Home septic systems use a tank, organic bacteria and ground soil to filter waste water and return it to the ecosystem. The soil acts as the final filter, cleaning pathogens and bacteria and returning water to the ground. The result is a slow but environmentally safe waste disposal method.

Our emotional struggles can end up being reflected in the way our faces and our bodies look. Stress caused by work, family demands and financial responsibilities may physically be expressed in the form of acne, weight loss or gain, or bags under the eyes.

Your pierced ears might ooze or seep light-colored fluids during the healing process. Fluids draining from your ear piercings is normal during the healing period, but if the seeping and oozing are constant or continue after the healing period of six to eight weeks, your pierced ears might need additional care.

Retin-A is a brand of tretinoin that's applied topically to the skin to treat a variety of conditions. It improves acne, hyperpigmentation and even wrinkles, but is not without side effects.

Most problems leading to damaged nails are treatable at home. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends talking to your doctor if you experience certain symptoms that can indicate a more serious problem such as a severe vitamin deficiency or chronic disease.

Navel piercings, also known as belly rings, have become increasingly common in the last several decades. Those who choose to remove their navel jewelry may find that they have an unsightly scar, particularly if the piercing was traumatized in some way.

Nipple piercings vie with navel piercings as the most popular below-the-neck body adornment. They can take a long time to heal completely--from three to four months for men and six to nine months for women.

For most people, danger, fear or anger get tears flowing, but it's also possible to laugh until you cry. Crying can actually be beneficial for your health by offsetting the effects of adrenaline and cortisol, helping ease stress.

Colloidal oatmeal, a common ingredient in skin and bath products, contributes exfoliating, soothing and moisturizing properties. If you don't want to purchase premade soap, you can make your own by melting an unscented bar of soap, mixing in the desired amount of oatmeal and then allowing it to cool.

Those over the age of 40 will find that some changes such as developing new skin care and eating rituals are needed to stay looking young. As your skin and body age, changing the way you take of your body and style yourself can help you take a decade or more off of your look.

Tattoos permanently etch images beneath the top layer of the skin, which can result in sores and bleeding. If the tattoo becomes infected as it heals, scars may form, which can damage the skin and ruin the look of the tattoo. Laser tattoo removal can also cause scarring.

Hair and nails are made predominantly from proteins. Depending on the type of protein used, the structures made can be soft and pliable, like hair, or be designed for sturdiness, as is the case with nails. Some conditions, such as a fungal infection, can break down these proteins.