What is intertrigo? Itching in the skin by iStock Intertrigo is painful and itchy skin inflammation that occurs between skin folds, such as in the groin, buttocks, or between fat folds. Sometimes, bacteria can infect this irritated skin, worsening inflammation. Losing weight and applying various topical remedies – especially before gym workouts, jogging, or other exercises – can reduce the...

What Is the Recovery Time for a Laparoscopic Appendectomy?
What is a laparoscopic appendectomy? The recovery time for a laparoscopic appendectomy is shorter than for an open appendectomy because it is less invasive. An appendectomy is the surgical removal of vermiform appendix, a finger-shaped sac attached to the beginning part of the colon (cecum). The appendix is located in the lower right abdomen. A laparoscopic appendectomy is a minimally...

Spondylitis vs. Spondylosis: What’s the Difference?
Spondylitis occurs due to inflammation that causes arthritis while spondylosis is wear and tear of the vertebrae that results in disk and joint degeneration. Spondylosis and spondylitis are both conditions of the joints in your spine. Your spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, and the material between each vertebra in the joints are called disks. The joints and...

Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Infection Symptoms, Treatment, Strep A & Vaccines
Group A streptococcal infections (GAS) facts Figure 1: Photo of Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS). SOURCE: CDC Group A streptococci (GAS) are defined gram-positive spherical-shaped bacteria that produce beta-hemolysis (lysis of red blood cells producing clear or transparent areas in special growth media) and appear usually as a chain of two or more bacteria and have molecules on their surface known as...
Sporotrichosis Treatment, Symptoms & Diagnosis
Sporotrichosis facts* *Sporotrichosis facts medical author: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Sporotrichosis (also termed rose gardener’s or rose handler’s disease) is an infection caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, found throughout the world; it is usually associated with minor skin cuts and scrapes that occur when handling vegetation (moss, hay, wood, sharp-stemmed plants like rosebushes). The first symptom of sporotrichosis...

Root Canal Cost, Recovery Time, Infection & Duration of Procedure
An illustration of teeth shows the inflamed area of tooth decay targeted during a root canal.Source: iStock What is a root canal? A root canal is a treatment of the pulp of the tooth that is inflamed, infected, or dead. The dental pulp is a soft substance in the center of the tooth that consists of the nerve, blood vessels,...
Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms and Treatment
Seasonal affective disorder facts Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a kind of depression that tends to occur (and recur) as the hours of daylight grow shorter during the fall and winter months, but it may occur during the summer for some individuals. The incidence of seasonal affective disorder increases in people who are living farther away from the equator. Although...
Parry-Romberg Syndrome: Facts on the Disease and Diagnosis
What is and what causes Parry-Romberg syndrome? Parry-Romberg syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by slowly progressive deterioration (atrophy) of the skin and soft tissues of half of the face (hemifacial atrophy), usually the left side. It is more common in females than in males. What are the signs and symptoms of Parry-Romberg syndrome? Readers Comments 7 Share Your Story...

Bleeding During Pregnancy: How Much Is Normal? What Causes It?
What facts should you know about bleeding during pregnancy? Readers Comments 35 Share Your Story Bleeding during pregnancy is cause for concern and warrants a visit to the doctor. What should you know about vaginal bleeding during pregnancy? Vaginal bleeding or spotting during the first trimester of pregnancy is relatively common. Some amount of light bleeding or spotting during pregnancy...
The Military Diet: Lose 10 Pounds in Just a Week
What is the military diet? The military diet or the 3-day diet is one of the most popular weight-loss diets. Dating back to 1985, this fad diet claims a weight loss of about 10 pounds or 4.5 kgs in a week. The diet makes robust claims of faster and significant weight loss, detox, lowered cholesterol, and increased energy. None of...
