First Aid Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical conditions are often related to other diseases and conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of First Aid. These conditions may be a cause or symptom of First Aid or be a condition for which you may be at increased risk.

  • Shingles Shingles (herpes zoster) is a skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Under certain circumstances, such as...learn more »
    In This Article
    Shingles Article
    • Shingles facts
    • What is shingles? What causes shingles?
    • What are shingles symptoms and signs? How long does shingles last?
    • How long is shingles contagious?
    • How is shingles diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for shingles? Should I visit my health care professional?
    • What are the complications of shingles?
    • What is postherpetic neuralgia?
    • Can shingles be prevented with a vaccine?
    • What are potential side effects of the shingles vaccine?
    • Is shingles dangerous in pregnant women?
  • Rash The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different...learn more »
    In This Article
    Rash Article
    • Rashes facts
    • What are noninfectious, common rashes localized to a particular anatomical area?
    • How are common skin rashes diagnosed?
    • Scaly patches of skin produced by fungal or bacterial infection
    • Widely distributed rashes affecting large portions of the skin
    • What is the treatment for a rash?
  • Chiggers Chiggers are a mite belonging to the Trombiculidae family. Chiggers are most commonly found in grassy fields, gardens, parks,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Chiggers Article
    • What are chiggers?
    • What do chiggers look like?
    • How do chiggers bite humans?
    • What are the symptoms of chigger bites?
    • What is the treatment for chigger bites?
    • What are the complications of chigger bites?
    • How can chigger bites be prevented?
    • Chiggers At A Glance
  • Nosebleed Nosebleed is common in dry climates during winter months, and in hot dry climates with low humidity. Individual taking blood...learn more »
    In This Article
    Nosebleed Article
    • What causes nosebleeds?
    • How do you stop the common nosebleed?
    • How do you prevent the nose from bleeding again?
    • What precautions can you take to prevent nose bleeding?
    • When should you call your doctor or go to an emergency room?
    • What should I do if the doctor has placed nasal packs?
    • Nosebleed At A Glance
  • Appendicitis Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. Appendicitis often causes fever, loss of appetite, and right lower quadrant...learn more »
    In This Article
    Appendicitis Article
    • Appendicitis facts
    • What is the appendix?
    • What is appendicitis and what causes appendicitis?
    • What are the complications of appendicitis?
    • What are the symptoms of appendicitis?
    • How is appendicitis diagnosed?
    • Why can it be difficult to diagnose appendicitis?
    • What other conditions mimic appendicitis?
    • How is appendicitis treated?
    • How is an appendectomy done?
    • What are the complications of appendectomy?
    • Are there long-term consequences of removing the appendix?
    • What is new about appendicitis?
  • Broken Toe A broken toe is one of the most common fractures among individuals. There are many causes of a broken toe, whether it is the big...learn more »
    In This Article
    Broken Toe Article
    • Introduction to broken toe
    • What are the causes of a broken toe?
    • What are the symptoms of a broken toe?
    • What are the possible complications of a broken toe?
    • When should I call a doctor about a broken toe?
    • How is a broken toe diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for a broken toe?
    • Caring for a broken toe at home
    • Medical treatment
    • Other therapy (reduction, buddy taping, how to tape a broken toe, casting)
    • What is the outlook for a broken toe?
    • Broken Toe At A Glance
  • Itching Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection...learn more »
    In This Article
    Itching Article
    • Itching (itch) facts
    • What is an itch?
    • What are associated symptoms and signs of itching?
    • What causes itching?
    • How is the cause of itching diagnosed?
    • Should I scratch the itch?
    • What are topical (external) itch treatments? Are there any home remedies for itching?
    • What are oral itch treatments?
    • Can itching be prevented?
    • When should the doctor be consulted for itching?
    • What are possible complications of itching?
    • What is the prognosis (outlook) for itching?
  • Heat Rash Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating. It can occur at any age and it appears as a rash that itches or...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heat Rash Article
    • Heat rash facts
    • What is heat rash?
    • What are the causes of heat rash?
    • What are the symptoms of heat rash in children and adults?
    • What does heat rash look like?
    • Heat rash pictures
    • Who is at risk for heat rash?
    • How is heat rash diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for heat rash?
    • Home remedies for heat rash
    • Medical treatment for heat rash
    • How can heat rash be prevented?
    • How effective are electric fans in preventing heat rash?
    • How can people protect their health when temperatures are extremely high?
    • How much water should I drink in hot weather?
    • Should I take salt tablets during hot weather?
    • What is the best clothing to wear in hot weather or a heat wave?
    • What is the prognosis for heat rash?
  • Hives Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an allergic reaction. The allergy may be...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hives Article
    • Hives facts
    • What are hives (urticaria) and angioedema?
    • What causes hives and angioedema?
    • What are the different kinds of hives?
    • What are the symptoms and signs of ordinary urticaria (ordinary hives)?
    • What are the causes of ordinary hives?
    • What are the causes of chronic hives?
    • Are there other conditions that mimic hives?
    • What is the treatment for hives?
    • Conclusion
  • Dehydration Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged...learn more »
    In This Article
    Dehydration Article
    • Dehydration facts
    • What is dehydration?
    • What causes dehydration?
    • Dehydration pictures
    • What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration?
    • What about dehydration in children?
    • How is dehydration diagnosed?
    • How is dehydration treated?
    • Can I treat dehydration at home?
    • What are the complications of dehydration?
    • How can dehydration be prevented?
  • Poison Ivy Poison ivy, oak, and sumac are plants that cause an itchy skin rash and skin inflamation when contacted directly. This poison can...learn more »
    In This Article
    Poison Ivy Article
    • Poison ivy, oak, and sumac facts
    • What causes the rash? How do I identify poison ivy, oak, and sumac?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of the poison ivy rash?
    • Is a rash from poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis contagious?
    • What are risk factors for poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis?
    • How is the dermatitis of poison ivy, oak, and sumac diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis?
    • What are complications for poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis?
    • What is the prognosis (outlook) for poison ivy, oak, and sumac dermatitis?
    • How can contact with poison ivy, oak, and sumac be prevented?
    • What should people do if they are exposed to a poisonous plant?
  • Heat Stroke Heat stroke (heatstroke or sun stroke) is a form of hyperthermia. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heat Stroke Article
    • Heat stroke facts
    • What is, and who is at risk for heat stroke?
    • What are heat stroke symptoms and signs?
    • What about heat stroke in children?
    • How do you treat a heat stroke victim?
    • How can heat stroke be prevented?
  • Toothache Toothache usually refers to pain around the teeth or jaws. In most instances, toothaches are caused by tooth or jaw problems,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Toothache Article
    • Toothache facts
    • What is a toothache?
    • What are dental causes of toothaches and how are they treated?
    • Dental cavities and dental abscesses
    • Gum disease
    • Tooth root sensitivities
    • Cracked tooth syndrome
    • Temporalmandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
    • Impaction and eruption
    • What are non-dental causes of toothaches?
    • How is toothache during pregnancy managed?
    • Are home remedies effective for toothaches?
    • Can toothaches be prevented?
  • Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heat Exhaustion Article
    • Heat exhaustion definition and facts
    • What is heat exhaustion?
    • What causes heat exhaustion?
    • Who is at risk for heat exhaustion?
    • What are the symptoms of heat exhaustion?
    • When should a person seek medical care for heat exhaustion?
    • How is heat exhaustion diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for heat exhaustion?
    • What are the complications of heat exhaustion?
    • How can heat exhaustion be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis for heat exhaustion?
  • Food Poisoning Food poisoning is common, but can also be life threatening. The most common form of food poisoning is caused by bacteria and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Food Poisoning Article
    • Food poisoning facts
    • What is food poisoning?
    • What are the types of food poisoning?
    • What are the causes of food poisoning?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of food poisoning?
    • Are food poisoning and stomach flu the same thing?
    • When should the doctor be called for food poisoning?
    • How is food poisoning diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for food poisoning?
    • Are there any home remedies for food poisoning?
    • How long does food poisoning last?
    • What are the complications of food poisoning?
    • How can food poisoning be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis for food poisoning?
  • Spider Bites (Including Black Widow and Brown Recluse) The majority of spiders in the United States are harmless. Two exceptions include the black widow spider and the brown recluse...learn more »
    In This Article
    Spider Bites (Including Black Widow and Brown Recluse) Article
    • Are spider bites dangerous?
    • What are the symptoms of spider bites?
    • Black widow spider bite symptoms (picture of black widow)
    • Brown recluse spider bite symptoms (picture of brown recluse spider)
    • What should you do if you are bitten by a spider?
    • What should you do if you are bitten by a black widow or brown recluse spider?
    • Spider Bites At A Glance
  • Sun-Sensitive Drugs (Photosensitivity to Drugs) Sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) is an inflammation of the skin induced by the combination of medications or substances and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Sun-Sensitive Drugs (Photosensitivity to Drugs) Article
    • What is photosensitivity?
    • What is the difference between a photoallergic and a phototoxic reaction?
    • Photoallergic and phototoxic reaction pictures
    • What is ultraviolet light?
    • What are the symptoms of sun sensitivity (photosensitivity)?
    • What are some common sun-sensitizing drugs?
    • Phototoxic drugs
    • Photoallergic drugs
    • Are there any medical conditions that can cause photosensitivity?
    • How is sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for a photosensitizing drug reaction?
    • Is anyone taking these drugs at risk for developing sunburn?
    • Can any foods cause sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) reactions?
    • Pictures of sun-sensitivity (photosensitivity) reactions
    • Are there any medical applications of sun sensitivity (photosensitivity)?
    • Sun-Sensitizing (Photosensitivity) Drugs At A Glance
  • Broken Foot There are several bones in the foot, and these bones can be broken (fractured) in a variety of ways. Falling from heights,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Broken Foot Article
    • What is the structure of the foot?
    • What are the causes of a broken foot?
    • What are the symptoms of a broken foot?
    • When should I call the doctor for foot pain?
    • How is a broken foot diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for a broken foot?
    • What are the complications of a broken foot?
    • Can a broken foot be prevented?
    • Broken Foot At A Glance
  • Broken Finger The hand has several bones to include the wrist, palm, and fingers. Fingers are the most commonly injured part of the hand. The...learn more »
    In This Article
    Broken Finger Article
    • Broken finger introduction
    • What are the causes of a broken finger?
    • What are the symptoms of a broken finger?
    • When should I see a doctor for a broken finger?
    • How is a broken finger diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for a broken finger?
    • What are the complications of a broken finger?
    • How can a broken finger be prevented?
    • Broken Finger At A Glance
  • Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that affects a number of different areas of the body at one time, and can be fatal....learn more »
    In This Article
    Anaphylaxis Article
    • Anaphylaxis facts
    • Introduction to anaphylaxis
    • What is the history of anaphylaxis?
    • How common is anaphylaxis?
    • What are common causes of anaphylaxis?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis?
    • What happens after the symptoms begin?
    • Are there any disorders that appear similar to anaphylaxis?
    • How is anaphylaxis diagnosed?
    • How do we manage anaphylaxis?
    • What are emergency measures used in the treatment of anaphylaxis?
    • Can anaphylaxis be prevented?
  • Bone Fracture (Broken Bone) Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Bone Fracture (Broken Bone) Article
    • Bone fracture facts
    • Introduction and definition of bone fracture
    • What causes a bone fracture?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of a bone fracture?
    • What are common types of bone fractures?
    • Broken wrist
    • Broken hip
    • Broken leg
    • Broken shoulder
    • Broken hand or fingers
    • Open fracture
    • Stress fracture
    • Compression fracture
    • Broken rib
    • Skull fracture
    • Other fractures
    • Bone fracture in children
    • How is a bone fracture diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for a bone fracture?
    • Bone fracture surgery
  • Bee and Wasp Sting Bees, wasps, and fire ants are related insects that belong to the Hymenoptera order. There are thousands of species of wasps...learn more »
    In This Article
    Bee and Wasp Sting Article
    • Insect stings overview
    • What are the types of wasps?
    • What are the types of bees?
    • What are causes of bee and wasp stings?
    • What are the symptoms of a bee or wasp sting?
    • When should I call a doctor about a bee or wasp sting?
    • How is a bee or wasp sting diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for a bee or wasp sting?
    • What are the complications of a bee or wasp sting?
    • How can I prevent a bee or wasp sting?
    • Bee and Wasp Sting At A Glance
  • Concussion Concussion is a short-lived loss of brain function that is due to head trauma. There are two types of concussion, simple and...learn more »
    In This Article
    Concussion Article
    • What is concussion and what causes concussion?
    • What are the types of concussion?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?
    • How is concussion diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for concussion?
    • How can concussion be prevented?
    • What is the future of concussion?
  • Motion Sickness Motion sickness, often referred to as car sickness, sea sickness, or air sickness, is a very common disturbance of the inner ear...learn more »
    In This Article
    Motion Sickness Article
    • Motion sickness facts
    • What is motion sickness?
    • What causes motion sickness?
    • What are the symptoms of motion sickness?
    • Is there a difference between motion sickness and sea sickness?
    • How does our sense of balance work?
    • How does motion sickness affect our sense of balance?
    • Is motion sickness a serious condition?
    • When do the nausea and vomiting of motion sickness stop?
    • How is motion sickness treated?
    • When should I see a doctor for motion sickness?
    • What remedies can be taken to prevent or minimize motion sickness?
    • Related motion sickness article:
      Motion Sickness - on eMedicineHealth
  • Cuts, Scrapes and Puncture Wounds Cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds are common, and most people will experience one of these in their lifetime. Evaluating the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Cuts, Scrapes and Puncture Wounds Article
    • Cuts, scrapes (abrasions), and puncture wounds facts
    • What is the best way to care for a cut or scrape?
    • Who should seek medical care for a cut?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of a wound infection?
    • How are puncture wounds different?
    • Will I need a tetanus shot for a cut, scrape, or puncture wound?
  • Rabies Rabies is a potentially fatal viral infection. Rabies symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, and can progress to more serious...learn more »
    In This Article
    Rabies Article
    • Rabies facts
    • What is rabies?
    • What are rabies symptoms and signs in humans?
    • What is the history of rabies, and what is the cause of rabies?
    • How is rabies transmitted?
    • How soon after an exposure should a person seek medical attention?
    • How is a rabies infection diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for rabies in humans?
    • Should people get a preexposure vaccination before traveling outside the U.S.?
    • Can rabies be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis for people with rabies?
  • Anthrax Anthrax is a deadly infectious disease that may be transmitted to humans by infected animals or by biological warfare. There are...learn more »
    In This Article
    Anthrax Article
    • What is anthrax?
    • What causes anthrax?
    • How is anthrax contracted?
    • How common is anthrax?
    • How long is the incubation period with anthrax?
    • What kinds of diseases does anthrax cause?
    • How is the diagnosis made of anthrax?
    • How is anthrax treated?
    • How can anthrax be prevented?
    • Anthrax At A Glance
  • Objects Or Insects In Ear Objects or insects in the ear can be placed in the ear by patients themselves, or an insect crawling in the ear. Ear wax can also...learn more »
    In This Article
    Objects Or Insects In Ear Article
    • Objects or insects in ear overview
    • What are causes of objects in the ear?
    • What are the symptoms of an object in the ear?
    • When should I call the doctor for an object in the ear?
    • How is an object in the ear diagnosed?
    • How is an object in the ear treated?
    • What are some other types of ear emergencies?
  • Snake Bites Pet vipers are a family of poisonous snakes, which includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins (cottonmouths)....learn more »
    In This Article
    Snake Bites Article
    • Introduction to snake bites
    • What are the symptoms of a poisonous snake bite?
    • What is appropriate first aid for poisonous snake bites?
    • How are poisonous snake bites treated?
  • Hypothermia Hypothermia is having a body core temperature of less than 35 C or 95 F. Most causes of hypothermia are preventable. Risk factors...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hypothermia Article
    • What is hypothermia?
    • What causes hypothermia?
    • What are the risk factors for hypothermia?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of hypothermia?
    • How is hypothermia diagnosed?
    • How is hypothermia treated?
    • When should I call the doctor for hypothermia?
    • Can hypothermia be prevented?
    • Hypothermia At A Glance
  • Shock (Medical) Medical shock is a life-threatening medical condition. There are several types of medical shock, septic shock, anaphylactic...learn more »
    In This Article
    Shock (Medical) Article
    • Shock facts
    • What is shock?
    • What are the types of shock?
    • What are the causes of shock?
    • What are the symptoms of shock?
    • When should I seek medical care for shock?
    • What is the treatment for shock?
    • Can shock be prevented?
    • What is the outlook for shock?
  • Heat-Related Illness Hyperthermia is the overheating of the body. Heat-related illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rash,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heat-Related Illness Article
    • Heat-related illness facts
    • What is a heat-related illness?
    • What causes a heat-related illness?
    • Who is at risk of heat-related illness?
    • What are the symptoms of heat-related illness?
    • Heat stroke
    • Heat exhaustion
    • Heat cramps
    • Heat syncope
    • Heat rash
    • Heat-related illness prevention
  • Travelers' Diarrhea Travelers' diarrhea is generally contracted by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. Food is the primary...learn more »
    In This Article
    Travelers' Diarrhea Article
    • Travelers' diarrhea facts
    • What is travelers' diarrhea?
    • How common is travelers' diarrhea?
    • What causes travelers' diarrhea?
    • What are the symptoms of travelers' diarrhea?
    • How is travelers' diarrhea diagnosed?
    • How is travelers' diarrhea treated?
    • What is the prognosis for travelers' diarrhea?
    • How can travelers' diarrhea be prevented?
  • Dental Injuries Dental injuries range from a chipped or fractured tooth to a knocked out tooth. Treatment depends upon the severity of the dental...learn more »
    In This Article
    Dental Injuries Article
    • Introduction
    • What is a tooth fracture?
    • What is a serious tooth fracture?
    • What about a chipped tooth?
    • What about a fracture of the enamel and dentin?
    • What if I get my teeth knocked out?
    • What is a displaced tooth?
    • Prevention of dental injuries
    • Dental Injuries At A Glance
  • Drowning Drowning is a common cause of death and disability worldwide. In the US, it is the third most common cause of accidental death....learn more »
    In This Article
    Drowning Article
    • What is drowning?
    • What happens during drowning?
    • What are the complications of drowning?
    • Does the type of drowning matter?
    • What are the risk factors of drowning?
    • What are the symptoms of drowning?
    • When should one seek medical care for drowning?
    • How is drowning diagnosed?
    • How is drowning treated?
    • How can drowning be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis for a drowning victim?
  • Insect Sting Allergies The majority of stinging insects in the United States are from Bees, Yellow Jackets, Hornets, Wasps and Fire Ants. Severity of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Insect Sting Allergies Article
    • What are stinging insects?
    • Who is at risk for insect sting allergies?
    • What types of insect sting reactions occur?
    • How is a severe allergic reaction immediately treated?
    • How can I avoid insect stings?
    • What can I do about becoming immune to insect allergy?
    • Stinging Insect Allergies At A Glance
  • Heat Cramps Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity or work in a hot humid environment. Symptoms of heat...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heat Cramps Article
    • Heat cramps facts
    • What are heat cramps?
    • Who is at risk for heat cramps?
    • What causes heat cramps?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of heat cramps?
    • When should an individual seek medical care for heat cramps?
    • How are heat cramps diagnosed?
    • What first aid treatments can help heat cramps?
    • What are the complications of heat cramps?
    • How can heat cramps be prevented
    • What is the prognosis for heat cramps?
  • Frostbite and Cold Weather-Related Injuries There are two categories to cold weather-related injuries. 1) no freezing of body tissue (trench foot and chilblains), and 2)...learn more »
    In This Article
    Frostbite and Cold Weather-Related Injuries Article
    • Frostbite and Cold Weather-Related Injuries Facts
    • Introduction to frostbite and cold weather-related injuries
    • What type of injuries can be caused by cold weather?
    • Cold weather-related injuries without tissue freezing
    • Chilblains
    • Trench foot
    • Frostnip
    • Cold weather-related injuries with tissue freezing
    • Frostbite
    • What does frostbite look like (frostbite pictures)?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of frostbite?
    • How should frostbite and other cold weather-related injuries be treated?
    • What is the recovery time for a frostbite injury?
    • When should a person seek medical care for a cold weather-related injury?
    • Who is most likely to get a cold weather-related injury and what can be done to prevent it?
  • Hurricane Preparedness Natural diasters such as a hurricane can take a toll on family, friends, and neighbors. Both physiological and psychological...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hurricane Preparedness Article
    • Introduction to preparing for a hurricane
    • What is a hurricane?
    • How are hurricanes named and tracked?
    • Preparing Before the Hurricane
    • What is my family plan for a hurricane?
    • How do I create a hurricane supply kit?
    • Where can I go to be safe during a storm?
    • How do I secure my home during a hurricane?
    • What about my pets during a hurricane?
    • What to Do After a Hurricane (What hurricane aftermath health concerns?)
    • How can I make sure our water is safe?
    • How do I perform first aid for injuries?
    • How can I prevent injuries after a hurricane?
    • Prevent fatigue-related injuries
    • Wear protective gear
    • Beware of electrical hazards
    • Avoid carbon monoxide
    • Beware of structural instability
    • Avoid hazardous materials
    • Be prepared for fires
    • Prevent drowning
    • Reduce the risk of thermal stress
    • What can I do to cope with mental stress after a hurricane?
    • How do I deal with wild and domestic animals in a disaster?