2. Keep a positive attitude all the time.
  3. Eat healthy. Eliminate foods that cause acne in your diet.
  4. Exercise regularly.
  5. Improve your time management skills to reduce stress from failures.

8. Do not pop deep pimples

Picking, squeezing, scratching and trying to pop pimples on your face does not help in getting rid of them. Popping pimples leads to scarring, scabs on pimples, infections and can also spread pimples to other parts of your face.

Deep cystic or blind pimples are even worse. Trying to pop them can lead to swelling. They can also become very painful and cause discomfort.

9. Warm compress for blind acne pimples

Deep, blind pimples are always difficult to treat. The infection lies deeper in the skin and closer to nerve endings. If you squeeze one, you will end up with a painful, swollen bump on chin. Here’s how to get rid of deep blind pimples (pimples with no head, and those that won’t pop) on jaw and chin using a warm compress.

  1. Make a warm or hot compress using a piece of wet cloth.
  2. Hold it right on top of the chin where there is a blind pimple for a few minutes.
  3. Keep putting it on the acne spot at intervals of a few minutes. Try to avoid burning yourself but keep it as hot as possible.
  4. Repeat this several times a day until the head of the pimple is drawn out and becomes visible, ready to be popped.

It is easy to treat acne vulgaris and blind pimples once you draw them to the surface. When deep, they remain itchy and painful, and will take long to heal.

10. Birth control therapy for hormonal acne

Birth control therapy is also called anti-androgen therapy (or sex hormone therapy). As we have already seen above, hormonal acne and pimples around the chin, face and jaws is triggered by hormonal imbalance.

The common stages in life when women experience these breakouts include during menopause, PMS, ovulation, pregnancy and even when breastfeeding. Stress factors and your diet or lifestyle can also trigger hormonal acne on the chin.

  • The common symptom of hormonal pimples and acne breakouts include spots and pimples around the mouth, chin line, back, shoulders, buttocks and even on the inner thighs. Most people get pimples on the nose, sides of cheeks and on the jaws.
  • Hormonal pimples around the body tends to be inflammatory. The pimples (hormonal cystic pimples) are big, itchy or inflamed, painful and red.
  • Typically, the pimples take long to heal and are generally stubborn to get rid of. It is normal for them to leave scars and pimple marks on chin even after healing.
  • Since they are itchy and painful, the blind pimples on chin can tempt you to scratch and pop. The result is further inflammation and swelling. Avoid trying to pop them or picking at them.

Increased testosterone causes breakouts under chin

In stressful situations, your body produces more cortisol, which in turn increases the level of male hormones, or testosterone to be precise. This makes the skin to increase its sebum production. In normal cases, sebum will make your skin glow, but on the bad side, it can also be excess and cause acne breakouts.

Both men and women can suffer from hormone-caused acne and pimple breakouts. Men who use steroid supplements to help in their muscle building increase the amount of testosterone in their bodies. This makes them more likely to suffer from frequent acne breakouts around the chin, jawline, neck and face.

In women, the problem is prevalent in those with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). This is a hormone disorder suffered by women. It causes insensitivity to insulin.

  • According to WebMD, “PCOS-related acne tends to flare in areas that are usually considered “hormonally sensitive,” especially the lower third of the face. This includes your cheeks, jawline, chin, and upper neck.”

Hormonal chin acne treatment

If zits on chin, jawline and lower face are caused by hormonal condition such as PCOS, treatments such as anti-acne creams and retinoid creams or gels don’t work. Your dermatologist will recommend a hormonal therapy to get rid of pimples under chin won’t go away. There are two main hormonal therapy treatments for chin acne and pimples caused by hormonal imbalances: spironolactone and birth control pills.

Prescription spironolactone is a drug originally formulated to treat hypertension and fluid retention. It can also be administered to help stop hormonal pimples on the chin and face region. It is highly preferred for use in patients who smoke or have other risk factors that may make birth control therapies ineffective.

On the other hand, birth control pills are the most common type of hormonal therapy. These help raise the amount of estrogen and progesterone. Example pills that are approved by the FDA for treatment of stress pimples, pregnancy pimples and acne before period include Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Yaz and Estrostep. It may take up to 3 months to start seeing results with birth control treatment for chin pimples.

11. Watch your diet

Acne management will depend a lot on what you include in your diet. A diet rich in fiber and leafy vegetables will help a lot in curing pimples on the face. Knowing the foods to avoid in your diet, especially if your skin is acne-prone, will help you manage the breakouts even better.

  • Go for low glycemic foods in your diet. Processed wheat foods such as cakes and white bread have a high glycemic index and will cause acne breakouts on the chin and face area.
  • According to Glamour, avoid dairy products, a lot of sugar and fermented foods.
  • Chocolate is a bad choice of candy if you have chin pimple breakouts. Although there is little concrete evidence linking chocolate and acne spots as Prevention.com reports, it is important that you reduce dairy products in your diet.
  • Another dietary cure for pimple spots on the chin is to reduce or exclude fatty foods in your diet. Such include French fries and fried potato crisps.

Remember that clear skin starts with your diet. To get a flawless skin, include legumes, whole grains, fruits and green leafy vegetables. Ingredients such as Vitamin A and E, mineral zinc and general antioxidants reduce inflammation and prevent acne pimples breaking out on your face as well. Eat more of pumpkin seeds, turkey, cashews, lentils, quinoa, beef and seafood such as oysters and crabs as well.

Sources and References

  1. Pregnancy Center: Acne during pregnancy
  2. DermNet NZ: Anti-androgen therapy
  3. National Center for Biotechnology Information: Hormonal Treatment of Acne in Women

Itchy Legs After Shaving or Waxing: How to Stop & Get Rid of the Discomfort

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Itchy Legs After Shaving or Waxing: How to Stop & Get Rid of the Discomfort

Itchy legs after shaving normally end up with razor burn and bumps. Poor hair removal methods such as rough waxing can lead to painful itching on the skin. Here’s how to get rid, treat, stop and prevent itching on the legs after shaving.

While shaving is an affordable and quick way to remove unwanted hair, it can have a major drawback: razor burn. Razor burn can be defined as a skin irritation that happens soon after an area has been shaved. It causes a burning sensation and can appear as a red rash. At times, it can be itchy and swollen, too.

Itchy legs after shaving
Razor burn on legs after shaving

Razor burn is commonly associated with men who shave their faces frequently. Women can also have razor burn after shaving their legs and armpits. There are several causes of razor burn, such as using a dull blade, using a hard soap, shaving dry, unconditioned skin and just having sensitive skin

Painful scratching can put even the most rational woman into a fit of frustration and tears. Itchy legs after shaving can happen for a few reasons, one being dry skin.

Sometimes, a rash may even appear after shaving. There are, however, many different ways and techniques to treat and prevent this irritating issue. This article will explore the causes, and how to stop, treat and get rid of the itching.

What causes legs to itch after shaving?

Irritation on the skin can make you feel like scratching. When you scratch, you worsen this feeling, and can easily cause bumps, pimples and sores on legs. But what causes legs to itch from shaving, waxing or hair removal. Improper shaving techniques are top of the list. The condition of your skin before shaving can also cause it to itch.

1. Dry Skin

If you already have dry skin, pressing any kind of object against your skin can cause irritation. This can include doing something as simple as drying off with a towel after showering.

2. Skin Sensitivity

People with sensitive skin are bothered by any possible irritant. Rashes and itchiness on the legs are a common problem for people with sensitive skin.

3. Dull Razors

Using a dull razor can cause you to press too hard on your skin while shaving, causes itchy legs after shaving and possible causing a rash. Dull razors simply do not work as you need them to.

Pushing harder to try and make them work better will only cause yourself discomfort and you will most likely still not get the close shave you are looking for.

4. Razor Burn

Itchy legs after shaving, get rid stop itching fast
Razor bumps follow razor rash

Using a dull razor, shaving too close to the skin, and pressing a razor too hard to the skin will cause razor burn. This burn can cause legs to itch just after shaving. This painful issue can also be caused by dry shaving and cold shaving.

5. Scratching

Itchy legs after shaving and rash after shaving legs will make you naturally want to scratch. Unfortunately, although this may soothe the flare-up at that present moment, scratching will only make legs itch worse.

6. Swimming in chlorine water pools

Compounds containing chlorine keep pools and hot tubs sanitary, but exposure to the chemical poses some health risks. Low levels of skin exposure can cause eye and skin irritation.

Higher levels can result in severe burns and ulcerations. Chlorine can also strip away your skin’s protective oils, which can make it dry and itchy.

Exposure to chlorine can cause contact dermatitis, or skin inflammation resulting from direct contact with an irritant. Symptoms may be a red rash and severe itching, as well as blisters in severe cases. The drying effects of chlorine and water may also cause itchiness without a rash.

7. Itching after waxing too often

Waxing removes unwanted hair, making your skin soft and beautiful, but beauty comes at a price. Bumps and red rash after waxing can appear which can last for hours or as long as 3 days, especially if you have sensitive skin.

The bumps are the result of an inflammation of the hair follicles called folliculitis and is unsightly and can cause discomfort.

8. Using too much pressure when shaving

Using a lot of pressure doesn’t actually make your shave any closer. All it does it collect even more dead skin cells in your blades and cause more friction and therefore irritation than normal.

As previously mentioned, your razor should be gliding over your skin, not scraping it. And if it’s not gliding, it’s time to replace it.

9. Irritating shaving cream

Female shaving cream is recommended for both male and female shaving as all products are more mild and gentle than almost any type of male shaving cream. Also, male shaving creams are often perfumed, which will cause stinging and irritation on legs after shaving.

Therefore, to avoid stinging and irritation after shaving it is prudent to use an oil-based cream and not an alcohol-based one.

How to Get Rid of Itchy Legs After Shaving

You can prevent itching and inflammation as soon as you shave. This will go a long way in preventing and getting rid of razor burn and bumps. Some of the home remedies you can use include cold compresses, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera etc. Here’s how to get rid of itchy legs from shaving.

Cold Compress

A cold compress is a very effective and easy way to get instant relief from the burning sensation caused by razor burns. It soothes the area and can reduce inflammation. Plus, it will help reduce redness and itchy legs after shaving, as well as prevent razor bumps from forming.

  1. Wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel.
  2. Place the towel on the affected area for a few minutes.
  3. Alternatively, you can soak a cloth in cold water and place it on the affected area for a few minutes.
  4. Repeat either of these treatments several times a day as needed.
  5. To prevent razor burn, try splashing with cold water on your skin immediately after shaving.

Use apple Cider Vinegar to stop itchy legs fast

Are you looking for a way to stop itchy legs from shaving fast or immediately? Razor burns can be treated quickly with apple cider vinegar. Its anti-inflammatory properties work to reduce inflammation as well as the itchy legs sensation. Plus, the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps prevent infection.

  1. Dab a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it on the affected area.
  2. Allow it to air dry, and then wash it off with water.

Do this two or three times a day until the burning sensation stops.

Note: Those who have sensitive skin must dilute apple cider vinegar with water before applying it.

Aspirin treatment for shave itch

Aspirin is another easy and simple way to get rid of razor burn very quickly. The anti-inflammatory property of aspirin helps reduce redness and inflammation.

  • Put two aspirins in one teaspoon of warm water.
  • Let it sit for some time, until it turns into a paste.
  • Rub the paste on the affected skin.
  • Leave it on for 10 minutes, and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Use this simple treatment twice a day to get rid of the discomfort. It will also help you get rid of razor bumps. Note: Those with highly sensitive skin should not use this remedy.

Aloe Vera cure for itchy legs

Aloe vera is another great choice for soothing the itch on legs after shaving and razor burns. The soothing, as well as the cooling nature of aloe vera, will give you instant relief from the burning sensation and inflammation. Also, aloe vera will keep the skin moisturized, which speeds up the healing process.

We recommend Aloe Vera gel for skin by FineVine (Check price on Amazon).

  1. Extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe vera leaf.
  2. Rub the gel on the affected skin.
  3. Allow it to dry on its own, and then rinse it off with cold water.

Follow this treatment two or three times daily for two to three days.

Black Tea

The black tea bags that you use to make yourself a cup of tea can also help get rid of razor burn. The tannic acid in tea helps reduce redness and inflammation.

  1. Moisten a black tea bag in warm water.
  2. Allow the tea bag to cool or put it in the refrigerator for five to 10 minutes.
  3. Rub the cool tea bag over the affected area for two to three minutes.

Repeat several times daily as needed.

Honey

Known for its antibacterial properties, honey can also be used to soothe itchy legs after shaving. It can reduce swelling and inflammation, as well as keep the skin moisturized. Plus, honey can prevent the area from becoming infected.

  1. Apply some honey directly on the irritated skin.
  2. Allow it to air dry and rinse it off with cold water.
  3. Alternatively, you can mix together one-half teaspoon of honey and one tablespoon of plain yogurt.
  4. Apply this mixture on the affected area, allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
  5. Rinse it off with lukewarm water.

Baking Soda

Another old-fashioned home treatment for itchy legs from shaving is baking soda. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, baking soda has a soothing effect on the skin. Plus, it helps relieve itching and reduces redness.

  1. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda in one cup of water.
  2. Soak a cotton ball in this solution and apply it on the affected skin.
  3. Leave it on for about five minutes, and then rinse with cool water.

Repeat two or three times daily as needed.

Cucumber to soothe itchy legs

The hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties of cucumber help deal with razor burn symptoms quickly. Plus, cucumber contains vitamins C and K, two important ingredients for relieving pain and itchiness.

  1. Slice a fresh cucumber and put the slices in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  2. Rub the cool cucumber slices gently on the razor burn for 10 minutes at a time.
  3. Repeat at regular intervals until the skin heals.

Alternatively:

  1. Puree half of a cucumber and mix it with one-quarter cup of milk.
  2. Put the mixture in the refrigerator to cool.
  3. Apply it on the affected area.
  4. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water.

Use this treatment twice daily for two days.

Tea Tree Oil

Being rich in antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil is another good choice for getting rid of razor burn quickly.

  1. Add five drops of tea tree oil to two tablespoons of water.
  2. Apply this diluted solution on the affected skin.
  3. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water.
  4. Do this twice daily as needed.

Alternatively:

  • You can add two or three drops of tea tree oil to one tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Apply it on the irritated skin and leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

We highly recommend 100% Pure, Undiluted Essential Oil from NaturoBliss (Check price on Amazon)

Oatmeal

The soothing and anti-inflammatory properties of oatmeal will help alleviate inflammation and skin irritation to reduce the discomfort of razor burn.

  1. Mix equal amounts of finely ground oatmeal and plain yogurt, and then add a little honey.
  2. Apply this mixture on the affected area.
  3. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
  4. Use this treatment once or twice daily for two to three days.

Cream for Itchy Legs After Shaving

Not all shaving creams are equal. Like any beauty product, different shaving creams are designed for different kinds of skin. If your skin is dry and irritable, then stay away from products that contain alcohol or fragrance

  • A moisturizing cream increases the skin’s ability to hold moisture. It penetrates deeply into the outer layers of the skin to restore the balance of lipids and to help prevent moisture loss. What creams do we recommend? A great choice would be Moisturizing Skin Cream from Vanicream (available on Amazon)
  • Any cream containing shea butter and cocoa butter, almond oil, lanolin among others which provide deep hydration. What are our recommendations?
  • Olive oil – yes, the kind used for cooking – is one of nature’s best moisturizers. It is high in vitamin E and antioxidants that maintain skin’s elasticity. It can be used as a lubricant when shaving as well as being used in place of baby oil or lotions. Olive oil has been used for thousands of years for many cosmetic uses.

How to Prevent Itchiness

Exfoliate. Many people are guilty of skipping this super-imperative step. In fact, you should be doing it both before and after you shave. It may seem like a waste of time, but your skin will be smoother and less prone to redness and irritation.

When you exfoliate before, it aligns your hairs for a uniform shave and sweeps away the dead skin, allowing for a closer shave. When you do it after, it unclogs your pores (from the shaving and creams, etc.) and prevents ingrown hairs (that cause razor bumps).

Always use a shaving lubricant. More on the specifics of creams and the like later, but using something to hydrate your skin is an absolute must. Do you feel like you’re being yelled at? Good! Always use shaving cream. Our recent favourite shaving lubricant is King of Shaves Alpha-Gel Shaving Gel (Check the price on Amazon)

Do not ever shave with just water. Soap and water is okay, but a cream designed especially for sensitive, to-be-shaved skin is best. And when you shave the same area twice, be sure to reapply.

Shave in the direction of your hair growth. Use razor strokes that go downward. Applying pressure with your razor against the grain of your hair causes irritation and bumps. Generally, this means down.

Shaving against the grain allows for a closer shave, sure. If that’s what you want, go for it. But the likelihood of your skin getting irritated increases exponentially when you do so.

Red Spots on the Roof of Mouth Causes and Treatment Options

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Red Spots on the Roof of Mouth Causes and Treatment Options

Discovering red spots on the roof of one’s mouth can be a very worrying experience. This is because the spots can be caused by a myriad of reasons. And while the red spots on the roof of mouth can be due to innocent causes, some may be quite serious and may require urgent medical attention.

What Causes Red Spots on Roof of Mouth?

Mouth sores and spots can be painful, unsightly, and annoying and while some may appear inside the mouth such as one lips, tongue, gums, and roof of the mouth or palate, others could occur outside the mouth around the lips, on the chin, and under the nose.

Red spots on roof of mouth
Red spots on roof of mouth

There are a number of potential causes of red spots on roof of mouth. Some of these issues are only small inconvenience. Presence of red spots on the roof of mouth might be a sign of different conditions and it is good to see a healthcare provider.

The following are a few possible causes of these red spots as well as how each condition would be treated.

1. Canker Sores

No one knows what causes canker sores. The vast majority of people who develop canker sores do not have another problem as the cause.

Both hereditary and environmental causes of the disease have been suggested, but the exact cause is not clear. A number of factors have been suggested to cause outbreaks in susceptible individuals.

  • Oral trauma
  • Hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle
  • Anxiety or stress
  • Smoking cessation
  • Heredity
  • Drugs (including anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen [Motrin], and beta-blockers, such as atenolol [Tenormin])
  • Food allergies or sensitivities (chocolate, tomatoes, nuts, and acidic foods such as pineapple, and preservatives such as benzoic acid and cinnamaldehyde)
  • Toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate
  • Deficiencies of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12 (although supplementation with iron or vitamins has not been shown to increase the likelihood of ulcer resolution).

2. Candidiasis bumps on palate

Which is also known as moniliasis or oral thrush, may also be indicated by presence of the red spots in mouth. This is a fungal infection and it produces white and red creamy patches on surface of mouth. It can be pretty painful and could cause a patient to have bad breath and experience difficulties in swallowing or tasking food.

Common in those with dentures and diabetes, candidiasis is most often treated by preventing the overgrowth in the first place

3. Coxsackievirus Infection

This is the virus responsible for hand, foot and mouth disease and can lead to painful red spots and blisters along the roof of the mouth of children in addition to their feet and hands. It can occur in all ages, but is most common among children under five.

4. Erythroplakia red spots on mouth roof

Another possibility is that the red spots on roof of mouth could be occurring due to thinning of the mouth lining. When the lining inside the mouth thins, the capillaries get closer to the surface and this makes them appear more reddish in color. The lesion areas called erythroplakia will tend to bleed easily if they are scraped and this is because they are raised to the surface.

The erythroplakia could at times be a predictor of possibility for developing cancer, therefore, it is important to seek help of doctor in order to have the red spots examined. Erythroplakia occurs as a red patch mainly on mouth floor and on gums but they could also affect the roof of mouth.

The cause for erythroplakia is unknown but is most often associated with use of alcohol or smoking. It can also be contributed to by poor nutrition and chronic irritation.

Erythroplakia, though most less common in relation to leukoplakia, it is the common lesion that will be found in people in precancerous stage when observed using a biopsy. If you have red lesions that are not healing in a week, it is essential you be evaluated by a doctor.

5. Oral Herpes

The red spots on the roof of the mouth could also be a sign of oral herpes. These sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type-1 referred to as HSV-1. The herpes simplex virus 1 causes small but painful blisters on lips, skin around the mouth, and on gums.

Oral herpes is an infection that is caused by primarily the HSV-1 or the type-1 herpes simplex virus. Oral herpes can be transmitted through contact with a person infected with the virus. If one gets in contact with saliva of an infected individual, he or she could contract the disease. Kissing and sharing of utensils could result to contracting the condition.

It is not typically an STI disease or sexually transmitted infection however, the HSV-1 could be passed from genitals to mouth and vice versa but in rare cases. People indulging in oral sex may risk contracting the virus from their partners, which could cause oral herpes.

If the dots or spots in your mouth precede a grey or white ulcer, they could be a sign of oral herpes. The ulcers could take some time to develop than red spot, therefore, you might have to wait for several days in order to see if you will develop the ulcer right in middle of the red spots. Another indication of red areas inside the mouth could be injuries to the roof of the mouth.

6. Strep throat symptoms

The bacteria can spread to you when a person with strep throat sneezes or blows his or her nose and you are nearby, or if you share the same forks, spoons, or straws. If you get strep throat, you’ll start to feel sick within 5 days after you were around the person who gave it to you.

To be able to diagnose whatever is ailing you, your doctor will look into your mouth. They will be looking for the following things:

Most of the time, strep will give you a sore throat, headache, stomachache, and fever. Typically strep will not give you a runny nose or cough, and occasionally it won’t give you any specific symptoms.

To be sure you have strep throat, your doctor may do one or two tests:

  1. First, he or she can do a rapid strep test to check for strep bacteria. The doctor takes a sample by rubbing a cotton swab over the back of your throat. With this test, the doctor may be able to find out in a few minutes if you have strep throat.
  2. If the first test doesn’t prove anything, your doctor might do a longer test called a throat culture. Again, the doctor will take a sample using a cotton swab. This time, the sample goes on a special dish and is left to sit for 2 nights. If you have strep throat, the bacteria will usually grow in the dish within 1-2 days.

7. HIV can cause red spots on roof of mouth

It’s estimated that 90% of people with HIV will develop at least one oral condition related to HIV disease. These conditions, like candidiasis and hairy leukoplakia, may be the first sign of immune suppression linked to HIV infection and in many people are the first signals that lead doctors to encourage HIV testing. Most show up as lesions or sores and can be categorized into four types: abnormal cell growth, bacterial, viral and fungal.

The most common oral conditions of HIV infection are discussed below, but many others exist. In fact, at least 40 conditions have been recorded, so it’s important to pay attention to changes in your oral health.

Treatment of Red Spots on Roof of Mouth.

When you have the red spots in mouth, it is essential that you seek medical attention because it is not easy to determine what might be causing them. There are many different conditions that can present in form of red dots within the roof of the mouth. Without proper examination, you might not know what you are suffering from.

  1. Canker Sores– Canker sores are not a serious condition and as such can be treated using over the counter medication for example an analgesic ointment. Mouthwash can also temporarily numb your sores. In some cases, you may need a prescription for medication with lidocaine or aphthasol.
  2. Candidiasis– The goal when treating candidiasis usually is to first stop the growth, then treat the root cause of the ailment. The treatments used to manage Candida infections vary substantially and are based on the anatomic location of the infection, the patients’ underlying disease and immune status, the patients’ risk factors for infection, the specific species of Candida responsible for infection, and, in some cases, the susceptibility of the Candida species to specific antifungal drugs.

See also: 

Pain on Roof of Mouth – Causes of Painful Sores and Bumps on Roof of Mouth

Black Spots on Lips, Causes, Baby Lips, Treatment and How to Get Rid

Thrush treatment commonly involves taking prescription antifungal medications for 10 to 14 days. They can be found in liquids, lozenges or tablets. In some cases, this issue will indicate another medical problem, so you may need to visit a doctor as well as a dentist.

  • Coxsackievirus– Treatment options for this condition include over-the-counter medications for fever and pain, as well as special medicated mouthwashes to help alleviate the discomfort associated with the oral sores.
  • Erythroplakia– The treatment options for erythroplakia can vary greatly. It’s always imperative to keep frequent follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. Sometimes surgical removal is necessary and in rare instances, laser surgery or cryosurgery is needed.
  • Oral Herpes- Untreated, the symptoms will generally subside in 1 to 2 weeks. Antiviral medications given by mouth may shorten the course of the symptoms and decrease pain.

Wash blisters gently with soap and water to minimize the spread of the virus to other areas of skin. An antiseptic soap may be recommended. Applying ice or warmth to the area may reduce pain.

Take precautions to avoid infecting others.

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to treat muscle aches or fever. You should also drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration. Your doctor may also prescribe a medication for fever.

Pain relief may be via a topical anesthetic like viscous lidocaine. There is an IV or oral medication, but only for those with weakened immune systems, severe disease or those who are under 6 weeks old.

In certain cases, people with oral herpes may need to be admitted to the hospital. This includes those younger than 6 weeks old, with a severe local infection, with an infection that spreads to the other organs, with weakened immune systems or those who are dehydrated.

  • Strep Throat – If you have strep throat, your doctor will give you an antibiotic, a medicine that kills bacteria. Usually the antibiotic used for strep throat is a form of penicillin. To make sure the bacteria go away completely and don’t spread to other parts of your body, you must finish the prescribed dosage. Your doctor will have you take the pills or liquid for 10 days.
  • HIV – As you may be well aware, HIV and AIDS doesn’t have a cure. When one tests positive for the virus, it is advised that they should immediately be introduced to anti-retroviral treatment. It is also adviced that one should not go off the medication for any reason because the moment the individual goes back to receive treatment they will have to be put on stronger medication with severe side effects.
  • Injuries – Hitting your mouth with a hard food item, like a pretzel, can lead to red spots. This would be a temporary injury and can cause multiple spots.

Treatment for red bumps on roof of mouth

Red spots caused by accidentally hitting the roof of your mouth usually go away within one to two weeks. You can suck on an ice pop or piece of ice frequently.

Also, try rinsing with salt water. While healing, opt for soft foods that are easy to swallow and avoid those that may cause stinging, like spicy foods, tomatoes and citrus juices or fruits.

It is therefore important to see your health care provider who, in addition to physically examining the (red) spots on the roof of your mouth, can talk with you about other aspects of your health.

For example, whether you are experiencing other symptoms, such as pain or fever, which will help narrow down the diagnosis of the potential cause and treatments, if any, of your red spots.

Even if it’s nothing serious, just knowing will help bring peace of mind.

Sources and references:

  1. Colgate: oral-health/conditions/mouth-sores-and-infections/article/sw-281474979070492
  2. New Health Advisor: Red-Spots-on-Roof-of-Mouth.html
  3. Medical Treasure: Red-dots-on-roof-of-mouth
  4. Kids Health: kidshealth.org
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