If you belong to a particular religion, you may wish to keep your altar decorated with figurines and holy objects related to it. Some make altars dedicated with a particular purpose, such as healing or meditation, and decorate it with objects that represent those from many cultures.  As a simple, nondenominational example, you could build an altar representing the four classical elements: fire, air, water, and earth. For other specific examples, see Make a Taoist Altar, Create a Simple Buddhist Shrine, or Set up a Wiccan Samhain Altar. Many altars begin with a cloth to keep the altar surface clean and communicate the intent of the altar. For example, a simple white cloth can help you stay focused and contemplative. A bright, decorated cloth can help raise your spirits, while an outdoor altar could have a cloth with muted autumn colors that don't distract from nature. To continue the example of an altar dedicated to the four classical elements, you could choose four small cloths and lay them next to each other: red (fire), white or light blue (air), dark blue (water), and brown (earth). If you belong to a religion with sacred texts, include a copy on the altar to read for inspiration. Otherwise, consider adding a different book, poem, or other text that is important to you, and will help you reach the mental, emotional, or spiritual state the altar is intended to provide. Orthodox shrines commonly have icons of the saints or other religious figures. Hindu shrines may include figurines of the gods that are being honored. Even if you're not religious, think of artwork you could include that is related to your altar's purpose. Continuing the example of an elemental altar, you could include a charcoal drawing of flames (fire), calligraphy drawn with a bird's quill (air), a watercolor painting of a seascape (water), and a clay statuette (earth). These vary widely depending on the spiritual tradition and personal preference of the altar's builder. You may have many herbs, crystals, and specialized containers if you conduct many rituals. On the other hand, it's completely acceptable to simply include a candle which you light before you pray, or a journal in which you write your thoughts. An elemental altar might include a candle (fire), a fan (air), a glass of water (water), and a handful of soil (earth). You can hold each of these items in turn as you contemplate the element and what it represents, or invent a more elaborate ritual. Add to your altar however you like. You may wish to add flowers, decorative figurines, or other decorations. You may decide to put photographs of happy memories around the altar. You may prefer to keep the altar relatively bare. It's all up to you. Other related objects that could go on your elemental altar include seashells, rocks, feathers, partially burned wood, or anything else you think represents or complements the elements.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Select a purpose or theme (optional). Lay down a decorative cloth. Place texts on the altar for reading during use. Include images related to the theme of the altar. Include any objects you wish to use in rituals. Use any other decorations or ritual objects.


In most cases, sweet’s syndrome can resolve on its own. But keep in mind that medications can help speed up your recovery. If you do decide to start treatment, the treatment of choice for Sweet’s Syndrome is oral steroids to reduce inflammation. The steroid is usually prednisone, administered at 30 to 60 milligrams daily. Symptoms will clear up in a few days after treatment but therapy may last weeks.  Steroids are tapered down to lower doses to help prevent relapse and prevent the body from going through steroid withdrawal. Since prednisone is similar to our body’s hormone cortisol, high dose steroid use can abruptly decrease the production of cortisol. When steroids are stopped suddenly, the body’s levels of cortisol are too low to compensate. Therefore, it’s necessary to taper down to lower doses to help our body start producing cortisol again. Symptoms of steroid withdrawal include severe fatigue, body aches, weakness and joint pain. Prescription steroid creams may also be used to reduce inflammation. But these will only affect the area they are applied to. Use a prescription steroid cream when lesions appear in one or few places only. Steroids will help reduce inflammation at the RA site. Steroid injections provided by your healthcare provider may also be performed, but each area will need an injection of steroids. Typically used if located in one area only. This will provide rapid relief but repeat injections may be needed by your healthcare provider. You will need to discuss with your doctor to establish proper dosing, regimen and timeline. Your doctor may also provide you with a prescription for potassium iodide or colchicine. These drugs typically result in rapid resolution of Sweet's syndrome symptoms and lesions. Along with steroids, they are also considered first line treatment. These drugs may be administered to you by themselves if you cannot take steroids due to side effects or conditions such as severe diabetes. Second line treatments include immune system blocking drugs such as Indomethacin and cyclosporin along with antibacterial drugs dapsone and clofazimine. However, indomethacin and clofazimine appear less effective than corticosteroids, potassium iodide, and colchicine. Take as directed by your healthcare professional.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Decide if you want to skip treatment. Take oral steroids. Apply prescription steroid creams. Ask your doctor about steroid injections. Ask about potassium iodide or colchicine. Consider drugs that block your immune system.


Get on the East Line train from Hung Hom station, Mong Kok East station, or Kowloon Tong station. This line will take you north to Shenzhen. From Hung Hom, it is a 45-minute journey. The train will either take you to the Lo Wu border crossing or the Lok Ma Chau border crossing.  The cost of the ticket can vary based on the station you got on the train and whether it is peak hours or not. The ticket typically costs around $40 HKD ($5 USD). Purchase tickets in advance here: http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/st/index.php. The immigration checkpoint you choose depends on where you want to go and how much time you have. Lok Ma Chau has shorter lines but Lo Wu is closer to the main shopping district. The ferry will take you to Shekou Cruise Center and Ferry Terminal. Ferries leave about once every 1-1.5 hours, and it takes an hour to reach Shenzhen. Buy tickets online here: http://www.cksp.com.hk/en/.  The cost of a ferry ticket is $140 HKD ($18 USD). This makes a pricier option, but it is convenient if you need to go to the Shekou area of Shenzhen. Customs at this ferry terminal tend to be quicker than other immigration checkpoints. Unlike normal taxis, these cars are authorized by the government to bring visitors across the border. The driver will take you to the border and pick you up on the other side once you have passed through customs. Identify them by the yellow “Cross Boundary Hire Car” sticker on their rear window. This sticker has a serial number and text in both English and Chinese.  You can find a list of authorized hire car services here: http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in_hong_kong/land_based_cross_boundary_transport/enquiries_on_cross_boundary_hire_car_service/index.html. Depending on the service, you may need to hire these cars in advance.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --
Take the East Line train for direct transport to the border. Board a ferry from Hong Kong Central for quick transportation. Pay an authorized cross-border hire car to take you across.