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Warts
Definition:
Warts are skin-colored outgrowths that feel rough to the touch. They are caused by a virus, known as the human papillomavirus (HPV), which stimulates the rapid growth of cells of the outer layer of the skin. Warts are most common on the hands, feet and face but they can grow almost anywhere in the body.
Warts can be further classified by their appearances or the locations. For example, flat warts are small and appear smoother than common warts, and generally occur on the face or legs. They're more common in children and teen. Plantar warts grow on the soles of the feet. Genital warts appear on the genitals, pubic area, anal canal or grow inside the vagina of women.
Who is at risk?
Warts are infectious, and people in frequent body contact with others, notably children, are more susceptible. Genital warts are transmitted sexually and those practice unhygienic sex are vulnerable.
Symptoms:
Common warts present as unsightly swellings. They are neither painful nor itchy, unless traumatized. Plantar warts grow inward and can be quite painful because they are pressed on with weight bearing. Genital warts can present as abnormal discharge.
Treatment:
As warts are caused by a virus infection, the body will build up resistance over a period of time and eventually the warts may disappear. This may take months or sometimes years but it is the natural way the body deals with warts.
Unsightly warts can be removed with topical applications. Strong solutions such as salicylic acid liquid or pad may be applied at intervals, and it takes up to 12 weeks to get rid of warts.
Treatment often fails because the solution is not applied right at the point where the virus is growing. The wart should be soaked in warm water for 10 or 15 minutes, and the white, dead warty skin rubbed away with pumice stone. One needs to keep going down, to the base of the wart, which looks exactly like normal skin. Medication should be applied right at the base of the wart, getting as little as possible onto the surrounding skin and let to dry. Putting a piece of tape over the wart after the procedure can help to stop the medication being rubbed off.
Dermatologists most often use cold treatment (cryotherapy) to cure warts. Liquid nitrogen is often used in cryotherapy, and this can cause pain, soreness and blistering. Frequent applications of liquid nitrogen are needed to cure more stubborn warts. Some would recommend burning warts off with a CO2 Laser, an electric needle, or with a scalpel.
Prevention:
- Keep your feet dry. If your feet sweat heavily, wear socks that absorb moisture or wick it away from the skin.
- Avoid walking barefoot on warm, moist surfaces where the wart virus may be alive.
- Wear shower shoes when using public showers, locker rooms, or pool areas.
- Avoid irritating the soles of your feet. Warts grow more easily if your skin has been injured or broken in some way.
- Avoid direct skin contact with a wart on someone else.
- Do not share razors, towels, socks, or shoes with another person. Someone with no visible warts can still be carrying the virus.
- If you have warts, keep them covered with a bandage or athletic tape.
- Avoid touching warts on yourself or others. After touching any of your warts, wash your hands carefully.
- Do not bite your nails or cuticles, as this may spread warts from one finger to another.
Williams Syndrome
Definition:
Williams syndrome is a rare genetic disorder occurring in fewer than 1 in every 20,000 live births, characterized by low birth weight, poor growth in infancy, mild mental retardation, cardiovascular abnormalities, high blood pressure and elevated calcium levels. Sufferers also have unique elfin-like facial features--almond shaped eyes, oval ears, full lips, small chins, narrow faces, and broad mouths.
Most persons with Williams syndrome are missing about 21 genes on chromosome 7, which carries our genetic DNA, including the gene for the production of elastin (A protein which is the major constituent of our body's elastic tissues). Inability to produce this protein is the likely root of cardiovascular problems in this syndrome, and may be responsible for differences in brain development as well.
Who is at risk?
Familial cases of Williams syndrome have been reported, though extremely rare. These familial cases are thought to result from deletion of genetic material from adjacent genes (contiguous genes) within a specific region of chromosome 7. However, most cases of Williams syndrome occur sporadically. There is no known risk factor that can result in Williams syndrome.
Symptoms:
Williams syndrome is characterized by growth delays before and after birth (prenatal and postnatal growth retardation), short stature, varying levels of mental deficiency, and distinctive facial abnormalities, commonly described as 'elfin like', that typically become more pronounced with age. They are usually born with a low birth weight and may have congenital abnormalities in the heart and blood vessels. Narrowing of the aorta just above the aortic valves (supravalvular aortic stenosis) may cause high blood pressure (hypertension) in infancy and hypercalcemia (high blood calcium) is associated with slow weight gain, feeding problems and irritability during infancy.
When older, patients with Williams syndrome usually have an unusually cheerful demeanor, and are at ease with strangers. Mental retardation is often coupled with an unusual facility with language, and a love for music. Persons with Williams syndrome generally possess very good social skills, to the point that this condition is sometimes called "cocktail party syndrome".
Treatment:
There is neither a cure for Williams syndrome nor a standard course of treatment. In infancy, hypercalcaemia and supravalvular aortic stenosis with or without hypertension often dominate the clinical picture. Infants with Williams syndrome are usually irritable and colicky, and these can test the patience of the parents especially when occuring with growth delays and feeding problems.
In school age, individuals with Williams syndrome still need regular monitoring for potential medical problems, by a physician familiar with the disorder, as well as specialized services to maximize their potential. Williams syndrome sufferers have a unique pattern of emotional, physical and mental strengths and weaknesses. For parents, teachers, and care workers, learning about this pattern can be a key to understanding a person with Williams syndrome and in helping them achieve their full potential.
The prognosis for individuals with Williams syndrome varies. Some may be able to master self-help skills, complete academic or vocational school, and live in supervised homes or on their own, while others may not progress to this level.
Prevention:
Although a genetic disorder, most cases of Williams syndrome do not have a hereditary origin. The disorder appears to occur spontaneously for unknown reasons (sporadically), hence there is no way to prevent it. If you and your partner have the family history of a genetic disorder, consult a doctor or geneticist when planning for a pregnancy.
