An ingrown toe nail is one of the most painful conditions of the toes. When the edges of the nails grow into the skin of the toes it causes pain, swelling of the toe, pus formation and infection of the nails. This condition is mostly seen in adults and adolescents. Causes of Ingrown Toenails: Common factors that cause ingrown toenails are as follows. Type of shoes: Some people have habit of wearing extremely tight shoes. Such shoes cause crowding of the toes and [...]
ITP is an auto-immune disorder of the platelets (blood cells) leading to increased bleeding and bruising on the body. It is also referred to as immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Platelets are blood components found in blood along with red blood cells and white blood cells. Platelets are also called as thrombocytes. They are produced in the bone marrow. Platelets help in clotting of the blood. The normal range of platelets in a healthy person is from 150000 to 450000 per cubic [...]
Ichthyosis is derived from the Greek word “ichthys” meaning “fish”. It is a skin disorder in which there is formation of dry, thickened, scales or flakes on the skin, which appears like fish scales. The condition often begins in early childhood and is usually life long. Types of ichthyosis: The most common types of ichthyosis are: Ichthyosis vulgaris- Ichthyosis vulgaris is commonly observed in most people. It accounts for about 95% of all ichthyosis cases Lamellar ichthyosis Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis X-linked ichthyosis. Causes of ichthyosis: It is seen to [...]
Definition: Excessive or deficient secretion of thyroid hormones in the body is called hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a small gland situated in the midline and base of the neck. The gland produces thyroid hormones T4 (Tetraiodothyronine/Thyroxine) and T3 (Triiodothyronine) that are absolutely essential for maintaining the harmony of various body functions. Thyroid hormones govern the speed of the body’s chemical reaction and have a positive influence on the growth of an individual (mental and physical). Because thyroid hormones affect [...]
Definition: Raised blood pressure is labeled as hypertension. In realism, blood pressure of an individual tends to increase with advancing age. So, term hypertension will be used when blood pressure exceeds the normal range for a particular age group. Unattended blood pressure can lead to a number of serious complications including stroke, heart diseases, kidney failure, etc. Remarks: Hypertension is very common in the general population. However, in 95% of cases, a specific underlying cause of hypertension cannot be pointed out. This hypertension [...]
Introduction Herpes zoster (shingles) is a viral infection, caused by Varicella zoster virus. It is commonly called as shingles. According to study, 90% of patients with Herpes zoster have had chicken pox a few years back. Causative factors Varicella-zoster virus causes acute illness chicken pox. Even after chickenpox is resolved the virus is not eliminated. It can go on to cause Herpes zoster. This virus is located in nerve cells. It may remain silent for years together. When it gets activated, the [...]
Herpes is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are 2 types of Herpes Simplex Virus: Type 1 and Type 2. HSV type 1 causes Oral Herpes infection and HSV type 2 causes genital herpes. It must be noted that there is a considerable overlap in this- HSV type 1 can also cause genital herpes in some cases and vice-versa; this usually occurs due to transmission via oro-genital contact. Some of the patients exhibit the symptoms [...]
What is Hemiplegia ? The word ‘plegia‘ means weakness so severe that it is nearly complete. ‘Hemi‘ implies one side of the body. Hence, ‘hemiplegia‘ means complete paralysis of one half of the body, including one arm and leg. Any disease or injury in the motor centers of the brain can cause hemiplegia. Hemiplegia is a more severe form of ‘hemiparesis‘ wherein one half of the body is only weakened. It is also very different from the conditions of paraplegia [...]
Hematuria means the presence of blood in the urine. Due to the presence of blood in the urine, the color of the urine becomes reddish, brownish or cola colored Types of hematuria: Hematuria is divided into two types. Gross hematuria: When there is the presence of frank blood in the urine, it can be seen with the naked eye. This is called as gross hematuria. Microscopic hematuria: This kind of hematuria is characterized by the presence of RBC (red blood cells) in the urine. But [...]
Gynecomastia is a condition where males have abnormally enlarged breasts, due to increased proliferation of breast tissues. Causes: All men have both androgen and estrogen hormones, that is male and female hormones. When there is an alteration in androgens and estrogens balance then it results in Gynecomastia. Hormones (androgens, anabolic steroids, estrogen agonists) Anti-ulcer medications such as cimetidine Antibiotics (isoniazid, ketoconazole, metronidazole) Cardiovascular drugs, such as captopril and digitoxin Cancer chemotherapeutics for prostrate cancer. Psychoactive agents, such as diazepam and tricyclic antidepressants Symptoms: Enlargement of male breast Tenderness and sensitivity [...]