Dr. Consultancy

Varicose veins

Varicose Veins

Overview

Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins, usually occurring in the legs.

 

  • Standing and walking upright increases pressure in the lower body veins, making them more susceptible.

  • While some varicose veins are cosmetic concerns (including spider veins), others can cause pain, discomfort, or more serious complications.

  • Treatment can include self-care measures or medical procedures to close or remove affected veins.

Symptoms

Varicose veins may not always be painful, but common signs include:

  • Veins that are dark purple or blue

  • Veins that appear twisted and bulging, often like cords on the legs

  • Aching, heavy, or tired feeling in the legs

  • Burning, throbbing, muscle cramps, and swelling in the lower legs

  • Worsened pain after standing or sitting for long periods

  • Itching around one or more veins

  • Skin discoloration around a varicose vein

Effects / Complications

If left untreated, varicose veins may lead to:

  • Chronic pain or discomfort

  • Swelling and inflammation in the legs

  • Skin ulcers near the ankle

  • Blood clots (superficial thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis in rare cases)

  • Bleeding from veins close to the skin

Treatment / Management

  1. Self-Care Measures:

    • Elevate your legs when resting

    • Exercise regularly to improve circulation

    • Avoid prolonged sitting or standing

    • Wear compression stockings

  2. Medical Procedures:

    • Sclerotherapy – injecting a solution to close small veins

    • Laser treatments – closing smaller veins and spider veins

    • Vein stripping or ligation – removing or tying off affected veins

    • Endovenous ablation therapy – using heat to close off larger veins

 

Medicine

Vitiligo/ leucoderma

Vitiligo (Leucoderma)

Overview

  • Vitiligo is a skin disorder in which patches of skin lose their natural color due to the destruction or malfunction of melanocytes (cells responsible for producing pigment).

  • The extent of skin involvement varies between individuals; it may affect hair, eyes, and the mucous membranes inside the mouth and nose.

  • Vitiligo is chronic and usually lifelong, and affected areas are more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitive).

  • The progression is unpredictable—patches may spread rapidly, slowly, or remain stable for years.

Symptoms

  • Patchy loss of skin color on any part of the body

  • Premature graying or whitening of hair on scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, or beard

  • Loss of color in mucous membranes (inside the mouth and nose)

  • Loss of pigment in the retina or inner layer of the eye

  • Smooth, depigmented patches that may gradually enlarge

Effects / Complications

  • Increased sensitivity to sunlight and risk of sunburn on affected areas

  • Psychological impact, including stress, low self-esteem, and social anxiety

  • Rarely, associated autoimmune disorders, like thyroid disease or diabetes

Treatment / Management

  1. Topical Treatments:

    • Corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation and stimulate repigmentation

    • Calcineurin inhibitors for sensitive areas (face, neck)

  2. Phototherapy:

    • Controlled exposure to UVB light to stimulate pigment production

  3. Surgical Options:

    • Skin grafts or melanocyte transplants in stable patches

  4. Camouflage / Cosmetic Solutions:

    • Makeup, self-tanning lotions, or dyes to blend depigmented patches

  5. Lifestyle Measures:

    • Sun protection with sunscreen and clothing

    • Psychological support or counseling for emotional well-being

Medicine

Wart

Common Warts

Overview

  • Common warts are small, rough skin growths most often found on the fingers and hands.

  • They are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and are contagious through direct contact.

  • A wart can take 2 to 6 months to develop after exposure to the virus.

  • Common warts are usually harmless and may disappear on their own, but many people choose removal for cosmetic reasons or because they are bothersome.

Symptoms

  • Small, fleshy, grainy bumps on the skin

  • Flesh-colored, white, pink, or tan

  • Rough to the touch

  • Often have tiny black dots (clotted blood vessels)

Treatment / Management

  1. Over-the-counter treatments: Salicylic acid or other topical solutions

  2. Cryotherapy: Freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen

  3. Laser therapy: For stubborn or large warts

  4. Surgical removal: Rarely needed, used for warts that do not respond to other treatments

  5. Prevention: Avoid direct contact with warts, do not pick at them, and keep skin clean and dry

Medicine

Sunstroke

Sunstroke (Heat Stroke)

Overview

Sunstroke, also known as heat stroke, is a life-threatening condition caused by your body overheating, typically from prolonged exposure to high temperatures or strenuous physical activity in the heat.

  • It is the most severe form of heat-related illness, which begins with heat cramps, progresses to heat exhaustion, and may culminate in heat stroke.

  • Sunstroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises to 104°F (40°C) or higher, and the body’s temperature regulation fails.

  • Immediate medical attention is critical because untreated sunstroke can lead to organ failure, brain damage, or death.

Symptoms

Signs of sunstroke may include:

  • Throbbing headache

  • Dizziness and light-headedness

  • Lack of sweating despite high heat

  • Red, hot, and dry skin

  • Muscle weakness or cramps

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Rapid heartbeat (strong or weak)

  • Rapid, shallow breathing

  • Confusion, lethargy, or seizures

Effects / Complications

If not treated promptly, sunstroke can cause:

  • Organ damage: Brain, kidneys, liver, and heart may be affected

  • Seizures or coma

  • Permanent neurological damage

  • Death in severe cases

Treatment / Management

1. Emergency Care

  • Call emergency medical services immediately

  • Move the person to a cool, shaded area or air-conditioned room

  • Remove excess clothing to help the body cool

2. Cooling Measures

  • Immerse in a cool bath or shower

  • Apply ice packs to the armpits, neck, and groin

  • Use cool, wet cloths on the skin

  • Fan the person to promote evaporation

3. Hydration

  • If the person is conscious and able to drink, provide cool water or electrolyte drinks

  • Do not give alcohol or caffeine, as they worsen dehydration

4. Monitoring

  • Keep track of body temperature, breathing, and pulse

  • Do not leave the person unattended until medical help arrives

Prevention

  • Stay hydrated during hot weather

  • Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours

  • Wear light, loose clothing and hats

  • Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn that can worsen heat stress

  • Take frequent breaks in the shade or cool areas

Medicine

Diseases

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