What is a boil? Share Your Story A boil is a bacterial skin infection of a hair follicle. Boils contain pus. Boils are usually caused by staphylococcal bacteria. Boils are also known as furuncles. Are boils contagious? There is some controversy about boils being contagious. Some experts say the boils themselves are not contagious because...
Facts you should know about breasts Picture of the anatomy of the breast The breasts are medically known as the mammary glands. The mammary glands are made up of lobules, milk-producing glandular structures, and a system of ducts that transport milk to the nipple. Lymphatic vessels in the breast drain excess fluid. Breast growth begins...
Can you feel your baby at 15 weeks? At 15 weeks gestation, you are in the second trimester of pregnancy. If it is your first pregnancy, it will take 20 weeks or longer to feel the baby’s movements. At 15 weeks, you have crossed the pesky first-trimester pregnancy woes and are well into the golden...
Breastfeeding facts The ability of the breasts to produce milk diminishes soon after childbirth without the stimulation of breastfeeding. Infants triple their total body weight during their first year of life. The immunity factors in breast milk can help the baby to fight off infections. Breast milk contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes which aid the...
Jock itch (tinea cruris) facts Fungus Infection (Dermatophytes) in Jock Itch Jock itch is a term for any rash that occurs in the male groin area. Jock itch is almost exclusively confined to males, although it may also be seen in females. Jock itch can be a result of local fungus infection (dermatophytes). It is...
A minimally invasive method to repair the valves Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty is a minimally invasive method to repair the valves. It improves blood flow through the heart and provides relief from the symptoms of a stenotic valve, which include: Chest pain Dizziness Breathing difficulty Palpitations (sensation of a racing or pounding heartbeat) Fainting Pale or...
Facts you should know about binge eating disorder Binge eating disorder is a mental illness whose characteristics include recurring episodes of binge eating without the affected individual's effort to make up for the binge episodes by excessively exercising, purging, and/or inappropriately using medications like diet pills or laxatives. Binge eating disorder affects about 2% of...
What should you know about spider bites? Pictures Black Widow Spider and Brown Recluse Spider Most spiders in the US are harmless. However, black widow and brown recluse spider bites are dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening. Black widow and brown recluse spider bites need immediate medical treatment. What are the signs and symptoms of spiders that...
What are red spots from the sun? The most common cause for red spots is sunburn, but a condition called polymorphous light eruption (PLE) or heat rash might be to blame as well. Spending a day outdoors is healthy and fun. But the fun can be cut short if you get too much sun and...
Mad cow disease facts *Mad cow disease facts medically edited by Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE) is a progressive neurological disorder. Mad cow disease is caused by an infectious transmissible agent termed a prion. Mad cow disease was first noted in the 1970s and is thought to...