As yucky as that sounds, that's the easiest definition of a boil. It's a localized infection caused when bacteria get under the skin. The skin becomes red and tender, which signals the specialized white cells (neutrophils) to come and fight off...
Eating raw meat, including pork, can increase your risk of developing a roundworm infection. Pork, if not cooked thoroughly, carries the risk of infecting you with trichinosis. Cook your pork until the pink is no longer visible to avoid this...
Derived from papayas, papain is a natural treatment sometimes used as a digestive and immune-system aid, as well as to treat arthritis, wounds, burns, shingles and viruses. Papain is used in either topical or oral remedies. Before you use papain,...
Acne is a common skin condition responsible for blackheads and cysts. Comedones, whiteheads and blackheads form when pores become clogged with oil and debris, according to the American Academy of Dermatology website AcneNet. Blackheads and...
Throughout your lifetime, your breasts undergo continual change. Some women experience monthly differences related to their menstrual cycle and pregnancy typically causes a variety of changes. Menopause, another time of hormone fluctuation, also...
Small bumps that look like pimples inside your mouth could be one of many conditions. Some of the conditions that the bumps can be include canker sores, mucous cysts, oral lichen planus and inflamed papillae. These conditions usually resolve on...
Severe acne occurs when deep cysts form under the skin, causing inflammation and skin damage. Cystic acne requires aggressive treatment options. A dermatologist can assist in getting severe acne sores under control and preventing future outbreaks....
While most cases of acne are generally mild and can be treated with over-the-counter products, sometimes the blemishes worsen beyond the help of standard treatments. Lesions called nodules and cysts become inflamed, red, sore and may scar. In...
NoPainSpray.com is a website that promotes a homeopathic oral spray called, "Dr. Frank's Joint & Muscle Pain Relief," which was formulated and produced by Kenneth J. Frank, M.D. Although a family physician, Dr. Frank's focus is on homeopathic...
Papaya enzymes come from the milky latex of unripe papayas. Known as papain, the enzymes are most commonly used as a natural digestive aid. Papain may also provide certain other health benefits, such as easing pain and treating shingles. Although...
Synovial cysts are fluid filled pouches that can develop around your joints. Many cysts are harmless and asymptomatic. However, occasionally they can press against your nerves and become painful. When this occurs, they must be treated properly....
Scientists at Columbia University in New York discovered hyaluronic acid in 1934 in a cow's eye. Before cosmetic use, it was used in eye surgeries and injected into arthritic joints, according to Allergan. Restylane, or hyaluronidase, was...
Hiccups are an involuntary reflex caused by sudden spasms of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. The glottis---a tissue flap that protects the airway during swallowing---snaps shut as the diaphragm spasms,...
Acne is a very common skin problem, especially among teenagers. Acne cannot be cured and it eventually resolves on its own, but almost every case of acne can be controlled, according to the American Academy of Dermatology or AAD. Most mild to...
Cystic acne is a severe form of acne characterized by cysts under the skin. The cysts are blocked oil glands that have opened, producing inflammation and pus. Treatment is important because the cysts can leave long-lasting scars. Cystic acne takes...
If you're plagued with lumpy, tender breasts before your period, take ibuprofen or naproxen sodium in the morning to treat pain and puffiness. Cut down on salty and sweet foods the week before your period to relieve breast bloating and soreness....
You rely on your fingers to write, type and much more. When you observe a bump on a finger -- particularly one that is painful -- you may be concerned it is a sign of a serious medical condition. Knowing what conditions can cause bumps on the...
Many women take up running to promote cardiovascular health, weight loss and overall fitness, but find that running leads to breast pain and tenderness. Up to 50 percent of women experience breast pain when exercising, according to University of...
If you have polycystic liver disease, or PLD, you can benefit from a healthy diet of lean meats, legumes, vegetables, fruits and low-fat milk products. It is imperative to avoid alcohol with any type of liver disease. Restricting your salt intake...
Many people experience hair and scalp problems. According to MSN.com, hair loss, an itching or flaking scalp and sores on the scalp are common issues that people report. Although hair and scalp troubles can be disturbing, they are usually not...
Neem leaf and neem oil have long been used in traditional Indian medicine. Both neem leaf and neem oil possess therapeutic properties that are used to treat various health problems. However, results are varied and there is no guarantee that either...