Bell’s palsy is a condition that causes temporary facial paralysis (palsy). It usually only affects the muscles on one side of your face. You may have a lopsided smile or an eyelid that you can’t fully close. It rarely affects both sides of your face. Bell’s palsy happens when there’s inflammation and swelling of your seventh cranial nerve — the nerve that controls facial muscles. Certain …

Behçet’s disease, also known as Silk Road disease, is a chronic (long-term) inflammatory condition, caused by vasculitis (blood vessel inflammation), which will affect and damage both your arteries and veins. Who gets Behçet’s disease? Behçet’s disease is seen all over the world. But it’s most common in Northern Turkey (up to 420 cases per 100,000 people), the Mediterranean basin and Middle East …

A bee sting is a wound caused by a bee. A bee is a winged insect that has a barbed, thorn-shaped organ (stinger) at the end of its three-segmented body. These segments include the head, thorax and abdomen. Bees use their stinger to defend themselves and their hive, which is a bee’s home. The stinger contains venom. When a bee …

Bed-wetting, medically known as nocturnal enuresis, is the involuntary passing of urine during sleep. It is most common in children, especially those under the age of five, but it can also occur in older children and, less commonly, in adults. Bed-wetting is usually not a sign of a serious medical problem and often improves as the child grows older. However, …

Bedsores are wounds that occur from prolonged pressure on your skin. People who are immobile for long periods, such as those who are bedridden or use a wheelchair, are most at risk for bedsores. These painful wounds, or pressure ulcers, can grow large and lead to infections. In some instances, bedsores can be life-threatening. What are other names for bedsores? You …

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are tiny insects that bite people and animals to get blood for food. They are parasites, meaning they need human hosts to supply them with food. Most bites happen while you’re asleep. What do bed bugs look like? Bed bugs are flat, brown or reddish-brown insects with six legs. Adult bed bugs are about the size of …

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that causes you to view your own physical appearance unfairly. The thoughts and feelings related to your appearance can consume you and affect your thoughts and actions. Eventually, BDD can negatively impact your quality of life and how you feel about yourself. While everyone’s body has unique characteristics and differences, BDD …

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It develops in the basal cells, which are found in the lower part of the outer layer of the skin. This cancer usually appears on areas of the body that receive frequent sun exposure, such as the face, neck, and arms. Basal cell carcinoma typically grows slowly and rarely …

Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which the normal lining of the lower esophagus changes to tissue similar to the lining of the intestine. This change usually develops as a result of long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease, in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus itself does not cause pain, but it is considered a precancerous condition …

Folliculitis is a common skin condition that’s often caused by an infected or inflamed hair follicle. It can look similar to acne and be uncomfortable or itchy. Folliculitis often has a psychosocial impact because of its appearance. There are many different types of folliculitis — each one unique based on the cause, the infectious organism and its impact on the skin. Folliculitis can …