by the pines

Introduction Common warts are noncancerous skin growths caused by a virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus causes a rapid growth of cells on the outer layer of your skin. Common warts are different from moles, and they aren’t cancerous. In fact, they’re usually harmless and often disappear on their own. But you may [...]

Introduction It takes two quick licks to seal an envelope. But, if you find that you’re often reaching for tape because you don’t have saliva to spare, you may have a condition called xerostomia (zeer-o-STO-me-uh) — the medical term for dry mouth. Lack of saliva is a common problem that may seem little more than [...]

Introduction Ordinary dry skin (xerosis) usually isn’t serious, but it can be uncomfortable and unsightly, turning plump cells into shriveled ones and creating fine lines and wrinkles. More serious dry skin conditions, such as the inherited group of disorders called ichthyosis, can sometimes be disfiguring enough to cause psychological distress. Fortunately, most dry skin results [...]

Introduction Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Having just one of these conditions — increased blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, excess body fat around the waist or abnormal cholesterol levels — isn’t diagnosed as metabolic syndrome, but it does contribute to your [...]

Introduction Imagine yourself out on the golf course on a beautiful summer afternoon. You hit your best tee shot of the day, the second sails straight down the fairway, and your approach shot lands three feet from the cup. Just one smooth tap of the putter and you’ll card a birdie. You feel confident as [...]

Introduction Plague is a life-threatening infection caused by the organism Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that caused the 14th-century Black Death plague pandemic. Plague-causing bacteria still exist in the environment today, although their effect has abated dramatically. The major threat of plague these days comes not through natural transmission, but through intentional transmission, perhaps by terrorists [...]

Introduction Yellow fever is a hemorrhagic fever caused by a virus spread by a particular species of mosquito. It is most common in areas of Africa and South America, affecting travelers to and residents of those areas. In mild cases, yellow fever causes fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. But yellow fever can become more serious, [...]

Introduction Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Also known as herpes zoster, it often appears as a band of blisters that wraps from the middle of your back around one side of your chest to your breastbone. Other parts of your body can be involved as well, including your neck, face [...]

Introduction Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a complex condition in which one or more tumors form in the pancreas or in the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). These tumors, called gastrinomas, secrete large amounts of the hormone gastrin, which causes excessive production of acid by your stomach. The excess acid, in turn, leads to peptic [...]

Introduction Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep. People with narcolepsy often find it difficult to stay awake for long periods of time, regardless of the circumstances. Narcolepsy can cause serious disruptions in your daily routine. Some people mistakenly attribute symptoms of narcolepsy to depression, seizure [...]