What the face says?

This is a quite rare syndrome. It is called Treacher Collins syndrome. What is it?

Treacher Collins syndrome is a condition that affects the development of bones and other tissues in the face. The signs and symptoms of this disorder vary greatly, ranging from almost unnoticeable to severe. Most affected individuals have underdeveloped facial bones, particularly the cheek bones, and a very small jaw and chin (micrognathia). Some people with this condition are also born with an opening in the roof of the mouth called a cleft palate. In severe cases, underdevelopment of the facial bones may restrict an affected infant's airway, causing potentially life-threatening respiratory problems.
People with Treacher Collins syndrome often have eyes that slant downward, sparse eyelashes, and a notch in the lower eyelids called a coloboma. Some affected individuals have additional eye abnormalities that can lead to vision loss. This condition is also characterized by absent, small, or unusually formed ears. Defects in the middle ear (which contains three small bones that transmit sound) cause hearing loss in about half of cases. People with Treacher Collins syndrome usually have normal intelligence.

I remember seeing a tv documentry about the guy in the first photo.

He's a lovely and very strong person. He has much to live with but he has everything that is needed.

I thank God that I was spared his struggles.

Roger

Be careful about prolonged use of laptop!!

Toasted skin syndrome

What is it?
Toasted Skin Syndrome is clinically known as Erythema Ab Igne and commonly known by various names such as ‘laptop thigh’ and ‘hot water bottle rash’ . Swiss doctors also call it ‘laptop-induced dermatosis’ .

Who is at risk?
“People who spend prolonged periods of time studying, reading , or playing games on laptops resting on their upper legs could develop this skin syndrome ,” warns dermatologist Dr Shreyas Kamath. Traditionally , this skin condition is common among people often exposed to heat while working (blacksmiths, silversmiths, cooks, etc). And now, people using laptops for long hours, even students and corporate individuals, are facing this.

Causes
The prolonged placement of laptop on the thighs results in thermal build of around 44 degrees of heat to which the skin responds by developing persistent redness and pigmentation . This has been reported in medical literature between 2004 to date, explains dermatologist and dermatosurgeon Dr Shenaz Z Arsiwala.

Harmful effects
“The skin develops a patch which is mottled (caused by local hemostasis – stagnation of blood) and later becomes reticulated erythema (patchy striped erythema) leaving behind pigmentation,” says Dr Manerkar.

Symptoms
Prolonged and repeated exposure to heat causes a marked redness and discolouration of the skin. Sometimes it will give a blotchy appearance which will appear as toasted skin. Mild itching and burning sensation on the affected area.

Treatment
First of all, identification of the root cause, i.e., the source of the heat, needs to be identified . If the cause is excess duration of laptop usage, it should be cut down. Also, direct contact of the laptop and the skin should be avoided by placing a barrier in between. Dr Arsiwala says laptop coolers are also available. The skin change, if detected early and is mild in nature, can settle on its own without treatment . However, for persistent redness, anti-inflammatory creams can be used.