Category: L

A skin eruption characterized by small purple patches of thick raised skin on the head and neck. Lupus pernio is caused by sarcoidosis (an inflammatory disease associated with an abnormal immune response). Noncaseating granulomas occurring on the face, especially around the nose, eyes, cheeks, lips, and ears. “Lupus” in lupus pernio is misleading because it…

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or als, ,the most common form of motor neuron disease. Lou Gehrig disease is characterized by progressive loss of muscle function.  

An antihypertensive drug. Losartan (Cozaar) is a drug used to treat high blood pressure. It works by blocking the action of angiotensin, a hormone found in the body that causes blood vessels to tighten and salt and water to be retained. By blocking these actions, losartan lowers blood pressure. Losartan is also used together with…

An antihistamine. Loratadine (Claritin) is used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Loratadine is a non-sedating, long-acting antihistamine that is also fast-acting: effects may be felt within 1 to 3 hours of taking a dose, and they may last more than 24 hours. Loratadine is used to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, runny…

A number of types of facilities designed for people who require custodial care for a longer period than is possible in a hospital. Long-term care is generally provided to people who have a chronic, progressive illness or disability. Many long-term care residents are older adults. The term nursing home is commonly used to describe these…

A skin reaction in which blotches develop in a netlike pattern on arms and legs. Livedo reticularis becomes more intense in response to cold temperatures. It is more obvious in pale skin and is more common in women than men. Blotches frequently occur in infants and children and are especially apparent at bath time. Livedo…

The use of live, healthy cells from embryos, thought to stimulate the growth and function of aging tissues. Live cell therapy involves the injection of live cells into the muscles of a person to “wake up” the person’s own corresponding cells, creating new connective tissue in the process. Live cells are taken from shark, cow,…

Understanding speech by watching the movements of the lips rather than by listening to the sound. Lipreading is one of the processes by which an observer comprehends someone’s spoken language when the observer is unable to hear what is being said. Also known as speechreading, it is commonly used by people with hearing loss to…

An herbal medicine. Licorice root is used to treat viral infections, including colds, AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome], and hepatitis; inflammation; menstrual and menopausal disorders; peptic ulcers; canker sores; herpes; eczema; and psoriasis. Licorice root has many possible medicinal actions, including antiallergic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and hormonal actions. Its major active component is glycyrrhizin. It should not…

An anticancer drug. Levamisole (Ergamisol) tablets are used to treat cancer of the colon. It is usually given in combination with fluorouracil, another anticancer drug. A drug used to treat ascariasis. Its main advantage seems to be in mass treatment, as one dose may prove effective. It is also being used in the treatment of…