Before birth, the umbilical cord provided an infant with nutrients from the mother. At birth, the cord is cut and a stump remains at the baby's navel until it falls off. This typically takes between two and three weeks. At the hospital, a coating...
Hypertrophic scars are similar to Keloid scars in that they are red and appear swollen long after the injury occurs. The main difference between the two types of scars is that Keloid scars are considered benign tumors, while hypertrophic scars...
You pick up a large box without bending at the knees, and suddenly, you experience excruciating pain, numbness and tingling. You may have a herniated dis, sometimes called a slipped disk. These discs are soft pads between the spinal bones in your...
Psoriasis of the scalp is a commonly occurring disease. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, psoriasis is an immune system disorder that causes a buildup of cells on the surface of the skin. This buildup can be seen as thick,...
Nail fold and toenail irritation can be more than just bothersome -- it can prevent you from finishing your workout or even dissuade you from future exercise. Because it can sometimes be due to a condition that requires medical treatment, it is...
It is common for burned skin to scar because the skin becomes damaged, according to "Handbook of Dermatology: A Practical Manual." As new, healthy skin grows in place of the burned skin, a scar forms. The best way to prevent burned skin from...
When you have an ingrown hair, it means that the hair has grown back into the hair follicle after removal from shaving or tweezing. Symptoms include inflammation and irritation at the site. If you have curly hair, you are more prone to this...
Adult ear infections are not common. When they occur, it is because fluid is trapped behind the eardrum in an area called the middle ear. This fluid causes painful pressure, the main symptom of an ear infection. The National Institutes of Health...
A pimple-like rash could develop on your skin depending upon numerous factors. Acne can occur at any age, which can develop a rash in the area, especially around your neck. While your neck is a very sensitive region, it is constantly exposed to...
Chicken pox is a highly infectious disease in children and adults caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Most patients with chicken pox are under age 10. A vaccine is available to prevent chickenpox. It is administered at 12 to 15 months of age and...
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that involves snipping or blocking the vas deferens, the tube that transmits sperm from the testes to the urethra. When successful, this will prevent pregnancy. A vasectomy is typically performed in the...
Gangrene refers to the decay and death of body tissues resulting from a bacterial infection. This typically occurs when the blood supply to a certain area becomes blocked, leaving it susceptible to bacterial and other pathogens, according to...
Scabies is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, which is a small mite. Scabies is considered a contagious skin disease because the mites are easily transferred from one person to another. Direct contact is usually required; however, scabies can be...
Your feet must pivot, rotate and flex while you play a game of golf. A variety of golfing errors, medical conditions and injuries can cause pain on the outside of your foot. Because foot pain can hinder your game by causing you to alter your swing...
MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus) is a bacteria that resides on the skin or in the nose. This bacteria is resistant to antibiotic drugs such as penicillin, amoxicillin, methicillin, and other drugs typically used to treat staph...
Stitches help close a wound and encourage proper healing. If you have recently received stitches, the first one or two days are critical for your wound healing properly. If you are also a gymnast, your doctor likely will recommend rest to allow...
Ear infections are among the most common illnesses in childhood, according to MayoClinic.com. Most infections of the ear are caused by bacteria that overpopulate in the ear and cause irritation. DrGreene.com, the website of pediatrician and author...
Generalized itchy skin occurs when you develop an irritating crawling, tingling or burning feeling all over your body that makes you feel the need to scratch your skin. In order to correct the problem and stop the itchiness, you must first...
Herpes in the mouth, also called oral herpes, is a common skin condition. The American Social Health Association (ASHA), explains that the infection is often unrecognized and undiagnosed. Oral herpes infection is caused by a virus called the...
Boils look like giant pimples, and they form when a hair follicle becomes infected. The bacteria from the infection festers in the follicle, which swells with pus. Boils can become as large as golf balls before they finally break and drain. The...
LASIK surgery is a type of corrective eye surgery that eliminates the need for further visual assistance such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. LASIK (an acronym for laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is performed when a doctor uses an eximer...
Atopic eczema causes many problems with the skin such as flaking, inflammation, blisters, oozing pus, rashes and itching. Eczema occurs most frequently in babies; most people outgrow it as they age. There are a myriad of causes to eczema, but it...
Scabies is a condition of the skin caused by mites called Sarcoptes scabiei. The mites burrow into the skin, which leads to several symptoms. Scabies is contagious and spreads quickly through physical contact. Treatment options work by killing the...
Poison ivy and poison oak plants contain an oil called urushiol. Urushiol, found not only in the leaves of the plant but also in the stems and roots, results in an allergic reaction and produces an itchy rash. Itching, redness and blisters may...
While lumps under your skin may cause you to worry, Medline Plus advises that most lumps and swellings are harmless. The location of your lumps, as well as any accompanying symptoms, can help you and your doctor determine their cause. You can...
The appearance of red bumps on the legs can be embarrassing and difficult to conceal. They can be caused by a variety of medical conditions and environmental factors, some dangerous if left untreated. This makes it important for the sufferer to...
5-fluorouracil, also known as fluorouracil or 5-FU (brand names Adrucil, Efudex and Fluoroplex), is a prescription medication indicated for cancer of the breast, colon, rectum, pancreas, stomach and skin. It is also indicated for other skin...
Your child can develop dry scalp for a number of reasons. Dry scalp can cause your child discomfort and pain. If your child's dry scalp does not improve or seems to get worse, contact his pediatrician or dermatologist, as dry scalp can cause...
Ringworm, also known as tinea capitis, is a fungal infection that occurs on the surface of the skin. The origin of its name stems from the early belief that the infection is caused by an actual worm. Typical signs of scalp ringworm are distinct,...