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The U.S. has confirmed more than 10,000 cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox). But officials say that number is likely an undercount because of limited testing since the start of the outbreak. On November 28, 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended using the term “mpox” instead of “monkeypox” in order to avoid racist and stigmatizing language when discussing the disease. Both terms will be used for the next year as WHO phases out usage of “monkeypox....

Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu or a stomach bug, is a highly contagious illness that causes vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weakness, among other possible and very uncomfortable symptoms. For most healthy adults, it is short-lived and without consequence. However, it’s important to watch for symptoms of dehydration, especially in children and the elderly, as excessive fluid loss can occur as the result of the stomach flu....

According to the results of a survey from the Headache and Migraine Policy Forum (HMPF), many people living with migraine disease have experienced more migraine episodes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key Takeaways The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for individuals living with migraine disease—especially women.While telehealth has played a prominent role in migraine care during the pandemic, experts say that it cannot replace in-person healthcare that helps people manage migraine disease effectively....

Keratosis pilaris is a common bumpy skin rash that most often appears on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks. It is not contagious. Rather, it occurs when hair follicles on the body fill with dead skin cells instead of exfoliating normally. It is typically diagnosed by appearance and is regarded as a cosmetic condition, meaning that it is harmless and does not need to be treated unless you choose to do so....

Hearing that you have a breast tumor can be scary, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the terminology. A tumor is a mass of abnormal tissues. It does not automatically mean cancer. There are two main kinds of tumors: benign, which means the tumor is not cancerous; or malignant, meaning the tumor is cancerous. Read on to find out more about the specifics of tumors and breast tumors, and what treatments are available for breast cancer....

Living with migraines can be difficult, especially if you don’t respond well to medication or are having trouble getting the care you need. That might leave you looking for alternative migraine treatment options. If you have consistent migraines, work with your healthcare provider to identify your migraine triggers and find a long-term treatment plan. It’s also important to be able to find relief from migraine symptoms at home in a pinch....

The palatine bone is a paired, L-shaped facial bone that makes up a portion of the nasal cavity and palate. It forms a part of the underside of the skull, and lies between the maxilla bone (the fixed, upper bone of the jaw) and the sphenoid bone (whose wings help form the base of the eye sockets and base of the skull). People are most likely to encounter a health issue with palatine bones when they need to be numbed during molars and premolar tooth extractions....

Paralysis is the loss of muscle function in your body. Depending on the cause, paralysis can affect one or more parts of the body and be temporary or permanent. This article will review the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment of paralysis. Types of Paralysis The severity of paralysis can vary depending on how many parts of the body are affected. The main types of complete paralysis are: Quadriplegia (tetraplegia): Paralysis of both arms and legs Paraplegia: Paralysis of both legs Hemiplegia: Paralysis of one side of the body Paresis: Partial paralysis that causes extreme muscle weakness....

Photosensitivity is a medical term for sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light that comes from the sun or another light source. It is sometimes referred to as being allergic to the sun. There are many causes of photosensitivity, such as reactions to certain medications and underlying health conditions. One such condition is erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), which is a rare genetic disorder. People with EPP experience a range of photosensitivity, from mild discomfort to severe pain....

A rush of pressure or lasting tightness in your head can be uncomfortable, but it isn’t always a cause for alarm. Pressure in your head can be caused by a cold, allergies, migraines, and more. This article will explore what types of problems can cause pressure in your head and what you can do to find relief. Symptoms It can be difficult to figure out what is causing discomfort with a headache....

Psoriasis is characterized by red, itchy, scaly lesions that can affect the skin all over the body. These lesions often develop on the elbows, knees, face, and buttocks, but around 80% of people with psoriasis develop lesions on the scalp. Scalp psoriasis can range from mild to severe and extend beyond the hairline to the forehead, neck, and ears. Though scalp psoriasis can often co-occur with other psoriatic diseases, it can also occur on its own....

Stage 4 melanoma, otherwise known as metastatic melanoma, is the most advanced form of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that begins in cells known as melanocytes. At this stage, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or distant points in the skin. Although melanoma is the rarest type of skin cancer, accounting for only 1% of all skin cancers, it is the deadliest and the main culprit behind most skin cancer deaths....

Cyberchondria: You’re probably familiar with the concept—the idea that researching symptoms online will lead to anxiety and wildly inaccurate diagnoses. What’s that mild headache I feel? Well, according to all these websites, it certainly must be dangerous. Key Takeaways New evidence suggests that using online sites to help research and diagnose a physical condition may help, rather than harm, the individual.Although additional research is required, consulting “Dr. Google” did not increase anxiety levels or affect the individual’s ability to judge the severity of the condition....

Essential for hearing and balance, each ear has an intricate structure of bones, nerves, and muscles. The ears can be affected by bacterial infections, viral infections, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), Meniere’s disease, and more. Anatomy The ear is divided into three portions: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Outer Ear The outer ear includes the visible outer portion of the ear and the ear canal....

A tilt table test is used to evaluate the cause of unexplained syncope (fainting, loss of consciousness). It is a non-invasive procedure that involves moving you from a lying to a standing position while your symptoms and vital signs are monitored. You might also receive a medication, Isuprel (isoproterenol), that can trigger a response to help in the assessment of your fainting spells. Purpose of the Test The main utility of the tilt table study is to help your healthcare provider diagnose the cause of unexplained dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting spells, and falls....

A platinum plan is a somewhat standardized type of health insurance that can be obtained in the individual and small group markets. This article will explain how platinum health insurance works, where and when it can be obtained, and how you can determine whether it’s the right choice for you. A platinum health plan pays, on average, roughly 90% of members’ healthcare expenses. The members pay the other 10% of their healthcare expenses in the form of copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles....

What Is Vaniqa? Vaniqa (eflornithine) is a prescription cream containing an ornithine decarboxylase (enzyme) inhibitor. Vaniqa is approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used on your skin (topically) but only on your face. It works by blocking an enzyme in your hair follicles called ornithine decarboxylase. The inhibition of this enzyme reduces the growth of hairs. Vaniqa is available as an external use-only cream. What Is Vaniqa Used For?...

Most insurance companies do not pay for cosmetic surgery and Medicare is no exception. Of course, it gets more complicated when a procedure that is considered cosmetic is performed for medical reasons. Where does Medicare draw the line? Medicare Coverage for Surgeries Medicare classifies surgical procedures as inpatient or outpatient. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releases a list of inpatient only (IPO) procedures every year. These procedures are more surgically complex, at higher risk for complications, and require close post-operative monitoring....

Last year, people in the Western United States faced the dual crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread wildfires. Key Takeaways Studies link air pollution from wildfire smoke to increased cases of COVID-19.Wildfire smoke can contain particulate matter and other compounds that can damage your lungs and weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to respiratory infections.Researchers aren’t sure exactly what’s driving the increase in COVID-19 during periods of poor air quality....

Many things can cause knee pain when going upstairs. Two of the most common are chondromalacia patella (overuse injury) and arthritis. These conditions can take a seemingly benign task like stair climbing and turn it into a challenging endeavor. Fortunately, increasing your knowledge of each issue can help you treat the condition and reduce your pain. This article explains chondromalacia patella and knee arthritis symptoms, causes, diagnoses, and treatment. Chondromalacia Patella Chondromalacia patella, also called “runner’s knee,” occurs when the smooth, slippery cartilage that lines the back of your knee cap (patella) begins to soften and break down....