Black Hairy Tongue

Black Hairy Tongue

This painless condition occurs when the little bumps on your tongue grow long and trap bacteria that live in your mouth -- making the tongue look black and hairy. Causes can include antibiotic use, poor oral hygiene, smoking, drinking a lot of tea or coffee, and not producing enough saliva. Brushing the tongue and using a tongue scraper is usually all you need to treat it, though sometimes medication is necessary.

Thrush

Thrush

Caused by candida yeast, thrush is most common in older adults or babies. But a weakened immune system, antibiotics, diabetes, or certain medications -- such as inhaled corticosteroids -- can give candida a chance to grow wild. Wiping away the patches will cause soreness. See a doctor for a firm diagnosis.

Cold Sores

Cold Sores

Also called fever blisters, you don't get cold sores from fevers or colds but they can be triggered by them. The virus that causes cold sores is usually passed via a kiss, shared utensils, or other close contact. Over-the-counter creams and ointments may help discomfort and speed healing. Frequent sores may require a prescription. Cold sores are a top mouth problem. Other problems include canker sores, TMJ, bad breath, and mouth cancer

Canker Sores

Canker Sores

No one knows what causes these small, painful blisters inside your mouth. Triggers include hypersensitivity, infection, hormones, stress, and not getting enough of some vitamins. Also called aphthous ulcers, canker sores can show up on the tongue, cheek, even your gums. They usually last a week or two. Persistent, severe canker sores can be treated with numbing creams, prescription drugs, or dental lasers.

Lichen Planus

Lichen Planus

A rare rash that shows up as lacy, white patches or red shiny bumps on the inside of the cheeks or tongue could be lichen planus. No one knows what causes it. Generally, mild lichen planus doesn't need any treatment. If it causes pain or ulcers, it can be treated with oral and topical medication. Oral lichen planus can be chronic and may increase the risk for oral cancer. Lichen planus can also affect skin, scalp, nails, and genitals.

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia

Leukoplakia is a reaction to an irritant, like rough teeth, badly fitting dentures, smoking, and smokeless tobacco. It can show up as white patches or plaques in the mouth, is usually painless, and can't be scraped off. Leukoplakia can also be a precancerous condition. Persistent patches or other changes in your mouth need a dentist's evaluation.

TMJ

TMJ

A problem with the jaw called temporomandibular joint syndrome can cause severe pain in the jaw, face, ear, or neck. Clenching, tooth grinding, or injury can all cause TMJ syndrome, but the results are often the same: pain, headaches, dizziness, even trouble swallowing. Treatment may involve rest, moist heat, a mouth guard, medication, or surgery.

A problem with the jaw called temporomandibular joint syndrome can cause severe pain in the jaw, face, ear, or neck. Clenching, tooth grinding, or injury can all cause TMJ syndrome, but the results are often the same: pain, headaches, dizziness, even trouble swallowing. Treatment may involve rest, moist heat, a mouth guard, medication, or surgery.

Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer

A mouth sore that doesn't go away. Unexplained numbness in the face, mouth, or neck. Problems chewing, speaking or swallowing. These are a few symptoms of oral cancer. Causes can include smoking cigarettes and using smokeless tobacco, drinking heavily, overexposure to the sun, and a family history of cancer. Oral cancer has also been linked to the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Don't let fear keep you from the doctor -- oral cancer that is caught early is treatable and curable.

Geographic Tongue

Geographic Tongue

When parts of your tongue are missing some of their small bumps, you end up with raised and lowered spots, giving your tongue a map-like appearance. The spots can change location, pattern, and size within minutes to hours. Geographic tongue is harmless and can come and go. It usually doesn't need any treatment. If there's pain, over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help.

Chipped Teeth

Chipped Teeth

Munching on ice or hard candies, grinding or clenching teeth, even exposing teeth to heat and cold can lead to chips, cracks, and breaks in your teeth. Tiny chips or cracks may not be a bother. But anything more could lead to pain or permanent tooth damage. Your dentist can offer dental bonding, tooth contouring, porcelain veneers, and crowns to fix badly damaged teeth.

Amalgam Tattoo

Amalgam Tattoo

Ever notice a small blue-gray "stain" in a soft part of your mouth after dental work? Called amalgam tattoos, they occur when a tiny piece of amalgam filling gets embedded in your cheek or gum. The silver in the amalgam leaches into your mouth's soft tissue, resulting in what looks a bit like a tiny tattoo. Amalgam tattoos pose no harm. But if the blue-gray spot grows or changes color, there is a good possibility it may not be an amalgam tattoo. Ask your dentist to check it out.

Gum Disease

Gum Disease

When periodontal (gum) disease develops, bacteria in plaque accumulate along the gum line. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Symptoms include red, puffy, and bleeding gums. Proper oral hygiene can help prevent periodontal disease. Smoking, poor diet, and stress can make it worse.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis

The next stage of gum disease is periodontitis, or gum infection. Increased inflammation causes the gums to recede, forming pockets between the teeth and gums. These pockets trap tartar, plaque, and food debris that eventually lead to infection and abscesses. Advanced gum disease damages the bone that supports teeth and is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. See your dentist to treat receding gums.

Aspirin Burn

Aspirin Burn

Ever let an aspirin nestle in your cheek, near an aching tooth? While you may hope this relieves pain faster, instead the acid in the aspirin burns a white, rough lesion into your gums or cheek. Preventing aspirin burn is simple -- swallow those pain relievers! Treatment for aspirin burn is just as basic: Time. Simple burns should heal in about two weeks.

Cavities, Abscesses, Discoloration

Cavities, Abscesses, Discoloration

Flossing and brushing daily and regular dental checkups help prevent problems like cavities, abscesses, and tooth discoloration. Don't mess around with a severe toothache. Dental infections can spread to the face, skull, and even to the bloodstream. See your dentist as soon as possible if your tooth aches or if you have a fever, earache, or pain when you open your mouth wide.

Bad Breath

Bad Breath

Unbrushed teeth have food particles around them that promote bacteria and cause bad breath. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth may be from continuous breathing through your mouth, dry mouth, tooth decay, a sign of gum disease, or even diabetes. Fight bad breath by brushing your teeth and tongue, drinking water, and avoiding food triggers. See your dentist if bad breath persists.

Get an Early Start on Skin Care

Get an Early Start on Skin Care

Even if you've never taken care of your skin, it's not too late to start. Your skin starts to age when you are only in your mid-20s, though you may not see it. Your favorite products may not work as well anymore. Your genes, daily habits, and the sun cause these changes. So don't wait any longer! You may want to ask a dermatologist now how you can get smoother, softer skin, whatever your age.

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Use a Gentle Cleanser

Choose a creamy one for dry skin, or an oil-free, foaming one for oily skin. If you have sensitive skin, talk to your dermatologist about how to avoid irritation. Wash with warm or cool water. Hot water can strip away your skin's natural moisture. Pat your face dry -- don't rub

Moisturizer for Your Face

Moisturizer for Your Face

Moisturizer protects and improves your skin. Even if you have oily skin or breakouts, you can use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer every day. If you have dry skin, you may need to put on moisturizer more than just once a day. Pat it on while your skin is still damp to seal in moisture

Wear Sunscreen Every Day

Wear Sunscreen Every Day

You need sun protection during daylight hours, no matter if it’s overcast or you’re staying indoors. The sun’s rays can pass through clouds and windows, so you're always exposed. Many moisturizers have sunscreen. If yours doesn't, look for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30. Don't forget to cover your lips, too! And if you sweat or are outside for a long time, remember to reapply sunscreen to stay protected.

Can I Layer My Skin Products?

Can I Layer My Skin Products?

Yes. Start with clean skin and put on any prescription creams or gels first.
Morning: Moisturizer, sunscreen (if it's not in your moisturizer), makeup if you wear it.
Night: Anti-aging product (if you use one), moisturizer without sunscreen.

Reveal a Fresh Layer of Skin

Reveal a Fresh Layer of Skin

Some skin care products have ingredients that get rid of dead cells to uncover the brighter, fresher skin underneath. Acne medicines and anti-aging products may have salicylic acid or retinoids, for example. You can also get microdermabrasion or a chemical peel to slough off dead cells. Both are available from doctors and in at-home formulas. You may not see a big difference from an at-home formula, though.

Scrub Away Dead Skin

Scrub Away Dead Skin

Exfoliate to help your skin glow. You can buff off dead skin cells gently with a soft washcloth, spinning brush, or scrubs with synthetic beads. If your skin is dry, exfoliate once a week. If you have oily skin, do it once or twice a week. If you have acne or sensitive skin, talk to your doctor. Exfoliating might irritate your skin.

What's on the Menu?

What's on the Menu?

Your skin craves good nutrition just like the rest of your body. Some studies suggest that nutrients can improve and protect your skin. Creams and serums that include vitamins C or E may protect against sun damage. Ones that have vitamins A or B3 may be able to correct the sun damage you have already. Of course, you still need to get vitamins from foods.

Dark Skin Needs TLC

Dark Skin Needs TLC

If you're African-American or Hispanic, for example, your skin might be sensitive to sun or chemicals. Stick with a simple, gentle skin care routine. Don't go a day without moisturizer or sunscreen. Even though you may not ever get sunburned, you still need sunscreen to protect against skin cancer, wrinkling, and dark spots

Organic Is Not Always Better

Organic Is Not Always Better

There's no scientific proof that organic or all-natural cosmetics and skin care products are safer for your skin. In some cases, they may irritate it, especially if you have sensitive skin. Like many skin care products, "natural" ingredients like plant extracts may cause rashes or allergic reactions in some people. Test them first on a less noticeable area of your skin

Introduction to Pregnancy Symptoms

Introduction to Pregnancy Symptoms

A missed menstrual period is often the first recognizable sign of a possible pregnancy, but there are other signs and symptoms of early pregnancy as well. Not all women have all symptoms or experience them in the same way. The most common first trimester symptoms are discussed in the following slides

Breast Swelling, Tenderness, and Pain

Breast Swelling, Tenderness, and Pain

Breast enlargement, tenderness, or pain similar to premenstrual symptoms, can occur early on during pregnancy. The breasts may feel full or heavy, and the area around the nipple (areola) may darken. A dark line called the linea nigra that runs from the middle of the abdomen to the pubic area may appear.

Missed Period

Missed Period

The first sign many women recognize as an early sign of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period (amenorrhea). Some women may experience lighter-than-normal periods, and they may also have spotting that can occur 1 to 2 weeks following conception.
A missed menstrual period can be caused by other conditions aside from pregnancy, so it is not always a definitive sign.

Fatigue and Tiredness

Fatigue and Tiredness

The extra progesterone in a woman's body during pregnancy may cause her to feel fatigued and tired, and the need for naps increases. By the second trimester, energy levels usually rise again.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and Vomiting

"Morning sickness," or nausea and vomiting that occur in early pregnancy usually happens between weeks two and eight of pregnancy. It's a misnomer because the nausea and vomiting can happen at any time. It's thought changes in levels of estrogen may play a role in developing nausea.
Another early pregnancy sign may be food cravings or aversions. Women may have an unusual urge to eat a particular food, even one she previously did not like, or she may be completely repulsed by a food she used to love. This is common and usually the food aversions fade with the first trimester.

Abdominal Bloating

Abdominal Bloating

The rise in progesterone during pregnancy can also cause abdominal bloating, fullness, and gas. The weight gain in the first trimester is usually minimal, but cramping and bloating may make you feel as if you have gained more than the typical one pound per month.

Elevated Basal Body Temperature

Elevated Basal Body Temperature

Many women hoping to become pregnant will chart their basal body temperature (the lowest body temperature in a 24-hour period, usually first thing in the morning after waking). The basal body temperature usually rises around ovulation and lasts until the next menstrual period. If the basal body temperature stays high for longer than that, it may indicate pregnancy.

Frequent Urination

Frequent Urination

The urge to urinate more frequently starts about six weeks into pregnancy, thanks to the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), which causes increased blood flow to the pelvic area and can stimulate the urge to urinate. Later in pregnancy, the urge to urinate may be increased by the growing baby in the enlarging uterus putting pressure on the bladder.

Melasma (Darkening of the Skin)

Melasma (Darkening of the Skin)

During the first trimester, the skin on the forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip, or cheekbones may darken. This is often referred to as the "mask of pregnancy," and the medical term is melasma or chloasma. It is more common in darker skinned women and those with a family history of melasma.

Mood Swings and Stress

Mood Swings and Stress

Rapid changes in hormone levels during pregnancy may be responsible for mood swings and feelings of stress. Women may feel very emotional, anxious, or depressed, and have crying spells. Mood swings may be worst in the first trimester, easing up somewhat in the second, and coming back as the pregnancy nears the end

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself, causing chronic joint inflammation. While it primarily affects joints, it can also cause inflammation of organs as the disease progresses. People with RA may experience an increase in symptoms –called flares – that can last for days or weeks. They may also have periods of remission where they have few or no symptoms. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but medications can slow the progression of the disease and ease symptoms.

What Is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis?

What Is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is a type of arthritis that occurs in children age 1 to 16. Symptoms include stiff, sowllen, painful joints, and sometimes fever and rash. To be diagnosed with JRA the child's symptoms must last at least six weeks.

Who Is at Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Who Is at Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

According to the Arthritis Foundation, rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1.5 million people in the U.S. Women develop RA two to three times more often than men, and symptoms in women tend to appear between the ages of 30 and 60, while symptoms usually develop later in life for men.
There may also be a genetic basis for the disease. Cigarette smoking is also a risk factor, as are certain infections.

What Is the Difference Between Normal, Healthy Joints and Arthritic Joints?

What Is the Difference Between Normal, Healthy Joints and Arthritic Joints?

Arthritis refers to more than 100 conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically, the joints. The joints are the parts of the body where bones connect. When arthritis is present, the joints may become inflamed, stiff, red, and painful. Rheumatoid arthritis is one type of arthritis classified as 'systemic,' meaning it can affect the entire body. Damage from RA may occur in tissues surrounding the joints including the tendons, ligaments, and muscles. In some patients, symptoms may extend to the skin and eyes, and internal organs including the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs.

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

 

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown, but several risk factors have been identified. Women are diagnosed with RA more often, and it is suspected estrogen may play a role. Several studies have shown there is a genetic component to developing RA. Cigarette smoking appears to increase the risk of developing the disease. Occupational exposure to certain dusts such as silica, wood, or asbestos can also lead to a higher risk for developing the illness. It is thought there may be a viral or bacterial infectious cause of RA but that is still being studied.

What Are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

What Are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

In addition to the hallmark symptoms of swollen, painful, and stiff joints and muscles, rheumatoid arthritis patients may also experience symptoms such as fatigue, low-grade fever, lack of energy, and loss of appetite. The muscle and joint stiffness is usually worst in the morning or after extended periods of inactivity.
Other symptoms include bumps under the skin (rheumatoid nodules), shortness of breath due to inflammation or damage to the lungs, hoarseness, and eye problems.

Remission, Relapse, and Flares

Remission, Relapse, and Flares

When a person with rheumatoid arthritis has symptoms including joint inflammation and pain, this is called a flare. Flares may last from weeks to months. This can alternate with periods of remission, when symptoms are minimal to nonexistent. Periods of remission can last weeks, months, or even years. After a period of remission, if the symptoms return this is called a relapse. It is common for RA patients to have periods of flares, remissions, and relapses, and the course of the illness varies with each patient.

What Are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

What Are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis? (continued)

With rheumatoid arthritis hands are almost always affected. However, RA can affect any joint in the body, including wrists, elbows, knees, feet, hips, and even the jaw. In most cases joints are affected symmetrically, meaning the same joints on both sides of the body are affected.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be very painful, and chronic inflammation can lead to debilitating loss of cartilage, bone weakness, and joint deformity.

What is a Rheumatologist?

What is a Rheumatologist?

A rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in treatment of arthritis, and other disorders of the joints, muscles, and bones, autoimmune diseases, and soft tissue diseases.
A rheumatologist is usually an internal medicine specialist or pediatrician, with additional specialized rheumatology training to identify and treat the more than 100 different types of arthritis in addition to other autoimmune disorders such as lupus, gout, and osteoporosis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammation of Organs

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammation of Organs

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, meaning it can affect the entire body. In addition to the joints and muscles, RA can cause problems in many other areas of the body:

• Eyes and mouth: inflammation of the glands in the eyes and mouth causes dryness, and a condition called Sjögren's syndrome. It can also lead to inflammation of the white part of the eye (scleritis).
• Lungs: inflammation of the lung lining (pleuritis) or the lungs themselves can cause shortness of breath and chest pain.
• Heart: inflammation of the tissue surrounding the heart (pericarditis) can cause chest pain, which tends to be worse when lying down. RA patients are also at greater risk for heart attacks.
• Spleen: inflammation of the spleen (Felty's syndrome) can cause a decrease in white blood cells, which raises the risk of infections.
• Skin: firm lumps under the skin (rheumatoid nodules), typically located around affected joints, often on pressure points such as elbows, fingers, and knuckles.
• Blood vessels: inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) can limit blood supply to surrounding tissues, causing tissue death (necrosis).

How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed

How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?

There is not a singular test to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. First, the patient will meet with a rheumatologist who will perform a physical and take a history of symptoms. The joints will be examined to determine if there is inflammation and tenderness, and the skin may be examined to look for rheumatoid nodules. The doctor may order blood tests or X-rays to help diagnose the condition.
Many other diseases such as gout, fibromyalgia, and lupus may resemble rheumatoid arthritis, so the doctor will rule out these conditions before making a diagnosis of RA.

Citrulline Antibody Test

RA Diagnostic Test: Citrulline Antibody Test

Blood tests are usually run to help make a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. These tests check for certain antibodies including anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA), rheumatoid factor (RF), and antinuclear antibodies (ANA), which are present in a majority of RA patients.
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is present in about 75% to 80% of RA patients, and a high RF may indicate a more aggressive for of the disease. An advantage of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) tests is that they can often detect the disease earlier on, and the sooner treatment begins the better patients can manage the disease. The presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) is not a definitive diagnosis for RA, but their presence can indicate to the doctor that an autoimmune disorder may be present.

RA Diagnostic Test: Sedimentation Rate (Sed Rate)

RA Diagnostic Test: Sedimentation Rate (Sed Rate)

Other blood tests that may be run can help the doctor determine the extent of the inflammation in the joints and elsewhere in the body. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, or "sed rate") measures how quickly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube. Usually, the higher the sed rate, the more inflammation there is in the body.
Another blood test that measures inflammation is the C-reactive protein (CRP) test. If the CRP is high, inflammation levels are usually high as well, such as during a flare.

RA Diagnostic Test: Arthrocentesis

RA Diagnostic Test: Arthrocentesis

A joint aspiration procedure (arthrocentesis) may be performed to obtain joint fluid to test in the laboratory. A sterile needle and syringe drain fluid from the joint, which is then analyzed to detect causes of joint swelling such as arthritis. Removing this joint fluid can also help relieve joint pain. In some cases, cortisone may be injected into the joint during the aspiration procedure for more immediate pain relief.