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South African Medical Directory

(Quick Reference)
S

St Vitus's Dance: Sydenham's Chorea.A Jerky involuntary twitching condition.It is related to Rheumatic Fever

Salivary Glands: These Glands control the flow of Saliva to the Mouth.There are three pairs.The Largest are called the Parotids Glands, just below an in front of the ear

Salk Vaccine: A Preparation that provides Immunisation against Polio-myelitis (Polio).The injectable Vaccine containing living but weakended Viruses - stimulate the body to produce Antibodies against the disease

Salpingitis: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.Acute or Chronic infection of the Fallopian Tube that links Ovary and Womb, which are often also infected

Sadfly Fever: Phlebotomus Fever.Viral disease.Transmitted by infected female sandflies which usually bite during the night

Sarcoma: Malignant (cancerous) Tumour of Connective Tissue which includes Bones, Cartlige, Muscle, Tendons an Ligaments

Scabies: The Itch.Is a highly contagious Skin disease due to Infestation by the mite Sarcoptes Scabie which burrow into the skin.The sites usually attacked, are between the fingers, insides of the wrist, the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet and penis

Scabies is an irritating rash caused by a tiny mite.The burrowing and egg-laying of these mites produce a rash that itches a lot.Scabies is visible as a fine grey line where the mite has burrowed into the skin ending in a black dot -the mite.It may also affect the ankles,feet,toes,elbows and the area around the genitals.When the eggs hatch,they are easily passed to another person by direct contact.They can also be picked up from bedding or linen that is infested with the mites

Symptoms: Intense itching.Burrows - fine,short lines on the backs of the hands and the sides of the fingers that end in a black spot the size of a pinhead.Scabs on the itchy areas.Scabies is not serious - but it is contagious and could run through a family if not treated promptly.Consult your doctor as soon as possible if you suspect scabies or if you are scratching a lot

Treatment: Your doctor will prescribe an antiparasitic lotion in sufficient quantity for the whole family to be treated.All the skin must be treated for the lotion to be effective Self Help: Try NOT TO SCRATCH the affected areas.This may hinder the doctor's diagnosis and cause sores to form that could become infected.After thorough washing, you should paint the whole body below the neck with the lotion and leave to dry.Do not wash it off for 24 hours.To ensure disinfestation,repeat the procedure a further 24 hours in a day or two.Carry out the treatment for other members of the family simultaneously.Launder or air all bedding and clothing to eradicate the mite.The mite does not live for longer than 5 or 6 days after it is removed from human skin

Scarlet Fever: A highly infectious childhood disease caused by Bacteria called Streptococcus Pyogenes.The same germ that causes Tonsillitis, Pharyngitis and Impetigo.Scarlet fever is rarely serious.However if your child is sensitive to the bacterium the infections can cuase inflammation of the Kidneys (Nephritis) or the Joints and Heart (Rheumatic fever)

Schistosomiasis: Bilharziasis.Parasitic disease caused by flatworms called Schistosomes - Schistosoam Haematobium and Schistosoma Mansoni.Found throughout Natal, Limpopo, Northern Province and Eastern Cape.Which live in the blood of humans and animals.A larval form of the parasite penetrates the Skin during swimming in infected water.The adult worms lay eggs in the walls of the Bladder and Rectum.These erode their wayIf not adequately treated,scarring may develop and lead to obstruction of the Urinary Tract with recurrent Kidney and Bladder infection.Can also lead to Squamous Carcinoma of Bladder

Schizophrenia: A serious Mental ilness or Psychosis.The sufferer lives in a dream world and feels threatened when faced by real people and real decisions of everyday life.Four sub-groups - Hebephrenic, Catatonic, Paranoid and Simple Schizophrenia

Sciatica: One of the many common forms of back trouble. It may result from any Abnormal Pressure on any part of the Sciatic Nerve, which runs down the legs from its roots in the lower back.Such pressure usually arises in the spine itself from a Slipped Disc

Scleroderma: It is the thickening and hardening of the connective tissues in the skin,joints,arteries and internal organs.It is a rare auotimmune condition that is twice as common in women as in men and usually develops between the agees of 40 & 60

Symptoms: Fingers or toes that are sensitive to the cold,becoming white & painful (Ranaud's phenomenon).Small hardened areas that appear on the fingers and may go on to ulcerate.Swollen fingers or hands.Pain in the joints,especially the joints in the hands.Thickening and tightening of the skin,which is most severe on the limbs but may affect the trunk and face.Muscle weakness.Difficulty swallowing due to stiffening of the tissues of the oesophagus (tube that connects the mouth & stomach).If the lungs are affected,shortness of breath may develop.Sometimes it causes high blood pressure and rarely,eventually kidney failure

Treatment: Immune-suppressing drugs or drugs that interfere with collagen production may be given.Join or start a support-group,support & education are very important

Scoliosis: Sideways Curvature of the Spine.Which may be structural, beginning in Childhood or Adolescence and increasing until growth stops.Causes such as - the Result of an attempt to relieve pain in the spine, caused by e.g Slipped disc, Present at childbirth,Result of disease such as Poliomyelitis,caused by Muscular Dystrophy, or may be the result of TB (Tuberculosis) infection,or Develop at any time in otherwise healthy child and may be triggered off by a fast growth spurt - by one leg being longer than the other or by Poor posture.Scoliosis should always be treated SERIOUSLY.Early diagnois is necessary to prevent deformity.Untreatred, the condition can also affect the Lungs resulting in breathing difficulties

Sebaceous Cyst: Cysts are common in the sebaceous (oil) glands of th Skin.Two kinds.Epidemarmal cyst which can appear anywhere on the body and easily become infected.Pilar cyst which usually appear on the scalp and not prone to infection

Seborrhoea: Excessively greasy Skin.Needs no medical treatment, but may lead to Acne or Eczema.Often accompanied by Dandruff

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis: The term Seborrhoeic dermatitis describes patches of red,scaly,itchy skin that occur mainly on oily parts of the skin such as the side of the nose,scalp,face and chest.Stress is often a trigger.Some people are born with the tendency to get Seborrhoeic dermatitis and may get recurrent episodes throughtout their life.Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a skin rash that commonly occurs in infants and adults.In infants,either the scalp (cradle cap) or the nappy area (nappy rash) may be affected.In adults the rash tends to occur on the central part of the face,the eyebrows and the scalp,where it often leads to flaking of the skin.Sometimes Seborrhoeic dermatitis also develops in the armpits,the groin or the middle of the chest and back.In men, the condition may developo in the beard area

Seborrhoeic Warts: Non cancerous wart.Black or brown with a rough, greasy surface which makes them look as though they are stuck on to the Skin.Usually start in the middle-ages and develop on any part of the body, except on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet

Sebum: An oily substance that is produced by the sebaceous glands just below the skin's surface. Sebum is the body's own skin moistener, spreading over the skin from the pores. Acne can be caused through a build-up of sebum under the skin's surface

Sensory Cortex: Part of the Brain.All the sensations felt by the body are received and interpreted in this area

Septicaemia: Blood Poisoning. Quite often we have bacteria in the blood - but they do not multiply.Septicaemia is a rare infection in which bacteria multiply in the bloodstream.It nearly always occurs when bacteria escape from a localized infection such as Peritonitis,Meningitis or an abscess and is more likely to occur in people with a compromised immune system.It is a complication of bacterial meningitis

Symptoms: 1. The symptoms of Septicaemia develop suddenly and include 2. high fever 3. chills 4 & violent shivering 5. If septicaemia is left untreated,the bacteria may produce toxins that damage blood vessels,causing a drop in blood pressure and widespread tissue damage.In this condition called Septic Shock,which is potentially life-threatening,symptoms include faintness,cold,pale hands and feet,restlessness and irritability,rapid,shallow breathign,rash,jaundice,in many cases,delirium and eventual loss of consciousness.In some people,bacteria may lodge on the heart valves,especially if the heart has previously been damaged by disease.This serious condition is called Infective Endocarditis.Rarely,septicaemia may result in a lack of blood cells involved in the blood clotting (thrombocytopaenia) which increases the risk of bleeding and produces a characteristic purpuric rash that does not blanch when a glass is pressed on the skin

Treatment: If your doctor suspects that you have septicaemia,you will be admitted to hospital for immediate treatment.Intravenous antibiotics are given without delay and blood tests are done to identify the bacterium causing the infection.Once the bacterium has been identified,specific antibiotics are given.With prompt treatment before the onset of Septic Shock,most people are able to make a complete recovery

Septic Shock: If Blood Poisoning (Septicaemia) is left untreated,the bacteria in the blood may produce toxins that damage the blood vessels,causing a drop in blood pressure and widespread tissue damage.This dangerous condition is called Septic Shock - which is life-threatening and the symptoms include faintness,cold pale hands and feet,restlessness and irritability,rapid shallow breathing,a rash,jaundice and in many cases,delirium and eventually loss of consciousness *see Septicaemia - above for treatment*

Serology: The study of Blood Serum and its components for use in diagnosing diseases

Serum: The clear liquid content of the blood when separated from other blood components such as clotting substances, which are found in Plasma.The term is sometimes used loosely as a synonym for Antiserum

Serum Sickness: An Allergic reaction to an injection of Serum.Usually occurs 7-12 days after the infection and marked by a rash,join pains and swollen lymph glands and often a mild fever

Sex Hormones: People's sexual development and reproductive functions are controlled by the sex hormones which are produced largely by the Testes in men and the Ovaries in females.Androgens are the Male sex hormones and Oestrogens and Progesterones the female ones

Shiatsu: Sometimes called Acupressure.A form of massage developed in Japan and based on the same principles as Acupuncture.But uses Finger Pressure rather than needles.The technique which can be practised by the patient himself, involves the Stimulation of certain areas of the Skin with the fingers and thumb

Shingles: Herpes Zoster. Caused by the Chickenpox Virus which lies dormant in the nerve cells.Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash of blisters following the path of a nerve, sometimes on the face and occasionaly affecting the eye,when treatment must be ongoing to prevent infection.Shingles is most common between the ages of 50 -70. People with reduced immunity such as those with AIDS or those undergoing chemotherapy, are also especially susceptible to this infection.People with AIDS are particularly likely to have severe outbreaks of Shingles

The shingles rash commonly occurs on only one side of the body and usually affects the skin on the chest,abdomen or face.In older people,discomfort may continue for months after the rash has disappeared.This prolonged pain is called post-herpetic neuralgia Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox,which remains dormant in nerve cells.When it is reactivated later in life, it causes shingles.The reason for reactivation is unknown but shingles often occur at times of stress or ill health The virus is easily spread by direct contact with a blister and will cause chickenpox in someone who has not already had it

Symptoms: 1. Initially you may experience tingling,itching and a sharp pain in part of your skin.After a few days, the following symptoms may develop 2 . painful rash of fluid-filled blisters 3. fever 4. headache and 5. fatigue 6. within 3-4 days blisters form scabs 7. The scabs heal in 10 days but may leave scars 8. If a nerve that supplies the eye is affected,blisters may cause inflammation of the cornea 9. Rarely infection of the facial nerve causes paralysis of one side of the face

Treatment: Shingles can be difficult to diagnose until the rash appears and severe pain following the line of the ribs - where nerves run around the body - can be mistaken for the chest pain of Angina.Your doctor may prescribe anit-viral drugs to reduce the severity of the symptoms and the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia.Immediate treatment with anti-viral drugs is important if your eyes are affected or if you have reduced immunity.Painkillers may help relieve discomfort,and Carbamazepine may help relieve the prolonged pain of post-herpetic neuralgia.Most people who develop Shingles recover within 2-6 weeks,but up to half of people over the age of 50 develop post-herpetic neuralgia

Short Sightedness: Myopia.A focusing problem of the eye.Difficulty in seeing objects at a distance, but can see clearly for close work

Shoulder-Hand Syndrome: Pain an restricted movement in the Shoulder, with a swollen hand,stiff fingers and shiny stretched skin.The condition comes gradually and may follow a Heart attack or a Stroke

Sickle Cell Anaemia: This is an inherited condition caused by an abnormal form of Haemoglobin in the blood.The inheritance is recessive - both parents carry an abnormal gene but are themselves healthy.The anaemia that results from the blood condition is not present at birth, but develops in the first 6 months.Sickle-cell anaemia is more common in people of African Descent.Haemoglobin is the protein contained in red cells in the blood.It picks up oxygen from the blood and carries it to various parts of the body.Sickle-cell anaemia occurs when the abnormal Haemoglobin causes the red blood cells to become sickle-shaped as a result of low oxygen levels.This may lead to a sickle-cell crisis,involving severe joint and abnormal pain.Immediate mediacal attention is needed

Sigmoidoscopy: The examination of the colon through a viewing instrument passed via the anus

Silicosis: An Occupational Lung disease caused by breathing in dust from rock, such as quartz or silica

Sinusitis: Pain and flammation of the Mucous Membrane of the Sinuses - the bony cavities leading from the nose. If not treated efficiently an quickly - can become CHRONIC

Skin Cancers: There are several types of Skin Cancer.Most of which are associated with prolonged exposure to sunlight.Fair-skinned people are most at risk.Exposure to the sun is a risk factor and should be avoided from babyhood.The use of sunbeds is also a risk factor and should likewise be avoided.Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer in the world.In recent years, the incidence around the world has escalated and the condition now affects millions of people worldwide.The good news is that Skin Cancer can usually be cured if it is diagnosed early though preventive measures are always preferable

The usual cause of SKin Cancer is prolonged exposure of the harmful Ultraviolet Radiation in sunglight.The risk is higher if you are fair-skinned and if you live or take holidays in areas with intense sun, the closer you are to the equator,the greater the risk.It is the cumulative hours of sunshine that count so if you live in a very sunny place - you will reach your 'cancer-inducing dose' earlier than somewhere like the UK where there is not so much sun.The recent depletion of the Ozone Layer is though to have played a part in increasing the incidence of skin cancer because the Ozone Layer acts as a shield against harmful Ultraviolet (UV) light.SUnbeds,which give out ultraviolet light,may also cause skin cancer.You shoul also bear in mind that the more times you have been sunburned, the greater your chance of developing Malignant Melanoma - the most dangerous form of skin cancer.If you work outside or have been sunburned - particularly in childhood,you could be vulnerable to skin cancer.People who have fair skin are especially susceptible because they have low levels of melanin,the pigment that give the skin its colour and helps protect it from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays.To reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, try to avoid exposure to the sun and protect your skin when outside.Examine your skin regularly and ask someone else to check your back and scalp.Wear UV-resistant clothing in areas of intense sunlight and where there is a lot of reflection e.g snow or water

Types of Skin Cancer: There are 3 main types of Skin Cancer all linked to over-exposure of the sun

1. BASEL CELL CARCINOMA: The most common type of skin cancer.Can be easily treated.It rarely spreads

2. SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA: Is a form of skin cancer that may spread and is occasionally fatal.Can be cured completely - if detected early

3. MALIGNANT MELANOMA: Deadly and getting more common.Can Spread rapidly to other parts of the body and causes more deaths than any other skin cancer

4. Kaposi's Sarcoma:Uncommon type of skin cancer.Usually occurs only in people with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Precaution: Try and stay out of harmful sunrays.Wear protective clothes,hat & sunglasses in the sun.Wear a high sun protection factor sunscreen.See your doctor promptly if you notice any changes in your skin or moles

Treatment: Skin Cancer can usually be cured - if it is diagnosed early 1. You should consult your doctor promptly if you notice any change in your skin. Such as enlarging lumps or sores that do not heal 2. You may need to have a skin biopsy.During this procedure, a small area of skin is removed and examined under a microscope for abnormal cells.The type of skin cancer and spread of the disease - determines the treatment and prognosis.Sometimes only the affected area of skin needs to be treated 3. It is possible to remove most types of Skin Cancer surgically 4. However, skin grafting may be necessary if a cancer has invaded large areas of surrounding skin tissure 5. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body,radiotherapy or chemotherapy - may also be needed *also see Malignant Melanoma*

Skin Tags: These are loose, painless growths of skin.About 3mm long which sometimes develop in the groin, armpits, trunk and the side of the neck.Common in elderly women

Sleeping Sickness: Trypansomiasise.Caused by a minute parasite called Trypanosome, carried by the Tsetse Fly - in South Central Africa

Slipped Disc: A Bulging of one of the rubbery, Shock-absorbing Discs that lie between each Vertebrae in the Spine.This bulge presses on the adjacent nerves causing pain and sometimes muscle weakness

Smallpox: For centuries on of mankind's most dreaded killer diseases. Eradicated in 1978. A Viral infection.Main characteristic of the disease was a Rash that left permanent pitted Scars in the skin of those who recovered

Soleus Muscles: Calf Muscles.The Gastrocnemius and the Soleus Muscles at the back of the calf are concerned with walking, runnning and standing

Sound Therapy: Sound therapy is used by some therapists in an attempt in curing disease.There is a believe that illness is accompanied by a change in the Vibration Rate within Molecules in part or all of the body and that if the vibration can be returned to Normal, the illness can be cured.Ultrasonic techniques, using machines that produce sounds above the frequency of 20 000 cycles a second, already have several applicaitons in orthodox medicine e.g ultrasound treatment can claim some spectatular results in the treatment of sporting injuries.Waves of even higher intensity are used to destroy cancerous body cells

Spermatocoele: Is similar to an epididymal cyst,but instead of containing clear fluid,it is filled with milky semen and sperm.If you shine a torch through it,it doesn't light up like a hydrocoele.The two can only be differentiated if fluid is drained for examination.Spermatocoeles are harmless and are usually left in place unless they become troublesome

Sphincter: A ring of Muscle firbres that by relaxing or contracting - opens or closes a passage in the body.Some sphincters are automatically controlled e.g at base of stomach and some are consiously controlled e.g bladder and rectum

Spider Naevus: A small painless red spot on the face,body and legs with thin red (legs) - blood vessels coming form it - making it look like a spider

Spina Bifida: Split Spine.Neural tube defects are abnormalities of the brain and the spinal cord and their protective coverings.It runs in families suggesting that genetic factors are involved.The neural tube,which develops along the back of the embryo by about the 3rd week of pregnancy,later becomes the brain and the spinal cord and their coverings.If this tube fails to close completely - defects in any of these parts can result.The most common neural tube defect is Spina Bifida, in which the spinal cord and vertebrae are affected.The bones and other tissues surrounding the spina column do not form properly, leaving nerve fibres and membranes exposed.It may occur in every grade of severity.The symptoms reflects the severity of the condition.These range from no symptoms at all, except for the skin markings - to complete Paralysis of the lower limbs and incontinence

Spina Bifida Occulta - is a mild defect of the bones which has no practical significance. Some forms may however, result in physical or mental handicap, even when treated immediately.In a child born with this condition,the bones of the spine, which normally protect the spinal colums,fail to join up properly, leaving a gap, so that in extreme cases the nerves of the spinal column are exposed.The condition most commonly affects the lower region of the spine and can be relatively Minor - with just a dimple or a brown hairy mole growing from the bottom of the spine and a minor abnormaility of the vertebrae

Or a Very serious - when the spinal cord is underdeveloped and the gap in the spine is covered by a large red membrane instead of skin

With a moderate to severe form of Spina Bifida - the development and function of the child's lower body will never be quite normal and he may be phyically stunted and walk with a limp.Nine out of ten Spina Bifida babies also have Hydrocephalus (*also see under Hydrocephalus*) a condition in which excessive fluid accumulates in the Brain.Spina Bifida is one of the most common Congenital Disorders

Symptoms: In minor cases,there are no obvious symptoms,and spina bifida may only be diagnosed when a minor condition such as backache occurs in adult life.Symptoms may become apparent in childhood and mainly affect the lower body,including a dimple or brown,hairy mole at the base of the spine.Paralysis or weakness of the legs.Absence of sensation in the legs.Abnormalities in bladder or bowel function.Many children with severe spina bifida also have a build-up of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus)

Treatment: If you are concerned about your child's ability to move his legs or bladder or bowel functioning,consult your doctor as soon as possible.A baby who has a neural tube defect will probably have CT scanning or MRI of the spine to assess the severity of the defect.If the defect is minor,no treatment is necessary.However if a baby has a serious defect,he is likely to require surgery,children who are born with severe defects will be permanently disabled and need life-long care.In no action is taken in such severe cases,the babies usually die peacefully within weeks of birth.If your child is severely affected,you will need practical and emotional support from a team of specialtists including doctors,physiohterapists and special education teachers.Your family may also find it helpful to join a support group

Prognosis: Since the discovery in 1992 that Folic Acid taken before conception and during early pregnancy provided protection against neural tube defects - Spina Bifida is becoming less common.You can reduce the risk of your baby having a neural tube defect by taking Folic Acid supplements (usually about 400 micorgrams per day) during the first 3 months of pregnancy and if possible while you are trying to conceive.Your doctor may suggest a slightly higher dose if you already have an affected child

Spiral Fractures: Spiral fractures or oblique fractures are usually caused by sudden,violent rotating movements,such as twisting the leg during a fall,especially if there is a ski on the end of it *also see under fractures*

Spots: Small patches of discoloured Skin which may appear as single Pimples containing Pus or as a Rash affecting all or part of the body

Sprain: The sudden Stretching or Tearing of a Ligament, - the strong flexible tissue that links the bones at a point.The Ankle, Knee and Wrist Joints are the most commonly affected.Children in the six to twelve group are more prone to sprains than the younger young ones

Sprue: Psilosis.Disease in which Food and Essential nutrients are Inadequately Absorbed from the intestines and the lining of the Small Intestines becomes inflammed

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Type of Skin Cancer.Develops on its own or forms in the hard, corn-like growths that sometimes appear on the back of the hands, top of the head, face, ears,lips and neck

Squint: Cast in the Eye.Is more an unsightly blemish.It is quite common for the eyes of newborn babies to move independently of each other, until the age of eigtht to ten weeks.At about this time the baby's eyes should become permanently aligned.If it doesn't, and one or both eyes wander- this is known as a Squint or Crossed eyes.This condition is most commonly caused db y an imbalance of the Eye Muscles.It may also be associated with other vision defects such as long or short sight.The brain compensates for the wandering eye by blocking out what isseen by it. Caution - Needs to be taken SERIOUSLY, A squint that persists, can result in Permanent Loss of Vision in one eye

Stammer: Stutter.A Speech disorder in which there is Interruption to the normal flow of speech and repetition of the first letters or syllables of words.Stammering is not serious and can be controlled if not cured.However drawing unnecessary attention to the stammer may make your child feel self-conscious and worsen the problem.There is nearly always an underlying emotional problem such as fear, anxiety or tension - usually caused by parental concern

Steatorrhoea: The passing of large pale, foul-smelling fatty stools., which may float and be difficult to flush away.Main causes are Coeliac Disease and Sprue or due to Obstructive Jaundice, chornic Pancreatitis and Gastrectomy - which limits the body's absorption of fat and vitamins from the Intestines

Stenosis: The narrowing of a Blood Vessel, Heart Valve, duct or any other channel in the body. Marked stenosis causes illness

Sterility: Inability in a man or woman to have children.Sterility may be due to natural Infertility or the result of an opertation such as Vasectomy or Hysterectomy

Steroids: These are a group of Chemical compounds that can occur naturally in the body and may also be man-made.Those used in medicines are e.g Corticosteroids, Female sex hormones - oestrogens and progestogens, Male sex hormones - androgens and Anabolic steriods - a group of synthetic steroids similar to androgens

Sticky Eye: Is a mild eye infection that is quite common in the first week of a baby's life.It is nearly alway due to a foreign substance getting into the eye during delivery.The eye will ooze pus and when he awakes from sleep, teh eye will be gummed up with it.Sticky eye should be treated promptly, to prevent th more serious infection of Conjunctivitis form developing

Stings: Most stings whether from insects, jellyfish or bluebottles - cause only local irritation and pain.In rare cases where there is Severe Allergic Reaction to a sting, shock may develop - this is known as Anaphylactic Shock.A sting is rarely serious.However some cases NEED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION e.g. an Allergic reaction with severe SWELLING, leading to loss of consciousness, if it is in the MOUTH or THROAT, where swelling could lead to BREATHING problems, sting by a Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish, or stung by a number of insects

Storkbites: Birthmarks.Small pink and spidery and appear on the back of the neck, the upper eyelids or the nose.They disappear within a few years

Strawberry Naevus: Type of birthmark.A bright red raised mark with a bumpy surface, which is sometime shaped like a strawberry.Present at birth, which usually appears in the first week of life , caused by congenital abnormality of the Blood VesselsUsually disappear at the age of 5, but before it does, it enlarges alarmingly growing darker or lighter, before gradually disappearing.More common in girls and can bleed spontaneously

Stress Fractures: Fractures are caused by repeated jarring of a bone are called stress fractures.They may occur in the foot bones or shin bones of long-distance runners.In the elderly,fractures may result from minor stress such as a chronic cough,which can break a rib *also see under fractures*

Stroke: A sudden loss of function on one side of the body, due to an interupption of the Blood upply to part of the Brain.Strokes known as Apoplexy are commmon after the age of 50 , uncommon before.2 Types of stroke - One which is a Serious loss of function that clears up only slowly and partially. And a Transient Ischaemic Attack, which result in a Mild loss of function that disappears within a few minutes but that keep recurring

Stutter: Stammer.Speech disorder in which there is an Interruption to the normal flow of speech and Repetition of the firts letter or syllables of words

Styes: Sometimes called a Hordeolum and is a small boil in the Glands at the root of the eyelash, nearly always on lower eyelid

Subacute: Term used to describe a disease that Progresses more Quickly than a Chronic condition, yet does not become Acute

Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: Bleeding into the fluid-filled space around the Brain, as the result of a Rupture in weak blood vessles on the surface of the Brain.Occurs mainly in young adults

Subconjunctival Haemorrhage: A bright red collection of Blood on the surface of the White of the Eye. Spontaneous haemorrhage tends to occur in middle-aged or elderly people or can be the result of a blow to the eye

Subdural Haematoma: The Subdural Veins run across the surface of the Brain, inside the Skull. A Subdural Haematoma is a mass of clotted or fluid blood which may build up if one of these veins is raptured by head injuries

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: SIDS.During the first year of life about one in 500 babies dies suddenly in their sleep from unknown causes

Superficial Thrombophlebitis: Inflammation of a superficial vein - a vein just beneath the surface of the skin, that may cause a blood clot to form in it.More common after age 20, more common in women and somtimes runs in families. Intravenous drug abuise is a risk factor. A blood clot of this kind rarely breaks off and travels because the inflammation holds it firmly within the vein

Syndrome: A Collection oA Venereal Sexually Transmitted diseasef Signs and Symptoms that combine to make up a particular disease or condition such as Cushing's Syndrome and aynard's Syndome

Synovitis: Inflammation of a Joint, usually the Knee or Ankle that most commonly occurs after an injury

Syphilis: It is a bacterial infection caused by a bacterium Spirochacta Pallida.This infection can cause serious damage - initially affecting the genitals, but left untreated can damage many parts of the body,including the spine and brain.Early treatment with Penicillin prevents many of the serious effects of the disease.Once diagnosed,syphilis can be treated successfully with antibiotics by a specialist in genito-urinary infections

Systole: This is the period of Muscular Contractions in a Heartbeat.It alternates with a period of rest - called Diastole.Each contraction which lasts about two-fifths of a second, pumps blood through the Circulatory System

Systolic Pressure: The pressure when the contraction of the heart forces blood around the body

Family Health Guide & The Baby & Child Health Care Handbook - Dr.Miriam Stoppard