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Ringworm Infections Different Areas of the Body Are Affected Ringworm is an infection caused by one of a group of fungal parasites (dermatophytes) that affect the skin. Dermatophytes thrive in warm, moist places and live on keratin, a protein found in dead skin, nails, and hair cells. These fungal infections are called tinea infections, and …
Rheumatoid Arthritis RA Causes Deformed Joints Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that eventually results in severely swollen and deformed joints. In RA, the immune system, which helps the body rid itself of infections or tumors, attacks the tissue lining of a joint, causing inflammation. The reason this happens is not clear. With …
Restless Legs Syndrome Uncomfortable Sensations in the Legs Restless legs syndrome is a condition that few people know about, including many who suffer from it but have never had their symptoms properly diagnosed. Patients with restless legs syndrome describe a “crawling,” “burning,” or “tightening” sensation in their legs that is temporarily relieved by moving around …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Kaposi’s Sarcoma Small Tumors Appear Under the Skin Kaposi’s sarcoma is a cancer of the connective tissues, first described in 1872. It was a relatively rare form of cancer until about 20 years ago, when the number of cases exploded in patients with HIV or AIDS. In HIV-positive patients, the signs of Kaposi’s sarcoma may …
Insect Stings/Bites Allergic Reactions Allergic reactions to insect stings and bites are common. Reactions to stings include redness, pain and swelling in the area of the sting. Severe allergic reactions occur quickly, usually within minutes; they are less common but can be dangerous. They may cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, a shock-like state, …
Inflamed Joints Arthritis May Be a Cause Pain, swelling, stiffness, warmth and limited motion in one or more joints are the familiar symptoms of joint inflammation. Joint inflammation may be due to an infection or injury or it could be the sign of a disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Any inflamed joint …
Hyperthyroidism An Overactive Production of Thyroid Hormone Thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland that helps regulate the body’s metabolism, the process of changing food into energy. Thyroid hormone influences many functions, including temperature, growth rate and fertility. If the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, a condition known …