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Whether your child is itchy from bug bites, hives, or poison ivy, some over-the-counter creams and home remedies can bring relief. While these remedies may help, see your pediatrician if you’re not sure what’s causing the itch. Your healthcare provider can make sure your child gets the right treatment. This article covers common home treatments for itching in babies and children, including over-the-counter (OTC) products and medications your pediatrician may prescribe....

While Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is most common in people with fair skin, it can affect anyone. Before being diagnosed with skin cancer, most patients with BCC usually already have warning signs such as age spots, discolored skin, and wrinkles. Basal cell carcinoma is very treatable when found early, so knowing the warning signs is important. A common sign of BCC is a small sore that never seems to heal. It can often be dismissed as a benign pimple or sore....

For millions of women, oral contraceptives are an effective way to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, get irregular periods back on track, and even help clear up problems caused by hormonal shifts, such as acne. And for the most part, birth control pills are safe and have only minor potential side effects. However, certain birth control pills can cause a worrisome increase in blood pressure for some women who take them. This heightened risk of hypertension is thought to be caused by estrogen in oral contraceptives....

Cerebrospinal fluid, also known as CSF, is a clear, colorless fluid that flows through the brain and spinal cord, surrounding and cushioning it from injury. CSF has the same consistency as water and delivers nutrients to your central nervous system (CNS). In addition, the choroid plexus produces cerebral spinal fluid in your brain’s ventricles (hollow spaces). CSF is completely replaced every few hours and carries away waste material. Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid helps to diagnose diseases, including infectious diseases of the central nervous system, causes of brain hemorrhages, immunological disorders, and cancer....

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP), commonly referred to simply as cholestasis of pregnancy, is a liver condition that most often occurs in late pregnancy. Bile is made by the liver cells. It is stored and secreted by the gallbladder. When a person has ICP, the normal flow of bile in the gallbladder is slowed or stopped. Symptoms may include itchy hands and feet and yellow eyes. ICP poses risks to the fetus, so early diagnosis and monitoring are important....

Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can affect every area of your life, right down to the most ordinary tasks of daily life. Sometimes, you might be surprised by how difficult so-called ordinary things have become for you. Some everyday tasks that are complicated by your symptoms are so basic that they can throw a major wrench into your life. Four of these tasks are below, along with resources for alternatives or how to adjust....

If you’re coping with episodic facial flushing you may be frustrated at how hard it is to get a diagnosis. What is facial flushing related to mastocytosis like and what are some of the conditions which could instead be the cause of your symptoms? Mast Cells Mast cells are cells of the immune system which are found around blood vessels in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and genitourinary tract. They contain granules of several substances, the most common of which is histamine....

Dupuytren’s contracture is a disorder that affects the hand. This condition begins with nodules that form in the palm, which can grow into thick cords of tissue. As these cords continue to grow, fingers can be pulled into a bent position, causing a contracture—meaning they are stuck in that position and cannot be straightened out. This article discusses facts and statistics about Dupuytren’s contracture—how common it is, who it affects, and the risk factors for this condition....

Eosinophilic pneumonia (EP) is a rare disorder characterized by a rapid increase of eosinophils—a type of white blood cell that is usually produced in response to allergens, inflammation, or parasitic infections—in the lungs and bloodstream. Many conditions including certain disorders, drugs, chemicals, fungi, and parasites may cause eosinophils to accumulate in the lungs. EP can cause a range of symptoms, from fever and shortness of breath to muscle aches and weight loss....

Last month, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the AstraZeneca drug Saphnelo (anifrolumab) to treat moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus in patients who are already receiving standard treatment for the condition. Saphnelo is a prescription intravenous medication, administered once every four weeks over 30 minutes. Key Takeaways The FDA has approved Saphnelo (anifrolumab) to treat moderate to severe lupus in individuals who are already receiving standard treatment for the disease....

A sense of humor is more sophisticated and requires a lot more brainpower than most of us realize. In fact, sometimes strokes are associated with a decline or loss of a stroke survivor’s sense of humor. But, it turns out that not all strokes affect a person’s funny bone, and medical researchers are starting to uncover which areas of the brain have an impact in humor and what types of brain injury impact a person’s sense of humor....

Cortisone injections start to work very quickly. However, depending on the person, they can take days or weeks to relieve pain. Cortisone is a powerful medication that reduces swelling and inflammation. This, in turn, can decrease pain. The shots are often used to treat orthopedic conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis. Some people report immediate relief while others say the process takes longer. This article goes over how cortisone shots work, how long until they take effect, and what side effects are possible....

Sexuality can change after a stroke. Strokes are rarely a direct cause of sexual dysfunction. But the stress brought on by a stroke may contribute to sexual changes. The stress of a stroke begins almost immediately and continues after a stroke survivor and loved ones leave the hospital. A stroke survivor and loved ones must meet new challenges after a stroke, such as: Keeping track of new medications Living with new disabilities Learning to navigate the medical system Dealing with the intricacies of insurance policies Getting used to reviewing forms and unfamiliar paperwork Keeping up appointments with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and healthcare providers Inevitably, this unexpected deluge of new challenges can affect a romantic relationship, not to mention what the physical and mental changes brought on by the stroke itself can do to change a couple’s interactions....

Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) is a condition that occurs when the glucose levels in your blood rise too high. Hyperglycemia is commonly a symptom and complication of diabetes and can cause vomiting, excessive hunger and thirst, rapid heartbeat, vision problems, and other symptoms. Left untreated, hyperglycemia can cause serious health problems including damage to your nerves, blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Learn more about ways to manage your hyperglycemia with diet....

Keeping track of your blood pressure is one important step to maintaining heart health as you age. But taking an accurate blood pressure reading isn’t as easy as it may look, and mistakes are common. Follow these seven steps each time you measure your blood pressure to make sure you have the most accurate reading possible. Check Your Equipment Always make sure your equipment is working properly. Your blood pressure gauge and cuff should be in good shape with fresh batteries....

Revealing a genital herpes diagnosis to a romantic partner can feel like an extremely daunting challenge. Social stigma, fear of rejection, and a general misunderstanding of the condition contribute to how uncomfortable this conversation can be, but it’s an important one to have. The most important thing you can do when you’re fretting about revealing your diagnosis is to educate yourself about genital herpes and its transmission. That way you can answer any of your partner’s questions....

In October of 2021, urologist Anika Ackerman, MD, did what a lot of people did during the pandemic: She created a TikTok account. Seven months later, she’s earned 138,000 followers. Wondering how a urology account attracted that much attention? Ackerman is openly answering questions about sexual health—especially for women. “I’m not an OB-GYN, but I can practice female health,” Ackerman told Verywell. “People think urologists only deal with men and prostates—I think that’s confusing for people....

The meniscus cartilage is the joint pad inside the knee. A meniscal cyst is a collection of joint fluid caused by a tear within the meniscus cartilage. Joint fluid is also called synovial fluid. Some people with meniscal cysts do not have any symptoms. Others may have pain, swelling, or problems moving the knee. This article looks at meniscal cysts and their symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms of a Meniscal Cyst Meniscal cysts do not always cause symptoms....

Allergy nasal sprays are the most effective medications for the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that they are even better than oral antihistamines. Nasal sprays do, however, have a downside—they need to be used routinely to get the best results, and many people do not like the idea of putting medication in their nose. How to Correctly Use a Nasal Spray It seems pretty obvious....

Parainfluenza is a common virus that can cause both upper and lower respiratory infections, including colds, bronchitis, croup, and pneumonia. Despite the name, it is not related to influenza (the flu). It is caused by an entirely different virus known as the human parainfluenza virus (HPIV). This article looks at parainfluenza and its symptoms, causes, and treatments. Parainfluenza Types Parainfluenza viruses are common causes of respiratory illness. Parainfluenza infections are most likely to occur in the spring, summer, and fall....