Medical Mnemonics :: The five W's--post-operative fever

The five W's--post-operative fever

Wind--pneumonia, atelectasis
Water--urinary tract infection
Wound--wound infections
Wonderdrugs--especially anesthesia
Walking--walking can help reduce deep vein thromboses and pulmonary embolus

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Vascular Occlusion as Cause of ISCHEMIA

Vascular Occlusion as Cause of ISCHEMIA

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Common Dermatologic Terms

Description of Secondary Skin Lesions

• Lichenification: A distinctive thickening of the skin that is characterized by accentuated skin-fold markings.


• Scale: Excessive accumulation of stratum corneum.


• Crust: Dried exudate of body fluids that may be either yellow (i.e., serous crust) or red (i.e., hemorrhagic crust).


• Erosion: Loss of epidermis without an associated loss of dermis.


• Ulcer: Loss of epidermis and at least a portion of the underlying dermis.


• Excoriation: Linear, angular erosions that may be covered by crust and are caused by scratching.


• Atrophy: An acquired loss of substance. In the skin, this may appear as a depression with intact epidermis (i.e., loss of dermal or subcutaneous tissue) or as sites of shiny, delicate, wrinkled lesions (i.e., epidermal atrophy).


• Scar: A change in the skin secondary to trauma or inflammation. Sites may be erythematous, hypopigmented, or hyperpigmented depending on their age or character. Sites on hair-bearing areas may be characterized by destruction of hair follicles.

Common Dermatologic Terms

• Alopecia: Hair loss; it may be partial or complete.


• Annular: Ring-shaped lesions.


• Cyst: A soft, raised, encapsulated lesion filled with semisolid or liquid contents.


• Herpetiform: Grouped lesions.


• Lichenoid: Violaceous to purple, polygonal lesions that resemble those seen in lichen planus.


• Milia: Small, firm, white papules filled with keratin.


• Morbilliform: Generalized, small erythematous macules and/or papules that resemble lesions seen in measles.


• Nummular: Coin-shaped lesions.


• Poikiloderma: Skin that displays variegated pigmentation, atrophy, and telangiectases.


• Polycyclic: A configuration of skin lesions formed from coalescing rings or incomplete rings.


• Pruritus: A sensation that elicits the desire to scratch. Pruritus is often the predominant symptom of inflammatory skin diseases (e.g., atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis); it is also commonly associated with xerosis and aged skin. Systemic conditions that can be associated with pruritus include chronic renal disease, cholestasis, pregnancy, malignancy, thyroid disease, polycythemia vera, and delusions of parasitosis.

[source: Harrisons Principles of Internal Medicine; 18th edition]

Last Edited: 07-09-2012

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20 Ways to reduce hair loss in Men

Hair loss is one of the most common problems worldwide; affecting one-third of the population. Everyone loses 100 hair stands each day.

It is a natural phenomenon; so there's is no need to worry over a few follicles falling off. There could be many causes of hair loss which include diet, mineral deficiency, medications, stress, pollution and genetics. Putting on a cap, hat or helmet could also be another reason in men. Here's our list of 20 solutions to help reduce or deal with hair loss.

Regularly wash your hair with mild shampoo

Regular hair washing is a part of preventing hair loss by the way of keeping hair and scalp clean. Doing so, you are lowering the risk of infections and dandruff that may lead to hair breakage or loss. Moreover, clean hair gives the impression of more volume.

Vitamin for hair loss

Vitamins are not only healthy for overall well being but also good for your hair. Vitamin A encourages healthy production of sebum in the scalp, vitamin E betters blood circulation in the scalp to help hair follicles remain productive and vitamin B helps hair maintain its healthy colour.

Enrich diet with protein

Eating lean meats, fish, soy or other proteins promotes hair health and in turn helps curb hair loss.

Scalp massage with essential oils

Those who have been experiencing hair loss for quite some time must massage the scalp with essential oil for couple of minutes. It helps your hair follicles remain active. You can add lavender in an almond or sesame oil.

Avoid brushing wet hair

When hair is wet, it is in its weakest state. So avoid brushing wet hair because the chances of hair loss increases. But if you must comb wet hair, use a very wide-toothed comb. Also avoid brushing hair too frequently as doing so can injure hair and increase loss. Use your fingers to undo tangles, not a comb or brush.

Garlic juice, onion juice or ginger juice

Rub one of the juices on your scalp, leave it overnight and wash it out in the morning. Do it regularly for a week and you will see noticeable result.

Keep yourself hydrated

The hair shaft comprises one quarter water so drink at least four to eight cups of water in a day to stay hydrated and for the growth of healthy hair.

Rub green tea into your hair

Studies have shown that rubbing green tea into hair may help curb hair loss problem. All you need to do is brew two bags of green tea in one cup of water, leave to cool and thereafter, apply it to your hair. Rinse your hair thoroughly after an hour. To see results, practice this regularly for a week to ten days.

Know what is bad for hair

If you want to keep hair healthy, you must know how to take care of them. Avoid rubbing your hair dry with a towel. Rather, let hair dry naturally.

Reduce Alcoholic Beverages

If you are experiencing hair loss than lessen your alcohol intake because drinking alcohol reduces hair growth. So decrease or eliminate alcohol to see an increase in hair growth.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking cigarettes reduces the amount of blood that flows to the scalp and this causes a reduction in hair growth.

Physical activity

Make time for physical activity every day. Walk, swim or bike for 30 minutes a day helps balance hormonal levels, reducing stress levels besides reducing hair fall.

De-stress

Studies in the past have found medical evidence to link stress with hair loss. De-stress yourself; one of the ways of doing it is by practicing meditation. Alternative therapies such as meditation and yoga not only reduce stress but restores hormonal balance.

Avoid Constant heating & drying

Don't subject your hair to frequent, constant heating and drying procedures. Heat weakens hair proteins, and constant heating and drying can lead to weakness and fragility that causes hair loss.

Keep your head sweat free

Men with oily hair, experience dandruff during summer due to sweating and the chances of hair fall increases. Using shampoos that contains aloe vera and neem can keep the head cool and prevent from dandruff.

Also, men who wear helmet experience major hair loss in summer. As the sweat accumulates in the pores and weakens hair roots causing hair loss in men. So wearing a scarf/ bandanna over your hair or a terry cloth headband can prevent hair loss.

Change how you style your hair (for men with long hair)

If you are losing your hair lately, you must loosen up your hair. Hairstyles such as ponytails, braids and artificial hairstyles pull hair or tug hair follicles, and can eventually cause baldness.

Take care of your health

Health problems are harbingers of hair loss. Ensure you deal with chronic illnesses, high fevers and infections properly to ensure healthy hair.

Keep a watch on medication

Certain medications may have side-effects, one of which could be hair loss. Consult a doctor to ask about conditions that you may have. Let him know if the medication is causing hair loss and if that is the case, ask him to change the medication.

Keep away from chemicals

Harsh chemicals and permanent hair colour products could be damaging for hair health. When you are experiencing hair loss, it is advised not to colour your hair.

Schedule appointments with doctors regularly

There are many health conditions, particularly skin-related conditions, that causes changes in hormonal balances which in turn lead to hair loss. Make sure you see a doctor regularly for your underlying illnesses and conditions.

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