What is alopecia areata? There is no cure for alopecia areata, but there are treatments available that some people find beneficial. Many people experience an autoimmune disorder of the skin that causes hair loss on the scalp, face, and other areas of the body. This disease is called alopecia areata. It affects nearly 6.8 million people in the United States...
How Is a Stereotactic Fine Needle Biopsy Performed?
The patient is made to lie down for the fine needle biopsy of the breast. The patient is made to lie down for the fine needle biopsy of the breast. The physician may numb the breast using local anesthesia, such as Lidocaine. Next, the physician uses a thin, hollow needle to withdraw the tissues or fluid from the suspicious area...
How Do You Irrigate a Wound?
Wound debridement may be combined with wound irrigation. Wound irrigation may sometimes be performed under local anesthesia or sedation, depending on the extent of the wound. The wound is assessed by the doctor, and an appropriate solution and amount of solution are selected for wound irrigation. The procedure is performed under strict aseptic conditions. A large, wide-bore syringe is held...
How Do Deaf People Learn to Speak?
Deafness is profound hearing loss, wherein people may only be able to hear very little or nothing at all. Deafness is profound hearing loss, wherein people may only be able to hear very little or nothing at all. Some people may be born deaf (congenital deafness). In some, it may occur during early childhood due to genetic factors, trauma, infections, etc. Some...
How Do Polyphenols Work?
A polyphenol-rich diet helps keep the heart, nerves, and blood vessels healthy. Polyphenols are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in many plant-based foods and are good for our bodies. They are powerful antioxidants, meaning they fight potentially damaging chemicals formed inside our cells as a result of stress and aging. A polyphenol-rich diet helps keep the heart, nerves, and blood...
How Is Scurvy Treated and Is There a Cure?
What is scurvy? Scurvy is usually treated with a diet change, vitamin supplements, or an ascorbic acid injectable. Many have heard of scurvy but do not know exactly what it is. Often, scurvy is thought of as “the pirate disease” due to lack of nutrition overseas. However, over the last three millennia, scurvy has been the most common nutritional deficiency...
How Do I Know if I Have Anus Cancer?
The signs and symptoms of anus or anal cancer are often similar to more common and less serious conditions affecting the anus, such as piles (hemorrhoids) and tears in the lining of the anus called anal fissures. The signs and symptoms of anus or anal cancer are often similar to more common and less serious conditions affecting the anus, such as piles (hemorrhoids) and...
How Long Do Thrombosed External Hemorrhoids Last?
Many thrombosed external hemorrhoids may go away within a few weeks. Many thrombosed external hemorrhoids may go away within a few weeks. An external thrombosed hemorrhoid develops under the skin surrounding the anus and causes discomfort due to the presence of a blood clot in the vein. The pain of thrombosed hemorrhoids may improve within 7-10 days without surgery and...
How Invasive Is Thyroid Surgery? 4 Types of Surgery
What are the 4 different types of thyroid surgery? The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly and sits just below Adam’s apple. It is attached to the deeper neck structures (trachea and voice box) and elevates when we swallow. Thyroid surgery is major surgery. The extent of invasive surgery you require depends on the abnormality of the thyroid gland...
How Do I Treat Metatarsalgia?
Treating metatarsalgia Metatarsalgia is pain at the ball of the foot. Metatarsalgia is pain at the ball of the foot. It is a common injury that is attributed to poor posture and being overweight. Treatment to eliminate metatarsalgia is to manage its symptoms: Weight reduction: Staying within a healthy weight range for your height (known as body mass index) is...