What to Know About Rohypnol (flunitrazepam)

It is known as “the date rape drug” because it has been used to facilitate sexual assault. They are classified as a Schedule IV drug in the United States. This article explains roofie symptoms and effects, and discusses how it can be used or abused. bbstudio_aad / Getty Images What Is Rohypnol? Rohypnol is an olive green oblong tablet produced by the pharmaceutical manufacturer Hoffman-La Roche. It is in a class of depressants calledbenzodiazepines....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 255 words · Michelle White

What to Know About Scalp Peeling

Adry scalpcan be uncomfortable, and when it leads to itching and peeling, it can be embarrassing. There are several causes of dry scalp, including dermatitis, dandruff, and psoriasis. Symptoms ofcontact dermatitisinclude: Seborrheic dermatitis, on the other hand, is characterized by greasy, red patches. chokja / Getty Iamges The rash develops yellow or white scales that often flake. Causes Contact dermatitis develops when your skin comes into contact with a substance that irritates it....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 519 words · Robert Harrington

What to Know About Selenium and Your Thyroid

The nutrient is essential for thyroid function Seleniumis a mineral that is important for thyroid hormone metabolism. Your body doesn’t makeselenium, so the only way you might get it is through food and/or supplements. Most people meet their requirements, but some are at greater risk for deficiency. istockphoto This mineral plays a key role in your thyroid glands ability to produce thyroid hormone. Iodine requires selenium for be synthesized properly into thyroid hormone....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 363 words · Elizabeth Davis

What to Know About Sepsis and COVID-19

Sepsisincreases a persons risk of COVID-19 due to the compromised immune system that results from fighting sepsis. Some complications of COVID-19 and sepsis overlap. Beingimmunocompromisedmay lead to more severe health outcomes from COVID-19, including long-term complications. SeventyFour / Getty Images Increased risk is due to having a compromised immune system from battling sepsis. Some health conditions can increase the risk of getting sepsis and COVID-19. In addition to the risk of infection with COVID-19, there is also the risk of exposure to COVID-19....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 373 words · Jeremy Williams

What to Know About Serous Otitis Media (Fluid in the Ears)

The fluid build-up can cause discomfort or muffled hearing. If it is unresolved, however, your child’s healthcare provider may need to help remove the fluid. Children often get fluid in the ear partly because their eustachian tube is shorter than adults. Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell The tube is also more horizontal in children, making it less likely to drain fluid. Children are most likely to have fluid in the middle ear between two to seven years of age....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 267 words · Wendy Acosta

What to Know About Short Bowel Syndrome

Treatments for short bowel syndrome include medication, changes to diet, and surgery. SolStock / Getty Images What Is Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS)? The small intestine is like a tube. SolStock / Getty Images It is about 20 feet long in adults. It is located in the abdomen and runs between the stomach and the large intestine. Food is chewed and swallowed, then travels down theesophagusto the stomach. When the small bowel is shortened, it could lead to fewer vitamins and minerals being absorbed....

April 18, 2025 · 5 min · 1024 words · Corey Rosales

What to Know About Skin Fissures

They look like tiny cuts or cracks in the skin. The skin around the cracks is usually thickened and calloused. Skin fissures are resulting from very dry skin (xerosis). Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ and ©Raimo Suhonen www.dermnetnz.org 2022 Fissures start out as small cracks and can get deeper, becoming more painful. You may notice a callus forming, especially if you havefissures on your heels. The thick callus may look yellow or dark brown....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 544 words · Daniel Krueger

What to Know About Skin-Numbing Creams

These creams work by blocking nerve signals in the body. They can also be used to treat pain from minor injuries. Some skin-numbing creams are available over-the-counter (OTC), while others require a prescription. Alexandra Troyan / EyeEm / Getty Images In either case, it’s important to use the cream under the guidance of a healthcare provider. It also describes common side effects and when to call your healthcare provider. Skin numbing creams can reduce the pain, but may not eliminate it....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 476 words · Cindy Morris

What to Know About Smoking and COVID-19

Smoking cigarettes is a known risk factor for severe disease and death from many lung conditions. Complications of Smoking and COVID-19 Smoking affects every system in your body. Smoking also increases your chances of developingblood clots. Verywell / Zoe Hansen This protein is more abundant in smokers, another link between smoking and more severe disease from COVID-19. Frequently Asked Questions Can COVID-19 Be Spread Through Secondhand Smoke? The novel coronavirus is transmitted by droplets in most cases, but it can also be airborne....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 221 words · Ralph Cummings

What to Know About Solar Purpura

It is common in adults over 50. Excessive sunlight exposure is the main cause, so exposed areas like the limbs are most often affected. While solar purpura is usually harmless, it can sometimes indicate a more serious condition. Aphithana Chitmongkolthong / Getty Images For example, it can be a symptom ofleukemia. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and ways to manage solar purpura. It will help you to consider whether to contact your healthcare provider about your symptoms....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 545 words · Donald Gutierrez

What to Know About Steroid Nasal Spray Side Effects

Nasal steroid spraysare used to treat chronicsinusitisand allergies that affect your breathing, likehay fever. They can also be used to treat snoring andnasal polyps, noncancerous growths in the nasal passages. Both the short-term and long-term use of nasal steroid sprays are thought to largely be safe forchildrenand adults alike. Illustration by Tara Anand for Verywell Health However, they are not without side effects. It also walks you through when to talk to your healthcare provider about them....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 589 words · Rhonda Ruiz

What to Know About Stomach Polyps

Stomach polyps, also called gastricpolyps, are abnormal tissue growths that develop in your stomach lining. Over 85% of stomach polyps are benign (noncancerous), and many dont cause any symptoms. However, some stomach polyps are a sign ofgastric cancer. PonyWang / Getty Images PonyWang / Getty Images Are Stomach Polyps Serious or Benign? Most stomach polyps are benign and asymptomatic. However, some stomach polyps are malignant (cancerous) and can lead to serious health complications....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 445 words · Monica Wright

What to Know About Symbicort (Budesonide and Formoterol)

Symbicort is not used as arescue inhalerbut rather provides long-term control of obstructive airway diseases like asthma and COPD. While safe, convenient, and effective, Symbicort is not appropriate for everyone. Uses Symbicort is approved for adults and children 6 years of age and over. Image Source / Getty Images COPD is only partially reversible in that airway damage tends to progress even with treatment. Even so, combination inhalers like Symbicort can slow the disease progression even in those with advanced disease....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 563 words · Tanner Gross