The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. Your skin has a pH measurement too. When substances with different pH levels come into contact, chemical reactions often occur. The soaps, lotions and other products you use can have an effect on the pH, and thereby the health, of your skin.

The combination of fever and back pain can be worrisome for a patient, since it is one of the patterns doctors look for when ruling out dangerous disorders such as cancer or infection.

Ear pain may be caused by a variety of noninfectious conditions. Trauma, tumors and jaw disorders may provoke ear pain. A through physical examination of the ear along with a careful history of the onset and nature of the ear pain are important for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Marijuana is the most frequently abused illegal drug in America. It's derived from the plant Cannabis sativa and its primary chemical is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). To receive the desired effect, you either smoke or orally ingest marijuana.

If you suspect you might have food poisoning, there’s a good chance you could be right. Approximately 1 out of 6 Americans contracts food poisoning in a given year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 1.

Children often have swollen eyelids, commonly caused by trauma, infection and allergies. Because these conditions can be serious, consult your child's pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to avoid damage to your child's eye or vision.

Neuropathies are disorders or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves--those outside the brain and spinal cord. Hereditary diseases, trauma, toxins, infections, medications and systemic and autoimmune diseases can all cause neuropathy in which sensory and motor functions -- muscle movement and strength -- can be impaired.

While it becomes difficult for elderly men and women to bend over and take care of their own feet and toenails, there are a number of diseases and conditions that become more serious and are more prevalent among the elderly, report doctors at Toback Podiatry.

People with sinus problems often experience congestion, irritation, runny nose, frequent cough and facial pressure. The condition can be caused by a wide variety of factors, from seasonal allergies to food sensitivities. In fact, there are a few suggested connections between sinus problems and carbohydrates.

Hair loss can be devastating for many people. Your hair is often one of the first things people notice about you, and if it's falling out and noticeably thinning, you might understandably feel self-conscious and even unattractive. Fortunately, some causes of hair loss are relatively easy to address.

Kidney stones, hard deposits of minerals and acid salts that form inside the kidneys, can be very painful. Several things can cause kidney stones, including over-concentration of the urine, metabolic or genetic disorders, and infections.

Antibiotics are routinely prescribed to treat infections, and the kind your physician prescribes depends on the type of germ that’s likely to have caused your condition. It’s important to take your antibiotic exactly as instructed. This may include avoiding certain food-drug interactions, some of which involve fruits.