Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Acne is most ...

Acne (acne vulgaris, common acne) is a disease of the hair follicles of the face, chest, and back that affects almost all teenagers during puberty -- the only exception being members of a few primitive Neolithic tribes living in isolatio...

Angular cheilitis, also known as perleche, is a common inflammatory condition that affects the corners of the mouth. It is characterized by redness, cracking, and sometimes painful sores at the corners of the lips. The condition can be caused by a...

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. O...

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. O...

Infectious arthritis is an inflammation of one or more joints that occurs as a result of infection by bacteria, viruses or, less frequently, fungi or parasites. The symptoms of Infectious arthritis depend upon which agent has caused the infection ...

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It is caused by various types of fungi, most commonly Trichophyton rubrum. Athlete's foot is highly contagious and can be spread through dir...

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...

Bunions facts Bunions involve boney prominences and repositioning of the joints at the base of the big toes. Bunions most commonly affect the inner foot at the base of the big toe but also can affect the outside of the foo...

Familial articular chondrocalcinosis is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by deposits of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals (CPPD) in one or more joint cartilages resulting in eventual damage to the joints. Symptoms may devel...

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, painful sores that develop on the inside of the mouth, on the gums, or on the tongue. They are usually round or oval in shape and have a white or yellow center with a red border. Canker sores...

  Cellulitis is a spreading bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are the types of bacteria that are usually responsible for cellulitis, although many types of ...

Chanarin Dorfman syndrome is a rare hereditary disorder of fat (lipid) metabolism. It is characterized by scaly skin (ichthyosis), degeneration of the muscles (myopathy), and abnormal white blood cells with small spaces (vacuoles) filled with fat ...

Cheek biting, also known as cheek chewing or morsicatio buccarum, is a habit in which a person repeatedly bites or chews on the inside of their cheek. This behavior can be caused by stress, anxiety, or nervousness, and can lead to irritation, pain...

Chickenpox (varicella) is a viral infection that causes an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters. Chickenpox is highly contagious to people who haven't had the disease or been vaccinated against it. Before routine chickenpox vaccination, vi...

Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease ...

Ulcerative colitis (UL-sur-uh-tiv koe-LIE-tis) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in your digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. ...

Mixed connective tissue disease facts Connective tissues are the framework of the cells of the body. Mixed connective tissue disease is an "overlap" combination of connective tissue diseases. Diagnosis of mixed c...

Cradle cap causes crusty or oily scaly patches on a baby's scalp. The condition isn't painful or itchy. But it can cause thick white or yellow scales that aren't easy to remove. Cradle cap usually clears up on its own in a few months. Home...

Crohn's disease facts Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown. Crohn's disease can cause ulcers in the small intestine, colon, or both. ...

Cyst facts Cysts are closed sac-like or capsule structures that may be filled with semisolid material, gaseous material, or liquid. There are several causes of cysts, including genetic, infectious, and other causes that resu...

Dislocated ankle facts An isolated dislocated ankle is a rare injury. Usually, there is an associated fracture of the bones that make up the ankle. The ankle dislocates as a result of a fall, motor-vehicle crash, or sporti...

Chanarin Dorfman syndrome is a rare hereditary disorder of fat (lipid) metabolism. It is characterized by scaly skin (ichthyosis), degeneration of the muscles (myopathy), and abnormal white blood cells with small spaces (vacuoles) filled with fat ...

Dysthymia, now referred to as persistent depressive disorder, is a form of depression that lasts more than two years at a time in adults and more than one year at a time in children and adolescents. Dysthymia can afflict 3%-6% of th...

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of hereditary connective tissue disorders characterized by defects of the major structural protein in the body (collagen). Collagen, a tough, fibrous protein, plays an essential role in holding together, str...

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of hereditary connective tissue disorders characterized by defects of the major structural protein in the body (collagen). Collagen, a tough, fibrous protein, plays an essential role in holding together, str...

Elbow pain facts The elbow joint is the area of union of three long bones. Tendinitis can affect the inner or outer elbow. Treatment of tendinitis includes ice, rest, and medication for inflammation. Ba...

Atrioventricular septal defect (ASVD) is a general term for a group of rare heart defects that are present at birth (congenital). Infants with ASVDs have improperly developed atrial and ventricular septa and adjoining valves. The norma...

Epidermolytic ichthyosis (EI) specifically refers to a hereditary skin disorder that is characterized by varying degrees of blistering and subsequent reactive scaling of the skin. The underlying histopathology shows mid-epidermal splitting and hyp...

An eruption cyst is a benign, soft tissue swelling that occurs in the mouth when a tooth is about to erupt through the gum. It appears as a small, fluid-filled blister that is usually purple or blue in color. Eruption cysts are most commonly seen ...

Erythromelalgia is a rare condition that primarily affects the feet and, less commonly, the hands (extremities). It is characterized by intense, burning pain of affected extremities, severe redness (erythema), and increased skin temperature that m...

Erythrokeratolysis hiemalis is an extremely rare form of ichthyosis that was first described in South Africa but has subsequently been identified in other countries. In such cases, a link to South Africa has been determined. The disorder is charac...

Peeling skin syndrome is a rare inherited skin disorder characterized by painless, continual, spontaneous skin peeling (exfoliation). Other findings may include blistering and/or reddening of the skin (erythema) and itching (pruritus). Peeling ski...

Glaucoma is a disease that is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure, in which damage to the eye (optic) nerve can lead to loss of vision and even blindness. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in th...

Glossitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tongue. This inflammation can cause the tongue to become swollen, red, and painful. Glossitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, allergies, nutritional deficie...

Gaucher disease is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder in which deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase results in the accumulation of harmful quantities of certain fats (lipids), specifically the glycolipid glucocerebroside, throughout the b...

Andersen disease belongs to a group of rare genetic disorders of glycogen metabolism, known as glycogen storage diseases. Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate that is converted into the simple sugar glucose for the body's use as energy. Glycogen sto...

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation, usually in one joint, that begins suddenly. Gouty arthritis is caused by the deposition of crystals of uric acid in a joint. Gout can cause symptoms and signs such as ...

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation, usually in one joint, that begins suddenly. Gouty arthritis is caused by the deposition of crystals of uric acid in a joint. Gout can cause symptoms and signs such as ...

A gum boil, also known as a dental abscess, is a painful swelling filled with pus that forms on the gums. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection in the tooth or gums and can be a result of tooth decay, gum disease, or a dental injury. Gum b...

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin disorder that most commonly affects post-menopausal women. However, it is sometimes identified among pre-menopausal women, and, even more rarely, among males. When found in males, the disease is known as balaniti...

Introduction to heart transplant The idea of replacing a bad organ with a good one has been documented in ancient mythology. The first real organ transplants were probably skin grafts that may have been done in India as early as the second...

Hemangioma is a noncancerous growth of blood vessels that can occur anywhere in the body. It is most commonly found on the skin or internal organs, such as the liver or lungs. Hemangiomas are usually present at birth or develop shortly after and c...

A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of a blood vessel. Symptoms of hematomas depend upon their location and whether adjacent structures are affected by the inflammation and swelling associated with the bleeding. Tr...

Herpes Zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is characterized by a painful rash with blisters that typically appears on one side of the face or body...

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic condition characterized by swollen, painful lesions, occurring in the armpit (axillae), groin, anal, and breast regions. This disease occurs due to obstruction of hair follicles and secondary infection an...

Hidradenitis suppurativa (hi-drad-uh-NIE-tis sup-yoo-ruh-TIE-vuh) is rare, long-term skin condition that features small, painful lumps under the skin. They typically develop where the skin rubs together, such as the armpits, the groin, between the...

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...

Biotinidase deficiency (BTD) is a treatable, metabolic disorder that is the result of a low concentration, or complete lack, of the enzyme, biotinidase. Biotinidase deficiency is an inherited disorder in which the body is not able to properly proc...

Lamellar ichthyosis is a rare genetic skin disorder. In lamellar ichthyosis, the skin cells are produced at a normal rate, but they do not separate normally at the surface of the outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) and are not shed as quickl...

Erythrokeratolysis hiemalis is an extremely rare form of ichthyosis that was first described in South Africa but has subsequently been identified in other countries. In such cases, a link to South Africa has been determined. The disorder is charac...

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of breast cancer. It is typically a very aggressive disease and is called "inflammatory" because the cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels, resulting in changes in the breast (swelling and redness) that...

Jarcho-Levin syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by distinctive malformations of bones of the spinal column (vertebrae) and the ribs, respiratory insufficiency, and/or other abnormalities. Infants born with Jarcho-Levin syndrome have...

Jessner lymphocytic infiltrate of the skin is an uncommon disorder that is characterized by benign accumulations of lymph cells in the skin. These small lesions are solid, pink or red in color, and appear on the face, neck, and/or back. Skin surro...

Jock itch, also known as tinea cruris, is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the groin area. It is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm, moist environments. Jock itch is characterized by red, itchy, and so...

Erythrokeratolysis hiemalis is an extremely rare form of ichthyosis that was first described in South Africa but has subsequently been identified in other countries. In such cases, a link to South Africa has been determined. The disorder is charac...

Keratosis pilaris (KP) facts Keratosis pilaris is a very common, benign skin disorder that affects adolescents and adults. Keratosis pilaris causes numerous small, rough, tan or red little bumps around hair follicles on th...

Knee bursitis facts A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction between moving tissues of the body. There are three major bursae of the knee. Bursitis is usually not infec...

Kohler disease is a rare bone disorder of the foot in children that may be the result of stress-related compression at a critical time during the period of growth. It is characterized by limping caused by pain and swelling in the foot. It most oft...

Kohler disease is a rare bone disorder of the foot in children that may be the result of stress-related compression at a critical time during the period of growth. It is characterized by limping caused by pain and swelling in the foot. It most oft...

Kohler disease is a rare bone disorder of the foot in children that may be the result of stress-related compression at a critical time during the period of growth. It is characterized by limping caused by pain and swelling in the foot. It most oft...

Latex allergy facts Latex allergy is dramatically on the rise throughout the world. Latex allergy rises with exposure and is suspected to continue to rise until a latex substitute is found. Latex allergy can be s...

Leukoplakia is a condition characterized by thick, white patches that form on the mucous membranes of the mouth and sometimes the throat. These patches are caused by an overgrowth of cells and are often a result of chronic irritation or inflammati...

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...

Jessner lymphocytic infiltrate of the skin is an uncommon disorder that is characterized by benign accumulations of lymph cells in the skin. These small lesions are solid, pink or red in color, and appear on the face, neck, and/or back. Skin surro...

What is male breast cancer? Men possess a small amount of nonfunctioning breast tissue (breast tissue that cannot produce milk) that is concentrated in the area directly behind the nipple on the chest wall. Like breast cancer in women, can...

What is male breast cancer? Men possess a small amount of nonfunctioning breast tissue (breast tissue that cannot produce milk) that is concentrated in the area directly behind the nipple on the chest wall. Like breast cancer in women, can...

Median rhomboid glossitis is a condition characterized by a smooth, red, diamond-shaped lesion on the midline of the dorsal surface of the tongue. It is believed to be caused by a fungal infection, specifically Candida albicans, although other fac...

Erythromelalgia is a rare condition that primarily affects the feet and, less commonly, the hands (extremities). It is characterized by intense, burning pain of affected extremities, severe redness (erythema), and increased skin temperature that m...

Molluscum contagiosum is a common viral skin infection that causes small, raised bumps or lesions on the skin. It is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus and is highly contagious, spreading through direct skin-to-skin contact or by sharing it...

Mouth sores, also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers, are small, painful lesions that develop on the inside of the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue. They can be white or yellow in color and are often surrounded by a red bo...

Mumps is a contagious viral infection that primarily affects the salivary glands, causing swelling and pain in the cheeks and jaw. It is spread through respiratory droplets, such as coughing or sneezing, and can also be transmitted through close p...

Muscle sprains and strains facts A sprain is abnormal stretching or tearing of a ligament that supports a joint. A strain is abnormal stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. Sprains and strains may be caused...

Pain located in the neck is a common medical condition. Neck pain can come from a number of disorders and diseases and can involve any of the tissues in the neck. Examples of common conditions causing neck pain are degenerative disc disease, neck ...

Renal cell carcinoma is a form of kidney cancer. Some patients with renal cell carcinoma do not have symptoms (asymptomatic). When symptoms are present, they may include blood in the urine; urine that is brown or rusty-colored; abdominal pain; wei...

Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a rare kidney disorder that may be inherited or acquired. NDI is not related to the more common diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes), in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. NDI is a distin...

General DiscussionPediatric cardiomyopathy is a rare heart condition that affects infants and children. Specifically, cardiomyopathy means disease of the heart muscle (myocardium). Several different types of cardiomyopathy exist and the s...

Ocular rosacea is a type of rosacea that affects the eyes. It is characterized by redness, burning, stinging, and itching of the eyes, as well as dryness, sensitivity to light, and the formation of small cysts on the eyelids. In some cases, ocular...

Oral cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pouches that can develop in the mouth. They can occur in various locations, including the gums, lips, tongue, and roof of the mouth. Oral cysts are typically painless and may go unnoticed until they become large...

An oral fistula is an abnormal connection or passageway that forms between two structures in the mouth, such as between the oral cavity and the skin or between the oral cavity and the nasal cavity. This can result in the leakage of saliva, food, o...

Oral thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the mouth. It typically appears as white, creamy patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, gums, or tonsils. Oral thru...

Oral ulceration refers to the presence of open sores or lesions in the mouth. These ulcers can be painful and may make it difficult to eat, drink, or speak. They can occur on the lips, tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, or roof of the mouth. Oral...

Oral vesicles are small, fluid-filled blisters that can develop on the inside of the mouth, lips, or tongue. They are often caused by viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus (cold sores) or coxsackievirus (hand, foot, and mouth disease). Or...

Osgood-Schlatter condition (formerly known as Osgood-Schlatter's disease) is a painful condition characterized by tiny, microfractures of the bony bump in the lower leg bone (tibia) where the ligament from the kneecap (patella) is inserted into th...

Erythrokeratolysis hiemalis is an extremely rare form of ichthyosis that was first described in South Africa but has subsequently been identified in other countries. In such cases, a link to South Africa has been determined. The disorder is charac...

Erythrokeratolysis hiemalis is an extremely rare form of ichthyosis that was first described in South Africa but has subsequently been identified in other countries. In such cases, a link to South Africa has been determined. The disorder is charac...

Paget disease of the breast is a form of breast cancer that affects the skin of the nipple. The cause of Paget disease of the breast is poorly understood, but it may be related to tumor cells from other sites in the breast traveling...

Different types of manual therapy, or mobilization, can be used to treat people with spinal alignment problems. For acute musculoskeletal pain, these techniques have been shown to speed recovery. In patients with musculoskeletal disorders ...

Pericoronitis is a condition in which the gum tissue around a partially erupted tooth becomes inflamed and infected. This most commonly occurs around the wisdom teeth, which are the last teeth to come in and often do not have enough room to fully ...

Phthisis, also known as pulmonary tuberculosis, is one of the most common illnesses that humans face. It affects people of all ages, from all walks of life, and in every country.  While phthisis may affect almost every organ in...

Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP) is a rare genetic dermatological disorder affecting the skin, hair, teeth, and central nervous system. Progressive skin changes occur in four stages, the first of which appear in early infancy or can be present at birth...

A ranula is a type of cyst that forms on the floor of the mouth, usually under the tongue. It is typically filled with mucus and can cause swelling and discomfort. Ranulas are usually harmless, but they can sometimes become infected or grow large ...

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, sometimes life-threatening unless properly treated, immunological disorder of the skin. It is characterized by blisters that meld into one another to cover a substantial portion of the body (30% and more...

Rosacea (roe-ZAY-she-uh) is a common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. It may also produce small, red, pus-filled bumps. These signs and symptoms may flare up for a period of weeks to months and then dimini...

Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation caused by the microscopic mite Sarcoptes scabiei. It is characterized by intense itching and a pimple-like rash. Scabies is usually spread through close physical contact with an infected person, and ...

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare, sometimes life-threatening unless properly treated, immunological disorder of the skin. It is characterized by blisters that meld into one another to cover a substantial portion of the body (30% and more...

Though they're not cancerous, sebaceous cysts can be irritating. A sebaceous cyst is a small lump or bump under the skin. This type of cyst is not cancerous. They are most often found on the face, neck, upper back, and upper chest,...

Sialadenitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the salivary glands, which are responsible for producing saliva in the mouth. This inflammation can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, blockages in the salivary ducts, autoimmun...

Billions of people worldwide carry the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, but most are unaffected by it. There are more than 30 different types of bacteria that are classified as Staphylococcus; the most common is Staphylococcus aureus. ...

Stomatitis is a general term for inflammation of the mucous lining of the mouth, which can result in painful sores or ulcers. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune disorders, allergies, or ir...

What are yeast infections? What are commonly known as "yeast" infections are caused by various species of a yeast-like fungus called Candida, particularly the species Candida albicans. Yeast organisms are part of the germs (including bacte...

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symp...

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. It is one of the most common STIs worldwide and can affect both men and women. Symptoms of trichomoniasis can include genital itching, burn...

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symp...

Cholinergic urticaria is a relatively common disorder of the immune system characterized by an immediate skin reaction (hypersensitivity) to heat, emotional stress, and/or exercise. Symptoms of the disorder include the appearance of distinctive sm...

Uveitis is inflammation of the 'uvea' of the eye. The uvea is made up of three parts. The first part is the iris, which is the colored ring of tissue you can see in the mirror. The dark hole in the middle of the iris is the pupil. The second and t...

General DiscussionVACTERL association is a nonrandom association of birth defects that affects multiple median and para-median structures. The term VACTERL is an acronym with each letter representing the first letter of one of the more co...

General DiscussionVACTERL association is a nonrandom association of birth defects that affects multiple median and para-median structures. The term VACTERL is an acronym with each letter representing the first letter of one of the more co...

Familial eosinophilic cellulitis is a rare skin disorder. It is characterized by raised, red, swollen, and warm areas of skin, in a flame-shaped pattern with associated pain. The exact cause of the disease is unknown. However, bites of spiders, be...

Yeast infection, also known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus. It can occur in various parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, skin, and genital area. Symptoms of yeast infection may includ...