What to Know About How Wounds Are Closed

Wound closure is important, because anopen woundis an open door for infection. Our skin is a barrier between bacteria and our bodies. An opening in the skin increases the risk of having an infection. Reza Estakhrian / Getty Images Surgical incisions are like an icebergmuch of what has been done is under the surface. However, wounds can be left open for a variety of reasons. This method may also be used when a wound will requiredebridement....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 302 words · Brian Roberts

What to Know About Hyperthyroidism Treatment

Hyperthyroidism is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. Fortunately, there are many different ways to treat it. This article provides a comprehensive overview of treatments for hyperthyroidism. Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images It reviews the three most effective and efficient options available and addresses strategies for regulating thyroid levels successfully. Kathrin Ziegler / Getty Images How Is Hyperthyroidism Treated? Your healthcare provider will work to balance your hyperthyroidism by returning your thyroid hormone levels to normal....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 557 words · Dr. Brittany Watson

What to Know About Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) and COVID-19

Research regarding immunethrombocytopenia(ITP) and COVID-19 is ongoing. In some cases, it can be severe and lead to significant, even potentially fatal, bleeding. Risk of Blood Clots Those infected with COVID-19 carry an increased risk of developingblood clots. Verywell / Jessica Olah Generally, this risk is managed with the use of blood-thinning medications such as heparin or enoxaparin. This leads to the potential increased risk of clotting. In these rare cases, the response to treatment was good with platelets returning to normal....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 362 words · Brian Harris

What to Know About Inflammatory Polyarthritis

This article explains polyarthritis symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. They can come on suddenly or over many months. A key sign of polyarthritis is inflammation. Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health Inoligoarthritis, four or fewer joints are affected. If five or more joints are affected, its called polyarthritis. Autoimmune diseases can trigger an all-body response because they’re systemic diseases that can cause various symptoms. Mike Devlin / Science Photo Library / Getty Images...

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 527 words · Ann Garcia

What to Know About Kids and Cough Medications

When a child has a cough, it can be very concerning to a parent. Sean Locke / Stocksy United Should I Give My Child Cough Medicine? Prescription cough suppressantscan be more dangerous for young children. Sean Locke / Stocksy United Suppressing the cough with a prescription cough medication could potentially make things worse. These medications are also dangerous for children because they contain narcotics. Hydrocodone, or codeine, is a narcotic that can slow down a childs respiratory rate....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 165 words · Michelle Brewer

What to Know About Lichenoid Dermatitis

Older adults are most likely to experience lichenoid dermatitis, but it can develop at any age. The skin disorder presents with raised bumps on the skin and a purplish tint. This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for lichenoid dermatitis. FG Trade / Getty Images FG Trade / Getty Images What Is Lichenoid Dermatitis? Lichenoid dermatitis is a pop in ofeczema. How Common Is Lichenoid Dermatitis? Lichenoid dermatitis is the least common form of eczema and affects roughly 2....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 223 words · Mr. John Griffith

What to Know About Lisinopril (Zestril)

ACE inhibitors cause the blood vessels to dilate (widen), lowering blood pressure. Lisinopril is not the right drug for everyone, such as people with kidney failure or a history ofangioedema. This article discusses lisinopril and why it is prescribed for certain conditions. Hailshadow / Getty Images It explains the main side effects and the dangers of taking lisinopril, as well as possible drug interactions. Lisinopril Warning and Pregnancy People who are pregnant should not take lisinopril....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 462 words · Jacob Dominguez

What to Know About Long COVID and Eczema

Eczemais a group of conditions that cause the skin to become dry, red, itchy, or inflamed. In some cases, the skin can also blister and weep. Researchers advised that these two conditions should not be considered risk factors for contracting COVID-19. Verywell / Ellen Lindner Study results showed a significant increase in new-onset eczema in those with a previous COVID-19 infection. A 2022 study found that eczema was one of the most common medical conditions in people experiencing long COVID....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 282 words · Jennifer Harris

What to Know About Low Blood Platelets in Pregnancy

Gestational thrombocytopenia is usually mild and often resolves on its own after birth. This article will cover the symptoms, causes, and complications associated with low platelets in pregnancy. Throughout pregnancy, the number of platelets in the blood naturally goes down. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty Images In people with gestational thrombocytopenia, the platelet count always returns to normal within a few weeks of delivery. Hemodilution means you have the same number of platelet cells in a larger volume of blood....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 606 words · Austin Warren

What to Know About Low Blood Pressure and High Pulse

Low blood pressurealso calledhypotensionmay not be a medical concern unless it causes symptoms. A high heart ratecalled tachycardiais one way the heart resolves hypotension. This article will discuss the benign and serious causes of when tachycardia and hypotension occur together. \Cavan Images / Getty Images It will also cover when to contact a healthcare provider and potential treatments. A person’sblood pressureand heart rate should correlate with their actions. If someone is resting, their heart rate and blood pressure should be on the lower end of normal....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 578 words · Raymond Daniel

What to Know About Lymphangitis

The organs include the bone marrow,spleen,thymus, lymph nodes, tonsils, andlymphatic vessels. They help to create and storelymphocytes, white blood cells that play a role in immunity. The system also helps send white blood cells where they need to go to fight infection. FatCamera / Getty Images This article discusses what lymphangitis looks like and what causes it. It also covers the different treatments and the prognosis for lymphangitis. FatCamera / Getty Images...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 396 words · Tara Knox

What to Know About Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)

LGV can be passed through anal, vaginal, or oral sex and progresses in three distinct stages. Early symptoms of LGV include painless bumps or ulcers that are sometimes mistaken forsyphilisorgenital herpes. Though easily treated withantibiotics, untreated LGV infections can lead to potentially severe complications, including rupturedlymph nodesoranal fistulas. Israel Sebastian / Getty Images It also describes the risk factors for LGV and what you might do to reduce your odds of infection....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 472 words · Andrew Jones

What to Know About Marijuana and Parkinson’s Disease as CAM Therapy

But in recent years, more states have authorized the use of marijuana for both recreational and medicinal use. Learn more about the benefits and considerations that come with usingmarijuana as a therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Verywell / Michela Buttignol What Is Medical Marijuana? Verywell / Michela Buttignol Medical marijuanais cannabis that’s prescribed by a physician to treat or provide relief for a medical condition. Cannabinol, or CBD, is the other cannabinoid, which is used in medical marijuana....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 443 words · Tammy Hoffman