Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) DEFINITION Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), is a severe, complex, acquired illness with numerous symptoms related mainly to the dysfunction of the brain, immune and endocrine systems. DESCRIPTION The causes of ME/CFS are not yet clearly defined, however, onset most frequently follows an acute viral… Read Article
Cirrhosis DEFINITION Cirrhosis is a progressive liver disease in which the normal liver tissue is replaced with nodules (small, knob-shaped structures) that are surrounded by fibrous, scar tissue. DESCRIPTION The liver performs an enormous range of very important functions in the body. It helps to process nutrients into substances that… Read Article
Crabs DEFINITION Crabs is a species of body lice which are found in the pubic hairs of the body. DESCRIPTION These tiny lice are usually found in large numbers and cause irritation and itching in the pubic area. A close look will identify these creatures clinging to the hair in… Read Article
Dandruff DEFINITION Dandruff particles are visible flakes of skin that have been continuously shed from the scalp. DESCRIPTION The precise cause of Dandruff is unclear. The top layer of skin is constantly being shed and renewed. Normally this goes unnoticed on the rest of the body, however, on the scalp… Read Article
Depression DEFINITION Depression is a mental illness which causes symptoms of anxiety, hopelessness, negativity and helplessness. DESCRIPTION Depression is quite a common condition that can affect people of any age, including children. Depression is a real illness and is certainly not a sign of failure. Unlike feelings of unhappiness that… Read Article
Diabetes DEFINITION Diabetes or Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose levels) caused by impairment in insulin secretion and/or action. DESCRIPTION When the food we eat is digested, most of it becomes glucose (sugar), which the body uses for energy. In order for this to happen,… Read Article
Diabetes and foot care DEFINITION Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose levels) caused by impairment in insulin secretion and/or action. Diabetes causes changes to the physiology of the foot that need to be monitored by people with Diabetes and their… Read Article
Eczema DEFINITION Eczema is an intensely itchy, inflammatory disease of the skin. The skin is thick, dry and often overgrown by bacteria such as staphlycoccus aureus. DESCRIPTION The different types of Eczema have different distinguishing markings but most share general features. Different types of Eczema are presented as individual topics… Read Article
Eczema – atopic DEFINITION Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes the skin to become itchy, reddened, dry and cracked. Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema. Atopic refers to a lifelong tendency to allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. DESCRIPTION Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis)… Read Article
Emphysema DEFINITION Emphysema is a chronic disease of the lungs that prevents adequate oxygen from reaching the blood. There is destruction of the small air sacs in the lungs with over-inflation of the lungs. DESCRIPTION Along with chronic bronchitis and asthma, Emphysema is part of a condition known as chronic… Read Article