A condition in which loss of vision occurs because of damage to the optic nerve, which in most cases is caused by an abnormally high pressure in the eye. This is known as primary glaucoma and there are two distinct types. In acute (or closed-angle) glaucoma, there is an abrupt rise in pressure due to sudden closure of the angle between the cornea and iris where aqueous fluid usually drains from the eye. Read the rest of this entry »

A recurrent headache that is usually throbbing and typically affects one side of the head. Some attacks are preceded by a warning (aura) consisting of visual disturbances and numbness and/or weakness of the limbs. The headache is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Migraine may be precipitated or exacerbated by certain foods (such as cheese or chocolate), red wine, or stress. It is thought to be caused by changes in the blood vessels around the brain and eyes and in the scalp, which constrict and then become overdilated. Read the rest of this entry »

The condition in which excess fat has accumulated in the body (mostly in the tissues beneath the skin), which is usually caused by the consumption of more food than is required for producing enough energy for daily activities. Obesity is usually considered to be present when a person is 20% above the recommended weight for his or her height and build. Read the rest of this entry »

A disease in which glucose (sugar) is not adequately taken up from the bloodstream by the cells of the body and therefore cannot be metabolized to produce energy or stored in the liver. It is caused by an abnormality in the synthesis and secretion of the hormone insulin. Diabetes mellitus is characterized by high concentrations of glucose in the blood (hyperglycaemia) and in the urine, with symptoms of thirst, loss of weight, tiredness, and an excessive production of urine. Read the rest of this entry »

A common itchy skin disease characterized by reddening and vesicle formation, which may lead to weeping and crusting.
It is endogenous, i.e. outside agents do not play a primary role, in contrast to dermatitis, in which similar symptoms result from
contact with irritant substances. However, in some contexts the terms ‘dermatitis’ and ‘eczema’ are used interchangeably.
There are several types of eczema, the most common of which is atopic eczema, which is usually associated with asthma and hay fever.

Seborrhoeic eczema (or dermatitis) involves the scalp, eyelids, nose, and lips, and is associated with the presence of Pityrosporum yeasts.

Gravitational (or stasis) eczema, incorrectly known as varicose eczema, is associated with poor circulation.
Treatment of eczema is with topical steroids but emollients are very important, especially in treating mild cases.
Other treatments include coal tar and ichthammol. Cyclosporin is reserved for severe atopic eczema that is resistant to other treatments.

Inability to clearly see things up close (reading, writing or objects close at hand).
Symptoms: Blurred, fuzzy vision or difficulty seeing objects up close. Distant and mid-distant vision is clear. Headaches, blinking, squinting, rubbing eyes and holding things at a distance may also be signals that an eye examination is necessary. This problem may appear in childhood. Some degree of farsightedness (called presbyopia) is a normal feature of aging.
Cause: The eyeball is too short, which results in difficulties in close (or near) vision.
Severity of Problem: Visual difficulty may be mild to severe and requires a professional examination.
Treatment: Corrective glasses remedy the visual difficulty.
Prevention: None. Each person is born with a certain eye shape and structure.

Hormone, is seen after menopause. Use of vaginal creams, douches and sprays can cause a contact dermatitis or allergic reaction.
Severity of Problem: Varies depending on the cause but is very uncomfortable. Can recur frequently, depending on the cause.
Treatment: Specific treatment depends on identifying and treating the underlying cause. However, certain things are helpful in making a person more comfortable: sitz baths in warm or cool water; avoidance of scratching and other forms of irritation (douching, suppositories other than those prescribed to treat the cause); frequent changes of underwear and wearing cotton underwear to absorb moisture. If infection is the cause, specific treatment is important and often includes the sexual partner(s) as well.
Atrophic vaginitis can be treated using estrogen cream applied to the vagina.
Prevention: Depends on the underlying cause.