Using Boric Acid For Yeast Infection: Is It Safe And Beneficial?

In the United States, vaginal yeast infections are a frequent source of discomfort that may be identified by symptoms such as itching, discharge, and pain in the genital region. On the other hand, they may occur more regularly perhaps multiple times a year for some people. 

These are known as recurring yeast infections, and the experience associated with them may be both unpleasant and aggravating. Even though there are a lot of different treatments available, both over-the-counter (OTC) and through prescription, there are occasions when the first-choice items aren’t adequate. 

When other therapies fail to offer relief when infections occur more often, boric acid for yeast infection has been utilized for over a century and is commonly used instead. We will learn more about boric acid for yeast infection!

What is Yeast Infection?

Candida, a kind of yeast that is commonly found in the human body, may cause an illness known as yeast overgrowth when it begins to reproduce rapidly and causes an overgrowth. Yeast infections of the vaginal tract are quite frequent and result in around 1.4 million visits to outpatient clinics annually. 

Persons who were assigned female at birth, non-binary people, people who are intersex, and some transgender people may be affected by them, including transfeminine people who have had a vaginoplasty. Intersex people can also be affected.

A Candida overgrowth in the vaginal area may be more likely to occur if you are pregnant, use hormonal birth control, or use antibiotics since these things alter the environment in which the yeast would typically thrive. While anything like this takes place, you could suffer symptoms such as itching, pain when urinating, and abnormal discharge.

[Also read: Smiley Piercing: Pros, Cons & Pain]

How To Use Boric Acid Suppositories?

Boric acid is sold in the form of vaginal suppositories, which may be purchased. They have the form of an oval and are solid; they are capsules that a person places in the vagina. When they reach the temperature of the body, they transform into a liquid state.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises using vaginal suppositories containing 600 mg of boric acid in order to cure a Candida infection. A person should make use of them once every day for a period of fourteen days.

Always make sure you follow the directions on the label of the prescription. It is important to ensure that both the hands and the vaginal region are clean and dry before using a vaginal suppository in order to reduce the risk of germs entering the body.

A person who is asking does boric acid help with yeast infections should utilize a suppository and should do the following:

  • After filling the applicator, you should either stand with one foot lifted on a chair or lay down on your back with your knees bent.
  • Insert the applicator into the vagina in a gentle manner.
  • Simply depressing the plunger will open the capsule.
  • Remove the applicator in a careful manner.
  • Before going to bed, it is recommended in some directions that a suppository be used. This is due to the fact that laying down will lessen the likelihood of the medication escaping.

When To Use Boric Acid Suppositories?

Using suppositories while you are menstruating is not dangerous in any way. Because tampons have the potential to soak up part of the medicine, it is recommended that you use menstrual pads instead.

If you have recurring yeast infections, your healthcare practitioner may recommend that you treat each episode as it occurs with short-term antifungal medications that may be either orally or applied topically.

Another treatment option is maintenance therapy, which consists of taking oral fluconazole once a week for almost half a year. If it doesn’t alleviate your problems, they could prescribe you different topical azole antifungal drugs to try.

On the other hand, if these therapies are unsuccessful, boric acid could be suggested. In other words, it is normally reserved for instances in which antifungal resistance has developed, infection with additional Candida strains has been confirmed, or the patient has not responded adequately to conventional therapies.

[Also read: Everything About Septum Piercing: Healing Time & Best Tips]

How Do Boric Acid Suppositories Work?

As was previously mentioned, boric acid is not often recommended as a therapy for yeast infections that occur in the vaginal area. An oral or topical azole antifungal treatment is recommended over a systemic antifungal treatment for yeast infections that are not very complex. 

Products taken orally and applied topically function just as well in this instance, and they offer relief to between 80 and 90 percent of persons who finish therapy. It has been shown that treating recurrent yeast infections with maintenance treatment consisting of weekly oral fluconazole for a period of six months may prevent recurrence in the majority of patients over that time period. 

However, following a treatment course of six months, anywhere from thirty to fifty percent of patients may have a return of their cancer. Boric acid has been proposed as a possible low-cost alternative in the event that all other options are exhausted. On the other hand, there haven’t been a lot of studies done to look at how successful it is, and the FDA hasn’t authorized it for treating yeast infections.

An examination of 14 research, the most of which were case series and reports, revealed that the rates of recovery ranged anywhere from 40 to 100 percent. In the investigations, boric acid was evaluated both in comparison to several other antifungal medications and on its own. There is a need for more study; nevertheless, if you are having problems obtaining relief with the other choices, your physician may recommend that you give it a try.

Boric Acid Side Effects

You should consult your physician before using boric acid as a treatment for yeast infections, despite the fact that it is an easy, low-cost, and effective method. This not only guarantees that boric acid is an effective treatment choice for you, but it also provides your doctor with the opportunity to check for any other vaginal infections that could be causing discomfort. Because it is administered by putting a capsule into the vagina, boric acid has the potential to cause inflammation there. 

So, if you are asking how often should you use boric acid suppositories? This is one of its negative effects. It is also possible for it to irritate your spouse when you are engaging in sexual activity. Boric acid is dangerous for pregnant women and individuals who are attempting to get pregnant since it should not be taken orally and should not be swallowed.

[Also read: Best Knee Strengthening Exercises To Do At Home]

Use Boric Acid Suppositories Benefits To Tackle Infection

Infections caused by yeast are rather prevalent in otherwise healthy persons. Researchers never stop looking for new medicines that are not only extremely effective but also have fewer negative side effects, greater patient compliance, and a lower overall cost.

Oral medications, mostly antifungals, are the most effective treatment option for vaginal yeast infections. A doctor’s note is required to purchase them. There are also a variety of drugs that may be purchased without a prescription.

Boric acid is a typical alternative therapy that medical professionals advise patients to try in the event that the first treatment was unsuccessful or if the illness returns.

Those who suffer from recurrent yeast infections of the vaginal tract may find relief by utilizing boric acid capsules. A physician is an ideal person to consult on the appropriate dose as well as the length of time the drug should be taken.

Everything About Septum Piercing: Healing Time & Best Tips

Even though it’s been around for a while, septum piercing still stands out as one of the more unique options for body modification. Despite this, it seems like an increasing number of individuals are sporting a hoop across the bridge of their noses. 

Going forward in this article, we will answer some of the questions related to septum piercing!

What is Septum Piercing?

septum piercing example
Lips of young woman wearing pink lipstick

The septum piercing involves making a small hole in the skin in the space between your nostrils so that jewelry may be worn there. The location of what piercers generally refer to as your “sweet spot” will determine the precise position of the puncture that has to be made in your body. 

If you squeeze your septum, you should be able to feel a spot on your nose where the skin is more delicate. This structure is known as the columella. It is common for the columella to be located towards the tip of the nose, however, the precise location might differ from person to person.

When it comes to body piercings, getting one in the septum is one of the simpler procedures. However, just as with any other kind of piercing, there are certain potential complications that you should be aware of before going to see your piercer. This is all you need to know about getting your septum pierced.

Septum rings are one of the alternative facial piercings that are becoming more popular in recent years, much more so than some of the others. Because the septum piercing may accommodate a wide variety of septum rings, wearing it is a flexible choice. 

In addition, because of its placement, the pierced individual can simply conceal the jewelry by flipping it inside their nose while they are in professional situations or on more conservative occasions.

[Also read about Smiley Piercing]

Septum Piercing Pain

The great majority of individuals who have had their septum pierced have said that the experience was just somewhat uncomfortable at most. You may feel a little pull while the jewelry is dragged through, but other than that, you should not experience a great deal of discomfort. 

Your eyes can well up with tears because of septum piercing pain, although this is more likely owing to the position of the piercing than to the discomfort it causes. There are occasions when individuals don’t have a “sweet spot.” If this is the case, the cartilage will need to be punctured, which will result in a little bit more discomfort and will make the procedure of piercing a little more challenging. 

It is a good idea to chat to your piercer about your alternatives if you do not have a sweet spot. After doing so, you may conclude that getting your septum pierced is not the best choice for you after all. 

Even though the procedure of getting a septum piercing isn’t too difficult for the person getting it done, the piercing itself might be difficult for the piercer to do depending on where the “sweet spot” is in the nose of the person getting it done. If you want to prevent getting a crooked septum piercing, you need to make sure that you do your homework and choose a piercer that has expertise with septum piercings.

Septum Piercing Healing Stages

Septum Piercing Healing Stages

Let us learn more about septum healing time. If the piercing was performed in the correct location, the healing process for a septum piercing typically takes between six and eight weeks. If the piercing went all the way through the cartilage, the healing process will take at least six months and maybe even longer. 

Because septum nose piercing might give the appearance of being healed before the healing process is finished, it is important to check with your piercer to ensure that your septum piercing is completely healed before discontinuing any aftercare measures. 

Septum nose piercing is one of the alternative facial piercings that is becoming more popular in recent years, much more so than some of the others. Because the piercing may accommodate a wide variety of jewelry styles, wearing it is a flexible choice. 

In addition, because of its placement, the pierced individual can simply conceal the jewelry by flipping it inside their nose while they are in professional situations or on more conservative occasions.

This was all about the septum healing time and how long does it take a septum piercing to heal.

[Also read about the best knee strengthening exercises]

How To Take Care Of Septum Piercing?

We have seen how long does it take a septum piercing to heal. Because the septum jewelry is located inside of your nose, you will need to pay extra close attention to the cleanliness of your piercing. In addition, your jewelry will shift about in your nose, which will make you want to touch it and fix it. This is a major no-no when it comes to proper maintenance, but the septum piercing has a few more exceptions to the rule than other piercings do.

The fact that the piercing is in the nose poses a one-of-a-kind set of obstacles throughout the healing process. After getting your septum pierced, here are some aftercare tips:

  • You should use a saline aftercare spray to clean your piercing twice or three times a day. You should spray your piercing with a saline aftercare spray (one that is designed exclusively for piercings) two to three times each day and then let the saline solution dry completely.

    Make sure that your aftercare spray does not include any chemicals, particularly tea tree oil, which may be harmful to a piercing that is in the process of healing. Salt and water are the only ingredients they should have.
  • You can make adjustments to your jewelry, but you should do it very carefully. During the healing process after a piercing, you must refrain from wearing any jewelry at all. The delicate skin surrounding the new piercing might be harmed if the jewelry is rotated or moved about too much.

    However, due to the placement of the septum piercing and the kinds of jewelry used in conjunction with it, septum piercing jewelry has a greater tendency to go crooked than jewelry worn in other piercings. You are going to want to modify your jewelry, but you should use caution while doing so. You should make an effort not to move the jewelry more than once or twice a day, and you should always ensure that your hands have been well-cleaned before touching your jewelry in any way.
  • There is such a thing as a stinky septum. Because the septum piercing is located within the nose, it is easy for germs and dead skin cells to accumulate in the area surrounding it. Because of this, maintaining the cleanliness of your piercing is of the utmost importance.

    If you start to detect an odor, you may add a cotton ball or clean paper towel soaked in saline solution to your sea salt soaks and apply it to the pierced area to assist clear the buildup. This can be done in conjunction with your sea salt soaks.

Smiley Piercing: Pros, Cons & Pain

The smiley piercing, also known as the frenulum piercing, involves inserting a needle through the flap of tissue that joins the inside of your top lip to your upper gum. This piercing is also known as the smiling piercing.

While keeping your lips tight, place the tip of your tongue in front of your teeth in a vertical position. Between your gums and lips, there should be a very thin line of skin that you can feel. Your frenulum may be found there.

A few decades ago, the popularity of this particular style of piercing started skyrocketing, and it hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down since then. Keep reading to learn all there is to know about smiling piercings.

Going forward in this article, we will learn more about smiley piercing and how to clean a smiley piercing.

What Is Smiley Piercing?

Place the tip of your tongue directly between your gums and your upper lip, directly over the top of your front teeth. That is the location for a piercing that looks like a grin. You may feel a tiny strip of skin that connects your gums to your lip by running it over the back of your tongue.

This area is known as the frenulum, and it is this area that is pierced when someone has a smiley face piercing. Only when you smile at other people will they be able to see your smiley piercing, since it is located in a part of your body that remains concealed most of the time. This is how the piercing earned its name in the first place.

[Also read: Everything About Septum Piercing: Healing Time & Best Tips]

What To Expect During Smiley Piercing

Your piercer will examine your frenulum before deciding whether or not to proceed with a smiling piercing before making a final decision. Because their frenulum may be too thin, it may not be possible for some individuals to have this piercing done even if they desire it.

Your piercer won’t make the hole in your frenulum if the frenulum isn’t robust enough to support the jewelry. The news that you won’t be able to obtain a smiling piercing if you have a weak frenulum may come as a disappointment to you if you are one of the individuals who fit this description.

It is quite OK for you to entertain the idea of obtaining a second opinion from a different piercer. However, you should steer clear of hunting for a piercer who will do the surgery for you regardless of whether or not it is appropriate for you. It is not difficult to discover piercers of that kind; nonetheless, if two renowned piercers advise you that a certain form of piercing would not work for you, you should pay attention to what they have to say.

They are professionals, and they are advising you that the result of this piercing will not be very favorable for you. You may wind up kicking yourself if you go ahead and have the smiley face piercing at this time. Your frenulum may rip if it isn’t sufficiently robust. If the piercer who performed your first piercing determines that you are not a good candidate for the sort of piercing you want, you always have the option of getting another type of piercing instead.

By going forward with an improper smiling piercing, you will prevent yourself from any possible complications that you might otherwise encounter like a smiley piercing infection. The following is what will take place if the piercer assures you that the frenulum in your lip will be thick enough to sustain a smiling piercing.

Before he performs the piercing, the piercer could provide you with an antibiotic mouth rinse that you should use to clean your mouth. The piercer will show you the clean needle that he will use for the procedure. After that, he would puncture the frenulum while holding your upper lip back to expose the region in front of it. It will just take a few seconds for the whole process of the needle going in and out of the skin.

When the piercing process is finished, a piece of jewelry will be inserted into the hole. Before you leave the store, the piercer will go over any aftercare instructions with you so that you are fully aware of how to take the best possible care of your newly acquired piercing. The fact that you are following these guidelines is significant since it will assist you to reduce the likelihood that you may have difficulties.

[Also read: Best Knee Strengthening Exercises To Do At Home]

Smiley Piercing Healing Time

Some individuals can deal with discomfort far better than others. If you are one of such individuals, you will likely breeze through this event with very little difficulty. Even if you’re the kind of person who breaks down in tears at the mere prospect of experiencing pain, you’ll likely be able to handle a smiley-face piercing just fine.

Although it is normal for any piercing to produce some discomfort because of the passage of a sharp needle into sensitive tissue, a smiling piercing does not cause nearly as much discomfort as other types of piercings. Even because smiley piercings are placed in a delicate spot, it is important to keep in mind that the frenulum itself is just a very thin strip of skin.

Because of this, the process of passing the needle through is rather quick, which contributes to a reduction in the amount of discomfort felt. Additionally, it will not take as much pressure to puncture as thicker parts do, which will contribute to an increase in your degree of comfort.

When you think about how much agony your piercing is going to inflict, it’s reasonable to feel a little bit worried about what’s about to happen. However, make an effort to avoid dwelling on it. Consider something cheerier to think about, instead. Imagine how amazing your new piercing will look and try to get excited about it. This will provide you with something enjoyable to focus on so that you are not only aware of the discomfort you are experiencing.

How Much Is A Smiley Piercing Cost

Despite the great degree of accuracy that is required for this particular kind of piercing, the cost of having it done is not very exorbitant. It will probably only cost you between $30 to $90 if you go to a reputed piercer’s business to have it done. If you go to the piercing parlor that is considered to be the trendiest in your city, you may expect to spend a great deal more than you would if you went to a location that was considered to be less fashionable.

In addition, you may discover that your piercer may charge you closer to the lower end of that range if you reside in a community that is relatively undeveloped and tiny. The piercing business is no different from any other industry. You should budget extra money for high-demand specialists, and the price may also vary based on the location of the piercer’s establishment.

Because this kind of piercing is not exorbitantly costly, you have the luxury of exercising discretion in selecting the piercer who will do it for you. Ask him about the procedures he uses to keep his equipment sterile before you consent to anything else.

How To Clean A Smiley Piercing & Extra Tips

You’ll want to take care of it in the moments just before the needle is ready to be inserted before you even sit down in the chair. It is not the appropriate time to be asking about such weighty issues at this moment.

If you want to prevent having infections near the site of your piercing, the equipment used on you must be sanitary. More than that, it may help you prevent the possibility of ending up with another frightening and unwelcome side effect of your piercing, which is the possibility of ending up with a dangerous illness that can be avoided, such as hepatitis C.

A smiley piercing presents a significant risk of rejection if it is done too near to the surface of the skin on the frenulum; thus, you must choose a competent piercer. Additionally, you must find a qualified piercer.

You need to find someone knowledgeable in their field and employ them. The last thing you want is to end up having to pay for a piercing that was done incorrectly. You could have saved yourself a lot of unneeded pain and heartache by just finding a skilled piercer to conduct the procedure in the first place, and now you’ll have to deal with the consequences of that decision.

[Also read: Using Boric Acid For Yeast Infection: Is It Safe And Beneficial?]

Smiley Piercing Pros And Cons

There is no assurance that you won’t have an infection after getting a smiley face piercing; nevertheless, the majority of individuals who get them don’t. You may put the chances in your favor by following the aftercare instructions that were given to you, which means that you may be able to avoid getting an infection if you do so.

When there are several piercing infections, the location that is causing the problem is straightforward to identify. When you have your ears pierced or your belly button pierced, you may simply check the area to see if there are any indications of infection. It is far more difficult to detect an infection in a smiling piercing. It is at a location that makes it difficult for you to view. It is necessary to lift your lip up and away from your teeth to have a satisfactory view.

Even though it may be difficult to see clearly without the use of a strong light or flashlight, inspecting your frenulum may provide you with some excellent visual indicators if you have reason to believe that you may be suffering from an infection. If you have an infection at the location of the piercing, you can see swelling, redness, or discharge coming from the area. That is never an encouraging omen.

Infections may also be indicated by symptoms that are felt rather than seen by the patient. A painful or sensitive sensation is one of these signs. Even while you will feel both of those things in the first week or two after having a smiley piercing, you should be particularly wary of infection if they appear to be becoming worse instead of better after getting a smiley piercing.

It is not recommended that you attempt to treat infected smiley piercing on your own, in contrast to infections caused by earlobe piercings, which may be treated at home if they occur. If you see any indications of infection, you should visit a medical professional as soon as possible for an assessment. Antibiotics will most likely be prescribed to you if it is determined that you have an infection.

You should take precautions to prevent an infection from spreading unchecked within your mouth. If you don’t take preventative measures, the situation may rapidly deteriorate and become possibly disfiguring.

Even if it’s inconvenient to have to see a doctor and incur more costs as a result, doing so will prove to be the most beneficial choice you could ever make in the long run. If you get treatment for your illness right away, you may be able to prevent a lot of consequences.

Best Knee Strengthening Exercises To Do At Home

The biggest joint in the human body is located in the knee. It is put to heavy usage on a daily basis by people when they walk, run, climb, and leap. As a direct consequence of this, it also has a high risk of experiencing both discomfort and damage. 

When these things happen, a person’s doctor may suggest knee strengthening exercises that will assist strengthen the muscles that are located around the knee. Knee pain is a common complaint among people of all ages.

Benefits Of Knee Strengthening Exercises

The knee joint itself is not directly targeted by workouts designed to strengthen it; rather, the exercises focus on strengthening the muscles that surround the joint. A good deal of support for the knees may come from having robust muscles in the legs. 

This support could reduce the amount of pressure and strain that these joints are under, which can both assist a person feel less discomfort and enable them to be more active.

The exercises that follow are designed to help strengthen the muscles that surround and support the knee. 

Anyone who is experiencing discomfort while doing these exercises should immediately cease what they are doing and see a medical professional. Before beginning an exercise regimen, those who are experiencing significant knee discomfort should see a medical professional.

[Also read: Everything About Septum Piercing: Healing Time & Best Tips]

Best Knee Strengthening Exercises

  1. Straight Leg Raises

This simple workout that focuses on knee strength is an excellent choice for beginners. The quadriceps, which are responsible for maintaining stability in the knee joint, is activated as a result. First things first, you need to get into a back position. Draw one leg into the body by bending the knee and placing the foot on the floor in a flat position. 

It is important to maintain a straight line with your other leg in front of you at all times. Raise the straight leg till it reaches the height of the bent knee while maintaining the bent leg’s position. To strengthen the quadriceps, point the foot and compress it. After doing the exercise ten times, swap your legs.

  1. Wall Sit

Wall sit is considered one of the best knee strengthening exercises at home. The wall sitting is an excellent exercise for developing endurance in the glutes, quadriceps, and calves, and it is also an excellent exercise for strengthening the knees. In a room with a clear wall behind you, sit back against the wall and drop down into a squat until your hips and knees make an angle of 90 degrees. 

Hold this posture for ten seconds while ensuring that your back is flush against the wall the whole time. a total of three wall sits need to be completed.

  1. Seated Leg Lifts

Beginning in a seated position on a chair with both knees bent is the first step in completing this knee strengthening exercise. Engage the second leg by keeping one foot planted on the ground while straightening the other leg out in front of you, contracting the quadriceps muscle, and flexing the foot. 

The next step is to gradually elevate the leg until it is perpendicular to the ground. After pausing, restore the leg to its original position by moving it carefully. After doing the exercise ten times, swap your legs.

  1. Standing Hamstring Curls

To begin, get into a standing posture and lean on a chair or the wall for support. Raise one of your legs off the ground by lifting it up and bending the knee to a right angle (90 degrees). Maintain this posture for two seconds before moving back to the beginning position. After doing the exercise ten times, swap your legs.

[Also read: Smiley Piercing: Pros, Cons & Pain]

  1. Half Squat

A half squat is an excellent exercise for strengthening your glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps without placing undue stress on your knees. This kind of squat also helps to improve balance. To begin, go into a squat stance while standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart. 

To keep your torso in an upright position, you may either rest your hands on your hips or extend your arms in front of you in a straight line. To strengthen your core, pull your navel in toward your spine. 

Squat down as slowly as you can until you reach the halfway point of a complete squat. After pausing for a while to boost the level of muscular tension, bring yourself back up to a standing posture. It should be done ten times.

  1. Calf Raise

Maintain a stance with your feet about shoulder-width apart (near a wall or chair for stability if needed). Stand on the balls of your feet by lifting both heels off of the ground. Bring yourself back up to a standing posture slowly. It should be done ten times because this is one of the best exercises to strengthen knee ligaments.

  1. Side Leg Lifts

Place yourself on a level place and roll onto your side. Both of the legs need to be in a straight position, one on top of the other. Raise the upper leg as high as is comfortable for you, then halt when it reaches the highest point. 

Return your leg to the beginning position by gradually lowering it below your body. Continue in this manner for ten repetitions, after which you should roll onto your other side and swap your legs. It is one of the best knee strengthening exercises for osteoarthritis.

  1. Prone Leg Lifts

Place your face down on a table or other flat surface. Put your head on your forearms and extend both of your legs behind you in a straight line. Beginning with one leg at a time, contract your hamstrings and glutes to elevate the other leg as high as you are comfortable able to go. Continue alternating between legs. After then, make your way back to the initial location in a controlled manner. After doing the exercise ten times, swap your legs. This is one of the best exercises to strengthen knee muscles.

  1. Glute Bridges

Place yourself on a level surface and lie down on your back. You should be in a comfortable bending posture with both feet planted firmly on the ground and your knees pulled in toward your body. By applying pressure through your heels, you may elevate your glutes off the floor by first peeling your lower back off the floor, then your middle back, and finally your upper back. 

To provide stability for the lower back, pull the abs in toward the spine. When you reach the peak position, contract the glutes for a moment before lowering your body gently to the starting position. It should be done ten times. This is one of the best exercises to strengthen knees. 

[Also read: Using Boric Acid For Yeast Infection: Is It Safe And Beneficial?]

  1. Hip Bridges

One of the most prominent exercises that target the hips, gluteus, and core muscles is known as the hip bridge. This move helps promote proper alignment, stability, and strong growth. Position yourself so that you are lying on your back with your knees bent and your heels flat on the floor. 

Your butt should be approximately six inches away from your heels. Contract the muscles in your core, place your weight on the balls of your feet, and raise your hips off the floor. Try not to round out your lower back; instead, make sure that your ribs are relaxed and that there is a straight line running from your shoulders to your knees. 
After a few seconds of holding, carefully bring your body back down. Bridge on one leg by raising the other leg into the air so that you are doing a single-leg bridge. This will make the exercise more challenging. This is one of the best knee joint strengthening exercises.