Dr Tenielle Raman

Dr Tenielle Raman General practitioner
Special interest in Paediatrics, Internal medicine and Emergency medicine
Health promotion and disease prevention

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS): More Than Just “Boils”Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin condition t...
06/03/2026

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS): More Than Just “Boils”

Hidradenitis Suppurativa is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes painful lumps under the skin, usually in areas where skin rubs together.

What causes HS?
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it occurs when hair follicles become blocked and inflamed, leading to recurrent painful nodules and abscesses. It is not caused by poor hygiene and is not contagious.

Risk factors

• Family history of HS
• Being female
• Smoking
• Overweight or obesity
• Hormonal influences
• Associated conditions such as Polycystic O***y Syndrome, Metabolic Syndrome, and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Common symptoms
• Painful lumps under the skin
• Recurrent “boils” or abscesses
• Drainage of pus or fluid
• Sinus tracts (tunnel-like scars under the skin)
• Scarring over time

These typically occur in the armpits, groin, buttocks, under the breasts, and inner thighs.

Common triggers
• Friction and tight clothing
• Sweating and heat
• Smoking
• Hormonal changes
• Stress

How is HS diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on the appearance, location, and recurrence of lesions. Sometimes tests are done to rule out infection or other skin conditions.

Management options
While HS is chronic, early treatment can significantly improve symptoms.

Treatment may include:
• Topical or oral antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Hormonal therapy in selected patients
• Biologic therapy for severe disease
• Pain management
• Surgical drainage or removal of chronic lesions

Lifestyle measures that help:
• Smoking cessation
• Weight management
• Gentle skin care and loose clothing

If you experience recurrent painful “boils” in the same areas, consult your doctor early. Early diagnosis can help prevent scarring and improve quality of life.

🦴 Osteoporosis: Protect Your Bone HealthOsteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and fragile, increasing the ...
05/03/2026

🦴 Osteoporosis: Protect Your Bone Health

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and fragile, increasing the risk of fractures—most commonly in the hip, spine, and wrist. It often develops silently and may only be discovered after a fracture occurs.

⚠️ Risk Factors
• Ageing
• Female gender, especially after menopause
• Family history of osteoporosis
• Low body weight
• Smoking and excessive alcohol intake
• Lack of weight-bearing exercise
• Low calcium or vitamin D intake
• Long-term steroid use
• Chronic conditions such as thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes

🧬 Causes
Osteoporosis occurs when bone breakdown happens faster than new bone formation. Hormonal changes (especially reduced estrogen after menopause), poor nutrition, certain medications, and chronic illnesses can contribute.

🔍 Diagnosis
Osteoporosis is diagnosed with a bone mineral density (DEXA) scan, which measures bone strength and fracture risk. Blood tests may also be done to look for underlying causes.

Screening is recommended for:
• All women aged 65 years and older
• Postmenopausal women under 65 with risk factors
• Men aged 70 years and older
• Adults with fragility fractures
• Patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy

💊 Management
Bone health can be protected with:
✔ Adequate calcium and vitamin D
✔ Regular weight-bearing exercise
✔ Smoking cessation and limiting alcohol
✔ Fall prevention
✔ Medications when indicated (e.g. bisphosphonates or other osteoporosis treatments)

Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of fractures and improve long-term bone health.

If you are concerned about your risk for osteoporosis, speak to your healthcare provider about screening. 🩺

🌍 World Prematurity Day 💜Today we honour the tiniest fighters — our premature babies — and the incredible teams who help...
17/11/2025

🌍 World Prematurity Day 💜

Today we honour the tiniest fighters — our premature babies — and the incredible teams who help them thrive.

A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated gynecologists, pediatricians, nurses, and NICU nurses who show extraordinary skill, compassion and strength every single day. Your hands hold more than tiny lives — they hold hope, healing and a future.

💜 Here’s to the heroes who care for our little miracles.
💜 Here’s to the families who stay strong.
💜 And here’s to raising awareness for premature birth worldwide.

Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. Typhoid fever typically develops 1–3 weeks af...
05/11/2025

Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi.
Typhoid fever typically develops 1–3 weeks after exposure. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and often progress gradually.

Common signs and symptoms include:
Persistent high fever (often up to 39–40°C)
Headache and body aches
Weakness and fatigue
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain and discomfort
Diarrhoea or constipation (may alternate)
Nausea and vomiting
Rash on the chest or abdomen (in some cases)
Enlarged spleen or liver in advanced disease

If untreated, complications such as intestinal perforation, bleeding, and severe infection (sepsis) can develop — which may be life-threatening.

Risk Factors
Consumption of contaminated food or water
Poor sanitation or inadequate sewage disposal
Travel to or residence in areas with high typhoid prevalence
Close contact with an infected person or carrier
Lack of vaccination against typhoid fever
Eating raw or undercooked foods, especially street foods or salads washed with unsafe water
Children and young adults are more vulnerable, although anyone can be affected.

Treatment
Prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications.

Antibiotic therapy is the mainstay of treatment (commonly azithromycin, ceftriaxone, or ciprofloxacin — depending on resistance patterns).
Hydration with oral or intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
Fever management with antipyretics and supportive care.
Nutritional support to restore energy and aid recovery.
In severe or resistant cases, hospitalization may be required for close monitoring and intravenous antibiotics.

Preventing typhoid fever relies on:
Vaccination (recommended for those living in or travelling to high-risk areas)
Safe food and water practices:
Drink only bottled or boiled water
Avoid raw fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled
Eat foods that are thoroughly cooked and served hot
Good hand hygiene: wash hands with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet

Typhoid fever remains a preventable and treatable infection. Early recognition of symptoms, timely medical care, vaccination, and improved sanitation is key.

Vitamin D Deficiency ☀️Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone health, immunity, and mood regulation. Common Symptoms of d...
27/10/2025

Vitamin D Deficiency ☀️

Vitamin D plays a vital role in bone health, immunity, and mood regulation.

Common Symptoms of deficiency:
• Fatigue or low energy
• Muscle weakness or aches
• Low mood or depression
• Frequent infections
• Bone pain or joint discomfort

Clinical Signs:
• Bone tenderness (especially in the lower back or legs)
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty climbing stairs or rising from a chair
• In children, delayed growth or bone deformities

Treatment:
✅ Sunlight exposure
✅ Dietary sources — eggs, fatty fish, fortified dairy
✅ Vitamin D supplementation (as prescribed by your doctor)
✅ Regular blood tests to monitor vitamin D levels

Early detection and management can prevent complications such as osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and chronic fatigue.

Visit Centurion Health and Wellness for assessment, blood testing, and personalized vitamin therapy options.

🧠 Meningitis: Know the Signs, Act Fast!Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cor...
08/10/2025

🧠 Meningitis: Know the Signs, Act Fast!

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meninges), which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

👉 Types of meningitis:

Bacterial meningitis: Most severe; needs urgent antibiotic treatment.

Viral meningitis: More common and usually milder, but still requires medical attention.

Fungal or parasitic meningitis: less common, often occurs in people with weakened immune systems.

⚠️ Symptoms in adults:

Severe headache
Stiff neck
Fever and chills
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Confusion or drowsiness

👶 Symptoms in babies and children:

High fever or cold hands and feet
Irritability, constant crying
Vomiting or poor feeding
Bulging soft spot on the head (fontanelle)
Stiff neck or body, seizures
Drowsiness or difficulty waking up

💉 Treatment:
Bacterial meningitis requires immediate hospitalization and IV antibiotics. Viral meningitis is treated with rest, fluids, and supportive care. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent complications like brain damage or hearing loss.

✅ Prevention:
Vaccination against meningococcal, pneumococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria can greatly reduce risk. Always seek medical help immediately if meningitis is suspected — early action saves lives.

Address

Centurion Health And Wellness, Lodge Ronda , 287 Blackwood Road, Hennopspark
Centurion
0157

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 13:00

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