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A Listerine foot soak is, as the name suggests, an at-home treatment that involves soaking feet in a bath of Listerine mouthwash and water. Proponents of this therapy say that it may help treat athlete’s foot (a fungal foot infection), soothe dry, cracked, and scaly feet, and even treat diabetic foot pain. It’s true that ingredients in Listerine contain antibacterial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties. However, there are no official studies to back any claims about the benefits of a Listerine foot soak....

A lung abscess, also called a pulmonary abscess, is a pus-filled cavity in the lungs caused by an infection. It’s usually caused by a bacterial infection, and sometimes by fungi or parasites. A lung abscess may be diagnosed with imaging studies of the chest. They usually resolve with antibiotics, but in some cases, drainage or surgery is needed. Signs, Symptoms, and Complications The symptoms of a lung abscess may worsen rapidly, or they can come on slowly and insidiously....

Meningitis B is a form of bacterial meningitis caused by a specific subtype of Neisseria meningitidis. This infection is rare. The bacteria is transmitted by close contact with another individual. It can invade the body and lead to meningitis, an inflammation around the brain. There are six subtypes of Neisseria meningitidis, including A, B, C, W, X, and Y. Most cases of infection in the United States are caused by subtypes B, C, or Y....

With all of the changes menopause brings, memory lapse or “brain fog” can be one of the most alarming. Maybe you find yourself forgetting a word here and there, or have trouble recalling why you walked into a room. Brain fog during the menopausal transition is real, but in most cases isn’t cause for concern. Many studies have found that due to a mix of hormonal shifts and everyday stressors, brain fog is a common menopause side effect....

Microalbuminuria is a condition diagnosed through a urine test. In some cases, it can be a sign of kidney disease. Your healthcare provider may order a microalbuminuria test if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. This is because people with these conditions are at greater risk for developing kidney disease. This article discusses microalbuminuria, its causes, diagnosis, and treatment. What Is Microalbuminuria? Microalbuminuria simply means a small amount of a protein called albumin is abnormally present in your urine....

A non-fasting glucose test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood after eating. Normal non-fasting (A1C) levels are below 140 milligrams per deciliters of blood (mg/dL). If between 140 and 199 mg/dL, you may have prediabetes. If above 200 mg/dL, you may have diabetes. This article explains the purpose of a non-fasting glucose test and how it differs from a fasting glucose test. It also describes what a normal result is for each test and at what point a person may need medical assistance for hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose)....

Unlike some other cancers, it’s not exactly known what causes ovarian cancer. However, hormonal, genetic, and lifestyle risk factors (including weight) may all play a role—likely in combination. Being aware of your personal risk may not only point you to changes you can make to reduce that risk but heighten the attention you give to any symptoms you may experience so that you can bring them up with your healthcare provider as early as possible....

What Is Oxistat? Oxistat (oxiconazole) is a topical medicine used to treat skin fungal infections in people 12 years and older. It belongs to the drug class called imidazole derivatives. Oxiconazole works by stopping the growth of fungus. It is available as a lotion and cream. It contains benzoic acid, cetyl alcohol, and propylene glycol. What Is Oxistat Used For? Oxistat is a topical antifungal used to treat several skin fungal infections in adults and children over 12 years old....

For people living with various chronic conditions like arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, lack of sleep may be yet another obstacle to their health. Many people struggle to fall or stay asleep because of their pain. This condition is called painsomnia—insomnia caused by pain. Painsomnia is not considered a true medical term, but it is recognized as a real condition. Sleep helps our bodies rest and heal, so good-quality sleep is vital for people with chronic illnesses....

When people talk about a yeast infection, they are most likely referring to a vaginal yeast infection. However, yeast infections can affect people with penises as well—and more often than you might think. The condition, referred to as penile thrush or penile candidiasis, typically involves the head of the penis (glans) and the foreskin (prepuce). Symptoms include itching, redness, whitish patches, and bleeding. Antifungal drugs are commonly prescribed to treat the infection....

Perfectionism refers to the tendency to set excessively high standards for oneself and others. Some perfectionists are able to achieve high levels of success because of the lofty goals they strive to meet. Others struggle with low self-esteem and problems in daily functioning when they inevitably make mistakes. Perfectionism is a personality trait, not a mental health condition. However, people who exhibit perfectionistic traits are more likely to develop certain mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders....

Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the pharynx (throat). The main symptom of pharyngitis is a sore, painful throat. It’s common, particularly in kids, and is typically seen in the winter, when the viruses that often cause pharyngitis are circulating. Pharyngitis accounts for up to 5% of all visits to a primary healthcare provider. It generally isn’t serious and will go away on its own after a few days. But when the swelling is caused by things like bacteria or a fungus, medication is needed....

When someone receives a kidney cancer diagnosis, their first question is often about prognosis and survival rates. Of course, this is understandable. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common type of kidney cancer that occurs mostly in older adults. There also are other types of kidney cancer in adults and children. If you’ve gotten a renal cell carcinoma diagnosis, your prognosis will largely be determined by its stage and level of spread....

Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4) that’s used to treat an underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism. It’s the most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with around 123 million prescriptions written in 2016. There’s a great deal of misinformation regarding the safety and effectiveness of generic levothyroxine as compared to brand names like Synthroid. Here’s what you need to know about taking generic levothyroxine to treat your hypothyroidism....

A sexually transmitted disease (STD) is a symptomatic infection that is spread primarily through sexual contact. Women can experience different STD symptoms than men. Knowing the signs that may indicate an infection can help you seek medical care and appropriate treatment. The term “women” is used in this article to refer to people who identify as female and have the typical reproductive organs of a cisgender woman. We recognize that some people who identify as women do not have the same anatomy as that depicted in this article....

For transgender and gender non-conforming folks, finding quality, gender-affirming health care can be challenging. A 2015 survey found that 33% of respondents who had seen a healthcare provider in the previous year had had a negative experience related to their gender identity, such as being refused treatment. Key Takeaways Researchers developed a new simulation to help train healthcare professionals on how to provide gender-affirming care.Gender-affirming care works against the barriers that transgender and gender non-conforming folks face in getting the health care they need....

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) occurs when major depressive disorder (MDD) treatment does not work. There is no official definition or set criteria for TRD, but the measure often used is an inadequate response to at least two trials of antidepressant medications. The term “treatment-resistant depression” is not frequently used in clinical settings. Terms such as “difficult-to-treat,” “struggling with their condition,” “complex needs,” or “chronic” may be used instead. TRD doesn’t mean depression can’t be treated....

If you have high cholesterol, you may notice xanthelasma, which are slightly elevated or flat yellow-tinged growths on your skin. These are cholesterol deposits, and they generally accumulate on or around your eyelids. They are a common side effect of high concentrations of lipids in your blood. While cholesterol deposits aren’t harmful, they can get worse over time and may cause some pain and discomfort. If you notice these deposits, consult your doctor....

White spots in the mouth can be caused by a variety of conditions including fungal or viral infections, canker sores, and a condition known as leukoplakia. Leukoplakia is a condition that is commonly caused by heavy tobacco or alcohol use. The term “leukoplakia” literally means “white patch” (leuko means white and plakia means patch). The white spots in the mouth caused by leukoplakia could become cancerous. In fact, according to the Cleveland Clinic, once leukoplakia develops, within approximately 15 years, nearly 3% to 17....

Withdrawal, or substance withdrawal, is a process the mind and body go through after a person stops consuming a substance or consumes less of the substance. In general, people who consume more of a substance and more often are most likely to suffer from withdrawal. People who have previously gone through withdrawal, have a substance use disorder, or have a mental health condition are also at an increased risk. Roughly 8....