Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare but serious disorder that affects the skin and mucous membranes. It is usually triggered by a severe reaction to medications or, less commonly, infections. SJS causes the top layer of the skin to die and peel off, leading to painful sores and potential complications. Immediate medical attention is essential, as the condition can be …

Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands. It primarily affects the salivary and tear glands, leading to dryness of the mouth and eyes. The condition can occur on its own or in association with other autoimmune diseases. Sjogren’s syndrome often develops gradually and is more common in middle-aged adults, …

Short bowel syndrome is a condition that occurs when a significant portion of the small intestine is missing or not functioning properly. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients, fluids, and vitamins from food. When its length or function is reduced, the body cannot absorb enough nutrients to maintain normal health. Short bowel syndrome often develops after surgical removal …

Shigella infection is a contagious intestinal illness caused by bacteria of the Shigella group. It primarily affects the digestive tract and is a common cause of diarrhea, especially in areas with poor sanitation. The infection spreads easily from person to person and can affect individuals of all ages. While many cases are mild, some can be severe and require medical …

Shaken baby syndrome is a serious form of abusive head trauma that occurs when an infant or young child is violently shaken. The forceful shaking causes the brain to move back and forth inside the skull, leading to severe brain injury. This condition most commonly affects infants under one year of age and can result in long-term disability or death. …

Scrotal masses refer to lumps, swelling, or enlargement within the scrotum, the sac of skin that holds the testicles. These masses can vary in size and may be painless or painful. Some scrotal masses are harmless and non-cancerous, while others may indicate infections, fluid buildup, or more serious conditions such as testicular cancer. Scrotal masses can occur at any age, …

A scorpion sting occurs when a scorpion injects venom into the skin using its stinger. Scorpions are commonly found in warm and dry regions, and most stings happen when people accidentally come into contact with them. While many scorpion stings cause mild symptoms similar to a bee sting, some species can deliver venom that leads to serious health complications. The …

Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare inflammatory condition that affects the mesentery, the fold of tissue that attaches the intestines to the abdominal wall and supports blood vessels, nerves, and lymph nodes. The condition is characterized by chronic inflammation, fat necrosis, and fibrosis within the mesenteric tissue. Sclerosing mesenteritis can range from mild and asymptomatic to severe and symptomatic. In many …

Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by abnormal growth of connective tissue, leading to hardening and tightening of the skin. The word scleroderma means hard skin, but the condition can also affect blood vessels, internal organs, and the digestive system. There are two main forms of scleroderma: localized scleroderma, which mainly affects the skin, and systemic scleroderma, which can …

Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. Sciatica typically affects only one side of the body. Sciatica is not a disease itself but a symptom of …