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Psoriasis: Dry, Scaly Skin Drugs Can Help But Not Cure Psoriasis is a common skin disease that can first appear in young adults. People with psoriasis develop sharply outlined reddened bumps (papules) mixed with rounded plaques (thick, hardened circles of skin). The skin is dry and itchy and is covered with silvery scales that easily …
Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac Contact with plant oil triggers rash A sure sign of spring and summer are the skin rashes caused by exposure to poison ivy, oak, and sumac. These three native American weeds are a common cause of allergic reactions in millions of people each year. Contact with the urushiol—an oily, toxic, irritating chemical found …
Childhood Poisoning Danger to Children Under 6 The majority of poisonings are accidental, occur in the home and are preventable. Children under age 6 are most often the victims. Children, who are naturally curious, find many opportunities to eat, drink or touch potentially poisonous substances, such as prescription and over-the-counter drugs, cleaners, toiletries, cosmetics and …
Pinworms Symptom Is Anal Itching There are several types of roundworms that can cause infection in humans. In the U.S., the pinworm is the most common worm parasite. Pinworm eggs enter the body when they are inhaled or when finger nails (after scratching the infected area) are put in the mouth. Infections do not usually …
Perimenopause A Decline in Hormones Perimenopause is the period of time before menopause when menopausal symptoms are first noticed; it extends until one year after menopause occurs. Women who experience menopausal symptoms often notice them slowly increasing for several years before their menstrual period stops completely. Menopause is marked by a full 12 months without …
Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms Result from Death of Nerve Cells Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the central nervous system. It leads to slow movement, tremor, rigidity, and loss of balance. The cause is not known, but it can be a result of exposure to a drug or chemical, or it may be part of another …
Paget’s Disease A Chronic Bone Disease Paget’s disease is the second most common bone disease after osteoporosis. Its cause is unknown, but it may be linked with a viral infection early in life. Symptoms are rare. Pain, bone deformities and fractures may be the first signs of the disease. Bone tissue is constantly changing throughout …
Pacemakers: How They Work Device Normalizes Heartbeat The heart beats about 100,000 times each day. Each heartbeat begins with an electrical impulse from the heart’s natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial node (S-A node), found at the right atrium. The electrical impulse it produces travels across a pathway of heart muscle to the lower pumping chambers, causing …
Home Oxygen Therapy Portable Devices Provide Oxygen Oxygen is required by every cell in the body. The air we breathe provides enough oxygen for our bodies to function, but for persons with certain lung and heart diseases, the body’s tissues may not get a sufficient amount of oxygen. In lung disease, oxygen may not be …
Safety of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers The active ingredients found in nonprescription pain relievers and fever reducers (acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen sodium) are similarly effective. However, some patients may be at risk for side effects from these medications, including gastrointestinal side effects and effects on the heart, kidneys, and liver. Gastrointestinal …