The appearance of nails can change because of normal events such as aging; however, MedlinePlus notes that abnormal conditions of the nails include changes in color, texture, shape or thickness caused by injury, infection, disease or poisoning. Some changes in the conditions of nails are harmless, while other changes are signs that something is wrong and medical attention is required. White, brittle nails combine two nail conditions, one of which requires contact with a doctor, that hint at several possible causes.
Seizures are seen in conjunction with a fever with no other presenting signs of neurological complications or brain infections. Febrile seizures are usually the result of upper respiratory or ear infections and are more prevale...
Molluscum contagiosum is not a serious disease, and most doctors consider it a relatively benign condition. Patients should understand the cause of the disease and how it is spread to prevent the disease from infecting others.
Still, there is no cure for the disease once it reaches a human host. Samples exist in laboratories for research purposes, and anyone who develops smallpox symptoms needs to seek medical help immediately to prevent spreading th...
Antiseptics can be effective against one or a combination of bacteria, fungi, viruses or other microorganisms. The discovery and development of antiseptic chemicals and principles began in the 19th century, and are today uni
Some viruses are very mild, like the common cold, but tend to spread more rapidly. Other diseases are far more serious, like HIV or ebola, a severe form of hemorrhagic fever. Viruses are not considered a living organism since t...
For example, when a person coughs, the virus travels into the air and anyone within range of the airborne virus can become infected. The other way to pick up the flu virus comes from touching an object and then touching the fac...
This numbness results from a variety of causes, some traumatic and others due to infection or underlying disease.
You can pierce either nostril, or you may decide to pierce your septum, the cartilage that divides your nostrils. Any time the skin is broken, you risk infection. There are other risks to consider before you get your nose pierc...
Common areas for nose piercings are the nostrils, the septum and the bridge. Healing times vary for each location; nostril piercings heal in two to four months, bridge piercings heal between eight and 10 weeks, while septum pie...
The Black Death is commonly known as the plague. It has three forms: bubonic plague, pneumonic plague and septicemic plague. The plague had its beginnings in the 14th century and has killed millions of people. It remains a thre...
In 1981, amoxicillin was patented by SmithKline Beecham as a partially synthetic antibiotic. In 1998, amoxicillin became approved for antibiotic use. After its approval, amoxicillin grew in popularity because of its ability to ...
Typically, this period lasts six weeks and is confirmed at the well-mother checkup that is usually scheduled six weeks after a normal birth. Taking care of yourself after delivering a baby is important because that reduces the ...
Typically, when one or more droplets make contact with the nose or mouth of a healthy individual, she will become infected. This is the primary cause of contagion in schools, workplaces and in other public environments.
Also known as witch's broom and Mexican damiana, the damiana shrub has long been used as an aphrodisiac and a tool in the fight against sexual dysfunction. But lately, damiana has been shown to have medicinal qualities that app...
Though still not considered as risky as contact sports, cheerleading has its fair share of injuries. As stunts become increasingly athletic (such as jumps, flips and tosses), the risk of injury rises. One of the most common che...
Smallpox cannot be cured and is highly contagious. If you're diagnosed with the disease, your doctor may very well place you in isolation or quarantine to prevent the infection from spreading. You'll probably remain in quaranti...
The fastest way to spread the flu is to be around other people. Staying home will allow you to get the rest you need to get better and will keep you from infecting others. The less people that you are around while you have the...
It's a common surgery and mostly goes off without a hitch. Sometimes, however, there may be appendectomy complications. Removal of the appendix may create other problems requiring immediate attention. Infection around the incis...
