Gourt > Health > Conditions and Diseases > Skin Disorders > Birthmarks
A birthmark is a blemish on the skin formed before birth. They are part of the group of skin lesions known as naevi. The cause of birthmarks is unknown, but may include cellular damage due to radiation or chemicals. Some types seem to run in families.
In Italian and Middle Eastern cultures they're called voglie in Italian or wiham in Arabic, both of which translate to "wishes," because according to folklore, they are caused by unsatisfied wishes of the mother during pregnancy. For example, if a pregnant woman does not satisfy a sudden wish or craving for strawberries, it's said that the infant might bear a strawberry mark.
Types
A number of different types of birthmarks are known. They include, but are not limited to, stork bites, Mongolian blue spots, strawberry marks, café au lait spots, congenital melanocytic nevi, and Port wine stains. More on [ Birthmark ]
Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Share Genetic Roots
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:45:00 -0400
A trio of genome-wide studies -- collectively the largest to date -- have pinpointed a vast array of genetic variation that cumulatively may account for at least one third of the genetic risk for schizophrenia. One of the studies traced schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, in part, to the same chromosomal neighborhoods.
Imaging Technique Allows Researchers to Monitor Protein Changes in Mouse Tumors
Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:05:00 -0400
A new imaging technique can monitor, in living mice, the HER2 protein found in above-normal amounts in many cases of breast cancer as well as some ovarian, prostate and lung cancers. This new approach, once validated in mice and pending further experiments, could provide a real-time noninvasive method for identifying tumors in humans who express HER2 and who would be candidates for targeted therapy directed against this protein. It may also provide real-time information that will help clinicians optimize treatment for individual patients. The study, published in the July 2009 issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, was conducted by researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, both parts of the National Institutes of Health.
Dynasty: Influenza Virus in 1918 and Today
Tue, 30 Jun 2009 09:10:00 -0400
The influenza virus that wreaked worldwide havoc in 1918-1919 founded a viral dynasty that persists to this day, according to scientists from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. In an article published online on June 29 by the New England Journal of Medicine, authors Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Jeffery K. Taubenberger, M.D., Ph.D., and David M. Morens, M.D., argue that we have lived in an influenza pandemic era since 1918, and they describe how the novel 2009 H1N1 virus now circling the globe is yet another manifestation of this enduring viral family.
CNN.com - Health
Police: Hospital worker swiped shots, spread hep C
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:18:42 -0400
A former hospital employee may have exposed hundreds or thousands of surgical patients to hepatitis C when she replaced clean needles filled with the powerful painkiller fentanyl with her own dirty needles filled with saline solution.
Health.com picks top beach, lake getaways
Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:47:40 -0400
We know your summer vacation time is precious: You want to land where you can truly relax, breathe fresh air, get in some exercise and eat well -- without breaking the bank. That's why we teamed up with a panel of travel and health experts to help us find the healthiest of the nation's most popular beach and lake towns.
AR Children's Hospital Birthmarks Homepage - This site has detailed information on birthmarks, particularly on hemangiomas.
Meta Description: [ At Arkansas Childrens Hospital, a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary Vascular Anomalies Center has been developed to diagnose and treat children and adults with congenital vascular anomalies. This program has become recognized as a leading facility and serves patients from all over the United St... ]
Birthmarks and Hemangiomas InterNETwork Support - Support, resources, and information on medical treatment of birthmarks and hemangiomas.
Birthmarks.com - This site offers information and helpful sites related to various port-wine stain and other birthmarks, including contact information for physicians in this field.
International Society For The Vascular Anomalies - The official site of the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies.
Mongolian Spots - DrGreene.com - Read an article that describes spots on the skin that are sometimes mistaken for bruises.
Meta Description: [ Read an article that describes spots on the skin that are sometimes mistaken for bruises. ]
Vascular Birthmarks Foundation - An international charitable organization that provides support and informational resources for individuals affected by hemangiomas, port wine stains and other vascular birthmarks and tumors. Also sponsors relevant research.
Meta Description: [ The Vascular Birthmarks Foundation provides support and resources for children and adults born with hemangiomas, port wine stains, and other vascular birthmarks. ]
| Healthbeat - Birthmarks | |
| Next Video | |
