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What Is Nix? Nix (permethrin 1%) treats head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). It is an over-the-counter (OTC), topical pediculicide medicine (kills pests on skin and hair). Nix works by preventing sodium (salt) from entering the cells of head lice, leading to their paralysis and death. Nix is available as a solution, shampoo, creme rinse, and spray. What Is Nix Used For? According to a review of U.S. consensus guidelines, permethrin 1% lotion or shampoo (Nix) is suggested as a first-choice medication to treat head lice....

What Is Nuedexta? Nuedexta (dextromethorphan and quinidine) is a prescription drug used to treat pseudobulbar affect (PBA) symptoms. PBA symptoms are sudden, frequent, and uncontrollable laughing or crying, in particular people with brain or nerve damage. Nuedexta is part of a drug class called n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. It is available as a capsule containing 20 milligrams dextromethorphan hydrobromide and 10 milligrams quinidine sulfate. Dextromethorphan binds to specific receptors in the brain that may cause PBA episodes....

Any wound that has tissue or fat exposed to the air is considered an open wound. There are several types of open wounds, from scrapes to surgical incisions. Although you can care for many of these wounds at home, it’s important you know the best ways to clean and dress them to ensure proper healing. This article will explore the different types of wounds, how they heal, what you need to do to take care of them, and when to see a healthcare provider....

If you’ve ever felt like your heart was racing or pounding, you may have experienced heart palpitations. This fluttering can be the result of an abnormal heart rhythm causing the misfiring of an electrical signal in the heart that makes it beat out of rhythm. Palpitations can sometimes be frightful, especially if you have never experienced them. Fortunately, palpitations often are not a cause for concern. They most commonly occur at rest....

The placenta develops within the uterus during pregnancy, playing a key role in nourishing and providing oxygen to the fetus, as well as removing waste material. This organ is attached to the wall of the uterus, with the baby’s umbilical cord arising from it. Throughout the course of a pregnancy, the placenta grows and changes shape, with its thickness being a reliable measure of how far along the mother-to-be is in gestation....

Polyarthritis means five or more joints are affected by arthritis. It’s most often associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and certain viral infections can also trigger it. If you’re not already diagnosed with a condition that can lead to polyarthritis, your healthcare provider may use blood tests, imaging, and a physical exam to diagnose the underlying cause. This article explains polyarthritis symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Symptoms Polyarthritis symptoms tend to be similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases that affect the joints....

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own joints, causing pain and swelling. It is estimated that more than 1.5 million adults in the United States are affected by RA, with women being 2 to 3 times more likely to develop the condition than men. RA usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body, most commonly both hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles....

Rimming—also known as analingus, anilingus, or a “rim job”—is a form of oral sex in which the mouth, lips, and tongue are used to stimulate a partner’s anus. It is referred to as “rimming” because it largely involves the kissing or licking of the outer edge (rim) of the anus. Rimming may also involve penetrating a partner’s anus with the tongue. Rimming can be enjoyed by all genders and sexual orientations....

In general, stomach transplants are not performed alone. The stomach may be transplanted as part of a larger scale transplant of multiple organs within the abdominal digestive system (gastrointestinal tract). When this is done, the procedure is referred to as a multivisceral transplant. Viscera are internal organs such as the lungs, heart, stomach, liver, or intestines. Some conditions that may lead to stomach or multivisceral transplant include short bowel syndrome (SBS), intestinal blockage, or motility disorders....

Both Pfizer and Moderna began testing their COVID-19 vaccines on children under 12 in March, which was good news to many. But according to new research, parents surveyed at the time were still hesitant about the idea of getting their kids the shot. Key Takeaways Only 49.4% of parents and caregivers surveyed in March 2021 planned on vaccinating their children ages 12 years old and younger when a COVID-19 vaccine is made available for their age group....

Tardive dystonia is a drug side effect that involves involuntary muscle movements. It causes twisting and turning muscle spasms. This condition usually affects the head and neck, and can be quite painful and distressing. Tardive dystonia tends to worsen as it progresses over time. Tardive dystonia is caused by dopaminergic receptor antagonists, which are used as antipsychotics to treat mental health disorders. It’s estimated that up to 1% to 4% of people taking antipsychotic medications have tardive dystonia....

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic autoimmune condition causing inflammation of the skin and joints. But the problem doesn’t end there. Systemic inflammation throughout the body from psoriatic arthritis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This article discusses PSA, its association with heart disease, and ways to lower risk. What Is Psoriatic Arthritis? PsA is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the joints. It occurs in up to 1 in 3 people with psoriasis (a skin condition causing red, itchy, scaly patches)....

Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) are a class of immunosuppressant drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of moderate to severe eczema (atopic dermatitis). In recent years, two of these drugs—Protopic (tacrolimus ointment) and Elidel (1.0% pimecrolimus cream)—have been used off-label to treat psoriasis and have proven beneficial in reducing the red, scaly plaques characteristics of the disease. While effective, both drugs have significant side effects that should be considered....

Diastolic dysfunction refers to a cardiac condition caused by a “stiffening” of the heart’s ventricles, which restricts the heart’s ability to fill up with blood in between beats. Diastolic heart failure is said to be present when diastolic dysfunction has progressed sufficiently to produce symptoms of heart failure. The primary goals of treatment for these cardiac conditions are stopping the progression of the disease, relieving symptoms, and lowering the risk of deaths....

Healthy vaginal discharge is normal and natural. This fluid keeps the vagina clean and provides lubrication. Normal discharge is clear, white, off-white, or pale yellow and has a characteristic scent. Healthy discharge ranges from clear to milky white, and amounts fluctuate with a woman’s menstrual cycle. Discharge that is chunky, a color outside of the normal variations, or foul-smelling is abnormal and should be followed up with a healthcare provider. This article reviews normal vaginal discharge, symptoms of abnormal discharge, possible causes, treatments, and when to notify your healthcare provider....

Vasovagal syncope is when your body reacts so strongly to a trigger like having blood drawn or being scared that your heart rate and blood pressure plummet, causing you to faint. The sudden nature of this reaction and the temporary loss of consciousness that occurs may lead to falls and injuries. Sometimes vasovagal syncope can be due to an underlying condition, such as dehydration, or a side effect of medications, so it’s important that you mention it to your healthcare provider....

While veneers and crowns can be similar in their physical appearance, they serve different purposes. The main difference is that a veneer covers the front of the tooth and is used mostly for aesthetic purposes, while a dental crown covers the entire tooth and is used to restore a tooth’s shape and improve its strength. Here we will break down what to consider if you’re looking to get veneers or crowns....

What Is Vizimpro? Vizimpro (dacomitinib) is a medication used to treat a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is known as a kinase inhibitor. Vizimpro tablets are only used when the NSCLC is metastatic, which means it has spread to areas outside where it originally started. It must also have an epidermal growth factor (EGFR) mutation, an abnormal protein in the tumor tissue. This treatment works by affecting the EGFR pathway....

Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a medical condition in which some of your red blood cells, the cells responsible for carrying oxygen around your body, don’t form normally. This can lead to one kind of anemia, causing symptoms like fatigue. The “pure” in red cell aplasia just means that other types of blood cells (like white blood cells) aren’t affected. “Aplasia” is a term that means lack of development....

A Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) is a complex surgery involving several procedures during one operation. It is often performed to treat pancreatic cancer. It will take time for the digestive system to heal after this surgery on the pancreas, gallbladder, bile duct, stomach, and duodenum. The average hospitalization time after a Whipple procedure is one to two weeks, with the initial night after surgery spent in the intensive care unit (ICU). Further recovery after discharge will take six to eight weeks....