Diseases & Conditions

Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis, urolithiasis) are crystalline mineral aggregates that form in the renal collecting system or elsewhere in the urinary tract. Common stone constituents include calcium (usually calcium oxalate and/or calcium phosphate), uric acid, struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and cystine. Stones may be asymptomatic or cause severe pain, haematuria, urinary obstruction, and—if complicated by infection—fever and sepsis (Leslie et al., 2024). Treatment options vary depending on the size and type of stone, ranging from increased hydration to surgical intervention.

Keratitis is an inflammatory condition of the cornea, the clear dome-shaped window at the front of the eye. It can be caused by various factors, including infections and non-infectious causes, and can lead to corneal blindness if not treated promptly and properly. Treatment for keratitis depends on the cause and severity of the condition.

Knee bursitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint. Prepatellar bursitis, a common type of knee bursitis, occurs when the bursa in front of the kneecap becomes inflamed. Treatment for knee bursitis depends on whether it is traumatic, overuse-related, crystal-related, or infectious. Most non-infectious cases improve with rest, ice, activity modification, NSAIDs, and physical therapy. Septic bursitis requires urgent medical evaluation and antibiotics.

Keratosis pilaris is a common, harmless skin condition that causes small, rough bumps to appear on the skin, often resembling goosebumps or "chicken skin". The condition is caused by the buildup of keratin, a protein that forms the skin's outer layer (epidermis), hair, and nails. While the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be associated with genetic factors and other skin conditions.

Keratoses are common, noncancerous skin growths that appear as brown, black, or light tan spots on the skin. They are caused by the abnormal proliferation of skin cells (epidermal keratinocytes) and tend to occur more frequently with age. They can be categorised into several types, with seborrhoeic keratosis and actinic keratosis being the most prevalent. While generally benign, some keratoses may require treatment for comfort or cosmetic reasons.