Medical Help Desk

  Definition Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples or "zits." Whiteheads, blackheads, and red, inflamed patches of skin (such as cysts) may develop. Types Of Acne Acne vulgaris; Cystic acne; white heads; black heads; Zits Causes Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin become clogged. These holes are called pores. Each pore opens to a follicle. A follicle contains a hair and an oil gland. The oil released by the gland helps remove old skin cells and keeps your skin soft. The glands can become blocked with a mixture or oil and skin cells, the blockage is called a plug or come done. If the top of the plug is white, it is called a whitehead. It is called a blackhead if the top of the plug is dark. If bacteria become trapped in the plug, the body's immune system may react to it, causing pimples. Acne that is deep in your skin can cause hard, painful cysts. This is called nodulocystic acne. Acne is most common in teenagers, but anyone can get acne, even ba...

  Every skin is different; therefore, it is important to know all types of skin and the diseases that may affect each one. How to know my skin type. Several criteria are used to  classify the different types of skin . For example, Fitzpatrick's classification, first described in 1975, is based on skin color and its response to sun exposure. It is used to determine the proper type of sun protection factor or to predict the risk of skin cancer  among others. However, from a cosmetic point of view,  skin is classified according to several factors related to its balance : sebaceous secretion, hydration and sensitivity level. Thus, each type of skin will have its own characteristics and require different cares. The type of skin is determined by genetics, although it will also be affected by other factors and can change with time. Based on these characteristics, there  are five types of healthy skin : normal, dry, oily, combination (both oily and dry sk...

  Sickling disorders 1 Sickle cell trait-Less than 50% HbS per cell is usually not associated with clinical abnormality Infarction of spleen may occur during anaesthesia, and hematuria is not uncommon  2 Sickle-cell anemia-Anaemia from about third. month of life Clinical features  1. Delayed growth and development 2 enlargement of spleen after 6month . Later at 5-6 yrs of age, reduction in size due to multiple infarcts from veno-occulusion of branches of splenic artery. In adults, spleen may be totally replaced by fibrous tissue (autosplenectomy).  3. Leg ulcers-Shallow ulcers near ankle due vascular stasis and often after trauma.  4. Hand-foot syndrome - Painful swelling of hands and feet. Vaso-occlusive crisis and dactylitis leads to destruction of metacarpals, metatarsals and phalanges.  5. CNS-Brain syndrome in a few children, occulsion of cerebral vessels leads to stroke.  6. Infections-Pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis due to hyposplenism, osteo...

  Hair loss (alopecia) can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness. Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss or restore growth. Before pursuing hair loss treatment, talk with your doctor about the cause of your hair loss and treatment options. Symptoms Male-pattern baldness Male-pattern baldness typically appears first at the hairline or top of the head. It can progress to partial or complete baldness. Female-pattern baldness Female-pattern baldness typically star...

  Losing Weight  Healthy weight isn’t about following a diet or program. Instead, it involves a lifestyle with healthy eating patterns, regular physical activity, and stress management . People with gradual, steady weight loss (about 1 to 2 pounds per week) are more likely to keep the weight off than people who lose weight quickly. Sleep, age, genetics, diseases, medications, and environments may also contribute to weight management. If you are concerned about your weight or have questions about your medications, talk with your health care provider. Getting Started Losing weight takes a well-thought-out plan. Here’s how to get started. Step 1: Make a commitment Whether you have a family history of heart disease , want to see your kids get married, or want to feel better in your clothes, write down why you want to lose weight. Writing it down can confirm your commitment. Post these reasons where they serve as a daily reminder of why you want to make this change ...