Conditions + Treatments

Varicose veins can be an unsightly and potentially embarrassing condition. They are something that most of us will have to deal with as we age. While varicose veins do not pose a health risk, they can hurt your self-image. Luckily, a treatment called high intensity pulsed light therapy (IPL), which uses emissions of light to shrink varicose veins, is an effective and safe way to treat the condition.

Paronychia is a skin infection that occurs around a person’s toenails or fingernails. This infection commonly affects the skin on the sides of a nail and the cuticle or the area of skin located at the nail base. Chronic paronychia persists or redevelops after it has cleared up and may affect one or more nails at the same time. People with this condition may develop complications such as joint pain.

A woman’s risk for depression rises when she reaches mid-life and enters the menopausal phase. There are many reasons why a woman’s mental health becomes vulnerable at this time in her life. Estrogen deficiency, which occurs in menopause, can have a tremendous impact on a woman’s moods and her cognitive function.

Migraine headaches plague about 20 percent of the population. Some people suffer from frequent migraines, a condition that results in disruptions to sleep patterns, family routines and work. Mild migraines present a nuisance, but severe migraines can be debilitating. People suffering from a severe migraine headache report severe pain, often accompanied by sensitivity to light or noise and nausea.

Back and disc pain can be caused by a number of conditions. The doctor will have to examine you to determine the cause of your back pain. Surgery, pain medications or physical therapy are some of the medical treatments that are used for back pain and disc problems. Back surgery is only used in severe cases of back pain caused by a ruptured disc or degenerative disc disease.

Melasma, a brown, tan, or grayish/black skin discoloration, is usually found on sun-exposed areas of the face, including cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, jaw line and upper lip. Per the Advanced Laser and Skin Center, melasma affects an estimated 6 million people in the United States. This condition is not dangerous, but it can cause embarrassment and discomfort. Although there is no real cure for this skin disorder, treatments are available that can lessen the visibility of the pigmentation.

Copper is a trace mineral beneficial for a number of bodily functions. The FDA recommends 2 mg of copper per day for the average 2,000 calorie adult diet. Excessive copper levels within the body have been attributed to depression.

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that must be managed to avoid complications. Complications include nerve damage, kidney disease and vision problems and blindness. The more you know about the disease and how to keep the disease in check, the healthier you will be. Yes, there are lots of books and websites with good information. A good class, though, provides information in a well-planned order. It can also provide a support network.

Over 50,000,000 people in America suffer from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Common allergies include food allergies, seasonal allergies and household allergies. People with household allergies are allergic to mold, mildew, dust, pet dander or any other substance found in a home. There are effective and simple ways to eliminate house allergies.

We lose about 1 1/2 pounds of skin every year. Most people don’t notice the small particles of skin falling off their bodies. Dry skin and sunburns can increase the amount of lost skin. New skin underneath the peeling skin may be red and smooth to the touch.

Several things can cause anxiety. It’s a normal response to the stress you’re feeling, according to Anxiety Disorders Association of America. But anxiety becomes a disorder when you worry excessively about issues such as money, work or the economy for months. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America says nearly 40 million adults suffer from anxiety disorders in the United States.

Smoking is a habit that millions of people have fallen prey to. It can cause many kinds of cancer, respiratory problems, heart attacks and strokes. Many people use herbal remedies to quit. Although different remedies work for different people, herbs have a big advantage, as they are 100 percent natural.

Asthma is a chronic condition caused by inflammation of the bronchial passageways, causing tightness of the chest and making it difficult to breathe. Asthma cannot be cured, but learning to avoid the environmental and emotional triggers that bring on an attack, asthmatics can live a healthy, normal life.

Whether it’s nonstop sneezing, running eyes and nose or a terrible itching feeling, allergies can put a major cramp in your lifestyle. Food allergies can also affect your life, especially when you have to constantly worry about what you are eating. If you are not severely allergic, however, there are a few ways to make your allergies more tolerable.

Pulmonary function tests (spirometry tests) measure how well your lungs take in and release air. Your lung function will be compared to the normal lung function for someone of your age, height, ethnicity and sex. If your lung function is less than 80 percent of the norm, your lungs may be abnormal, indicating lung disease such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

Adults have 206 bones in their bodies, though only 20 of these bones play a major role in the structure of the skeleton. Identifying the 20 major bones in the human body can be a challenging task for anyone. Unfortunately, the only way to successfully identify bones in the human body is to memorize their names and locations, though tips and tricks exist that can assist with memorizing the names of the bones and their locations.

If your thigh pain is acute, you must obtain an X-ray to exclude the possibility of fractured bone. Chronic muscular pain, however, may be helped by chiropractic care. The four quadriceps femoris muscles on the front of your thigh can tear or become strained by exertion; the resulting injury is a contusion or bruise. A contusion is most painful when moving the thigh. Chiropractic treatment can ease the pain and relax muscle spasms while the muscles are healing. Chiropractors can also realign the spine and hips, which may ease residual muscle pain in the legs.

Urinary infections develop in men and women. But, according to the Mayo Clinic, women have a higher risk of developing urinary infections due to the makeup of their body. Females have a shorter urethra, so it’s easier for bacteria to enter and spread in the urinary tract. Urinary infections are painful and, if left unresolved, complications such as kidney infection can occur. Fortunately, there are ways for you to resolve and prevent these infections.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. The female reproductive tract may be affected as well. Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy has been used with some success to treat perianal Crohn’s disease.

Both ProSolution and Vimax pills are over-the-counter natural male enhancement supplements. Both products are intended to be used by men who are looking to enhance their erection, penis size, sex drive or staying power.

Heel spurs are bony growths that form on the bones of the heel and move out toward the arch of the foot. They can move against neighboring nerves and bones, causing pain. Heel spurs are usually the result of plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes irritation of the connective tissue between your heel and toes. If they are causing you pain, several treatment options are available. The Mayo Clinic offers several suggestions.

Ingrown nails are a painful and irritating condition caused by the nail growing into the skin around the nail. It is usually the corners of the nail that become ingrown but the front of the nail occasionally becomes ingrown as well. There are steps that can be taken at home to mitigate the discomfort associated with ingrown nails. More severe cases may require treatment by a doctor.

Sunburn is a fact of life for many people who enjoy the outdoors. The lighter the skin color, the more likelihood a sunburn will occur, especially when sun exposure lasts more than an hour. Sunburn can be painful, but that fact alone does not deter sun worshipers. Instead, they often end up dealing with the consequences. Luckily there are many home remedies to help take the sting out of sunburn.

Depression can make you feel like the smallest tasks require unfathomable amounts of energy, and overcoming your sadness seems impossible. It may be caused by your biochemical structure, or events in your life that have gotten you down. Motivating yourself to be proactive in your healing is essential; and although it may be difficult, there are measures you can take to begin your journey to happiness.

Castor oil has long been known for its laxative properties, but its medicinal uses are more widespread than as a cure for constipation. From topical treatments to boosting the immune system, castor oil is used in a variety of ways to ease symptoms and treat illnesses.

Ulcerative colitis is an auto-immune disease of the colon where the interior lining of the colon becomes inflamed and develops open sores or ulcers. Though it is much studied there is no identified reason why people get the disease. No cure has been developed but there have been great advancements in the treatment of the disease. There are five non-steroid methods of treating ulcerative colitis which can be discussed with your gastroenterologist.

The yellow debris that forms under nails is typically caused by a fungal infection in the nail bed called onychomycosis. According to Dr. John Ratz, MD, MBA, a dermatologist at the Center for Dermatology and Skin Surgery in Florida and an author for emedicinehealth.net, onychomycosis causes about half of all nail disorders.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, disabling and progressive autoimmune disease. This painful condition generally causes swelling and damage to cartilage, bones and joints. It can progress quickly and cause severe disability, affecting a person’s ability to perform regular, everyday tasks.

Asthma can cause a lot of restrictions on activities and daily life if it is not kept under control. There are plenty of medicines, both over-the-counter and prescription, availble to help control asthma. These may have adverse side effects, so you may want to try some natural herbs to control asthma symptoms.

Meloxicam (Mobic) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine used to manage rheumatoid arthritis by reducing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Meloxicam is only available with a doctor’s prescription. The potential side effects of Mobic and similar anti-inflammatory drugs are ulcers and other digestive problems. The drugs also can cause problems if you already have kidney failure or heart failure. You can safely decrease Mobic dosages by asking your doctor to prescribe a lower dosage. This can help to gradually decrease the quantity without having to skip dosages or deal with the side effects.

The digestive system processes food into energy and nutrients that the body needs to function. The waste products are eliminated through bowel movements. When the digestive system does not work properly it results in a digestive disorder. Some of the common digestive disorders may be due to disease, inflammation or lack of a crucial enzyme.

The prostate gland is located beneath the bladder and is responsible for the milky white fluid that transports sperm during sexual intercourse. An enlarged prostate can cause urinary problems in older males. There are several cures and treatments for the condition.

DNA fingerprinting has opened the door to a world of new possibilities for the prediction of genetic disease, particularly in those with a strong family history of such illness. At the same time, the use of this relatively new technology has raised questions about its ethical implications and impact on personal privacy. And it has also forced people to decide if they really want the answers this technology can supply.

Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the body and begin to reproduce and irritate organs in the urinary tract, such as the urethra, bladder and kidneys. Many times, it is necessary to treat these infections with antibiotics. However, it is sometimes possible to treat urinary tract infections at home, especially if you can catch them early. These at-home treatments can also be coupled with antibiotics.

Diarrhea is uncomfortable condition marked by loose, watery and large amounts of stool. Many natural treatments can address different aspects of diarrhea to relieve it. See your doctor if your diarrhea lasts for more than five days or if it contains blood. The University of Maryland Medical Center offers several suggestions. You do not need to take every treatment suggested as some offer similar benefits; consulting with a health care provider knowledgeable about alternative medicine can help you design a regimen.

The rotator cuff is a collection of muscles that provide the shoulder joint with stability during rotation. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) states that rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain, and the incidence of these injuries increases with age. The risk of injury is highest in certain athletes, such as swimmers, baseball pitchers and kayakers. Symptoms of a injury to the rotator cuff may include severe pain in the arm or shoulder, limited movement of the shoulder joint, weakness and pain in the shoulder that becomes worse at night. In most cases, surgery is not necessary, and rotator cuff injuries are treated with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications.

According to the National Kidney and Urological Diseases Information Clearinghouse, urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection. Women tend to be more susceptible than men. Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria from the digestive tract multiplying on the opening to the urethra. UTIs are treated with different types of antibiotics, depending on the bacteria involved. Preventive measures can help prevent recurrent infections.

Scabies, called sarcoptic mange in animals, is an itchy skin infection caused by sarcopte mites when they burrow into the outer skin layer. Scabies in animals is a variant of the mite that affects humans and is not transmissible across species; however, the condition and diagnosis are the same.

Laser treatment is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed to correct visible irregularities caused by a variety of skin conditions. Also used to treat other conditions, such as vision, hair loss and hair removal, “laser treatment” typically implies the common derma-medical use, which is laser rejuvenation and resurfacing.

Neurological Music Therapy (NMT) uses music to help people with autism and other disorders. By using music to help people deal with emotional, social and physical needs, NMT works to lessen stress and pain, help express emotions and promote better communication.

Skin moles can be cosmetically unattractive, and annoying when they get caught in clothing or jewelry. In some rare cases, they may develop into a health problem if they become cancerous. Doctors remove moles either surgically or with lasers. But, these techniques may leave a scar, and there is always the possibility of infection setting in. It may be worth trying natural remedies to remove skin moles by using herbs and other natural substances.

Normally the first visible sign of aging is when our skin begins to sag. As time passes, the unavoidable effects of our lifestyle, exposure to sun and other environmental conditions begin to show on the surface of the skin. But many alternative therapies can help you hold onto your youthful appearance.

Rosacea is a long-term chronic disease that affects the facial skin. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease, over 14 million people in the United States have rosacea. Rosacea causes redness, acne and red lines on the skin. It also can affect the eyes, making them dry, itchy and red. People who have fair complexions and are between the ages of 30 and 60 years old are in the high risk group for rosacea. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but treatment and control can bring relief.

Gallstones, also termed as cholelithiasis, are hard crystalline deposits that form from bile in the gallbladder. The most common type of gallbladder disease, they vary from the size of a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball based on the length of time they have been growing. Gallstones are usually not accompanied by symptoms. However, symptoms do occur if a large stone blocks the duct through which bile drains into the small intestine.

Alpha hydroxy acids are a group of natural compounds derived from acids found in sugar cane and fruits. These acids are used in chemical peel facial treatments as a means to encourage the growth of new, more youthful-appearing skin. The peels work by causing a chemical burn that literally peels away the top layer of the skin (epidermis). Caution should be used when undergoing a chemical peel because there are risks associated with this treatment.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) begins in the urinary system, which consists of the urethra, uteters, bladder and kidneys. Any of these areas can become infected, but UTIs usually occur in the bladder or urethra.

Allergy irritability in children may begin during infancy with signs of hives and eczema, expanding to include symptoms of allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, allergic sinusitis and anaphylaxis as a child grows and potentially develops reactions to foods, environmental triggers, chemical sensitivities and medications. Diagnosing and treating childhood allergy symptoms at the onset can lead to improved health, immunity and livelihood for sensitized children.

Asbestosis is a disease caused by exposure to asbestos, which causes the tissues of the lungs to become scarred. Asbestosis is an incurable condition. Treatment of asbestosis is aimed at relieving the symptoms.

Methyl sulfonyl methane, or MSM, is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in many foods. It is related to dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) which has been a longstanding home remedy for arthritis. According to NYU Langone Medical Center, DMSO breaks down into MSM in the body which has led medical researchers to question if MSM might be a preferable treatment for arthritis.

The heart pumps oxygen-filled blood to every part of your body. Sometimes arteries narrow or get clogged and the heart has to work harder to get blood through them. Regular exercise reduces high blood pressure, stress levels, anxiety, and cholesterol, which can cause heart disease. You should add physical activity to your daily routine to keep your heart healthy.