The Structure and Growth Cycle of Hair Follicles

It exists within thedermisand theepidermis, the two top layers of the skin. Papilla The papilla is made up of connective tissue and blood vessels that nourish growing hair. It exists at the very base of a hair follicle. Hero Images / Getty Images It is also located in the lower region of the hair follicle. This is the living part of the hair. In fact, hair that is visible above the surface of the skin is actually dead....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 279 words · Cassandra Allison

The Surprising Benefits of Lauric Acid for Your Skin and Health

A common dietary source of lauric acid is coconuts. Because of that, it contributes the least to fat storage in the body. However, more research is necessary. Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images Lauric Acid for Skin Using lauric acid for the skin is gaining popularity, especially incoconut oil. Psoriasis Lauric acid contains anti-inflammatory properties. Becausepsoriasisis an inflammatory condition, coconut oil may have a positive effect on it. However, more research is necessary to prove or disprove the use of lauric acid for psoriasis....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 160 words · Carrie Rojas

The Symptoms of Emphysema

In the later stages of emphysema, potential complications can range from anxiety to heart problems. Frequent Symptoms In the beginning, symptoms of emphysema are often silent. Shortness of Breath Shortness of breath, also known asdyspnea, is the hallmark symptom of emphysema. heshphoto/Getty Images When it first appears, it usually only occurs with exertion. As it progresses, it can be severe and even scary. People with emphysema often report feeling winded or like they are gasping for air....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 448 words · Brian Skinner

The Symptoms of Hepatitis C in Males

The most severe effects of this disease include scarring or fibrosis of the liver. This can lead tocirrhosis, a hardening and shrinking of the organ, and even cancer. Men are disproportionately affected by cirrhosis in hepatitis C, compared to women. Ariel Skelley / Getty Images These are related to the progression of damage to the liver and arise in more prolonged, chronic cases. Complications Even more concerning is the well-established link between chronic cases of hepatitis C andliver cancer....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 157 words · Brian Thomas

The Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment of Androgen Insensitivity

There are multiple causes of androgen insensitivity syndromes (AIS). With partial androgen insensitivity, the body has limited sensitivity to androgens. With complete androgen insensitivity, the body can’t respond to androgens at all. Astrakan Images / Getty Images There are also mild androgen insensitivity syndromes (MAIS). Androgen insensitivity syndromes fall under the broader category of disorders of sexual development or differences of sexual developmentDSDs. These conditions are also known as being intersex....

April 18, 2025 · 6 min · 1075 words · Patricia Powell

The TP53 Gene and Its Role in Cancer

What is TP53 and what role does it play in cancer? The TP53 gene is a gene that is mutated in many cancers. It is the most common gene mutation found in cancer cells. anusorn nakdee / Istockphoto.com A tumor-suppressor gene, TP53 codes for a protein that inhibits the development and growth of tumors. Most often, an accumulation of mutations inbothoncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes is responsible for the development of cancer....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 247 words · Gabriel Sanchez

The Truth About Agave Nectar and Diabetes

Agave nectar, also called agave syrup, is a sweetener often recommended for people with diabetes. The resulting liquid is processed with enzymes derived from a mold calledAspergillus niger. Agave is also fermented to make tequila. Pat_Hastings/iStock However, this assessment isn’t as cut-and-dried as it may seem. They diverge in terms oftypeof sugar and where each ranks of the glycemic index. It is these two factors that make agave nectar a questionable alternative to sugar....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 260 words · Jonathan Pham

The Truth About Mixing Aspirin and Ibuprofen

Aspirin and ibuprofen are not the same medication. You should know how each medication works before takingaspirinand ibuprofen together. Grace Cary / Getty Images Is It Safe to Take Aspirin and Ibuprofen Together? Grace Cary / Getty Images Aspirin is ablood thinner. For example, taking aspirin may help protect some people againstheart attacksandstrokes. However, ibuprofen can change the blood-thinning (or anti-clotting) effect of low-dose aspirin. Here are a few key points to know about taking aspirin and ibuprofen at the same time....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 290 words · Lynn Silva

The Two Types of Herpes Simplex

Herpesis a viral infection transmitted throughskincontact. This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. Reproduced with permission from DermNet and Dr. Mashihul Hossainwww.dermnetnz.org2023. belchonock / Getty Images HSV-1 vs. HSV-2 Transmission Both HSV strains are primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. The greatest risk of transmission is during an outbreak (when an infected person haslesions). However, transmission can occur between outbreaks when no symptoms are present through viral shedding....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 593 words · Colin Perez

The Ultimate Healthy, Budget-Friendly Grocery List for Stress-Free Shopping

Produce Fresh fruits and vegetables provide abundantessential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support overall wellness. Tips when choosing protein sources include: 3. Breads, Grains, and Cereal Whole grains add fiber and essential nutrients to your diet while being cost-effective. Oscar Wong / Getty Images Whole grains retain more of their original structure and fiber than their refined counterparts. Items such as these can be stored for a fairly long time:...

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 143 words · Crystal Gutierrez

The Unique Anatomy of the Hyoid Bone

Thehyoidbone is a small horseshoe-shaped bone located in the front of your neck. Although it is small, the hyoid bone is only rarelyfractured. This is due to its location, which generally protects the bone from all but direct trauma. The hyoid bone is unique due to its placement in the body. Unlike other bones, it is not directly attached to any surrounding bones, only muscles. The hyoid bone provides a place of attachment for several anterior (front) neck muscles....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 232 words · Johnny Joseph

The Use of Noninvasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV)

Purpose and Uses Noninvasive ventilation can provide you with ventilatory support through your upper airways. And it can be used at home in many situations too. All three deliver pressurized oxygen through a mask, though they vary in their configs. Somsak Bumroongwong / EyeEm / Getty Images Your healthcare provider can determine if you are a candidate for noninvasive ventilation. It can improve blood gas values, lung function, and quality of life, particularly with high-flow NPPV....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 106 words · Christopher Sharp

The Use of Triphala in Treating IBS

Triphala has long been a mainstay of Ayurvedic medicine. It is an herbal preparation long thought to promote general and digestive health. But can it help your IBS? Dinodia Photos / The Image Bank / Getty Images What Is Ayurvedic Medicine? Ayurvedic medicine is a system of health care that originated in India over 3000 years ago. Ayurveda gets its name by combining two Sanskrit words, with the resulting translation of “life science....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 203 words · Jodi Gonzalez