The skin is the body’s largest organ, performing a protective role in one’s health. Dermatology is the medical field that addresses the full range of conditions that affect the skin, and its care ranges from persistent rashes and hair loss to skin cancer and cosmetic concerns. Understanding what dermatology covers can help you make informed decisions about your skin health with a dermatologist. What Is Dermatology? Dermatology is the branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. A dermatologist is trained to evaluate both the medical and functional aspects of skin health. Medical dermatology

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure, and it measures the force of blood against your artery walls. When those numbers stay at or above the normal range, you have hypertension. Here is more information on the link between hypertension and the risk of stroke: Hypertension Increases Stroke Risk Because high blood pressure strains your arteries, it damages them over time. The artery walls thicken and stiffen. Plaque builds up more easily in damaged vessels, and these narrowed vessels restrict blood flow to the brain. This process often takes years. A blood clot may block a narrowed artery,

When patients visit an emergency dentist, the appointment typically includes a rapid assessment, pain management, diagnostic imaging, and treatment focused on stabilizing the problem. These dentists treat conditions like severe toothaches, broken teeth, abscesses, and knocked-out teeth; visit length varies depending on the severity of the issue. Here is more information on the role of emergency dentists, the services they provide, the conditions they treat, and what a visit entails: What Is an Emergency Dentist? An emergency dentist is a licensed dental professional trained to diagnose and treat urgent oral health issues outside of routine care. An emergency dentist’s primary

Breast tissue changes shape over time, and factors such as gravity, reduced skin elasticity, and life events like pregnancy or significant weight loss contribute to this process. These changes can make breasts look lower or less defined. Because the underlying tissue shifts gradually, patients who notice sagging may find non-surgical options insufficient to restore their contour. A breast lift, or mastopexy, repositions and reshapes breast tissue to create a firmer, more youthful silhouette. Here is more information on what this surgery involves: What Is a Breast Lift? A breast lift, known medically as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure that raises

Toothache during pregnancy may result from tooth decay or increased sensitivity linked to hormonal changes. A proper evaluation can help determine a safe and effective approach to care because some medications and dental procedures require special review during pregnancy. Here are some ways to manage toothache during pregnancy: Identifying the Cause of Pain A toothache rarely occurs without a reason, and locating the source guides the right response. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase blood flow to the gums, which makes them tender and prone to inflammation. Cavities, cracked enamel, or an infection inside the tooth may also trigger sharp

Genetic counseling can help individuals and families understand how certain heart conditions may be passed from one generation to another. It can support early detection and informed care decisions by reviewing family history and explaining potential risks. Here is a closer look at the role of genetic counseling in managing inherited heart conditions: Assessing Family Heart History A counselor begins genetic counseling by mapping your family health history in detail. You will answer questions about relatives, their diagnoses, and the ages at which conditions appeared, and the counselor records this as a structured family tree. The counselor looks for signs of

Dentists recommend tooth extractions when a tooth is severely damaged, infected, overcrowded, or likely to cause further oral health problems. Removing the affected tooth can relieve discomfort and support the health of surrounding teeth and gums. Here is more information on how tooth extractions can lead to better oral health outcomes: Removes Sources of Infection A damaged or infected tooth can spread bacteria to nearby tissue. When a tooth is beyond repair, removing it eliminates a persistent source of infection, so the surrounding area has a chance to recover. Dentists often review tooth extractions against other options, but they may

Foot and ankle wounds require careful management, and footwear plays a role in that process. Poorly fitted shoes can slow healing. When shoes apply excessive pressure to sensitive areas, they increase the risk of new injuries and interfere with recovery. Podiatrists specialize in identifying these risks, and they recommend footwear that supports the healing process. Here is more information on what a podiatrist does, what qualifies as healthy footwear, and what benefits proper shoe selection provides during wound care: What Is a Podiatrist? A podiatrist is a medical professional who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the feet, ankles, and lower

After a traumatic event, some people experience distressing memories, avoid reminders of what happened, or feel constantly on edge. When these symptoms persist and affect daily life, they may be signs of PTSD. Here is more information on recognizing signs of PTSD: Recurring Memories of Trauma One common sign of PTSD is reliving the event long after it ended. Flashbacks may pull you back into the moment, and nightmares often disrupt sleep for weeks. Some people notice that a smell, sound, or place triggers vivid memories, and their bodies react as though the danger is happening again. Tracking these patterns