What is actinic prurigo?

Actinic prurigo is an itchy skin condition that arises with sunlight exposure. Small and extremely itchy pimples (papules) appear on the areas exposed to the sun usually without a few days after intense sunlight exposure. Sunlight is the trigger but not the cause of the disease. The exact cause of this hypersensitivity to sunlight is unknown. Genetic factors that lead to abnormal immune activity seems the most likely contributing factor to actinic prurigo. The condition not only affects the skin as a significant number of sufferers experience lip and eye symptoms as well.

continue reading Actinic Prurigo (Sunlight Induced Itchy Skin Rash)

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Definition

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease that affects blood vessels and is transmitted by tick bites. The infection is caused by the bacterium, Rickettsiae ricketsii. Infection damages the wall of blood vessels thereby making it leaky. Ruptured blood vessels may cause internal bleeding and lead to organ damage. First identified in the mountains, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is equally prevalent in other regions as well. It is characterized by high fever and severe headache with characteristic rash-spots on wrists and ankles.

continue reading Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)

The red blood cells possess a protein known as hemoglobin that binds and transports oxygen from lungs to other body parts. Therefore, hemoglobin is critical for survival and normal body functioning. Any defect in the gene coding for this oxygen-carrier protein may disrupt all vital body functions and present a spectrum of life-threatening conditions. Once such condition is sickle cell anemia.

Sickle Cell Anemia Definition

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an inherited anemic condition that appears due to a defect in the gene coding for hemoglobin (HbS). Owing to the mutation, RBCs become sickle-shaped (crescent-shaped). The lifespan of these defective red blood cells are also greatly reduced. Ultimately there is a decline in the red blood cell population leading to anemia. Sickling produces sticky ends that cause red blood cells to clump together and clog the blood vessels. Obstructed blood flow and inadequate oxygen supply causes a range of functional disorders that often proves fatal.

continue reading Sickle Cell Anemia (Sickled Red Blood Cells)

Motion Sickness Definition

Motion sickness refers to certain temporary unpleasant feelings like dizziness and nausea associated with motion or a perception of motion when the body is stationary. It usually occurs when traveling by sea, air or land in which a person is sitting for long periods. The the brain perceives the motion with some senses yet other senses perceives the body as being stationary. These contradictory perceptions leads to motion sickness. The types of movements that usually cause motion sickness include repetitive movements, accelerations (increase in speed) and decelerations (decrease in speed). The symptoms of motion sickness are temporary and usually subside on their own when the motion stops.

continue reading Motion Sickness (Land, Air and Sea Travel Sickness)

Polycystic Kidney Disease Definition

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a condition marked by the formation of cysts in the kidney. In some cases, the sac-like cysts can also be seen in the pancreas, liver, and spleen. It is one of the most common genetic disorders, running in the families and a common cause of kidney failure in adults. This progressive disease shows symptoms usually in adulthood but children and newborns may also have cysts. However, it is important to note that polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a multisystem illness meaning that it can affect many other organs in the body and not just the kidneys.

continue reading Polycystic Kidney Disease (Multiple Kidney Cysts)