Definition Puncture wound is a deep wound made by a sharp object, such as a nail or a jagged piece of metal or wood. Puncture wounds may be small and not seem serious. But they do need to be treated by a healthcare provider. Puncture wounds may become infected easily. …
Read More »Erysipelas – Complications, Treatment and Prevention
Definition Erysipelas is an infection of the upper layers of the skin (superficial). The most common cause is group A streptococcal bacteria, especially Streptococcus pyogenes. Erysipelas results in a fiery red rash with raised edges that can easily be distinguished from the skin around it. The affected skin may be …
Read More »Stretch Marks – Types, Causes, Risk Factors and Treatment
Definition Stretch marks (striae or striae distensae) is a form of scarring on the skin with a pinkish or whitish hue that appears when your skin stretches or shrinks quickly. Collagen is a protein underneath your skin that makes it more elastic and supports your skin. Your skin tries to …
Read More »Prader-Willi syndrome – Complications, Risk Factors and Treatment
Definition Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex genetic condition that affects many parts of the body. In infancy, this condition is characterized by weak muscle tone (hypotonia), feeding difficulties, poor growth, and delayed development. Beginning in childhood, affected individuals develop an insatiable appetite, which leads to chronic overeating (hyperphagia) and obesity. …
Read More »Sunburn – Types, Risk Factors, Treatment and Prevention
Definition Sunburn is the skin’s reaction to too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. You can see sunlight and feel heat (infrared radiation), but you can’t see or feel UV radiation. It can damage your skin even on cool, cloudy days. Sunburn is a radiation burn to …
Read More »Illness Anxiety Disorder or Hypochondria – Types, and Treatment
Definition Illness anxiety disorder or Hypochondria is a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by a persistent fear of having or developing a serious medical condition. In general, individuals with illness anxiety disorder display a dysfunctional degree of concern regarding their health, which is also known as health anxiety. This fear usually …
Read More »Somatic symptom disorder – Causes, Types and Prevention
Definition Somatic symptom disorder is diagnosed when a person has a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness or shortness of breath, to a level that results in major distress and/or problems functioning. The individual has excessive thoughts, feelings and behaviors relating to the physical symptoms. The physical …
Read More »Post Concussion Syndrome (PCS) – Causes and Prevention.
What is Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)? Post-Concussion Syndrome, or PCS, is the persistence of concussion symptoms beyond the normal course of recovery. The majority of concussion symptoms will resolve within about two weeks. In cases where symptoms last longer than one or two months, doctors may diagnose Post-Concussion Syndrome. Patients with …
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