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Whether you’re dealing with an infection, a simple stye, or some other eye issue, getting a handle on what to do about applying antibiotic ointment to the area can be tricky. These topical medications, which usually need to be squeezed out of a tube, can leave you wondering how to best get these on the surface of the eye or inner eyelid. These eye ointments contain different types of antibiotics and are prescribed to combat a variety of infections....

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that causes painful swelling when the immune system attacks healthy cells. It is classified as both an autoimmune disease and an inflammatory disease. There is a link between rheumatoid arthritis and mental health, as people with RA are at an increased risk of conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, mental health plays a role in RA outcomes and quality of life. Learn more about anxiety and rheumatoid arthritis and how to cope when they occur together....

Two things can cause a baby’s tongue to appear white: oral thrush and milk residue. Both are common and can create a thick, white coating on the tongue that looks like cottage cheese. In healthy infants, neither is serious, though thrush can cause some irritation. This article looks at the causes of a white tongue in babies. Oral Thrush Oral thrush can affect anyone. It’s most common, though, in very young babies between 1 month and 9 months of age....

Bifidobacterium, a species of “good bacteria,” is the first bacteria to colonize the intestinal tract in infants as they pass through the birth canal. These bacteria, also known as probiotics, are thought to help with digestion. Within the past twenty years, research regarding the benefits of good bacteria such as Bifidobacterium has exploded. Currently, research has found Bifidobacterium to play a role in boosting overall immunity, reducing and treating gastrointestinal infections, as well as improving conditions such as diarrhea, constipation, and eczema....

Brittle diabetes, also called labile diabetes, is type 1 diabetes that is hard to control. It is characterized by extreme swings in blood sugar levels, ranging from too high (hyperglycemia) to too low (hypoglycemia). Some experts regard brittle diabetes as a subtype of type 1 diabetes, while others believe it’s a complication of the disease. Sometimes, brittle diabetes is associated with stress and other psychological issues. It may require hospitalization....

When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first issued advisements about the risk of COVID-19 in high-risk populations, immunocompromised people were among the groups considered to be at an increased risk of severe illness and death from contracting the novel coronavirus. To many, this includes groups whose immune systems are characteristically compromised due to disease and/or treatment interventions, such as organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressant drugs or people with cancer on chemotherapy....

Cracked heels, also called heel fissures, occur when the bottom and heels of your feet become dry, hard, flaky, or crusty. Fissures, or cracks, begin to form in the skin. The skin of the heel may also become yellow in color. Although cracked heels are typically mild, in some cases they can lead to pain, itching, or bleeding. Many people have cracked heels, although women are more likely to be affected than men....

Elavil (amitriptyline) is a tricyclic antidepressant that’s sometimes prescribed off-label for back pain, neck pain, and migraines. The Elavil dosage for pain is different than it is for depression, and it may depend on exactly where your pain is, as well. Because Elavil works on the nervous system, it’s more effective for neuropathic pain—originating in nerves—than for pain caused by soft tissues or musculoskeletal problems. What is Amitriptyline Used For? Amitriptyline is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for one use only: major depression....

An empyema is a collection of pus in the pleural space, which is the area between the membranes that line the lungs. This condition is also sometimes called apylothorax, pleural infection, purulent pleuritis, or empyema thoracis. It often occurs as a complication of pneumonia, and it can occur after a thoracentesis, lung surgery, with a lung abscess, or following chest trauma. It is most commonly caused by infections with Streptoccocus or Staphylococcus bacteria....

Last week, the FDA approved Sotyktu (deucravacitinib), a once-daily oral pill by Bristol Myers Squibb for people with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis—a chronic, systemic, immune-mediated disease. Key Takeaways Regulators approved an oral once-daily drug, called Sotyktu (ducravacitinib) for treating moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.Clinical trials showed that the drug is more effective and better tolerated than the twice-daily oral psoriasis drug, Otezla (apremilast).An oral medication may be easier for patients to take than injectable biologics....

If you feel like you’re 70 going on 50, this could be good news for your health. New research finds that feeling younger than your age may protect against the harmful effects of stress. Key Takeaways Research shows feeling younger than your age may protect against the negative consequences of stress.Stress can play a role in triggering and worsening health issues, such as increased blood pressure.Engaging in physical activity and managing stress in other ways can help with healthy aging....

Finger pain can result from chronic health conditions, injuries, and joint deformities. Finger pain can significantly impact your ability to use your fingers and hands to complete fine motor movements and activities of daily living. This article looks at common causes of finger pain, its diagnoses, treatment options, and when to see a healthcare provider. Causes The underlying cause of finger pain can produce varied symptoms, including redness, swelling, stiffness, tingling, and limited range of motion....

Symptoms of gastritis can include upper abdominal pain, and sometimes nausea, vomiting, and/or a feeling of fullness soon after eating. The condition is characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining. While there are many potential causes of gastritis, infection with a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common ones. Excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) or alcohol are additional common causes of gastritis. This article discusses the symptoms of gastritis, some of its potential causes, and how the condition is diagnosed and treated....

While most people associate hot flashes with menopause (the stopping of monthly periods), some women can also get them as part of their menstrual cycle (period). About 1 in 10 women with regular periods experience hot flashes, while more than 4 in 10 women have hot flashes in the first years after menopause, according to a study. This article will discuss hot flashes before your period, symptoms, causes, management, and more....

Your doctor or other healthcare provider may have difficulty diagnosing Lyme disease because many of its symptoms are similar to those of other disorders and illnesses. The only distinctive sign unique to Lyme disease (the erythema migrans, or “bull’s-eye,” rash) is absent in at least a quarter of the people who become infected. Although a tick bite is an important clue for diagnosis, many people can’t recall having been recently bitten by a tick....

There are two categories of acne: inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne occurs when pores become clogged or closed, which leads to blemishes like blackheads. Inflammatory acne occurs when there is significant inflammation in the blocked pores. Bacteria and other inflammatory mediators in the pores can contribute to the inflammation. The immune system tries to combat the bacteria, leading to inflammation and, at times, more severe types of blemishes like cysts....

The signs and symptoms of lung cancer include a cough that won’t go away, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood. Lung cancer can also cause a hoarse voice, back pain, and other less common symptoms. Each patient with lung cancer is different. The symptoms that a person has can vary depending on a person’s sex, age, and smoking status. Anyone can get lung cancer, but not everyone gets checked for it....

Mild osteoarthritis (OA), or grade 2 osteoarthritis, is the first grade, or stage, of osteoarthritis in which significant changes to the joints become evident on X-ray. In this stage, the space between joints begins to narrow as cartilage breaks down and osteophytes, or bone spurs, form from increased pressure and friction within joints. Joint pain and stiffness are commonly felt in the affected joints, and evidence of mild osteoarthritis is visible on X-rays....

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body, which causes joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. RA can also affect other areas, including your lungs, heart, and eyes. About 1.5 million people in the United States have RA. While there’s currently no cure for the disease, researchers have identified many treatments in recent years that can help lessen symptoms and minimize joint damage....

Olive leaf extract has long been used in traditional medicine. It comes from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea), the same tree that produces olive oil. However, olive oil is distinct from olive leaf extract and the two should not be confused with one another. Olive leaf extract contains the active compound oleuropein, which is thought to contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This article reviews the potential uses of olive leaf extract....