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Dry Skin

Introduction Did you know that the skin is the biggest organ of the human body? Your skin acts as a barrier between your body and the external environment, keeping out harmful microorganisms, helps you experience different sensations and regulate body temperature. For some people however, dry skin compromises this barrier, causing itching and redness, and leaving them susceptible to external environmental irritants. Signs & Symptoms Itching Seeing scaling, fine lines or cracks Feeling that the skin is tight Dry lips When to Seek Medical Attention Many people suffer from a certain degree of dry skin. However, please see a doctor […]

25Jun

Acne (Pimple)

Introduction It is true that clogged pores and acne are not life-threatening; however, it is all too easy to underestimate the devastating effects it can have on someone’s psyche. Some people are so badly affected by low self-esteem and unkind words from peers that they sink into depression and even consider suicide. Thankfully, there are many treatments available from a pharmacy and your doctor that can help to tackle this problem. The different types of pimples are: White heads and Black heads (Comedones) – Pores can get clogged over time with oil, keratin (a protein) and bacteria. Sometimes, these pores […]

25Jun

Teething Pain

Introduction Teething is a big milestone in an infant’s life where baby teeth emerge from the gums. This phenomenon typically begins in most children between 4-7 months old. However, the age at which this occurs differs among children, so do not be overly alarmed if your child starts teething later. For most babies, teething does not pose too much of a discomfort. Like adults, however, babies all have different thresholds of pain and discomfort, and some children can become extremely uncomfortable and irritable. Generally, the middle lower teeth of the baby will erupt first, followed by the middle upper teeth […]

25Jun

Nappy Rash

Introduction Nappy rash is a skin irritation that occurs in the nappy area, caused by prolonged exposure of the skin to urine and faecal matter. It will occur to most babies at some stage, no matter how well cared-for. Some conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) or diarrhoea can also make nappy rash worse. Children will eventually grow out of it when they do not require diapers anymore. Signs & Symptoms Symptoms can include: Red and inflamed skin around the genital area and anus that sometimes spread to stomach and thigh region Dry and cracked skin Blisters and ulcers […]

25Jun

Fever

Introduction Fever is a circumstance in which the body temperature increases, triggered by an immune response to an external infection. What some parents don’t realise is that fever is not a disease to be treated. Some well-meaning parents tend to give fever medication when it is not required, waking up children to administer their medicines or even worse, sponging their children with rubbing alcohol. This is so common that some healthcare professionals have dubbed this fear as “fever phobia”. Instead of working to bring the child’s temperature back to normal, make your child’s overall wellbeing and comfort your priority. Please […]

25Jun

Colic

Introduction Colic is characterised by unexplained bouts of crying in an otherwise healthy infant, sometimes lasting for up to a few hours at a time. It usually starts a few weeks after birth, but will get better as time goes by. By the age of 4 months, most children would have outgrown this condition. During an episode of colic, the infant can cry uncontrollably, and it might seem impossible to calm the child down. For this reason, many parents feel distressed and helpless, and might blame themselves for the situation even though colic is not due to any wrongdoing on […]

25Jun

Joint and Muscle Pain

Introduction Muscle and joint pain can happen to anyone of any age, from the avid athlete who overstretched a muscle at the gym, to the coach potato who fell asleep in an awkward position. Muscle pain is caused with damage to your muscle fibres. Most people experience muscle pains due to due to stress, overstraining, or poor posture during a physical activity. Joint pain, on the other hand, is related to injury to tendons, ligaments or cartilage. Signs & Symptoms The main sign of muscle and joint pain is, well, pain. The pain could be sharp, or a dull throb. […]

25Jun

Headache

Introduction As the name suggests, a headache refers to a pain in the head and neck region, and ranges from a mild inconvenience to a debilitating condition. According to the World Health Organization, about 47% of the adult population has experienced a headache at least once within the last year. There are a few categories of headaches. Tension headaches are the most common, typically stemming from stress, lack of sleep, poor posture and straining of eyes. Cluster headaches are caused by an over activity in the brain. They are not so common, but are extremely painful. Rebound headaches are also […]