Dry, Cracked Feet: Causes and How to Heal Them

In some cases, the skin thickens and hardens, making it more prone to cracking. Other times, the skin becomes too thin and fragile, leading to dryness and irritation. When sweat evaporates, it pulls moisture from the skin, leading to dryness over time. Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health Cold air also reduces blood circulation to the extremities, making it harder for the skin to stay hydrated. Indoor heating further strips moisture from the air, leading to even drier skin....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 660 words · Aaron Bray

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Symptoms

People with DMD do not produce dystrophin, a protein that strengthens muscle fibers and controls contraction and relaxation. While othermuscular dystrophiescan appear in adults later in life, DMD affects people from birth. Babies born with DMD begin to show signs of disease during their first two years of life. Photo composite by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health; Getty Images Evidence of DMD can appear as early as 2 to 3 months of age....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 432 words · Lisa Johnston

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) Treatment

Therapy for DMD includes corticosteroids, gene therapy, and medications. Supportive devices can help alleviate the effects of DMD on the heart and lungs. A therapy approved in 2024, Duvzyat, has been shown to help slow down muscle damage in DMD. JohnnyGreig / Getty Images Therapies that interact with the bodys genes have been developed to treat it. It is injected in one IV infusion. Is DMD Curable? There is no cure for DMD....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 247 words · Edward Davis

Dulcolax vs. Colace: OTC Treatments for Constipation

Dulcolax (bisacodyl) and Colace (docusate sodium) are over-the-counter (OTC) medications used to treatconstipation. While both are helpful for relieving symptoms, these medications differ in how they work in the body. Dulcolax is astimulant laxative. Getty Images /Jeff Greenberg/ Contributor It triggers the body to push stool out of the intestines.Colace works as astool softener. It softens the hardened stool in the intestines by increasing the water content. This makes it easier to pass the stools....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 492 words · April Wolf MD

Dupuytren's Contracture Facts and Statistics: What You Need to Know

Dupuytren’s contractureis a disorder that affects the hand. This condition begins with nodules that form in the palm, which can grow into thick cords of tissue. Over time, the fingers can be pulled into a bent position. mbbirdy / Getty Images While this condition usually is not painful, it can cause significant difficulties with daily tasks. However, it can affect the thumb as well. Is Dupuytren’s Contracture Painful? How Common Is Dupuytren’s Contracture?...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 256 words · Dr. Emily Pearson MD

Dural Sac Tears During Spinal Surgery

An accidental dural tear is a potential complication of spine surgery. The dura is a thin layer of tissue that covers and protects thespinal cord. It lies in between the spine (the bone) and the spinal cord (nerve tissue). FangXiaNuo / Getty Images Durotomy, which is an incision in the dura, can be a planned part of the surgical technique. Preventing Dural Tears Pre-existing conditions and/or deformities can increase your risk of a dural tear....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 188 words · John Rivers

Dust Allergy Symptoms (From Particles or Mites)

If you are experiencing dustallergy symptoms, you may be surprised the dust itself does not cause them. Dust mites, tiny creatures that live in the dust, trigger the allergic reaction. The bulk of the allergens come from their feces. Carol Yepes/ Getty Images Dust allergy symptoms may include sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, and more. This article discusses dust allergy symptoms, treatment options, and how to prevent them....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 606 words · John Gomez

Dysdiadochokinesia in MS: Symptoms, Tests, Exercises, and More

DDK can cause problems with upper and lower limbs as well as with speech. This problem is often seen in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) or other conditions that impair coordination. This article explains the symptoms and causes of dysdiadochokinesia, along with how it is diagnosed and treated. Verywell / JR Bee Dysdiadochokinesia is considered a symptom of a group of neurological problems known as ataxia. Diagnosing Dysdiadochokinesia Typically, a neurologist will perform tests that lead to a diagnosis of dysdiadochokinesia....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 152 words · Kirk Fritz

Dyshidrotic Eczema Symptoms and Treatment

The blistering rash is itchy and can produce a burning sensation. Initial dyshidrotic eczema treatment usually includes avoiding triggers and applying moisturizers to the affected skin. When the condition is severe, a healthcare provider may prescribe topical, oral, or injectable medications. megaflopp / Getty Images It originates with a rash of painful vesicles (blisters) which may cause an itching and/or burning sensation. As the blisters heal, the remaining skin is dry, tender, and peeling....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 355 words · Jesse Harris

Dyspepsia

Dyspepsiais a stomach condition thats also sometimes called indigestion. It causes stomach pain and burning, bloating,nausea, and gas. Dyspepsia is common and could be related to a problem with the muscles in the stomach. PixelsEffect / Getty Images It might be treated with various medications and changes to diet. This article discusses the symptoms and potential causes of dyspepsia. To rule out other conditions, its important to let your healthcare provider know what you’re experiencing....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 526 words · Amanda Frey

Dysplastic Nevus: When Atypical Moles Are Precancerous

Adysplastic nevusis an atypical mole. Taras Grebinets / Getty Images Dysplastic Nevus on Pathology: Is It Cancer? A dysplastic nevus has distinct features, which are visible when a pathologist examines its cells under a microscope. Taras Grebinets / Getty Images The cells dont look completely normal. They may display some features that look like early-stage melanoma. However, these cells dont have the features that make them cancerous. Monitoring these moles for progression to melanomas is crucial....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 235 words · Brenda Huff

Dyssynergic Defecation Causes and Symptoms

A common name for it in the past was anismus. Symptoms The symptoms of dyssynergic defecation parallel those of chronic constipation. Your rectum lies at the bottom of your long intestine. Illustration by Nusha Ashjaee, Verywell The muscles of your anal canal include the levator ani muscles and the puborectalis muscle. In dyssynergic defecation, kinda looks the coordination between the muscles that make up the pelvic floor is impaired. Improper contraction and/or relaxation of these muscles during bowel movements appear to be major contributors to the problem....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 123 words · Christina Allen

Déjà Vu: Definition, Causes, Risk Factors and Treatment

Deja vu is the feeling of having already experienced something happening for the first time. However, deja vu has been linked to conditions such as psychiatric disorders,seizures, stress, anddementia. This article discusses the causes, risks, and treatment of deja vu. Sean_Warren / Getty Images Sean_Warren / Getty Images What Is Deja Vu? Additionally, people withdementiaalso experience symptoms of deja vu. Deja vu does not have complications unless related to a serious health condition....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 108 words · Michael Booker