Swelling of hands and fingers can result from numerous causes. Often it is attended with pain. Stiffness, redness and warmth may also be seen along with swelling and pain. Sometimes, there is weakness in the hands and it is difficult to hold objects. It can simply arise from eating excessive salt, exercising, being in the same position for long like while travelling, use of certain medicines like steroids, pain relieving medicines like ibuprofen, naproxen, hormonal therapies with estrogen or testosterone, some medicines used for treating diabetes and high blood pressure. But in other cases, it can arise from some underlying medical condition.  Sometimes, the swelling resolves on its own while in other cases, a diagnosis and medical treatment is required.

First among the different medical causes behind swollen hands is arthritis (joint inflammation). Different types of arthritis may be responsible. These include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune joint inflammation that starts from small joints mainly of hands resulting in pain, stiffness and swelling of joints. Osteoarthritis occurs from damage to joint cartilage from wear and tear. Gout refers to inflammation of joints due to high uric acid levels leading to pain, swelling, redness and heat in the joints. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that tends to affect people who are already suffering from a skin condition called psoriasis (red inflamed patches on skin covered with silvery white scales). The second reason behind swelling can be injury. Injury might include sprain (overstretching or tear of the ligaments i.e. the tissue bands that joins one bone to another), broken bone i.e. fracture or a bone dislocation.

Another cause can be fluid retention that can happen from various reasons like eating a lot of salty food, pregnancy, blockage in the lymphatic system or thyroid or kidney or liver disease. It can also occur in cases of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in which there is pinching of the median nerve in the wrist. Next cause can be an infection like skin infection (cellulitis) or an infection within the joint. Felon and paronychia are infections that cause localised swelling on the finger. Felon is an infection in the pad of the fingertip and paronychia is infection around the nail bed where nail and skin meet. Ganglion (fluid-filled lump) is another condition that may cause localised swelling on the finger joint. Skin condition like contact dermatitis (itchy rash, with swelling or blisters) that occurs from a reaction to some irritating agent by touching like some chemical, soap and another condition chilblains (swollen inflamed patches on the hands and feet resulting from exposure to cold air) can result in hand swelling. Tendinitis (inflamed tendons that are tissue bands that connect muscle to bone) can also result in hand swelling. Raynaud’s disease (reduced blood circulation to fingers caused by narrowing of arteries as from cold temperature, stress, injury to hands) can also be one of the causes.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can be of great help in cases of swollen hands and fingers. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that help in reducing swelling by working to treat the root cause behind it. Once the root cause is treated, a long term relief occurs. Along with swelling, pain, stiffness in hands and fingers also get managed with these medicines. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for swollen hands and fingers is selected individually for every case after detailed case analysis. It is advised to always get any case of swollen hands and fingers evaluated by a homeopathic physician for the right prescription. Self- medication should be avoided in any case. In cases where some serious cause is related to swelling like a disease in the kidneys or liver, then immediate help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken as homeopathy has limitations in handling cases resulting from serious causes.

Homeopathic Medicines For Swollen Hands And Fingers

1. Apis Mellifica – For Swelling With Redness And Heat

This medicine is well indicated for managing cases of swelling on the hands and fingers when attended with redness and heated sensation. Stinging sensation also accompanies it. Pricking and smarting sensation in the hands can also be present. Sometimes itching on the hands can be felt. There can also occur tearing type of pain in the fingers. The swelling can even extend to the forearm in some cases. In cases needing it, wrist and finger joints are the most swollen. One may feel stiffness in the right hand. In some cases, numbness may be felt in the fingers especially on the tips. This medicine works well when there is swelling from inflamed joints as well as due to skin conditions.

2. Rhus Tox – For Swelling From Inflamed Joints

Rhus Tox is an effective medicine for managing swelling of hands and fingers in cases of joint inflammation. It is attended with pain in the hands and fingers. In some cases, pain begins in the right hand and extends to the other parts. Burning sensation may be felt in the palm of the right hand. Stiffness in the hands and fingers is also well marked. There is pain when moving the fingers due to the swelling. Tearing pain is felt in the finger joints. There is pricking sensation on the finger tips on grasping things. Crawling sensation sometimes occurs on the finger tips. Besides these, Rhus Tox is well indicated for skin infection of hands and fingers. In such cases, there is swelling of the hands and fingers with pus-filled eruptions. It is attended with itching and burning sensation.

3. Colchicum – For Swelling From Gout (Increased Uric Acid Levels)

Colchicum is well indicated to manage swollen hands in cases of gout i.e. high uric acid. Along with this, there is pain in the joints of hands and fingers. Stiffness and tearing type of pain is felt in the hands. Heated sensation on the palms of hands can be present. There is difficulty in holding things. Sometimes there is numbness of the hands with prickling sensation. Distortion of finger joints can be there in some cases. Fingers may be cold. Tingling on the fingertips is sometimes felt along with the above complaints.

4. Caulophyllum – For Swollen, Painful, Stiff Finger Joints

This medicine is highly valuable to manage swollen, painful, stiff finger joints. It is indicated when this results from joint inflammation. The pain is cutting type in most cases along with swelling. It is felt when closing the hands in a fist. Stiffness is felt in finger joints too. Painful nodes can be present on the finger joints in some cases in addition to the above complaints.

5. Agaricus – For Swollen Hands From Chilblains

Agaricus is one of the best choices of homeopathic medicine to manage swollen hands from chilblains. In cases needing it, the hands are red along with the swelling. Burning sensation is felt in the hands. Itching is also well marked. Tearing type of pain in the hands and fingers can attend the above complaints.

6. Silicea – In Case Of Swollen Fingertip From Infection (Felon)

Silicea is indicated for managing felon (bacterial infection in the pad of fingertip) cases efficiently. In cases needing it, there is swelling along with excessive pain in the felons that prevents sleep. The pain may reach the shoulder at times. Pain is mainly throbbing or stinging type. Burning sensation is felt in the felon. Oozing of fluid containing pus is noted from felon.

7. Hepar Sulph – For Swelling Around Fingernail From Infection (Paronychia)

Hepar Sulph is an important medicine for managing cases of swelling around the fingernail from soft tissue infection where the nail and skin meet. In cases needing it, the skin around the affected nail is swollen and inflamed. It is sore along with a heated sensation. Throbbing is felt in it. Pain is present that gets worse at night. There is pus discharge from it which may be blood stained. The discharge smells bad.

Throat pain sometimes becomes a nagging problem for some. It could arise from several causes. Firstly, infections can lead to throat pain. The infections that result in throat pain usually are viral (like flu and cold virus) but may also be bacterial (like strep throat). Strep throat refers to throat infection resulting from bacteria named streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. These cases require urgent medical help as it has a risk of certain complications (like inflamed kidneys or joints, pus behind tonsils, damage to heart valve) if not treated soon. It can next arise in cases of allergies. Another cause can be sinus infections. Acid reflux (GERD) may also cause throat pain. Acid reflux refers to rethe flux of stomach acid back in the throat due to malfunctioning of lower esophageal sphincter. The stomach acid can irritate and inflame the throat resulting in pain. Smoking, air pollution, throat dryness, PND (post nasal discharge i.e. dripping of mucus from the back of nose into the throat), inflamed larynx, muscle strain of the throat as from loud talking, injury to the throat, surgeries on throat or diagnostic procedures like endoscopy. Rarely tumours or cancer of the throat can result in throat pain.

It can be attended with other signs and symptoms varying from case to case. These include redness, swelling in the throat and tonsils, itching, irritation or scratching in the throat, burning in throat, dryness in the throat, pain in the throat while swallowing, white spots or pus points on the tonsils, voice hoarseness. Besides, cold, runny nose, sneezing, cough, fever, headache, body aches and weakness may be experienced depending on the cause behind it.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can help wonderfully in managing throat pain. Homeopathic medicines boost the natural healing mechanism of the body to overcome issues that are causing throat pain. These medicines go to the root cause of throat pain and bring natural relief. Besides managing throat pain, they also bring relief in itching, irritation or scratching in throat, redness, swelling of throat and tonsils, dryness/burning in throat, white spots or pus points on tonsils, fever. These medicines are 100% natural remedies without any kind of side effects. They are effective for acute as well as chronic cases of throat pain. The suitable medicines for these cases have to be selected separately for every case after detailed case evaluation based on the characteristic symptoms. So prior to taking any homeopathic medicine, it is advised to get any case of throat pain evaluated by a homeopathic doctor and take medicine under doctor’s supervision. Self-medication should not be done in any case. In cases of throat pain from strep throat, help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken as complications may occur and homeopathy can not help in such cases independently.

Homeopathic Medicines For Throat Pain

1. Belladonna – Top Remedy

Belladonna is the topmost homeopathic medicine to manage cases of throat pain. In cases needing it, pain in the throat gets worse on swallowing. Swallowing of liquids is more painful than solids. Swallowing of saliva is also painful. There is also dryness of the throat. Heated sensation and constriction is felt in the throat. On examination, there is redness in throat and tonsils. The tonsils are swollen and enlarge.  Short, dry cough can also occur. It is also indicated for pain in the throat attended with fever. Fever can attend above complaints. During fever, heat is felt on the entire body, especially on the face and the head. Heat is followed by a cold feeling. Belladonna is most prominently indicated to manage recent cases of throat pain in the very beginning of the complaint.

2. Hepar Sulph – For Throat Pain Extending To Ears

This is a very effective medicine for managing cases where throat pain radiates to ears. The pain is worse when swallowing solid food. Usually stitching type of pain occurs. A very characteristic feature that attends is the sensation of a splinter (a tiny sharp glass or wood piece broken form a large piece) or plug of mucus in the throat. Redness in the throat along with enlarged red follicles can be seen when throat is examined. Cough may be present with thick yellow expectoration. Fever along with chills and shivering may be present.

3. Merc Sol – With Excessive Salivation In Mouth

Merc Sol is a beneficial medicine when there is pain in the throat along with increased saliva in the mouth. Offensive smell emanates from the mouth. Pain may extend to ears. The throat is swollen, bluish-red. Ulcers or white spots can be seen in the throat. Fever may be present with alternate heat and shivering. Profuse sweating also occurs which has an offensive odour.

4. Phytolacca – With Burning Sensation In The Throat

This medicine is highly suitable for pain attended with burning sensation in the throat. It may feel as if burning is occurring as from coal of fire in the throat. There is marked difficulty in swallowing even water. Drinking hot drinks worsens the pain. The throat is dry. The throat looks dark red or bluish. There is swelling, enlargement of tonsils that look bluish, dark red or dark purple. A lump sensation in throat can be there with a constant urge to swallow.

5. Merc Iodatus Ruber – For Left-Sided Throat Pain

This medicine is prominently indicated for left-sided throat pain. The throat looks dark red and left-sided tonsils are markedly swollen. There is coughing along with the above symptoms. There is an urge to hawk along with a lump sensation in the throat. There is mucus in throat. The uvula is elongated.

6. Merc Iod Flavus – To Help Right-Sided Throat Pain

For right-sided throat pain, this medicine proves very effective. The throat is swollen on the right side. The tonsils are also swollen. There is relief from drinking cold drinks. Lump is felt in the throat. Ulcers are present on the back of the throat. There is thick, sticky mucus in the throat.

7. Lac Can – For Pain Throat From Left To Right Side

Lac Caninum works well when pain throat starts from left then goes to right side. Pain is worse when swallowing and may extend to the ears. Pricking sensation is felt in the throat as if it is full of sticks. Follicles are formed in the throat covered with whitish cream colored mucus. The tonsils are enlarged, shiny, deep red in color. White ulcers can be present on the tonsils. A very important indication for its use is pain in the throat before and during menses.

8. Lycopodium – For Pain Throat From Right To Left Side

Lac Caninum is a well-indicated medicine when pain starts from the right side of the throat, then goes to the left side. Stitching type of pain occurs in the throat. Sharp pains also occurs while swallowing. There is worsening of pain from cold drinks and relief from warm drinks. There is dryness in the throat with no feeling of thirst. Ulcers may appear on tonsils starting from the right side.

9. Kali Bichrome – With Excessive Thick Mucus In Throat

This medicine is highly recommended when there is throat pain accompanied with thick mucus in the throat. The mucus is very sticky and ropy that comes out in the form of a long thread from the mouth. The discharge collects in the throat from the back of the nose (post-nasal discharge). Ulcers appear on the tonsils and throat. Burning sensation is felt in the throat along with the above complaints.

Irritability and crying in infants (babies from birth to 1 yr of age) is their way of communicating about their needs. It could simply indicate that the baby is hungry, sleepy, tired, feeling cold or hot or has a wet diaper. However, excessive irritability, more than usual, can be an infant’s way of giving a clue about any discomfort or problem he/she is facing as the baby is unable to speak. Excessive irritability and crying may be because of certain medical reasons frequently seen in babies. Some common among these may include stomach pain from gas, teething trouble, pain in the head, earache, constipation, cold, a urine infection, diaper rash or some viral or bacterial infection. In some cases, certain serious medical conditions could be the reason like an infection in the brain, lungs or kidneys requiring immediate medical help. Irritability can be attended with other signs and symptoms depending on the cause behind it. Some of the signs and symptoms that are serious can attend it like lethargy, drowsiness, difficulty in breathing, high fever, skin color changes to yellow or blue, continuous diarrhea or vomiting, and dehydration. These serious signs and symptoms need immediate medical attention.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic medicines can prove very effective in managing irritability in infants. These medicines are safe to use as they are 100% natural medicines with zero side effects. Homeopathic medicines work in these cases to calm the baby by managing the root cause behind it. The medicines to manage irritability are selected from various available medicines in homeopathy as per every individual case. Constitution (sum total of physical and mental makeup of a person) of the baby is studied in detail to finalize and prescribe homeopathic medicine. It is advised to always consult a homeopathic physician for medicine prescription who will find out the reason behind the irritability and evaluate the detailed case to provide individual medicine prescription. In no case, self-medication should be done. Homeopathy is recommended only for mild to moderate cases with no serious cause linked with irritability. In severe cases of intense irritability and when some serious reason is the cause of irritability, like infection in brain, kidney, lungs, then immediate help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken. Homeopathy has limitations in treating cases where some serious cause is linked with irritability.

Homeopathic Medicines For Irritability In Infants

1. Chamomilla – Top Recommended Medicine

Chamomilla is one of the best medicines ranked number one in homeopathy to manage irritability in infants. Babies who need this medicine want to be carried in arms all the time. They feel better when they are held in arms. Their head feels hot. This medicine is most recommended when the baby is irritable during dentition when teeth are emerging. At that time, babies become excessively irritable and fussy. This is attended with frequent crying spells and screaming as well. They stop crying when carried in arms. They feel discomfort in the gums along with redness and tenderness (pain on touching) of gums. Diarrhea (loose stool) can be present during dentition. Sleeplessness is also observed during teething phase along with the above features.

2. Cina – For Irritability During Teething And From Worms

Cina is an effective medicine to manage irritability in infants during dentition and irritability with presence of worms in the intestine. Babies requiring this medicine desire being carried in arms, yet they still remain irritable and no relief is seen even after being carried. This is attended with screaming, striking and crying quite often. They demand different things but when offered do not take them. They also dislike being touched by anyone. They have hard and bloated abdomen with pain. Loose stool with white mucus can also be there.

3. Lycopodium – For Irritability With Gas, Bloating And Abdomen Pain

This medicine can be considered when there is irritability along with gas, bloating and abdomen pain. Gas in the abdomen is marked in the evening. Lycopodium will help to release gas and relieve stomach pain and manage irritability if gas and colic is the reason behind it. This medicine is also beneficial for babies who are irritable and cry the entire day but sleep well at night. During the day, they are cranky and want to be carried. After waking up from naps, they scream a lot along with kicking. Lycopodium also manages irritability that occurs along with loose stool.

4. Calcarea Phos – For Irritability During Dentition

Calcarea is the next important medicine to manage irritability during dentition. There is passage of loose stool with excessive gas. There is stomach pain that is relieved by passage of gas. Gas has an offensive smell. Whitish flakes can pass in the stool.

5. Antimonium Crudum – To Manage Irritability From Loose Stool Or Stomach Pain

This medicine is recommended when there is irritability from loose stool or stomach pain. The baby does not want to be touched or looked at. The stool is loose, yellow and bad-smelling. The loose stool may contain hard lumps. Along with the above, the tongue is coated thick white which is an important characteristic feature. There may be vomiting after taking feed. The milk is vomited in the form of curd. Vomiting is followed by excessive irritability.

6. Borax – For Irritability And Crying Before Passing Urine Or Stool

This medicine is of great use for cases of irritability and crying. Babies needing this medicine are highly sensitive to sudden noises and get frightened and startled from slight noises like sneezing, coughing, crying, etc. The child also is fearful and anxious when rocked in the arms. The head feels hot in babies needing this medicine. Crying and screaming before passing urine or stool is an important feature guiding its use.

7. Rheum – With Restlessness And Crying During Sleep

This medicine is helpful for cases of irritability in babies with restlessness and crying during sleep. There is tendency of sour-smelling sweat especially on the scalp, forehead, around the mouth and the nose in babies needing this medicine. The smell remains even after bathing the baby. The stool may also have a sour smell along with the above complaints. Sour smell may also occur from the mouth with excessive salivation.

8. Calcarea Carb – For Irritable Baby During Dentition

This medicine is well indicated when baby is irritable during dentition along with crying bouts. There is profuse sour-smelling sweat on the scalp. The stool may smell sour and may have undigested food particles in it. There may be distension and hardness of the abdomen.

9. Kreosote – For Irritability And Sleeplessness During Teething

This medicine is prominently indicated for babies in whom there is irritability and sleeplessness during teething. The child screams at night. The child is also very restless. They have swelling of gums. They desire many things but throw them away when those things are offered.

Numbness means loss of feeling or sensation on the skin, and tingling refers to a prickling feeling or sensation of sharp pointed objects pricking the skin. Numbness accompanied by  tingling sensation is medically referred to as paresthesia. Numbness and tingling on the face can arise from various reasons. The main reason behind it is damage, irritation, or compression of a nerve in the face. Nerve damage can happen from different causes such as an injury, deficiency of vitamins like vitamin B and niacin, some infections like shingles (an infection of the nerves caused by varicella zoster virus that cause fluid-filled tiny bumps on the skin attended with pain, itching, burning, numbness and tingling on the affected skin area), diabetes, etc. Nerve damage can also be caused by an autoimmune condition known as multiple sclerosis. In this condition, the immune cells damage the protective covering of the nerves out of a misdirected response. It can cause numbness and tingling on the face along with other symptoms such as numbness and weakness in the limbs, unsteady gait, blurred/double vision, vertigo, fatigue, slurred speech, lack of coordination, mood swings, and urinary bladder and bowel problems.

Nerve damage is also seen in cases of Bell’s palsy. Bell’s palsy is a condition that occurs from an inflamed nerve of the face resulting in sudden weakness of one-sided facial muscles causing drooping on one side of the face. Another reason behind facial numbness and tingling could be trigeminal neuralgia. It refers to severe one-sided facial pain along the course of the trigeminal nerve due to irritation, damage or compression of this nerve. It causes severe shooting or electric shock-like facial pain and it can be preceded by numbness or tingling on the face. Another cause can be migraine. Migraine refers to one-sided headache usually pulthe sating type that in most of cases is attended by nausea and vomiting. In some cases, headache is preceded by an aura phase in which numbness and tingling on one side of the face can appear. This type of migraine is known as hemiplegic migraine. Further, in some cases of epilepsy, numbness or tingling on the face may occur during a seizure (a fit). Facial numbness and tingling can also occur in cases of anxiety, or panic attack or can be a side effect of a medicine. Medicines for treating high blood pressure and fluoroquinolones may cause side effects. Lastly, facial numbness and tingling can also indicate a serious condition called stroke. A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical help. Stroke refers to the interruption of oxygen supply (either due to blockage or bursting of a blood vessel) to the brain that results in death of brain cells and loss of brain function.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathic medicines are very effective in managing numbness and tingling on the face. These medicines are highly suitable for persons of all age groups. These medicines aim to treat the underlying cause behind the health issue to bring great relief. Along with this, homeopathic medicines can also manage any associated symptoms such as pain, itching, fatigue, headache, vertigo etc. Homeopathic medicines are purely of natural origin that treat a problem without any side effects. These medicines are selected individually for every case based on the symptom. So it is advised to take any homeopathic medicine under supervision of a homeopathic physician. Self-medication should not be done in any case. These medicines are recommended only for cases of mild to moderate intensity without any underlying serious cause. In case facial numbness and tingling are severe or occurring from serious causes like stroke, immediate help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken as homeopathy has limitations to handle such serious cases.

Homeopathic Medicines For Facial Numbness And Tingling

1. Zincum Met – Top Recommended Medicine

Zincum Met is a great medicine well indicated for managing various nervous complaints. It is a leading medicine to manage numbness and tingling sensation. It is also well indicated where nerve pain in the face is marked. In cases needing it, stitching pain on the face as from needles is felt, other than numbness and tingling. The nerve pain in the face gets worse from touch. There is a worsening of pain in the evening. Besides, this medicine is prominent for managing twitching sensation on the face. Twitching means brief spontaneous muscle contractions. Lastly, another nerves-related complaint where this medicine proves effective is formication on the face. Formication means sensation of insects crawling on or under the skin.

2. Agaricus – For Numbness On face With Cold Needle Pricking Sensation

This medicine works well in cases of numbness of the face. A sensation of cold needles running through nerves of the face is a very characteristic feature. Muscle contractions can also occur on the face. Needles pricking on the chin can also attend. Chin can be covered with fluid-filled tiny bumps. Next there can be tearing sort of pain on the face. Further itching, burning and redness on the cheeks can be present. This medicine is also indicated for cases of paralysis of facial muscles.

3. Causticum – For Numbness And Tingling With Burning Sensation

Causticum is yet another effective medicine for cases of numbness and tingling on the face. There is marked numbness on the side of the face as if the face is asleep in cases needing this medicine. Burning sensation is also felt on the face along with the above complaints. Sometimes itching occurs on the face. One-sided facial paralysis may be felt where this medicine is required. Tearing pain and twitching on the left side of the face can be felt along with the above complaints.

4. Hypericum – From Nerve Damage And Inflammation

Hypericum is very helpful when there occurs numbness, tingling, burning sensation from nerve inflammation and damage. Pain originating from the nerves on the face is felt too. Mainly right-sided facial pain occurs. A heated sensation is felt on the face. A tense feeling occurs on the cheeks.

5. Aconite – Along With Heaviness Feeling On Face

This medicine works well in cases of numbness, tingling on the face along with heaviness on the entire face. Nerve pain on the left side of the face is present. Restlessness is felt along with pain. The face is red and hot. Creeping sensation as well as muscle contractions are felt on the face.

6. Arsenic Album – For Tingling With Burning, Stinging

This medicine is indicated for tingling on the face along with burning, stinging sensation. It feels as if it is occurring from red hot needles. Tearing and needle-like pricking pains are felt on the face. Violent itching can also occur on the face. Fluid-filled eruptions may occur on the face along with itching and burning sensation.

7. Ranunculus Bulbosus – For Tingling On Nose And Chin

This medicine is suitable to manage tingling sensation on the face, especially in the area of nose and chin. Heated sensation is felt on the face in cases needing it. Redness of cheeks occurs with this. Eruptions containing fluid may appear in clusters on the face.

8. Belladonna – With Facial Redness And Burning Heat

This medicine can be considered for cases of facial numbness and tingling when attended with facial redness along with burning heat. One feels restless. There may be contractions of facial muscles in addition to the above symptoms.

Itching is an irritating sensation on the skin with an urge to scratch. Itching can occur on any body part. In some cases, itching particularly occurs on the skin folds. These skin folds include armpits (axilla), groin area (crease where the abdomen and thighs meet), in between buttocks, area under the breasts, area in the bend of the elbows, area behind the knees and in between the toes and fingers, folds of the neck and behind the ears. Along with itching, eruptions or rash may appear on the skin. The eruptions can be dry or may ooze fluid. Cuts and cracks can appear on the skin folds. In some cases, there may be pain and soreness in the affected skin folds.

Causes Of Itching In Skin Folds

Itching in the skin folds can arise from various causes. Firstly, rubbing of the skin folds from tight-fitting clothes can lead to it. Another reason can be heat and excessive moisture or sweating in the skin folds. Obesity, increased sweating, diabetes, weak immune system are some of the factors that increase the risk of itching in the skin folds. Besides, it may arise from various infections including fungal, bacterial and viral infections.

The fungal infection mainly occurs from fungus named candida albicans. The bacterial infection mainly results from staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The viral infections mainly result from viruses of families Papillomaviridae and Poxviridae. Other reasons behind itchy skin folds include eczema and psoriasis (one of its types is named inverse psoriasis). Eczema or dermatitis refers to inflamed skin with redness, rashes and itching. It could be attended with the presence of eruptions on the skin either dry or fluid-filled, cracks on the skin and skin peeling. In some cases, dermatitis, usually atopic dermatitis, mainly affects the bends of limbs including the elbow and knees. Psoriasis refers to an autoimmune skin condition in which red, inflamed patches occur on the skin covered with silvery, white scales. There is a type of psoriasis known as inverse psoriasis that particularly tends to affect the skin folds.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy is very effective in managing itching in the skin folds. These medicines are entirely safe to use as they are prepared from naturally occurring substances. It has zero side effects. They help in reducing itching along with healing any eruptions, if present.  Homeopathic medicines also help to manage any discharge or pain if present.  They give long-term results by working to treat the root cause behind the itching. After managing the acute condition, homeopathic medicines work gradually to overcome the tendency to have itching in the skin folds. Homeopathic medicines are selected individually in every case based on the symptom presentation, so homeopathic prescription varies from case to case. It is advised to take any homeopathic medicines under the supervision of a homeopathic doctor. It is strictly advised to avoid self-medication in any case.

Homeopathic Medicines For Itching In Skin Folds

1. Graphites – Topmost Medicine

There are numerous homeopathic medicines for managing itching in the skin folds but among these, Graphites is a top-listed medicine. Its use is highly recommended for managing itching and rashes between the bends of elbow and knees, neck folds, area behind the ears and groins. Cracks in between the fingers, toes, behind the ears and other skin folds may be present. These cracks are slow to heal. There can be marked roughens of the skin where this medicine is required. Another important feature of using this medicine is the presence of eruptions that ooze a sticky, gluey discharge. In cases needing it, the tendency of pus formation on the skin is also present. Graphites is also recommended for cases of ringworm infection in the bends of elbow along with intense itching. Another indication for using this medicine is itching in the bend of knees from eczema eruptions. There are thick crusts present in the bend of knees sometimes along with cracks. They itch intolerably. Itching gets worse at night from the warmth of bed.

2. Natrum Mur – For Itching In Bends Of Limbs And Between Toes

This medicine is indicated for managing itching with dry, crusty eruptions in the bends of limbs. Bends of limbs mean elbow bends and area behind the knees. Sometime there is oozing of fluid from the eruptions. In some cases, eruptions can be present behind the ears as well. At times, scabs are present in the armpits. This medicine is also indicated for herpes eruptions in the bends of elbows and knees. Lastly, Natrum Mur is suitable for cracks in between toes attended with intense itching. The area between the toes is sore (painful to touch).

3. Petroleum – For Itching Between Toes With Cracks

Petroleum is very beneficial to manage itching occurring in between the toes. There are deep cracks in between the toes. Along with itching, burning sensation is also well marked. There is also offensive smelling sweat on the foot along with the above complaint. This medicine is well-indicated for managing fungal infection on the foot.

4. Psorinum – For Itching In Joint Bends, Armpits And Between Fingers

This medicine is highly suitable when there is itching in the bend of joints i.e. in elbow crease or behind the knees. There also occur eruptions in the bends of joints. There is also a tendency to bleed from the eruptions. In some cases, pus may get formed in the eruptions. The itching gets worse from the heat of the bed. Psorinum is also useful for roughness, and dryness in the skin folds with scab formation. This medicine can also be used to manage itching in the armpits. This medicine is helpful for itching in between the fingers with small fluid-filled eruptions (vesicles).

5. Sepia – For Itching And Burning In Bend Of Limbs

Sepia works well in cases where itching and burning is felt in the bend of limbs, means elbow and knee bends. It gets worse at night. There is increased sweating in the bends of limbs, especially at night. Small pimples appear in these bends. They discharge some fluid as well. After scratching, they dry up. It is followed by rough skin with brownish spots. Along with the above, soreness (pain on touch) is also present in the bends of limbs. Prickling and tingling sensation may be felt in these bends.

6. Sulphur – For Itching In Skin Folds With Soreness And Peeling Of Skin

This medicine is effective when there is itching in skin folds attended with peeling of the skin. The skin folds are also very sore i.e. painful to touch. The itching gets worse at night and from the heat of the bed. It also increases from scratching and washing. When scratched, a burning sensation is felt in the affected skin area. Eruptions, either pimples or pustules (pus-filled bumps), may appear on the skin.

7. Merc Sol – For Itchy Eruptions In Armpits, Elbow And Knee Bends, Groin Area

Merc Sol is of great use in managing itchy eruptions in the armpits, elbow and knee bends, and groin area. Itching gets worse from exposure to cold air and better from the warmth of bed. This is attended with pain and a burning sensation. Redness of the skin is also observed. There is sensitivity to the skin even to the touch of clothes. Merc Sol is also indicated for eczema in the bend of limbs with yellow crusts.

Fatigue refers to feeling exhausted and tired. Some people may experience tiredness along with muscle pain. This may happen due to various reasons. It could be a part of aging, lack of proper sleep, dehydration, mineral deficiencies and low vitamin levels of certain vitamins like vitamin D. While in others, it could be arising from an underlying medical condition. The most important medical conditions include fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Fibromyalgia refers to pain in different body parts (specific tender points where the slightest pressure leads to pain) along with general tiredness, and fatigue for more than three months without any known cause. Besides, there may be problems in sleep and memory, along with depression. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) refers to a condition in which there occurs persistent feeling of tiredness both physically and mentally for at least 6 months, hindering routine activities without any underlying medical condition. Along with tiredness, other symptoms that may be observed include poor memory, sleep issues, poor concentration, joint or muscle pain, mood swings and depressed feelings. It is also known by other names such as myalgic encephalomyelitis and systemic exertional intolerance disease (SEID). It can also occur in cases of influenza, hypothyroidism and myositis.

Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus. This can cause body aches and tiredness along with its other main symptoms of runny/stuffy nose, sore throat and fever. Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid in which the thyroid gland does not secrete enough thyroid hormones.  Hypothyroidism can result in fatigue and muscle pain along with its other important signs and symptoms including weight gain, sensitivity to cold (cold intolerance), constipation, puffy face and hands, dry thin hair, sleepiness and heavy menses in females.

Myositis means inflammation of the muscles that may arise from various reasons like an injury, infection and autoimmune (autoimmune means the destruction of body’s own healthy tissues by the immune cells out of a misdirected response) conditions and can cause muscle pain, muscle weakness along with tiredness.

Another reason for fatigue could be Lyme’s disease which is a bacterial infection caused by bacterium Borrelia and spreads by ticks. The last reason could be polymyalgia rheumatica. This refers to an inflammatory disorder resulting in pain and stiffness of the muscles and mainly affects the shoulders, hips, neck and arms. It could be accompanied with general symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss and mild fever.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can be of great help in managing fatigue along with muscle pain. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that bring improvement in these cases by working to treat the root cause behind it. Once root cause is treated, there occurs excellent relief in fatigue with muscle pain. Along with these, any attending symptoms like memory issues, poor concentration and focus issues, sleep issues, depression feelings if present can also be well managed with these medicines. The most suitable homeopathic medicine for cases of fatigue with muscle pain is selected as per the characteristic symptoms in every individual case. Hence it is advised to get your case evaluated by a homeopathic physician for the right prescription. In no case, self-medication should be done.

Homeopathic Medicines For Fatigue With Muscle Pain

1. Gelsemium – Top Recommended Medicine

Gelsemium tops the list of homeopathic medicines to manage fatigue along with muscle pain. In cases needing it, there occurs pain in the muscles attended with soreness (sensitivity to touch). Pain is most marked in the muscles of the limbs (i.e. arms and legs). The limbs feel heavy and tired. The muscles also feel weak. The muscles of the back and the neck may also be painful. There is a general feeling of exhaustion and tiredness along with the above complaints. There is excessive drowsiness and dullness. Along with the above symptoms, there is exhaustion of the mind, poor concentration and focus in doing any work. Gelsemium is a well-indicated medicine for fatigue that occurs during influenza and even after recovering from this illness.

2. Rhus Tox – For Muscle Pain, Stiffness And Tiredness

Rhus Tox is a highly effective medicine for managing muscle pain, stiffness and tiredness. There is intense weakness in the entire body. It is attended with a constant desire to lie down or sit due to weakness. Persons needing it feel so weak as if they have not taken enough sleep. They do not feel like rising up in the morning due to weakness. They suffer from muscle pain, especially in the neck region, back, shoulders, arms and thighs. The muscles are also sore to touch and stiff. Soreness and stiffness get better from exercise. The nature of the muscle pain can be shooting, tearing or stitching type. The pains get worse at night time. Rhus Tox is a prominently indicated medicine when there is muscle pain from overuse or overstraining of the muscles.

3. Arnica – With Marked Soreness (Pain On Touch) Of Muscles

Arnica is the next very beneficial medicine to manage muscle pain and fatigue. Persons needing this medicine have pain in the muscles along with excessive soreness which means pain on touch. It feels as if the sufferer has been beaten up. The soreness gets worse after overexertion. Pain is most marked in the back and limbs. All the limbs feel heavy. The bed on which the person lies down feels very hard. There is marked weakness all over the body in general along with pains. The pain makes the sufferer lie down. Along with this, there is sleepiness. Arnica is also well indicated for managing sore painful muscles in cases of influenza.

4. Bryonia – For Muscle Pain Worse From Little Movement

It is a useful medicine for muscle pain that gets worse from the slightest movement and better from rest. Pain is more prominent in the muscles of the neck and lower back. Lower back pain gets worse from stooping, sitting and standing. The affected muscles feel hard. The neck and back muscles also feel stiff. Due to stiffness in the back, the person stands and walks in a stooped posture. Weakness and tiredness is present which gets worse from walking.

5. Lactic Acid – For Pain, Soreness Of Muscles Of Back, Chest And Limbs

Lactic Acid is indicated when there is pain and soreness (pain on touch) of muscles especially those in the back, chest and limbs. Along with this, there is fatigue and tired feeling over the entire body. There is difficulty in standing from weakness. Pain is felt in the limbs while walking. The whole body trembles while walking, along with weakness.

6. Magnesia Phos – For Muscle Pains And Cramps

This medicine is highly suitable for muscle pains and cramps. The pains keep shifting from one body part to another where this medicine is required. The pain gets worse at night. They get better by resting. The nature of pain varies and can be cutting, shooting, stitching or stabbing type.  The pain is accompanied with excessive tiredness and sweating.

7. Arsenic Album – For Intense Fatigue With Anxiety and restlessness

This medicine is useful when there is intense fatigue. Person needing this medicine wants to lie down all the time due to weakness. Slightest exertion and even walking and standing results in marked exhaustion in them. Anxiety and restlessness may be felt along with the other complaints. Piercing sort of pain is felt in muscles. The limbs also feel weak, tired with a need to lie down.

Irritability during dentition or teething is a very common complaint in babies when teeth start erupting in the mouth. Dentition usually starts when a baby is around 6 months old. The babies at that time become fussy, obstinate and cry quite often along with excessive irritability. The reason behind it is the discomfort they are feeling in the gums while the tooth is trying to get out of the gums (tooth eruption). They feel pain, swelling and tenderness (pain on touch) in the gums at the time of tooth eruption. Along with the above, they have excessive salivation (also known as drooling), they tend to bite on every thing to reduce the gum irritation, have reduced appetite, rub their cheeks and pull their ears. Some babies also suffer from diarrhea during dentition though it is not directly linked with dentition. Diarrhea can occur from ingestion of germs from an object that a baby might have put in the mouth during dentition to soothe gum irritation. In some cases, mild fever can also occur during dentition. The intensity of signs and symptoms tend to vary from one child to another.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy carries great scope to manage irritability in a baby during dentition in a very safe and natural manner. These medicines are highly suitable for children with zero side effects. They aim to manage the irritability in babies by soothing the gum discomfort, pain and tenderness. Besides irritability, the homeopathic medicines also help to manage associated concerns like excessive salivation, pain, swelling and tenderness of the gums and diarrhea that might occur during dentition. The medicines are purely of natural origin prepared from natural substances, hence are very safe. These medicines are selected individually for every case based on the symptoms. It is advised to always consult a homeopathic physician before using any of the homeopathic medicines. Homeopathic physician will evaluate the case and prescribe the most suitable remedy. Never self-prescribe any homeopathic medicine without consulting a homeopathic physician.

Homeopathic medicines for Dentition in Babies

1. Chamomilla – Top Most Medicine

Chamomilla is a highly effective medicine in homeopathy to manage different kinds of concerns in babies during dentition. It is the most widely used medicine to manage irritability in a child during dentition. Children needing this medicine remain extremely irritable all day. They are very fussy, ill – humoured and cry a lot due to discomfort they are experiencing in the gums. They want to be carried in the arms all the time; they feel better and calm this way. Besides being irritable, they also get very obstinate during dentition. They scream often and throw things away. On examining the mouth, the gums look red. They are also painful to touch with a desire to bite on everything that is nearby. Another very characteristic feature that can be present is one cheek is red and hot while the other is pale and cold during teething. Diarrhea can accompany the above complaints frequently. The stool is watery and yellowish green. It has a very foul or sour smell. Gas in the abdomen can attend it.

2. Cina – With Lot Of Cry, Screaming and Striking Others

This medicine is quite similar in action to Chamomilla and is also frequently prescribed to soothe irritability during dentition. The children needing this medicine are very irritable during dentition. They wish to be carried in arms the entire day but in spite of that donot feel well. They cry a lot, scream and strike everyone around them. They do not want to be touched by anyone. They feel uneasy and stressed all the time. They ask for different things frequently but refuse to take when given and throw things away from them. They are dissatisfied with everything. They also may have loose stool with white mucus in it. The abdomen may be hard and bloated and may be attended with pain.

3. Calcarea Phos – With Loose Stool With A Lot Of Gas

Calcarea Phos is the next well-indicated medicine to manage irritability during dentition. Children who require this medicine are very irritable and fretful. They show changeable moods. They become obstinate and hard to please. Besides, they pass loose stool with a lot of gas. There may pass white flakes in the stool as well. There is stomach pain in them that gets better from passing gas. The gas has foul smell.

4. Rheum – With Sour Smelling Sweating

This medicine is well suited when there is sour-smelling sweat along with irritability during dentition. There is marked restlessness along with irritability in a child needing it. The baby cries a lot and desires many things or a particular thing sometimes. They start hating even their favourite things. An attending key feature is sour-smelling sweat. Even after bathing, the sour smell remains. The sweat is marked on the scalp, forehead, around the mouth and the nose. The sweat may leave a yellow stain. Besides sweat, the stool also smells sour. While passing stool, the baby may feel pain in the abdomen. Salivation increases along with sour smell from the mouth.

5. Belladonna – With Heat And Redness Of The Gums

Belladonna is recommended when there is irritability during teething along with marked heat and redness of the gums. The gums are painful and swollen as well. Child needing it is highly irritable. There is also a tendency to bite and strike others. Restlessness is well marked. He / she may start crying easily.

6. Calcarea Carb – With Sour Sweat And Sour Stool

This medicine is indicated when there is irritability along with crying, sour sweat and sour stool. The stool smells sour with undigested food particles in it. The abdomen is quite distended and hard. Vomiting may also occur having a sour smell. There is a tendency to have a profuse sour smelling sweat on the scalp. There is also excessive scratching of the head in many cases.

 7. Podophyllum – When Attended With Desire To Press The Gums Together

Podophyllum is a valuable medicine to manage cases where irritability is accompanied with an excessive desire to press the gums together. The baby also suffers from diarrhea. The child needing it passes greenish sour-smelling, loose stool, mostly in the morning. Besides, there is gas in the abdomen. There is marked heat in the head during dentition and rolling of the head from side to side. At night, there is excessive sweating on the head along with sleeplessness in the early part of the night.

8. Kreosote – Along With Sleeplessness

Kreosote is indicated for cases of irritability along with sleeplessness. The child remains irritable, fretful and also screams at night. The child is very restless and likes to be moved around in arms all the time. The gums are swollen and  bluish. The child becomes very cross and obstinate. There is desire for many things, but throws them away when these things are given.

9. Arsenic Album – With Restlessness At Night

This medicine can be considered when there is irritability along with restlessness at night. There is loose, watery, brown stool. Undigested food passes in the stool. The child looks thin and seems to lose weight.

Abdomen pain is a very common symptom of gastrointestinal disorders. In many cases, abdomen pain can be felt before passing stool. This can occur from various causes. First among these is diarrhea. Diarrhea refers to passing loose stool three or more times in a day. Next cause can be food poisoning which refers to a digestive tract infection occurring from consumption of contaminated food or drinks. Another cause could be dysentery which is a gastrointestinal infection resulting in diarrhea with passage of mucus and blood in the stool. Further reasons include IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). IBS indicates a functional disorder of the colon / large intestine that causes changes in the bowel habits either diarrhea or constipation or alternation between these two; stomach cramps and bloating. IBD includes two disorders named crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is an autoimmune disorder (means in which the body’s immune cells damages the healthy tissues of the body out of a misdirected response) origin. In cases of Crohn’s disease, inflammation can occur in any part of the gastrointestinal tract while in cases of ulcerative colitis, inflammation and ulcers occur in the large intestine and/or the rectum.

There may occur several other symptoms along with abdomen pain before passing stool depending on the cause behind it. These include loose stool, constipation, nausea, vomiting, passing mucus or blood in the stool and weight loss.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy offers a very effective management for cases of abdomen pain before passing stool. Homeopathic remedies work naturally to reduce abdomen pain. They give excellent results by working to treat the root cause behind this complaint. Along with abdomen pain, other associated signs and symptoms (for example loose stool, constipation, nausea, vomiting, passing mucus or blood in the stool) also get well managed with these medicines. There is a long list of homeopathic medicines to manage these cases. The most suitable medicine is selected as per individual case based on the characteristic symptoms and the cause. Homeopathy is recommended only for cases of abdomen pain before stool that are of mild to moderate intensity. It is advised to always consult a homeopathic physician before using any of these medicines. Homeopathic physician will evaluate the case and prescribe the most suitable remedy as per the individual’s symptoms. Self – medication should be avoided in any case.

Homeopathic Medicines For Abdomen Pain Before Stool

1. Aloe Socotrina – Top Recommended Medicine

Aloe Socotrina is a leading homeopathic medicine to manage cases of abdomen pain before passing stool. The pain is marked in the lower part of the abdomen in cases needing this medicine. The pain may also be felt while passing stool. Along with pain, the abdomen also feels heavy and bloated. Rumbling and gurgling is felt in the abdomen. It is attended with a sudden urge to pass stool. The pain gets better from passing gas. After passing stool, all the pain goes away. In cases needing it, the stool is loose. The stool may contain jelly like mucus in some cases. There is a sudden urgency to pass stool immediately after eating or drinking anything. At times, stool passes involuntarily on its own.

2. Colocynth – When Pain Is Better From Bending Double And Pressure

Use of Colocynth is recommended when the abdomen pain is better from bending double means bending forward and from pressure. It also gets better by lying flat on the stomach. Abdomen is distended where this medicine is required. The pain is marked around the navel region that radiates from here to the upper abdomen. The pain gets better from passing stool and also gas. Pain in the abdomen may get worse from eating or drinking. Along with pain burping, nausea and vomiting are present.

3. Bryonia – With Dry, Hard Stool

This medicine is very effective when there is hard, dry stool in cases of abdomen pain before passing stool. The pain is felt on both sides of the abdomen. Pain gets worse from movement. Abdomen is distended. Before passing stool, nausea is also felt. After a bout of abdomen pain, gas having foul smell is passed. The stool passed is very dry and looks as if burnt. Stool is passed after much straining and is unsatisfactory.

4. Nux Vomica – With Constipation And A Constant Ineffectual Urge To Pass Stool

Nux Vomica is a suitable medicine when there is abdomen pain before passing stool along with constipation. The key feature to use this medicine is a constant ineffectual urge to pass stool. The stool is passed several times a day but inspite of that it feels unsatisfactory. Every time only scanty stool passes. A never-get-done feeling is prominent when some part of the stool is still left behind in the rectum that needs evacuation. Stool is dry and hard and at times blood-stained. Apart from the above, weight is felt in the abdomen. Sour or bitter burps also arise. There may be vomiting of sour mucus or of undigested food.

5. Lycopodium – With Excessive Gas And Bloated Abdomen

Lycopodium is a beneficial medicine when there is abdomen pain before passing stool along with excessive gas and a bloated abdomen. Pain is usually felt in the right side of the abdomen. Gas and bloating occurs soon after eating. Abdomen feels full after eating even a little quantity of food. Gas is most prominent in the lower part of the abdomen. Constipation is present along with the above complaints. In cases requiring this medicine, the first part of stool is hard and difficult to pass which is followed by passage of soft stool. Stool feels incomplete. Sour vomiting can occur in some cases.

6. Podophyllum – With Watery, Yellow Green Stool

This medicine is well indicated for cases of griping pain in the abdomen before passing stool. The stool is watery, yellow or greenish. It smells foul or sour. There is sudden urgency to pass stool. The stool is copious and it passes out with great force in a gush. Sometimes stool is blood streaked as well. Stool may contain white or green colored mucus in it. After passing stool, weakness is felt. Apart from the above, nausea may be felt before passing stool.

7. Merc Sol – Along With Mucus And Blood In The Stool

Merc Sol is a prominent medicine when there is abdomen pain before passing stool and along with stool,  mucus and blood is also passed. The nature of abdomen pain is mainly cutting or stitching type. Pain is mostly present in the lower abdomen. The abdomen pain is better after passing bloody, slimy stool. Tenesmus is well marked with above complaints. Tenesmus refers to a frequent almost constant urge to pass stool with feeling of incomplete bowel movements even when the bowels are already empty. In cases needing it, inflammation of the intestines may be present.

8. Magnesia Carb – For Cutting Abdominal Pain Before Loose Stool

This medicine is helpful when there is cutting type of pain in the abdomen before passing loose stool. Along with this, excessive gas is present in the abdomen. Abdomen is quite distended with gas. Stool is greenish and has a sour smell. In some cases, vomiting of mucus can also be present.