Gout is a medical condition wherein a specific part (or parts) of your body has grown swollen or is severely affected by arthritis . Common symptoms besides being swollen are reddening of the skin and a hot sensation on the affected part . Gout mostly affects the big toe, but in some cases, it can affect other parts of the body too.

High uric acid levels usually cause gout, as high acid levels can cause the blood to crystallize, forming it into a single mass which is then deposited to the affected part . The high levels of uric acid are caused by doing the following:

- Having an addiction to alcoholic beverages

- Too much intake of red meat and oily foods

- Dehydration

- Taking medicines or supplements that cause the uric acid levels to increase

- Hereditary, or by race (The British and Black Americans are mostly affected by gout)

If you’re experiencing a hot and itchy sensation on your big toe or on your joint, you should consult a doctor . It is best to consult a rheumatologist, as they are knowledgeable about gout and arthritis, which is the main cause of gout . However, in the case that you don’t have easy access to a doctor, or a hospital, you should do these for first-aid :

- Make sure that the swollen joint is aptly raised. If possible, have the joint raised to at least chest level .

- Using an ice pack can help in minimizing the hot and itchy sensation of the affected area. It also keeps the affected area from swelling even more.

- Don’t let yourself get dehydrated . Make sure that you drink 8 glasses of water per day .

- Cherry juice can be a good first-aid for gout. Cherry juice helps reduce the intensity of gout attacks .

- If you have any medications from your doctor for arthritis available, they will work as gout treatment .

The symptoms and signs should go away within a week or two. If the symptoms and signs are still there, go to a hospital and have it checked immediately, as this might be more complicated than just gout. Remember not to neglect this, as failure to immediately address this condition can lead to even more problems in the future . If neglected entirely, the affected part might need surgery before it can be cured, so have it treated immediately .