HIV/AIDS Where There is No Doctor To Explain

HAART: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy aka “the cocktail”

Electrolytes: These are charged metallic “ions” that help balance fluid pressure inside our cells and control the pH of our blood. Normal nerve, heart and muscle function rely on adequate amounts of these minerals. Any deficiencies can hamper performance dramatically. Water is consumed per kilogram of body weight more than any other item in the diet, making it a major source of minerals. However water does not supply enough of these minerals anymore. Two very important minerals magnesium and potassium are needed by our body. Otherwise, their lack sets up conditions of fatigue, muscle cramps and spasms.

CD-4 (or T-4): A blood test which measures the strength of the immune system

viral load: A blood test which measures the level of activity of the human immunodeficiency virus in the blood

“the cocktail”: the nickname for any number of combinations of highly powerful drugs which have been developed, since the mid-1990s, to treat HIV/AIDS

lipodystrophy: redistribution of body fat seen in people on HAART, most commonly in the belly and back of the neck

lipoatrophy: loss of fat, sometimes to a debilitating extent, in the face, limbs and butt

MSM: Men who have sex with men; a group of men epidemiologists and AIDS service organizations have identified who, while not identifying as gay, do have sex with men and sometimes fail to receive adequate HIV/AIDS prevention information and support

PEP “Post-Exposure Prophylaxis”: a four week daily dose of anti-HIV medications (in pill form) that can potentially stop HIV infection after exposure. PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure. The sooner you start taking it the better

PrEP: the use of an HIV medication by someone who is HIV-negative to prevent HIV infection. PrEP stands for “Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis”, meaning it is a tool to stop infection (“prophylaxis”) and is taken before you are exposed to HIV.

Undetectable: The term has come into use and it refers to whether HIV is found in one's blood after a given test.  Several tests must be performed in order for undetectable to be pronounced. Beware undetectable simply put may mean HIV is cleared out of your blood stream BUT not areas like the lymph or brain-blood barrier

Melasma (from the Greek word, ‘melas’ meaning black) is a common, acquired, circumscribed hypermelanosis of the skin. It presents as symmetric, hyperpigmented macules having irregular, serrated, and geographic borders. The most common locations are the face, forehead, cheeks, upper lips, the chin, and the forehead, but other sun-exposed areas may also occasionally be involved.

Receding hairline is known as frontal fibrosing alopecia can be seen as a condition where the hairline recedes and in some extreme cases, for up to 5 inches. It mostly, affects all around the scalp, forming a band like pattern of hair loss. 

Some causes:

• Hormonal imbalances (this is particularly vivid during pregnancy).

• Ovarian Tumors

• Adrenal gland tumors

• Autoimmune disorders where the body destroys hair follicles.

• Alopecia Areata

• Excessive processing of hair

• Excessive pulling of hair

• Infectious diseases such as eczema, acne and fungal infections

• Trauma, especially burns on your hairline might make your hair never to grow back.

• Low levels of estrogen has been found to accelerate the problem

• High testosterone and/or DHEA
• Birth control pill (they deplete zinc, which is essential in hair growth, and are high in male hormones).