Why Do I Sweat So Much? 6 Medical Reasons Behind Excessive Sweating

When you’re giving it your all at the gym, you don’t mind sweat. After all, a drenched tank top is practically a badge of honor—a sign that you’re pushing yourself to the max. But dripping on an average day at the office or when you’re having brunch with the family, on the other hand, is less ideal. And frankly, a bit perplexing. You’re likely thinking “Why do I sweat so much?” We asked Debra Jaliman MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, why you might be pumping out so much moisture, and what you can do about it.

Why do I sweat so much?

Perspiration, in and of itself, isn’t a bad thing. It’s a completely normal process that helps regulate your core temperature. When you’re body heats up, it excretes sweat that exits through your skin. As it evaporates (sweat is mostly water), it cools your body, explains Dr. Jaliman.

The hotter your body gets—say, because it’s a super sunny day, or you’re working out, or under mountains of stress—the more you sweat. Nerves can also trigger sweat production, which is why you might find your palms feel clammy when you’re on a job interview or first date. There’s a surprising explanation why you sweat so much at night, too.

How much sweat is normal?

You might leave drips on the pavement during a run while your jogging buddy barely glistens—and that’s totally normal. Different people sweat different amounts, depending on their DNA. “Your genes determine how many sweat glands you have. Most people have between two and four million,” says Dr. Jaliman. But know this: Having more sweat glands doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be a drippy mess; people with fewer sweat glands can produce just as much moisture as those with more of them.

And if you live in a hot part of the country, or exercise a lot, you’re going to sweat more than someone who needs to wear sweaters even in the summer. That’s just common sense.

Medication

Some medications, including certain antibiotics, some blood pressure meds, several psychiatric drugs, and even OTC supplements can cause you to break out in a sheen when you’re not exerting yourself, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Hyperactive thyroid

If this small butterfly-shaped gland in your neck is producing high levels of the hormone thyroxine, your metabolism gets revved up, leading you to feel toasty, per the American Thyroid Association. If you suspect a thyroid issue is causing your sweat, keep an eye out for these other under-the-radar symptoms too.

A chronic disease

Heart and lung disease and several types of cancer may also be a cause, reports the Mayo Clinic, but Dr. Jaliman notes that if one of these conditions is causing excessive sweating, you’re more likely to notice other symptoms first.

Hyperhidrosis

The most common medical diagnosis for excessive sweating is hyperhidrosis—a dysfunction in your central nervous system that causes your body to produce what feels like buckets of sweat. About 15 million people suffer from the condition; it usually affects the hands, feet, underarms, and face, according to a study published in Dermatology Journal. Stress and nervousness can make the problem worse.

How do you know if you have it? “If you go to shake someone’s hand and your hands are wet, that’s excessive,” says Dr. Jaliman. “Patients who have hyperhidrosis tell me their feet slide out of their shoes, that antiperspirant doesn’t work, and that it affects their daily routine. It’s not imagined.”

What can I do about excessive sweating?

• Change your diet. If you eat loads of spicy wings and curries, cut back, says Dr. Jaliman. Peppers contain capsaicin, a compound that stimulates nerve receptors that trick your nervous system into thinking you’re hot. Skip garlic, too. Although it doesn’t make you perspire, volatile organic compounds in the spice are more like to make your sweat stink, says WebMD.
• Consider stick-on sweat shields. Products like PURAX Pure Pads sop up moisture before it reaches the fabric of your shirt, making sweat circles a thing of the past. And you can clean already stained clothes with these 11 tactics to rid your shirts of smelly, yellow stains.
• Use the right antiperspirant. Look for one that contains aluminum, which reduces wetness by blocking your sweat ducts, says Dr. Jaliman. If drug store brands don’t keep you dry, your dermatologist can prescribe a stronger formula with more aluminum. Be warned: The metal can cause itching.
• Try medicated wipes: Qbrexza towelettes have been approved by the FDA to treat underarms. The prescription cloths contain a solution that blocks the chemical that triggers sweating, says Dr. Jaliman. Just be sure to wash your hands after using; if the solution gets in your eye it can cause them to dilate.
• Explore iontophoresis. This technique involves a device that passes a mild electrical current through a tray of water you rest your feet or hands in (special equipment can help treat other areas of the body) to nix sweating, says Dr. Jaliman. Experts often recommend it for people who’ve tried prescription or clinical strength antiperspirants but need something stronger, according to the International Hyperhidrosis Society. Although no one is sure how the procedure works, studies have found that iontophoresis helped 91 percent of patients with excessive sweating in the hands and feet.
• Pay for Botox. The wrinkle-plumping injections have been approved by the FDA to treat hyperhidrosis in armpits. You’ll need to get the injections every six to seven months, and that can get pricey ($1500-$2000 per treatment), especially since insurance doesn’t always cover the treatment, notes Dr. Jaliman. Read more about Botox before making your decision.
• Give miraDry a go: This is an FDA-approved device that permanently removes sweat and odor glands from the armpits. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area, then electromagnetic energy is applied to destroy the glands, explains Dr. Jaliman.
• Take oral meds. Drugs like glycopyrrolate block the chemical messenger acetylcholine as it attempts to travel to receptors on the sweat glands that are responsible for triggering sweating, says Dr. Jaliman.
• Think about anti-anxiety medications. If your excess sweat is caused by nervousness, beta blockers and other anti-anxiety meds can lower your pulse and help you stay calm, says Dr. Jaliman. And when you’re relaxed, you’re less likely to feel overheated. You may also want to try these top tricks from therapists for dealing with anxiety.

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8 Things Science Has Linked to a Higher Risk of Stroke

Stroke basics

Strokes happen when blood vessels carrying blood to the brain either burst or are blocked, starving the brain of oxygen. They can lead to brain damage and even death. Nearly 800,000 Americans have a stroke each year. While strokes are declining among the elderly, rates in adults under age 45 shot up by 43 percent between 2000 and 2010, a study in the journal of the American Heart Association reported, possibly due to a rise in the prevalence of high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and illicit drug use. Classic signs of a stroke include face-drooping, arm weakness, and difficulty speaking—but there are other sneakier symptoms to look out for, especially in women.

Smoking, being overweight, and a family history of stroke are major factors that increase a person’s risk. But recent research has also uncovered several surprising things that can also increase your chances of suffering a stroke.

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10 Sneaky Places You Can Get Skin Cancer (That Aren’t on Your Skin)

You can get skin cancer: In the irises of your eyes

Just like you can get freckles in your eyes (it’s true!) you can also get other types of sun damage in your irises, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. But isn’t skin cancer supposed to be, well, on skin? The truth is that any part of your body exposed to the sun is vulnerable and even though we may not think about it often, our eyes are one of the most exposed parts of our bodies. “Ninety percent of all skin cancers are due to sun damage,” says Bobby Awadalla, MD, a dermatologist and CEO of UVO. “And the more sun damage an area receives the more likely you are to develop a skin cancer in that location.” This is why you need to be vigilant about protecting your peepers. Since you can’t put sunscreen in your eyes (ouch!), make sure you wear UV-blocking sunglasses and get regular checkups with an eye doctor. And if you notice any strange new spots of color in your irises or a change in their color, make an appointment, stat. And make sure you never ignore these 10 places when you check for skin cancer.

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10 Things Your Ears Reveal About Your Health

Creased earlobes

Yes, wrinkles seem to pop up everywhere as you age—but they could be problematic if one turns up on your earlobes. A diagonal crease in the middle of your earlobe is called Frank’s sign, and studies indicate that it can be a sign of coronary artery disease. Researchers speculate that this may be due to a breakdown of elastic tissue around the small blood vessels both in the ear and around the heart. But if you have the crease, don’t panic, says Nina Shapiro, MD, a professor of Head and Neck Surgery at UCLA and author of HYPE: A Doctor’s Guide to Medical Myths, Exaggerated Claims, and Bad Advice—How to Tell What’s Real and What’s Not. “It is just one marker,” she explains, “and it should simply encourage one to incorporate healthy habits, see one’s doctor for regular checkups, and be vigilant for any potential signs and symptoms of cardiac issues, [such as] shortness of breath, chest pain, and exercise intolerance.”

Hearing loss

Hearing loss can affect more than just your hearing: According to AARP, a number of studies link hearing loss to both cognitive decline—loss of memory and focus—and dementia. Johns Hopkins researchers, for example, found that people with moderate hearing loss had three times the risk of developing dementia compared to people without hearing issues. While the exact cause remains unknown, scientists theorize that this could be due to the brain working overtime while straining to hear, an atrophying of certain parts of the brain, or the effects of social isolation from hearing loss. Unfortunately, many people don’t seek the help they need: The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) reports that nearly 29 million adults in the United States could benefit from using hearing aids, though fewer than 30 percent of those over 70 have used them. Even if you’re not experiencing any auditory problems, you should listen up: These 11 surprising things could ruin your hearing.

Hearing loss in one ear

Hearing loss in one ear can be caused by anything from trauma or infection to a buildup of fluid in the inner ear. But in rare cases, it could be caused by a tumor—likely, a benign acoustic neuroma, which grows on the nerve of the inner ear. Ninety percent of patients who have acoustic neuromas show one-sided hearing loss, says Ariel B. Grobman, MD, an adult and pediatric ENT based in South Florida, and 80 percent have one-sided ear ringing. “Tumor growth in the tight, bony passage of the internal auditory canal puts pressure on the adjacent structures—namely, the nerves supplying hearing, balance, and in rare cases the nerve controlling facial movement,” he explains. “As a result, these patients display hearing loss, imbalance, tinnitus, and sometimes facial droop/weakness. If any of these symptoms persist, seek out an ENT, undergo testing, and receive an MRI.”

Ringing in ears

If you have tinnitus, the technical name for that annoying ringing in ears, you are not alone: According to the American Tinnitus Association and the CDC, more than 50 million Americans experience it to some degree, and 20 million have a chronic form of it. While ear ringing is usually caused by something as simple as being exposed to loud noises, having an ear infection, or taking certain medications, it can also signify a larger health problem. Possibilities include high blood pressure or high cholesterol, the inner-ear disorder Meniere’s disease, a tumor, hormonal changes due to menopause, or, if you’re pregnant, preeclampsia. The bottom line: See a doctor if you experience ringing in ears, especially since tinnitus can impact your well-being. “It can really make people anxious and cause insomnia,” says Dr. Shapiro. “It’s always good to have the ears checked by a doctor, and also consider getting an audiogram (a formal hearing test) to make sure there is no abnormality in ear function.” Check out these 14 effective tinnitus cures to try if you have ringing in your ears.

Itchy ears

If you’ve got an itch that you just can’t scratch enough to make it stop, you’re likely looking at fungus or eczema in your ears, says Dr. Shapiro. Here’s how to tell the difference: If it’s a fungus, there will be a buildup of white, feta cheese–type gunk in the ear canal, while eczema usually causes white flakes and makes the ear canal—and sometimes the outer ear—very red. Dr. Shapiro adds that scratching from eczema can actually prime the ear for a fungal infection. Either way, you shouldn’t ignore the itch: “The debris can build up in the ear canal, causing even more itching, discharge, and temporary hearing loss,” says Dr. Shapiro. “Ears shouldn’t itch, so if your ear itches for more than a day or so, get it checked out.”

An earache

An earache may not be about your ear at all. Sure, the most likely culprit is an ear infection—either of the middle ear, likely due to a cold or allergies, or of the outer ear, from swimmer’s ear—or even impacted earwax. But, according to WebMD, it could also be “referred pain” from a toothache or the jaw joint under your ears (the temporomandibular joint—TMJ), cellulitis from an infected piercing, a tumor, or even a bad sore throat. If your child is prone to ear troubles, you won’t want to miss these 9 earache and ear infection home remedies every parent should know.

Wet, sticky earwax

Believe it or not, earwax with this consistency might tell you something about your breasts. Yes, you read that right. According to Japanese researchers, people with wet, sticky earwax have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, due to a mutation on the ABCC11 gene. While this doesn’t mean that you have breast cancer or will necessarily develop it, it may be something to keep in mind, especially if your personal risk factors and family history raise concern. But in general, says Dr. Grobman, earwax (aka cerumen) is not only perfectly normal but also beneficial: It keeps particles and bacteria out of the external ear canal. “Earwax buildup may be a sign of overall skin oiliness or even sloughing, but otherwise I would not attribute any link between cerumen buildup and overall health,” he adds. “As I tell my squeamish patients: Even supermodels have earwax buildup!”

Red ears

When your ears turn red, it could be caused by something as simple as flushing from embarrassment, or it could also be something more complex. One culprit is hormonal change, including menopause. Hot flashes often center on the upper body and face, which can include the ears. If it is menopause, you may also experience a host of other symptoms, including another ear-related one—ringing in your ears. Another, much less common, possibility for red ears that can affect both men and women is Red Ear Syndrome (RES). If you have this condition, red ears are accompanied by a burning sensation that can either be mild and achy or more sharp and severe. Researchers have also found a link between RES, migraines, and cluster headaches.

Unusually shaped ears or the presence of skin tags

Numerous studies suggest that structural abnormalities of the ear or the presence of skin tags (a small, fleshy skin growth) on the ear at birth can be a sign of potential kidney problems. In fact, if your newborn exhibits any of these markers, your pediatrician may request an ultrasound or other kidney tests.

Numbness

In general, numbness on its own isn’t cause for alarm. But when this is paired with other telltale symptoms, it could be a different story. For example, according to Healthline, if you’re also experiencing arm weakness, facial drooping, or difficulty speaking, you could be having a stroke and should head to the ER or call for an ambulance immediately. Or if you have recurrent vertigo, hearing loss, and ear ringing along with the numbness, it might be Meniere’s disease (a cause of hearing loss). Ear numbness could also be a sign that your diabetes isn’t being managed well; you may also have the tingling and numbness in your extremities known as peripheral neuropathy. Of course, numbness could also be something a lot less serious. It could be a sign of nerve damage, an infection, or an earwax blockage. Regardless, don’t dismiss it—and don’t miss these 5 silent signs of hearing loss you may be ignoring.

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The Best Eye Creams Worth Your Money

SkinBetter Science InterFuse Treatment Cream

The SkinBetter Science eye cream is a go-to for Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, New York City dermatologist and founder of Entiere Dermatology. The powerful cream promises to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet “almost immediately,” with the help of nerve-relaxing peptides—similar to how Botox softens wrinkles. On top of that, caffeine reduces puffiness, and vitamin C brightens skin while helping to fight off future damage. For more new ingredients and technologies, learn about the 14 anti-aging breakthroughs dermatologists want you to know about.

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15 Everyday Habits That Are Secretly Ruining Your Health

Holding your nose when you sneeze

It might seem like bad manners to let a huge sneeze go, but consider this case reported in the medical journal The BMJ: A man tore his pharynx (part of his throat) by pinching his nose closed during a sneeze. “If a sneeze is held in, the pressure is still generated but not released,” says Sanchayeeta Mitra, MD, PIH health otolaryngologist, ENT. “When that happens, the pressure can back up, either into the sinuses or the back of the nose, through the mouth and throat or the chest.” As the pressure travels through the nasal passages to the ears, it can lead to eardrum or inner ear damage. “Having the pressure back up can also cause other injuries with ruptured blood vessels in any area such as the chest, throat, eyes, or brain,” she says. “None of these injuries are that common, but generally, it is better to grab a Kleenex or turn your face into your shoulder and just let the sneeze out.”

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9 Signs Your Liver Is In Big Trouble

Your eyes turn yellow

“Yellow eyes are a sign your liver isn’t doing very well and is probably the most specific sign of liver disease,” says KV Narayanan Menon, MD, medical director of liver transplantation at Cleveland Clinic. A yellow colored substance called bilirubin is usually broken down by the liver so it can be removed from the body, but when the liver is struggling it can cause bilirubin to build up, leading to yellowing of the whites of the eyes. Don’t miss these 10 signs of disease that are written all over your face.

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America’s Best-Selling Concealer Has Over 5,000 Reviews—and It’s Only $8

Even on the most low-key makeup days, an anti-age concealer is a must-have for covering up those dark circles and making you look instantly more awake. With such an important part of your beauty arsenal, you want to make sure you pick something that really does the job. Luckily, there’s no need to shell out for an expensive brand name when a best-selling, highly rated option costs you less than ten bucks.

Enter Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Use Concealer, which has been taking the beauty world by storm ever since it hit the market in 2011. It was said to be the top-selling concealer from February 2017 to February 2018 among both drugstore brands and high-end brands, so it should be on your radar, along with these 60 bestselling drugstore beauty products.

As its name suggests, this anti-age concealer doesn’t just cover up dark circles—it could also take years off your appearance. Instant Age Rewind uses an active ingredient called Haloxyl to lighten (not just cover) undereye circles, plus make the skin firmer to reduce puffiness. The Age Rewind Eraser also contains goji berries, which are said to protect the skin from UV damage and free radicals. The skin-improving formula hasn’t changed in eight years, and they’re delivered through a built-in spongy applicator that blends better than your finger ever could. Best of all? This anti-age concealer will only set you back $8.

And you don’t just have to rely on the label for proof—if more than 5,000 Amazon reviews are anything to go by, this four-star product follows through on its promises. “I am 67 years old, have tried them all and I wouldn’t go out without applying this concealer,” says one reviewer. “It blends nicely with my foundation and has never caked.” If you know the struggle of keeping makeup from settling into fine lines, make sure you’re avoiding the 12 makeup mistakes that seriously age your face.

It might be marketed as an anti-age concealer, but the younger crowd seems to have found success, too, with one 30-year-old reviewer raving, “This little gem is great. I use this concealer every day instead of all my high-end brand concealers. It’s full coverage, buildable, lasts all day, not drying and not too liquidy.”

Ready to give it a try? Pick it up from Amazon or CVS—and while you’re there, try out these 20 drugstore beauty products dermatologists swear by.

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If Your Eye Is Twitching, Here’s What It Could Mean

What is eye twitching?

Despite the name, your eye isn’t actually moving at all. It’s that pesky eyelid. Eyelid twitching is pretty common and usually nothing to worry about, according to Dr. Ming Wang, PhD, Wang Vision 3D Cataract & LASIK Center. The condition of temporary or long-term eye twitching is called eyelid myokymia and it is the result of an involuntary misfiring of the neurons that stimulate your eyelid muscles.

What causes eye twitching?

There are several common reasons that your eyelids are twitching.

• Stress
• Excess caffeine
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Eye strain
• Alcohol
• Dry eye
• Nutrition problems
• Allergies

“Very rarely, eye twitching can be a sign of certain brain and nerve disorders,” says Dr. Hardik Soni, MD, Founder and Medical Director of Ethos Spa. “But then the twitch is accompanied by other signs and symptoms. Look for medical help if the twitching persists for a long time (one to three weeks), twitching occurs in other parts of the face, and the eyes are red, swollen, or have a discharge.”

How to stop your eye from twitching?

The obvious answer is to address the potential causes of eye twitching to see if it helps. Get more sleep, cut back on caffeine, keep your eyes hydrated with drops, and do what you can to reduce stress. Some home remedies include drinking a five-ounce glass of tonic water or holding a cool—or warm—compress to your eyes. A more extreme approach involves Botox, says Dr. Wang, but he recommends against drastic measures since the condition generally resolves itself on its own.

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Niacin Flush: What It Is and What You Can Do About It

What is niacin?

Niacin is also known as vitamin B3, part of the vitamin B complex that plays an important role in keeping our bodies operating efficiently. B vitamins help convert our food into the energy it needs to get us through the day. In supplement form, niacin is primarily prescribed as a nicotinic acid to treat high cholesterol levels. Nicotinic acid supplements come in two forms: Immediate release, in which the whole dose is absorbed by the body at once, and extended release, which dissolves more slowly. Nicotinic acid lowers the production of triglycerides and VLDL, leading to decreased LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, increased HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and lowered triglycerides, explains WebMD.

What is a niacin flush?

A niacin flush is a side effect of taking too high a dose of niacin supplements. While a flush isn’t dangerous, it can cause discomfort, and sometimes pain. According to an article published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, in some cases, people stop taking the supplement for the sole reason of avoiding a flush. If you’re wary of taking too many meds, here’s how to lower cholesterol naturally.

Who gets a niacin flush?

Taking a vitamin for your cholesterol may be appealing despite the potential for a flush. A niacin flush is a very common side effect of the immediate release form of nicotinic acid—so common, in fact, that at least 50 percent of people taking high doses of the supplements experience it, according to an article published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings. According to medical researcher and biochemist David Williams, DC, the typical prescription for high cholesterol is 1000 to 3000 mg of niacin a day. However, the recommended daily dietary intake of niacin is about 15 mg for adults, says WebMD. As little as 50 mg of niacin can cause a flush in some people, says Williams.

What are the symptoms of niacin flush?

When the body responds to high doses of nicotinic acid, the capillaries expand, which increases the blow of blood to the skin’s surface. A flush appears as red, warm skin, which may be accompanied by an itching or burning sensation. Symptoms normally appear about 15 to 30 minutes after taking the supplements and start to disappear after about an hour. It’s most common for the skin on the face and upper body to be affected, and it may present as a mild flush, or look deeper and redder, like a sunburn. The skin may tingle, burn or itch, and feel warm or hot to the touch. In some people, the skin may be painful to touch. These sunburn remedies might help to ease the discomfort of a flush.

What are other side effects of niacin?

High doses of niacin can cause other side effects, far more dangerous than a flush. While these are rare, it is important to be aware of them. The most dangerous is liver damage. If you have a stomach ulcer, you shouldn’t take niacin, as it may cause stomach cramping in high doses. Experts aren’t sure if women should take the supplement during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as there may be a risk of trouble for the baby—though, the jury is still out on that one. Because of these possible side effects, you should never self-medicate with niacin. Only take it under medical supervision and tell your doctor if you experience any side effects, or feel unwell. Here are questions you should always ask your doctor before taking prescription drugs.

Can niacin flush be prevented?

There is such a thing as flush-free niacin, containing inositol nicotinate, which the body is supposed to slowly convert to niacin. However, the British Columbia Drug and Poison Information Center warns that there is evidence that it does not actually provide the body with much niacin—which may explain why it doesn’t cause a flush—and therefore has no beneficial effects on cholesterol. Dr. Williams recommends starting with low amounts of niacin (50 to 100 mg a day) and gradually increasing the dosage to build up a tolerance and avoid the flush. He also suggests taking niacin immediately after a meal to lessen the flushing sensation. Most people develop a tolerance to high doses of niacin, according to an article published in the journal Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. So it’s simply a case of being patient. Even if you experience a flush when you first start taking it, it is likely to stop in time.

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If You Have Bumps on Your Tongue, Here’s What They Could Mean

Much like your teeth, hair, skin, and nails, your tongue says a lot about your health. Although you might not look at it often, it shows if you need hydration, if you’re missing key vitamins, or if you have any number of diseases. One thing to look out for in particular are bumps on the tongue—they could mean nothing, or that you have an underlying health issue.

What are bumps on the tongue?

The most common tongue bumps are “lie” bumps. Another name for these bumps on the tongue are transient lingual papillitis which are swollen, small bumps on the tongue or the papillae that exist on the surface, according to Jason Abramowitz, MD, of ENT & Allergy Associates in New York City. The bumps themselves aren’t dangerous, but they could be because of another health problem. Although the cause is not entirely clear, Dr. Abramowitz says the assumption is inflammation is to blame. It can occur due to viral infections, acid reflux, stress, foods high in acidity, food allergies, or trauma to the tongue, he adds. Treating these bumps means finding the root cause. Amit Kochhar, MD, clinical assistant professor of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at Keck School of Medicine of USC, recommends avoiding spicy foods, rinsing with salt water, brushing your teeth after every meal, and using mouthwash to reduce mouth bacteria. “Most cases of tongue bumps should last two to three days,” says Dr. Kochhar. The tongue is only one of the 10 ways you can see disease written all over your face.

There are a whole host of other reasons for bumps on the tongue

Bumps on the tongue come in many other varieties. Tongue fissures, shallow or deep grooves on the surface of the tongue, are usually bumpy and trap food, according to Omid Mehdizadeh, MD, an otolaryngologist and laryngologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. They are associated with Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that also causes dry eyes and dry mouth, as well as Down syndrome, and tongue inflammation, too. These grooves or bumps on the tongue are harmless, but oral hygiene is crucial if you have fissures. Cleaning the tongue prevents irritation and possibly bad breath from lingering foods, according to AAOM.

People with white patches or plaque-like spots or bumps on the tongue might be dealing with leukoplakia. Dr. Mehdizadeh says this often occurs in people who smoke, dip, or chew tobacco as it irritates the tongue. If you think you have leukoplakia, Dr. Mehdizadeh says treatment might include a biopsy to rule out cancer. Similarly, squamous cell carcinoma are thick white or red lesions that might be painful and are associated with alcohol and tobacco use, too, according to Dr. Mehdizadeh.

Still, other possible reasons for various tongue bumps include everything from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and herpes, to human papillomavirus (HPV). People with EBV could have oral hair leukoplakia, white, sometimes hairy, patches on the tongue; people with HPV could have papilloma bumps; and people with herpes develop cold sore blisters on the tongue, gums, or mouth. Look out for tongue bumps along with these 9 little body changes that could reveal a much bigger health problem.

The worst case scenario…

Although rare, bumps on the tongue could be a sign of oral cancer. Cancers of the tongue often begin as raised white patches that don’t hurt, Dr. Abramowitz says. Fully-formed cancerous lumps or bumps on the tongue often look like an ulcer, are pink or red-ish, and bleed easily. Any lesion that is persistent, painful, firm, bleeding, or growing, should be evaluated by your doctor, Dr. Mehdizadeh says. It’s never a bad idea to bring up any physical changes with your doctor. Make sure you always discuss these 50 health symptoms you should never ignore.

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8 Parts of Your Body You Should Never Touch

Keep your hands off your face

Look around a coffee shop and you’ll see a good number of people resting their face in their hands. But unless you are washing your face or applying moisturizer, hands off! According to Matthew Lee, microbiologist, “Your hands contain oils that can plug your pores and worsen your acne. The germs on your fingers can exacerbate this effect.”  And if you develop pimples, be sure to never pop them if they crop up on this part of your face –– doing so can put your health at risk.

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How to Get Rid of a Double Chin: What Really Works

Why did your chin double?

There are a number of reasons people develop that double fold between the neck and jaw, and they don’t all have to do with weight gain—though that may contribute, according to Medical News Today. Other potential causes may be that you inherited the tendency from your parents, poor posture that—over time—weakens the supportive muscles in your neck, and simply getting older, which can rob your skin of elasticity. Whatever the reason, now you want a fix. There are several exercises you can try that will strengthen that area and potentially minimize that second chin. Or you could talk to a plastic surgeon about potential solutions. Here are your options.

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Here’s How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps from Shaving

Summer is approaching and soon you may be plagued by pesky red bumps all over your body. No, not mosquito bites—razor bumps. Even if you’re shaving properly and using these methods to prevent shaving hazards like razor burn, you still may find yourself wondering how to get rid of razor bumps.

What are razor bumps?

These “razor bumps” are actually ingrown hairs. “What happens is when the hair is not cut properly, often it is pulled and the hair ends up re-entering the skin. Or when it is cut, if it curls up, it can also re-enter the skin,” says plastic surgeon David L. Cangello, MD, FACS. “This causes an inflammatory reaction around the hair follicle which results in swelling and redness which manifest as red bumps.”

As a result, you may find raised, red bumps resembling pimples several days after you shave. They can be itchy and uncomfortable, according to InnaKnyazevych, esthetician at IN•GLO MedSpa, and may have pus inside. Women might notice them on their legs, pubic area, and armpits, while men may see them on their face and neck. However, razor bumps can appear anywhere where hair follicles are present and can happen more often to people with curly or coarse hair.

How do you get rid of razor bumps?

The solution for how to get rid of razor bumps may already be in your bathroom closet. Cangello says washing the bumps with a gentle exfoliating face wash like this one or tropical retinol can help smooth up your skin. Aloe gels or other anti-inflammatories can also help with healing.

“Both of these things loosen the dead skin cells and help to rid the skin surface of this debris,” he says. “This aids in drainage of any micro-infection under the skin surface which will help the bumps dissipate.”

Dr. Megan Rogge, a dermatologist at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, also suggests holding a warm compress on the bumps three times a day for ten minutes each. Otherwise, razor bumps tend to go away on their own.

“You want to remove any crusts at the top of the spots,” Rogge says. “That crust can often keep the hair trapped in. If they’re really itchy or irritated, you can use a low potency steroid lotion which can decrease inflammation.”

How do you prevent razor bumps?

But the real question is not how to get rid of razor bumps, but how to prevent them. Nazanin Saedi MD, director of Jefferson Laser Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology Center, recommends using a thick lather shaving cream and shaving in the direction of your body hair to prevent razor bumps. She also suggests using a single-blade razor (so there’s less pulling of the hair).  These methods, combined with these tips for shaving your legs, will give you the smoothest skin yet.

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These Are the Differences Between a Stroke and an Aneurysm

They’re both dangerous—and sometimes deadly. They can happen at any age. And they both can cause permanent damage to the brain. So it’s no wonder people get confused about the differences between a stroke vs. aneurysm. “Strokes and cerebral aneurysms are terms you hear often and many people aren’t entirely clear what they mean,” says neurologist Jessica Carpenter, MD. “Both are conditions that involve blood vessels in the head.”

What is a stroke?

Strokes occur when blood supply is cut off to parts of your brain, which can cause the brain tissue to die, due to oxygen and nutrient loss. Strokes are a significant health issue—they’re the fifth most common cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of long-term disability, according to the CDC.

There are two types of strokes, according to Dr. Carpenter. “The first is an ‘ischemic stroke,’ which occurs when a blood vessel gets blocked and the brain tissue behind the blood vessel is permanently damaged from lack of blood flow or oxygen. The second is a ‘hemorrhagic stroke,’ which occurs when there is bleeding in the brain.” Ischemic strokes are considerably more common—87 percent of all strokes are ischemic, according to the CDC.

What are the signs of a stroke?

There’s a good reason to know the signs of stroke—getting treatment within three hours of a stroke’s onset with the drug Alteplase IV r-tPA could increase your chances of recovery, according to the American Stroke Association. So what are the key symptoms of a stroke? You should watch out for the following:

• Numbness or paralysis of your arm, leg, or face. The symptom often appears on just one side of your body, so a good indicator that you’re experiencing a stroke would be an asymmetrical smile that droops on one side or an arm that droops when you try to raise it over your head.

• Vision problems. If you’re having a stroke, your eyesight may become blurry or blackened or you might see double.

• Speech issues. You may have trouble speaking—or even understanding what other people are saying to you.

• Headache. A sudden, severe headache, that may cause nausea and vomiting, could be a stroke symptom.

• Loss of coordination. You may develop trouble walking, lose your balance, or feel dizzy.

If you experience these symptoms, call 911. To make it easy to remember, the American Stroke Association developed the F.A.S.T. stroke action plan, which stands for Face, Arms, Speech, and Time. And watch for the signs of stroke people ignore.

What is an aneurysm?

“A cerebral aneurysm is an abnormal outpouching [bulge] of a blood vessel wall,” Dr. Carpenter says. “Bleeding from an aneurysm rupture is a type of hemorrhagic stroke.” That helps explain a lot of the confusion between stroke vs. aneurysm—because when an aneurysm breaks, it is considered a type of stroke.

What are the signs of an aneurysm?

“Aneurysms often have no symptoms unless there is a break in the vessel wall which causes a hemorrhage,” Dr. Carpenter says. In some cases, the aneurysm may grow large enough to impact nerves and cause pain near the eye, double vision, or a dilated pupil.

But if the aneurysm breaks, these severe symptoms develop quickly. “Patients often experience a very sudden onset of a severe headache that’s often described as ‘the worst headache of your life,'” Dr. Carpenter says. “They don’t build up over hours like a migraine—they start abruptly. Neck pain, seizures, or altered consciousness may also occur.”

Again, if you develop these symptoms, call 911. “An aneurysm rupture is a medical emergency and patients should call 911 so they can receive rapid medical assistance,” Dr. Carpenter advises.

What are the risk factors for stroke vs. aneurysm?

There are risk factors for strokes you can control—and several that you can’t. Losing weight, quitting smoking, reducing stress, and cutting back on drinking alcohol and diet sodas can help reduce your risk of developing a stroke. Several other health conditions—including diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure—can increase your risk, as can genetic factors like your gender (women are more likely to have a stroke), race (African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans are at increased risk), or if a member of your family had a stroke, particularly at a young age. As you get older, your risk increases. You can learn more about stroke risk factors here.

As for aneurysms, many of the same risk factors are at play—age, high blood pressure, smoking, and a family history can all increase your risk, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. But aneurysms are also associated with malformations of the arteries and veins (called AVMs), and head traumas or brain tumors.

“Genetics are a major factor in the development of aneurysms,” says Robert Segal, MD, co-founder of LabFinder.com. “Family members of patients with intracranial aneurysms are at increased risk of having an aneurysm, even in the absence of a known hereditary syndrome.” These include connective tissue and kidney diseases, and some rare inherited conditions, he says.

“If you have a family history of aneurysms you should be screened,” Dr. Segal suggests. “Unruptured intracranial aneurysms should be monitored annually for two to three years, and every two to five years thereafter if the aneurysm is stable.”

How can I decrease my risk of a stroke or aneurysm?

There are a few ways to help reduce the risk of developing either condition. “The two most important lifestyle changes are quitting smoking and controlling high blood pressure,” Dr. Segal says. “Other important health changes are controlling cholesterol and getting regular physical exercise. Hypercholesterolemia and regular physical exercise appear to decrease the risk of aneurysm formation.”

For aneurysm, a few other lifestyle changes can help. “Patients should avoid smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, stimulant medications, illicit drugs, and excessive straining,” Dr. Segal says.

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American Farmers Die by Suicide at Nearly Twice the Rate of the General Population—Here’s How One Therapist Is Changing That Statistic