Category: P

Antifungal agents that include amphotericin (given by intravenous injection in the treatment of systemic aspergillosis) and nystatin, applied topically for fungal infection of the skin, mouth and other mucous membranes.  

A resin derived from podophyllum plants; its active agent, podophyllotoxin, is used in alcoholic solution to treat genital warts. Paints, creams and impregnated plasters are used for calluses and warts elsewhere. A medication employed for the treatment of genital warts. Podophyllin has the potential to lead to irritation in the treated region and can result…

This procedure is sometimes used instead of blood transfusion. Plasma the fluid part of blood from which the cells have been separated may be dried and in powder form kept almost indefinitely; when wanted it is reconstituted by adding sterile distilled water. In powder form it can be transported easily and over long distances. Transfusion…

Also known as plasmapheresis; the removal of the circulating plasma from the patient. It is done by removing blood from a patient and returning the red cells with a plasma expander. The plasma exchange is carried out through an in-dwelling cannula in the femoral vein, and the red cells and plasma are separated by a…

A common form of eczema of the soles of the feet typically seen in boys with an atopic background who constantly wear trainers.  

Acromegaly or gigantism is the result of the overactivity of, or tumour formation of cells in, the adenohypophysis which produces growth hormone. If this overactivity occurs after growth has ceased, acromegaly arises, in which there is gross overgrowth of the ears, nose, jaws, and hands and feet. Dwarfism may be due to lack of growth…

An antipsychotic drug for maintenance treatment of schizophrenia. It is given as a depot injection that lasts four weeks.  

A sinus that contains hairs, usually occurring in the cleft between the buttocks. It may get infected and cause considerable pain. Treatment is by antibiotics and, if necessary, surgical removal.  

The use of digital imaging systems to replace conventional X-ray pictures and other imaging techniques. Though expensive to operate, digital imaging and storage systems offer promising possibilities for transmission of clinical images within and between hospitals and community health-care units, providing fast access and remote working that will benefit patients and health-care staff alike. When…

Diseases of the skin caused by or made worse by exposure to sunlight. In sufficient dosage, shortwave ultraviolet light (UVB always causes erythema. Higher doses progressively cause oedema and blistering; this is acute sunburn. Graduated exposure to UVB causes pigmentation (tanning). Prolonged chronic exposure to sunlight eventually accelerates ageing of the exposed skin with lentigo…