Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch. Read more: Itch (Itching or Pruritus) Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
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Ringworm: Treatment, Pictures, Causes, and Symptoms
What is ringworm? How do you get rid of ringworm? View ringworm (tinea) pictures and learn about ringworm treatment, causes,...
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What Is Scabies? Rash, Treatment, Symptoms, Pictures
Get the facts on scabies (itch mite) causes, signs and symptoms. Learn what scabies looks like and how to treat it through these...
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Children’s Health: 11 Causes of Common Skin Rashes
What causes skin rashes in children? See which chemicals in your home could be causing your child's skin rash, irritated skin,...
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Atopic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Quiz: Test Your Skin Disorders IQ
Does dry, itchy, flaky, scaly, red, inflamed skin sound familiar to you? Take the Atopic Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) Quiz to learn...
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Chickenpox Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
How is chickenpox related to shingles? Take the Chickenpox Quiz to assess your IQ of this itchy, blistering childhood skin...
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Lice & Nits: How to Get Rid of Head Lice
Learn how to get rid of head lice. Head lice attach themselves to the scalp and feed off of human blood. Discover head lice...
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Bed Bug Bites: Fighting Back Against Bedbugs
What does a bedbug look like? Learn to ID bedbugs and bedbug bites. Get tips on how to prevent, treat, and get rid of bedbugs....
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Picture of Bee, Wasp, Hornet, Yellow Jacket Stings
Although many different types of insects in the United States are able to inflict a poisonous bite or sting (meaning they are...
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Picture of Nummular Eczema
Coin-shaped patches of irritated skin-most common on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs that may be crusted, scaling, and...
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Picture of Eczema
A particular type of inflammatory reaction of the skin in which there are typically vesicles (tiny blister-like raised areas) in...
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Picture of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
A red, itchy, weepy reaction where the skin has come into contact with a substance that the immune system recognizes as foreign....
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Picture of Swimmer's Itch
This is an acute dermatitis produced by the cercarial forms of schistosomes and primarily occurs in uncovered areas of the body....
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Picture of Atopic Dermatitis
This condition is the most common of all pediatric dermatoses. See a picture of Atopic Dermatitis and learn more about the...
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Picture of Athlete's Foot 2
Athlete's foot is a fungus that causes itching, redness, and cracking. See a picture of Athlete's Foot and learn more about the...
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Picture of Seabather's Itch
Erythematous papules on the unexposed areas of a swimmer. See a picture of Seabather's Itch and learn more about the health topic....
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Picture of Bedbugs
Adult bed bugs are wingless insects about one-quarter of an inch long and oval in shape. See a picture of Bedbug and learn more...
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Picture of Body Lice
Scattered nits seen on the seams of clothing. See a picture of Body Lice and learn more about the health topic....
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Picture of Cercarial Dermatitis (Swimmer's Itch)
Cercarial dermatitis (swimmer's itch) is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to an infection with certain microscopic...
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Picture of Urticaria
This is a close-up view of wheals with white-to-light-pink color centrally and peripheral erythema. See a picture of Urticaria...
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Picture of Athlete's Foot 1
Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus that grows on or in the top layer of skin. See a picture of Athlete's Foot and learn more...
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Picture of Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition caused by inflammation. See a picture of Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema and learn more about the health...
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Picture of Bedbug Bites
The first sign of bedbugs may be red, itchy bites on the skin, usually on the arms or shoulders. See a picture of Bedbug Bites...
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Picture of Poison Ivy
Poison ivy has characteristic shiny, red, three-leaf configuration. See a picture of Poison Ivy and learn more about the health...
Related Disease Conditions
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Ringworm
The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of...
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Scabies
Scabies are itch mites that burrow under the skin and produce intense itching that's usually worse at night. Symptoms of scabies...
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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...
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Cirrhosis (Liver)
Cirrhosis of the liver refers to a disease in which normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue caused by alcohol and viral...
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Anal Itching
Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch....
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Jock Itch
Jock itch is an itchy red rash that appears in the groin area. The rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. People...
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Liver Disease
Liver disease can be cause by a variety of things including infection (hepatitis), diseases such as: gallstones, high...
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Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that may cause large plaques of red, raised skin, flakes of dry skin, and skin scales....
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Pregnancy (Week By Week, Trimesters)
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy vary by stage (trimester). The earliest pregnancy symptom is typically a missed period, but...
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Bilirubin (Bilirubin Test)
Bilirubin is a waste product of the normal breakdown of red blood cells in the liver. Normal bilirubin levels vary from lab to...
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Genital Herpes in Women (Symptoms, Signs, Treatment)
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Symptoms of genital herpes...
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Hives (Urticaria & Angioedema)
Hives, also called urticaria, is a raised, itchy area of skin that is usually a sign of an allergic reaction. The allergy may be...
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Chiggers
Chiggers are a mite belonging to the Trombiculidae family. Chiggers are most commonly found in: grassy fields, gardens,...
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Atopic Dermatitis
Eczema is a general term for many types dermatitis (skin inflammation). Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of...
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Flea Bites (Home Remedies and Treatments)
Flea bites are caused by the parasitic insect, the flea. The most common species of flea in the US is the cat flea,...
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Pinworms
Pinworm infection is an intestinal infection caused by a pinworm, seatworm, or threadworm. Female pinworms leave the intestine...
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Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)
Pinkeye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids...
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Athlete's Foot
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a skin infection caused by the ringworm fungus. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracking,...
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Skin Cancer
Skin cancers occur when skin cells undergo malignant transformations and grow into tumors. The most common types of skin cancer,...
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Shingles
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the varicella zoster virus. Other shingles symptoms include headache,...
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Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is cancer of the liver cells (hepatocellular carcinoma) or of the ducts in the liver (cholangiocarcinoma). Liver...
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STDs in Men
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections transmitted during sexual contact. They may be caused by viruses, bacteria,...
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Lichen Planus
Lichen planus is a common skin disease that features small, itchy pink or purple spots on the arms or legs. the abnormal areas on...
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Pityriasis Rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a rash that begins with a large pink patch with well-defined scaly borders on the back, chest, or neck. In...
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Head Lice
Head lice infection is called pediculosis. Lice are parasites that feed on blood and can be found on the scalp and hair of...
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Poison Ivy
Poison ivy, oak, and sumac contain a substance called urushiol, which causes a rash on people who come in contact with them....
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Eczema
Eczema refers to skin inflammation. There are many different types of eczema that produce symptoms and signs that range from...
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Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition. Symptoms and signs include a red, scaling rash on the scalp, face, ears, and...
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Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the pancreas. Pancreatic cancer has been called a "silent" disease because early...
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Bedbugs
Bed bugs (from the insect family Cimicidae) are small, reddish-brown tick-like insects that feed by sucking the blood of mammals....
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Vulvodynia (Vaginal Pain)
Vulvodynia or vaginal pain, genital pain is a condition in which women have chronic vulvar pain with no known cause. There are...
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Liver (Anatomy and Function)
The liver is the largest gland and organ in the body. There are a variety of liver diseases caused by liver inflammation,...
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Ticks
Ticks are known transmitters of disease to humans and animals. Tick-borne diseases include Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted...
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Keloid Scar
A keloid is a scar that doesn't know when to stop. When the cells keep on reproducing, the result is an overgrown (hypertrophic)...
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Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, a vital part of the body's immune system. Symptoms and signs include...
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Cold Sores (Nongenital Herpes Simplex Infections)
Herpes simplex infections are common and when they appear around the mouth and lips, people often refer to them as "cold sores"...
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Blepharitis
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Acne rosacea, Staphylococcal bacteria, allergies, sensitivities to makeup or contact...
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Scleroderma
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue. It is characterized by the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) in...
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Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus is a skin disease that causes white spots to form on the skin, which later grow into large, thin, and crinkled...
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Intertrigo
Intertrigo is irritant dermatitis, usually found in skin folds, that is caused by rubbing, increased temperature, and moisture....
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Dry Skin
Dry skin (xeroderma) may be caused by external factors, like cold temperatures, low humidity, harsh soaps, and certain...
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Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)
Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) is a rare type of cancer that arises from cells that line the drainage system from the...
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Varicose Veins
Varicose vein: A dilated (widened) tortuous (twisting) vein, usually involving a superficial vein in the leg, often associated...
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Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox (chicken pox) is a contagious childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Symptoms have an incubation...
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Allergy (Allergies)
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. ...
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Trichinosis
Trichinosis is a food-borne disease caused by ingesting parasites (roundworms) in undercooked pork or wild-game meat. Symptoms of...
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Scalp Psoriasis (Psoriasis of the Scalp)
Scalp psoriasis causes red, raised, scaly patches that may extend from the scalp to the forehead and the back of the neck and...
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Ingrown Hair
Ingrown hairs may be caused by improper shaving, waxing, or blockage of the hair follicle. Symptoms and signs of ingrown hairs...
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Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a skin disease that causes pink painless bumps on the skin. It typically resolves in six to 12 months....
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Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an irritation of the nose caused by pollen and is associated with the following allergic...
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Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a painful complication of shingles. Symptoms include: severe pain, itchy skin, and...
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Anal Cancer
Anal cancer, cancer located at the end of the large intestine, has symptoms that include anal or rectal bleeding, anal pain or...
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Thrush and Other Yeast Infections in Children
Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida. Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth...
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Bullous Pemphigoid
Bullous pemphigoid is a skin disease that causes blistering eruptions on the skin's surface and sometimes affects the inner...
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Eye Allergy
Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics...
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Dandruff (Seborrhea)
Dandruff (seborrhea) is a skin disorder that results from neither too much moisture nor too much oil. Dandruff can be treated...
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Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that affects a number of different areas of the body at one time, and can be fatal....
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Head Lice vs. Dandruff
Dandruff is a condition that causes dry flakes on the scalp. Lice are parasites. Head lice infestations are very contagious. Both...
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Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a rash that occurs after exposure to an irritant. It can be allergic. Symptoms include a red, elevated rash...
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Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are caused by an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, but also can be caused by the drying out of the tear...
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Sun-Sensitive Drugs (Photosensitivity to Drugs)
Sun sensitivity (photosensitivity) is an inflammation of the skin induced by the combination of medications or substances and...
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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC)
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBS) is a liver disease in which bile building up in the organ damages bile ducts. Ultimately, this...
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Birthmark
Birthmarks and other abnormal skin pigmentation is caused by the body's inability to produce enough melanin. Abnormal skin...
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Bug Bites and Stings
Bug bites and stings have been known to transmit insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever,...
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Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is an accelerated form of breast cancer that is not usually detected by mammogram or ultrasound....
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Scars
Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after injury. The depth and size of the wound incision and the location...
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Food Allergy
The most common food allergies are to eggs, nuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish, strawberries and tomatoes. Symptoms and signs...
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Paget Disease of the Breast
Paget's disease is a rare form of cancer that forms in or around the nipple and frequently coexists with breast cancer. The exact...
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Sick Building Syndrome
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) or also referred to as sick building syndrome or environmental illness is the name given by...
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Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
Primary sclerosing cholangitis or PSC is a disease of the liver. The cause of PSC is not known. Symptoms may include itching,...
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Shingles and Pregnancy
Becoming infected with chickenpox during pregnancy could cause birth defects in your unborn child. Likewise, shingles could also...
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Hodgkin's Disease
Hodgkin's disease is a cancer of the lymphatic system with symptoms that include unexplained, recurring fevers, unexplained...
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Frostbite (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)...
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Sunburn (Sun Poisoning)
Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV...
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Onchocerciasis
Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, is a parasitic disease that may cause blindness. It is transmitted by the bite of a female...
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Dandruff vs. Dry Scalp
Dandruff is a condition characterized by small white flakes that shed from the scalp. Dry scalp is simply dry skin on one's head....
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Insect Sting Allergies
The majority of stinging insects in the United States are from bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ants. Severity of...
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First Aid
First aid is a complicated subject and it is situation-specific. First aid is defined as the help and medical assistance someone...
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Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD)
Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a condition that happens when immune cells from transplanted donor tissue attack the...
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Latex Allergy
Latex allergy is a condition where the body reacts to latex, a natural product derived from the rubber tree. The reaction can...
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Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Treatment (PBC)
Primary biliary sclerosis (PBC) is thought to be an autoimmune disorder that involves the deterioration of the liver's small bile...
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Peanut Allergy
About 1% to 2% of people in the U.S. have a peanut allergy. Symptoms and signs of a peanut allergy include rash, hives, redness,...
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Drug Allergy (Medication Allergy)
Drug or medication allergies are caused when the immune system mistakenly creates an immune response to a medication. Symptoms of...
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Pregnancy Changes and Body Discomforts
Pregnancy can bring challenges like weight gain, stretch marks, varicose veins, heartburn, constipation,...
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Morgellons Disease
Morgellons disease is a rare condition causing delusions the sufferer has parasites under his or her skin. The disease has a...
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Chickenpox FAQs
- Eczema FAQs
- Psoriasis PUVA Therapy Can Increase Melanoma Risk
- Home Remedies for Shingles
- Bug Bite Treatment
- What Is Norwegian Scabies?
- 25 Natural and Home Remedies for Sunburn Treatment
- Travel Medicine Kit
- Rash: How to Avoid Hot Tub Rash
- Sesame Seed Allergy: A Growing Problem?
- Are Hives Always Caused by an Allergy?
- Catching Ringworm From Pets
- Chickenpox Vaccine for My Child?
- Ray Manzarek Dies of Bile Duct Cancer
- FDA: Stop Using Hydroxycut
Medications & Supplements
- hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
- diphenhydramine, Benadryl
- betamethasone dipropionate, Diprolene; Diprolene AF
- calamine and zinc oxide (Calamine Lotion)
- Over-the-Counter Products
- Topical Corticosteroids
- colestipol (Colestid)
- loratadine, Claritin, Claritin RediTabs, Alavert, Claritin Hives Relief, Children's Claritin
- famciclovir, Famvir
- hydrocortisone valerate (Westcort brand has been discontinued in the US)
- desipramine, Norpramin
- dalteparin (Injection; Fragmin)
- fexofenadine, Allegra, Allegra Allergy, Allegra Hives, Children's Allegra, Mucinex Allergy
- Soriatane (acitretin)
- pramoxine - topical, Caladryl, Tronolane
- Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium, Chrysanthemum parthenium, Bachelor's Buttons, Featherfew)
- malathion (Ovide)
- aluminum hydrochloride (Drisol, Certain Dri, Hydrosol, Xerac AC, Hypercare Solution)
- chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine, Deconamine (Discontinued)
- pramoxine and hydrocortisone (Epifoam, Pramosone, Proctofoam HC, Procort, Analpram HC)
Prevention & Wellness
- Health Tip: Do You Have Athlete's Foot?
- Health Tip: Apply Bug Spray Properly
- Health Tip: Identifying Varicose Veins
- Some Medicines Boost Sensitivity to Sun
- Arm Yourself Against Insect Sting Allergies
- Health Tip: Keep Mosquitos Out of Your Yard
- Health Tip: Identifying Nail Fungus
- Don't Let Bugs Dampen Your Outdoor Fun
- Silk Clothes Won't Soothe Eczema's Itch
- New Eczema Drug Promising in Early Trial
- Got an Itch? Use These Tips for Relief -- and Don't Scratch
- Men: Here Are Ways to Healthier, Younger-Looking Skin
- Mouse Study Suggests Way to Stop Poison Ivy's Itch
- Health Tip: Manage Allergies
- Health Tip: If You Have a Lot of Moles
- Health Tip: Identifying Varicose Veins
- 7 Ways to Give Ticks the Slip
- Health Tip: Easing Eye Allergies
- Is the 'No-Shampoo' Trend a Healthy One?
- Melatonin Might Help Sleepless Kids With Eczema, Study Finds
- Unapproved Ear Drops Targeted by FDA
- Health Tip: Dealing With a Bee Sting
- Health Tip: Treating Poison Ivy
- New Drug Shows Promise Against Psoriasis
- Mouse Study Hints at Treatment for Itch-Related Ills Like Eczema
- Health Tip: Caring for Bug Bites
- Tattoos May Pose Health Risks, Researchers Report
- Many Americans Under 50 Living With Cold Sore Virus
- Is It a Cold or an Allergy?
- Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac Rashes Can Be Serious
- Health Tip: When Pollen Counts are High
- New Guidelines for People With Nasal Allergies
- Dealing With Cold Weather Injuries
- Health Tip: Listen to Your Child About Food Allergies
- Stay Out of Stinging Insects' Way This Summer
- Asthma Drug May Help Those With Chronic Hives
- Health Tip: Soothing Bug Bites
- iPads Can Trigger Nickel Allergies in Kids
- Got Hay Fever? New Tablets vs. Allergy Shots
- Ragwitek Approved for Adult Ragweed Allergy
- FDA Approves Under-the-Tongue Hay Fever Pill
- FDA Approves Under-the-Tongue Hay Fever Pill
- Childhood Eczema Often Persists Into Adulthood, Study Finds
- Avoid Antibiotics in Pill Form for 'Swimmer's Ear,' New Guidelines Say
- Gradual Exposure to Peanuts May Help Some Allergic Kids
- FDA Advisers: Pill for Ragweed Allergy Safe and Effective
- FDA Panel Considers First Pill for Ragweed Allergy
- FDA Warns Against Prescription Drugs With High Levels of Acetaminophen
- Younger Adults Who've Had Shingles May Face Higher Stroke Risk
- Dermatologist Offers Tips on Dry Winter Skin
- FDA Approves New Treatment for Hepatitis C Infection
- Certain Allergies Plus Blood Pressure Meds Could Be Bad Mix
- Study Sees Link Between Psoriasis, Kidney Problems
- Got an Itch? Mouse Study May Help Explain Why
- Dog DNA May Yield Clues to Human Eczema
- Tick-Borne Meat Allergy May Have Affected Virginia Kids
- Bedbug Remedy Based on Kidney Bean Leaves?
- Oral Allergy Treatment May Ease Asthma, Hay Fever, Study Finds
- Many Allergic to Fire Ant's Sting Don't Get Preventive Shots
- Health Tip: Coping With Itching During Pregnancy
- Ultrasonic Bedbug Devices 'Debunked' as Useless
- Lone Star Tick Bite Might Trigger Red Meat Allergy: Study
- Cell Phone Shopping? You May Be Allergic to Some
- New Treatment May Kill Head Lice -- Fast
- Tick in Man's Ear Gives Him Tinnitus
- Shingles Not Linked to Increased Cancer Risk, Study States
- Health Tip: Managing With Psoriasis
- Certain Tick Bites Might Spur Red Meat Allergy
- Health Tip: Does Your Child Have a Seasonal Allergy?
- Acne Medication May Raise Risk of Eye Infections
- Summer's Heat May Enflame Hives
- Does Your Child Have Seasonal Allergies or a Cold?
- Bedbugs Can Infest Your Office, Too
- Tick Season Starts Early: How to Protect Yourself and Your Pet
- Over-the-Counter Bug Bite Remedies Don't Work: Report
- How to Avoid Spring Sneezing and Stuffiness
- Relieve Ragweed Allergies Without Shots
- Itch Intensity and Scratching Pleasure Vary at Different Body Sites
- Weekly Shot Gets FDA Nod for Type 2 Diabetes
- CT Scan Dye Containing Iodine May Affect Thyroid
- Bedbugs: Why They're Back
- Erbitux Approval Expanded to Include Head and Neck Cancer
- Surgery vs. Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins
- Carbon Dioxide Gas May Treat Nasal Allergies
- STD Trichomonas May Be More Common Than Thought
- Little Insects, Big Allergic Reactions
- Insect Stings Hold Deadly Risk for Some
- FDA OKs Flu Shot With Smaller Needle
- Hospital Errors May Be More Common Than Thought
- FDA Approves New Restless Legs Syndrome Drug Horizant
- Is Itching Contagious?
- Xolair May Treat Milk Allergy in Kids
- FAQ: Pesky Rashes From Plants
- FDA Warns of Acetaminophen in Prescription Pain Drugs
- Bedbugs Biting All Over U.S.
- Stem Cell Treatment Restores Vision
- CDC: Genital Herpes Rates Still High
- Treating Psoriasis If Enbrel Fails
- New Drug Relieves Hand Eczema
- Chemical in Furniture Linked to Skin Rashes
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Patient Comments
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