Add brain abscesses to the list of dangers associated with getting a tongue piercing. The latest Archives of Neurology details the case of a 22-year-old man who died from multiple lesions on his brain two weeks after getting pierced. Doctors say the man's piercing became infected and the condition spread to his brain. Tongue piercing does not usually result in fatality, but doctors still warn Read more

DrSugar is in the house! This week she's answering a question about preventing the spread of HPV. Dear DrSugar, I am sooooo scared about this. Just had a cervical biopsy and I just tested positive for HPV. I am in a severe panic. I probably gave it to my current boyfriend. Can we keep passing it back and forth to each other? I do not know what to do. So if I have HPV, will definitely get warts Read more

HPV is a tricky STD. It's largely been considered a woman's problem, because its most well-known effect is cervical cancer in women. But suddenly, HPV in men is making headlines not only for causing oral cancer but also anal, penile, head, and neck cancer. Last week I told you not to freak out, because only a few strains cause cancer, but with another headline today — 50 percent of men have Read more

Ever since my naturopath introduced me to the wonderful world of castor oil packs, I've been hooked. Castor oil's healing properties go way back to ancient Egypt, where it was regularly taken orally as a laxative (which is now known to be toxic). Today, Chinese medicine, ayurvedic medicine, and naturopathy recommend castor oil packs because of their ability to promote healing and to reduce Read more

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions. Dear DrSugar If I was tested last year for HPV and it was negative, and this year I am positive and only had one sexual partner between the year, can I assume it was that person? Thanks! — Confused by HPV First of all, I’m so glad you asked this question, since human papillomavirus (HPV) is so common. This question is Read more

DrSugar is in the house! And she's answering your health-related questions. Dear DrSugar, I have acne and after several years of tinkering, I've found the right combination of several prescription products daily to control it — benzoyl peroxide 6%, Solodyn, dapsone, Retin-A, clindamycin, and the list goes on. While I'm not pregnant now, I'd like to try and conceive in the next three years or so Read more

DrSugar is in the house, and she's answering your health-related questions. Dear DrSugar, I have been experiencing severe stomach pains for about four months, as well as other lesser symptoms like fatigue and skin breakouts. So far, my doctor is leaning toward the all-encompassing diagnosis of IBS, which obviously can only be "managed" (so far unsuccessfully) with lifestyle changes. I have tried Read more