What Are Gottron Papules?

They are brought on by a rare inflammatory muscle disease calleddermatomyositis. Causes Gottron papules are essentially diagnostic for a disease of muscle inflammation called dermatomyositis. Experts have not teased out a precise cause behind dermatomyositis. Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZwww.dermnetnz.org2022 They suspect that this disease occurs as a result of many factors coming together. Diagnosis Many dermatologists can recognize Gottron papules by their classic appearance. During the skin examination, a healthcare provider will also look for other rashes associated with dermatomyositis....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 146 words · Jessica Armstrong

What Are Hamartomas?

They can sometimes shrink on their own, but in other cases, they can cause complications. Hamartoma vs. They are more common in men than in women. Nephron / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 While some are hereditary, nobody knows for sure what causes many of these growths to occur. Common Hamartoma Locations Hamartomas can occur almost anywhere in the body. They’re often discovered accidentally when chest imaging is done for some other reason....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 329 words · Brandon Garcia

What Are Head Lice?

Head lice(Pediculus humanus capitis)are wingless insects that feed off human blood on the scalp. They are commonly found in school-age children, although anyone can contract them. The most prominent symptom of head lice is an extremely itchy scalp. freemixer/ Getty Images Itching occurs as an allergic reaction to the louse bites. This article explains how head lice form, their symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Humans are the only host for head lice....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 492 words · Theresa Anderson

What Are Hemiplegia and Hemiparesis?

Hemiplegia is total or nearly complete paralysis on one side of the body. In contrast,hemiparesisis one-sided weakness. Often, people with hemiplegia and hemiparesis get stronger and improve their mobility with physical therapy. Dougal Waters / Digital Vision / Getty Images This article explains how hemiplegia and hemiparesis overlap and, more importantly, how they differ. It reviews symptoms and causes, as well as how these conditions are diagnosed and treated. In addition, hemiplegia and hemiparesis can result in emotional and behavioral symptoms....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 552 words · Diamond Gray

What Are Hypnopompic and Hypnagogic Hallucinations?

The sleep cycle involves a series of transitional states that repeat themselves throughout the hours that youre sleeping. Hypnopompichallucinations typically occur as youre waking up. This article explains how people may experience these sleep-related hallucinations and some of the behaviors seen with them. Getty Images It explains medical conditions that may make these episodes more likely. You then return to stage 2, repeat the cycle, and eventually reach REM sleep....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 576 words · David Andrews

What Are Hypothalamus Disorders?

Healthy vs. Abnormal Hypothalamus Functioning Thehypothalamusis a small area located in your brain. It makes hormones that control a variety of body functions, such as your mood and hunger. The main purpose of the hypothalamus is to maintain the body at a constant or balanced level. Verywell / Jessica Olah This article will explain more about the hypothalamus and common disorders associated with this portion of the brain. Understanding its anatomy can help you learn more about its purpose....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 280 words · Matthew Barrera

What Are Immature Neutrophils?

Neutrophils are the most common punch in of white blood cell. Like all white blood cells, they are involved in fighting infection and healing from injury and disease. Neutrophils are especially associated with bacterial and fungal infections. LaylaBird / Getty Images An increase in immature neutrophils in the blood is often a sign of infection. It can also be because of other issues, including injury, physical stress, and cancer. LaylaBird / Getty Images...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 412 words · Brittany Sharp

What Are Implantation Cramps?

Some people may get these cramps while others may not feel anything at all. Often, implantation cramps feel similar tomenstrualcramps, but they tend to be milder. They have absolutely no impact on your pregnancy or the health of your growingfetus. AJ Watt / Getty Images The cramps may be accompanied by lightspotting, known as implantation bleeding. The journey is brief, lasting only a few days. The implantation supports fetal growth by delivering oxygen and nutrients....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 516 words · Christopher Poole

What Are Inotropes?

Inotropesare a group of medications used to improve the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body. This article will discuss the different kinds of inotropes and their side effects. They can be broken down into two categories: positive inotropes and negative inotropes. Westend61 / Getty Images When healthcare providers talk about inotropic agents, they are always referring to positive inotropic agents. Negative inotropic effects are considered side effects of certain drugs....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 425 words · Angela Garcia

What Are Jock Itch Blisters?

The rash develops in the moist skin folds of the groin, buttocks, inner thighs, and genitals. Jock itch is treated with topical antifungals and, in severe cases, oral antifungals. Because of its appearance, it is occasionally mistaken forgenital herpes. MARHARYTA MARKO / Getty Images MARHARYTA MARKO / Getty Images What Are the Symptoms of Jock Itch? The fungus thrives on moist areas of skin, especially in the creases of the groin and buttocks....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 286 words · Mrs. Joyce Colon

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones do not usually cause permanent damage if recognized early and treated appropriately. Calcium oxalate stones can form in slightly acidic, neutral, or even slightly alkaline urine. Symptoms of Kidney Stones Some kidney stones are as small as a grain of sand. Javier Fernandez Sanchez / Getty Images Others can be as large as a pebble or even bigger. As a general rule, the larger the stone, the more noticeable the symptoms....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 240 words · Sandra Holland

What Are Lipids?

This article describes the three main types of lipids and what each of them do. Phospholipids Phospholipidsmake up the outer layer of cells in the bodies of animals and humans. They create a protective layer around the cells. Jessica Olah / Verywell Most people do not have to worry about phospholipids. However, they can cause problems for people with a rareautoimmune disordercalled antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). APS often happens in people withlupusespecially women....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 517 words · Meghan Orr

What Are Liver Spots?

They are not skin cancer. They are cosmetic in nature and are generally not cause for concern. CRISTINA PEDRAZZINI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images What Are Other Names for Liver Spots? CRISTINA PEDRAZZINI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images Liver spots are also called age spots, sunspots, or solarlentigo. Liver Spot Symptoms Liver spots are painless and harmless. Liver spots can affect all skin types but are more common among adults with light skin....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 286 words · Leslie Rios