Lichen sclerosus is a skin condition that can cause a range of issues that can affect the skin on your: Vulva (the area outside your vagina). Penis. Foreskin. Urethra. Anus. It often looks like a discolored, thin, itchy and scaly patch. Blisters and sores (usually from persistent itching) may also form on your genitals. But rarely do these symptoms appear on other body …
Oral lichen planus is a long-term (chronic) disease that affects the inside your mouth. Technically, lichen planus can develop on your skin or anywhere you have mucosa. (Mucosa is the thin layer of tissue that lines certain body parts, like your nose, mouth, stomach and lungs.) But when lichen planus appears in your mouth, it’s called oral lichen planus. You can get oral lichen planus on your: Inner …
Lichen planus (like-en play-nes) is a skin condition that causes a rash to develop on one area of your body or several parts of your body at the same time. It can affect your: Skin. Inside of your mouth (oral mucosa). Scalp (skin on your head usually covered with hair). Nails. Genitals (penis, vagina and vulva). Lichen planus is a lichenoid …
Lice are tiny, wingless insects that feed on human blood. Lice spread from person to person through close contact and by sharing belongings. There are three types of lice: Head lice found on the scalp. They’re easiest to see at the nape of the neck and over the ears. Body lice that live in clothing and bedding and move onto the skin …
Leukoplakia is a condition that creates white patches in your mouth. The patches don’t hurt but they don’t go away, even if you rub them. You may develop leukoplakia because something is irritating the inside of your mouth. Leukoplakia may become oral cancer, so your dentist may recommend you see a specialist to diagnose and treat it. What are the types of …
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an aggressive, rare type of cancer that forms in smooth, involuntary muscles. Smooth muscles are distinct from skeletal muscles, which we use to move our bodies. Smooth muscle tissue can be found in several areas of your body, including your urinary system, digestive system, uterus and blood vessels. Leiomyosarcoma is considered a soft tissue sarcoma. What are the different types …
Legionnaires’ (LEE-juh-nares) disease is a type of pneumonia (lung infection) you get from breathing in Legionella bacteria. It can affect your lungs, brain and gut (gastrointestinal tract). Legionella also causes Pontiac fever, a less serious illness with flu-like symptoms. Legionnaires’ disease can be life-threatening. What’s the difference between Legionnaires’ disease and pneumonia? You get Legionnaires’ disease when Legionella infects your lungs. Most people with Legionnaires’ disease who are …
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a rare condition that affects the hips of children aged 2 to 12. It starts when the head of the femur bone (the “ball” in the “socket” of the hip joint) temporarily loses its blood supply. When blood stops flowing to the bone, the tissue starts to die. After a while, the blood flow returns, and the bone slowly repairs itself. …
The left ventricle is the main chamber of your heart. It is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood into your aorta (the largest artery in the body). If the heart has to work too hard to pump blood, the muscles in the walls of the left ventricle thicken. This thickening is called hypertrophy. Hypertrophy means growing (trophy) too much (hyper). Left ventricular hypertrophy …
Lead poisoning happens when your child is affected by high levels of lead exposure. Lead poisoning is usually caused by eating or drinking (ingesting) lead, but touching or breathing in the toxic metal can also cause it. Lead poisoning is when any detectable amount of lead is found in your child’s blood. Lead can affect many parts of your child’s body, …