A health blog

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Sunlight and Skin Damage
2007-04-16 18:09:00
The skin shields the rest of the body from the sun's rays. Ultraviolet (UV) light, although invisible to the human eye, is the component of sunlight that has the most effect on skin. UV light is classified into three types, ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC), depending on its wavelength.UV light in small amounts is beneficial, because it helps the body produce vitamin D. However, larger amounts of UV light damage DNA (the body's genetic material) and alter the amounts and kinds of chemicals that the skin cells make. UV light also may break down folic acid, sometimes resulting in deficiency of that vitamin in fair-skinned people. Although UVA penetrates deeper into the skin, UVB is responsible for at least three quarters of the damaging effects of UV light, including tanning, burning, premature skin aging, wrinkling, and skin cancer.The amount of UV light reaching the earth's surface is increasing, especially in the northern latitudes. This increase ...
More About: Skin , Sunlight , Light , Damage

Paget's Disease, Squamous Cell Carcinoma
2007-04-16 17:54:00
Paget's Disease Paget's disease is a rare type of skin cancer that originates in glands in or under the skin.The term Paget's disease also refers to an unrelated metabolic bone disease (see Paget's Disease of Bone); these distinct diseases should not be confused with each other.Paget's disease occurs mainly on the nipple and is the result of a cancer of the breast milk ducts that has spread to the skin of the nipple. Men and women are both affected. The underlying cancer may or may not be felt by the person or the doctor. Sometimes, Paget's disease develops in the genital area or around the anus as the result of a cancer originating in underlying sweat glands or even in nearby structures such as the genitals, intestines, or urinary tract.The skin in Paget's disease appears red, oozing, and crusting. It looks like an inflamed, reddened patch of skin (dermatitis). Itching and pain are common. Because Paget's disease looks very much like common dermatitis, a biopsy is necessary ...
More About: Skin , Cell , Ease , Paget

Skin Cancers
2007-04-16 17:24:00
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The three main types of skin cancer?basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma?are caused, at least in part, by long-term sun exposure. Lymphoma can also develop in the skin (see Lymphomas: Introduction). Fair-skinned people are particularly susceptible to developing most forms of skin cancer because they produce less melanin, the protective pigment in the epidermis that filters out ultraviolet (UV) light. However, skin cancer also can develop in dark-skinned people and in people whose skin has not had significant sun exposure. Most skin cancers are curable, especially when treated at an early stage. Therefore, any unusual skin growth that persists for more than a few weeks is best examined by a doctor.Doctors treat most skin cancers by removing them surgically. Usually, the defect that is left in the skin is small. Larger or more invasive cancer may require removal of a significant amount of skin, ...
More About: Skin , Skin Cancer

Pressure sores
2007-04-16 17:13:00
Pressure sores (bedsores, decubitus ulcers) are areas of skin damage resulting from a lack of blood flow due to pressure.Pressure sores can occur in people of any age who are bedridden, chairbound, or unable to reposition themselves. However, they frequently affect older people. Pressure sores usually develop below the waist, although they can occur anywhere on the body. They tend to occur over bony projections where pressure is concentrated, such as the lower back, heels, elbows, and hips. They may occur where pressure from a bed, wheelchair, cast, splint, or other hard object contacts and presses on the skin. Pressure sores may be painful and can be life threatening. They lengthen the time spent in hospitals or nursing homes and increase the cost of care.CausesThe skin has a rich blood supply that delivers oxygen to all its layers. If that blood supply is cut off for more than 2 or 3 hours, the skin dies, beginning at its outer layer (the epidermis). The dead skin breaks down and ...
More About: Skin , Sure

Parasitic Skin Infections
2007-04-16 16:38:00
Most skin parasites are tiny insects or worms that burrow into the skin and make their home there. Some parasites live in the skin for part of their life cycle; others would be permanent residentsCreeping EruptionCreeping eruption (cutaneous larva migrans) is a hookworm infection transmitted from warm, moist soil to exposed skin.This infection is caused by a hookworm that normally inhabits dogs and cats. The eggs of the parasite are deposited on the ground in dog and cat feces. When bare skin touches the ground, which happens when a person walks barefoot or sunbathes, the hookworm gets into the skin. Starting from the site of infection?usually the feet, legs, buttocks, or back?the hookworm burrows along a haphazard tract, leaving a winding, threadlike, raised, red rash. The eruption itches intensely.A liquid preparation of thiabendazole applied to the area effectively treats the infection. Thiabendazole or ivermectin given by mouth also is effective.Lice infestationLice infestation ...
More About: Skin , Para , Infections , Aras

Seborrheic keratoses, Skin tags
2007-03-30 19:39:00
Seborrheic keratosesSeborrheic keratoses (seborrheic warts) are flesh-colored, brown, or black growths that can appear anywhere on the skin.These harmless growths are very common in middle-aged and older people. Some people have a hundred or more. Although these growths can appear anywhere, they most often appear on the torso and the temples.Seborrheic keratoses are round or oval and vary in size from less than ¼ inch to several inches. They appear to be stuck on the skin and often have a waxy or scaly surface. These growths develop slowly. They are not cancerous and do not become so. Dark brown keratoses may sometimes be mistaken for atypical moles or melanomas.Treatment is not needed unless the keratoses become irritated or itchy or are cosmetically undesirable. They are best removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. Laser removal is also effective (see Using Lasers to Treat Skin Problems). Alternatively, a doctor can cut them out with a scissors, scalpel, or other sharp inst...
More About: Tags , Ratos

Keloids, Keratoacanthomas, Lipomas, Moles
2007-03-30 19:39:00
KeloidsKeloids are smooth, shiny, flesh-colored, raised growths of fibrous tissue that form over areas of injury or surgical wounds.Keloids are an extreme overgrowth of scar tissue over healed wounds. They may form in the months after an injury. They may be raised as much as ¼ inch above the surface of the skin. Keloids may form in any scar, even those resulting from severe acne. They are much more common in blacks than in whites and typically develop on the chest, shoulders, back, and, sometimes, face and earlobes. Keloids do not hurt, but they may itch or be sensitive to touch.Keloids respond poorly to therapy, but monthly injections of corticosteroids may flatten them somewhat. A doctor may try surgical or laser removal followed by corticosteroid injections, but new keloids often form in the scar resulting from the treatment. Some doctors have applied silicone patches to keloids and have had some success in flattening them.Keratoacanthomas Keratoacanthomas are round, firm, usuall...
More About: Skin , Thomas , Cant , Mole , Thom

Noncancerous Skin Growths
2007-03-30 19:16:00
Skin growths are accumulations of various types of cells that look different than the surrounding skin. They may be raised or flat and range in color from dark brown or black to flesh-colored to red. Skin growths may be present at birth or develop later.When the growth is controlled and the cells do not spread to other parts of the body, the skin growth (tumor) is noncancerous (benign). When the growth is uncontrolled, the tumor is cancerous (malignant), and the cells invade normal tissue and even spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Noncancerous skin growths are often more of a cosmetic problem than anything else.Doctors do not know what causes most noncancerous skin growths. Some growths, however, are known to be caused by viruses (for example, warts), systemic (bodywide) disease (for example, xanthelasmas or xanthomas caused by excess fats in the blood), and environmental factors (for example, moles and epidermal cysts stimulated by sunlight).DermatofibromasDermatofib...
More About: Skin , Grow

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
2007-03-30 19:09:00
Rosacea,Rosacea (acne rosacea) is a persistent skin disorder that produces redness, tiny pimples, and noticeable blood vessels, usually on the central area of the face.The cause of rosacea is not known. The disorder usually appears during or after middle age?age of onset helps distinguish it from acne. Rosacea is most common among people of Celtic or Northern European descent who have fair complexions but it does affect and is probably under-recognized in darker-skinned people. Although usually easy for doctors to recognize, rosacea sometimes looks like acne and certain other skin disorders. It is often called "adult acne."The skin over the cheeks and nose becomes red, often with small pimples. The skin may appear thin and frail, with small blood vessels visible just below the surface. The skin around the nose may thicken, making it look red and bulbous (rhinophyma).TreatmentPeople with rosacea should avoid foods that cause the blood vessels in the skin to dilate?for example, spicy ...
More About: Skin , Johnson , Syndrome , Erma , Steven

Keratosis Pilaris, Lichen Planus, Pityriasis Rosea, Psoriasis
2007-02-13 11:09:00
Keratosis PilarisKeratosis pilaris is a common disorder in which dead cells shed from the upper layer of skin plug the openings of hair follicles.The cause is not known, although heredity probably plays a role. Also, people with atopic dermatitis are more likely to have keratosis pilaris.The plugs or bumps that occur in keratosis pilaris make the skin feel rough (like chicken skin) and dry. Sometimes the plugs resemble small pimples. Generally, these plugs do not itch or hurt and cause only cosmetic problems. The upper arms, thighs, and buttocks are most commonly affected. The face may break out as well, particularly in children. Plugs are more likely to develop in cold weather and to clear up in the summer.Treatment is not needed unless the person is bothered by the appearance of the disorder. Skin moisturizers are the main treatment. Creams with salicylic acid, lactic acid, or tretinoin can also be used. Keratosis pilaris is likely to come back when treatment is stopped.Lichen Pla...
More About: Rose , Psoriasis , Iasi , Plan , Ratos

Granuloma Annulare, Itching
2007-02-13 10:42:00
Granuloma AnnulareGranuloma annulare is a chronic, harmless skin disorder of unknown cause in which small, firm, raised bumps form a ring with normal or slightly sunken skin in the center.The bumps are red, violet, or flesh-colored; a person may have one ring or several. The bumps usually cause no pain or itching; they most often form on the feet, legs, hands, or fingers of children and adults. In a few people, clusters of granuloma annulare bumps erupt when the skin is exposed to the sun.Most often, granuloma annulare heals without any treatment. Corticosteroid creams under waterproof bandages, surgical tape saturated with a corticosteroid, or injected corticosteroids may help clear up the rash. People with large affected areas often benefit from treatment that combines phototherapy (exposure to ultraviolet light) with the use of psoralens (drugs that make the skin more sensitive to the effects of ultraviolet light). This treatment is called PUVA (psoralens plus ultraviolet A).Itch...

Skin Itching and Noninfectious Rashes
2007-02-12 16:07:00
IntroductionItching and rashes may develop as the result of infection or irritation or from a reaction of the immune system. Some rashes occur mostly in children, whereas others almost always occur in adults. Sometimes an immune reaction is triggered by substances a person touches or eats, but many times doctors do not know why the immune system reacts to produce a skin rash.The diagnosis of most noninfectious skin rashes is based on the appearance of the rash. The cause of a rash cannot be determined by blood tests, and tests of any kind are rarely performed. However, persistent rashes, particularly those that do not respond to treatment, may lead the doctor to perform a skin biopsy, in which a small piece of skin is surgically removed for examination under a microscope. Also, if the doctor suspects a contact allergy as the cause, skin tests may be performed.Dermatitis Dermatitis (eczema) is inflammation of the upper layers of the skin, causing itching, blisters, redness, swelling,...
More About: Skin , Ashes , Noni

Drug Rashes, Erythema Multiforme, Erythema Nodosum
2007-02-12 16:07:00
Drug RashesDrug rashes are a side effect of a drug that manifests as a skin reaction.Most drug rashes result from an allergic reaction to the drug. The drug does not have to be applied to the skin to cause a drug rash. Sometimes a person can be sensitized to a drug by one exposure, and other times sensitization occurs only after many exposures to a substance. Later exposure to the drug may trigger an allergic reaction, such as a rash.Sometimes a rash develops directly without involving an allergic reaction. For example, corticosteroids and lithium produce a rash that looks like acne, and anticoagulants (blood thinners) may cause bruising when blood leaks under the skin. Other important nonallergic rashes that may result from drugs are those that occur in Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and erythema nodosum.Certain drugs make the skin particularly sensitive to the effects of sunlight (photosensitivity). These drugs include certain antipsychotics, tetracycline, s...
More About: Ashes , Multi , Them , Drug , Form

Ringworm, Tinea Versicolor
2007-02-10 11:46:00
RignwormRing worm (tinea) is a fungal skin infection caused by several different fungi and generally classified by its location on the body.Despite its name, ringworm infection does not involve worms. The name arose because of the ring-shaped skin patches created by the infection.Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection that usually appears during warm weather. The infection may spread from person to person in communal showers and bathrooms or in other moist areas where infected people walk barefoot. It is usually caused by either Trichophyton or Epidermophyton. These fungi most commonly grow in the warm, moist areas between the toes. The fungus can produce mild scaling with or without redness and itching. The scaling may involve a small area or the entire sole of the foot; sometimes even the toenails are involved. Sometimes scaling is severe, with breakdown and painful cracking (fissuring) of the skin. Fluid-filled blisters can also form. Because the fungus may cau...
More About: Color , Worm

Fungal Skin Infections
2007-02-10 11:11:00
IntroductionFun gi usually make their homes in moist areas of the body where skin surfaces meet: between the toes, in the genital area, and under the breasts. Many fungi that infect the skin (dermatophytes) live only in the topmost layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum) and do not penetrate deeper. Obese people are more likely to get these infections because they have excessive skinfolds. People with diabetes tend to be more susceptible to fungal infections as well.Strangely, fungal infections on one part of the body can cause rashes on other parts of the body that are not infected. For example, a fungal infection on the foot may cause an itchy, bumpy rash on the fingers. These eruptions (dermatophytids, or id reactions) are allergic reactions to the fungus. They do not result from touching the infected area.A doctor may suspect a fungal infection upon seeing a red, irritated, or scaly rash in one of the commonly affected areas. The doctor can usually confirm the diagnosis by scrap...
More About: Skin , Infection , Infections

Skin Blistering Diseases
2007-02-09 21:34:00
IntroductionA blister (bulla) is a bubble of fluid that forms beneath a thin layer of dead skin. The fluid is a mixture of water and proteins that oozes from injured tissue. Blisters most commonly form in response to a specific injury, such as a burn or irritation, and usually involve only the topmost layers of skin. These blisters heal quickly, usually without leaving a scar. Blisters that develop as part of a systemic (bodywide) disease may start in the deeper layers of the skin and cover widespread areas. These blisters heal more slowly and may leave scars.Many diseases and injuries can cause blistering, but three autoimmune diseases—pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, and dermatitis herpetiformis—are among the most serious. In an autoimmune disease, the body's immune system, which normally protects the body against foreign invaders, mistakenly attacks the body's own cells (see Autoimmune Disorders)—in this case, the skin.Bullous pemphigoidBullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune d...
More About: Skin , Diseases , List , Ring , Disease

NSI, Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
2007-02-09 21:21:00
Necrotizing Skin Infections(NSI), including necrotizing cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis, are severe forms of cellulitis characterized by death of infected tissue (necrosis).Most skin infections do not result in death of skin and nearby tissues. Sometimes, however, bacterial infection can cause small blood vessels in the infected area to clot. This clotting causes the tissue fed by these vessels to die from lack of blood. Because the body's immune defenses that travel through the bloodstream (such as white blood cells and antibodies) can no longer reach this area, the infection spreads rapidly and may be difficult to control. Death is not uncommon, even with appropriate treatment.Some necrotizing skin infections spread deep in the skin along the surface of the muscle (fascia) and are termed necrotizing fasciitis. Other necrotizing skin infections spread on the outer layers of skin and are termed necrotizing cellulitis. Several different bacteria, such as Streptococcus and Clost...
More About: Rome , Syndrome

Hidradenitis Suppurativa , Impetigo
2007-02-09 21:10:00
Hidradenitis SuppurativaHidradenitis suppurativa is inflammation of the apocrine sweat glands resulting in painful accumulations of pus under the skin.Hidradenitis suppurativa develops in some people after puberty because of chronic blockage of the apocrine sweat glands (the specialized sweat glands under the arms, in the genital area, around the anus, and under the breasts). Doctors do not know why the blockage occurs, but it is not related to the use of deodorants or powders or to underarm shaving. The blockage causes the glands to swell and rupture, frequently leading to infection by various bacteria. The abscesses (pus-filled pockets) that result are painful and foul smelling and tend to recur. After several recurrences, the skin in the area becomes thick and scarred.Hidradenitis suppurativa resembles common skin abscesses. A doctor makes the diagnosis based on the location of the abscesses and on the fact that they recur often.For people with mild cases, a doctor injects cortic...
More About: Pura

Erythrasma
2007-02-09 20:59:00
Erythrasma is infection of the top layers of the skin caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum.Erythrasma affects mostly adults, especially those with diabetes; it is most common in the tropics. Erythrasma often appears in areas where skin touches skin, such as under the breasts and in the armpits, webs of the toes, and genital area—especially in men, where the thighs touch the scrotum. The infection can produce irregularly shaped pink patches that may later turn into fine brown scales. In some people, the infection spreads to the torso and anal area.Although erythrasma may be confused with a fungal infection, doctors can easily diagnose erythrasma because skin infected with Corynebacterium glows coral red under an ultraviolet light.An antibiotic given by mouth, such as erythromycin or tetracycline , can eliminate the infection. Antibacterial soaps, such as chlorhexidine, may also help. Topical drugs such as clindamycin and miconazole cream are also effective. Erythras...

Bacterial Skin Infections
2007-02-09 17:11:00
Introduction The skin provides a remarkably good barrier against bacterial infections. Although many bacteria come in contact with or reside on the skin, they are normally unable to establish an infection. When bacterial skin infections do occur, they can range in size from a tiny spot to the entire body surface. They can range in seriousness as well, from harmless to life threatening.Many types of bacteria can infect the skin. The most common are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Skin infections caused by less common bacteria may develop in hospitals or nursing homes or while gardening or swimming in a pond, lake, or ocean.Some people are at particular risk of contracting skin infections—for example, people with diabetes because they are likely to have poor blood flow, especially to the hands and feet, and because high levels of sugar in the blood decrease the ability of white blood cells to fight infections. People with AIDS or other immune disorders and those undergoing chemoth...
More About: Bacteria , Infection , Infections , Rial

Acne
2007-02-09 16:18:00
Acne is a common skin condition producing pimples on the face and upper torso.Acne is caused by an interaction between hormones, skin oils, and bacteria that results in inflammation of hair follicles. Acne occurs mostly on the face, upper chest, shoulders, and back and is characterized by pimples, cysts, and sometimes abscesses. Both cysts and abscesses are pus-filled pockets, but abscesses are somewhat larger and deeper.Sebaceous glands, which secrete an oily substance (sebum), lie in the dermis, the middle layer of skin. These glands are attached to the hair follicles. The sebum, along with dead skin cells, passes up from the sebaceous gland and hair follicle and out to the surface of the skin through the pores.Acne results when a collection of dried sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog the hair follicles, blocking the sebum from leaving through the pores. If the blockage is incomplete, a blackhead (open comedone) develops; if the blockage is complete, a whitehead (closed com...
More About: Acne

Vitiligo, Melasma and Abanism
2007-02-08 11:27:00
Vitiligo Vitiligo is a disorder in which a localized loss of melanocytes results in smooth white patches of skin.The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but it may involve an attack by the person's immune system on melanocytes. Vitiligo tends to run in families and may occur with certain other diseases. Thyroid disease is present in almost one third of people with vitiligo, but the relationship between the disorders is unclear. People with diabetes, Addison's disease, and pernicious anemia also are somewhat more likely to develop vitiligo. The disorder may occur after physical trauma or a sunburn.Although vitiligo does not pose a medical problem, it may cause considerable psychologic distress.Symptoms and DiagnosisIn some people, one or two sharply demarcated patches of vitiligo appear; in others, patches appear over a large part of the body. The changes are most striking in dark-skinned people. Commonly affected areas are the face, elbows and knees, hands and feet, and genitals. The u...
More About: Melasma , Vitiligo

Moles, Freckles, Skin Tags, Benign Lentigines, and Seborrheic Keratoses
2007-02-08 11:27:00
There are several skin lesions that are very common and almost always benign (non-cancerous). These conditions include moles, freckles, skin tags, benign lentigines, and seborrheic keratoses.What is a mole?Mole s are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups.Most moles appear in early childhood and during the first 20 years of a person's life. Some moles might not appear until later in life. It is normal to have between 10 to 40 moles by adulthood.As the years pass, moles usually change slowly, becoming raised and lighter in color. Often, hairs develop on the mole. Some moles will not change at all, while others will slowly disappear over time.What causes a mole?Moles occur when cells in the skin grow in a cluster instead of being spread throughout the skin. These cells are called melanocytes, and they make the pigment that gives skin its natural color. Moles might darken after exposure to the sun, during the teen ...
More About: Skin , Tags , Ratos , Beni

PPP, Waardenburg Syndrome
2007-02-08 11:27:00
Progressive Pigmentary PurpuraProgressive pigmentary purpura (we will call it PPP) is a group of similar conditions (Schamberg's disease, Lichenoid dermatitis of Gourgerot-Blum, purpura annularis telangiectodes of Majocchi and Lichen aureus). Schamberg's type is the most common, but many experts believe that dividing them into subgroups is artificial.PPP results in a rusty brown skin discoloration. The brownish patches are unevenly scattered on both sides and may be few or many. Within the patches are tiny red dots that look as if someone lightly sprinkled cayenne pepper on the area. The area is flat, smooth and not scaly. There are no internal symptoms or effects.PPP usually starts in adult life, is more common in men and may occur in children rarely. In it's most common form it first appears on the lower legs, then will often spread slowly up the legs eventually often going a little on the body and even the palms (hence the name progressive).PPP really is a group of conditions,...
More About: Rome , Syndrome , Arden

Other Skin Related Problems
2007-02-07 15:14:00
HyperpigmentationHyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the normal surrounding skin. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin. Hyperpigmentation can affect the skin color of people of any race.Age or "liver" spots are a common form of hyperpigmentation. They occur due to sun damage, and are referred to by doctors as solar lentigines. These small, darkened patches are usually found on the hands and face or other areas frequently exposed to the sun.Melasma or chloasma spots are similar in appearance to age spots but are larger areas of darkened skin that appear most often as a result of hormonal changes. Pregnancy, for example, can trigger overproduction of melanin that causes the "mask of pregnancy" on the face and darkened skin on the abdomen and other areas. Women who take birth control pills may also develop hyperpigmentation...
More About: Skin , Other , Problems , Problem , Late

Skin Pigmentation Disorders - Acanthosis Nigricans
2007-02-07 15:14:00
IntroductionAcanthosis nigricans is a skin condition characterized by dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases. It most often affects the armpits, groin and neck. Acanthosis nigricans is mainly a cosmetic concern. There's no specific treatment — but treating any underlying conditions may cause the skin changes to fade.Signs and SymtomsSkin changes are the only signs of acanthosis nigricans. You'll notice dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases — typically the armpits, groin and neck. Sometimes the lips, palms or soles of the feet are affected as well. The skin changes appear slowly, sometimes over months or years. Rarely, the affected areas may itch.CausesAcanthosis nigricans is often associated with conditions that increase your insulin level, such as type 2 diabetes or being overweight. If your insulin level is too high, the extra insulin may trigger activity in your skin cells. This may cause the characteristic skin changes.In some cases, acanthosis n...
More About: Men , Menta , Order , Disorders

Anatomy of the Skin
2007-02-07 15:14:00
Facts about the skin:The skin is the body's largest organ, covering the entire outside of the body and weighing approximately six pounds. In addition to serving as a protective shield against heat, light, injury, and infection, the skin also:regulates body temperature.stores water, fat, and vitamin D.can sense painful and pleasant stimulation.Throughout the body, the skin's characteristics vary (i.e., thickness, color, texture). For instance, the head contains more hair follicles than anywhere else, while the soles of the feet contain none. In addition, the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands have much thicker layers.The skin is made up of the following layers, with each layer performing specific functions:epidermisdermisfat layer epidermis The epidermis is the thin outer layer of the skin. The epidermis itself is made up of three sub-layers:status corneum (horny layer)This layer contains continually shedding, dead keratinocytes (the primary cell type of the epidermis). T...
More About: Skin , Anatomy , Atom , Nato , Anatom

Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Children
2007-02-06 14:45:00
Food or liquids that are swallowed travel through the esophagus and into the stomach where acids help digestion. Each end of the esophagus has a sphincter, a ring of muscle, that helps keep the acidic contents of the stomach in the stomach or out of the throat. When these rings of muscle do not work properly, you may get heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux (GER). Chronic GER is often diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.Sometimes, acidic stomach contents will reflux all the way up to the esophagus, past the ring of muscle at the top (upper esophageal sphincter or UES), and into the throat. When this happens, acidic material contacts the sensitive tissue at back of the throat and even the back of the nasal airway. This is known as laryngopharyngeal reflux or LPR.During the first year, infants frequently spit up. This is essentially LPR because the stomach contents are refluxing into the back of the throat. However, in most infants, it is a normal occurrence caused by...
More About: Children , Child , Flux

Strep Throat
2007-02-06 12:27:00
A sore, scratchy throat is often the first sign that you're getting sick, and it's a common reason people see their doctors. Most sore throats, such as those that accompany a cold or the flu, are caused by viral infections and usually go away on their own within a few days.Only a small portion of sore throats are the result of strep throat. But it's important to identify this bacterial throat infection for a number of reasons. Unlike other causes of sore throat, strep throat is treatable. The bacteria that cause strep throat respond quickly to antibiotics, and treatment stops the infection from spreading to other people.If not treated, strep throat infections can sometimes cause complications such as rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can cause painful and inflamed joints and a rash, and can even result in damage to heart valves. Another potential complication of strep throat infections is kidney inflammation.Strep throat is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15, but...
More About: Strep Throat

Croup and Your Child
2007-02-06 12:27:00
Croup is an infection usually caused by one of the cold viruses. Croup causes the trachea (windpipe) and larynx (voice box) to swell. This infection usually lasts 5 to 6 days and is more common during the winter months and early spring.Child ren who are 5 years old or younger are more likely to have croup. If your child was born prematurely, he or she is also at higher risk of getting croup.How do I know if my child has croup?If you're not sure if your child has croup, your doctor can diagnose it. The most common symptoms of croup are fever, hoarseness and a barking, hacking cough. Croup may also cause a crowing noise (called stridor) when the child breathes in through the narrowed windpipe. Croup symptoms tend to affect children 1 to 3 years old more severely and may worsen at night.What should I do if my child has croup?Most children with mild croup can be treated at home. You should make your child as comfortable as possible. Make sure that your child gets plenty of rest and plen...
More About: Your