January 1, 2012

Most burn injuries can be managed by primary care physicians. Superficial burns can be managed with topical treatments. Deeper burns should be treated with topical antimicrobials or absorptive occlusive dressing to reduce pain, promote healing, and prevent wound desiccation…

Abnormal uterine bleeding is categorized as anovulatory (irregular or infrequent periods) or ovulatory (excessive volume or duration of periods). Evaluation and treatment options depend on the type of bleeding. Treatment may include oral contraceptives, oral or implantable…

The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is based on the history and physical examination. Physical exercise can help reduce pain and improve function. Treatment should begin with acetaminophen, although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and intra-articular injections also are…

Screening Guide Created to Help Prevent Alcohol-Related Problems in Teenagers | CDC Report: Only One-Fourth of U.S. Patients with HIV Have Virus Under Control | Medicare Now Covers Screening and Counseling for Patients with Obesity | System Facilitates Data Sharing Among…

There are few high-quality studies examining the effectiveness of antidepressants for treating the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia. Although there is some evidence to support the use of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram…

The current number of geriatricians cannot keep up with the health care needs of the growing number of older adults. To fill the gap, more geriatricians should focus on training primary care and other specialty physicians to care for older adults.

Photo Quiz presents readers with a clinical challenge based on a photograph or other image.

Major changes addressed in the American Heart Association's (AHA) 2011 guidelines on cardiovascular disease (CVD) are that benefits and risks found in the clinical practice setting were strongly considered, and recommendations were not based solely on benefits found in the…

In young children, most burns happen when a hot object or liquid is pulled off of the stove or countertop. Older children and teenagers typically get burns from playing with lighters, firecrackers, or gasoline. Adults can get burns from sun exposure, touching hot objects, and…

Periods are considered abnormal if they last more than seven days, have less than 24 days or more than 35 days between starting dates, or are very irregular or very heavy. Bleeding is considered very heavy if you have to change tampons or pads more than every one to two hours…

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease. It is caused by a breakdown of the cartilage in the joint (see picture). It is more common in older people, women, overweight people, and people with family members who have osteoarthritis.