Category: L

A localized area of skin thickening caused by rubbing and scratching; a form of dermatitis. The skin patches are thick, dry, and leathery and may be darker or redder than the surrounding skin. The areas most commonly affected are easily reached, such as the nape of the neck and the outer part of the lower…

A skin disorder of the vulva, or external female genitalia. The skin surface of the vulva becomes thin, wrinkled, and papery and red or purple in appearance. The affected area can include the skin at the top of the thighs, the inner buttocks, under the arms, beneath the breasts, on the neck, on the back,…

The granting of a license allowing a person to practice medicine. Licensure is granted by a state agency, frequently a state board of medicine in the state where a person wishes to practice medicine. To obtain a medical license, a person must have a diploma from an accredited medical college, pass an examination that reflects…

A thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine, a naturally occurring hormone produced by the thyroid gland, is associated with metabolism and energy. Levothyroxine medication is used to replace a thyroid hormone deficiency and to treat goiter, or enlarged thyroid gland. An artificial variant of the thyroid hormone thyroxine, employed for the treatment of hypothyroidism (insufficient activity of the…

A rapidly developing cancer of the blood-forming tissues, particularly the bone marrow, that causes overproduction of immature white blood cells known as lymphoblasts. The disease is also known as acute lymphocytic leukemia because it affects the development in the bone marrow of the normal white blood cells known as lymphocytes. The lymphoblasts multiply rapidly and…

Any condition in which the lens is out of its normal place behind the iris (the colored portion of the eye). Lens dislocation can be present at birth; it may develop as the result of diseases such as syphilis or Marfan syndrome that weaken the fibers holding the lens in place; or it can result…

A break or crack in one of the bones of the leg. This occurs when a bone cannot withstand the physical force exerted on it. The shin (tibia) is one of the most frequently fractured bones.  

A slow-healing, open sore on the leg, often accompanied by swelling. Leg ulcers are typically caused by insufficient arterial blood supply or by inadequate drainage through the veins. This often painful and disabling condition is a common problem for older people. It is frequently associated with varicose veins, circulation problems, trauma, bacterial infection, long-term immobility,…

A technique for removing fine wrinkles, scars, damaged skin, and uneven pigmentation from the face with a laser light source. Laser resurfacing, or laser peel, can be performed on the entire face or a specific portion, such as around the mouth or eyes.  

A tumor on the larynx (voice box) that is usually benign and resembles a wart. Laryngeal papillomas are believed to be caused by a virus. They usually develop in groups and may cause difficulty breathing, in addition to hoarseness. Rarely, papillomas will grow large very quickly. In these instances, they may obstruct breathing and should…