What’s a Peritonsillar Abscess? A peritonsillar abscess is an area of pus-filled tissue at the back of the mouth, next to one of the tonsils. The abscess can be very painful and can make it difficult to open the mouth. It can also cause swelling that can push the tonsil toward the uvula (the dangling …
What Is Osteomyelitis? Osteomyelitis (pronounced: os-tee-oh-my-uh-LY-tus) is the medical term for inflammation in a bone. It’s usually caused by a bacterial infection. It often affects the long bones of the arms and legs, but can happen in any bone. What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Osteomyelitis? Teens with osteomyelitis often feel pain in the infected bone. …
What Is MRSA? MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria. Many people have staph bacteria living on their skin or in their noses without it causing any problems. If staph bacteria get into a person’s body through a cut, scrape, or rash, they can cause minor skin infections. Most of these heal on their …
What Is Molluscum Contagiosum? Molluscum contagiosum is a skin rash caused by a virus. The rash has small clear or flesh-colored bumps. The bumps can spread from one part of the body to another or from person to person. Usually, the rash goes away on its own in 6–12 months, but can take longer. Molluscum contagiosum (pronounced: mol-US-kum …
Meningitis can be a serious infection, and it can be contagious — which is why outbreaks make the news. However, it’s also pretty rare. What Is Meningitis? Meningitis is inflammation of membranes around the brain and spinal cord called the meninges (pronounced: muh-NIN-jeez). What Causes Meningitis? Most cases are caused by bacteria or viruses, but some can be due to certain medicines …
What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is the leading tick-borne disease in the United States. It’s most common in the Northeast, the Pacific Northwest, and the northern midwestern states. Lyme disease is caused by a type of bacteria found in animals like mice and deer. Deer ticks (also called black-legged ticks) that feed on these animals can …
What Is Impetigo? Impetigo (pronounced: im-peh-TY-go) is a very common skin infection, especially in young kids. But anyone can get it. It can cause blisters or sores on the face, hands, and legs. What Causes Impetigo? Someone can be more likely to develop impetigo when their skin is already irritated by another problem, such as eczema, poison …
The way mono works in the body is tricky, so lots of people are confused about how long it is contagious. If you get mono, the virus stays in your body for life. That doesn’t mean that you’re always contagious . But the virus can surface from time to time and risk infecting someone else. Here’s how it works: …
Does the thought of Lyme disease make you worry about enjoying the great outdoors? Here are some ways to lower your risk for Lyme disease. What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease is an infection caused by a tick bite. The infection can lead to problems with the skin, heart, brain, and joints. Treatment with antibiotics usually cures Lyme disease, …
What Is Hepatitis C? Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV can lead to liver failure, liver cancer, or chronic liver disease (cirrhosis). HCV infections are a leading reason for liver transplants in the United States. Some people with HCV have just a short-term illness because …
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