Day: January 20, 2024

What is skin? Although you may not realise it, your skin is your largest organ. Learn more about its parts, how it functions and how to keep it healthy. Parts of the skin Skin covers your body and has three layers: The top layer is the epidermis (outer layer). This is a thin layer. It provides a waterproof barrier for your body. It also contains cells (melanocytes) that gives your skin colour. The dermis is the middle layer of skin. It is much thicker than your epidermis. It contains tough connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles and sweat glands.

What is Sjögren’s syndrome? Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy cells. It typically attacks the glands that normally produce tears, saliva and sweat. Other parts of the body may also be affected. The cause of Sjögren’s syndrome is unknown. It is more common in women, people over 40 and those who have rheumatic disease, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Most people with Sjögren’s syndrome are able to live normally, without any serious complications, especially if they take care to manage their symptoms. What are the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome? People with

What is silicosis? Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling unsafe levels of silica dust, usually over a period of many years. People who work with certain materials may inhale a very fine dust that contains silica. Once inside the lungs, the dust particles can scar the lungs. This scarring is known as silicosis. Silicosis can lead to breathing problems, a serious lung condition called Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF), or lung cancer. There is no cure for silicosis and it can be fatal. Types of silicosis The 3 common types of silicosis are: chronic silicosis — exposure to

What is sildenafil (Viagra)? Sildenafil is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, also called impotence). It is sometimes known by its generic name sildenafil, and sometimes known by its trade name Viagra. Other brands of the same medicine are also available. How does sildenafil work? Sildenafil works by helping the blood vessels in the penis to relax. This allows more blood to flow in and cause an erection. If you have ED, this can make it easier to get an erection. Sildenafil doesn’t cause erections on its own — sexual stimulation is still needed. Sildenafil also does not: cure erectile dysfunction (ED) increase your sexual

How can I tell if someone has a mental health problem? Almost 1 in 2 Australians will experience a mental health disorder at some point in life. It’s important to learn the signs that could hint that a friend or family member is struggling with their mental health. Often there’s not a single sign, but a combination. A mental health disorder may start out as subtle changes to a person’s feelings, thinking and behaviour. If they have ongoing and significant changes, it could be a sign that they are developing a mental health disorder. If something doesn’t seem ‘quite right’, it’s important to have

Side effects of medicines including vaccines Side effects are unwanted effects caused by medicines including vaccines. All medicines can cause side effects. It’s important to know the side effects of your medicines so that you know what to do if you get them. What are medicine side effects? Any unwanted or unexpected effects of a medicine, including a vaccine, are called side effects. Side effects can also occur due to interactions with other medicines, food or alcohol. Not all side effects are serious. Some side effects may get better over time. For example, a new medicine might cause nausea at first but

What is sickle cell anaemia? Sickle cell anaemia is one of a group of disorders known as sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease Sickle cell disease is a group of blood disorders that affect your haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is in your red blood cells. It’s responsible for carrying oxygen around your body. Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition. If you have sickle cell anaemia, both of your parents must have given you a faulty gene. Your parents may not: have sickle cell anaemia know that they carry the gene for sickle cell anaemia The genes for sickle cell disease are

Looking after a sick child How can I tell if my child is sick? One of the most common signs of illness in children is a fever. If your child is ill, you may also notice these signs: sore throat or headache blocked or runny nose sneezing or coughing a rash that appears suddenly on their skin vomiting or diarrhoea glazed eyes drowsiness/lethargy or a low appetite Other signs that your child might be sick include a change in breathing patterns, such as shallow breathing or pausing between breaths, or a change in the colour of their skin, making it appear pale or blotchy. Your child may

What is the rotator cuff? The rotator cuff is formed from four muscles and tendons that attach your arm to the top of your shoulder blade (acromion). If the rotator cuff becomes weak or tears, you can get pain and weakness. There are usually 2 types of damage that can happen to the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff tear — This is often caused by a fall or lifting something heavy. Rotator cuff degeneration — This can be because of age, wear and genetic factors. A tear in the rotator cuff. What are the benefits of surgery? You should get less

What is shoulder instability? The shoulder joint is made up of a ball (the head of the humerus) and a socket (the glenoid). The socket is shallow, with an inner lining of cartilage (the labrum). The ball is kept in place by soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments. Shoulder instability happens when there is a problem with the labrum or the soft tissues, causing symptoms such as pain, dislocation and a feeling of looseness. What are the benefits of surgery? You should get less pain and fewer dislocations and your shoulder should not feel as loose. You may not

What is shoulder pain? Shoulder pain is pain that you feel in your shoulder area. It’s often a sign that a part of your shoulder is injured, strained, or not working properly. Up to 2 in 3 people will experience shoulder pain at some point in their lifetime. What symptoms are related to shoulder pain? Usually, you can feel shoulder pain in the front of your shoulder, or at the top of your arm. Often, you can feel the pain only when you move your arm in a certain way. Sometimes you can also feel shoulder pain when you lie

Should I be checked for skin cancer? How can I protect myself from skin cancer? The best way to protect yourself from skin cancer is to use sun protection and monitor your skin regularly. If you are at high risk of melanoma (see below), skin self-examination is recommended every 3 months. You should also have full skin examinations by a doctor trained in using dermoscopy (using a device to see your skin close up) every 6 months. Early detection of skin cancer can improve your chances of successful treatment. It’s a good idea to become familiar with your skin, even skin that is not

Should I be tested for heart disease? What is heart disease? The term heart disease refers to a group of conditions that can affect your heart including coronary heart disease and heart failure. In the early stages of heart disease, you may not notice any symptoms. Understanding your risk of heart disease can help you take steps to reduce it and to protect your heart. Am I at risk of heart disease? There are many risk factors for heart disease — some you can’t control, but some you can. Risk factors you can’t control include: age – your risk increases as you get

What is shortness of breath? Shortness of breath is when you feel like you can’t get enough air into your lungs. It’s normal to sometimes feel short of breath, when you exercise or physically work hard, and your body needs more oxygen. Sometimes, difficulty breathing may be a sign of a health problem. Some health problems cause acute shortness of breath, which is where your symptoms come on suddenly and go away with treatment. Other conditions cause chronic shortness of breath, where you often find it hard to breathe without much effort. When should I call an ambulance or go

What is respite care? Respite care’ is when someone else takes care of the person you usually care for, so that you can take a break. Respite care provides an organised, temporary break both for the carer and the person they care for. Letting someone else do the caring for a few hours or days has benefits for both of you. Sometimes carers get physically and emotionally tired. It is important that they can have a break so they can be better carers. Respite care also benefits people who receive care, such as children or adults with disability, people with

What is short-sightedness? Short-sightedness (also known as myopia) is a common eye condition that causes distant objects to appear blurred. Someone with myopia can achieve good vision with prescription glasses, contact lenses or laser surgery. Short-sightedness usually first appears in childhood. How is short-sightedness caused? When light enters the eye, it is bent by the cornea (the clear layer on the front of the eye) and the lens. If you have normal vision, the light waves are brought into focus right on the retina, the layer at the back of the eye. If you are short-sighted, the light waves from distant

What is addiction? Addiction is when you have a strong physical or psychological need or urge to do something or use something. It is a dependence on a substance or activity even if you know that it causes you harm. It can impact your daily life. This article describes the types, causes and signs of addiction, and where to get help. Many people have heard of addiction to: smoking drinking alcohol gambling taking drugs prescription medicines Addiction to drugs can include cannabis, ice and amphetamines. Alcohol and nicotine are also drugs. It’s possible to be addicted to anything, such as: Computers — computer addiction is increasing. You may

Electric shocks and burns What is an electric shock or burn? Electric shocks are caused by contact with live electricity that sends an electric current through the body. Sometimes the electricity can cause a burn, often where the electricity entered or exited the body. Sometimes an electric shock only causes a fright and some pain. But sometimes it can be severe enough to knock someone unconscious and stop their heart. It depends on the voltage, the type of current and whether the current involved the heart. When should I call an ambulance or go to the emergency department? An electric