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Skin maceration can occur due to prolonged skin exposure to moisture. It can happen if the skin is underwater for a long time (bathing, swimming) or if moisture can’t escape from the skin, such as after wearing a bandage for too long. While maceration can be often harmless, it may lead to complications in the elderly, in people with wounds, or those recovering from surgery. If left untreated, maceration can cause a bacterial or fungal skin infection that can progress to an all-body, systemic infection....

Prednisone is a type of corticosteroid (steroid) drug used to treat many diseases and conditions associated with inflammation but is well known to cause short-term and long-term side effects, sometimes severe. Prednisone reduces inflammation by suppressing the immune system to treat conditions like asthma, Crohn’s disease, and leukemia. However, the loss of immune function can lead to serious and sometimes irreversible side effects. This article explores some of the more common prednisone side effects in men and women, including strategies to help reduce the risk....

Pregestational diabetes is diabetes in a pregnant person that is diagnosed before pregnancy. This can be type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is not the same as gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy. A diagnosis of pregestational diabetes can be a challenge for a maternity healthcare provider, as it requires frequent monitoring and adjusting medications to ensure blood glucose is in the proper range. It also means a higher risk of potential maternal-fetal complications....

Psoriatic disease is an autoimmune disease that includes two specific inflammatory conditions. These two conditions, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), are a result of an overactive immune system. Psoriasis and PsA primarily affect the joints and skin throughout the body. Types Up to 30% of people who have psoriasis eventually develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. It is also possible to have PsA and develop psoriasis later on, but these cases are much rarer....

A skin allergy is an allergic reaction to a typically harmless substance, such as wool, pollen, soap, or plants. The immune system reacts to this trigger and attacks to remove it from the body. The result is an allergic skin rash, which tends to be red and itchy. Skin allergies encompass a number of allergic conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and hives. Symptoms A skin rash is the primary symptom of an allergic skin reaction....

Skin peeling between the toes has several potential causes. Fungal infection, healing skin, damp environments, and underlying conditions may cause the skin between the toes to peel. This article discusses the causes of skin peeling between the toes, treatment options, prevention strategies, and when to see a healthcare provider. Causes for Skin Peeling Between the Toes Fungal infection (athlete’s foot) is almost always the cause of skin peeling between the toes....

Skin pigmentation refers to the color of your skin. The amount and type of melanin, a pigment made by specialized skin cells known as melanocytes, is what dictates it. Changes in melanin production can cause pigment disorders, such as hyperpigmentation (dark spots), hypopigmentation (light spots), depigmentation (white spots or patches). Skin damage from acne, blisters, cuts, sun exposure, genetic factors, and autoimmune conditions are all possible causes for changes in melanin and, thus, skin pigmentation....

Pregnancy is often an exciting and gratifying experience, but when you are expecting twins, there is more to consider. Read on to learn what to expect and possible complications you may experience if you’re pregnant with twins. Conception Conception happens when the sperm fertilizes an egg within days of ovulation. Menstrual cycles average 28 days and ovulation typically happens mid-cycle—around day 14. A woman’s ovary normally releases one egg during ovulation....

Ongoing research indicates that people with type O blood seem to have a slightly lower risk of contracting COVID-19. Key Takeaways Type O blood may have a protective effect against COVID-19.Most data shows there’s no difference in COVID-19 susceptibility among people with A, AB, and B blood types. While it’s too soon to know why type O blood offers a protective effect against the disease, several studies suggest there is a correlation....

An acquired skin pigmentation disorder, vitiligo causes patches of white skin (macules) to form on the body. These patches can appear anywhere on the body and can spread, especially if untreated. While its symptoms aren’t dangerous, the discoloration associated with vitiligo can be harmful to self-esteem. Because societies place so much emphasis on physical beauty, those with the condition may feel unattractive and self-conscious about their appearance. And because the condition can affect feelings of self-worth, people with vitiligo may experience social isolation or avoidance, as well as depression, anxiety, and social stigma from others....

Hypernephroma (also called renal cell adenocarcinoma or clear-cell carcinoma of the kidney) is a type of kidney cancer that begins in the lining of small tubes in the kidney known as renal tubules. Renal tubules are responsible for filtering and cleaning blood by removing waste. They also help produce urine. Although rare, hypernephroma is the most common type of kidney cancer. Imaging tests and a biopsy (removing sample tissue for examination in a lab) are used to diagnose hypernephroma....

Pellagra is a condition that occurs when a person develops a deficiency in vitamin B3, also called niacin. There are two types of deficiency a person can have. A primary deficiency occurs when a person is not getting enough niacin in their diet, and a secondary deficiency is when the body isn’t able to use the nutrient properly. Pellagra used to be a very common condition, especially in parts of the world that were dependent on corn-based diets....

Public health experts say that even though several COVID-19 vaccines are approved in the United States, people should not wait for (or avoid) a specific shot. Rather, people should get vaccinated as soon as possible with whichever vaccine is available to them. Key Takeaways Experts agree that you should not wait for a specific COVID-19 vaccine; rather, get vaccinated as soon as one becomes available to you.Follow certain steps before, during, and after the vaccine to ensure the day of your appointment goes smoothly....

A year ago, COVID-19 swept across the U.S., driving people away from friends and family and up-ending how we interact in public. Now, almost a fifth of U.S. adults are fully vaccinated. Though vaccines may not usher in a full return to normal for several more months, public health experts say that vaccinated people finally have greater freedom to safely interact with others. Key Takeaways CDC guidelines say it’s ok to gather indoors in someone’s home, unmasked with other fully vaccinated people and with unvaccinated people from one household if they are not high-risk....

During COVID-19 infection it can be important to listen to your gut. We’ve all heard of the commonly reported high fevers and loss of sense of smell due to COVID-19. But many patients also experience issues stemming from the gastrointestinal tract, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Key Takeaways Chronic conditions linked to severe COVID-19 are also associated with an altered gut microbiome.Some studies suggest that a diverse gut microbiome may help people avoid gastrointestinal issues during a COVID-19 infection....

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is typically diagnosed in toddlerhood or early childhood, but it is possible for clinicians and parents to miss or overlook the symptoms of high-functioning autism (HFA), in particular, until late childhood, adolescence, or even adulthood. Even when someone is diagnosed later than usual, their symptoms will have been present since they were very young. In fact, to qualify for an autism diagnosis, symptoms must have been present from early childhood....

President Joe Biden announced on August 18 that booster shots would become available in mid-September for certain adults who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Key Takeaways Booster shots are now approved for all three COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a booster for all adults who completed their initial COVID-19 vaccine series and a third dose for certain immunocompromised persons.Adults who meet eligibility criteria can choose any of the three authorized booster shots, although the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are preferred....

Bleeding gums can occur for several reasons: gum disease, injury, pregnancy, and some health conditions. Brushing too vigorously or flossing when you haven’t flossed in a while can also cause the gums to bleed. Because bleeding gums can occasionally indicate a health issue, seeing a dentist is best, especially if the problem is ongoing. This article explains the symptoms, causes, and treatments for bleeding gums. Symptoms of Bleeding Gums Some symptoms accompany bleeding gums....

Olive oil is often called a superfood because it’s a rich source of antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and other key nutrients. According to new research, it might also help you live longer. Key Takeaways Olive oil is packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and other important compounds that support your overall health.A new study suggests that people who eat more olive oil may have a reduced risk of early death.Olive oil can be part of a nutritious eating plan but it’s key to remember that all the food you eat works together to provide health benefits....

Alcohol and stroke have a complex and confusing relationship. Alcohol use is well established as one of the causes of stroke, but some types—especially wine—have been linked to stroke prevention. This article will go about what research says about stroke risk and alcohol. You’ll also learn about how to figure out whether it’s safe and potentially beneficial for you to include alcohol in your diet. Alcohol and Stroke Prevention A stroke can have a major effect on your health and change your life....