Compression therapy has gained attention in mainstream media lately thanks to its popularity among athletes. In fact, you may have seen people running, cycling, or playing in a big game with tight sleeves of spandex on their arms and legs. While these athletes may be using the sleeves to enhance...
A bone infection, also known as osteomyelitis, develops when germs reach one or more bones, causing swelling and inflammation. In the past, these infections were considered incurable. But medical advancements have made osteomyelitis a highly treatable condition, thanks to powerful antibiotics and innovative surgical techniques. Still, it’s essential to detect...
Pilonidal cysts usually develop above the cleft of your buttocks at the base of your tailbone. These painful masses form when a hair punctures the skin and becomes embedded in the area. While pilonidal cysts usually aren’t life-threatening, they’re prone to infection. This can trigger a variety of symptoms, including:...
An estimated 9,500 Americans receive a skin cancer diagnosis each day. Fortunately, specialized treatment with Mohs surgery can deliver cure rates as high as 99% while preserving more healthy tissue in the area. But Mohs surgery still leaves a wound behind, which means you need expert care for optimal healing....
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...
Whether you’re preparing for surgery or have just undergone a procedure, you should know to pay attention to the incision site. Your skin is your body’s natural barrier protecting you from infection, so when you have breaks in your skin — even if a doctor makes them in a sterile...
Approximately 9.3% of Americans live with diabetes, and an estimated 25% of them develop diabetic foot ulcers over their lifetime. Foot ulcers can lead to infection, gangrene, and amputation. In fact, if you have diabetes, you’re 15 times more likely to undergo limb amputation than those without the condition. At...
In a perfect world, you can expect most wounds to heal within approximately three months. Unfortunately, healing is a complex process, so it’s possible to have wounds that heal slowly or not at all. And ignoring these sores or ulcers can lead to worsening problems and even dangerous complications, like...
You can end up with a wound for a variety of reasons. Some wounds can be as tiny as a paper cut, and others can be as significant as a large ulcer. However, no matter what created the opening in your skin, your body goes through four general stages to...