Diaper rash is red, sore skin in the diaper area. Most babies get it at some point, especially between 9 and 12 months. It usually clears in 2 to 3 days with simple care at home.

Common causes

• Wet or dirty diapers left on too long
• Rubbing and chafing
• Diarrhea, which irritates skin quickly
• Starting new foods, which changes stool
• Antibiotics (for baby, or for a breastfeeding mother), which can lead to a yeast rash
• Sensitivity to wipes, soaps or detergents

How to treat it

• Change diapers often, as soon as they’re wet or dirty, including once at night if the rash is bad.
• Clean gently with warm water and a soft cloth, or fragrance-free, alcohol-free wipes. Pat dry; don’t rub.
• Give diaper-free time: let your baby lie on a towel without a diaper for a few minutes several times a day.
• Use a barrier cream at every change. Zinc oxide or petroleum jelly creams protect the skin. Herbal options such as Himalaya Diaper Rash Cream can soothe mild rashes. Apply a thick layer and don’t wipe it all off at the next change; just clean the soiled part.
• Loosen the diaper or go up a size so air can reach the skin.

Avoid talcum powder (it can be breathed in), baby wipes with fragrance or alcohol, and steroid creams unless a doctor recommends them.

Is it a yeast rash?

A rash that lasts more than 3 days despite good care may be caused by yeast (candida). Signs include bright red skin with raised edges, small red spots spreading beyond the main rash, and redness in the skin folds. Your pediatrician may suggest an antifungal cream.

Prevention

• Change diapers promptly and use a barrier cream at changes if your baby gets rashes often
• Choose fragrance-free wipes and mild, baby-safe soap such as Himalaya Extra Moisturizing Baby Soap
• Wash cloth diapers in fragrance-free detergent and rinse well

When to call your pediatrician

• The rash doesn’t improve after 2 to 3 days of home care
• There are blisters, open sores, pus-filled bumps or crusting
• Your baby has a fever or seems unwell
• The rash spreads beyond the diaper area
• Your baby is under 6 weeks old

Frequently asked questions

How long does diaper rash last?

Most mild rashes get better within 2 to 3 days of good care.

Should I use cream at every diaper change?

While there’s a rash, yes. A thick barrier layer at each change protects the skin while it heals.

Can teething cause diaper rash?

Teething itself doesn’t, but babies who are teething sometimes have looser stools, which can irritate the skin.

More in our Everyday Health guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Oily skin makes more sebum, the natural oil that keeps skin soft. Too much can mean shine, enlarged-looking pores and breakouts. The aim isn’t to strip all the oil away, which can make skin produce even more, but to keep it balanced with a few simple steps.

Morning routine

1. Cleanse with a gentle foaming or gel cleanser, such as a neem face wash like Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash.
2. Treat (optional): a niacinamide serum can help reduce oil and redness.
3. Moisturize with an oil-free, non-comedogenic gel or lotion. Yes, oily skin still needs moisture.
4. Sunscreen: broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, in a light gel or fluid texture.

Night routine

1. Cleanse to remove sunscreen, makeup and oil. If you wear heavy makeup, cleanse twice.
2. Treat: salicylic acid (2 to 3 times a week to start) or adapalene gel if you get breakouts.
3. Moisturize with a light gel, such as Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Gel.

Ingredients that help oily skin

• Niacinamide can reduce oil production and redness
• Salicylic acid gets into pores and clears blackheads
• Clay masks once or twice a week absorb excess oil
• Retinoids such as adapalene help with pores and breakouts

Common mistakes

• Washing too often or scrubbing hard, which irritates skin and can increase oil
• Skipping moisturizer
• Using alcohol-heavy toners that dry and sting
• Thick, oily creams and hair products that clog pores along the hairline
• Picking or squeezing spots, which can scar

Body breakouts

For an oily chest or back, a medicated or neem body soap such as Himalaya Clear Skin Soap and showering soon after exercise can help.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have painful, deep or scarring acne, or if oily skin comes with other changes such as irregular periods or excess hair growth, which can be signs of a hormone condition such as PCOS.

Frequently asked questions

How many times a day should I wash oily skin?

Twice a day, plus after heavy sweating, is enough for most people.

Does oily skin need moisturizer?

Yes. A light, oil-free moisturizer helps keep the skin barrier healthy and can stop it overproducing oil.

Can diet affect oily skin?

Some studies link high-sugar foods and skim milk with more acne in some people. A balanced diet is a reasonable step, but skin care matters most.

More in our Skin guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) has been used in Indian skin care for centuries, and it’s now a common ingredient in face washes, gels and soaps. Lab studies show neem extracts can slow the growth of acne bacteria and calm inflammation. Human studies are small, though, so it’s best thought of as a gentle helper rather than a replacement for proven acne treatments.

What neem may do for acne-prone skin

• Antibacterial: neem extracts act against Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria linked to acne, in lab tests.
• Anti-inflammatory: it may help calm red, sore spots.
• Oil control: neem cleansers can leave skin feeling less greasy.

How to use neem products

• Face wash: use a neem cleanser such as Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash twice a day. Massage gently for 30 seconds and rinse with lukewarm water. Don’t scrub.
• Face gel: a lightweight neem gel like Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Gel suits oily skin that doesn’t like heavy creams.
• Soap: neem bars such as Himalaya Neem & Turmeric Soap work well for the body, chest and back. On the face, a gentle liquid cleanser is usually less drying.
• Pure neem oil: it’s strong and can irritate. Never use it undiluted on the face, and do a patch test first.

Pair it with treatments that are proven

For mild to moderate acne, these over-the-counter options have the strongest evidence:

• Benzoyl peroxide (2.5% to 5%) kills acne bacteria
• Adapalene 0.1% gel (Differin) unclogs pores and is available without a prescription in the US
• Salicylic acid helps clear blackheads and whiteheads

Give any routine 8 to 12 weeks before judging it, and use a non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen every day.

Who should be careful

• People with sensitive skin or eczema: patch-test on your inner arm for 24 hours first
• Anyone who gets redness, burning or itching: stop using it
• Pregnant women: neem products on the skin are generally considered fine, but never take neem oil by mouth

When to see a doctor

See a doctor or dermatologist if your acne is painful, leaves scars or dark marks, or hasn’t improved after 3 months of over-the-counter treatment. Prescription treatments work well for moderate and severe acne.

Frequently asked questions

Can neem remove acne scars?

No. Neem may help calm active spots, but it won’t remove scars. A dermatologist can advise on treatments for scarring.

Is neem face wash good for daily use?

Yes, for most people with oily or acne-prone skin. If your skin feels tight or dry, use it once a day.

How long does neem take to work on acne?

Give it at least 4 to 6 weeks, and up to 12 weeks alongside other treatments.

More in our Skin guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

An enlarged prostate, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is very common as men get older. About half of men in their 50s and most men over 80 have some enlargement. It isn’t cancer and doesn’t raise your risk of prostate cancer, but it can make peeing slower, more frequent and more annoying.

Common symptoms

• A weak or slow urine stream
• Trouble starting to pee, or stopping and starting
• Needing to pee often, especially at night
• A sudden, urgent need to pee
• Feeling that your bladder hasn’t fully emptied
• Dribbling at the end

These symptoms can also be caused by other problems, such as a urine infection, diabetes or, less often, prostate cancer, so it’s worth seeing a doctor to find out.

Self-care that helps

• Cut down on drinks in the evening, especially in the 2 hours before bed.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol, which make you pee more and can irritate the bladder.
• Double voiding: after peeing, wait a few seconds and try again.
• Avoid constipation, which puts pressure on the bladder. See constipation relief.
• Check your medicines. Some cold and allergy medicines with decongestants or older antihistamines can make it harder to pee. Ask a pharmacist.
• Stay active and keep a healthy weight.

Medical treatments

If symptoms bother you, a doctor may suggest:

• Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin, which relax the prostate and bladder neck and often help within days
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride or dutasteride, which slowly shrink the prostate over 6 to 12 months
• Combination treatment or tadalafil for some men
• Procedures such as TURP, laser treatment or newer minimally invasive options, for more severe symptoms

These are prescription treatments, so they need a doctor’s assessment.

What about herbal products?

Saw palmetto is the best-studied herbal option, but large, well-designed trials found it worked no better than a placebo for urinary symptoms. Ayurvedic formulas such as Himalaya Himplasia are traditionally used to support prostate and urinary health, but evidence in people is limited. If you try one, see a doctor first to rule out other causes, and don’t use it instead of treatment your doctor recommends.

See a doctor urgently if

• You can’t pee at all (urinary retention): this is an emergency
• You see blood in your urine
• You have pain or burning when peeing, fever, or pain in your lower back or side
• Your symptoms get worse quickly

Frequently asked questions

Can an enlarged prostate go back to normal?

The prostate doesn’t usually shrink on its own, but symptoms often stay mild for years, and medicines like finasteride can shrink it over time.

Is an enlarged prostate the same as prostate cancer?

No. BPH is non-cancerous and doesn’t lead to cancer. But the symptoms can overlap, so a doctor’s check is important.

At what age should men get their prostate checked?

Many US guidelines suggest discussing prostate cancer screening with your doctor from age 50, or earlier (around 40 to 45) if you’re Black or have a close relative with prostate cancer.

More in our Everyday Health guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Supplements are not evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

There’s no pill or drink that “boosts” a healthy immune system beyond normal. What you can do is give it what it needs to work well. The good news is that the habits with the strongest evidence are free.

What actually supports your immune system

1. Sleep 7 to 9 hours

People who sleep less than 6 hours a night are more likely to catch a cold when exposed to the virus. Regular sleep is one of the most effective things you can do.

2. Keep your vaccines up to date

Vaccines train your immune system to recognise specific infections. In the US, adults are advised to get a yearly flu vaccine and stay up to date with COVID-19 and other recommended vaccines.

3. Eat a varied diet

• Plenty of fruit and vegetables for vitamin C, vitamin A and fibre
• Protein at each meal (beans, fish, eggs, dairy, meat)
• Zinc from meat, shellfish, beans, nuts and whole grains
• Fermented foods like yogurt may support healthy gut bacteria, which play a role in immunity

4. Move every day

Regular moderate exercise, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking most days, is linked to fewer colds. Very intense training without rest can have the opposite effect.

5. Manage stress

Long-term stress raises cortisol, which can dampen immune responses. Sleep, exercise, time outdoors and talking to people all help.

6. Don’t smoke, and keep alcohol low

Smoking damages the lining of the airways, and heavy drinking weakens immune defences.

7. Wash your hands

Washing with soap for 20 seconds, especially before eating and after being in public places, cuts the spread of colds and stomach bugs.

Do supplements help?

• Vitamin C: taking it daily may shorten colds slightly, but doesn’t prevent them for most people. See vitamin C for colds.
• Vitamin D: may help people who are low in it. Ask your doctor about a blood test, especially in winter.
• Zinc lozenges: started within 24 hours of cold symptoms may shorten a cold. They can cause a bad taste and nausea.
• Herbal products: Ayurvedic herbs such as guduchi (giloy) and formulas like Himalaya Septilin and Himalaya Guduchi are traditionally used to support the body’s defences. Evidence in people is limited. Giloy has been linked to rare cases of liver injury, especially in people with autoimmune conditions, so check with a doctor first if you have liver disease, an autoimmune condition, diabetes or take other medicines.

Supplements can’t make up for poor sleep or diet, and more isn’t better: very high doses of some vitamins and minerals can cause harm.

When to see a doctor

• You get infections very often, or they take a long time to clear
• You have a fever that lasts more than 3 days, or trouble breathing
• You lose weight without trying, or have night sweats
• You have a condition or take a medicine that weakens immunity

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to boost your immune system?

There’s no quick fix. Good sleep, a varied diet, regular activity and up-to-date vaccines are what make the biggest difference.

Does giloy boost immunity?

Giloy is traditionally used for immunity in Ayurveda, but evidence in people is limited, and rare liver problems have been reported. Talk to a doctor before using it, especially if you have a health condition.

Which vitamins help the immune system?

Vitamins C, D and A and the mineral zinc all play a role. Most people get enough from a varied diet; supplements mainly help people who are low.

More in our Everyday Health guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Supplements are not evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.