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The quality of scale in rashes of the scalp can vary from oily (sometimes called “wet dandruff” on the internet) to dry (known as “dry dandruff” outside of the medical world). Wet dandruff is dandruff that has become wet or oily because of the overproduction of sebum on the scalp. When the oil buildup is mixed with dirt and dead skin cells, that is when wet dandruff forms. Dry dandruff, on the other hand, is made up of small, white flakes which can fall off of the scalp easily....

Unusual cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) are cropping up around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented more than 550 cases in 30 nations, including those where the disease does not usually appear. 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....

A new coronavirus strain called B.1.1.7 first appeared in September and has quickly caused a wave of infections in the United Kingdom (U.K.). In response to the news, a growing number of countries, including Spain and Russia, have enacted travel bans against the U.K. over the past two weeks. Key Takeaways B.1.1.7 is a new coronavirus strain responsible for a majority of COVID-19 infections in the United Kingdom.Experts say it’s too soon to tell if the B....

Performance status measures how well a person can carry on ordinary daily activities while living with cancer. It also provides an estimate of what treatments a person may tolerate. There are two performance scales: the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)/WHO system and the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scale. Each ranks your functioning and ability to care for yourself. Performance status is often mentioned in the setting of clinical trials, where researchers use them as a way to ensure results are reproducible in people with similar health conditions....

If you have a friend or loved one who can’t remember the last time they had a doctor’s appointment, they might justify it by saying they never get sick or don’t have any risk factors. Even if they are generally healthy, that doesn’t mean they should skip out on a regular doctor’s visit for preventive care. If you encourage them to visit the doctor and are met with defensiveness or the conversation gets shut down, it’s important to consider what else might be going on in your loved one’s life that could be preventing them from seeking care—even when they need it....

Anxiety is an emotion that involves feeling tense, afraid, or fearful of future events and can come with physical symptoms such as changes in breathing, increased heart rate, or clenched muscles. Breast cancer is a serious medical condition that involves damaged cells dividing and spreading uncontrollably in the breast. Since breast cancer can be a life-threatening condition, it is understandable why people with this condition may feel anxious. Nearly 42% of people with breast cancer also experience anxiety....

Breast cancer treatment has come a long way, but it appears that some populations may be getting left behind. According to a September study published by the Red Journal, Black women are 16% less likely to be offered hypofractionated radiation therapy, an increasingly popular breast cancer treatment, than White women. Key Takeaways Recent research shows Black women are less likely to be offered hypofractionated radiation therapy as an option for breast cancer treatment....

In the United States, about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Black women have slightly lower rates of breast cancer than White women, but they have a significantly higher risk of developing more aggressive triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). This and other factors make Black women 41% more likely to die from breast cancer than their White peers. This article is part of Breast Cancer and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series....

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is not just for athletes; it’s a common infection. The itchy rash usually occurs between the toes and the soles of the feet. It can also affect the toenails. Athlete’s foot can spread from person to person. That’s one reason to wear flip-flops in the pool locker room. It can also spread from your feet to other parts of your body. This article will discuss how athlete’s foot spreads, prevention, and treatment options....

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, prioritization of different at-risk groups has varied widely at the state level. Key Takeaways Many family caregivers are not yet eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.Some states have grouped caregivers in with other healthcare workers to allow them to be vaccinated. Eligibility will be opened up to all in the U.S. by May 1, so caregivers may only need to wait a little while longer....

Charcoal toothbrushes have become a big trend. Proponents tout their benefits, saying they can: Whiten your teeth Improve your breath Kill bacteria in your gums Remove plaque from your teeth That’s because of the activated charcoal infused into their bristles. But do they work? And are they safe? This article will look at what activated charcoal is, the possible benefits, and the downsides of using charcoal toothbrushes. Activated Charcoal Because of its porous nature, activated charcoal works like a sponge....

Analgesics are a class of drugs used to relieve analgesia (pain). They work by blocking pain signals to the brain or interfering with the brain’s interpretation of those signals. Analgesics are broadly categorized as being either non-opioid (non-narcotic) or opioid (narcotic) pain relievers. Non-Opioid Analgesics Non-opioid analgesics are broken down into three categories: acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and COX-2 inhibitors. While each has a slightly different mechanism of action, they work by blocking a type of enzyme known as cyclooxygenase, or COX....

Cobblestone throat is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. There are many forms of sore throats, including those caused by viral and bacterial infections. With any of these infections, you can develop lumps and redness at the back of your throat, making the tissues look like a cobblestone road. In this article, you will learn the causes of cobblestone throat and how it’s treated. What Is Cobblestone Throat (Pharyngitis)? “Pharyngitis” is the medical term for a sore throat that is inflamed or swollen....

A healthy diet for cystic fibrosis (CF) addresses the primary challenge of the disease—to provide ample macronutrients (such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates) for normal weight maintenance, growth, and development. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that results in the body making thick mucus. This mucus accumulation can prevent the small intestine from absorbing vital nutrients, including fats and vitamins. The disease may also interfere with the normal function of the pancreas, inhibiting enzymes needed to break down food....

The diaphragm is a large muscle that separates the chest, and the organs in it, from the abdomen and the body organs located there. This muscle, also called the thoracic diaphragm, plays an important role in breathing as its alternating movement helps you to inhale and exhale. Other diaphragm functions include a role in urination and bowel movements, and assisting the lymphatic system in maintaining lymph flow through the body.All of these roles can be affected by injury or disease, such as a hiatal hernia with its common digestive symptoms of heartburn, nausea, and shortness of breath....

A fungal ear infection, medically referred to as otomycosis, is an infection of the outer ear caused by a fungus. The outer ear is made up of three different parts: the tragus, helix, and lobule (earlobe). A fungal ear infection can affect all three parts of the ear. It can also affect the ear canal, which connects the outer ear to the eardrum. Fungal infections of the ear canal, however, are by far the most common form of otomycosis....

Overview Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a health condition that was once thought to be a rare problem. More recently, researchers have been focusing on the connection between SIBO and a wide variety of health disorders. In this overview, you will learn which conditions have been investigated that may raise your risk for developing SIBO. You can then use this information to open up a discussion with your healthcare provider as to whether or not it makes sense for you to be tested and perhaps subsequently treated for SIBO....

Hormones are chemical messengers created by the endocrine system. Hormones that are released into the bloodstream work to regulate most body systems, including metabolism, emotions, fertility, and heart rate. Hormonal balance can also play a role in regulating gut health. Hormonal imbalances or fluctuations may increase some gastrointestinal symptoms, such as symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This article explains how hormonal changes influence gastrointestinal symptoms. It also covers treatment options and when to see a healthcare provider....

There are several treatment options for Bowen’s disease, and treatment is often very successful and can even cure the condition. Treatment options include surgery, local nonsurgical treatments, and medications. Your doctor will thoroughly examine the affected skin areas to determine your next treatment option. Factors that influence which treatment is used include the number of affected skin patches, their size and thickness, and the state of the skin generally. Surgery Surgery is one of the most common treatments for Bowen’s disease....

The average recipient spends months or even years anticipating organ transplant surgery, waiting and hoping for the day that will provide a second chance at a healthy life. Out of necessity patients must focus on dealing with their life-threatening illness and hoping for surgery rather than learning skills to help them cope with a transplant that may not happen. With the emphasis on maintaining ​heath and hope preoperatively, many patients are unprepared for the changes in their lives and health after the transplant surgery....