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Numerous scalp conditions can cause red spots on the scalp. Many of these cannot be cured, but some treatments can alleviate some of the symptoms (such as itching). The treatment of red spots on the scalp differs, depending on the underlying causes, which are outlined in this article. Scalp Psoriasis Scalp psoriasis is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory condition that involves periods of remission (when symptoms go away) and relapse. Half of those with psoriasis will have scalp involvement....

Prescription drug addiction is the use of a medication in a way that is different from what your healthcare provider prescribed, and it’s an epidemic in the United States. The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics cites that 16 million (6%) of Americans over the age of 12 abuse prescriptions in a year, and that 12% of those are addicted to prescription drugs. What’s striking is that among the various prescription drug categories, for example, non-opioid painkillers, sedatives, stimulants, and psychotherapeutics, 4 out of 5 prescriptions filled by pharmacies are opioids that are abused yearly by 9....

Purpura is a flat, discolored spot on the skin caused by small blood vessels that leak and cause blood to pool under the skin’s surface. On light skin, purpuras appear purple. On dark skin, the patches appear dark brown or black. You may notice them on your skin or mucous membranes (e.g., inside your mouth). There are several possible causes of purpura, ranging from use of certain medications to serious medical conditions....

Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-powered waves to break down the genetic material inside cancer cells and kill them. This is done to either shrink or completely destroy cancer masses (tumors) in organs or tissues. While radiation therapy can be an effective treatment for cancer, it can also cause some severe side effects. In this article, we’ll discuss what radiation therapy is, why it’s used, and what to expect during treatment....

Schema-focused therapy is a type of psychotherapy that involves changing unhealthy and self-defeating behavior patterns using a combination of cognitive, behavioral, and emotion-focused techniques. In addition, there is a focus on the patient-therapist relationship, daily life outside of therapy, and the impact of childhood traumas. This article explains what schemas are and why they are unhelpful, the goals of schema-focused therapy, as well as schema therapy techniques, benefits, limitations, and effectiveness....

If your spinal stenosis is giving you a backache or some leg pain, you may be wondering what you can do—outside the healthcare provider’s office—to help yourself feel better. Because stenosis (as well as other types of pain related to spinal arthritis) leads to changes in your bones such as overgrowth or facet joint hypertrophy, it can result in compression and subsequent irritation of the spinal nerve root. Specifically, this occurs when a bone spur or “lipping”—which is a lip-shaped piece of bone that forms at the edge of a joint (again, as a result of arthritis-related conditions) comes into contact with the sensitive nerve root area....

Sputum, or phlegm, is a type of mucus secreted by cells in the lower airways (bronchi and bronchioles) of the respiratory tract. It differs from saliva, which is produced higher up in the mouth. Sputum may contain dead cells, foreign debris inhaled into the lung, bacteria, and white blood cells that protect the airway from infection. The quantity, texture, and color of sputum can help to diagnose lung cancer and other medical conditions that affect sputum production....

Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has posed many obstacles to people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), it has also expanded the use of telemedicine as a way to see your healthcare provider. Through telemedicine, you can receive the ongoing care you need and deserve while also practicing social distancing and minimizing exposure to the virus. About Telemedicine The practice of telemedicine involves using technology to obtain medical guidance and care from a provider who is in a different location....

The simplest way to think of reinsurance is as insurance for insurers. We buy health insurance in order to protect ourselves from a situation in which we’d have to otherwise spend a significant amount of money on medical care. Reinsurance, when it’s used, kicks in and covers some of the cost (that the insurance company would otherwise have to pay themselves) once the total claim reaches a certain amount, or when enrollees have certain high-cost medical conditions....

This story is part of a series where we look at the ways COVID-19 has changed our lives and how it will continue to affect public health in 2022. In 2021, over 34 million people contracted COVID-19 in the United States. Of those people, studies estimate that as many as half will develop long COVID: a complex, multi-systemic illness that follows the initial infection. For some, this may manifest as a lingering cough or the permanent loss of taste and smell....

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a type of cyst that is found in the pancreas. These cysts are benign - meaning they are not cancerous to start. However, they are concerning because in a minority of cases an IPMN can develop into malignant (cancerous) tumors. These cancerous tumors become invasive and are a form of pancreatic cancer that is difficult to treat. Being diagnosed with an IPMN can be confusing and upsetting, especially when looking for information on the potential for cancer and in understanding what is next for monitoring and treatment options....

Your bowel habits are influenced by a variety of different things, some of which you may not even realize. The number of times you poop each day can vary, and everyone has different bowel habits. Normal bowel movements can range anywhere from three times a day to four times a week. It’s important to be aware of any changes in your regular bowel habits. Most people have a “rhythm” or general bowel schedule....

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can affect your weight. It can either cause a loss of appetite, leading to unintended weight loss, or the pain and discomfort associated with AS can limit physical activity, resulting in weight gain. This article discusses these connections and what you can do to maintain a healthy weight if you live with this disease. What Makes AS Worse, Losing or Gaining Weight? The severity and symptoms of AS can vary from person to person....

Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons for people to avoid their dental check-up. The problem is, while you’re putting the dentist off, you’re not avoiding them altogether. Research has shown that if you have dental anxiety, you’re less likely to visit the dentist regularly, which puts you at higher risk of dental disease. Once you don’t visit for long enough, dental diseases like tooth decay, gum disease, and even crooked teeth in children can progress beyond the point of fixing....

Few things can be more uncomfortable than a rumbling stomach, especially when you have a food allergy. You may feel fine one minute and have unbearable stomach pain the next. Sometimes, you know it was something you ate. Other times, you’re not so sure. People who deal with food allergies know these feelings all too well, just as they may know the frustration of dealing with the hives, itchiness, and swelling that food allergies can also spawn....

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is an outdated term that is no longer officially used. The correct term now is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, there is a lot of confusion between these terms. Some people use the terms “ADD” and “ADHD” interchangeably, and others consider ADD a subtype of ADHD, though the subtypes are no longer used. Learn about ADHD, the former subtypes of ADHD and why they are no longer officially used, how the term “ADD” is unofficially used, and more....

Adderall addiction is a condition in which a user is unable to control their use of the drug in spite of adverse consequences. The addiction leads to health issues and/or problems at work, home, or school. If left untreated, an Adderall addiction may result in overdose, which can cause a heart attack, stroke, liver failure, psychosis, and/or death. Adderall addiction is classified as a stimulant use disorder in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Edition 5” (DSM-5) issued by the American Psychiatric Association (APA)....

Alcohol poisoning is when the percentage of alcohol in your blood is so high that it is toxic. This can cause a wide range of symptoms and complications, from clammy skin to blacking out, vomiting to seizures, breathing trouble to coma. Alcohol poisoning is usually recognized at a critical stage when urgent medical attention is needed. Survival is possible if immediate medical care is provided, but death or permanent disability can result without treatment....

Angiography is a medical procedure used to visualize blood flow in the body using imaging techniques, like an X-ray. During an angiogram, contrast substances are injected into the blood to better show how it flows. This can help with diagnosing and treating various medical conditions, especially those that impact the heart and brain. Angiography is not considered a high risk procedure. This article discusses the reasons why angiography is performed. It also covers techniques, side effects, complications, and the recovery associated with this procedure....

There are 100 different forms of arthritis, each with its own set of causes and risk factors. The most common types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Determining the cause of arthritis can be difficult since multiple, overlapping factors typically contribute to its development. Possible causes of arthritis include age- and lifestyle-related wear and tear, infections, injuries, and autoimmune conditions. Common Causes With each of the major types of arthritis, there are different causes and risk factors, but these are the ones most often at play....