-
South African Family Practice :... Oct 2021Leprosy (Hansen's disease) can affect multiple organs and body structures. Skin signs are typically observed in the early phase of the disease, hence being the first... (Review)
Review
Leprosy (Hansen's disease) can affect multiple organs and body structures. Skin signs are typically observed in the early phase of the disease, hence being the first identifiable signs to propel clinical suspicion. Leprosy predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves. The disease has been documented many centuries preceding the biblical era. Over many decades, the classification of Hansen's disease has changed as modern medical science evolved. Patients with leprosy are usually subjected to discrimination, rejection from society and can suffer from social stigma, poor quality of life (QoL), low self-esteem and permanent disfigurements. Studies have shown that leprosy has a significant negative impact on the patients' QoL. Leprosy is often not suspected by practicing clinicians because it is no longer emphasised in the medical curricula. In modern years, attention has gradually shifted from leprosy to tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Topics: Affect; Bible; Humans; Leprosy; Quality of Life; Social Stigma
PubMed: 34797098
DOI: 10.4102/safp.v63i1.5311 -
International Journal of Molecular... Apr 2023Wound healing (WH) is a complex multistep process in which a failure could lead to a chronic wound (CW). CW is a major health problem and includes leg venous ulcers,... (Review)
Review
Wound healing (WH) is a complex multistep process in which a failure could lead to a chronic wound (CW). CW is a major health problem and includes leg venous ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and pressure ulcers. CW is difficult to treat and affects vulnerable and pluripathological patients. On the other hand, excessive scarring leads to keloids and hypertrophic scars causing disfiguration and sometimes itchiness and pain. Treatment of WH includes the cleaning and careful handling of injured tissue, early treatment and prevention of infection, and promotion of healing. Treatment of underlying conditions and the use of special dressings promote healing. The patient at risk and risk areas should avoid injury as much as possible. This review aims to summarize the role of physical therapies as complementary treatments in WH and scarring. The article proposes a translational view, opening the opportunity to develop these therapies in an optimal way in clinical management, as many of them are emerging. The role of laser, photobiomodulation, photodynamic therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, and others are highlighted in a practical and comprehensive approach.
Topics: Humans; Wound Healing; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic; Keloid; Pressure Ulcer; Physical Therapy Modalities
PubMed: 37108650
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087487 -
F1000Research 2019Hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors that often present in childhood. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, physical examination, and, when unclear, assisted... (Review)
Review
Hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors that often present in childhood. Diagnosis is based on clinical history, physical examination, and, when unclear, assisted with ultrasound or MRI. While the majority are small, nonproblematic, and can be managed conservatively, some hemangiomas may be associated with underlying syndromes or concerning for visceral involvement. Symptomatic lesions may develop ulceration, bleeding, vision disturbances, functional limitations, or disfigurement. The ideal treatment for a symptomatic hemangioma is often multimodal and may vary depending on the size, location, and proximity to critical structures. Medical treatments include topical beta blockers, oral propranolol, or steroid injections. Surgical resection and laser therapies may be necessary to optimize long term outcomes.
Topics: Child; Female; Hemangioma; Humans; Pregnancy
PubMed: 31807282
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.20152.1 -
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational... 2022Striae distensae (stretch marks/striae gravidarum) is one of the common cosmetic problems that can cause psychological distress and anxiety to patients due to its... (Review)
Review
Striae distensae (stretch marks/striae gravidarum) is one of the common cosmetic problems that can cause psychological distress and anxiety to patients due to its disfiguring damage, especially for women. The etiology of striae distensae is currently unknown, and risk factors include low maternal age, family history of stretch marks, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, and high neonatal weight. This article reviews the latest literature on the most commonly used, most popular, and novel treatment modalities and analyzes the hot spots and difficulties in striae distensae treatment in recent years. Topical treatment modalities are mainly used as an adjunctive treatment. Ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers are the most popular, among which picosecond has been tried in striae distensae treatment in the last two years. Combined treatment modalities are currently a hot spot for SD treatment, and microneedle radiofrequency and fractional CO laser combined with other treatments are the most common. Microneedle radiofrequency is the most commonly used and achieved therapeutic effect among the combined treatment modalities.
PubMed: 36213315
DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S379904