Vitiligo also causes premature gray hair on the head, eyes, or face. delihayat / Getty Images What Is Vitiligo? Vitiligois a chronicautoimmuneskin condition in which immune cells destroymelanocytes, the cells that producepigmentscalled melanin in your skin. delihayat / Getty Images When these cells are destroyed, a pale or white patch of skin can result. Unlike other chronic autoimmune conditions, there are rarely othersymptomsthat develop with vitiligo. In some cases, vitiligo patches can become itchy, butpainor other serious complications are unusual....

PSA is a specialized protein naturally produced by the prostate gland. Prostate canceris just one of the conditions the PSA test can help diagnose. The most common of these isprostatitis(inflammation of the prostate gland). Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell BPH is neither cancerous nor indicative of cancer. Placement of a foley catheter can result in temporary false elevation of PSA. In addition, sexual intercourse/ejaculation can also transiently raise PSA. It is performed irrespective of PSA values and can be useful in detecting abnormalities....

Weight gain and fatigue are common issues that many people experience. These symptoms are often natural consequences of dealing with everyday stressors and a lack of sleep. However, unexplained weight gain and fatigue can sometimes be symptoms of an underlying condition. Verywell / Laura Porter Because many diseases could produce these symptoms, it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Verywell / Laura Porter Hypothyroidism Thethyroid glandcreates thyroid hormone that keeps the body running....

Both medications areantihistaminesthat have sedative side effects. Generic versions are also available. These medications are meant to treat short-term sleep problems. Emir Memedovski / Getty Images If you experience occasionalinsomnia, you could use either Benadryl or Unisom to help you get to sleep faster. you might also try alternative OTC sleep aids like melatonin or valerian. Emir Memedovski / Getty Images How Do Benadryl and Unisom Help With Sleep? Diphenhydramine works by blocking natural substances called histamines....

Using an unloader knee bracemay provide enough comfort to improve mobility and diminish pain while at rest. However, it does not cure or reverse osteoarthritis or any other disease of the joints. This article will explain how an unloader knee brace works, when to use it, and its benefits. Ilona Shorokhova / Getty Images It fits around the leg at the level of your knee joint, allowing flexibility for movement....

The causes of autism are complex. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved. Advanced parental age is also associated with the development of autism. juanma hache / Getty Images Parenting style does not cause autism, and parents dont cause the difficulties associated with autism. What Is Not Known There is no consensus on what causes autism. Some people with autism have higher support needs than others, although it isnt always clear why....

We can control when it opens. For example, we can bring up the upper esophageal sphincter by swallowing foods or liquids. It can also reduce the backflow of food and liquids from the esophagus into the pharynx. LEONELLO CALVETTI/Getty Images In addition to eating, we use this part of the esophagus while simply breathing. This is known as aspiration and refers to foreign materials in the airway. Aspiration can lead to choking or even pneumonia if food journeys to the lungs....

Atonsillectomyis usually performed if the tonsils are still present. Anadenoidectomyis uncommonly performed as the adenoids are usually not present in adults. If other treatment measures fail, a UPPP may be recommended. Jan Otto / Getty Images These risks and the benefits of potentially curing obstructive sleep apnea must be carefully considered. Sleep apnea, if left untreated, can cause potentially life-threatening complications. 2012;9(4):710-6. doi:10.1007/s13311-012-0141-x Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP)....

Usually, the urachus closes before birth. If it doesn’t, the baby is born with what’s known as a urachal remnant. There are four types of urachal remnants, most of which don’t cause any symptoms. MoMo Productions / DigitalVision / Getty Images Although very rare, some urachal remnants progress to an aggressive key in ofbladder cancercalled urachal cancer. This article explains the different types of urachal remnants along with how they are diagnosed and treated....

Small Tubes That connect the Kidneys to the Bladder Uretersare the tubes that transport urine from thekidneysto thebladder. There are two ureters, each between 8 and 10 inches long. The tubes are made of smooth muscles that contract to push urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Sebastian Kaulitzki / Science Photo Library / Getty Images Ureters are vulnerable to obstruction as well as infections from the lower urinary tract....

Catheters Commonly Used After Surgery Acatheteris a general term for a tube that is inserted into the body. A urinary catheter is a tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain urine. To prevent infections, catheters are used only when necessary. robeo / Getty Images In hospitalized patients, intensive care patients typically have a catheter in place for longer than a day. Urinary retentionis an issue where the bladder fails to empty completely....

A pee color chart can help you understand your health. The color of your pee shows how hydrated you are and if certain things are in your body. For example, dark yellow or brown pee usually means you’redehydrated. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health If that happens, see a healthcare provider. Healthy urine is typically pale yellow and clear to slightly cloudy. While staying hydrated is essential, drinking too much water can disrupt yourelectrolyte balance, leading towater intoxication....

The pouch collects urine from the kidneys and then passes it out of the body through the stoma. Continent Diversion Continent diversion involves creating an internal pouch as a temporary urine reservoir. An external urostomy bag is not necessary for a continent diversion. SolStock / Getty Images Most surgeries take at least six hours to complete. These bags come in many sizes and shapes. This allows you to sleep without concern about the bag becoming so heavy that it detaches or leaks....