Managing Photosensitivity With Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP)

It is sometimes referred to as being allergic to the sun. There are many causes of photosensitivity, such as reactions to certain medications and underlying health conditions. One such condition iserythropoietic protoporphyria(EPP), which is a rare genetic disorder. RunPhoto / Getty Images People with EPP experience a range of photosensitivity, from mild discomfort to severe pain. People with EPP have decreased activity of an enzyme calledferrochelatasein their red blood cells....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 565 words · Emily Lin

Managing Psoriasis on the Arms

Psoriasis frequently appears on the arms, often on your elbow. Several types of psoriasis may affect your arms, but plaque psoriasis is the most common. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease without a cure. Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. Reproduced with permission from DermNet New Zealand www.dermnetnz.org 2023. Reproduced with permission from DermNetwww....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 547 words · Angela Carlson

Managing Psoriatic Arthritis Flare-Ups

Flare-upsalso called flares or relapsesare periods where symptoms of PsA get worse. PsA can cause the joints to become swollen, stiff, and painful. Some people with PsA may also have nail and skin changes and chronic fatigue. Anut21ng / Getty Images It is difficult to know when a flare-up may come about but avoiding certain triggers may prevent disease flares. Your treatment plan can also reduce the risk and severity of flares....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 842 words · Amanda Pittman

Marc Lallanilla

Lallanilla also studied in New York University’s graduate program in Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting. We reach more than 300 million readers annually. Verywell Health content is fact checked and reviewed by ourMedical Expert Boardfor accuracy and integrity. Learn moreabout usand oureditorial process.

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 43 words · Karen Miller

Marijuana Abuse and Addiction: Know the Signs

Marijuana comes from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. Its often made from the dried leaves and flowers of the plant and even the seeds and stems. It contains a chemical called THC, which is a psychoactive chemical. Verywell / Danie Drankwalter Knowing what these are can help you approach your loved one in a caring way. Marijuana Addiction Addictionrefers to the compulsive use of substances driven by strong physical and psychological urges....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 511 words · Garrett Moore

Marijuana and Diabetes: Benefits and Precautions

The use of medical marijuana has been steadily increasing. Because of this, healthcare providers have been trying to gain a better understanding of its effects on health. This article covers the benefits of medical marijuana for diabetes and the possible side effects of using it. Verywell / Michela Buttignol What Is Medical Marijuana? The risk was associated with swings in blood sugar levels causing more frequent highs and lows. Managing Weight Marijuana could also help with managing your weight....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 345 words · Leah Parker

Mark Foley, DO

Experience Mark Foley, DO, is a former writer for Verywell Health covering headaches and migraines. As an osteopathic physician, Mark has spent a number of years diagnosing and treating pain. His private medical practice consists mostly of pain management, with many patients seeking relief from migraines and headaches. Education Mark Foley has a Doctorate of Osteopathy from Midwestern University–Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine. He attended family practice residency at the Penn State University/Good Samaritan Hospital Family Medicine residency program....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 131 words · Bethany Parker

Mass on Ovaries: Is It Cancer?

That’s not always an easy question to answer. NickyLloyd / Getty Images Are You At Risk for Ovarian Cancer? Anyone can develop a mass on the ovary or ovarian cancer. NickyLloyd / Getty Images But certain people have a higher cancer risk than others. So, healthcare providers can use any of several tests to determine the risk of it being malignant. While it lacks objective findings that blood markers or imaging scans can provide, this method is quite effective....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 372 words · Alex Paul

Massage, Rolfing, and Other Bodywork for Fibromyalgia

That all depends both on the form of bodywork as well as your specific symptoms. Healthcare providers usually recommend bodywork as a complementary treatment, not as the only treatment. For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Studies showgentlemassage helps lower anxiety and improve sleep in people with ME/CFS. Prostock-Studio / Getty Images Be sure to consider your pain levels and how much your tissues can tolerate before you try Rolfing. When the treatment is effective, relief is often immediate....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 221 words · Karen Hughes

Matcha: Everything You Need to Know

Although matcha originated in Japan, the tea seeds were initially grown in China. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Luis Alvarez / Getty Images More research has focused on green tea or theC. People might use matcha for various reasons, mainly brain health. To better understand matcha’s effect on brain health, higher-quality, larger, and longer-term studies are necessary....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 345 words · Leslie Miles MD

Materials Used to Make a Cast For a Broken Bone

Casts are typically made of plaster or fiberglass, each of which have pros and cons. Fiberglass Most casts used today are fiberglass. Like plaster casts, fiberglass casts are wrapped over a few layers of cotton that protect the skin. igor kisselev / Getty Images Keeping the cotton clean and dry is very important for your comfort. Plaster casts are most often used when repositioning the bone (fracture reduction) is done....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 227 words · Mallory Carter

Matthew Schmitz, MD

He’s also served as an adjunct clinical faculty member at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Schmitz is a member of theAmerican Medical Association(AMA). Education Dr. Schmitz received his MD from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. We reach more than 300 million readers annually. Verywell Health content is fact checked and reviewed by ourMedical Expert Boardfor accuracy and integrity. Learn moreabout usand oureditorial process.

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 67 words · Zachary Burnett

Maurice Gibb’s Cause of Death Was a Bowel Obstruction

His cause of death wasvolvulus, a twisting of the intestine that results in bowel obstruction (blockage). This weakened his condition. However, he died at 1 a.m. the next morning. Michael Brennan / Getty Images What Is Volvulus? Bowel obstructionrequires immediate medical attention. Patients may be treated with surgery or, in mild cases, other interventions. If treated promptly, most people recover from the condition. During the 1980s, as disco music declined in popularity, the Bee Gees were taken less seriously....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 287 words · Omar Dillon