Definition Syphilis is an infection by the Treponema pallidum bacteria that is transmitted by direct contact with a syphilitic sore on the skin, and in mucous membranes. A sore can occur on the vagina, anus, rectum, lips, and mouth. It is most likely to spread during oral, anal, or vaginal …
Read More »Scabies – Symptoms, Complications, Treatment, and Prevention.
Definition Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by a tiny burrowing mite called Sarcoptes scabiei. The presence of the mite leads to intense itching in the area of its burrows. The urge to scratch may be especially strong at night. Scabies is contagious and can spread quickly through close …
Read More »Scurvy – Causes, Symptoms, Complications, and Prevention.
Introduction Scurvy is a disease caused by prolonged severe dietary deficiency of ascorbic acid, in which the breakdown of intercellular cement substances leads to capillary haemorrhages and defective growth of fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and odontoblasts results in impaired synthesis of collagen, osteoid, and dentine. It is characterized by haemorrhagic gingivitis affecting …
Read More »Sporotrichosis – Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention.
Definition Sporotrichosis is an infection caused by a fungus called Sporothrix schenckii. The fungus lives throughout the world in soil, plants, and decaying vegetation. Cutaneous (skin) infection is the most common form of infection, although pulmonary infection can occur if a person inhales the microscopic, airborne fungal spores. Most cases …
Read More »Seasonal Affective Disorder – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments.
Definition Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), formally referred to as recurrent depression with seasonal pattern, is a type of depression that tends to occur (and recur) as the days grow shorter in the fall and winter. It is believed that affected people react adversely to the decreasing amounts of sunlight and …
Read More »Schizophrenia: History, Causes, Treatment and Prevention
Definition Schizophrenia is a serious disorder which affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. Someone with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary; may be unresponsive or withdrawn; and may have difficulty expressing normal emotions in social situations. History The word schizophrenia was …
Read More »Skin Cancer – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.
Definition Skin cancer is a common and locally destructive cancerous (malignant) growth of the skin. It originates from the cells that line up along the membrane that separates the superficial layer of skin from the deeper layers. Unlike cutaneous malignant melanoma, the vast majority of these sorts of skin cancers …
Read More »Strep Throat – Casues, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention.
Definition Strep throat or streptococcal pharyngitis is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat. This common condition is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. It can affect children and adults of all ages. However, it’s especially common in children between the ages of 5 and 15. …
Read More »