Despite its name, ringworm doesn’t have anything to do with worms. Rather, ringworm is the common name given to a contagious fungal infection of the skin. It can occur on multiple areas of the body, including the: Feet (known as athlete’s foot) Groin area (known as jock itch) Scalp Hands Toenails Arms Legs Abdomen Ringworm is also referred to as …
Read Full ArticleHIV is no longer the mortal threat it once was. But it remains a serious infection that must be addressed to prevent harm to one’s self or others. Infection with HIV — the virus responsible for AIDS — is treatable. But it’s essential that you get tested as soon as possible if you suspect you may have been infected. Unprotected …
Read Full ArticleFor many centuries, humankind has been plagued by a number of infections primarily transmitted through intimate sexual contact. Known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), these diseases run the gamut from common and annoying (e.g. chlamydia or genital herpes), to less common, but far more serious (e.g. HIV or syphilis). It takes time for noticeable symptoms …
Read Full ArticleCaring for an infant is a big responsibility. Among other challenges, parents and caregivers must always be vigilant to keep their baby safe. Caring for a healthy baby can be demanding enough but caring for a sick baby is even more so. Among other concerns, new parents tend to worry that their baby may be running a fever. The first …
Read Full ArticleAre you experiencing coughing, sneezing, or congestion? Are you producing nasal discharge? Have you had a sore throat or fever? If you can answer yes to one or more of these symptoms, you may be suffering from an upper respiratory tract infection. What Is an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)? The name is self-explanatory — an infection of the upper respiratory …
Read Full ArticleColds are no fun, especially in summer when the living is supposed to be easy. Most people develop colds in the chilly winter, which probably accounts for the common name for this all-too-common ailment. But colds do not respect the seasons. A cold is not a single illness. Rather, it is a general term for an upper respiratory tract infection …
Read Full ArticleSeasonal allergies that peak in spring and again in the fall are triggered by pollen in the air. Various pollens are released by flowering grasses, plants, and trees, and can cause problems for people who are allergic to them when inhaled into the sinuses and lungs. Some pollens may provoke more dramatic responses than others. Most allergy sufferers are allergic …
Read Full ArticleWhether it is experienced in summer or winter, the common cold shares some characteristics with seasonal allergies. Both are associated with stuffiness in the sinuses, a runny nose, some sneezing, and a general sense of malaise. But they also have significant differences. The common cold is caused by any one of hundreds of different viruses that attack the upper respiratory …
Read Full ArticleThe “bulls-eye” rash is a distinct pattern that appears on the skin after a person that has been bitten by a tick infected with the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, contracts Lyme disease. It is not the same as the typical small swelling or red spot that develops almost immediately after a tick, or other insect bites or stings you. …
Read Full ArticleRashes can come in many forms, depending on the cause. While most are minor issues, some rashes can signal serious infections that require timely medical care, and oftentimes it can be challenging to tell the difference when you are dealing with an uncomfortable skin condition. We’ve outlined how to help determine whether your rash is a minor nuisance or major …
Read Full ArticleWhen the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in early 2020, it turned life upside down for more than 50 million school-age children across the country. In fact, according to Ed Read More
No matter your preferred social media channel, you’ve likely seen viral health hacks for everything from congestion to snoring to weight loss. We turned to our team of certified Read More
Dogs are undoubtedly man’s best friend, but even the friendliest of creatures can sometimes get spooked or display aggressive behavior. Bites can even happen when giving an excit Read More
