Herpes zoster or zoster, commonly referred to as shingles, is caused due to the reactivation of chickenpox virus or the herpes zoster virus (HZV). This virus is also known by another name, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Shingles is typically characterized by painful rashes that appear on the skin. Unlike the rashes seen during chickenpox, these…
The skin in our body is an outer covering that is made up of multiple layers of mesodermal tissue. It protects the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs. The skin’s function is to protect the body against germs, and excessive water loss. It also regulates heat and temperature, and synthesizes vitamin D. The skin…
A mole (or melanocytic nevus) is an abnormal collection of pigment cells present within the skin. These cells are known as melanocytes. Moles are extremely common and are usually brown or black in color. They can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. Most moles appear in early childhood and during the first…
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, an acid-fast, rod-shaped bacillus. The disease mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and also the eyes. It may also involve the throat and testicles. Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease. Leprosy has existed for centuries and has…
IPL treatment is a type of laser treatment that uses high intensity light. The technology makes use of a combination of lamps and rapid discharge capacitors in order to produce the necessary energy. It is usually used by medical practitioners for various purposes. One of the most popular of which is hair removal. Benefits of…
Definition Fifth disease is a mild rash illness that occurs most commonly in children. The medical name for fifth disease is erythema infectiosum (EI). It is seen primarily in school-aged children between 5-14 years of age during the spring and winter. The ill child typically has a “slapped-cheek” rash on the face and a lacy…
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer caused by a malignant growth on the skin. There are three types of skin cancer Basal cell cancer – this is the most common type of skin cancer but in most cases basal cell cancer is not lethal. This cancer type is typically found on the…
About Hair loss is a concern for many men and women. It may occur because of the natural ageing process or prematurely from an underlying condition like: lupus or diabetes. Other reasons for hairloss may include stress, hormonal changes especially those observed after pregnancy and during menopause, over-active or under-active thyroid, taking certain types of…