What You Need to Know About Quitting Painkillers

In some cases, chronic pain requires the long-term use of painkillers. It also covers how your healthcare provider can help monitor any withdrawal symptoms. Addiction vs. Peter Dazeley / Getty Images Dependence Dependence and addiction are defined separately by the American Psychiatric Assocation. Addiction involves a loss of control, typically in ways that impact your life. It’s generally implied that the medication is interfering with an individual’s life in some way....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 188 words · Danielle Hicks

What You Need to Know About Ringworm on Your Eyelid

It may be transmitted if you touch something that has ringworm and then rub your eyes. The name ringworm comes from the red, itchy, circular rash that it causes. Other conditions can also cause a red, raised rash on the eyelids, includingpsoriasisandeczema. stockstudioX / Getty Images This article discusses the symptoms and causes of ringworm on your eyelid. It also covers diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. stockstudioX / Getty Images Causes of Eyelid Ringworm Eyelid ringworm is triggered by the fungusTinea....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 419 words · Patrick Davies

What You Need to Know About Shingles on Your Leg and Groin

Then a localized rash appears in a distinct band-like pattern on the leg. Causes of Shingles People develop shingles after having had chicken pox in their childhood. What Does Shingles Look Like? RUNSTUDIO / Getty Images Using a cool compress may also provide symptomatic relief. Generally, the earlier you start taking antiretroviral medication, the better. These medications include Sitavig or Zovirax (acyclovir), Valtrex (valacyclovir), and famciclovir. Getting vaccinated is particularly important for those who are immunocompromised or more than 50 years old....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 189 words · Bryan Mcgee

What You Need to Know About SUDEP

Usually, death occurs during or right after a seizure, but it can occur without a seizure. The condition is not well-understood. This article will discuss SUDEP, its possible causes, and some things that may reduce the risk. shapecharge / Getty Images shapecharge / Getty Images What Is SUDEP? SUDEP describes the death of a person withepilepsywhen no other cause can be determined. What Causes SUDEP? An exact cause of SUDEP has not been established....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 408 words · Jason Johnson

What You Need to Know About the New Self-Collection HPV Tests

BD began shipments in September and Roche said its tests will be available this fall. Human papillomavirus (HPV)is a group of 200 sexually transmitted viruses. HPV infections sometimes cause warts around the mouth, genitals, or anus that often go away without treatment. Roche Some HPV strains, however, can be cancer-causing. Detecting high-risk strains early on allows providers to treat the infection and prevent the cancer from developing. We dont want to detract people going to see their OB-GYN if thats been working for them all along....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 326 words · Christina Moore

What You Need to Know About the Stages of Lyme Disease

Infected deer ticks can transmit the disease when they bite people. Early treatment is vital to prevent the disease from progressing through later stages. Learn what to expect during each stage of Lyme disease. hobo_018 / Getty Images Diagnosing Lyme disease during stage 1 gives you the best chances of a quicker recovery. Early localized Lyme disease commonly begins with a rash callederythema migrans. The rash grows slowly over several days and can be more than 12 inches in diameter....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 452 words · Jillian Fuller

What You Need to Know About Ulcerative Proctitis Treatment and Management

Ulcerative proctitis is an inflammation and ulceration of the rectal lining. Symptoms vary between people. Treatment involves both reducing symptoms and addressing the underlying inflammation causing symptoms. Verywell / Jessica Olah In remission, mesalamine suppositories are used. Anti-Inflammatory Medication Treatment using medication varies based on the level of inflammation. Mild inflammation may require enemas, foam, or suppositories. More severe inflammation may require oral medication. Medication choices also depend on if treatment is for symptom relief or treating underlying inflammation....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 456 words · Janet Smith

What You Should Know About Advanced (Tertiary) Syphilis

Tertiary syphilis is a severe illness that develops 1030 years after the initial infection. The disease damages many different internal organs. This article will discuss what syphilis is and how it is transmitted. Jon Feingersh Photography Inc / Getty Images It will focus on the symptoms of tertiary syphilis and will go into detail regarding the affected organ systems. Finally, the article will discuss treatment and how you’re free to reduce your risk of infection....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 759 words · Dr. Travis Clark

What You Should Know About Allegra vs. Allegra-D

Allegra (fexofenadine) is an over-the-counter allergy medication used to treatseasonal allergysymptoms. In 2011, Allegra transitioned from prescription-only availability to over-the-counter purchase. In addition, it is now available in generic form. raquel arocena torres / Getty Images Allegra-D is a combination of fexofenadine and pseudoephedrine. It can be used to treat seasonal allergies or relieve congestion (stuffy nose). Fexofenadine, an antihistamine, is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Allegra. Many store brands and other companies are now able to offer generic fexofenadine....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 313 words · Matthew Hill

What You Should Know About Broken Toes

Causes Most broken toes are the result of dropping something heavy on the toe. The pain typically comes on instantly and is very intense. Treatment Unless it’s serious, most broken toes can be treated modestly. Jeannot Olivet / Getty Images With proper medical care, most broken toes will health within four to six weeks. Toenails may become discolored, turn black and blue, and even fall off. A podiatrist can help you avoid ingrown toenails or any infection in the nail bed as your toe heals....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 154 words · Eric Banks

What You Should Know About Brugada Syndrome

Brugada syndrome is an uncommon, inherited abnormality of theheart’s electrical system. It can have two notable consequences even in apparently healthy young people. Ventricular fibrillation, and sometimes ventricular tachycardia, can cause sudden cardiac arrest or death. Portra Images / Getty Images These arrhythmias may also lead to syncope (passing out). Brugada Syndrome Symptoms The most devastating problem due to Brugada syndrome is sudden death during sleep. Brugada syndrome has been identified as the cause of mysterious sudden unexplained nocturnal sudden death syndrome, or SUNDS....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 482 words · Aaron Stevens

What You Should Know About Cerebrovascular Disease

Arteries in the brain deliver blood that supplies vital nutrients and oxygen to the brain tissue. Cerebrovascular disease develops over time through this gradual damage. Injury to the inner lining of blood vessels causes them to become narrow, stiff and sometimes irregularly shaped. People Images / Getty Images A blood clot may start forming within an artery when the artery is narrow or disfigured on the inside. When a blood clot grows inside a blood vessel it is called a thrombus....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 305 words · Alyssa Romero

What You Should Know About Colon Cleanses If You Have IBS

The ads promise all sorts of wonderful results, but are they true? Unfortunately, scientific evidence does not support the effectiveness of the procedure, and risks have been reported. Often these products come with a recommendation that you fast or follow a special, restricted diet. Astronaut Images / Getty Images Be aware that changing your diet may affect your IBS. If you have constipation-dominant IBS, for example, fasting might make your constipation worse....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 210 words · Morgan Miller