Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression or irritation of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. It can cause numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the hand and fingers. Symptoms often develop gradually and may become more noticeable at night, during repetitive hand activities or when holding the wrist in…

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin, usually involving the dermis and tissues beneath the skin. It can develop anywhere on the body but commonly affects the lower legs and feet. Cellulitis usually develops when bacteria enter the skin through a cut, crack, wound, insect or animal bite, or another break in the skin. The…

Cervicitis is inflammation of the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects the uterus with the vagina. It may occur because of an infection, particularly sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or because of irritation or other noninfectious causes. Common infectious causes include chlamydia and gonorrhea, while other infections such as Trichomonas vaginalis and certain vaginal infections may also…

A chalazion is a usually painless lump that develops in the eyelid when an oil-producing meibomian gland becomes blocked. These glands help keep the surface of the eye lubricated. A chalazion may develop on either the upper or lower eyelid. It can initially cause swelling and tenderness and may later become a firm, painless lump. Many chalazia improve on their…

Cholelithiasis is the medical term for gallstones, which are hardened deposits that form inside the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located beneath the liver. It stores and concentrates bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver that helps the body digest fats. Gallstones can be as small as grains of sand or as large as a golf…

Cirrhosis of the liver is a late stage of long-term liver disease in which healthy liver tissue is gradually replaced by scar tissue. This scarring can permanently change the structure and function of the liver. Cirrhosis usually develops over many years because of ongoing liver injury. Common causes include chronic hepatitis B or C, alcohol-associated liver disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated…

Climacteric blues refers to emotional and mood-related difficulties that may occur during the menopausal transition. The climacteric period includes perimenopause, menopause and the postmenopausal years. During perimenopause, ovarian hormone levels fluctuate and eventually decline. These changes can occur alongside hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems and other physical symptoms. For some women, these changes may also affect mood and emotional…

Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, an allergy, or irritation from substances such as smoke, dust or chemicals. The symptoms can look similar even when the underlying cause is…

Cradle cap is a common and usually harmless skin condition affecting babies, causing greasy, yellowish or white scales and crusts on the scalp. The medical term is infantile seborrheic dermatitis. It can sometimes also affect the eyebrows, eyelids, behind the ears and other areas of the face. Cradle cap usually does not cause significant discomfort and is not caused by…

Cervical spondylosis is an age-related degenerative condition affecting the bones, discs and joints of the neck (cervical spine). It is sometimes called neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis. The condition becomes more common with age because the discs and joints of the cervical spine gradually undergo wear and structural changes. Some people have these changes on X-rays or scans without experiencing…