Yaws facts Yaws is a common disease of children in the tropics. Yaws is a chronic, relapsing infectious illness. Yaws first affects the skin and later possibly the bones and joints as well. Yaws is caused by a bacterium, the spirochete Treponema pertenue. Transmission is by skin-to-skin contact; the bacteria cannot penetrate normal skin but can enter through a scrape...
When Are Elbow and Above-Elbow Amputations Performed?
What is an amputation? Elbow and above-elbow amputations aim to preserve as much of the function of the elbow as possible. Amputation is the removal of a body part due to a pathological condition. This may include a limb or extremity such as an arm, leg, foot, hand, toe, or finger. It is usually due to an injury, disease, or...
clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide gel (Benzaclin) Uses & Side Effects
What is clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is a combination of an antibiotic, clindamycin, and benzoyl peroxide, another drug that has antibacterial effects. Clindamycin/benzoyl peroxide is used topically (applied to the skin) for the treatment of pimples (acne). Both agents are active against Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium which has been...
Licorice Root: Supplement Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Licorice is a plant used for flavoring food, beverages, and tobacco. The root issued as a natural, herbal supplement for medicinal purposes. Chemicals in licorice may reduce inflammation, thin mucus secretions, decrease cough, and increase the body’s ability to heal ulcers. Check with your health care professional...
Why Do I Need to See a Neuro-ophthalmologist?
Why you should see a neuro-ophthalmologist These doctors are specialists with expertise in problems of the eye, brain, nerves, and muscles. Neuro-ophthalmologists are doctors who treat visual problems that are usually related to the nervous system. These doctors or physicians are specialists with expertise in problems of the eye, brain, nerves, and muscles. A patient may have been advised to...
Which Birth Control Has Least Side Effects?
Some birth control options have the least side effects. The decision to use birth control and the method of choice is one’s personal perspective. A doctor may guide the decision and advise which method may be best for each individual for safely and effectively preventing pregnancy. Below are few birth control methods with least side effects: Abstinence: The only 100% assured method...
Naproxen (Aleve) Side Effects, Dosage & Interactions
What is naproxen, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Naproxen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and several others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing the levels of...
Which Blood Pressure Number Is the Most Important?
The blood that flows through the arteries (blood vessels carrying blood from the heart to other parts of the body) exerts pressure against the arterial walls. The number above (120) is called the systolic blood pressure and the number below (80) is called the diastolic blood pressure. Though both readings are important, many doctors believe that systolic blood pressure is...
What Should I Expect at 11 Weeks Pregnant?
What should I expect at 11 weeks pregnant? The 11th week of pregnancy is the end of the first trimester. Women may experience nausea and vomiting, mood swings, dizziness and other symptoms during this time. At 11 weeks, you are almost done with the tiring first trimester and are about to enter the second trimester or “golden period” of pregnancy....
Which Cancer Is the Most Painful?
Cancer spreading to the bone is the most painful type of cancer. Cancer spreading to the bone is the most painful type of cancer. Pain can be caused by a tumor pressing on the nerves around the bone. As the tumor size increases, it can release chemicals that irritate the area around the tumor. Cancer may either start or spread...