The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) creates Vaccine Information Statements (VISs), which have details about most vaccines given in the United States. The VISs are updated when needed. The information in these statements does not change often. Each VIS explains why to get the vaccine, the risks from the...

Covers capsaicin found in some hot peppers. Looks at its use as dietary supplement to improve digestion and fight infection, topical skin products to relieve headaches and joint pain, and skin patch for postherpetic neuralgia. Covers safety, side effects.

Briefly discusses causes of facial problems, including skin conditions and infections, and health conditions with facial symptoms. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Herpes simplex is a virus that can cause painful blisters and sores. The virus usually affects the skin and the thin layers of tissue that moisten, lubricate, and protect certain parts of the body (mucous membranes). The two main types of herpes simplex viruses are type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). Both types of the...

Briefly discusses toothache, its symptoms, and possible causes. Also describes gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontal disease. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

In a stem cell transplant, healthy stem cells are placed in your body through an I.V. to help your bone marrow start to work as it should. The transplant can use stem cells that come from your own blood or bone marrow. Or they can come from another...

This article discusses encephalits and covers the symptoms, how it's diagnosed, and how it's treated.

What is toxic shock syndrome? Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare illness that happens suddenly after an infection. It quickly can harm several different organs, including the lungs, the kidneys, and the liver. And it can be deadly. Since toxic shock syndrome gets worse quickly, it requires medical treatment right...

A stem cell transplant can use stem cells that come from your own blood or bone marrow. Or the stem cells can come from another person. When they come from you, it's called an autologous stem cell transplant. Most stem cells are in your bone marrow.

Varicella vaccine can prevent chickenpox. Chickenpox can cause an itchy rash that usually lasts about a week. It can also cause fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and headache. It can lead to skin infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the blood vessels, and swelling of the brain and/or spinal...

MMRV vaccine can prevent measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella. MEASLES (M) can cause fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, commonly followed by a rash that covers the whole body. It can lead to seizures (often associated with fever), ear infections, diarrhea, and pneumonia. Rarely, measles...

What is Bell's palsy? Bell's palsy is a paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of your face. Damage to the facial nerve that controls muscles on one side of the face causes that side of your face to droop. The nerve damage may also affect your sense of taste and how you make tears and saliva. This condition...