What Causes Smegma and How Do I Get Rid of It?

Smegma has a crumbly, cheese-like consistency and a generally unpleasant odor. Smegma is not an infection but can lead to one without proper hygiene. From middle age onward, production declines until virtually no smegma is produced in older adults. Mohd Hafiez Mohd Razali / EyeEm / Getty Images They may appear soft but become crumbly and cheese-like with time. Within a relatively short time, bacterial growth can lead to an unpleasant, sour milk-like smell....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 383 words · Linda Cruz

What Causes Social Withdrawal?

Social withdrawal takes place if a person intentionally avoids opportunities to interact with others. Experiencing emotions like shame, anger, low self-esteem, or relationship issues may lead to social withdrawal. The condition is sometimes rooted in anxiety, personality, or mood disorders. fizkes / Getty Images In some cases, withdrawing from social engagement could also be a sign of schizophrenia. Social Withdrawal Symptoms Social behavior and relationships contribute to healthy development. It teaches us much about ourselves and our identities and influences our social and cognitive skills....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 408 words · Jennifer Craig

What Causes Stomach Cramps? (And How to Get Relief)

Stomach cramps can affect anyone and often result from gas, indigestion, constipation, or muscle contractions. Mild stomach cramps typically resolve on their own. Gas and Indigestion Excessive gas causes generalized stomach cramping, typically after eatinggas-producing foodslike beans. Drazen Zigic / Getty Images You may notice relief after burping, passing gas, or having a bowel movement. Indigestioncauses a burning discomfort in the epigastric area (upper middle abdomen). You may notice it with overeating, consuming fatty or spicy foods, certain medications, or reflux....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 337 words · Heather Young

What Causes Stomach Pain During Pregnancy?

There are different types of stomach pain during pregnancy. However, there are many serious conditions associated with pregnancy pain including ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage or pregnancy loss. It occurs in 5-8% of all pregnancies. gpointstudio / Getty Images HELLPP syndrome is characterized by reduced liver functioning and blood clotting ability. Causes of Lower Stomach Pain in Pregnancy Lower stomach pain can occur as your uterus grows. While UTIs during pregnancy are treatable and do not cause harm, complications can arise if symptoms are ignored....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 380 words · Kathryn Scott

What Causes Sweaty Palms (Palmar Hyperhidrosis)?

There are many possible causes of sweaty palms, also known aspalmar hyperhidrosis. Both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumor can also palmar hyperhidrosis. This article describes the most common causes of palmar hyperhidrosis and explains how sweaty palms are diagnosed and treated. Catherine Song / Verywell Causes Sweaty palms are the result of the overactivation ofeccrine sweat glands. Eccine sweat glands are those situated in the palms of the hand and soles of the feet....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 279 words · Candace Thomas

What Causes Swelling or Puffiness Under One or Both Eyes?

There may also be accompanying symptoms like itching, a creamy discharge, or breathing problems. But there are also times when the cause of eye swelling is not so clear. This often leads to sleep-disordered breathing in which abnormal patterns of breathing cause blood oxygen levels to drop. Srisakorn / Getty Images The dilation, in turn, can cause fluids to leach into surrounding tissues. When the delicate tissues of the lower eyelid are involved, puffiness can ensue....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 479 words · Jonathan Sweeney

What Causes Swollen Ankles and Feet?

When just one leg is affected, an infection or chronic condition like arthritis may be at work. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Get Immediate Care for Sudden Swelling Sudden swelling can be life-threatening, depending on the cause. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health It’s also key if you have other serious symptoms like heart rhythm changes or trouble breathing. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health 1. Trauma...

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 748 words · John Rogers

What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Lymph nodes are tiny organs that filter fluids from the lymphatic system. Thesewhite blood cellshelp fight infection and disease. The inflammation associated with the immune assault will cause the lymph nodes to swell. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin Swollen lymph nodes often return to their normal size after your body fights off an infection. The swelling may beacute(meaning sudden and severe) orchronic(meaning persistent). These features can help your healthcare provider narrow the possible causes....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 276 words · Patrick Warner

What Causes Thick Mucus in the Throat?

Symptoms associated with thick mucus vary but may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Mucus in the throat is also referred to as postnatal drip. Symptoms specific to mucus in your throat include: Thick mucus in your throat can also cause coughing. Brothers91 / Getty Images The mucus you cough up can be several different colors. Sometimes, the color of the mucus hints at the underlying cause. For example, dark yellow or green mucus may indicate pneumonia....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 249 words · Zachary Allison

What Causes Thyroiditis?

“Thyroiditis” means inflammation of thethyroid gland. A clinical examination, in addition to blood and imaging tests, is needed to diagnose thyroiditis. Treatment is based on the thyroiditis pop in and the symptoms a patient is experiencing. This article will discuss the different types of thyroiditis along with their causes. It also addresses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of thyroiditis. The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 370 words · Ashley Martinez

What Causes Tongue Bleeding and How to Stop It

AndreyPopov / Getty Images 1. Trauma Trauma is the most common cause of tongue bleeding. Bleeding can happen if youbite your tongueor even brush or scrape your tongue too aggressively. AndreyPopov / Getty Images You might even cut your tongue while opening a can or on braces or dentures. Tongue bleeding can happen after a fall, a sports injury, or a car accident. Luckily, your tongue usually stops bleeding after a bite, cut, or other trauma....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 299 words · Alyssa Kennedy

What Causes Vaginal Pimples and What Can You Do About Them?

Pimples can often appear around the outer part of the female genitalia (thevulva). Causes of Vaginal Pimples Pimples on female genitalia occur when pores get clogged. This can be brought on by hormonal changes. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin It can also be resulting from external factors, such as skin irritation from allergens or friction. True vaginal pimples are likepimpleselsewhere on the body. They form when dirt, sweat, and/or bacteria build up inside a pore, causing inflammation....

April 18, 2025 · 8 min · 1519 words · Matthew Davidson

What Causes White Tongue?

When your tongue turns white, you may be immediately concerned. This article discusses the possible causes, symptoms, and treatment options for a white tongue. Westend61 / Getty Images Symptoms of White Tongue The main characteristic of white tongue is discoloration. Westend61 / Getty Images That said, other symptoms may accompany white tongue, depending on the cause. What Medications Can Cause White Tongue? There are no specific tests designed to diagnose white tongue....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 245 words · Luis Roberts