Knowledge
What is This Rash? An Overview of Common Rashes
Skin rashes are a common chief complaint in many ERs, urgent cares, and primary care clinics. Luckily, due to the advent of vaccines, many diseases that cause rashes, such as measles and rubeola, are almost never seen anymore. In the elderly population, it is also less likely to see the “sandpaper” pink rash that can…
Can I Use Retinol On My Face Every Day?
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A – a nutrient in the body that is important to vision, growth, reproduction, immunity, and cell division. That last point is why it is considered so desirable to use retinol creams on the skin. They increase cell turnover on the face, which reduces the incidence of acne, scarring,…
What antibiotics require avoiding sun exposure?
There are many types of medicines that contain ingredients that may cause photosensitivity, this means increased sensitivity to sunlight that can cause sunburn-like symptoms, a rash or other unwanted side effects. There are two types of photosensitivity – photoallergy and phototoxicity. Photoallergy is an allergic reaction of the skin and may not occur until several…
Holiday Anxiety Blues: Why we get them and what you can do about it?
The holiday season is typically viewed as a time of happiness and rejoicing. But for some, it can be a period of painful reflection, sadness, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. “Holiday Blues” or holiday depression is a term used to describe temporary feelings of anxiety or depression that present during the holiday season. These feelings are…
What is Normal Blood Sugar?
One of the most common health disorders Americans face today is diabetes mellitus. More than likely, if you were not diagnosed with diabetes before the age of 30, or are overweight and/or inactive, you have what is known as Type 2 diabetes. All forms of diabetes require management of blood sugar levels overnight and before…
Making Good Food Choices Over The Holidays
Studies show that most Americans gain weight in between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve every year. However, it is possible to enjoy the holidays and still maintain some self-control and your current weight. One major thing to remember is that it is okay to cheat in moderation. Allow yourself a small serving of a holiday…
What are common reasons for stomachaches and when should I be concerned?
Your abdomen is home to several different organs and processes that take place in order for your body to function, so it can be common to have abdominal pain, and it may or may not be serious. Abdominal pain can occur for a variety of reasons, and sometimes it is easier to classify it based…
How frequently should I get my skin checked?
Screening for skin cancer is a type of preventative care that helps detect areas of concern that may turn into cancer or spread to other areas of the body. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that everyone have a full-body professional skin examination performed by a dermatologist at least once a year, and sooner if they…
What are the causes of erectile dysfunction and how to treat it?
According to MayoClinic, erectile dysfunction is the inability to get an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction can include reduced sexual desire, as well as having trouble keeping an erection or trouble getting an erection. There are many different causes of erectile dysfunction, listed below from ClinicalKey: Psychogenic → anxiety, depression, stress…
How do I relieve constipation?
Constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week, however it can vary slightly between patient to patient as to what they define as their normal (MayoClinic). The signs and symptoms of constipation include straining during a bowel movement, passing fewer stools than normal, having lumpy or hard stools or feeling as if…
How long does the flu last?
The common flu is a viral illness caused by the virus influenza types A, B, or C. The flu is a contagious illness, which means that it can be spread from person to person if a sick person causes droplets to get onto another from coughing, sneezing, or physical contact like kissing. The flu is…
How to get rid of hiccups and what causes them?
Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. The diaphragm muscle is a large muscle in your abdomen that plays a large role in breathing. With each contraction of the diaphragm, the vocal cords close causing the “hic” sound. Hiccups can be caused by alcoholic or carbonated beverages, sudden excitement, or large meals. Rarely, hiccups…
Can adults get RSV from kids?
RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial virus, which is a viral infection affecting the lungs and respiratory tract. RSV is a very common viral illness that infects most children by the time they turn two years old. RSV can also occur in adults and older children. The symptoms in older children and adults may be less…
What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones are deposits of hard minerals and salts that form in the kidney. They can form because of diet, obesity, and certain medical conditions. A kidney stone may form in any part of the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the ureter. A stone will typically form when urine gets concentrated, which allows the…