Medical Symptoms: A Visual Guide, 2nd Edition

Book Preface

READER NOTICE

Medical Symptoms: A Visual Guide provides information on a wide range of medical topics, and every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this book is accurate and up-to-date (as of the date of publication). The book is not a substitute for expert medical advice, however, and is not to be relied on for medical, healthcare, pharmaceutical, or other professional advice on specific circumstances and in specific locations. You are advised always to consult a doctor or other health professional for specific information on personal health matters. Please consult your physician before changing, stopping, or starting any medical treatment. Never disregard expert medical advice or delay in seeking advice or treatment due to information obtained from this book. The naming of any product, treatment, or organization in this book does not imply endorsement by the Medical Editor, other consultants or contributors, editor, or publisher, nor does the omission of any such names indicate disapproval. Neither the author, publisher, Medical Editor, consultants, contributors, nor editor shall be liable or responsible for any injury, loss, or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book.

A NOTE ON GENDER IDENTITIES
DK recognizes all gender identities, and acknowledges that the sex someone was assigned at birth, based on their sexual organs, may not align with their gender identity. People may identify as any gender (including genders outside the male/female binary) or as no gender, and their gender identity may change during their lifetime. As gender language, and its use in our society, evolves, the scientific and medical communities continue to reassess their own phrasing. Please note, this book uses “women” to refer to people who were assigned as female at birth on the basis of their sexual organs, and “men” to refer to people who were assigned male at birth on the basis of their sexual organs.

A NOTE ON SKIN SYMPTOMS
Various conditions may produce a rash or discolouration of the skin, and the appearance of the affected area can be different on different skin tones. For example, a heat rash typically appears as a collection of small pink or red spots on pale skin whereas on brown or black skin the spots may appear gray or white. In this book, skin rashes and discoloration are generally described as they appear on paler skin.
It may be difficult to identify them on darker skin tones, but they may be easier to see on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, lips, tongue, or inside the eyelids, if any of those areas is affected. With certain conditions, discoloration may affect the skin and the whites of the eyes (appearing yellow in jaundice, for example), and the eye discoloration should be detectable regardless of a person’s skin color.