| How to Deal with the Effect of Acne on Self Esteem Posted: 05 Apr 2017 05:00 PM PDT Having acne can feel like wearing your deepest insecurities right on your face, the most exposed part of your body. If your acne is affecting how you feel about yourself, spend some time identifying your thoughts and feelings related to acne and how they impact you. Have compassion for yourself and recognize that you are not alone in having flaws or being human. Treat your acne by seeing a dermatologist and taking care of yourself. Finally, get support from friends and communities to help you feel better about yourself. EditImproving Your Thoughts and Self-Esteem - Silence your inner critic. Often, the harshest critic comes from within. If you talk to yourself in an unkind way, talk back. For example, a voice that says, "Nobody will want to be seen in public with you!" can be replaced with, "I hope the people I hang out with aren't only my friends because of how I look. They are good friends who shouldn't care about my acne."[1]
- If the voice says, "That person turned you down because of your acne," say back, "Rejection hurts, but it's a normal part of being human. If this is true, then that person is silly for being so judgmental."
- Have compassion for yourself. If your best friend felt embarrassed or down because of acne, what would you say to them? Would you make fun of them or let them know that you cared? Be kind to yourself. Imagine if your friend came to you with their own insecurities about acne. What would you say?[2]
- Instead of saying, "Poor me" or, "I'm less deserving of things because of how I feel about myself," say, "Everyone struggles with things that make them feel vulnerable or insecure."
- Recognize your humanness. There has yet to be a perfect human who is flawless in their looks and actions. Every person has shortcomings and you are not separate from that! Being human means having flaws. Instead of feeling separate from others because of your acne, recognize that you are not the only person who struggles with skin issues or problems related to your appearance.[3]
- Remembering that even the most put-together person has struggles and flaws can help you recognize that you're never alone or beneath anyone.
- Raise your confidence in other areas. If you feel low about yourself due to your skin, find other things to raise your self-esteem. For example, participate in a sports team or activity that you enjoy. You can increase your confidence by trying something new. Attend a dance class, go to yoga, or give meditation a shot. You can feel accomplished in trying something new and begin to build skills to improve your self-esteem.[4]
- For example, learn to ice skate. While it might be scary at first, you can make new friends and build your skills each week.
- Use mindfulness. People often want to turn away or avoid things that make them uncomfortable. You might not want to acknowledge how acne makes you feel or the suffering it causes you. Yet, reflect on the feelings you experience that relate to acne. Do you struggle to look at yourself in the mirror? Do you fear meeting new people and whether they will judge you based on your acne? Acknowledge the pain it causes you in order to more fully have compassion for yourself.[5]
- Acknowledging the way you feel about your acne will likely be unpleasant or uncomfortable. However, accepting how it affects you can help you be kinder to yourself.
- Identify other self-esteem triggers. It's unlikely that your acne is the only trigger of low self-esteem. What are other events that make you feel low? Are you particularly sensitive to how people talk to you or look at you? Do you take failure very personally? Work on identifying and raising your self-esteem in other areas outside of your skin.[6]
- For example, if someone gives you feedback about a project, do you think they're being critical of you, or attacking you in some way? Recognize that people's comments may not be a personal attack on you.
- Recognize that you're not alone. When you feel different from others, it can make you feel alone or isolated from others. If you look at your friends and notice that you have the worst acne, you might start to feel less-than them or self-conscious because of this difference. If you feel isolated because of your acne, remember that lots of other people have acne, too. Even if you feel alone, you are not alone.[7]
- Some people struggle with acne in an emotional and social way while others don't. Notice others who have acne yet don't let it bother them.
- If you're scared to meet people or talk to people because of your acne, face your fears. Put yourself in social situations and notice that they almost always go well.[8]
EditCoping with Your Acne - Treat acne at home. There are lots of acne solutions you can buy at your local pharmacy and use at home. You may start with a face wash product to target your skin type, which may be oily, dry, or a combination of both. Use a spot treatment for targeting individual breakouts. Generally, over-the-counter products to treat acne include benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. They are often gels or creams that you apply directly to the spots.[9]
- These treatments may make your face especially dry at first, so adjust how much you use or include a moisturizer in your daily face care routine.
- While lots of treatment options exist, they may not all work for you. Be patient when trying out new formulas and products. Most at-home treatments take 4-8 weeks to show improvement.
- Get medical treatment. One of the best ways to clear the effects of acne is to treat the acne. Especially if you've used all the natural remedies and over-the-counter treatments, it might be time to see a specialist. A dermatologist can assess the severity of your acne as well as potential causes and treatments. Although, you may need to be patient: many treatments can take up to eight weeks to take full effect.[10]
- Depending on your insurance, you may need a referral from your general provider to see a dermatologist.
- Cover up. Some people choose to hide their acne or the redness on their face with makeup. When choosing a cover-up, make sure it says "noncomedogenic" on the label, which means that it won't clog your pores. Be careful of any products that go on your face and make sure they are not irritating your skin or making the acne worse. Write down a list of products you use and bring them to your dermatologist to ask if they are safe.[11] Also, touch your face as little as possible during the day to keep oils down.
- Use oil-free and water-based products. You might cover up your acne with moisturizers, sunscreen, or tinted ointment.
- Talk about it. Having acne isn't like having the plague: it's likely other people your age have it, too. Don't be afraid to bring it up or talk about it with your friends. You might share advice or recommend products to help. Talking about your acne can be a way of bringing people together and solving a problem you're all having.[12]
- For example, you can say to your friend, "I have a zit that just won't go away! Does that ever happen to you?"
- Take care of yourself. While problems with your skin and how they affect you can feel like the center of your life, don't forget to take care of yourself. Take care of your whole body, your emotions, and your mind, not just your face. Take care of your body by eating well, exercising, and getting adequate sleep each night. Do something relaxing to help you deal with anxieties and stress.[13]
- Have a healthy way to let go of stress. Try taking a daily walk, going for a run, journaling, or painting.
EditGetting Support from Others - See a supportive physician. Whether you see a dermatologist or primary care physician, it's important that you feel supported by them. See someone who is kind and sympathetic. Your physician should listen to you and respond to your concerns. Because acne affects not only your skin but also your emotions and social interactions, your physician should be willing to discuss the total impacts of acne with you.[14]
- If you don't feel supported by your physician, consider changing to someone who makes you feel heard and understood.
- Join a support group community. Join a support group for people who have acne and struggle with self-esteem. You can likely find an in-person support group in your community for people struggling with self-esteem problems, and you can find a more specific group for people who struggle with the effects of acne. Joining with other people can help you feel less alone and more supported.[15]
- Ask for advice, share your story and listen to other people's stories. Meeting other people who have similar struggles to your own can be comforting and relieving.
- Find a support group in your community by calling your local mental health clinic or hospital. If you can't find a community support group, join an online support group or forum.
- Talk to family and friends. If you need to talk, ask someone for some time to vent or talk about how you feel. Let them know you feel insecure because of your acne. Find someone who is a good listener and who will support you, not cut you down or make fun of you. You might want advice or not want advice, so you can tell them ahead of time whether you want some help or you just want them to listen.[16]
- Consider the people in your life who are trustworthy and supportive. You might not want to go to somebody who often playfully pokes fun at you or does not take you seriously.
- Think of someone who cares about you and wants to support you through your difficulties. Ask them, "Can I talk to you? I'm struggling with how I feel about myself."
- See a therapist. If you feel like your acne affects your self-esteem in a way that you don't know how to move forward, a therapist can help. Therapy is a safe place where you can talk about your feelings without feeling judged or criticized. Your therapist can help you identify triggers and build coping skills to improve your self-esteem.[17]
- Find a therapist by calling your insurance provider or local mental health clinic. You can also get a recommendation from a physician or friend.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Avoid Varicose Veins During Pregnancy Posted: 05 Apr 2017 01:00 PM PDT You're probably ready to experience a number of pregnancy symptoms, but varicose veins can be avoided with several simple adjustments. Varicose veins are swollen veins that are visible near the surface of your skin. Pressure from your growing baby and the increased volume of blood flowing through the veins can cause varicose veins, so preventing swelling and reducing pressure is important. You can make lifestyle changes to improve your circulation and eat a diet that reduces swelling in order to avoid varicose veins. EditMaking Lifestyle Adjustments - Get regular exercise. Varicose veins typically appear in the later stages of pregnancy, when the weight of the baby is pushing down on your pelvis. Try to do low-impact exercises throughout your entire pregnancy to keep your blood flowing and minimize your chance of developing varicose veins. Talk with your doctor about what exercises are best for you, especially during late pregnancy.[1]
- Walking and swimming are good low-impact exercises.
- You can also do foot exercises by bending and rotating your feet at the ankles. Bend, stretch, and rotate your feet throughout the day to keep the blood circulating well.
- Avoid sitting in the same position for a long time. Varicose veins are more likely to develop if your circulation is poor. This can happen if you have to sit in the same position for a long period of time or don't get to move around much. To improve your circulation, try to stand up and change positions occasionally.
- Don't cross your legs when you're sitting, since this can slow down your circulation.
- Elevate your legs. If you have to sit in the same position for a long period of time, try to elevate your legs occasionally. For example, if you have to sit in a chair, rest your feet up on an Ottoman or small stool. This will relieve some of the pressure on the veins in your legs. If you can, stand up and go for a short walk before elevating your legs to improve your circulation.
- For a comfortable way to elevate your legs, stack several pillows under your feet and knees.
- Practice deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing is a great way to improve your circulation, relax, and prevent varicose veins. Sit comfortably with your feet elevated above your hips. You might try sitting with your feet raised up on pillows. Breathe in deeply, so your lungs are full. Breathe out slowly as you feel the air release from your diaphragm. Do this for 10 minutes every day.[2]
- Try to keep your chest in place as you breathe in. Your shoulders shouldn't move up or down as you inhale or exhale.
- Wear flats or low-heeled shoes. If you frequently wear high-heels or shoes with tight straps, switch to flats or shoes with low heels. Wearing high heels can actually increase the pressure on your veins and increase your risk for developing varicose veins. Flats or low-heeled shoes will allow your blood to circulate easier and keep your veins healthier.
- You may find that you need to buy new shoes anyway, since many pregnant women's feet swell during the final months of pregnancy.
- Wear support hosiery for pregnant women. There may not be much you can do about the pressure your belly is putting on your body, but maternity support hosiery can help. These are thicker than standard women's hosiery and they're designed to be looser near your thighs while being tighter near the ankles. This will reduce some of the pressure from your belly and improve your blood circulation.[3]
- You can find maternity hosiery at maternity clothing stores, pharmacies, and medical supply stores.
- Try to sleep on your left side. A major vein runs down along the right side of your body (the vena cava). To prevent additional pressure on this vein, sleep on your left side if you can. You can also pressure and swelling in your legs by sleeping with your legs elevated. Just lay a few pillows underneath your knees and ankles before you sleep.[4]
- Don't worry if you roll onto your right side while you're sleeping. The important thing is that you're comfortable enough to get a good night's rest.
- Prevent vulvar varicose veins. Although most varicose veins develop on the legs, pregnant women can develop varicose veins in the vulva area, especially during the third trimester. If you begin to feel pressure or pain in the vulva area, elevate your hips using pillows. You can also place an ice pack in the area to reduce swelling.[5]
- Talk with your doctor if you experience sharp pain or are concerned about vulvar varicose veins.
EditChanging Your Diet - Maintain a healthy weight. Since you'll be gaining weight during pregnancy which puts additional pressure on your veins, it's important to be at a healthy weight. If you're overweight, talk with your doctor about healthy lifestyle adjustments you can make to feel more comfortable. For example, your doctor may recommend eating a more nutritious diet and adding low-impact exercises to your routine.[6]
- It's important to get regular prenatal care, so your doctor can monitor your weight, blood pressure, and overall health.
- Prevent hemorrhoids by getting plenty of fiber. You should include 25 to 30 grams of fiber in your diet every day to prevent constipation. Straining from constipation can cause varicose veins known as hemorrhoids. Eating more fiber means you'll need to drink more fluids to keep your digestive system balanced. Good sources of fiber include:[7]
- Bran and whole grain cereals
- Beans and legumes
- Berries
- Greens
- Switch to a low-sodium diet to reduce swelling. A diet high in sodium can increase swelling which will put pressure on your veins. Control swelling and prevent varicose veins by eating a diet that's low in sodium. Choose no-salt added products and swap out salt with other seasonings (like fresh herbs).[8]
- If you can, eat more of your meals at home, since foods in restaurants generally have more sodium than those you prepare in your own kitchen.
- Take your prenatal vitamin. Your doctor will probably recommend that you take a daily prenatal vitamin during your pregnancy. Any prenatal you choose should contain vitamins A and C. These are important for keeping your blood vessels healthy, so they can repair any damage to the veins.[9]
- You can also get these vitamins from food. For vitamin A, eat foods like sweet potato, carrots, and leafy greens. For vitamin C, good sources include oranges, red peppers, and kale.
- Talk with your doctor about any varicose vein concerns you have, especially if you suspect that something is unusual.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make iPhone Flash when Receiving a Text Posted: 05 Apr 2017 09:00 AM PDT This wikiHow teaches you how to make your iPhone's LED light flash when you receive a text message. EditEnabling Notifications for Messages - Open your iPhone's Settings. It's a gray app on the home screen that contains an image of gears (⚙️).
- Tap . It's near the top of the menu, next to a red icon containing a white square.
- Scroll down and tap . The apps are listed in alphabetical order.
- Slide the button next to "Allow Notifications" to the "On" position. It's at the top of the screen and will turn green. This allows the app to send you notifications.
- Enable Show on Lock Screen to allow notifications on the screen when your device is locked.
EditEnabling LED Flashes for Notifications - Open your iPhone's Settings. It's a gray app on the home screen that contains an image of gears (⚙️).
- Tap . It's near the top of the screen next to a gray gear (⚙️) icon.
- Tap . It's a standalone section near the center of the menu.
- Scroll down and tap . It's near the bottom of the menu in the "Hearing" section.
- Slide the button next to "LED Flash for Alerts" to the "On" position. It will turn green. Make sure that you have Flash on Silent switched to the "On" position.
- LED Flash for Alerts only works when your iPhone is asleep or in "Locked" mode.
- When LED Flash for Alerts is enabled, you should place your phone in sight, with the screen side down so that you'll see the LED flash.
- Your phone may not flash if you have Airplane Mode or "Do Not Disturb" Mode turned on. Make sure both of these are off.
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| How to Cure Hyperacidity Naturally Posted: 05 Apr 2017 05:00 AM PDT Hyperacidity goes by several names: heartburn, GERD (GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease) and acid reflux disease. These are all essentially the same problem and reflect the difference between occasional hyperacidity (eg. after a heavy meal) or a chronic and long-term problem. Whatever name is used, this is an uncomfortable problem that can be treated relatively easily. Always speak with your doctor before starting any herbal treatment, especially if you are pregnant or nursing. EditEffective Treatments - Avoid food and beverage triggers. You may want to track of foods and beverages that cause you any problems. Write down the foods you eat and see how you feel about 1 hour of eating. If the food you ate an hour ago is bothering you, you should eliminate that from your diet.[1] Commonly reported hyperacidity triggers include:
- Citrus fruit
- Caffeinated beverages
- Chocolate
- Tomatoes
- Garlic, onions
- Alcohol
- Note: Most of these foods have not been studied enough to make a definitive claim.[2] It's more important to find out what triggers your symptoms than to avoid this exact list.
- Raise the head of your bed if symptoms interfere with sleep. If your bed allows for it, raise the head of it by 6 to 8 inches. Gravity will keep the acid in your stomach. Don't just pile up pillows, though. These tend to bend your neck and body in such a way that increases the pressure. It will make the hyperacidity worse.[3][4]
- Consider losing weight. Losing weight may reduce some of the pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter, keeping stomach acid from leaking through.[5][6]
- Eat smaller meals. Decrease the amount of food you eat at any one time. This may reduce the amount of stress and pressure on your stomach.[7][8]
- Eat slowly. This helps your stomach digest food more easily and quickly, leaving less food in the stomach adding pressure on the LES.[9][10]
- Check that your stomach isn't under undue pressure. Pressure will increase the discomfort of hyperacidity. You can experience excess pressure because of hiatal hernias (when the upper part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm), pregnancy, constipation, or being overweight.[11]
- Don't wear clothes that constrict your stomach or abdomen.[12]
EditPossibly Effective Treatments - Eat an apple. Many people with hyperacidity settle their stomach by eating an apple. Apples are generally safe for this condition, so why not give the wisdom of the crowd a go?[13] Just remember this is anecdotal evidence, and claims about apples having antacid properties are completely false.[14]
- Drink ginger tea. While there's no solid evidence behind its use as a hyperacidity treatment, ginger does seem to soothe the stomach.[15] Either get ginger tea bags, or better yet, cut up about 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, add boiling water, steep for about 5 minutes and drink. Do this anytime during the day, but especially about 20-30 minutes before meals.
- Ginger can also help with nausea and vomiting. Ginger tea is considered safe for pregnant women.[16]
- Adjust meal habits. Although not definite, many specialists believe that late night eating can make symptoms worse.[17] Don't eat for 2-3 hours before bedtime to reduce the risk of food putting pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) as you sleep.
- Avoid stress. Based on early research, stress makes reflux symptoms feel subjectively worse, but does not affect the objective condition.[18][19] For your own comfort, identify situations that you find stressful and exhausting. Find ways to avoid those situations or prepare for them with various relaxing techniques.
- Start incorporating meditation, yoga, or just regular naps into your daily routine. You could also try deep breathing, acupuncture, getting a massage, taking a warm bath, or even saying a series of simple, affirmative statements in front of the mirror.
- Try herbal treatments if you have related bowel conditions. None of these are proven treatments. However, if your hyperacidity symptoms are related to ulcerative colitis or bowel inflammation, there's a little evidence that these could help. Do not rely on these as your main treatment.
- Drink 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice. You can drink this throughout the day, but don't drink more than 1 to 2 cups a day. Aloe vera can act as a laxative.
- Drink fennel tea. Crush about a teaspoon of fennel seeds and add a cup of boiled water. Add honey to taste and drink 2-3 cups a day about 20 minutes before meals. Fennel helps settle the stomach and decreases the acid levels.[20]
- Take slippery elm. Slippery elm can be taken as a drink or as a tablet. As a liquid, you'll want to drink about 3 to 4 ounces. As a tablet, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Slippery elm is known to soothe and coat irritated tissues.[21]
- Take DGL tablets. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root (DGL) comes in chewable tablets. The taste might take some getting use to. But, it works very well to heal the stomach and control hyperacidity. Follow manufacturer's instructions for dosage. You'll usually take 2 to 3 tablets every 4-6 hours.[22]
- Take a probiotic supplement. Probiotics are mixtures of "good" bacteria normally found in your gut. They may include a yeast, Saccharomyces boulardii or cultures of lactobacillus and/or bifidobacterium, all naturally found in your intestines. While studies so far show generally improved bowel health, it's not yet possible to make specific claims.[23]
- For the simplest way to get your probiotics, eat yogurt with "active cultures".
EditMythbusting - Understand that smoking does not worsen symptoms. Tobacco was once thought to make acid reflux symptoms worse. However, three studies so far have shown no improvement after patients quit smoking.[24]
- Don't rely on mustard. There is no evidence that mustard helps with this problem.
- Never take baking soda for heartburn. Doctors do not recommend this treatment.[25]
- Use caution with heel drop exercises. The "heel drop" treatment is a chiropractic technique not based on scientific evidence, though there is some anecdotal evidence that it can help. Discuss all exercises with your physician first.
EditUnderstanding and Treating Hyperacidity with Medication - Know the symptoms. Before starting remedies for hyperacidity, be sure that that's what you're really experiencing. Symptoms of hyperacidity include:[26]
- Heartburn
- A sour taste in the mouth
- Bloating
- Dark or black stools (from internal bleeding)
- Burping or hiccups that won't stop
- Nausea
- Dry cough
- Dysphagia (a narrowed esophagus that feels as if there is food stuck in your throat)
- Consider using medications. If you experience chronic hyperacidity, are pregnant or nursing, or otherwise have any concerns, see your doctor. If you've tried treating your hyperacidity naturally, but aren't feeling relief, you may want to try medication. Medication can decrease the amount of acid in your stomach. Untreated or long-term hyperacidity can cause esophagitis, esophageal bleeding, ulcers, and a condition called Barrett's esophagus, which can increase your risk for esophageal cancer.
- If you are taking medications that may be causing your hyperacidity, call your physician to discuss dosage or medication adjustment.
- Take antacids. These are available over-the-counter (OTC) and neutralize the acid. Antacids usually give short-term relief. If you still need antacids after two weeks, you should call your physician. Long-term use of antacids can affect mineral balance, affect the kidneys and cause diarrhea.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions and don't overdo it. Even antacids, if overdone, can cause some problems.
- Use H2 blockers. These reduce the stomach's secretion of acid. H2 blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid) and ranitidine (Zantac). They're available in lower doses OTC or your physician can prescribe higher doses. If you are using OTC H2 blockers, follow manufacturer's instructions. Side effects of H2 blockers include:[27]
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Dizziness.
- Headache.
- Hives.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Problems with urination.
- Try Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). They also block acid production by the stomach. Examples of PPIs include esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), pantoprazole (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) and omeprazole/ sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid).[28] If you are using OTC PPIs, follow manufacturer's instructions. Side effects of PPIs include:
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Rashes
- Nausea
- Medications to strengthen your lower esophageal sphincter are available. These include: bethanechol (Urecholine) and metoclopramide (Reglan). Speak to your physician about these medications.
- Untreated or long-term hyperacidity can result in esophagitis, esophageal bleeding, ulcers, and a condition called Barrett's esophagus that can lead to an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
- Long-term use of PPIs are associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis-related fractures of the hip, wrist or spine.[29]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Clean the Showerhead with Vinegar Posted: 05 Apr 2017 01:00 AM PDT If your showerhead is clogged with years of mineral deposit build-up, it may need a thorough cleansing. Instead of reaching for harsh chemicals which may not only damage your showerhead, but may also be harmful to your health, try using vinegar instead. Read this article to learn two simple ways of cleaning your showerhead using vinegar and water. EditCleaning Removable Showerheads - Gather your supplies. One way to clean your showerhead is by taking it off the pipe and soaking it in vinegar. If you are unable to remove your showerhead, or if you simply do not want to, then click here. Here is what you will need for this method:
- Pot, bucket, or other container large enough to fit the showerhead
- Distilled white vinegar
- Wrench and old rag (optional)
- An old toothbrush
- Soft cloth, such as microfiber or flannel
- Remove the showerhead by twisting it counterclockwise. If you are having difficulties twisting it, try wrapping an old rag around the connecting nut, and then twisting it with a wrench. The rag will help protect the surface of your showerhead.[1]
- Put the showerhead into a pot. Consider using a smaller container that just about fits the showerhead; this way, you will use less vinegar. You can also use a small bucket or plastic bin.
- Fill the pot with enough white vinegar to cover the showerhead. The acids in the vinegar will help dissolve the white mineral deposits on the showerhead.
- Let the showerhead soak in the vinegar for 30 minutes to overnight. The more soiled the showerhead is, the longer you will have to leave it in the vinegar.
- If you are in a hurry, and if the showerhead is made from metal, you can place the pot on the stove and simmer the vinegar for 15 minutes.
- If the showerhead is made from brass, or has a gold or nickel finish, take it out after 30 minutes.[2] You can always give it another vinegar bath once you have rinsed it off.
- Take the showerhead out of the pot and rinse it. You should see the mineral deposits flaking off.
- Scrub away any residue using an old toothbrush. Focus on the base where the holes are; this is where the most mineral buildup will be. Gently scrub the brush over any residue and rinse with cool water. Keep doing this until all of the residue is gone.
- Use a soft cloth to polish the showerhead.[3] You can use a microfiber cloth or even a piece of flannel. Gently wipe the showerhead with the cloth until it is completely dry and there are no water spots.[4]
- Put the showerhead back onto the wall pipe. Wrap some plumbing tape counterclockwise around the threaded part of the wall pipe, then screw the showerhead back on.[5]
- Turn the water on in your shower for a few moments. This will flush out any residue that the toothbrush did not get.
EditCleaning Non-Removable Showerheads - Gather your supplies. If you cannot remove your showerhead, you can still soak it using vinegar and a plastic bag. Here is what you will need:
- A plastic bag large enough to fit over your showerhead
- A piece of string or a twist tie
- Distilled white vinegar
- An old toothbrush
- Soft cloth, such as microfiber or flannel
- Fill the bag partway with vinegar. Do not fill it all the way, or the vinegar will pour out when you try to put the showerhead into it.
- Place the bag over the showerhead. Hold the bag under the showerhead and pull it open. Slowly bring it upwards until it is covering the showerhead and the showerhead is in the vinegar.
- Secure the bag to the showerhead with a piece of string or twist tie. You can do this by holding the top of the bag tightly around the neck of the showerhead, and then tying a piece of string or a twist tie tightly around it. Carefully let go of the bag and make sure that it won't fall off before stepping away.
- Let the showerhead soak for 30 minutes to overnight. The dirtier your showerhead is, the longer it will have to soak. If the showerhead is made from brass, or has a gold or nickel coating, then take the bag off after 30 minutes. You can always repeat the process after you have rinsed the showerhead.
- Remove the bag. Hold the bag with one hand and carefully untie it with the other. Tip the bag over and empty out the vinegar. Be careful not to let the vinegar splash into your eyes.
- Turn on the water for a few moments, then turn it off. This will flush out any mineral deposits that might be stuck inside the showerhead.
- Scrub the showerhead using an old toothbrush, then turn the water back on. Focus on the base of the showerhead, where the water comes out, as this is the area that will get the most buildup. Turn the water back on again to flush more residue out. Keep scrubbing the showerhead and turning the water on until you cannot see anymore mineral residue.
- Turn the water off and polish the showerhead with a soft cloth. You can use a microfiber cloth or a piece of flannel. Gently buff the surface of the showerhead with the cloth until it is dry and you can no longer see any water spots.
- You can also dab the vinegar on the bath faucet to clean it.
- If you simply cannot stand the smell of vinegar, consider opening a window or turning a fan on. You can also mix in a little bit of lemon juice.[6]
- If there's a tough spot that plain vinegar won't remove, try scrubbing it with a paste made from 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar.[7] This is not recommended for showerheads with delicate finishes; the salt may scratch the finish.
- Soaking the showerhead in a bag filled with vinegar works best on showerhead made from chrome, stainless steel, and other metal surfaces.[8]
- If your bath or shower has marble in it, use extreme caution when using the vinegar. Vinegar can destroy marble surfaces.[9]
- Be careful when using vinegar on gold, brass, or nickel finishes. Do not leave showerheads made from these metals in vinegar for longer than 30 minutes.[10]
EditThings You'll Need EditThings You'll Need for Cleaning a Removable Showerhead - Pot or bucket
- Distilled white vinegar
- Wrench and old rag (optional)
- Old toothbrush
- Soft cloth
EditThings You'll Need for Cleaning a Non-Removable Showerhead - Plastic bag
- Piece of string or a twist tie
- Distilled white vinegar
- Old toothbrush
- Soft cloth
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Distinguish Between Reactive Attachment and Autism Posted: 04 Apr 2017 09:00 PM PDT Determining why a child acts unusually can be a difficult process. Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and autism can look similar on the surface, but they work very differently and involve different therapies. Here is how to start distinguishing between the two. This article focuses on children because RAD is a childhood disorder. It is important to note that while RAD is focused in childhood, autism is lifelong and occurs in adults as well as children. EditUnderstanding the Similarities and Differences - Note the similarities between Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and autism. Children with either diagnosis may experience:[1][2]
- Difficulty with social skills (including use of language)
- Struggles with emotional regulation
- Stimming
- Need for routine
- Unusual eye contact
- May seem calmer when alone
- Avoiding affection
- Listless or sad appearance
- Self esteem issues (not inherent to autism, but autistic children are often treated as though they are worthless)
- Look for the presence of traumatic events or dysfunctional relationships in the family. RAD is caused by childhood distress, such as separation from parents or changing caregivers.[3] While autistic people can experience trauma, autism itself is not caused by trauma.
- Consider the child's relationship with their primary caregiver(s). Children with RAD always have dysfunctional relationships, and autistic children may or may not be distant.
- Affection: Children with RAD avoid or indiscriminately seek affection for emotional reasons.[4] Some autistic children are uncomfortable with the physical/sensory aspects, i.e., it overwhelms them. An autistic child may be comfortable with sensory-friendly affection (e.g. hugs instead of wet kisses), and some autistic children have no problems with affection.
- Trust: Children with RAD do not value or trust their caregivers due to bad experiences.[5] Autistic children love their caregivers and are predisposed to trust them, even if they show it differently. (However, autistic children are more likely to experience abuse, which may cause trust issues.)
- In both cases, therapy and positive interaction can improve relationships with caregivers.
- Consider why the child has problems with eating, if there are any. Both autistic children and children with RAD may experience difficulties with food. The difference is in why: autistic children may have trouble with the food itself, while children with RAD have trouble with the social relationships involved in eating.[6]
- Autistic children may avoid certain foods due to texture or taste. How the food is organized (for example, if the chicken is touching the salad dressing) and how it fits into the daily routine may also be a factor.
- Children with RAD care more about who is offering the food, and may act differently based on who is feeding them. They may throw or give away food, or hide food and wrappers.
- Consider repetitive language. Repetitive language is common with both disabilities, and sounds slightly different. Autistic children may use repetition for reassurance, enjoyment, or scripting, while children with RAD mostly use it for reassurance.[7]
- Autistic children may use echolalia, and repeat words or phrases because they like the sound. They may ask repetitive questions.
- Children with RAD create scripts to deal with stressful situations, such as saying the same words whenever a loved one leaves. Their repetition sounds similar to what a younger child would do.
- Consider how they treat their favorite things. Autistic children tend to be more careful with treasured items in general, while children with RAD are more likely to lose or break them.[8]
- Autistic children may collect items that they like, and refuse to throw or give them away.
- An autistic child usually knows exactly where their favorite thing is, and can tell if someone moves it. A child with RAD may lose things easily.
- Children with RAD may break things accidentally, or on purpose if they are upset.
- Autistic children usually prefer familiar things, while children with RAD are more open to new ones.
- Watch how they play games with other children. Autistic children are usually more concerned with the rules of the game, and if it is fair. Children with RAD are more concerned about winning.[9]
- Autistic children are likely to study, talk about, and enforce rules. They may think it is unfair if they start out as winning but eventually lose.
- Children with RAD may try to bend the rules in their favor. If they lose, they may blame other people or the equipment, due to their fragile self esteem.
- Autistic children usually prefer parallel or solitary play. Children with RAD want to play with others, so their peers can see them win.
- Autistic children prefer mechanical toys (such as trains or Legos) and toys they can examine and organize.
- Watch how the child plays with toys. Autistic children are usually more solitary, and organize their toys rather than creating storylines. Children with RAD will seek out others and play out a story. They may not play alone for very long.[10]
- Autistic children tend towards solitary play, treating toys as objects instead of characters, and playing with ordinary objects like sticks. They tend to organize their toys (such as lining them up by size or building the infrastructure of a doll society). They can play alone for long periods of time.
- Children with RAD seek play with others more. They might not be able to play alone for long due to poor concentration. Their stories may include difficulties from their own experiences.
- Consider if the child role-plays. Autistic children tend to struggle with taking on various roles. Some cannot, and others can take a reactive role if a loved one initiates the storyline. Children with RAD often prefer a certain type of role (e.g. playing the baby), often repetitively play out their past experiences with their preferred endings, and have trouble ending the role-play.[11]
- Look at the child's understanding of ethics. Autistic children often tend to be very concerned with right and wrong. Children with RAD typically have less understanding of moral behavior.
- Children with RAD may not have much of a conscience.[12] Autistic children may have an over-active conscience, particularly with regards to rule-following.
- When corrected, an autistic child will strive to behave the "correct" way in the future. A child with RAD may not.
- Consider how the child distinguishes between fact and fiction. Autistic children tend to be unsophisticated and literal in this area. Children with RAD often harbor exaggerated ideas.[13]
- Autistic children might not realize that fiction and role-play are not real. They tend to be easily fooled.
- Children with RAD tend to see themselves as either incredibly powerful or powerless. They may tell exaggerated stories about defeating or escaping powerful enemies.
- Children with RAD tend to react strongly to any threat, even if it is minor or unrealistic.
- Consider lying and manipulation. Children with RAD can be very skilled at these, telling elaborate lies to impress people or harm someone's reputation. Autistic children tend to be very bad at lying or deceiving others.[14]
- Look at the child's understanding of others' perspectives. Autistic children may be oblivious towards others' thoughts and feelings, where as children with RAD focus on others' reactions to them.[15]
- Handling emotions: Children with RAD want to evoke strong emotions in their audience. Autistic children are not interested in this, and may find strong emotions stressful or confusing.
- Handling perspectives: Children with RAD may be manipulative[16] or overly compliant, and exaggerate things to change people's opinions of them. Autistic children do not understand others' views very well.
- Handling roles: Children with RAD try to constantly take the same role (e.g. playing the victim or bully). Autistic children struggle to understand their role at all.
- Sharing: Children with RAD are anxious about sharing their own things, and may take things from others without realizing that this upsets them. Autistic children may not understand the need to share or take turns, or they may do so because it's the rules.
- Consider how much the child pays attention to the other person's emotions and thoughts. Autistic children tend not to understand, while children with RAD tend to be hypervigilant and overly reactive.
- Autistic children may not understand what the other person needs, what their gestures mean, or what they already know. The conversation may be stilted or unusual. They may need to be told explicitly how someone feels.
- Children with RAD can understand others better.
- Look at other conversation skills. Autistic children and children with RAD are both unusual in conversation skills, usually in different ways.
- Eye contact: Autistic children often offer little to no eye contact, or will stare. Children with RAD give varying eye contact based on their emotions.
- Physical closeness: Autistic children do not know how close to stand to someone, and their physical distance does not mean anything. Children with RAD use physical distance as a tool to express emotions.
- Vocabulary: Autistic children tend to have word-finding problems, and may have a strong vocabulary. Children with RAD tend to have a poor vocabulary. Children with RAD use more emotional language than autistic children do.
- Factual commentary: Autistic children recite factual information, often offering too much, because they do not know how much to say. Children with RAD do much less of this.
- Figurative language: Autistic children may be confused by idioms and sarcasm. Children with RAD often cannot handle gentle teasing, because their self-esteem is too fragile.
- Look at their emotional self-control. Children with both disabilities have trouble regulating their own emotions, and experience very strong feelings.[17]
- Learning skills: Autistic children tend to learn coping tips better if they get an explanation of how to do it. Children with RAD learn better from modeling.
- Confusion: Autistic children tend to have trouble understanding their and others' emotions (alexithymia).
- Outbursts: Autistic meltdowns tend to have clearer causes, and are shorter than tantrums in children with RAD.
- Panic: Autistic children are more likely to panic over unexpected things such as changes in routine, whereas children with RAD are more likely to panic over worries about having needs met (physical or emotional).
- Consider their memory and sense of time. Both autism and RAD involve executive dysfunction, and the child may have difficulties with their memory and sense of time.[18]
- Autistic children often have poor working memory, and excellent long-term memory. Children with RAD tend to fixate on certain events, and have selective memory. They may be confused about what they remember.
- Autistic children have trouble keeping track of time, needing clocks and disliking waiting because of the uncertainty it brings. Children with RAD are emotionally concerned; waiting may make them feel rejected or neglected.
- Recognize differences in duration. With proper treatment and love, RAD can be cured.[19] While autistic people can get support and learn skills, autism itself is lifelong.
EditMoving Forward - Research both conditions. Read a variety of essays, from medical professionals to people who live(d) with the disabilities, to people who know people with the disabilities. It helps to get both clinical and personal perspectives on what each condition can be like.
- Many autistic adults write things online that can help you understand what life is like for autistics. Since RAD can be cured, you won't find as much from people who live with it.
- Consider other conditions that your child may have. It's possible that they have neither RAD nor autism, and have something else instead. Or your child could have other health conditions in addition to an RAD or autism diagnosis.[20]
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Intellectual disability
- Adjustment disorders
- Take your child to an expert. Your doctor may know enough about the differences to make a diagnosis, or you may be referred to a specialist who better understands the differences.
- Show the specialist this wikiHow article if you'd like, or describe the symptoms.
- Avoid jumping to conclusions early on. RAD and autism can easily be mistaken for each other, or for something different. Keep an open mind.
- Speak up if you have concerns about misdiagnosis. A good doctor is a good listener.
- Look into therapies for your child. Whether your child has RAD or is autistic, there are many options to help them adjust and improve their quality of life. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor about the best options for your child.
- Children with RAD often benefit from individual and/or family counseling.[21]
- Autistic children benefit from therapy tailored to individual needs. Occupational therapy, AAC, speech therapy, RDI, Floortime, and other therapies may be a good idea based on the individual child.
- Avoid coercive, controlling, or experimental therapy techniques. It is best to avoid unorthodox or fringe therapies for autism or reactive attachment, as they could be harmful or even deadly.[22] Many scammers target families of autistic children in particular.[23]
- Many issues related to RAD can be explained by emotional issues. Many issues of autistic children can be explained by obliviousness, fear, or sensory issues.
- One study suggests that relationship problems in RAD stem from insincere affection, freezing in fear, and self-injury, while they stem from intrusive questioning from autistic children.[24]
- Treating RAD is difficult, and many things don't work.[25] Research and network with other parents/caregivers of children with RAD for advice about what actually works.
- RAD is a severe disorder. Autism varies; each autistic person is different and will have different needs and abilities.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations - Much of this is adapted from the Coventry Grid, which details differences between autism and RAD.
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