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Health Articles

Cocaine Levamisole Toxicity

Insights from: Dr. Art Papier on: June 21, 2011

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Diagnosis Synopsis

Cocaine Levamisole Toxicity : Cocaine contaminated with levamisole has been detected in the United States since 2003, and the incidence of toxicity caused by this contamination has been increasing rapidly since 2008. Use of cocaine that has been adulterated with levamisole can lead to a constellation of symptoms including agranulocytosis, neutropenia, and a vasculitis-like purpuric tender skin eruption. The most common sites of purpura are the external ears and cheeks. The purpura is generally followed by skin necrosis, but resolves several weeks after cessation of cocaine use. Recurrent use of contaminated cocaine generally results in recurrent skin eruptions.

Uneven Skin Tone

Insights from: Dr. Lisa Ginn on: November 30, 2009

As summer tans fade, we may see remnants on our skin of those happy hours spent in the sun. That is because the cells (melanocytes) that produce skin tone or pigment (melanin) are stimulated by sun exposure to produce more melanin. Excess melanin can cause visibly uneven areas of darker skin, a condition called hyperpigmentation. Conversely, other areas may lose melanin, resulting in pale or white spots, a condition called hypopigmentation.

A Guide to Mohs Surgery

Insights from: Dr. Jodi Markus on: November 02, 2009

Cancer-curing surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is a developing type of skin cancer surgery that is generating impressive cure rates. About 99% of basal cell cancers and 95% of squamous cell cancers are cured with Mohs micrographic surgery. The American College of Mohs Surgery has awarded fellowship training to a number of leading physicians for this highly specialized “precision surgery,” increasingly recognized as a powerful tool to stop cancer in its tracks – literally, at a cellular level.

The Effects of Lupus on Skin and Body

Insights from: Dr. Elaine Gilmore on: October 01, 2009

Systemic Lupus In 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed a law that designated October of that year as Lupus Awareness Month. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, at least 5 million people worldwide have a form of lupus. This autoimmune disease is more prevalent in women, especially women of color. While there is no cure for lupus, we now know more about the disease than ever before. It is important to understand the different forms of lupus and how they affect one’s body and lifestyle.

Infant Skin

Insights from: Dr. Stephanie Koven on: August 30, 2009

As your new baby adapts to life outside the womb, he or she will experience many changes, including those in the largest organ – the skin. It is helpful to learn about the more common skin changes, birthmarks, and rashes you may see. Although most of these conditions are a normal part of your infant’s development, you may notice some that concern you. Especially during the first few weeks of your baby’s life, consult your child’s doctor if you have questions or concerns.

Psoriasis is More than Skin Deep

Insights from: Dr. Elaine Gilmore on: August 04, 2009

Psoriasis on legs The National Psoriasis Foundation sponsors Psoriasis Awareness Month each year in August. This skin disorder affects 125 million people worldwide and inflicts both physical and emotional pain on its sufferers.

Psoriasis not only affects the skin, but it also affects the overall health of its sufferers. Approximately 10–30% of psoriasis sufferers will experience psoriatic arthritis. Individuals with psoriasis are also at risk of becoming obese and developing cardiovascular diseases.

Vitamin D and Health

Insights from: Dr. Elaine Gilmore on: July 07, 2009

Vitamin D milk Physicians have long understood the role of vitamin D in bone growth (1). Recently, though, new attention has focused on the role of vitamin D in many other body processes, including the functioning of immune and neural cells. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased susceptibility to influenza and tuberculosis infections; cardiovascular, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases; and multiple cancers, including colon, breast, ovary, and prostate. Given the importance of this vitamin to overall health and the role of ultraviolet sunlight in producing it, strategies to raise vitamin D levels – without harmful sun exposure – has been the subject of recent controversy.

Excessive Sweating

Insights from: Dr. Ramsey Markus on: June 04, 2009

Close up of sweat on skin As summertime temperatures and humidity soar, we expect to sweat, especially when we’re engaged in outdoor activities. But for those who suffer from excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) no matter what the season, summer only makes matters worse, and sometimes miserably worse.

Sweating is an essential and normal body function, our natural air-conditioning system. Evaporation of sweat helps keep our bodies cool and regulates body temperature. Normally, sweating is triggered by emotional factors (feeling stressed or nervous), physical factors (engaging in strenuous activity), or environmental factors (hot, humid weather).

Vaccine Exemptions Linked to Spike in Measles Cases

Insights from: Logical Images Staff on: November 22, 2008

Measles has been on the rise in the US. This is due, in part, to concerns regarding the safety of the MMR vaccine. Although recent research has provided strong evidence against the association of autism with MMR vaccine administration, some parents still choose to request one or more vaccine exemptions on the basis of personal beliefs for their child to attend day care or school.

Breast Cancer

Insights from: Logical Images Staff on: October 12, 2008

Breast cancer is a disease that affects women of all ages, incomes, and ethnicities. Men can also get breast cancer, but it is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancers. In 2008, it is estimated that 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 67,770 new cases of noninvasive breast cancer are expected to occur among women in the United States. In addition, an estimated 40,480 women with this disease will die. An estimated 1,990 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 450 men will die of the disease.