Pelvic phleboliths are small, round calcium deposits that form inside veins in your pelvic area. They are common and almost always harmless. Most people have no idea they have them until an X-ray or CT scan of the abdomen or pelvis is done for an unrelated reason. They are not cancer, they do not turn … Read more

An itchy scalp is one of those problems that can take over your day. You scratch, it feels better for a second, and then the itch comes right back. The most common causes are dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, dry skin, and contact allergies. For most people, relief starts with a gentle medicated shampoo and a few … Read more

Cryptosporidium is a microscopic parasite that causes a diarrheal illness called cryptosporidiosis. It spreads when you swallow water, food, or anything contaminated with the stool of an infected person or animal. The main symptoms are watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and a low-grade fever, which usually appear 2 to 10 days after exposure. Most healthy … Read more

Dopamine is both excitatory and inhibitory. It is not a simple on-off switch. The effect depends entirely on which receptor it binds to and where in the brain that binding happens. Dopamine acts as a chemical messenger that can either stimulate or suppress nerve cell activity depending on the specific pathway involved. What Does Excitatory … Read more

Popping poison ivy blisters is not a good idea. The blisters themselves do not contain urushiol, the oil that causes the rash, so popping them will not stop the rash from spreading. However, breaking the skin opens the door to infection, which can turn a minor irritation into a more serious medical problem. Why Do … Read more

One ounce of almonds is about 23 whole kernels. That is the standard serving size used in nutrition labels and dietary guidelines. If you are counting calories or tracking protein, that number — 23 almonds — is the figure to remember. Why Is the Serving Size 23 Almonds? The number comes from the standard weight … Read more

An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test result that comes back high can feel alarming, but it is not a diagnosis on its own. This enzyme is found throughout your body, with the highest concentrations in your liver, bile ducts, and bones. A high level on a blood test tells your doctor that something in one of … Read more

Feeling like you hate yourself right before or during your period is real, and it is not a character flaw. It is a physical and emotional response driven by hormone changes that happen in your body each month. For most people, these feelings are part of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For a smaller group, the feelings … Read more