Syphilis : Symptoms

The symptoms of syphilis depend on the stage of the disease. Many people do not have symptoms. In general, painless sores and swollen lymph nodes are symptoms of primary syphilis. Those with secondary syphilis may also have fever, fatigue, aches a...

Syphilis is caused by a spirochete, Treponema pallidum . A spirochete is a thin spiral- or coil-shaped bacterium that enters the body through the mucous membranes or breaks in the skin. In 90% of cases, the spirochete is transmitted by sexual cont...

Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum , a spirochete, which is a thin spiral-or coil-shaped bacterium that enters the body through the mucous membranes or breaks in the skin. In 90% of cases, the spirochete is transmitted by sexual contact.

Fever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature, in response to some disease or illness. A child has a fever when their temperature is at or above one of these levels: 100.4 F (38 C) measured in the bottom (rectally; 99.5 F(37.5 C) measured in their mouth (orally; 99 F (37.2 C) measured under their arm (axillary. An adult probably has a fever when their temperature is above 99 - 99.5 ?F (37.2 - 37.5 ?C), depending on what time of the day it is. See also: Temperature measurement; Heat emergencies.

A fever is any body temperature elevation over 100.4°F (38°C).

Detailed information on fevers in children

A fever is a special cause for concern in infants younger than 3 months of age. Parents and caregivers should be most concerned with changes in eating or sleeping habits, coughing, pain or other marked changes.

Fever is defined as an abnormally high body temperature or a regulated rise to a new set point of body temperature. While a body temperature above 100°F(37.8°C) is considered to be a fever by some clinicians, a significant fever is usually defined as an oral temperature of 102°F (39°C) or a rectal temperature of 103°F(39.5°C). Fever is a sign of inflammation and represents the body's response to microbial invasion or to a disease process. Hyperthermia is defined as abnormally high body temperature caused by disruption of the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms. Hyperthermia occurs when the body's metabolic heat production or environmental heat load exceeds the normal heat loss capacity (or when normal heat loss is impaired).

A fever is any body temperature elevation over 100°F (37.8°C).

An elevated body temperature. While the standard for normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), normal body temperatures actually fluctuate within a range of one to two degrees, making it impossible to formulate a precise definition of fever based on a specific temperature. Children's temperatures are generally higher than those of adults and fluctuate more widely. They may vary depending on the time of day, the child's emotional state or level of physical activity, the amount of clothing worn, or the surrounding room temperature. In general, temperatures under 100°F (37.7°C) are considered "subfebrile" (i.e., not indicating fever). Rectal temperatures of up to 100.4°F (38°C) may be considered normal. A part of the brain called the hypothalamus acts as the body's thermostat, keeping its temperature at or close to 98.6°F (37°C). When there is an infection (or certain other types of disease), the body's white blood cells produce specific proteins (endogenous pyrogens) that reach the brain through the bloodstream and stimulate the hypothalamus, which signals the body to increase its metabolic rate and consume oxygen faster, resulting in a higher body temperature. Fever is one of the ways the body defends itself against infections. It is commonly caused by viral and bacterial infections, including colds, earaches, and flu. When fever is present, the production of infection-fighting white blood cells is increased, and their effectiveness is enhanced. More serious potential causes of fever include pneumonia, urinary tract infections, appendicitis, and meningitis. Fever can also be caused by non-infectious conditions that produce inflammation—such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and lupus—as well as overexertion, dehydration, allergic reactions, insect bites and stings, and toxic reactions. A child's temperature can be taken in several ways. Rectal temperatures are about half a degree higher than oral ones. A rectal reading is considered more accurate than an oral one, which may be affected by previously eaten hot or cold foods or by a child's breathing. Underarm temperatures are considered reliable for young infants, and new electronic thermometers can measure temperature through the ear. Although fever is generally a cause for concern among parents, high fevers are not necessarily a sign of serious illness. Unlike adult temperatures, the level of a child's temperature does not necessarily indicate the severity of an illness. A mild cold may produce a fever as high as 105°F (40.5°C), while the fever accompanying pneumonia may only be 100°F (37.7°C). The temperatures of newborn infants are particularly unreliable because the baby's temperature control mechanism is not yet adequately developed. Although fevers are generally not dangerous, they are treated because they cause discomfort and can prevent children from getting the sleep and nourishment they need in order to get well. Aspirin was the medication most commonly used to lower fevers until 1980, when researchers found that the use of aspirin to treat children's fevers caused by influenza and chicken pox was associated with Reye's syndrome, a dangerous condition that causes liver impairment and brain damage and can result in coma and eventual death. Since then, acetaminophens (sold under such brand names as Tylenol) have become the most widely recommended drugs for treating fever in children. Acetaminophens, which are available in liquid form, tablets and capsules for oral use, and as suppositories, are effective in treating fever but do not share aspirin's inflammation-reducing properties. Ibuprophen (Advil, Nuprin, etc.) is an effective fever reducer that is also an anti-inflammatory. However, it has not been on the market as long as acetaminophens and has been known to produce allergic and gastrointestinal side effects. A fever can also be reduced one or two degrees by sponging a child wi

Normal body temperature varies somewhat from one individual to another but displays a general range and pattern around the "normal" temperature of 98.6°F. Early morning body temperature may be as low as 97°F, and as high as 99.3°F in the afternoon hours yet still be considered normal. Higher temperatures may be observed in healthy people, but an abnormal elevation (pyrexia) is classified as hyperthermia , or fever. Fever results from a failure in the body's ability to regulate and dissipate heat. Any fever presents an unpleasant and uncomfortable state for the patient. Fever may cause the patient to experience fatigue , chills, sweats, nausea, and—in some cases—life-threatening conditions. When fevers occur in the elderly or the very young, the effects can be more harmful than in individuals who fall between those two age groups. The elderly may experience poor blood circulation, heart failure, an irregular heartbeat, or mental episodes. Children may lapse into fever-induced seizures. It is possible to treat fever with lukewarm sponge baths or bathing, removing excess clothing or bedding, and increasing the patient's fluid intake; however an important treatment is medication that lowers the body temperature to its normal range.

One minute you're hot; the next, you're chilled and your teeth chatter. You've got a fever. But look on the bright side: Fever seems to serve a helpful function in the body.

Buying a thermometer isn't as easy as it used to be. You face an array of choices. But the decision doesn't have to be hard. Like temperature, it's a matter of degrees.

Most medical professionals agree a fever by itself is not an illness; it is a symptom of an underlying problem. Fevers actually can be a positive sign the body is fighting an infection. However, a fever can cause discomfort for a child.

A fever is a way for the body to fight infection. But it may also be a sign of a serious illness, especially in children younger than 3 months and children who haven't been immunized. Know when to seek medical care for your child.

Detailed information on fever, including when to call your physician

Detailed information on children and fever, including symptoms and treatment

Use a digital thermometer to take your child's temperature; never use a glass mercury thermometer. Most children aged three years and older can hold a thermometer under their tongue. If your child is younger than that, or you're having difficulty with the oral method, talk to your doctor about the best way to take his temperature.

The best way to take an infant's temperature is rectally with a digital thermometer (never use a glass mercury thermometer). Taking the temperature under the arm, or using an ear thermometer, is less exact.

Hyperthermia is the use of therapeutic heat to treat various cancers on and inside the body.

Hyperthermia involves raising the body's core temperature as a means of eradicating tumors. The treatment simulates fever . Some therapies actually bring on fever through the introduction of fever-causing organisms, while others raise body temperature by directly heating the blood.

Children can become cranky, fussy or irritable for many reasons. Often it's because they're hungry or just tired. But sometimes irritability can be a sign of illness in children.

Rashes involve changes in the color or texture of your skin.

The popular term for a group of spots or red, inflamed skin that is usually a symptom of an underlying condition or disorder. Often temporary, a rash is only rarely a sign of a serious problem.

Infections, with bacteria or viruses, often cause rashes. Some of these infections are more serious than others. Fever is another sign of infection.

very common in newborns (babies less than one month old). They can be bumps, blisters, or scaly patches; they can appear on the scalp, face, body and diaper area. Most rashes are not cause for concern, but some rashes need a doctor's attention.

Rash is a popular term for a group of spots or an area of red, inflamed skin. A rash is usually a symptom of an underlying condition or disorder. Often only temporary, a rash is rarely a sign of a serious problem.

The popular term for a group of spots or red, inflamed skin that is usually a symptom of an underlying condition or disorder. Often temporary, a rash is only rarely a sign of a serious problem.

How should you treat poison oak or ivy rashes? Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.

What are the symptoms of Paget's disease of the breast? Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.

Can someone have shingles without a major rash ? just extreme skin sensitivity and itching?

Lymph nodes are found throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germs, infections, and other foreign substances. The term "swollen glands" refers to enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. In a child, a node is considered enlarged if it is more than 1 centimeter (0.4 inch) in diameter. See also: Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis

The term "swollen glands" is often equated with enlarged lymph nodes. However, lymph nodes are not actually glands. They are small bundles of white blood cells. One of the ways the body's immune system responds to infections and inflammation is to greatly increase the number of white cells in the lymph nodes causing them to swell.

Herpes: Caring for SoresGood hygiene matters when you have herpes. Take care of your sores to speed healing.

Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.

Fatigue is physical and/or mental exhaustion that can be triggered by stress , medication, overwork, or mental and physical illness or disease.

Boosting Your Energy provides information on the causes and treatments of persistent fatigue. Includes information on aging and energy, eating for energy, and boosting your energy.

Fatigue may be defined as a subjective state in which one feels tired or exhausted, and in which the capacity for normal work or activity is reduced. There is, however, no commonly accepted definition of fatigue when it is considered in the context of health and illness. This lack of definition results from the fact that a person's experience of fatigue depends on a variety of factors. These factors include culture, personality, the physical environment (light, noise, vibration), availability of social support through networks of family members and friends, the nature of a particular fatiguing disease or disorder, and the type and duration of work or exercise . The experience of fatigue associated with disease will be different for someone who is clinically depressed, is socially isolated, and is out of shape, as compared to another person who is not depressed, has many friends, and is aerobically fit.

If you regularly feel weary after waking from a good night’s sleep or for no apparent reason, it’s time to find out why.

Fatigue: TreatmentIf the fatigue is related to a decrease in hemoglobin, or oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, then replacing the red blood cells by transfusion or taking erythropoietin can help reduce fatigue. If the fatigue is not related to...

Fatigue may be defined as a subjective state in which one feels tired or exhausted, and in which the capacity for normal work or activity is reduced. There is, however, no commonly accepted definition of fatigue when it is considered in the context of health and illness. This lack of definition results from the fact that a person's experience of fatigue depends on a variety of factors. These factors include culture; personality; the physical environment (light, noise, vibration); availability of social support through networks of family members and friends; the nature of a particular fatiguing disease or disorder; and the type and duration of work or exercise. For example, the experience of fatigue associated with disease will be different for someone who is clinically depressed, is socially isolated, and is out of shape, as compared to another person who is not depressed, has many friends, and is aerobically fit. Fatigue is sometimes characterized as normal or abnormal. For example, the feeling of tiredness or even exhaustion after exercising is a normal response and is relieved by resting; many people report that the experience of ordinary tiredness after exercise is pleasant. Moreover, this type of fatigue is called acute since the onset is sudden and the desired activity level returns after resting. On the other hand, there is a kind of fatigue that is not perceived as ordinary; that may develop insidiously over time; is unpleasant or seriously distressing; and is not resolved by rest. This kind of fatigue is abnormal and is called chronic . Some researchers regard fatigue as a defense mechanism that promotes the effective regulation of energy expenditures. According to this theory, when people feel tired they take steps to avoid further stress (physical or emotional) by resting or by avoiding the stressor. They are then conserving energy. Since chronic fatigue is not normal, however, it is an important symptom of some mental disorders; of a variety of physical diseases with known etiologies (causes); and of medical conditions that have no biological markers although they have recognizable syndromes (patterns of symptoms and signs). Fatigue is sometimes described as being primary or secondary. Primary fatigue is a symptom of a disease or mental disorder, and may be part of a cluster of such symptoms as pain, fever, or nausea. As the disease or disorder progresses, however, the fatigue may be intensified by the patient's worsening condition, by the other disease symptoms, or by the surgical or medical treatment given to the patient. This subsequent fatigue is called secondary.

Fatigue is physical and/or mental exhaustion that can be triggered by stress , medication, overwork, or mental and physical illness or disease.

Fatigue is a feeling of exhaustion or loss of strength. The duration of fatigue for a patient with cancer has been found to last from one to two times the length of time between diagnosis and completion of treatment, so it is common for fatigue to persist beyond a patient's treatment regimen.

Fatigue: ManagementIf the person on chemotherapy has decreased hemoglobin, or oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and it seems like the low hemoglobin level will last for a while, then a medicine called PROCRIT® (Epoetin alfa) may be prescribed...

Fatigue: CausesWe currently understand some of the causes of fatigue but not all of them. Fatigue may be related to physical changes caused by cancer or its treatment (chemotherapy, biotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery).

Fatigue: DefinitionFatigue is a vague feeling of being tired, weak, or exhausted. It is often a symptom of cancer, when cancer is first diagnosed, or when cancer progresses (Ferrell et al, 1996).

Oncology: Managing FatigueFatigue is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It can be caused by worry, lack of sleep, and poor appetite.

Many people experience late-in-the-day energy lags, but you can take steps to prevent them.

A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are extremely rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better by making lifestyle changes, learning ways to relax, and occasionally by taking medications. See also: Cluster headache; Migraine; Tension headache.

A headache is a pain in the head and neck region that may be either a disorder in its own right or a symptom HEADACHE THERAPIES Description Type Acupressure Press pointer fingers beneath cheekbones and parallel to pupils (Stomach 3) for one minute. Squeeze fleshy area between thumb and pointer finger (Large Intestine 4) for one minute. Sinus Aromatherapy Massage mixture of lavender oil and sunflower oil in temples, sides of eyes, behind ears, and on the neck. Do same using eucalyptus. Migraine, tension, and sinus Chiropractic Spinal or cervical manipulation to realign posture. Tension Diet and exercise Avoid chocolate, cheeses, citrus, red wine, and foods containing sodium nitrates or MSG. Exercise regularly. Migraine Herbal remedies Feverfew, hawthorn, skullcap, ginger, goldenseal, valerian, passionflower, and cayenne. Migraine and tension Homeopathy Belladonna, bryonia, kali bichromicum, and nux vomica. Sinus and tension Home remedies Simultaneous ice pack/warm foot soak; drink three cold glasses of water; inhale pure oxygen. Migraine and cluster Massage Scalp massage All Mind/body Meditation and relaxation and biofeedback. Migraine Osteopathy Neuromuscular manipulation and massage of head, neck, and shoulders. All of an underlying medical condition or disease. The medical term for headache is cephalalgia.

Detailed information on headaches, including the different types of headaches and statistics relating to headaches

This report helps you identify the cause of your headache and learn what to do about it. Includes the latest treatments, such as new medications and mind/body techniques.

A headache involves pain in the head which can arise from many disorders or may be a disorder in and of itself.

About 90 percent of all headaches are harmless episodes that can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers, either alone or together with rest, ice packs or relaxation techniques.

A headache involves pain in the head that can arise from many disorders or may be a disorder in and of itself.

Most headaches in kids are caused by tension, not disease. Your pediatrician can determine what kind of headache your child has.

Headache is a pain in the head and neck region that may be either a disorder in its own right or a symptom of an underlying medical condition or disease. The medical term for headache is cephalalgia. Headaches are one of the most common and universal human ailments, described in the Bible as well as in medical writings from ancient Egypt, Babylonia, Greece, Rome, India, and China. Severe chronic headaches were once treated by the oldest known surgical procedure, known as trepanning or trephining, in which the surgeon drilled a hole as large as 1–2 in diameter in the patient's skull without benefit of anesthesia. Evidence of trepanning has been found in skulls from Cro-Magnon people that are about 40,000 years old.

When seeking treatment for headaches, start with your primary care provider. Most people who suffer from headaches tell their doctors about their pain only as an afterthought. And 31 percent have never seen a health care provider for their condition, according to the National Headache Foundation (NHF). The result is a lot of needless suffering.

Youngsters' most common head pain is a tension headache—a dull ache that feels like pressure around the head.

Detailed information on headaches, including types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Can dehydration cause headaches? Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.

An old theory about the connection between headache and high blood pressure makes a comeback.

Detailed information on headaches, including the different types of headaches and statistics relating to headaches

Question: Why does it get harder to lose weight with age? Answer: One must burn more calories than one takes in to lose weight at any age. This can be done either with caloric restriction or with exercise. Although metabolism slows down somewhat as we age, increasing weight with age is usually due to a drop-off in activity while dietary habits stay the same or get worse. See also: Intentional weight loss; Physical activity.

Weight loss is a reduction in body mass characterized by a loss of adipose tissue (body fat) and skeletal muscle.

Weigh Less, Live Longer helps you determine the cause of your excess weight and tailor a plan to your particular needs. Even a modest reduction of 7%-10% of your starting weight can lead to significant improvements in health.

The not-so-secret secret to weight loss is to burn more calories than you eat. This can be done safely and effectively by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

The latest studies conclude that a successful weight-loss plan is a mind/body undertaking that not only involves monitoring calorie intake and expenditure, but dealing with the psychological side of weight loss and habit change.

Out of the millions Americans who are overweight and go on a diet each year, many regain all or a part of the weight they lose within five years.

Moderately intense activities, such as walking briskly from your parked car to the mall entrance and taking your dog for a quick jog after dinner, won't help you train for a sport. But they can help you achieve and maintain a healthful weight and improve your overall fitness level.

The balance of diet studies shows it's not carbohydrates specifically that count, but the total calories and fat consumed.

Some diet advice is just plain wrong—and some can be dangerous to your health.You don't have to look far to find diet advice. It's as close as your Web browser, your local bookstore, or that pop culture magazine you leafed through. But how accurate is the information? Some diet advice is just plain wrong—and some can be dangerous to your health.

Walking is a great form of exercise that can be done just about anywhere. If you're trying to lose weight, though, you'll need to do more than a leisurely stroll.

If you’re starving most of the time or can’t imagine staying on a particular diet past a perceived deadline, you’re on the wrong track.

Most people want to lose weight in a hurry, so they go on a fad diet, lose some weight, go off the diet and go back to eating as they always have.

Experts say the long-term success at weight loss requires a balance between diet and physical activity.

Experts say the long-term success at weight loss requires a balance between diet and physical activity.

Here are strategies that can help you troubleshoot and personalize your weight-loss plan to manage common workplace weight-loss roadblocks.

The majority of dieters regain the weight they lose within five years. But they could avoid doing so by gradually changing their eating and exercise habits. Your approach to weight loss should be to make changes you can keep up for the rest of your life.

New types of weight-loss medications may help those who struggle with obesity, but there are some potentially serious side effects. Also, use of such a drug requires a significant adjustment in one's diet and level of physical activity.

Doctors become most concerned about unintentional weight loss if it reaches more than five percent of the usual body weight (about ten pounds), especially if your weight has not stabilized and continues to go down.

Out of the 90 million Americans who are overweight, 50 million go on a diet each year, according to the National Women's Health Resource Center.

Partial or complete loss of hair is called alopecia.

Alopecia, also called hair loss, baldness, and epilation, is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy . Most patients undergoing chemotherapy, especially those who are being treated with more than one drug, will suffer from hair loss. Radiation therapy causes hair loss only in the area of skin being treated. Although most often associated with head hair, alopecia can occur on any part of the body. Cancer treatments can also cause hair on the face (including the eyelashes and eyebrows), genitals, underarms, and body to fall out. Alopecia usually occurs between two and three weeks after the first treatment. Most often, hair loss is gradual and occurs over a three-to-four week period. However, the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel can cause all the hair of the body to fall out within a 24-hour period. Loss of head hair usually begins on the top (crown) and sides of the head, presumably due to friction caused by pillows, bed linens, and hats. Alopecia caused by chemotherapy is usually temporary. Hair loss caused by radiation therapy may be permanent. Hair regrows in about three to five months. Regrown hair may be a different color or type than before treatment. Although alopecia is a harmless, painless condition, it can significantly affect body image , self esteem, and sexuality . As a result, alopecia may cause the patient to limit social activities. Hair loss can also cause depression .

Detailed information on baldness (alopecia), including causes, different types of hair loss, treatment of baldness, and hair replacement surgery

Hair loss. Alopecia is partial or total loss of hair as a result of any number of causes, including the normal aging process. In children, alopecia may be a reaction to a drug or therapy (such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy), or may result from a skin disorder or hormone imbalance. When hair is lost in patches for unknown causes, the condition is termed alopecia areata. When bald spots are the result of compulsive hair-pulling, the condition is termed trichotillomania.

Detailed information on baldness (alopecia), including causes, different types of hair loss, treatment of baldness, and hair replacement surgery

Detailed information on managing alopecia in children

Some hair on your head falls out every day, no matter what your age. And that's perfectly normal.

Hair Loss--One Woman's StoryDebbie Dorsey sat with her family on Christmas morning in 1997 opening presents. She was watching her children and mindlessly touching her hair when seven dark strands clung to her fingers.

Losing your hair can be a frustrating process, especially because you often have little control over it.

Have there been any studies on the effectiveness of saw palmetto for stopping hair loss?

Can severe anemia cause hair loss and hair thinning? Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.

My 7-year-old son has two bald spots on his scalp. His pediatrician said he has alopecia. Will he have this for the rest of his life? Will it continue to get worse? Did stress and anxiety cause this?

Half of Americans experience some degree of hair loss. Hair loss affects both men and women, but with different results.

Hair loss, or alopecia , is total or partial baldness caused by hormonal changes or physical or mental stress .

Hair loss syndromes are a varied group of disorders and conditions characterized by the gradual or sudden loss of large amounts of hair—most often from the scalp, but sometimes from other areas of the body. Hair loss (or baldness) is sometimes referred to as alopecia. Madarosis is the medical term for the loss of eyelashes (ciliary madarosis) or eyebrows (superciliary madarosis). Genetic factors are the most common cause of alopecia. Although hair loss, unlike some genetic disorders , is not a life-threatening or disabling condition, it often has painful psychological consequences. Good grooming and an attractive appearance are important factors in the contemporary job market as well as interpersonal relationships, and a full head of hair is considered a positive feature. Historically, men have tended to put less weight on their external appearance than women have, but this pattern has changed in the last two decades. Present evidence indicates that men are now as vulnerable to pressures to "look good" as women are, and that hair loss is a frequent focus of men's concerns about their looks. American men spend over two billion dollars each year on hair-replacement products.

Alopecia simply means hair loss (baldness).

Hair loss syndromes are a varied group of disorders and conditions characterized by the gradual or sudden loss of large amounts of hair—most often from the scalp, but sometimes from other areas of the body. Hair loss (or baldness) is sometimes referred to as alopecia. Madarosis is the medical term for the loss of eyelashes (ciliary madarosis) or eyebrows (superciliary madarosis). Genetic factors are the most common cause of alopecia. Although hair loss, unlike some genetic disorders , is not a life-threatening or disabling condition, it often has painful psychological consequences. Good grooming and an attractive appearance are important factors in the contemporary job market as well as interpersonal relationships, and a full head of hair is considered a positive feature. Historically, men have tended to put less weight on their external appearance than women have, but this pattern has changed in the last two decades. Present evidence indicates that men are now as vulnerable to pressures to "look good" as women are, and that hair loss is a frequent focus of men's concerns about their looks. American men spend over two billion dollars each year on hair-replacement products.

Alopecia is the partial or complete loss of hair—especially on the scalp—either in patches (alopecia areata), on the entire head (alopecia totalis), or over the entire body (alopecia universalis).

Is hair loss a common symptom of diabetes, and is it reversible? I have noticed that my hair has gotten very thin and I have recently been diagnosed with diabetes?

Are there any vitamins that can be taken to help prevent hair loss?

Is hair loss common with HIV? Rebecca Campen, M.D., J.D. is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School and former Deputy Director of the Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital Cutaneous Biology Research Center (CBRC). She currently serves as Senior Advisor to the CBRC and divides her time between clinical practice of dermatology at the Massachusetts General Hospital and private practice in Savannah, Georgia. Dr. Campen is the author of two books for medical students and residents, Going Into Medical Practice and Blueprints in Dermatology.

Oncology: Coping With Hair LossHair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It occurs because these treatments affect normal cells as well as cancer cells.

A sore throat is discomfort, pain, or scratchiness in the throat. A sore throat often makes it painful to swallow.

Sore throat, also called pharyngitis, is a painful inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the pharynx. It is a symptom of many conditions, but most often is associated with colds or influenza . Sore throat may be caused by either viral or bacterial infections or environmental conditions. Most sore throats heal without complications, but they should not be ignored because some develop into serious illnesses.

Sore throat is an upper respiratory infection that may be caused by inflammation of the pharynx, larynx, or tonsils. Thus, it is a symptom of many conditions, but most often is associated with common cold or influenza . Sore throat may be caused by either a virus or bacteria in addition to certain environmental conditions. Most sore throats heal without complications, but they should not be ignored because some develop into serious illnesses.

Although many people assume that a sore throat means strep throat, most sore throats are not strep.

Sore throats abound in cold, flu, and allergy season. Do you know when you should put up with a sore throat, take a pain reliever, or see a doctor?

Sore throat is a painful inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the pharynx.

Sore throat, also called pharyngitis, is a painful inflammation of the back of the throat. It is a symptom of many conditions, but most often is associated with colds or influenza . Sore throat may be caused by either viral or bacterial infections or by environmental conditions. Most sore throats heal without complications, but they should not be ignored because some develop into serious illnesses.

What can be used for a 7-month-old who has a sore throat or strep throat?

Infections are not the only cause of sore throats. Allergies causing nasal congestion with mouth breathing and acid reflux are two non-infectious causes of sore throat.

Most sore throats will get better without antibiotics or other prescription medications. However, occasionally a sore throat can associated with a more serious health problem.

Weakness is a reduction in the strength of one or more muscles.

Being tired is the familiar aftermath of physical exertion, prolonged labor or lack of sleep. When does being tired become a symptom of a condition? Fatigue, malaise, lassitude, exhaustion are all subtle variations of the same subjective feelings of not having enough energy to meet the demands of one's life.

Mouth ulcers are sores or open lesions in the mouth. (See also mouth sores or canker sores)

Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth. It may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof or floor of the mouth. The inflammation may be caused by conditions within the mouth itself, such as poor oral hygiene and poorly fitted dentures, or from mouth burns caused by hot foods or drinks. It also may be caused by factors affecting the entire body, such as medications, allergic reactions, or infections.

Stomatitis describes an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth. This condition, frequently referred to as mucositis , can result from cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy . It is characterized by mouth ulcers or sores, and pain in the mouth. The first symptoms may be sensitivity to spicy foods and reddened mucous membranes. The patient with stomatitis may also experience a dry or swollen tongue, difficulty swallowing, and an inability to eat or drink. It is usually a short-term condition, lasting from just a few days to a few weeks. Reddened areas in the mouth may appear as early as three days after receiving chemotherapy, but normally it is within five to seven days. As time goes on, ulceration occurs. The inflammation can range from mild to severe. If complications such as infection do not occur, stomatitis usually heals completely within two to four weeks.

Stomatitis is an inflammation of the mucous lining of the mouth, which may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof or floor of the mouth. The word "stomatitis" literally means inflammation of the mouth.

Inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the structures in the mouth, which may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof or floor of the mouth. The word "stomatitis" literally means inflammation of the mouth. The inflammation can be caused by conditions in the mouth itself, such as poor oral hygiene , poorly fitted dentures, or from mouth burns from hot food or drinks, or by conditions that affect the entire body, such as medications, allergic reactions, or infections.

Uncoordinated movement is muscle control problem or an inability to finely coordinate movements, which results in a jerky, unsteady, to-and-fro motion of the middle of the body (trunk) and unsteady gait (walking style. The condition is called ataxia.

Genital Warts (Condyloma)Note:Latex condoms may help protect against genital warts. But condoms don’t cover all the areas that can get infected.

Various types of sores can appear anywhere within the mouth, including the inner cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, or palate.

What Are Oral Lesions? (Precancerous and Cancerous)Precancerous oral lesionsare abnormal cell growths in or around the mouth.

Sometimes a person feels hot to touch due to illness or environmental situation that causes elevated core temperature. A compounding factor can be dehydration (lack of fluids.