Symptoms and Illnesses
What You Need to Know
Acne (adults/teens)
Allergies
Blisters
Sore Throat
Anxiety
Mouth Ulcers
Smoking Cessation and Nicotine Withdrawal
Asthma
Bloating, Flatulence, and Aerophagia
Bruises, Ecchymoses, and Hematomas
Cold Sores or Oral Herpes
Acute Benign Bronchitis
Heartburn
Skin Burns
Hair Loss or Alopecia
Muscle Strain
Conjunctivitis, Eye and Eyelid Disorders
Constipation
Contraception
Corns, Calluses, and Soft Corns
Heatstroke or Sunstroke
Sunburn and Sun Allergy
Muscle Aches
Muscle Cramp
Cystitis and Urinary Tract Infection
Itching or Pruritus
Teeth and Gums
Mild depression
Seborrheic dermatitis
Acute diarrhea
Indigestion or dyspepsia
Pain
Osteoarthritis pain and other joint pain
Anal pain
Ear pain and earwax buildup
Back pain
Fatigue or asthenia
Fever
Folliculitis, boils, and carbuncles
Scabies
Influenza and flu-like illnesses
“Hangover”
Hemorrhoids (hemorrhoidal flare-ups)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (difficulty urinating)
Insomnia (minor sleep disturbance)
Heavy legs
Sore throat
Seasickness, Motion Sickness
Bad breath or halitosis
Headaches and migraines
Athlete's foot or fungal foot infection
Nail fungus
Vaginal Yeast Infection or Vaginal Candidiasis
Nausea and Vomiting
Paronychia
Morning-After Pill
Insect Bites
Minor Wounds and Cuts
Head Lice, Nits, and Pubic Lice
Weight Gain and Obesity
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Painful Periods or Dysmenorrhea
Nasopharyngitis
Head Cold or Coryza
Hay Fever or Other Allergic Rhinitis
Nosebleeds or Epistaxis
Dry Mouth or Xerostomia
Dry Eyes
Spasmophilia
Pregnancy Tests
Stiff Neck and Neck Pain
Cough
Menopausal Disorders and Hot Flashes
Warts
Intestinal Worms
Vertigo
Muscle strain You started your weekly workout without warming up, and suddenly you feel a sharp, stabbing pain, like a knife in your thigh or calf. It is most likely a muscle strain. What you need to know A muscle strain is caused by torn muscle fibers, a bit like a rope ripping. A bruise and swelling (edema) may form at the site of the strain. What not to do Do not massage the affected area, as this may worsen the bruise. Do not apply warm compresses to the strain. Do not try to continue the activity you were doing. Good practices Prevention Warm up thoroughly before physical activity (especially in winter). Build up your sport gradually and practice regularly. Drink plenty of fluids during your sessions. If you have a strain Apply a cooling spray, an ice pack (wrapped in a light cloth), or a cold-water compress. Repeat several times during the day. Compress the injured area with an elastic bandage. If the pain is severe, take a pain reliever, preferably paracetamol (self-medication up to 3 g per day, but never exceed 4 g per day, or you risk serious liver poisoning). Avoid aspirin in particular, as it promotes bleeding. See your doctor if there is no improvement within 3 days, so the strain can be monitored, complications avoided, and the right time for muscle rehabilitation decided. Medications Hot-cold thermal packs, PHYSIOPACK® cushions, or URGO FROID® spray can help ease the pain. Always place a thin cloth on your skin before applying an ice pack: cold can burn!