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Salicylic acid peels are treatments used to deeply exfoliate the surface layers of the skin. Salicylic acid breaks the bonds that hold the skin’s cells together, causing them to shed away or peel. As the skin regenerates, it is rejuvenated. Compared to other types of chemical peels, salicylic acid peels have a gentle exfoliating action. Superficial salicylic acid peels can be done at home with over-the-counter products. Stronger salicylic acid peels that penetrate more deeply are performed by an esthetician or dermatologist....

Suicide ideation is thoughts, ideas, wishes, considerations, contemplations, or preoccupations relating to death and suicide. It is sometimes referred to as suicidal thoughts or suicidal ideas. Suicide is the second leading cause of death, after unintentional injury, among Americans between the ages of 10 and 34 and in the top 10 leading causes among all ages. Nearly 5% of adults, and nearly 12% of adults between the ages of 18 and 25, have serious thoughts of suicide....

Common colds (also known as “head colds”) are, as the name implies, very common. On average adults can expect to catch two to three colds a year, but this number climbs to up to eight to 10 when you look at children and infants. Babies are particularly prone to viral infections like this because their immune systems aren’t fully formed and their activities (especially touching things, sucking on fingers, and putting things in their mouth) can put them in harm’s way....

White blood cells (WBCs) are a part of the immune system. They help fight infection and defend the body against other foreign materials. Different types of white blood cells have different jobs. Some are involved in recognizing intruders. Some kill harmful bacteria. Others make antibodies to protect your body against exposure to bacteria and viruses. This article discusses the different types of white blood cells and their various functions. Types of WBC White blood cells are are also known as leukocytes....

Hemiplegia is total or nearly complete paralysis on one side of the body. This significantly or entirely limits someone’s ability to voluntarily move the affected parts (e.g., an arm, leg, or one side of the face). In contrast, hemiparesis is one-sided weakness. In other words, there is some motor strength remaining in the weakened area, though one’s day-to-day functioning may still be impacted. Hemiplegia is permanent, but it does not get worse over time, whereas partial or even full recovery may be possible with hemiparesis....

A blemish describes any discoloration, spot, or mark on the skin. There are different types of blemishes, and each has its own cause. Although most blemishes like acne scars aren’t a cause for concern and require no treatment, some may signal a more serious condition like skin cancer. Acne Scarring When acne breakouts penetrate the skin deeply, they damage the skin and the tissue beneath it. As the acne clears, the body tries to repair this damage....

State continuation coverage refers to state laws that allow some people to extend their employer-sponsored health insurance even if they’re not eligible for extension via COBRA. This article will explain what state continuation is, how it differs from COBRA, and how it works in each state (some states do not offer state continuation protections). As a federal law, COBRA applies nationwide, but only to employers with 20 or more employees. If you work for a smaller company and then lose your eligibility for coverage, there’s no federal requirement that you be allowed to continue your coverage under the employer’s plan....

Google keeps track of what is searched most frequently. Since prostate cancer is common, it’s hardly surprising that people who research aches or pains “down there” in the lower part of the abdomen search for “symptoms of prostate cancer.” The most commonly googled question related to prostate cancer is, “What are the symptoms?” Given what’s published online, however, you would think that prostate cancer has all sorts of symptoms: urinary problems, pain, sexual difficulties, even rectal problems....

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects 1 in 3 adults in the United States. When blood pressure is high, blood pushes too hard against the walls of your blood vessels, leading to heart disease, stroke, and even an increased risk of death. High blood pressure is the most preventable cause of heart disease. While medications are often prescribed, nutrition and exercise are important lifestyle measures that can help; interestingly, certain herbs and supplements may too....

Amblyopia (lazy eye) is a condition in which one eye does not function properly. Therefore, the brain only works with the better-seeing eye and ignores images from the weaker eye. Its symptoms include unequal vision in the eyes and impaired depth perception. This results in permanently decreased vision in the ambylopic eye that is not correctable with glasses or contact lenses. Non-surgical interventions are more common than surgery for managing the causes of amblyopia....

Aortic aneurysms develop when an area of weakening occurs in the wall of the blood vessel. While aneurysms can occur in any artery in the body, the aorta is especially susceptible. The heart pumps blood directly into the aorta, so this artery is subjected to higher pressures and more stress than other arteries, which can weaken the aortic walls. Common Causes Several issues can cause part of the aortic wall to become weak, leading to the formation of an aneurysm....

If you have bladder problems, such as frequent urination, in addition to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you are not alone. There is an overlap between bladder symptoms and IBS, and certain treatments can help provide relief. This article discusses bladder conditions that often affect IBS patients, symptoms to watch out for, and when to see a doctor. Bladder Symptoms and IBS IBS is a group of symptoms, notably abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits....

Asthma inhalers contain prescription medications that are breathed directly into the lungs to relieve or prevent asthma symptoms. They may contain a steroid medication that reduces airway inflammation or a bronchodilator medication that opens the airways. Some inhalers contain both. If you have asthma, your healthcare provider may prescribe a long-acting inhaler to use regularly for overall asthma control and/or a short-acting (rescue) inhaler to use as needed for asthma attacks....

Atopic march, also called allergic march, is the course of allergies as they appear from infancy and progress through childhood. Studies have found that allergies tend to occur and progress in order, from the skin to the digestive system to the respiratory system. Specifically, they show up as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and food allergies in infancy. Then allergic asthma and allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies) in childhood. This article explains the causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of atopic march....

Briviact (brivaracetam) is a prescription anti-epilepsy drug (AED) used to prevent seizures in certain types of epilepsy. This medication can be taken by mouth in both tablet and liquid forms and intravenously (IV, in a vein). Seizures are abnormal, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that comes on suddenly and may occur only once, while epilepsy is a continued recurrence of seizures. Briviact has a strong tendency to bind to the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) in the brain, a membrane protein that regulates nerve and neurotransmitter activity to prevent the excess electrical activity that contributes to seizures....

Babies and toddlers susceptible to celiac disease can begin showing related symptoms as soon as they’ve been introduced to gluten-containing foods. But signs of celiac disease in infants and toddlers can be very subtle and easy to miss. Behavior that indicates distress in your baby’s tummy region can easily be mistaken for general fussiness. Sometimes celiac disease symptoms can be similar to other conditions, like gluten intolerance. Gluten intolerance is a sensitivity to gluten, while celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy tissues, causing intestinal damage....

From time to time, stories emerge of individuals who appear to have simply “outgrown” or overcome an early diagnosis of autism. These stories usually relate to one or another therapeutic approach—ABA, Floortime, a change in diet, or some other technique for improving autistic symptoms. Is it really possible for a person to be accurately diagnosed with autism as a young child and then “grow out of” the diagnosis? Officially, the Answer Is “No” According to the DSM-5 (the diagnostic manual that currently describes mental and developmental disorders in the United States and many other nations), the answer is no, it is not possible to grow out of autism....

Cushing ulcers are deep, gastrointestinal ulcers that develop after a person experiences an injury to their central nervous system (the communication pathway that connects the brain to the rest of the body). Injuries that can lead to the development of a Cushing ulcer include a brain tumor, infection of the central nervous system, or traumatic brain injury. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for Cushing ulcers. Symptoms A Cushing ulcer can develop in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), typically the esophagus, stomach, or upper part of the small intestine (duodenum)....

Diarrhea is a common health complaint. Even healthy adults and children may experience a few bouts of diarrhea each year. In the majority of cases, the symptoms are acute (short-term) and will clear up in a few days. Diarrhea that continues longer than three days is a reason to consult your healthcare provider as it may be a symptom of a more serious health condition, such as a gastrointestinal infection (like from a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile or C....

Over-the-counter (OTC) calcium supplements are generally available in four different forms. The most common ones are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate. The other two, calcium lactate and calcium gluconate, contain less calcium per dose and tend to be harder to find. The difference between the calcium supplement types, at least in terms of composition, is the second element paired with calcium to form a calcium salt. The amount of calcium actually absorbed by the body, called elemental calcium, can vary from one calcium salt to the next....