Category: S

A skin reaction that is caused by expo¬ sure to an allergy-causing substance. Skin allergy occurs in response to a substance that may cause no apparent rash or inflammation the first time a person is exposed to it. But, on subsequent occasions, after the skin has become allergic to the substance, further exposure produces an…

A disease in which the salivary glands and the lacrimal glands (which produce tears) are progressively destroyed by malfunction of lymphocytes (white blood cells that fight infection) and plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). The glands producing moisture in the vagina may also be involved. Tissues and structures of the skin, respiratory tract,…

A system for classifying cervical dysplasia, abnormal cells on the cervix. Squamous intraepithelial lesion refers to abnormalities in the squamous cell layer that covers the cervix. The classification system is used to describe abnormal Pap smear results. Anomalous proliferation of squamous cells occurring on the outer layer of the cervix.  

A condition characterized by a preoccupying desire to repeatedly engage in sex that is driven by a deep-seated, compulsive need, with only brief tension release after orgasm.  

An opening or hole in the surface of the septum, the wall inside the nose that separates the two nostrils. The condition can cause bleeding, crusting, and whistling in the nose. If the perforation is severe and causes health problems, the hole may be surgically repaired. A perforated septum is one of the potential consequences…

A mental illness in which a person feels, for emotional reasons, compelled to cut, burn, or do other forms of painful harm to his or her body. Self-mutilation is not a suicide attempt, but people who mutilate themselves are at greater risk for suicide. The disorder also carries the risk of infection from using dirty…

Safety belts worn in vehicles to protect drivers and passengers in case of accidents. Seat belts are designed to hold the driver and passengers in place during an accident, preventing them from being hurled forward and injured by the force of the crash. When properly used, seat belts include both lap and shoulder belts.  

Tests for specific disorders in newborn infants, in which symptoms may not develop before irreversible damage has been done and for which early treatments is effective. These tests are performed on all babies born in most states within the United States. The baby’s heel is pricked to obtain blood for laboratory analysis.  

Painful wounds made by a scorpion, a type of arachnid with a venomous stinger in its tail. Most scorpion bites cause local reactions similar to a bee sting and are not life-threatening. However, the sting of the bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) of the southwestern United States can be fatal, especially to children. Several hours after…

Oxygen administered as a form of therapy when the oxygen level in the blood is significantly decreased. Supplemental oxygen may be helpful for people who have lung diseases that reduce lung function. It is most commonly prescribed to people who have emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcoidosis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, and occupational lung diseases.…