Article: A dull or rusty razor can keep you from getting a clean shave, whether it's by snagging hairs instead of cutting them, or irritating the skin around the follicle. Shaving every day can irritate new bumps, so try to wait and only use a razor every second day. If you can, shaving every third day is even better. Exfoliation will clear off any dead skin cells or other material on your skin, paving the way for a close and clean shave. You can use an exfoliating scrub, loofah, mitt, skincare brush, or whatever works best for you. If your skin is sensitive, consider exfoliating on your "off" day from shaving. If your skin handles exfoliation with minimal irritation, try doing it right before you shave. Applying pressure can make the razor uneven on your skin. Instead, aim to hold it lightly and "glide" it over your bikini area. If you missed too much to overlook, make the second pass with the grain, instead of against it. Shaving against the grain means to move the razor in the direction opposite of hair growth. For instance, most people are shaving against the grain when they run a razor from their ankle to their knee. Shaving with the grain creates less irritation, but not as close a shave. Try to use this technique as much as you can if you're going back over an area you've already shaved. The steam from a warm shower serves two purposes: it makes the hair softer, and your skin less prone to nicks and irritation. If you usually shave first, consider reorganizing your shower tasks so that you do it last. Try to give it five minutes before you start shaving. If you don't have time to shower, wet a washcloth with water that's as warm as you can stand, and lay it over the area you're going to shave. Try to leave it for two or three minutes before shaving. Shaving cream can also soften hairs and make them easier to remove (as well as making it easier to track where you've shaved and where you haven't). Find a cream that includes aloe or other moisturizing compounds. If you're in a pinch and have no shaving cream, use hair conditioner instead. It's better than nothing! Ending your shower with a blast of cold water, or using a cold washcloth on the area, will cause your pores to temporarily contract, leaving them less vulnerable to irritants and infection. Contrary to the popular myth, cold water doesn't "close" your pores. The cold temperatures may cause pores to contract slightly, but the effect is only temporary and minimal. There's no harm in rinsing with cold water, but if you find this step notably unpleasant, you should be able to skip it without much consequence. Don't rub yourself dry harshly with a towel. Instead, dry your bikini area in small taps, saving your skin a load of irritation.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Throw out any dull razors. Shave every other day, at the most. Exfoliate gently. Don't press down on the razor as you're shaving. Try not to go over the same area twice. Shave in the shower. Use shaving cream (or a substitute). Rinse off with cold water. Pat the area dry.
Article: Although hernias can happen to anyone, certain factors might put you at a higher risk for herniation. These may be chronic conditions, or they may pass with time for example, if you have a bad cough. Risk factors for hernias include: Increased abdominal pressure Coughing Heavy lifting Constipation Pregnancy Obesity Advancing age Smoking Steroid use A hernia is an imperfection in the muscular container of an organ. Because of this imperfection, the organ is pushed through an opening, resulting in a hernia. As the organ comes through the opening, it will create a swollen area or bulge in the skin. A hernia often gets bigger when you are standing or when you are straining. The site of the swollen area may vary depending on what kind hernia you have. The terms for different hernia types refer either to the location or the cause of the hernia. Inguinal - These are hernias occurring in the inguinal region (between the hip bone and crotch) or groin. Umbilical - Occur around the belly button Femoral - Occur along the inner thighs Incisional - Occur when incisions from prior surgeries create weak points in an organ's muscular container Diaphragmatic or hiatal - Occur when there's a congenital defect in the diaphragm If the hernia affects your intestine, it can change or even block the flow of food through your digestive system. This can cause an intestinal back-up that results in nausea and vomiting. If the intestine is not completely blocked, you may just see milder symptoms, like nausea without vomiting or decreased appetite. You may experience constipation if you suffer from an inguinal or femoral hernia low in the body. Constipation is, in essence, the exact opposite of vomiting. When the flow of feces is blocked, you may experience constipation -- instead of it all coming out, it stays in. Needless to say, this symptom necessitates immediate surgical intervention. Hernias can be very serious when they interfere with the functions your body needs in order to survive. If you are experiencing any constipation, see your doctor immediately. Many people with hernias don't have any complaints of pain or severe or significant noticeable symptoms. But, they may have a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the affected area, especially in the abdomen. You might chalk this up to complaints of bloating. If nothing else, you'll feel keenly aware of your abdominal area, whether it's feeling full, weak, or just has a mysterious pressure. You can relieve the "bloating" from hernias by resting in a reclined position. Though it's not always present, pain is a sign of hernia especially if there are complications. Inflammation can cause a burning sensation or sharp pain. Pressure build-up can result in a tearing pain that suggests the hernia is directly touching the muscle walls. Here's how pain affects hernias in different stages: Irreducible hernia: the hernia cannot return to a normal state, but instead gets larger; you may feel occasional pain. Strangulated hernia: the bulging organ is losing its blood supply, and could be dead soon without medical attention. You'll feel significant pain in this case, along with nausea, vomiting, fever, trouble moving your bowels. This condition requires emergency surgery. Hiatal hernia: the stomach bulges out of its cavity, causing chest pains. This also affects the flow of food, causing acid reflux and making it hard to swallow. Untreated hernia: hernias are usually painless and symptomless, but if left untreated, may cause pain and other health problems. All hernias have the potential to become dangerous. If you suspect you have one, you need to see a doctor for evaluation as soon as possible. He or she will determine whether you actually have one, and also discuss its severity and your treatment options. If you know you have a hernia and feel sudden throbbing or pain in the area, go to the emergency room immediately. The hernia could become "strangulated" and cut off blood supply, which is highly dangerous.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Assess your risk factors. Take note of any bulges. Pay attention to vomiting. Watch for constipation. Don't ignore abnormal feelings of fullness. Keep track of your pain levels. Know when to see a doctor.