Skin

Allergies

Overview Symptoms Causes Prescription Health Tips For most sufferers, allergies are a situational or seasonal problem causing unbearable symptoms. Pet dander or the pollens of spring and autumn may cause itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, wheezing, and more. Yet, for many people allergy symptoms never seem to abate; they are a constant problem. Common environmental … Read More

Shingles (Varicella-Zoster Virus)

Overview Symptoms Causes Prescription Health Tips Around 130,000 Canadians will contract shingles each year and rates are on the rise, although researchers are not exactly sure why. Chickenpox (varicella zoster virus) is a childhood ailment that produces an itchy rash and fever. It is not likely to cause serious harm, although some children may experience … Read More

Stretch Marks

Overview Symptoms Causes Prescription Health Tips Stretch marks are scars that develop during a period of sudden, rapid growth or weight gain, which causes the skin to stretch and become thin. This compromises the integrity of collagen and elastin fibres in the middle layer of skin. When stretch marks first appear they tend to be … Read More

Melasma (Brown Spots or Sun Spots)

OverviewSymptomsCausesPrescriptionHealth Tips Melasma, also known as brown spots or sun spots, is a common skin condition that causes brown discolourations on any part of the body that is exposed to the sun, but typically they appear on the face. While the condition affects a small percentage of men, it is common in women, particularly in young … Read More

Restless Leg Syndrome

Overview Symptoms Causes Prescription Health Tips Restless leg syndrome (RLS), or Willis-Ekbom Disease, is the strange sensation of twitching, crawling or jerking of the legs as well as a strong urge to move them. Symptoms are most prevalent at night and while lying down but may occur during long periods of sitting. Moving the legs brings … Read More

Eczema (Dermatitis)

Overview Symptoms Causes Prescription Health Tips Eczema is a group of skin conditions caused by inflammation in the skin, and due to abnormalities in the immune system, an overproduction of inflammatory and allergic reactions in the skin. This leads to poor resistance to bacteria and viruses on the skin. It is estimated that 10 percent … Read More

Cervical Dysplasia, HPV, Warts

OverviewGenital WartsCervical Dysplasia and Cervical CancerSymptomsCausesPrescriptionHealth Tips HPV (Human Papillomavirus) refers to a group of viruses that are extremely common and contagious. There are over 150 different strains, some of which are responsible for the common wart, while more than 40 are passed through sexual contact. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Most … Read More

Psoriasis

Overview Symptoms Causes Prescription Health Tips Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated skin disease characterized by the rapid production of skin cells, leading to a congestion of cells on the skin’s surface. The normal life cycle of skin cells is 28 days, but cells produced by psoriasis mature up to a thousand times faster than those … Read More

Rosacea

Overview Symptoms Causes Prescription Health Tips Rosacea is a chronic skin disorder causing acne-like breakouts, broken blood vessels and flushing redness mostly on the cheeks and nose. Rosacea generally strikes people after the age of 30. It affects three times more women than men and is more common in those with fair skin. If the … Read More

Acne

Overview Symptoms Causes Prescription Health Tips Acne, also known as acne vulgaris, is a skin condition that involves the oil glands at the base of hair follicles. During puberty, perimenopause and menopause, sebaceous (oil) glands become more active. Pores can become clogged with sebum, dried skin and bacteria, causing the skin to erupt into pimples, blackheads, … Read More