by the pines

Introduction An infection of nail fungus occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. A nail fungal infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop [...]

Introduction Doctors today refer to it as parvovirus infection or erythema infectiosum. Some people may call it slapped-cheek disease because of the face rash that develops resembling slap marks. Parvovirus infection is also commonly called fifth disease because it was fifth of a group of once-common childhood diseases with similar rashes. The other four are [...]

Nearsightedness Introduction Nearsightedness (myopia) is a common vision condition in which you can see objects near to you clearly, but objects farther away are blurry. The degree of your nearsightedness determines your focusing ability. People with severe nearsightedness can see clearly only objects just a few inches away, while those with mild nearsightedness may clearly [...]

Introduction Smallpox is a contagious, disfiguring and often deadly disease caused by the variola virus. Few other illnesses have had such a profound effect on human health and history. In the 20th century alone, an estimated 300 million people died of smallpox. The initial signs and symptoms of smallpox, which appear about two weeks after [...]

Introduction Ringworm of the body is one of several forms of ringworm, a fungal infection that develops on the top layer of your skin. It’s characterized by an itchy, red circle of rash with healthy-looking skin in the middle. Also called tinea corporis, ringworm of the body is closely related to other skin conditions with [...]

Introduction Ringworm of the scalp is one of several forms of ringworm, a type of fungal infection that affects the skin, nails and scalp. Ringworm of the scalp is most common in toddlers and school-age children and causes red, itchy, bald-looking patches on the scalp. Also called tinea capitis, ringworm of the scalp is closely [...]

Introduction Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. But the danger it poses is real. Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in your blood — and the consequences can be fatal. In the U.S., more people die each year of exposure to carbon monoxide than of any other type of poison. Carbon monoxide is produced [...]

Introduction You may associate melanoma with skin cancer and the growth or spread of moles on the surface of your skin. However, melanoma doesn’t occur just on your skin. It can also occur in your eyes and, rarely, in internal organs. Melanoma develops in the cells that produce melanin — the pigment that gives your [...]

Introduction Wherever you go, the first thing you do is scope out the location of the nearest toilet. You can’t get a good night’s sleep because the pressure or pain in your bladder awakens you. And you may have pain in your pelvis, which can range from mild burning or discomfort to severe pain. You [...]

Introduction Boils and carbuncles are painful, pus-filled bumps that form under your skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more of your hair follicles. Boils usually start as red, tender lumps. The lumps quickly fill with pus, growing larger and more painful until they rupture and drain. Although some boils disappear a few days [...]