Author Archives: alwin

Bikini rash

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In the upcoming trailer for the “Sex and the City” movie, Samantha admonishes Miranda for “growing a national forest” around her bikini area. It may be funny on the big screen, but the unsightly inflamed, itchy bumps that often accompany the hair removal process have some thinking twice about cleaning up their bikini areas. It doesn’t have to be such an excruciating experience. Dr. David Colbert, founder of the New York Dermatology Group, recommends five ways to minimize the pain and inflammation. Continue reading →

Bilateral breast cancer

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The occurrence of synchronous bilateral invasive breast cancer (SBBC) is an uncommon event. The reported incidence ranges between 0.3% and 12%. This wide range is in part due to the many definitions used to describe the entity of bilateral breast cancer. Some physicians consider a contralateral cancer diagnosed within 1 year as a synchronous bilateral breast cancer. Others narrow the definition of synchronous bilateral breast cancers to those cancers which are diagnosed within 3 months of each other. Continue reading →

Biliopancreatic diversion

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A biliopancreatic diversion changes the normal process of digestion by making the stomach smaller. It allows food to bypass part of the small intestine so that you absorb fewer calories. Because of the risks, this surgery is only done in people who are severely obese and who haven’t been able to lose weight any other way. Severe obesity means that you have a BMI (body mass index) of 50 or higher. Continue reading →

Bedsore treatment Part 3

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Infection control

Infection has one of the greatest effects on the healing of a wound. Symptoms of systemic infection include fever, pain, redness, swelling, warmth of the area, and purulent discharge. Additionally, infected wounds may have a gangrenous smell, be discoloured, and may eventually exude even more pus. Continue reading →

Bedsore treatment Part 2

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Aggravating the situation may be other conditions such as excess moisture from incontinence, perspiration or exudate. Over time, this excess moisture may cause the bonds between epithelial cells to weaken thus resulting in the maceration of the epidermis. Temperature is also a very important factor. The cutaneous metabolic demand rises by 13% for every 1°C rise in cutaneous temperature. When supply can’t meet demand, necrosis therefore occurs. Other factors in the development of bedsores include age, nutrition, vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and smoking, amongst others. Continue reading →

Bed sore treatment Part 1

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Bedsores, more properly known as pressure ulcers or decubitus ulcers, are lesions caused by many factors—such as unrelieved pressure, friction, humidity, shearing forces, temperature, age, continence, and medication—to any part of the body, especially portions over bony or cartilaginous areas such as sacrum, elbows, knees, and ankles. Although often prevented and treatable if found early, they can be very difficult to prevent in frail elderly patients, wheelchair users (especially where spinal injury is involved) and terminally ill patients. Continue reading →

Bee allergy

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Bee, wasp, yellow jacket, hornet, or fire ant stings are the insect stings that most often trigger allergies. However, most people are not allergic to insect stings and may mistake a normal sting reaction for an allergic reaction. By knowing the difference, you can prevent unnecessary worry and visits to the doctor. Continue reading →

Behind the ear hearing aids

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Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids fit comfortably behind-the-ear and are attached to a soft custom earmold. With BTE hearing aids, the electronics are housed in a case that fits behind the ear. Sound is directed from the hearing aid, through the tubing, and through the earmold to the eardrum. These hearing aids can be modified with connections to external sound sources such as auditory training equipment, infrared listening systems or television. Continue reading →