More than 15 million Americans suffer from eczema, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Treatment begins with preventing and limiting breakouts. This entails avoiding personal triggers such as certain foods, skin...
Para cress, also spelled paracress, is a plant that belongs to the Asteraceae – or daisy – family. Para cress originates from South America. In its native Brazil, para cress is used as a spice in cuisine. Maintaining both astringent...
Specific surgical approaches for kidney surgery will expose you to different types of risk. For instance, a retroperitoneal laproscopy will have less risk of intestinal complications than an open and direct approach from the abdomen....
Herpes is a commonly occurring sexually transmitted disease. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which can be found in two forms, type 1 and type 2. HSV can cause both oral and genital herpes in women. Symptoms of either type of...
Foods are more than appetite pleasers; they nourish the body, provide energy and deliver vitamins and minerals that keep our immune systems strong. Some foods, however, have been found to be beneficial to the outside of the body as well,...
Acupressure originated in Asia thousands of years ago as a form of healing that involves using the fingers to firmly press specific points on the body. Pressing these points is supposed to stimulate innate self-healing abilities contained in the...
The bacterium Enterococcus faecalis is a normal inhabitant of the human intestine. In other body locations, however, Enterococcus faecalis can cause serious infections. The urinary tract, heart, bloodstream, abdominal cavity and skin wounds are...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), staphylococcus aureus is bacteria commonly found on the skin of at least 25 percent of the population. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), is a strain of staph that...
While serious wounds need immediate medical attention, minor scrapes can be treated with home remedies. As long as the wound doesn't spurt bright red blood, or contain too much debris to clean yourself, consider dealing with it at home. Before...
Recent research shows that honey may be more effective at fighting infections and healing wounds than some of the most commonly used medical treatments. While scientists are still struggling to understand why some types of honey possess the...
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly referred to as baking soda, is commonly used to treat wounds at all stages of healing because of its disinfectant properties. Baking soda can help remove hardened scabs, prevent scars from forming and lower the risk of...
Your child's health is a major concern in your life; when she suddenly develops a strange rash, you want to know what it is and how to treat it. There are many different types of rashes, some benign, while others indicate a more serious condition....
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...
Dry, cracked heels are unsightly and can be painful. Left untreated, the area can become infected. Creams to treat cracked heels perform three functions: fighting infection, moisturizing dry skin and loosening hardened skin. These creams contain...
Cleaning and dressing a wound can be a daunting task, whether you're tending to your own injury or that of another person. Abrasions, puncture wounds, cuts, burns and surgical incisions often call for cleaning and dressing the affected site. Many...
Certain herbal remedies might help you to heal faster from cuts, scrapes and other wounds. You might have wounds due to injuries from chemicals, surgery, burns or other causes. Because healing herbs can pose certain health risks, side effects and...
Cervical radiculopathy is the radiation of neck pain to certain parts of the upper body. Certain conditions, such as a herniated disk, spinal stenosis or osteoarthritis, can compress a spinal nerve as it exits the spinal column. Medline Plus, of...
There are bacteria in every open wound. These bacteria may have originated inside or outside the wound itself. Some of them may have entered the wound from the object that caused the injury. This is also true for animal bites. The first bacteria...
Necrotizing fasciitis (or "flesh eating disease") is a rare bacterial infection that causes death of the skin and sometimes muscle or other bodily tissue. According to the National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation (NNFF), necrotizing fasciitis is...
Although toenail problems sound like minor maladies to the uninitiated, anyone who's ever suffered from a toenail growth problem knows otherwise. Conditions like brittle nails, toenail fungus or ingrown nails can cause tenderness, unsightliness,...
A transfusion supplies whole blood or one of its components through an intravenous line to an ill or injured patient. In most cases, transfusing one unit of blood---about one pint---takes about four hours. Life-threatening hemorrhage from...
The skin is a protective barrier that shields the body from contamination by viruses, bacteria and toxins. Small cuts and abrasions can lead to big problems once infection sets in. Damage to the skin compromises the body’s ability to fight...
Dust mites are microscopic arthropods that live off dead skin cells that people and animals shed. They are a major cause of airborne, indoor allergies. Dust mites thrive deep inside warm, humid environments such as bedding, carpets, mattresses,...
With any surgery, there is a risk of complications. Surgery performed near the spine and spinal cord is a delicate procedure that can be especially risky, according to SciaticPainTreatment.com. Complications after back surgery can range from mild...
Anticoagulants are available as oral tablets or as intravenous medicine. Anticoagulants require frequent monitoring by a physician as well as careful watch of the diet. Anticoagulants are effective medications if taken exactly as prescribed....
Wounds are breaks in body tissues or structures of the organs. They can be caused by surgery, accidents, injuries, blunt trauma, radiation and extreme temperatures. If wounds are not properly cared for, they can become infected. Watch carefully...
An infected ingrown hair can be embarrassing, ugly, painful and cause an acne-like eruption. The area surrounding the ingrown hair will itch, become red and inflamed and--if left untreated--can result in a severe infection and scarring. People...
Genital herpes is an infection most often caused by herpes simplex virus type 2. HSV-1 often causes oral herpes but it can also spread to the genitals. The American Academy of Dermatology points out that sexual intercourse proves the most frequent...
Calendula is derived from the marigold flower, and is often used as a topical treatment for a wide variety of skin ailments. It is also available as a homeopathic remedy, primarily used as a blood purifier. Calendula extract has antibiotic and...