Nicotine Dependence: Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery What Is Nicotine Dependence? Nicotine dependence is a chronic medical condition in which your body craves nicotine and you have difficulty stopping its use. Nicotine rapidly reaches the brain, where it stimulates the release of dopamine, a chemical involved in pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain adapts […]
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Tick Bite Prophylaxis: When Antibiotics May Help Prevent Lyme Disease What Is Tick Bite Prophylaxis? Tick bite prophylaxis refers to taking an antibiotic after a high risk tick bite to reduce the chance of developing Lyme disease. Preventive antibiotics are not recommended for every tick bite. They are used only when specific criteria are
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Swimmer’s Ear: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention What Is Swimmer’s Ear? Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, the passage between the outside of the ear and the eardrum. Most cases are caused by bacteria, although fungi can occasionally be responsible. Water trapped in the ear softens the skin lining the
Influenza Exposure: What to Do After Being Exposed to the Flu What Is Influenza Exposure? Influenza exposure means you have had close contact with someone who has the flu, increasing your chance of becoming infected. Examples of close exposure include: Living in the same household Caring for someone with influenza Spending prolonged time in close
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Shingles: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention What Is Shingles? Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in nerve tissue for years. It can reactivate later in life and cause shingles. Shingles usually appears as
Seasonal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis): Symptoms, Triggers, Treatment, and Prevention If you find yourself sneezing, rubbing itchy eyes, or reaching for tissues every spring or fall, you’re not alone. Seasonal allergies, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, affect millions of people each year. Although they are not usually dangerous, they can significantly impact
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Scabies: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention What Is Scabies? Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). The microscopic mites burrow into the upper layer of the skin, where they live and lay eggs. Your immune system reacts to the mites and their waste products, causing intense
Head Lice: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention What Are Head Lice? Head lice, also called Pediculus humanus capitis, are small insects that live on the scalp and hair. Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed. They lay eggs, called nits, which attach firmly to the hair shaft close to the scalp.
Genital Herpes: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention What Is Genital Herpes? Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Both HSV 1 and HSV 2 can cause genital herpes. After infection, the virus remains in the body for life and can reactivate, causing future outbreaks. Many people never develop
Cold Sores: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention What Are Cold Sores? Cold sores, also called fever blisters or herpes labialis, are fluid filled blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Most cold sores are caused by HSV 1, although HSV 2 can also cause oral infections. After the first infection, the virus remains inactive
