Medical dictionary

What is a skin flap procedure? The skin flap procedure is a common method used to cover large or deep wounds or to repair damaged skin. A flap of healthy skin and its blood vessels are partially lifted and repositioned from the donor site to cover a nearby wound. A flap may also contain cartilage, muscle or fatty tissue, depending on the requirements of the wound that needs covering. Why

What is skin fungus? Skin fungi are microorganisms that can cause several skin conditions. We all have fungi on our dermis and epidermis. They don’t usually cause any issues to our body, but sometimes they can. In some cases, fungi can become infectious agents, thus posing a threat not only to your health but also those of your household and close contacts. Fungal infections are more c

What is a skin infection?   There many types of skin infection. The skin is the largest organ of the body and protects the body from infection. It too can become infected by germs, which can leave your skin itchy, or with a rash, or pus and fluid leaking out, or sores that look like blisters.     Some of the most common skin infections include: &nbs

How is dermatology defined? Dermatology is the branch of medicine dedicated to skin, nails, and hair diseases. It encompasses more than 3,000 diseases, and thus, both the diagnosis and treatment can be complex. It is roughly divided into different categories: 1) Inflammatory skin diseases, for example, psoriasis, eczema, autoimmune diseases like lupus, morphea, Bullous diseases (pe

What are skin blemishes?   Human skin is prone to all kinds of spots and stains. Most of the time these are harmless, but it’s important to be able to identify them, to know what they are, and to take action if necessary. Dark stains on the skin are known as hyperpigmentation. Some people may find them distressing if they can’t be hidden or disguised on areas

What are skin tags, and how harmful are they?Skin tags are small benign growths that can hang from your skin. They are relatively common and are not harmful. However, some people with skin tags prefer to have them removed if they do not like their appearance, or if they are located in a place that causes irritation (e.g. near bra straps, or on the neck close to jewell

What is skull base surgery? Skull base surgery is a highly specialised branch of surgery that uses minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat conditions of the skull base, the top of the spine, and the underside of the brain.   Why is it done? Skull base surgery is generally used to investigate or remove growths (both cancerous and benign) or to repair congenital malf

What is a skull base tumour? Skull base tumours are tumours that grow in the bones of the skull that form the bottom of the head and the bony ridge that sits behind the nose and eyes. They can be one of several types. What are the different types? The tumours are classified by type and location. They can originate in the skull base as a primary tumour or spread to the skull from cance

What is a skull fracture? A skull fracture consists mainly of the breaking of one or more bones of the head. In fact, a skull fracture not only causes a fracture in the bone, but also causes injuries to veins and arteries, which can bleed near brain tissue. Nerve damage can also occur. Skull fractures may or may not involve brain injury, although the fracture usually does not involve bra