Seborrheic Keratosis is a skin disorder usually characterized by discolored lesions that appear to be "stuck on" the skin surface. Warts may appear and skin is often oily or greasy. These skin lesions are sometimes mistaken for cancerous growths a...

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Normally, the vagina contains a balance of good and harmful bacteria. However, when the harmful bacteria outnumber the good bacteria, it can l...

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. It is a common condition that can cause redness, itching, burning, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. It can also cause the eyelids to become swollen, crusty, and flaky. Blepharitis is usually caused...

Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) is a rare neurological disorder in which affected individuals experience involuntary muscle spasms and contractions of the muscles around the eyes. These spasms come and go (intermittent). Symptoms may begin as...

A blocked tear duct is a condition in which the tear ducts, which normally drain tears from the eyes, become blocked or narrowed. This can cause tears to build up in the eyes, leading to watery eyes, irritation, and other symptoms. Treatment for a...

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Your stress levels may skyrocket. You may worry about finances. And you may be asking yourself difficult questions, such as whether to write a living will. Education and supportive care can hel...

Facing a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. Your stress levels may skyrocket. You may worry about finances. And you may be asking yourself difficult questions, such as whether to write a living will. Education and supportive care can hel...

An epidemic is defined as occurring when "new cases of a certain disease, in a given human population during a given time period, substantially exceed what is expected based upon recent experience." Pediatric obesity has reached epidemic proportio...

Corneal abrasion is a condition in which the outer layer of the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye) is scratched or scraped. It is a common eye injury that can cause pain, redness, tearing, and light sensitivit...

Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can cause irritation, redness, and a feeling of dryness in the eyes. Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including environment...

Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, are a type of allergic reaction that affects the eyes. Symptoms of eye allergies include redness, itching, burning, tearing, and swelling of the eyes. Eye allergies are usually caused by airbor...

Formaldehyde Poisoning is a disorder brought about by breathing the fumes of formaldehyde. This can occur while working directly with formaldehyde, or using equipment cleaned with formaldehyde. Major symptoms may include eye, nose, and throat irri...

Formaldehyde Poisoning is a disorder brought about by breathing the fumes of formaldehyde. This can occur while working directly with formaldehyde, or using equipment cleaned with formaldehyde. Major symptoms may include eye, nose, and throat irri...

Formaldehyde is a transitional molecule that participates in a wide range of biological activities. It can be found in a variety of everyday items, including meals. It's also used in medicine to treat a variety of ailments. Formalin is a 40 percen...

Fungal keratitis is an infection of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, caused by a fungus. It is a rare but serious condition that can cause vision loss if not treated promptly. Symptoms of fungal keratitis include redness, pain, blurre...

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that is transmitted during sexual activity. Gonorrhea is not transmitted from toilet seats. Women infected with gonorrhea may not have any symptoms. Gonorrhea is treated with an...

Herpes Keratitis is an infection of the cornea caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It is a common cause of corneal blindness and can cause severe vision loss if left untreated. Symptoms of Herpes Keratitis include redness, pain, light sensit...

Meleda disease is an extremely rare inherited skin disorder characterized by the slowly progressive development of dry, thick patches of skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (palmoplantar hyperkeratosis). Affected skin may be unusu...

Seborrheic Keratosis is a skin disorder usually characterized by discolored lesions that appear to be "stuck on" the skin surface. Warts may appear and skin is often oily or greasy. These skin lesions are sometimes mistaken for cancerous growths a...

Granuloma annulare is a chronic degenerative skin disorder. The most common form is localized granuloma annulare, which is characterized by the presence of small, firm red or yellow colored bumps (nodules or papules) that appear arranged in a ring...

Papular urticaria, usually called hives, is characterized by large numbers of very itchy red bumps (papules) that come and go every few days over a period of a month or so. The bumps are usually between 0.2 and 2 cm. in size and some may develop i...

Pinguecula and Pterygium are two common eye conditions that affect the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. A Pinguecula is a yellowish, slightly raised bump on the...

Why does reflux laryngitis occur? Reflux is caused by weakness in the muscle at the junction of the esophagus with the stomach. Normally, this muscular valve, or sphincter, functions to keep food and stomach acid from moving upward from th...

Stretch mark facts The medical name for stretch marks is striae distensae. Stretch marks are very common. Stretch marks rarely are a sign of a significant medical problem. Stretch marks are generally pa...

Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a condition in which small blood vessels in the white part of the eye (the sclera) break and leak blood. It is usually painless and causes the white of the eye to appear red or pink. It is a common condition that is u...

Trichiasis is a condition in which the eyelashes grow inwards, towards the eye, instead of outwards. This can cause irritation, pain, and even vision loss if left untreated. Treatment typically involves electrolysis or laser surgery to remove the ...

Vaginal atrophy is the medical term that refers to the thinning of the wall of the vagina that occurs during the menopause (the time when menstrual periods have ceased) in women. Vaginal atrophy occurs due to falling estrogen levels...