Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) facts Genetic mutations cause epidermolysis bullosa. Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of diseases produced by one or more mutations in at least one of 20 different genes. There are four main types of EB and many subtypes: epidermolysis bullosa simplex, junctional epidermolysis bullosa, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, and Kindler syndrome. Although the skin...
What is a genetic disease? Readers Comments 5 Share Your Story Abnormalities in an individual's genetic makeup cause genetic disease. A genetic disease is any disease caused by an abnormality in the genetic makeup of an individual. The genetic abnormality can range from minuscule to major — from a discrete mutation in a single base...
Female reproductive system definition Picture of Female Infertility The female reproductive system is made up of internal organs and external structures. Its function is to enable reproduction of the species. Sexual maturation is the process that this system undergoes in order to carry out its role in the process of pregnancy and birth. What do...
What is transcutaneous cardiac pacing? Transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP) temporarily paces a patient’s heart during an emergency and stabilizes them. Transcutaneous cardiac pacing (TCP) is noninvasive and temporary means of pacing a patient’s heart during an emergency and stabilizing them until a better intervention is achieved. TCP works as an artificial pacemaker by delivering repetitive...
What is diabetes mellitus? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Talk to your doctor if you think you have diabetes. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that occurs when your blood sugar (glucose), is too high (hyperglycemia). Glucose is what the body uses for energy, and the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin that helps...
Without treatment, strabismus can worsen over time. Strabismus or squint is a condition in which the eyes are not aligned properly with each other. Since both eyes must point in the same direction to see properly, it ends up affecting the vision resulting in signs and symptoms, such as: Double vision (seeing double images of...
What are acne blackheads and whiteheads? Acne whiteheads are small white bumps on your skin that occur when your pores are clogged and the skin is closed over them. Acne blackheads are small black dots on your skin that occur when the clogged pore remains open and is exposed to air, causing it to darken....
What is the difference between thrombus and embolism? Thrombosis and embolisms are blockages in the blood vessels that require immediate medical treatment. A thrombus occurs in the legs, pelvis, arms or heart while an embolism occurs in the lungs. Thrombosis and embolism are obstructions that form in your vascular system and require immediate medical attention....
Facts you should know about the influenza vaccine (flu shot) The flu vaccine is effective against influenza 2 weeks after administration. Types of influenza (flu) vaccines include the injection (killed virus), recombinant (made without flu virus), and nasal spray vaccines (containing live virus). Each year, influenza viruses change slightly, making the seasonal vaccine used in...
Everyone’s sexual desire and interests are different and can change over time. A person may experience the following four phases of sexual responses from his/her body toward sexual stimulation. Excitement/arousal/desire: A person may arouse sexually by thoughts, fantasy, kissing, touching, or masturbation that leads to excitement and body gets ready for sex with the following...