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Keratosis Pilaris “Chicken Skin” Condition Keratosis pilaris is a common, easily recognized, benign skin disorder that is characterized by patches of tiny, hard bumps resembling small pimples on the skin’s surface. Often referred to colloquially as “chicken skin,” keratosis pilaris usually appears on the backs of the upper arms, the thighs, the buttocks, or the …
Kaposi’s Sarcoma Small Tumors Appear Under the Skin Kaposi’s sarcoma is a cancer of the connective tissues, first described in 1872. It was a relatively rare form of cancer until about 20 years ago, when the number of cases exploded in patients with HIV or AIDS. In HIV-positive patients, the signs of Kaposi’s sarcoma may …
Head Lice Intense Itching is a Sign Head lice are spread by direct contact, such as sharing of combs or hats. They are common in children under the age of 12. Intense itching, especially around the ears and the back of the head, is caused by the lice feeding on blood from the scalp …
Migraine Headaches Visual Symptoms (“Auras”) May Signal an Attack Migraine is a specific type of headache often described as a throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, that worsens with bright light or loud noise. Some patients can predict a migraine before it begins because they recognize certain symptoms (known as “auras”) prior …
Migraines Severe Pain Migraine headaches are easily misdiagnosed and often are incorrectly treated. Their causes may be environmental, dietary or stress related. They are more common in women and their occurrence may be related to estrogen levels since they are often seen with greater frequency during the premenstrual period. Migraine headaches may disappear completely during …
Gangrene Pain Is Not Always Present Gangrene is a condition that develops when tissue dies, due to a bacterial infection, vascular disease such as diabetes, or injury to an area. Tissue death occurs because the blood supply to the area is blocked. “Wet” gangrene is caused by a bacterial infection; “dry” gangrene is caused by …
Estrogen Replacement (ERT) ERT May Not Be for All Women Many women are confused about the benefits of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) after menopause because so many conflicting reports have been published. Hot flashes, headache, night sweats, nausea and dizziness occur when the ovaries stop producing estrogen at menopause. Estrogen prevents these symptoms. ERT …
Epilepsy Drugs Can Control Seizures Epilepsy is described as any disorder marked by excessive discharge of neurons in the brain, which can lead to a seizure. A seizure may result in disturbances in motor activity, such as jerking movements, behaviorial changes, and loss of consciousness, awareness, or sensation. Not all seizures are diagnosed as epilepsy. …
Emphysema Cigarette Smoking Is the Leading Cause Emphysema is a chronic lung disease and one of two forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. (The other form is chronic bronchitis.) About three million Americans suffer from emphysema. The most common causes of emphysema are years of cigarette smoking and exposure to environmental toxins. In …
Emphysema When Breathing Becomes Difficult Emphysema is a chronic lung disease which causes permanent changes in the lung, making it difficult to breathe normally. Smoking and air pollutants are two main causes of emphysema. Damage to the lung occurs in the area where air is exchanged, past the terminal bronchiole, including the respiratory bronchioles, alveoli …