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What Is Efudex? Efudex (fluorouracil) is a topical prescription cream used to treat certain forms of skin cancer and precancerous skin conditions in adults. Efudex belongs to a group of drugs called antimetabolites. It works by blocking DNA production, which kills the abnormally fast-growing cells found in skin cancer and precancerous lesions. What Is Efudex Used For? Efudex is a topical cream used to treat actinic keratosis (also known as solar keratosis or sunspots) and certain forms of basal cell carcinoma (skin cancer) in adults....

An electroretinogram is designed to measure how well the retina (the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye) is functioning. It detects the electrical response of different cells to stimulation. This test will detect whether there are retinal problems in either dark or light conditions. If there is a problem, it will help determine where there are abnormalities in the retina. This article will focus on the purpose of undergoing an electroretinogram, how to prepare, what to expect during the test and afterward, and how to interpret your results....

While fungal eye infections are extremely rare, they can happen to anyone. They may result from a minor poke in the eye by a branch or similar object. If not treated effectively, fungal infections can threaten vision. It’s very important to know the potential signs and seek help. Different types of fungi can cause eye infections, and it’s important to distinguish which one is responsible for your infection in order to treat it properly....

Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) is a natural substance available in capsule and tablet form. It is usually sourced from grape seeds provided by wine manufacturers. Grapes and grape seed extract (GSE) have a long history of culinary and medicinal use. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support supplementing with GSE for any health condition. Uses of Grape Seed Extract Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider....

Heplisav-B is a vaccine used in adults 18 and over to prevent hepatitis B, a viral infection of the liver. It is one of three vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of hepatitis B infection. Heplisav-B is a recombinant vaccine that stimulates the production of protective antibodies that specifically target the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Recombinant vaccines work by inserting DNA coding from HBV into cells, providing them with instructions on how to produce HBV-specific antibodies....

A hiatal hernia may be treated with medication to relieve symptoms or, in some cases, surgery to repair the hernia. The condition occurs when part of the lower esophagus (the tube that runs from the mouth into the stomach) pokes into the chest through the diaphragm. This can interfere with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which prevents stomach contents from re-entering the esophagus. It can lead to heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)....

If your healthcare provider thinks you might have gallstones, you will likely have further testing—most likely imaging, like an ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scan. This is to confirm their suspicions and to potentially help rule out any other conditions that could instead be at play, such as a kidney infection, irritable bowel syndrome, or chronic pancreatitis. Here’s a look at tests and procedures commonly used to diagnose and evaluate gallbladder and biliary tract disorders....

Symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath and swelling) can mimic those of other health issues. It’s important to bring such concerns to your healthcare provider’s attention, so they can determine whether heart failure or another condition is the cause. A heart failure diagnosis is usually made based on your medical history, a physical examination, and heart function tests, primarily electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and echocardiogram (echo). Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement has gained attention because it can be done using a blood test....

The transition to menopause lasts an average of four years, although hot flashes and some other symptoms may last for a decade or longer. How long it takes you to reach menopause can vary depending on lifestyle factors, genetics, and your general health. This article discusses the age at which most people start the process and reach menopause, how long that takes, on average, and what factors can influence this....

Traditionally, vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system so that it can prevent disease-causing organisms (pathogens) from establishing an infection. But there are some shots—called therapeutic vaccines—that stimulate the immune system so that it can treat certain diseases and/or slow their progression. Although the field of therapeutic vaccines remains largely experimental, three such vaccines—all of which are used to treat cancer—have been approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)....

As office spaces open back up, many people who wear glasses may experience a pesky side effect of wearing face masks while they work: foggy lenses. Key Takeaways Foggy lenses occur when our breaths land on the surface of our glasses and trigger condensation.To prevent this, use adjustable nose wires, tighten ear loops, and wash lenses with soap.Look for snug masks with a cone-like shape and no gaps to limit fogging....

Human bites are often more dangerous than people might think. A human bite is when a person, typically a child, bites another person. Common scenarios that lead to a bite wound include children’s play-fighting or a hand striking a tooth when punching. There are about 250,000 human bites treated in the United States each year. The risk of infection from a human bite is surprisingly common due to high bacteria levels in the mouth....

Because a hysterectomy is a major surgery, the decision to have one isn’t taken lightly. Most hysterectomies are elective, but a healthcare provider will recommend it when it’s the best option to help resolve a medical issue such as fibroids or cancer. There are a number of conditions that a hysterectomy may be used to treat, but other treatments are available for most. These may include medications or less invasive surgical procedures....

Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths that form from muscular tissue in the uterus. By age 45, it’s estimated that around 70% of people who have a uterus will develop at least one. They are among the most common noncancerous tumors for people who have a uterus. Uterine fibroids can vary in size from microscopic to several inches across. You can have one fibroid growth or several. If you suspect that you have fibroids, you should always check with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment options....

If you have had your blood tested, you may have seen the letters “WBC” among the results. This is your white blood cell (WBC) count. This test is among several that can help your healthcare provider figure out if something is going on inside of your body. It can also help people with chronic illnesses manage their condition and/or monitor their response to treatment. Read on to learn more about the WBC count, what the range of values means, and why your healthcare provider might order the test....

Pneumoconioses are lung diseases caused by inhaling dust and fibers that result in fibrosis (scarring) in the lung. Most often due to workplace or occupational exposures, the most common diseases include black lung disease (coal miner’s pneumoconiosis), silicosis (due to silicone), and asbestosis (due to asbestos inhalation). Early on, there are usually no symptoms, but as the condition progresses people may develop exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough....

Rectal pain is a common health condition that many people try to ignore in hopes that it will go away. However, delaying medical care for rectal pain puts you in harm’s way. Though a pain or itch often ends up being nothing more than hemorrhoid, there are other times when the causes are more serious. Anatomy of the Rectum and Anus The rectum and anus are distinct parts of the lower gastrointestinal tract with unique physiological functions....

What Is Solosec? Solosec (secnidazole) is a single-dose oral medication used to treat vaginal infections. It also treats a specific type of bacterial infection (trichomoniasis) passed through having sex. Secnidazole is a nitroimidazole antibiotic. It works by entering the bacterial cells and stopping their growth. Solosec is available as a 2-gram single-dose oral packet and may contain polyethylene glycol. What Is Solosec Used For? Solosec (secnidazole) is used to treat vaginal infections (bacteria vaginosis) in people aged 12 years and older....

Macular degeneration is an eye disease caused by damage to the macula in the retina, a sensitive piece of tissue in the back of the eye. Also called AMD or age-related macular degeneration, it is more common with age, particularly over age 65. There are different types of macular degeneration, including dry macular degeneration and wet macular degeneration. Another macular disease called Stargardt disease is a dystrophy with similar symptoms, but it is inherited and occurs to people much younger in life....

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is classified by type based on its cause and age of onset. Idiopathic PD (Parkinson’s disease) occurs in persons around 60. Early-onset PD occurs in younger patients, often before the age of 50. There are also secondary parkinsonism and atypical parkinsonism. These conditions have similar PD symptoms but are caused by something else, like a drug, stroke, or a primary neurodegenerative disease. This article will review the different types of Parkinson’s disease, including the causes of secondary parkinsonism and atypical parkinsonism....