Parasitic Diseases

Key facts Rubella is a contagious viral infection transmitted by airborne droplets that occurs most often in children and young adults. Rubella is the leading vaccine-preventable cause of birth defects, accounting for an estimated 100 000 infants born with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) each year worldwide. Infection with rubella virus within 12 days of conception and early pregnancy (usually within the first 8–10 weeks) may result in miscarriage, fetal death or CRS. Even though a safe and cost-effective vaccine is available, in 2022, there were an estimated 17 865 cases of rubella in 78 countries. Overview Rubella is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Most children and adults who get rubella have a mild fever and rash. When a woman is infected with the rubella virus early in pregnancy, she has a 90% chance of passing the virus on to her fetus. Rubella in pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, can re

Protein deficiency is not consuming enough protein to support your body's needs. Protein is an essential macronutrient—a nutrient the body needs and uses in large amounts. It provides structure and support to cells, helps cells communicate, and protects the body from viruses and bacteria. Protein also helps children, teenagers, and pregnant people with growth and development. A protein deficiency can lead to conditions like kwashiorkor and marasmus. Kwashiorkor is a severe protein deficiency accompanied by edema (swelling) in the arms and legs. Marasmus is severe malnutrition (a lack of or imbalance in food or nutrient intake) caused by not consuming enough calories. A lack of protein in the diet can greatly affect health. Signs and symptoms of protein deficiency include swelling, stunted growth, and a weakened immune system. SteveLuker / Getty Images One of the main signs of kwashiorkor is swelling on both sides of the body. People with kwashiorkor have

Early in 2024, reports of a fatal case of Alaskapox were circulating in the news. A little-known virus with few cases to its name, Alaskapox virus triggers the eruption of 1 or more skin lesions on the body, among other symptoms. The virus is just 1 of many orthopoxviruses—some, like smallpox and mpox, with much higher disease Viruses can trigger development of lesions and rashes on the skin, like mpox lesions shown here. Source: airdone/iStock burdens—whose modus operandi is the formation of skin lesions. But it's not just poxviruses that cause lesions. Other viruses, like measles and herpesviruses, spark everything from pimply papules to raging rashes. There is simply a remarkable number of ways in which viruses make skin weird. While these signs of infection are easy to see, why and how they develop is less obvious. Why Do Viruses Cause Lesions? Lesions are any area of the skin that is alter

What kind of rash can you get from a gym? You may catch several types of skin infections from the gym, including a staph infection and ringworm. Research has found that bacteria live on 10% to 30% of gym surfaces, such as equipment, the floor, and yoga mats. Simple actions can save you from common skin infections and other illnesses that easily spread while you sweat. Read on to learn about skin infections you can catch at the gym and ways to prevent them. You might contract a skin infection through contact with different surfaces at the gym. Certain types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, including: Bottoms of smelly gym bags Floors of community showers Insides of running shoes Skin infections that spread through the air can also occur. A study published in 2018 found that germs can spread easily through the air if there's a lot of carbon dioxide, such as when a lot of people are exercising and breathing heavily.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in vegetable oils, leafy plants, legumes, nuts, seeds, and more. You can consume adequate amounts of vitamin E through diet, but some use oil or oral supplements. Vitamin E oil is used topically for hair, nails, and skin, but more scientific evidence is needed to confirm its benefits. Vitamin E is added to beauty products and marketed as a way to postpone the effects of aging. If you are looking for pure vitamin E oil, check the ingredients list for the type of vitamin E in it. Read on to learn more about the benefits of vitamin E oil, its ingredients, instructions for use, and potential side effects. Ake Ngiamsanguan / Getty Images Whole-Body Uses of Vitamin E Oil  Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that scavenges free radicals (damage-causing unstable molecules) and protects the skin from oxidative stress. It moisturizes the skin, protects against ultraviolet (UV) rays, and increases hair growth and s

What kind of rash can you get from a gym? You may catch several types of skin infections from the gym, including a staph infection and ringworm. Research has found that bacteria live on 10% to 30% of gym surfaces, such as equipment, the floor, and yoga mats. Simple actions can save you from common skin infections and other illnesses that easily spread while you sweat. Read on to learn about skin infections you can catch at the gym and ways to prevent them. You might contract a skin infection through contact with different surfaces at the gym. Certain types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, including: Bottoms of smelly gym bags Floors of community showers Insides of running shoes Skin infections that spread through the air can also occur. A study published in 2018 found that germs can spread easily through the air if there's a lot of carbon dioxide, such as when a lot of people are exercising and breathing heavily.

Pokeweed is a poisonous, herbaceous plant native to the Gulf Coast of the United States. It has long been used for food and folk medicine in this part of the world and in parts of eastern North America and the Midwest. In traditional Chinese medicine, pokeweed is known as c hui xu shang lu. Due to its potential toxicity, alternative practitioners sometimes refer to it as the "Jekyll and Hyde plant." This article looks at the purported benefits and side effects of the herbal supplement pokeweed. It also discusses precautions, interactions, and what to look for when buying pokeweed supplements. Verywell / Getty Images Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement that has been tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF. However, even if supplements ar