Oooh, how annoying!
They’re not the level of health issues we’d be heading onto Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies with (not that we’d do that anyway…) but they’re annoying all the less and the sooner you find out how to solve them, the better!
No fear, we have the solutions to all those niggly body problems here…
Waterlogged Ears
Why? Water finds its way into the ear canal and muffles your hearing.
What To Do: Tilt your head to an angle that will let the water drain out. Holding a hairdryer a few inches from your ears and that can also dry up the fluid. If your ear is sore, is red or is draining fluid, you may have an infection known as swimmer’s ear, you should seek medical attention.
Hiccups
Why? Hiccups occur when your diaphragm starts contracting involuntarily. Your vocal chords snap shut after each spasm, making the embarrassing sound.
What To Do: The myth of drinking a glass of water upside down or holding your breath can help. Hiccups should subside on their own after a few minutes too.
Sneezing Fits
Why? Absolutely nothing’s worse than a non-stop sneezing fit. You could be allergic to something in your environment or it could signal the beginning of a viral infection. Some people are just prone to multiple sneezes.
What To Do: You need to think carefully and find out what you’re allergic to. Dust, pollen and animal dander are the most common causes.
Ahhhhhhhhhh-choo!
Ingrown Hairs
Why? Hair grows back into the skin after shaving or tweezing. They can produce painful little lumps.
What To Do: As you’re getting ready to shave, gently rubb your skin with a warm washcloth in a circular motion may help prevent ingrown hairs. When you spot one, try to tweeze the hair slowly out, but don’t puncture or pick at the skin.
Tickly Throat
Why? This annoying body problem can happen due to a cold, a flu or air pollution… even from too much shouting.
What To Do: Drink plenty of liquids. You can gargle on salt water or suck on a lozenge.
Bloating
Why? Excess gas gets trapped in your stomach. This can happen from eating too much in one sitting, or could also be a medical condition like irritable bowel syndrome.
What To Do: The last thing you might want to do is exercise when your tummy hurts but a brisk 10 or 15 minute walk can do wonders. If you don’t get up and go you can become sluggish, leading to cramping and constipation.
Pimples
Why? Spots occur when excess oil blocks a pore and dead cells, dirt and bacteria builds up inside.
What To Do: The temptation is to pop them, but don’t! You’ll just end up with a scar. To remove one properly, cover it with a hot, wet towel for about three minutes. Wrap your fingers in a tissue and squeeze the pimple from either side.
Dab your face with a hot, wet cloth first.
Bad Breath
Why? Halitosis comes from certain gases released from your body.
What To Do: Brushing and flossing your teeth daily can keep harmful bacteria at bay. Avoid very smelly foods. If the problem persists, it might have something to do with an underlying problem so do contact your doctor.
Cellulite
Why? This happens when the skin covering your bum and thighs lose firmness, allowing underlying fat to push through toward the surface.
What To Do: There’s no magic cure but there are ways to reduce its appearance. Exercise focusing on your bum, hamstrings and thighs.
