Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition marked by itchy and inflamed patches of skin. It’s often seen in babies and young children, appearing on the faces of infants. But eczema can come in a variety of types in children, teens, and adults. What are the symptoms of eczema? The main symptom of eczema is itchy, dry,…
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds, or when there’s a blockage in the blood supply to the brain. The rupture or blockage prevents blood and oxygen from reaching the brain’s tissues. Without oxygen, brain cells and tissue become damaged and begin to die within minutes. Symptoms The loss of blood flow to the…
Better circulation Blood circulation improves within 4 to 12 weeks of stopping smoking, which makes physical activity a lot easier and lowers your risk of a heart attack. Improved taste and smell Smoking damages nerve endings in your nose and mouth, dulling your senses of taste and smell. Within just 48 hours of quitting, the nerve endings begin to grow, and your…
Predominantly neurologist will likely diagnose migraines based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical and neurological examination. However, your doctor may want to do a brain scan to rule out other causes of headaches, such as a brain tumor or bleeding in the brain. Below tests are helpful in diagnosing headache: MRI: An MRI scan uses a powerful magnetic…
Mouth ulcers also called canker sores. They are normally small, painful lesions that develop in your mouth or at the base of your gums which makes eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable. Women, adolescents, and people with a family history of mouth ulcers are at higher risk for developing mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious and usually go away within one…
An allergy is an immune system response to a foreign substance that’s not classically harmful to your body. These foreign substances are called allergens. They can include certain foods, pollen, or pet dander. Our immune system’s work is to keep you healthy by fighting harmful pathogens. It does this by attacking anything it thinks could put your body in danger.…
A bilirubin test measures the levels of bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin (bil-ih-ROO-bin) is a yellowish pigment that is made during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin passes through the liver and is eventually excreted out of the body. Bilirubin is made in the body when the hemoglobin protein in old red blood cells is broken down. The…
What Is Leprosy? Leprosy is an infectious disease that causes severe, disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage in the arms, legs, and skin areas around your body. Leprosy has been around since ancient times. Outbreaks have affected people on every continent. But leprosy, also known as Hanson’s disease, isn’t that contagious. You can catch it only if you come into…
The HbA1c test is a blood test that provides information about your average levels of blood glucose, also called blood sugar, over the past 3 months. The HbA1c test can be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.1 The HbA1c test is also the primary test used for diabetes management. The HbA1c test is sometimes called the hemoglobin A1C,…
Turmeric for pain and inflammation Turmeric has been used, primarily in South Asia as a part of Ayurvedic medicine. When it comes to proven medicinal purposes, the golden spice may be best for treating pain — specifically pain associated with inflammation. Several studies have found that curcumin is responsible for turmeric’s “wow” factor. In one study, people with arthritis pain…