What are spider veins? Spider veins are often caused by normal aging, wear-and-tear, and changing hormones. Sun damage or injury may also cause spider veins. Spider veins are small clusters of dilated or broken veins that are visible under your skin. The technical term for spider veins is telangiectasia, but they take their more familiar …

What is strep throat? Strep throat is usually caused by exposure to the group A streptococci bacteria. Antibiotics will help you get rid of symptoms of strep throat, and the medicine may also end contagiousness within 24 hours. Strep throat, sometimes known simply as strep, is an infection in the throat and tonsils that can cause a sore or scratchy …

What is scarlet fever? Scarlet fever is caused by group A Streptococcus. If the bacteria attack your throat, it's called strep. If it gives you a skin rash, it's scarlet fever. Scarlet fever, or scarlatina, is a bacterial infection that typically affects children and teenagers. It’s caused by a type of bacteria called group A Streptococcus, or group A strep. …

What are hives? Hives are itchy bumps that appear on your skin, usually as a result of an allergic reaction. Some cases of hives have no known cause. Hives, also called urticaria, are bumps that appear on the skin quickly and often disappear as fast as they show up. They may be red or the color of your skin. These …

What is a stroke? Strokes can cause brain damage and death. However, the acronym F.A.S.T. is a great way to remember stroke symptoms. A stroke—also called a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or brain accident—happens when a blood clot travels to the brain or when a brain blood vessel bursts. Strokes can cause brain damage and death. However, learning the warning signs …

Mouth lesions are the abnormal patches, sores, or altered texture of the mouth lining. Mouth lesions are the abnormal patches, sores, or altered texture of the mouth lining. The various mouth lesions include cuts, lumps, bumps, or ulcers (firm white patches over the mouth, lips, gums, and throat). What are the signs and symptoms of mouth lesions? Pain is a …

Flies are vectors for more than 100 dangerous transmissible diseases, including typhoid, stomach flu, and diarrhea. Flies are common pests around the world. They are vectors for more than 100 dangerous transmissible diseases, including typhoid, stomach flu, and diarrhea. If you have a fly infestation on your premises, here are some effective treatment methods: Traps: Because flies are attracted to …

What is vaginal discharge? Your vagina and cervix contain glands that produce a mucus called vaginal discharge. Reasons for excess vaginal discharge include taking antibiotics, being pregnant, diabetes, birth control pills, stress, as well as infections such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Your vagina and cervix contain glands that produce a mucus called vaginal discharge. The color of the mucus …

Lumbar spinal stenosis facts Lumbar spinal stenosis is a lower back condition whereby either the spinal canal (central stenosis) or one or more of the vertebral foramina (foraminal stenosis) becomes narrowed. Lumbar spinal stenosis is typically caused by degenerative arthritis. Patients can develop low back pain as well as pain, weakness, and numbness or decreased sensation in the legs. Surgery …

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck. It consists of two lobes connected by a narrow band of tissue called the isthmus. The gland makes thyroid hormones that are required for several body functions. Sometimes the thyroid gland can develop abnormal …