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Fungal infections are common in people living with HIV and can present at different stages of the disease, from the earliest acute phase to later stage AIDS-defining conditions. Four of the most common fungal illness are known as candidiasis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, and coccidiomycosis. Candidiasis Candidiasis is caused by a type of yeast called Candida. The infection most commonly presents in the mouth and vagina, although people living with untreated HIV can have more invasive infections....

Most people consider psoriasis to be a skin condition, a belief that minimizes the great harm the autoimmune disease can cause. While skin lesions (called plaques) are characteristic of the disease, the systemic inflammation that causes plaques can affect multiple organ systems as well. If left untreated, the inflammation can gradually spread and trigger changes in the nails, joints, eyes, brain, kidneys, heart, pancreas, and blood vessels. This is why the early and appropriate treatment of psoriasis is needed to control inflammation and prevent medical complications that are more than skin deep....

Psychology is the study of the human mind. This social science has made huge contributions to the understanding and treatment of autism. There are a number of ways in which psychologists can and do play a role in helping children and adults with autism. It’s important to note that psychiatry, a closely related field, also involves medical interventions (pharmaceutical treatments). Psychotherapy is built around the use of the spoken word. For verbal people on the spectrum, psychotherapy can be a very useful tool for managing symptoms such as anxiety or compulsions....

Understanding cancer genetics and how it plays a part in melanoma may sound like a daunting task. But taking the time to do just that can help you better understand your risk—and what you can do about it. Cancer Genetics Cancer begins when one or more genes in a cell mutate (change from their normal form). This either creates an abnormal protein or no protein at all, both of which cause mutated cells to multiply uncontrollably....

Balance depends on nerve signals from three systems—eyes, legs/torso, and inner ear balance organs—that comprise our vestibular system. These nerve signals, which go to the brain, help us to stay upright. However, if something goes wrong with one of these three systems, it can make us lose our balance. In fact, the hearing and balance systems are connected inside the inner ear. This is why as many as 30% of deaf people may have balance problems....

Food intolerance isn’t like a traditional food allergy—instead, it’s an unpleasant reaction to food that doesn’t involve an immune system response or the release of histamine (the chemical that causes true allergy symptoms). Many food intolerances (also known as food sensitivities) are caused by deficiencies or reactions in the digestive tract. These food intolerances lead to digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea and gas. Other food intolerances can contribute to symptoms that are not directly related to your digestive tracts, such as migraine headaches or even attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder....

A glass eye, also commonly known as a prosthetic or artificial eye, approximates the look of a natural one and aids anyone who has lost an eye. An artificial eye can not only offer a very natural appearance, but can also help to preserve vision in the good eye, which may be at risk of inflammation affecting it as well. There are a variety of things you should know about artificial eyes and how to care for them....

If you are a woman diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), you will most likely want to tell your long term partner about your condition — and discuss the potential complications that could affect your life together. There are many effects of PCOS, including issues that may impact your physical appearance, your long term health, and your fertility. Living With PCOS PCOS is a condition in which a woman’s ovaries and adrenal glands produce more androgens than usual....

A tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils, which are glands in the throat that are meant to help fight infection. You or your child might need to have the tonsils removed if these glands are too large, repeatedly become infected, or if they appear to have a severe infection or malignancy (cancer), Sometimes a tonsillectomy procedure is combined with an adenoidectomy, which is the surgical removal of the adenoids, another set of glands in the throat....

Both immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are disorders that affect platelets. They may exhibit similar symptoms, however there are differences in the causes, complications, and treatments of the disorders. ITP is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system inappropriately destroys platelets—the cells that are responsible for helping blood clot and prevent bleeding. ITP can be treated by observation alone, or with medications such as steroids or immunoglobulin therapy....

Kinesiology and physical therapy are both fields of science related to the body and movement. Kinesiologists and physical therapy providers (physical therapists and physical therapist assistants) are both professionals in health-related fields that can work with clients in a variety of settings. This article explains the fields of kinesiology and physical therapy including the similarities and differences between these areas of study, as well as the services offered by these healthcare providers....

When you’re getting ready to walk out on the pageant stage, the last thing you want to think about is whether you have blood on your skirt. Remembering your mission statement? Absolutely. Making sure that your smile is as bright as possible? Definitely. Menstrual effluent? Not usually at the top of the list. This article is part of Uterine Fibroids and Black Women, a destination in our Health Divide series....

Neer’s test is a simple exam that assesses if your shoulder pain and limited range of motion may be caused by an impingement (pinching of tissue). Your healthcare provider or physical therapist can perform the Neer impingement test as a part of a comprehensive shoulder examination. There are many causes of shoulder pain: frozen shoulder, rotator cuff impingement or tear, labrum tear, bursitis, or arthritis. You may also feel shoulder pain from a pinched nerve in your neck....

Orthodontics is a specialized area of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions affecting the alignment of the teeth and jaw. Orthodontists and some general dentists design and fit corrective devices like braces, clear aligners, expander plates, and headgear to help bring the teeth or jaw into alignment. There are many factors that can reveal why your teeth are crooked in the first place and what orthodontic options may be appropriate for you....

A plantar fibroma is a small growth on the arch of your foot. It grows from the plantar fascia, which is the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, between your heels and toes. Plantar fibromas are rare and benign (noncancerous). They are often painless, although in some cases they can cause discomfort. Read on to learn more about plantar fibromas, including their symptoms, cause, diagnosis, and treatment....

Dementia affects many abilities, including memory, communication, behavior and thought processes. Does it also affect the ability to read and comprehend information? Reading in the Early Stages of Dementia When you are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or related dementia, you can most likely continue to read without a problem. You might occasionally experience some difficulty with remembering everything you’ve read, especially if the material is unfamiliar. You may also need to go back to re-read some information to improve your comprehension of what you’re reading, but the skill of reading will most likely remain intact in the early stages of dementia....

The novel coronavirus that’s responsible for COVID-19 quickly spread around the world in March and April 2020. As social distancing practices ease, the virus remains part of the community, and many are wondering if it’s safe to date or to have sex. While COVID-19 is spread from person to person, it is not sexually transmitted. The level of risk when it comes to dating depends on a variety of factors, including whether:...

Studies have identified beneficial effects of statins, including a relationship between statins and inflammation. Inflammation is a part of the body’s normal response to an injury or infection. When you get a minor injury (an abrasion or cut), the area around it generally reddens and swells slightly. These are outward signs of inflammation, signs of the body mobilizing in the face of damage. It’s a natural part of the healing process....

A prolapse is a medical condition where an organ or tissue falls out of place, or “slips down.” There are many types of prolapse, where a body part moves out of its proper place in the body. These prolapses may not cause any notable symptoms and may be found during an examination for another issue. In other cases, a prolapse can cause significant discomfort, can decrease the ability of the body to function well....

It’s common for women with PCOS to engage in binge eating. A binge is defined as eating (within a two hour period of time) an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat during a similar period of time and under similar circumstances and feeling out of control during the episode. While the occasional binge eating episode is not terribly serious, bingeing weekly can be dangerous as it can contribute to weight gain and can affect your physical and emotional health....