Urticaria (hives)
INTRODUCTION - Urticaria is the medical term for hives. Hives are distinct, raised areas of the skin that itch intensely and are red with a pale center (show picture 1). Hives are a very common condition: about 25 percent of all people experience ... [... more]
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Insomnia treatments
In many cases, insomnia is associated with an underlying problem, such as stress, pain, or a medical condition. In these cases, treatment of the underlying problem may help to improve sleep. In other cases, the cause of insomnia is not clear or ... [... more]
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Head lice (Pediculosis capitis)
This topic discusses the diagnosis and treatment of head lice. Pubic lice are discussed separately. (See "Patient information: Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis)"). DESCRIPTION - The head louse is a grayish-white insect between that is 3 to 4 ... [... more]
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Sleep apnea in adults
HOW SLEEP APNEA OCCURS - The throat is surrounded by muscles that control the airway for speaking, swallowing, and breathing. During sleep, these muscles are less active, and this causes the throat to narrow (show figure 1). In most people, this ... [... more]
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Sunburn
INTRODUCTION - Sunburn results when skin is burned by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, most often after excessive sun exposure. It is common, with nearly 32 percent of adults and between 72 and 83 percent of children and adolescents reporting at least ... [... more]
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General travel advice
INTRODUCTION - More individuals are traveling internationally now than ever before. International travel can lead to wonderful new experiences and lasting memories. Unfortunately, travel can also lead to health problems that range in severity ... [... more]
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Bedbugs
INTRODUCTION - Bedbugs are small insects that can infest homes and other structures. There are several species of bedbugs, one of which (Cimex lectularius) is responsible for the majority of infestations in temperate (moderate) climates; another ... [... more]
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Chronic venous insufficiency
INTRODUCTION - Chronic venous insufficiency is a common disorder that affects the veins of the legs. Normally, these veins carry blood from the legs to the heart (show figure 1A-1B). In people with chronic venous insufficiency, the veins do not ... [... more]
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Weight loss surgery
Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) This figure depicts the stomach's appearance after vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), which uses surgical staples to partition off a small pouch in the upper part of the stomach. The outlet from this pouch to ... [... more]
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Acne
INTRODUCTION - Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disorder in North America. It affects an estimated 85 percent of adolescents, and is increasingly common among people over age 25. It may cause physical scars as well as embarrassment, anxiety, ... [... more]
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Adult immunizations
INTRODUCTION - Pediatric immunization programs in the United States have been quite successful against a range of contagious diseases, including measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and poliomyelitis; fewer than 500 children die in the US each ... [... more]
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Urinary incontinence
INTRODUCTION - Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine. Although it becomes more common as people get older, incontinence is not normal at any age. Many types of therapy are available for urinary incontinence. A brief review of ... [... more]
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