Introduction: Pemphigus Vulgaris is a serious skin disease. Relatively, it is a rare disease, which is characterized by formation of blisters and erosions of the skin and mucus membranes. The blisters are often called as bulla or bullae, which are filled with thin, watery fluid; which eventually burst, slough off and lead to sore spots. It can affect mouth, genitals and any part of skin. It is most commonly observed in middle-aged or older people. It is a chronic and [...]
What is PCOD? PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease) or PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a disease characterized by multiple (‘poly’) cysts (small sacs filled with fluid) in the ovaries. Patients with PCOD have abnormal levels of hormones that result in irregular menses, infertility and certain masculine changes in the body. What causes PCOD? PCOS problems are caused by hormone changes hormonal imbalance. One hormone change triggers another, which changes another. Raised levels of Testosterone – Androgens or “male hormones,” although all women make small amounts of androgens…Higher [...]
Parkinson’s disease, also called paralysis agitans or shaking palsy is a movement disorder. Cases of PD are reported at all ages, though it is uncommon in people younger than 40. This disease is more common among men and usually occurs after 60 years. The average age at which symptoms begin in the USA. is 58-60. The nerve cells in the part of the brain which control movements are mainly affected. The nerve cells (neurons) which make the chemical called dopamine either don’t [...]
Definition: Osteoarthritis is one of the types of arthritis that is caused due to degeneration and eventually loss of the cartilage of joints. Cartilage is a tissue that covers the inside of the joints and acts as a cushion between the two bones forming a joint. When the cartilage starts undergoing degeneration, the bone becomes inflamed as its protective covering is lost. This causes pain during weight-bearing activities such as standing, walking, etc. Joint structure Causes of Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis occurs commonly as a [...]
Introduction: Onychomycosis (onycho means nails and mycosis means fungal infection) is a fungal infection of the fingernails or toenails. The actual infection is of the bed of the nail and of the plate under the surface of the nail. Onychomycosis is also known as Dermatophytic onychomycosis, Ringworm of the nail, and Tinea unguium. Prevalence: This condition may affect toenails or fingernails, but toe-nail infections are particularly common. The prevalence of onychomycosis is about 6-8% in the adult population. Causes: Onychomycosis is caused by three [...]
Introduction Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD (OCN) is an anxiety disorder where the patient experiences intrusive irresistible thoughts (obsession) that produces anxiety, fear, uneasiness. Patient ends up doing repetitive behavior (compulsion). Patient may realize that their thoughts and actions are irrational and may become further distressed. It is also called Obsessive Compulsive Neurosis (OCN). Prevalence It is fourth most common mental disorder. OCD may affect children, adolescent as well as adults. One in 60 adults all over world has OCD. Causative factors Hereditary – OCD in [...]
Obesity means an excess fat collection in the body. There is always an optimal weight for every age and sex. In obesity, this weight exceeds the upper limit of normal by 30%. Morbid obesity is a condition wherein people are overweight by 45 kilos to what is normal for their age and sex. The prevalence of obesity has increased sharply since the mid-seventies especially in the developed countries. In fact, obesity has become so rampant that more children and teenagers are obese [...]
Anemia is the most common of all blood disorders. The term anemia (derived from Greek) means a deficiency of blood. Anemia results from reduced red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Hemoglobin is the oxygen carrying protein in blood. It is a major component of all red blood cells and gives them their red color. This protein picks up oxygen from the lungs, carries it throughout the body and delivers it to all your cells. In addition, hemoglobin also [...]
Definition: Any Non-healing wound or ulcer on skin that has been present for 3-4 weeks duration, without healing is called Non-healing ulcer. Causes: Some of the major causes are listed under: Vascular congestion Infection (mostly due to resistant bacteria) Poor nutritional Diabetes mellitus Some systemic disease such as SLE (Systemic Lupus) Unknown causes Types of Non-Healing Ulcers There are a few types of Non-healing ulcers: Pressure ulcers Venous stasis ulcer Diabetic Ulcer Arterial ulcer Pyoderma gangrenosum Marjolin’s ulcer Pressure Ulcers: Pressure ulcers are formed when skin and tissue are compressed leading to decrease in circulation and oxygen to [...]
Neutrophilic Vasculitis is an uncommon skin disease occurring one in 10-30 million people. It is also called Cutaneous Vasculitis. It causes an immunological and degenerative swelling of the small (arteries) vessels, present just beneath skin. It is mediated by white blood cells called Neutrophils. Neutrophilic vasculitis is one of the type of Leukocytoclastic vasculitis. (LCV) It may occur at any age. Affects men and women in equal proportion. Neutrophilic vasculitis can be self-limiting localized skin ulcer to rapidly progressive disease affecting multiple [...]