Lichen sclerosus is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that most commonly affects the genital and anal areas. It causes the skin to become thin, white, and fragile, which can lead to discomfort and scarring over time. Although it can occur at any age, lichen sclerosus is most often seen in postmenopausal women and, less commonly, in children and men. The …

Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the mucous membranes inside the mouth. It is considered an immune-mediated disorder and may present with periods of flare-ups and remission. Oral lichen planus is not contagious, but it can cause persistent discomfort and requires long-term monitoring due to potential complications. Symptoms Symptoms of oral lichen planus vary depending on …

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that can affect the skin, mouth, nails, scalp, and genital areas. It often appears as purplish, flat-topped bumps on the skin or as white, lacy patches inside the mouth. The condition is not contagious and can affect adults of any age, though it is most common in middle-aged adults. The exact course of lichen …

Lice are tiny parasitic insects that live on the scalp and hair and feed on small amounts of blood from the scalp. Head lice are the most common type and mainly affect children, especially those in close-contact settings such as schools and daycare centers. Lice infestations are not a sign of poor hygiene and can affect anyone. Lice spread easily …

Leukoplakia is a condition in which thick, white or gray patches develop on the inside of the mouth. These patches cannot be scraped off and most commonly appear on the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or the floor of the mouth. Leukoplakia itself is usually not dangerous, but it can sometimes be an early sign of cancer. The condition is often …

Leiomyosarcoma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that develops from smooth muscle cells. Smooth muscles are found in many parts of the body, including the uterus, blood vessels, digestive tract, and other internal organs. Because smooth muscle exists throughout the body, leiomyosarcoma can occur in different locations. This cancer often grows quickly and may spread to other parts …

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. These bacteria are commonly found in freshwater environments but can become a health risk when they grow and spread in man-made water systems such as cooling towers, hot tubs, plumbing systems, and decorative fountains. People usually get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in small droplets of water that contain …

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a childhood condition that affects the hip joint. It occurs when the blood supply to the rounded head of the thigh bone, called the femoral head, is temporarily interrupted. Without enough blood flow, the bone weakens and can break down, leading to changes in the shape of the hip joint. The condition most often affects children between …

Left ventricular hypertrophy is a condition in which the muscular wall of the heart’s main pumping chamber, called the left ventricle, becomes thickened. This thickening usually develops as a response to increased workload on the heart, most commonly from high blood pressure or heart valve disease. While the heart muscle may initially thicken to help pump blood more effectively, over …

Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body over time, often due to repeated exposure. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, especially in young children, whose developing brains and nervous systems are particularly vulnerable. Even small amounts of lead can be harmful. Lead exposure commonly happens through contaminated paint, dust, soil, water, or …