Got an insect bite? Here’s how you can identify it
Got an insect bite? Here’s how you can identify it

Usually, insects and bugs will bite or sting when they are provoked. For example, spiders, bees, wasps attack when they are disturbed. On the other hand, bites from other insects such as bed bugs, mosquitoes, ants, fleas and so on can catch you unaware. In either case, you need immediate first aid to prevent the insect bite from causing any infection or a serious health hazard. Identifying the insect bites is the first step towards treating them.

Once the symptoms of insect bite have been identified, it becomes easy to know what remedy can be applied to alleviate the discomfort caused by the bite. Here is a list a few common symptoms for easy insect bite identification. Check these symptoms and consult a doctor for identifying insect bites and get immediate medical attention.

  • Bed bugs bite: If you want to know what do bed bug bites look like, you can look for photos of bed bug bites. Physical symptoms such as swollen red skin with a dark center with bites appearing in groups or a line would be quite evident from the pictures; bed bug bites photos that are available online would be one of the easiest ways to identify whether the bite is a bed bug bite or not.
  • Spider bites: Easily-identifiable 10 signs of a spider bite include a blister on the bite area, an ulcer beneath the blister, two puncture marks on the skin that might be painful, stomach cramps, sweating, headache, muscle pain, purplish skin, itchiness and redness over the bite area. Whether you are looking for recluse spider bite signs or any other type of spider bite symptoms, almost all spider bite identification guides will indicate these as the tell-tale signs.
  • Mosquito bites: Immediately after a mosquito bite, there will be an itching sensation on the bite area along with the appearance of round and puffy bumps. The bumps become swollen, hard and red. Multiple bites may happen over the same area. Itching aggravates the bite and is followed by a slight burning sensation.
  • Flea bites: Fleas usually bite around the feet and lower legs. The symptoms start appearing as soon as flea bites. The area where a flea bite becomes itchy, and there are red bumps that are surrounded by a reddish halo.
  • Fly bites: Some of the common flies that bite are sand flies, tsetse flies, and deer flies. The common physical symptoms are the appearance of red bumps and blisters over the bitten areas. These bumps and blisters are quite painful and highly like to be infected since these flies feed on the blood after biting.
  • 3 popular dishwashers to consider buying

    Dishwashers have been an essential appliance in most households for decades. And over the years, they have become more energy efficient and technologically advanced. However, there are many options on the market from different brands, making it hard to choose. Keeping this in mind, we have picked the three most affordable and efficient models you can consider. We have also listed the features to give you an idea of what you expect from the product.

    Frigidaire FFID2426TS
    Frigidaire is one of the country’s go-to brands for budget-friendly appliances. This 24-inch dishwasher is ENERGY STAR® certified, built to offer four dedicated clean cycles. The basic model comes with a capacity for 14 place settings, includes the OrbitClean® spray arm wash system, and operates quietly at a silence rating of 54dBa. In addition, this Frigidaire dishwasher consists of a stainless-steel food crusher that removes any food particles and prevents them from clogging the drain spaces.

    The Frigidaire FFID2426TS dishwasher is easy to operate with Ready-Select® pre-programmed controls and DishSense™ technology. The latter automatically adjusts the cleaning cycle and locks the controls once operations are underway. Other features to enhance efficiency include a delayed start, self-cleaning filter, hot wash, and child lock. At $779, Frigidaire FFID2426TS is the most affordable, compact, user-friendly, and functional dishwasher you can buy in the built-under systems segment.

    Bosch 300 series
    Bosch is a name that is synonymous with kitchen appliances, especially dishwashers. The 300 series is designed to include a third rack to enhance loading and cleaning capacity. It also features Bosch’s RackMatic™ technology for the upper adjustable rack with nine distinct positions and three unique height settings. It is possible to shuffle around oddly-shaped utensils with this unique feature.

    The 300 series is a built-under dishwasher that comes with multiple cycle settings. You can even adjust the 24-hour delay start timer and use the dishwasher during off-peak hours in areas that suffer from water scarcity. Bosch claims their dishwashers are the quietest machines in the segment that do a thorough job. At just $899, Bosch 300 series is one of the more affordable options to go for this year.

    Miele G7556
    Miele is one of the top picks among the high-end dishwashers with abundant features for a reasonable price tag. You can shop for their built-under, semi-integrated, and fully integrated models depending on daily use, kitchen size, layout, and also budget. Miele’s G7556 comes fully loaded with the SCVi AutoDos system that takes care of your essential dispensing needs. You get a 3D MultiFlex Tray that has adjustments to fit all types of utensils and cutlery. An LED light illuminates the interior to make loading easy. Further, Miele’s innovative design makes it convenient to open and close the tray. 

    The key highlights of the G7556 are the multi-language control dashboard and smart synchronization with an app for monitoring the appliance. At $2,499, the Miele G7556 is one of the best fully integrated dishwashers with automatic dispensing systems trending on the market.

    It is advisable to compare brands and products based on specific features as most offer more or less the same technology. Some patented innovations in the dishwashers we have listed here set them apart from many others on the market. Also, your budget will further help filter the top picks and choose the best.

    Read more
  • Psoriasis – Types, causes and popular treatments

    Characterized by a rapid build-up of cells, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition and is usually chronic in nature. Due to the rapid build-up of cells, the surface of the skin becomes red, scaly and inflamed.

    If the condition is too severe, the surface of the skin may even crack and bleed.
    Skin Psoriasis usually develops on the joints such as your elbows and knees. However, it does develop in other areas of your body like the hands, feet, neck, scalp, mouth, face and genitals.

    Different types of Psoriasis
    The five most common types of skin psoriasis are as follows:

    Plaque psoriasis
    Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. It results in inflamed, red patches all over the skin. Most of these patches are covered with silver-white scales or plaques. Plaque psoriasis is usually found around the elbows, knees, and scalp.

    Guttate psoriasis
    Guttate psoriasis usually affects children more than adults. It is usually characterized by pink spots and is commonly found around the torso, arms, and legs. The pink spots are not as thick and raised like plaque psoriasis.

    Pustular psoriasis
    Pustular psoriasis is usually found more commonly among adults. In this condition, you will find white, pus-filled blisters and red, inflamed skin. It is usually found on the hands and feet.

    Inverse psoriasis
    Inverse psoriasis is characterized by bright areas of inflamed, red, shiny skin, which develop under the armpits or breasts, the groin and around the genitals.

    Erythrodermic psoriasis
    Erythrodermic psoriasis usually covers large areas of the body and is not as common as the other types of skin psoriasis. People with this condition almost look sunburned.

    What causes skin Psoriasis?
    One of the most common causes of skin psoriasis is your genes. If you have a family history of the disease, then you are more prone to end up with the same.
    Another causal factor of skin psoriasis is a weak immune system. Since the immune system is supposed to protect the body from disease, people with skin psoriasis do not have a very strong immune system.

    Some of the other causes of skin psoriasis are:

    • Stress
      Skin injury like cuts, scrapes, burns
    • Skin infections
    • Medications

      Skin Psoriasis: Treatment
      For a mild form of this condition, skin psoriasis treatment includes topical treatments like the application of certain creams, lotions or sprays. Injections can be used to treat this psoriasis too.When the case is more severe, skin psoriasis treatment includes a larger area of skin, so topical treatments will not be very effective. In such cases, ultraviolet light treatments and systemic treatments that include total body treatments in addition to tablets and injections.In spite of the many skin psoriasis treatments that are available, this skin disorder is not entirely curable and can occur every once in awhile. However, with proper care of your skin and good medication and treatment, skin psoriasis can be managed effectively.
    Read more
  • Prevent allergies by regular home cleaning

    It is no secret that our environment has changed drastically over the past few years. Along with the environmental threats, we also face a lot of health issues due to our own unclean home environment. One of them is allergies, the ratio of which has risen dramatically over the years. There are a few things we can do when cleaning our homes which would ensure that allergens are kept at bay:

    • Vacuuming/mopping daily – Everyday cleaning keeps the house dust free and reduces the chances of dust mites and allergies, which can cause asthma.
    • Washing bathrooms regularly – Scrubbing bathroom tiles and floors regularly during the house or home cleaning and airing them after each use will help keep the mold in check. Inspect your shower curtains for mold as well and remember to wash or change them regularly.
    • Cleaning upholstery and sheets – We know our sofas, chairs, and mattresses can accumulate a lot of dust mites and bed bugs, resulting in bad air quality and allergens. This could increase the risk of asthma and other lung-related problems. Regular dusting, airing, and using safe house and home cleaning detergents on the upholstery will help minimize these.
    • Minimalizing clutter – The ever increasing clutter in our households leads to accumulating not only allergens but also dust mites, pet dander, roaches, and termites. The less the hiding spaces that these bugs have, the cleaner and healthier would be your home.
    • Using the right cleaning agents – Using harsh, scented home-cleaning detergents may trigger latent allergy symptoms. Make sure the cleaning agents you use are either organic or herbal and free of strong fragrances.
    • Airing damp areas regularly – Make sure that the areas like basements, garages, and attics are aired and vacuumed regularly to avoid the breeding of damp-loving mites. The more you clean those areas, the lesser allergies in and around your homes.

    Remember that the process of the house or home cleaning isn’t restricted just to your homes but to your immediate surroundings as well. Keep the areas outside the home such as backyard and front lawns clean and clutter free. The less the mess, the less the allergies and the healthier your lives will be.

    Read more
  • Improving safety levels in buildings with roller blinds

    Nowadays, residential and commercial buildings face potential threats from the environmental conditions which lead to several problems. Therefore, it is an essential one to increase the safety levels by making changes. A blind covering is a perfect choice for window treatment solutions that play a significant role in ensuring best results. It gives ways for preventing the penetration of harmful ultraviolet rays which directly come from the sun. Anyone who wants to reduce excess heat conditions in buildings can focus on installing blind products to achieve best results. They are a perfect choice for cutting down the costs of energy bills to save more money. Moreover, it is possible to keep the surroundings in warm condition during winter months. Buildings can minimize the noise pollution and glaring problems with different types of blind models. In addition, one can adjust the light and ventilation with these products to create a pleasant atmosphere.

    Installing blinds can improve the look and other conditions of a building. A roller blind model is an ideal choice for all types of buildings to maintain a better environment. It allows building owners to prevent a room from inclement weather conditions such as UV light and extreme cold conditions to overcome risks. The roller blinds are available in a variety of styles, sizes, and other features. It is possible to operate them either by hand or with a remote control to avoid breakage problems. They are more durable, flexible, and convenient allowing homeowners to ensure more comfort levels. Another thing is that fit any windows in a building that show ways for controlling the light accordingly. Apart from that, they are a suitable one for interior decoration purposes by addressing essential requirements. It is possible to make changes in a building with the roller blind products for achieving better results.

    Building owners should make complete research about roller blinds properly before investing money in them. This will help for identifying the right product which exactly suits a building and budgets. Different sources are available today choosing blinds with options. Roller shades are an excellent choice for controlling the damages of interior designs, furniture items, and other materials. Besides that, one can clean and maintain them without any hassles. Those willing to buy them at lower prices can choose online shopping for meeting exact needs. Most of them let customers select products with proper measurements. Furthermore, they guide people to search products with attractive patterns for producing impacts on viewers. Some even show methods for gaining more ideas about blinds with free samples to determine a right product. It is an important one to follow the instructions while ordering blinds online which help for ensuring a trendy shopping experience.

    Read more
  • Confused about biometric security features of Galaxy S8? Here’s a guide for you

    Samsung galaxy S8 comes with a lot of options when it comes to unlocking the device using biometric securities. Nowadays to protect the device from uninvited people or sneaking or stealing, these techniques are installed to safeguard the phone. People must understand which option is useful for what reason. This can be confusing a bit if the differences of these technicalities aren’t understood properly. Let’s take a quick note to understand which one is most appropriate, convenient as well as safe and reliable?

    If you’re having a Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ 64 GB, there come three choices for logging into the phone apart from normal swipe or password, pattern lock or pin lock ones. At the back, there is finger print scanner, face recognition by using the front camera as well as one iris scanner which is on the up front. Always remember that the face recognition cannot be used simultaneously with iris scanner active. One application can be used at a time among these two. In the following, merits and demerits are elaborated for every application. Go through the discussion to understand deeply.

    Fingerprint Sensor

    The Pros and cons of the Fingerprint sensor is discussed in the following.

    Pros: The phone can be unlocked if the user’s places his/her finger on the fingerprint sensor option. For this you don’t even have to press the power button. It’s possible for you register multiple fingerprints for verifying your account in Samsung, and not just entering the password. Moreover, it’s possible to utilise the fingerprint option for paying the things of Samsung pay.

    Cons: Sometimes it’s tough to search and find the fingerprint sensor as it’s located right after the rear camera. Hence, finding by feeling can be difficult at times. Additionally, as compared to other mobile sensors, if the finger is oily or greasy this may result in issue to identify the fingers. This is even right in case of sweaty digits of fingers

    Face Recognition

    Pros: The set-up of face recognition is quite simple and this feature can work well even in moderate light. This is easy and needs no super brain.

    Cons: But this feature is the least safe choice out of the three. This is because the technique can be fooled by using the user’s picture. Even as per some of the user’s report, a mugs hot of user can’t be recognised in bright light and in dim. More on the side is the face recognition doesn’t support the Samsung Pay.

    Iris Scanner

    Pros: The iris scanner option scans the eyes for logging into the device. As compared to other ones, such as face recognition, this feature works fast when users use. Additionally, the option of Samsung Pay is available and usable in terms of iris scanner option and purchasing is performed. One extra point of this feature is, it can work in dim to dark condition which the face recognition lacks.

    Cons: But this feature is also not without any issues. You can’t use iris scanner in case of direct sunlight when you can’t open your eyes fully. For using this, completely-opened eyes are necessary.

    Finally, if it would to suggest which option is best and when to use, the best one would be a combination of two features, iris scanner and fingerprint sensor in case of Samsung Galaxy S8. As these two features can be used at the same time, can be complementary to each other, which is necessary. Both are faster in terms of the face recognition and also support Samsung Pay option for buying. So it’s important to know the titbits when you are opting for Samsung galaxy S8 price.

    Read more
  • Valuable Tips for When You’re Shopping at a Kitchen Appliance Depot

    Shopping for kitchen appliances is not as easy as probably you would like to invest in appliances that are high on functionality and performance. While you can look for kitchen appliances online, many people prefer a brick-and-mortar kitchen appliance depot. If you are one of them, then you are in the right place. There are many kitchen appliance depots, and most of these give you the option to select from a wide number of brands. If you are planning to visit one soon, here are a few tips that you need to keep in mind:

    Check reviews

    Even when you are buying from a physical store, there is no harm in going through online reviews. Research online and read customer reviews. There many online stores that sell all kinds of kitchen appliances. Here, you will find that most of the products have customer reviews. Sites like Sears, Best Buy, and Lowe’s have genuine reviews, and you can trust these sites completely. If you already have a product in mind, make sure you read its reviews by customers who have already used it. Sometimes, the salespeople at a kitchen appliance depot may be tasked to clear their inventory of a particular brand or product line. Doing prior research will arm you with the information you need to steer clear of such tactics.

    Energy efficiency is important

    Buying energy-efficient appliances will not only allow you to make savings in terms of your energy bills but will also give you a chance to do good for the environment. You can research online to know how the appliances are rated based on energy usage. You can also find out the power consumption of the appliance and the cost of running it.

    Online vs physical stores

    Online stores are always a better option than the brick-and-mortar ones when it comes to kitchen appliances. Searching for products online is easier based on your specifications and energy ratings. Also, an online merchant can offer better discounts than a brick-and-mortar kitchen appliances depot due to lower costs. Add to this the option of using coupon codes and availing higher discounts. The choices are also more when you look for appliances online as physical stores are limited by floor space.

    Ensure free delivery

    Whether you are buying online or buying from a brick-and-mortar store, make sure the retailer offers free delivery. Most retailers offer free delivery on a purchase of more than a specified amount, and this is a basic service that you can expect. Never pay for delivery. If your retailer is delivering for free, you do not have to worry about the transportation of the appliance you bought nor about it getting damaged in transit.

    Set it up yourself

    Some people pay the retailer to set up the appliances and if you are lucky, you might get this service for free. If you do not, then you can consider setting it up on your own. Hone your DIY skills, do some research, and save some money in the process. You can check videos on YouTube for more details. Read the instruction manual carefully before you begin.

    Sell your old appliances

    Are you replacing an old appliance with a new one? Then consider selling your old appliance. Landfills are already full and there is no reason for one to add to it. Even if your appliance is not working, selling it will fetch the minimum scrap value. If it is still working, then there is nothing like exchanging it for a new to and avail discounts. You can also sell it on Craigslist and other sites.

    Compare prices

    While buying from a kitchen appliances depot, make sure you compare prices. This means if you are buying online, compare the prices offered by different retailers before making the final purchase.

    Keep these tips in mind when shopping at a kitchen appliances depot to ensure you get the best products at the best prices.

    Read more
  • Signs of poisoning in canines

    Canines suffer from various kinds of poisoning. Based on what kind of toxic they are exposed to, the general signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, blood in stool, lethargy, loss of appetite, bruising, nosebleeds, inability to urinate, irregular heartbeat.

    Following are the signs of poisoning in canines that you need to look out for:

    • Drooling
      It is a typical sign of nausea in canines. If the dog is drooling excessively, then it might be experiencing poisoning. Excessive foaming may lead to foaming in the mouth.
    • Loss of appetite
      The first sign of illness in any canine is change in eating habits. If the dogs skips meals frequently and shows other symptoms of poisoning, then it is needs to be taken to a vet immediately.
    • Loss of coordination
      This is an indication that the brain is affected by an ingested toxin. The dog might have trouble walking, and might appear dizzy. Xylitol which is found in peanut butter leads to lack of coordination in some canines.

    Here are signs of poisoning based on various types of factors:

    • Neurological poisoning symptoms
      Neurological and seizure poisoning is caused due to several kinds of factor strychnine, tobacco, asprin, antidepressants , alcohol, marijuana, flea repellents, drain cleaners, dishwasher detergent. There are some plants that cause neurological symptoms such as horse chestnuts and buckeyes.
    • Heart poisoning symptoms
      These signs of poisoning include irregular heartbeat rhythm, which can be caused due to oleander, milkweed, jimson weed, mountain laurel.
    • Poisoning due to anemia

    Signs of poisoning due to anemia include bruising, nosebleeds, blood in stool. Anemia in canines is caused due to rat and mouse poisons, excessive amount of garlic, onions, sweet clover, and bracken fern.

    • Gastrointestinal poisoning
      Gastrointestinal poisoning in canines may result from consuming garbage, lead paint, or toxic plants such as English ivy or holly. The symptoms of gastrointestinal poisoning include loss of appetite, vomiting. Diarrhea can be caused due to eating toxic garbage, snake bites, chocolates, and other toxic plants such as chinaberry, iris, poinsettia and Daphne.
    • Kidney poisoning symptoms
      The major symptoms of kidney poisoning include inability to urinate. Plants that cause kidney damage include caladium, pigweed, Easter lily, and philodendron.
    • Liver poisoning symptoms
      Liver damage can occur due to administering medications such as acetaminophen. Plants such as tansy rogwort and rattle box also cause liver poisoning.

    To check the signs of poisoning in canines, the veterinarians will feed the canines with a dying agent and induce vomiting which will help identifying the type of poisoning almost easily. For instance, if the induced vomit is blue, then it is a sign of poisoning. It is also possible of identify immediately (through fresh vomit) some plants toxins consumed by canines.To diagnose it further, the contents of poisoning are sent to pathology lab

    Read more
  • Reasons to buy 4G smartphones

    Thinking of purchasing some of the best 4G smartphones in the market? Before you venture out to shop for some of the best known 4G smartphones, it will be a great idea to know as to what exactly 4G technology all about is and why you should be buying these phones in the first place.

    What exactly are 4G Smartphones?

    4G smartphones or 4G phones are smartphones which essentially use the 4G network. These 4G phones just like any other phones in the market can be used to make phone calls, click some amazing photos and record videos. They can, however, transmit the data at a faster pace in comparison to a 3G phone.

    Why should you be buying a 4G Smartphone?

    There could be several reasons for purchasing 4G smartphones and these could vary with different people considering their impending usage by these people. If you are among those who are data hungry and tend to use the 4G smartphones for extensive browsing, the 4G phones are an absolute necessity for you. 4G smartphones are known to harness internet speed of 1 Gbit/s. If you are among those who upload or download a fair amount of data on daily basis, a 4G smartphone is the best option for considering.

    The quality of voice calls on 4G Phones is excellent and you are likely to have a good calling experience as if the person is sitting in the same room as you. HD voice calling has also become possible only due to the advent of 4G smartphones and has changed the way traditional communication was carried out throughout the world.

    With 4G smartphones in use, sending photos and emails has become fairly easier and can be carried out at a faster pace than the traditional phones. The speed which a 4G network or smartphone has will, however, depend on the region in which these are being used.

    Another innovation which 4G phones have brought about is rapid streaming of videos without any lag. Such rapid transmission of live videos was a rarity until a few years ago but the scenario has changed considerably considering the fact that world has become connected in a better manner and the streaming is mostly live and clear. However, the users should also know about the financial implications of the advent of 4G technology as its extensive use can burn a hole in your pocket if it is used extensively without any consideration.

    4G smartphones have also led to the creation of a new emerging scenario where creating a mobile hotspot has become fairly easy. Any person with a 4G smartphone can easily add up to 4 other users without any additional expenses incurred on behalf of these people. This scenario is very useful in cases when the smartphone is being used for an official purpose in areas where the presence of official Wi-Fi connection is limited and the task has to be carried at a rapid pace.

    Limitations of 4G

    There is however certain constraint of using 4G smartphones and the battery can drain out rapidly if few precautionary measures are not taken.

    To save valuable battery, the 4G smartphone should be turned off in areas which have no coverage. These also should be turned off during the night hours when a faster bandwidth is not required.

    You can also dim the brightness of the screen during night hours when the smartphone is not being used on a regular basis. You can also alternatively switch over to Wi-Fi when the signal is strong enough and you can avoid using the 4G service.

    4G is an absolute necessity in today’s changing scenario and increasing number of people are choosing to avail the 4G service.

    Read more