How to Tell If Laser Eye Surgery Is Right for You

Laser eye surgery uses a laser to change the shape of thecornea, the dome-shaped part of your eye. The cornea’s shape impacts the way light bends. It can result in blurry vision if it doesn’t bend light properly. Drazen Zigic / Getty Images Drazen Zigic / Getty Images When Do You Need Laser Eye Surgery? Laser eye surgery is for people who want to improve their vision. LASIK LASIKreshapes the cornea to improve vision, reducing the need for glasses or contact lenses....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 356 words · Ann Tanner

How to Tell If You Are Having an Allergic Reaction (and What to Do)

During an allergic reaction, your immune system overreacts when exposed to an allergen. Iuliia Burmistrova / Getty Images What Causes an Allergic Reaction? It most commonly involves excess release of an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Iuliia Burmistrova / Getty Images DTH is not usually a dangerous or life-threatening allergy the way an IgE-mediated reaction can be. What Does an Allergic Reaction Look Like? Anaphylaxis usually affects at least two organ systems in the body....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 559 words · William Hoffman

How to Tell if You Are Having an Allergic Reaction to Benzoyl Peroxide

Dry, irritated, and lightly peeling skin are typical side effects of benzoyl peroxide. Allergic reactions to benzoyl peroxide are usually local, meaning that they only affect the treated skin area. This article explains the nine signs of an allergic reaction to benzoyl peroxide. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin Learn how to treat an allergic reaction at home versus when to see a healthcare provider. Stop using benzoyl peroxide if this happens....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 192 words · Christopher Richard

How to Tell If You Have a Concussion

Aconcussionis a form oftraumatic brain injury(TBI) that occurs after a blow or jolt to the head. Infants and children can present with different signs and symptoms also. Signs and symptoms generally appear soon after the injury. Verywell / Michela Buttignol Because of this, parents should be aware of signs that their baby or toddler may have a concussion. Complications A complication that could occur following a concussion is second-impact syndrome....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 306 words · Gregory Moyer

How to Tell If You Have Abandonment Issues

People struggling with abandonment fear may have trouble building healthy relationships. Attachment styles describe how we form emotionally and physically significant relationships with our caregivers starting when we are children. Attachment styles can also affect adult relationships. Valentinrussanov / Getty Images Is Abandonment an Official Diagnosis? Anxious Attachment Anxious attachmentis characterized by the need for emotional proximity and closeness. This anxiety can lead to distress and feelings of insecurity. Avoidant Attachment People with an avoid attachment style struggle with closeness andintimacy....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 318 words · Heather Thornton

How to Tell if You Were Bitten by a Brown Recluse Spider

Brown recluse bites often start with mild redness followed by pain and itching. The bite is usually flat, though it may develop a small blister. If you suspect a brown recluse spider bite, start by thoroughly washing the area with soap and water. Verywell Apply an antibiotic cream, such as bacitracin, to help prevent infection, and contact a healthcare provider. Signs and Symptoms Brown recluse spider bites often cause mild symptoms or go unnoticed....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 877 words · Savannah Krause

How to Tell If Your Ankle Is Broken

Aside from pain, broken ankle symptoms may not be obvious. Your ankle may be bruised andswollen, and you may have trouble bearing weight on it. This article explains how to tell if your ankle is broken. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health Your ankle may seem deformed or twisted at an odd angle if it is severely swollen. Bruising Bruising is another common sign of a broken ankle. Bruising or discoloration is from blood....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 252 words · Anthony Rodriguez

How to Tell If Your Prostate Cancer Has Metastasized

Lymph nodes near the prostate are also often affected. AnMRImight be done as well. Some research centers are also using magnetic MRIs or PET scans to further refine the staging of prostate cancer. Cultura RM/T2 Images/Getty Images Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions. Prostate Cancer Foundation.Prostate Cancer Staging: Whats My Stage? Prostate Cancer Foundation.Prostate Cancer Metastases: What is Metastatic Prostate Cancer?...

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 109 words · Henry Kent

How to Tell If Your Rash Is Toxic Shock Syndrome

This sunburn-like rash usually covers large body areas and involves skin peeling. This article discusses the toxic shock syndrome rash, including how it’s treated and how to prevent it. Alicia Fdez / Getty Images What Does a Toxic Shock Syndrome Rash Look Like? Alicia Fdez / Getty Images A telltale sign of TSS is experiencing a widespread, flat rash that covers much of the body. The peeling may be especially noticeable on the palms of the hand or the soles of the feet....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 403 words · David Stanley

How to Tell Kidney Pain vs. Back Pain by Symptoms

Where Do You Feel Pain? One of the ways to differentiate back issues from kidney issues is to identify the location of pain. Location of Kidney-Related Pain Kidney problems that cause back pain affect specific areas of the back. fizkes / Getty Images Causes There are many diverse disorders related to both the kidneys and the back. Causes of Kidney-Related Pain Kidney problems can include minor issues or life-threatening conditions....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 243 words · Daniel Scott

How to Tell Someone You Have Cancer

venture to be at ease though. While sharing your diagnosis can be difficult and a bit messy, most people feel better after doing it.

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 24 words · Tyler Page

How to Tell the Difference Between a Milk Allergy and Lactose Intolerance

A milk allergy can be life-threatening, while lactose intolerance is not. Zheka-Boss / Getty Images Key Differences There is an overlap in symptoms between amilk allergyandlactose intolerance. But that’s where their similarities end. Zheka-Boss / Getty Images They are vastly different conditions. Milk (Dairy) Allergy Food allergiesare not uncommon. Allergy to dairy, or cow’s milk, is one of the most prevalent food allergies. In contrast, a cow’s milk allergy can causeanaphylaxis....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 559 words · Tyler Byrd

How to Tell the Difference Between a Yeast Infection and UTI

But yeast infections typically cause itching and discharge while UTIs cause pain and urgency with urination. These conditions also have different causes, risk factors, and treatments. While men can get both, theyre significantly more common in women. urbazon / Getty Images you’ve got the option to develop a yeast infection without ever having sex. Uncircumcised men are more likely to get an infection because yeast can thrive under the foreskin....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 469 words · Dylan Collins