What Is a Wood’s Lamp Exam?

A Wood’s lamp is a gadget that emits purple or violet UV rays. Normal, healthy skin will not glow under the lamp. Some kinds of bacteria, fungi, and other skin conditions will. Inside Creative House/ Getty Images This article explains how a Wood’s lamp works to detect skin and hair conditions. It also covers the conditions it can help diagnose and what you might expect during the exam. Also Known As The Wood’s lamp was named for the physicist who invented it....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 355 words · Joseph Neal

What Is a Xanax Addiction?

Treatment may involve a combination of strategies, including detoxification and various psychotherapeutic and psychosocial approaches. They work by increasing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This reduces the excitability of neurons (nerve cells), resulting in decreased feelings of anxiety. Among older adults, long-term use of Xanax can also lead to cognitive issues that may resemble dementia. However, the impairment may resolve after the drug is stopped....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 537 words · Sharon Mullins

What Is a ‘Margarita Burn’ and How Long Does It Last?

Particularly, youll want to avoid getting any lemon or lime juice on your skin when youre outside. This reaction is called phytophotodermatitis, but its more commonly known as margarita burn. The good news is margarita burns are relatively easy to prevent. Photo Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health; Getty Images. What Is a Margarita Burn? Furocoumarins are found in some plants and fruits, especially citrus fruits. But these symptoms can also appear anywhere on the skin that has been exposed to furocoumarins, Palm said....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 240 words · Paul Hall

What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

FatCamera/ Getty Images What Is ACT? ACT operates under the philosophy that change in action can occur before a change in thought patterns. There are six core processes or skills involved with ACT. FatCamera/ Getty Images What Is Psychological Flexibility? These skills can help anyone who is facing difficulties in their life. Techniques There is not a specific set of techniques used in ACT. Instead, the therapist applies general strategies flexibly using an ACT approach....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 229 words · Mark Martinez

What Is Acetylcholine?

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemical signals made by neurons to send information to associated receptors. These receptors receive or block signals and process them into cellular action. Westend61 / Getty Images Acetylcholine signals your muscles to contract. It also plays a role in cognition and can affect behaviors such as motivation and attention. Westend61 / Getty Images What Is Acetylcholine? Acetylcholine is aneurotransmitterfound in the central nervous system (CNS) andperipheral nervous system(PNS)....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 477 words · Jennifer Garcia

What Is Acne Vulgaris?

The blocked follicles cause inflammatory and non-inflammatory blemishes like pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Acne vulgaris is the most common form of acne. It is closely linked tochanges in hormones, diet, stress, and family genetics. Arisara_Tongdonnoi / Getty Images An estimated 50 million people in the United States are thought to be affected. It is common in teens but can occur at any age. The condition can be broadly categorized by the following symptoms:...

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 364 words · Eric Hall

What Is Acute Bronchitis?

Acute bronchitis is inflammation that happens in the breathing tubes called the bronchi. The bronchi carry the air to your lungs, so you’ve got the option to breathe. Another name for acute bronchitis is a chest cold. Mallika Wiriyathitipirn / EyeEm / Getty Images Sometimes, bacteria can cause this condition. Acute bronchitis often occurs after you have the common cold or flu. It can also happen after an upper respiratory infection....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 312 words · Matthew James

What Is Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)?

It typically affects young children, but adults can experience the illness as well. Most people who have an episode of ADEM recover with minimal long-term deficits after getting treatment. The severe phase of it can last two to four weeks. Jessica Olah / Verywell ADEM has an abrupt onset and usually a monophasic course (meaning there is no relapse). Complications Most of the time, ADEM resolves after treatment. Some people have mild residual symptoms, such as sensory deficit or weakness....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 599 words · Douglas Miles

What Is Acute Urticaria and What Causes It?

Learn about acute urticaria, its symptoms, causes, treatment options, and more. For example, hives may appear with a severeallergicreaction calledanaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that affects multiple body systems and involves difficulty breathing and closing airways. chokja / Getty Images Additionally, acute urticaria may turn into chronic urticaria if it lasts six weeks or longer. Additionally, they may ask questions to determine what caused the skin condition. Hives and allergic reactions associated with hives can be treated, and symptoms are often temporary....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 242 words · Jill Wallace

What Is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) causes symptoms that begin in early childhood. Though ADHD is often diagnosed in children, it may not be identified until adulthood. Additionally, two-thirds of children have ADHD throughout their adult lives. Verywell / Laura Porter People with ADHD have difficulty at school and work and struggle to make friends and build personal relationships. Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder depend on the bang out. Children and adults may have one of three types: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 701 words · Justin Hall

What Is Adjuvant Therapy?

These additional treatments are sometimes referred to asadjuvanttherapies, adjunct therapies, or by other names. Many different treatments may be administered as adjuvants. The adjuvant treatment can even come before the primary therapy, in which case its calledneoadjuvant therapy. Verywell / Laura Porter These individual cancer cells, sometimes calledmicrometastases, can give rise to new tumors. Your doctor may suggest these therapies at any time during your cancer treatment. What Is Adjuvant Therapy?...

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 551 words · Robert Mendez

What Is Advanced Lung Cancer?

Doctors may refer to metastatic lung cancer as advanced lung cancer. Types of Advanced Lung Cancer Approximately 85% of all lung cancers arenon-small cell lung cancers. Small cell lung cancer accounts for the remaining percentage of cases. Illustration by James Bascara, Verywell Stages Advanced lung canceris a term usually applied to cancer that has reached stage 3B or 4. Traditionally, a tissue sample, orbiopsy, would be surgically taken from the cancer site....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 316 words · Jesse Long

What Is Ageusia?

The medical term ageusia refers to a totalloss of the sense of taste. Its brought on by health conditions like infections or nutrition deficiencies, or as a side effect of medications. It also can be a symptom ofCOVID-19. Alona Siniehina / Getty Images Often, the sense of taste returns after the underlying cause is treated. Alona Siniehina / Getty Images What Is Ageusia? Ageusia is the total loss of your sense of taste....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 376 words · Elizabeth Johnston