Lichen Planus – Overview Lichen planus is a condition that can cause swelling and irritation in the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes. On the skin, LP usually appears as purplish, itchy, flat bumps that develop over several weeks. In the mouth, vagina and other areas covered by a mucous …
Read More »Lymphedema – Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention.
Lymphedema: Description Lymphoedema is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes swelling in the body’s tissues. It can affect any part of the body but usually develops in the arms or legs. Lymphedema develops when the lymphatic system doesn’t work properly. The lymphatic system is a network of channels and glands …
Read More »Leukodystrophy – Definition, Complications, and Pathophysiology.
Definition Leukodystrophies are a group of disorders that cause deterioration of the white matter, or myelin, in the brain. The term Leukodystrophy is derived from the prefix leuko, meaning white, and the word dystrophy, meaning imperfect growth. Therefore, Leukodystrophies are characterized by imperfect growth of the white matter in the …
Read More »Lipedema – Definition, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.
Definition Lipedema is a condition that mostly affects women and is characterized by a symmetrical swelling in the legs, thighs, and buttocks and sometimes the arms due to the deposits of fat beneath the skin. It is rare in men. It can be extremely painful. The affected areas can be …
Read More »Leukocytosis – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.
Definition Leukocytosis is the condition in which the body has a higher level (more than 11,000 leukocytes per cubic mm of adult human blood) of white blood cells (WBC) than normal level. White blood cells play an important role in the body immune system. White blood cells will function as …
Read More »Leprosy – Causes, Complications, and Medications.
What is leprosy? Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease (HD), is a chronic infectious disease caused by a Mycobacterium (Mycobacterium leprae) affecting especially the skin and marginal nerves. It is characterized by the formation of nodules or macules that enlarge and spread with loss of sensation and eventually paralysis, wasting …
Read More »Lassa Fever – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention.
Definition Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness caused by the lassa virus, a member of the arenavirus family of viruses. It is transmitted to humans from contacts with food or household items contaminated with rodent excreta. The disease is endemic in the rodent population in parts of west …
Read More »Listeriosis – Definition, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention.
Definition Listeriosis is an infection caused by a gram stain-positive motile bacterium named Listeria monocytogenes. The foodborne illness produces fever, muscle aches, and, in many people, diarrhea. Severe infections can cause headaches, meningitis, convulsions, and death. Most healthy people exposed to the bacteria have minor or no symptoms, but a …
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