Parasitic Diseases

Specialty

Specialty

Image Source : FREEPIK Is keratin treatment really worth the hype? Here are the side effects Keratin treatment is a popular hair care procedure that is designed to smooth and straighten the hair, reduce frizz, and increase shine. This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals with curly or wavy hair who desire a straighter, more manageable look. The treatment involves the application of a keratin solution to the hair, which is then sealed in with heat. Keratin treatments can last for several months, making them a popular choice for individuals who want to reduce their styling time and maintain a sleek look.  Here are four side effects to be aware of before trying keratin hair treatment: Hair breakage While keratin treatments are designed to strengthen hair, they can actually cause damage and breakage if not done correctly. The...

Nothing's more refreshing than a dip in the pool or a nearby lake. But gulp! Even a mouthful of contaminated water can put a serious damper on your summer fun. "Pools and untreated water from lakes and other sources can contain all kinds of environmental organisms that could make you sick," says Benjamin Galvan, infection preventionist at Tampa General Hospital in Florida and spokesperson for the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Don't let water-related illnesses dampen your outdoor adventures. Here's a breakdown of the most common germs in bodies of water — and what you can do to stay safe. Bad Water Bugs: The Most Common Offenders Giardia, a tiny parasite that causes diarrhea potentially lasting two weeks or more, tops Galvan's list. The parasite can leach into fresh water from wildlife feces. After all, "animals have no reason not to defecate in the water," Galvan says. Giardia can also infect people in pools or...

It's possible to have an allergic reaction to hair, skin and nail supplements. Image Credit: Photo by Cathy Scola/Moment/GettyImages Luxurious hair, glowing skin and strong nails ... what's not to love? That's one reason beauty supplements that make these promises are so popular. But before you try these products, it's helpful to be aware of hair, skin and nails vitamins' side effects. For starters, what's in hair, skin and nail supplements? While the ingredients vary from brand to brand, biotin is one common component because of its purported ability to stop a receding hairline. Video of the Day That's because deficiencies in biotin (also referred to as vitamin B7) can lead to hair loss and skin rashes, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. As a result, using biotin medicine to treat a deficiency can help restore hair and skin health. However, it's important to note that an August 2017 study in ​ Ski...

Often, protein powder is safe to take during pregnancy. "It goes without saying that any change in diet or supplementation during pregnancy should always be discussed with your medical providers, but protein powder is generally safe to use as a supplement throughout pregnancy," says Amanda Holtzer, a registered dietitian at Culina Health. "There is no conclusive research that indicates any harm to the woman or baby from supplementation with protein powder." While protein requirements in pregnancy may vary based on factors like weight, a pregnant person should aim to get a minimum of 60 to 70 grams of protein per day, and that should account for 20% to 25% of their overall caloric intake. If a pregnant person finds they're having a hard time getting enough protein in their diet, they may turn to protein powder. But Amy Roskin, M.D., a board-certified OB-GYN and chief medical officer of Seven Starling, a women's health digital platform, warns that supple...

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that occurs in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and typically causes symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue. But for many people, the condition can lead to surprising symptoms elsewhere in the body. In fact, around 40% of patients, the condition also causes problems outside of the GI tract according to the National Library of Medicine. One place Crohn's commonly shows up: on your skin, with rashes and other lesions. If you're dealing with a Crohn's disease and find yourself developing a rash or other skin symptoms, here's what might be happening—and how you can manage the problem. How Crohn's Can Affect Your Skin and Pictures of Crohn's Disease Skin Rashes Having Crohn's can raise the risk for several types of skin conditions. Per the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, some of the most common Crohn's-related skin problems include: Aphthous stomatitis Er...