Treating corns properly when they become painful is important. Untreated corns can lead to infection, changes in posture and bodily alignment, complications in people with diabetes. A corn, also known as a clavus, is a thickening of the skin that usually develops on the foot due to repeated friction and pressure. Corns can be extremely …
Read More »What Does Blood in the Urine Mean?
Introduction Blood in the urine is not always cause for concern. Common causes of blood in urine include kidney and bladder stones or infections, strenuous exercise, cancer, urinary tract infections (UTI), enlarged prostate, and other medical conditions. There are many reasons why both men and women may experience blood in their urine. Although it may be unsettling, it’s not always …
Read More »What Does an Hourglass Figure Mean?
The hourglass figure is the idea of a perfect female body shape promoted by the fashion industry. The hourglass shape is based on a woman's body measurements: the circumference of the bust, waist, and hips. Hourglass body shapes have a wide bust, a narrow waist, and wide hips (the bust and hip have a similar measurement). It gets its name …
Read More »What Do Nightmares Mean?
Nightmares are vividly realistic, disturbing dreams that can disturb sleep that can create fear, palpitations, and rapid breathing. Just like most dreams, nightmares also tend to occur most often during rapid eye movement sleep or REM sleep. Because periods of REM sleep become progressively longer as the night progresses, nightmares are more common in the early morning hours. Since all …
Read More »What Are the Five Pathogens?
Pathogens are infectious micro-organisms, germs, or biological agents that cause infectious diseases or illnesses in the host human. The ability of a pathogen to cause disease is called pathogenicity. The degree to which an organism is pathogenic is called virulence. There are five main types of pathogens: virus, bacterium, fungus, protozoa, and helminth. The severity of the diseases caused by …
Read More »How Many Organs Are There in the Body?
An organ is a collection of tissues joined in a structural unit to serve a function. The number of organs depends on who in the medical field is asked and how they count it. The general count is 78 organs. Bones and teeth are each counted only once. Counting each bone and tooth separately increases the organ list to 315 organs. Counting …
Read More »How Long Does the Meningitis Vaccine Last?
What is meningitis? There are two vaccines that help protect against the varieties, or serotypes, of the most common meningococcal bacteria in the US. The MenACWY (conjugate) vaccines last around five years and the MenB (recombinant) vaccines last around one or two years. Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that cover your brain and spinal cord. It can happen …
Read More »How Is Postpartum Preeclampsia Treated?
Postpartum preeclampsia is treated with medications to lower your blood pressure as well as medicine, such as magnesium sulfate, to prevent seizures. Medication to reduce headache pain may also be given. Childbirth is a beautiful occasion. You get to welcome a precious life into the world, nurture it, and watch your baby grow. Your body changes when you become pregnant …
Read More »How Do You Treat a Sebaceous Cyst?
Where do sebaceous cysts form? Sebaceous cysts sometimes go away by themselves, but they may remain indefinitely. If one remains for more than two weeks and you feel it needs to be treated, talk to your doctor. Sebaceous cysts are round, smooth lumps that occasionally form under the skin. They most often appear on the face, neck, back, upper chest, …
Read More »How Do You Get Rid of Warts?
What are warts? In most cases, warts will go away on their own without any medical intervention. You, or your doctor, can also treat them with salicylic acid, freezing (cryotherapy), zapping and cutting, or with duct tape or over the counter treatments. Many people have warts or at least think they do. You have already probably seen a wart on …
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