Wound Infection
Most cuts and scrapes heal by themselves when they are cleaned and cared for. Sometimes bacteria enters a wound and causes an infection. Causes of Wound Infections The bacteria that causes an infection can come from your own skin, from your surroundings, or from the knife, piece of glass, or other object that punctured your […]
Sprains
A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments, the bands of tissue that connect bones to one another at a joint. A strain, or pulled muscle, is a stretching or tearing of a tendon or muscle tissue. Causes of a strain or sprain Any sudden or unaccustomed stress on joints or muscles can cause […]
STD Testing and Treatment
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) need immediate medical evaluation and treatment. Not only can they lead to serious medical complications, but you are exposing your sexual partner to risk of infection. Most STDs can be cured or managed if treatment is begun early. Left untreated, some STDs can cause infertility, chronic pain, arthritis, damage to the […]
Sore Throat
Causes of a Sore Throat Many things can cause a sore throat: Viral infections, including the common cold, flu, mononucleosis, measles, chicken pox, and croup Bacterial infections, including strep throat Allergies to pet dander, molds, dust and pollen, often aggravated by postnasal drip, which can irritate the throat Dry indoor air, especially in heated buildings […]
Stomachaches and Stomach Pains
A stomachache, or abdominal pain, can have many causes. Stomach pain could be caused by gas trapped in the intestine, indigestion, or a stomach virus, or it could be a symptom of a more serious health problem. Common causes of stomachache include: Indigestion or heartburn Stomach flu Food poisoning Food allergy Stress and anxiety Lactose […]
Skin Allergies and Infections
Skin Allergies A skin allergy is a skin irritation, such as a rash or itchy bumps, triggered by your immune system’s reaction to a particular substance, called an allergen. Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction to something that comes in contact with your skin. These allergic contact dermatitis reactions can occur 24 to 48 hours after […]
Nausea
Nausea is the feeling of wanting to vomit, or throw up. Many people describe nausea as “feeling queasy” or “sick to my stomach.” Causes of Nausea Nausea has many causes, including: Motion sickness – Being seasick or carsick Early stages of pregnancy Intense pain in any part of the body Emotional stress, fear, and anxiety […]
Migraine
A migraine headache is a specific kind of headache that lasts for hours or days. The pain can be very intense and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light. Some people who suffer from migraines have them several times a month; others have them only now and then. Causes […]
Itchy Skin
Itchy skin (sometimes called pruritis) can be very uncomfortable. The itchy skin may appear normal, or it may be accompanied by Redness Bumps, spots or blisters Dryness and cracking A leathery or scaly texture Scratching itchy skin can aggravate the condition and make you want to scratch even more. It is important to break this […]
Sinus Infection
Sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the mucus lining of the sinuses becomes swollen and inflamed. Sinuses are hollow air-filled cavities in the bones of the face that open into the nasal passage. When the sinuses become blocked and filled with fluid, bacteria, viruses, or fungi can grow, causing an infection. Causes of Sinus Infection […]
Rashes
A rash is a skin inflammation that changes the way the skin looks. A rash may be accompanied by itching, pain, swelling, or weeping. Try to determine the cause of a rash by checking for additional symptoms and listing recent activities. Many rashes disappear by themselves in a few days once the cause is removed, […]
Cough
A cough is your body’s natural response to an irritant in your lungs or air passages. It is normal to get a cough occasionally, but a cough that persists for longer than three or four weeks, is accompanied by pain or a fever, or brings up bloody or discolored mucus could be a sign of […]