Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an ear canal infection. Your ear canal is the pathway between your outer ear and your middle ear. Swimmer’s ear can be a bacterial infection or fungal infection. We call it “swimmer’s ear” because avid swimmers commonly experience it. But anyone can get it — especially during the warmer months when many people spend more time in the …

A middle ear infection, also known as otitis media, is an infection of the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. It is one of the most common illnesses in children, though adults can also be affected. Middle ear infections often develop after a cold, flu, or other upper respiratory infection. The condition …

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological sleep disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles. People with narcolepsy experience excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden episodes of falling asleep during normal activities. The condition often begins in childhood or adolescence but may go undiagnosed for years. Narcolepsy is a lifelong disorder, but symptoms can be managed with appropriate treatment and …

Dandruff is a common, chronic scalp condition characterized by flaking of the skin on the scalp. It is not contagious or serious, but it can be persistent and sometimes embarrassing. Dandruff often appears as white or yellowish flakes on the scalp, hair, or shoulders and may be associated with itching. The condition can affect people of all ages and tends …

Acute lymphocytic leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, the soft, spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are produced. It develops when the bone marrow makes large numbers of abnormal white blood cells that do not mature properly. The term acute refers to how quickly the disease progresses and how it leads to the production of …

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. These cells can form tumors, invade nearby tissues, and spread to distant organs through the blood or lymphatic system, a process known as metastasis. Cancer can develop in almost any organ or tissue and varies widely in behavior, severity, and treatment …

Corns and calluses are thickened areas of skin that develop as a protective response to repeated friction, pressure, or irritation. They most commonly form on the feet, especially on toes, soles, and areas that bear weight. While generally not serious, corns and calluses can cause discomfort or pain, particularly when pressure continues. Symptoms The appearance and symptoms of corns and …

Calciphylaxis is a rare but serious condition characterized by calcification of small and medium-sized blood vessels in the skin and fatty tissues. This leads to reduced blood flow, skin ischemia, and painful skin lesions that can progress to ulcers and tissue necrosis. Calciphylaxis most commonly occurs in people with advanced kidney disease, particularly those on long-term dialysis, but it can …

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common condition characterized by an unpleasant odor coming from the mouth. It can be temporary or persistent and may affect people of all ages. In many cases, bad breath is related to oral hygiene issues, but it can also be a sign of underlying medical conditions. Although often not serious, chronic bad …

Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal condition caused by an imbalance in the natural bacteria found in the vagina. It occurs when harmful bacteria overgrow and reduce the number of beneficial lactobacilli that normally help maintain vaginal health. Bacterial vaginosis is most common in women of reproductive age and is not considered a sexually transmitted infection, though sexual activity can …