Some of us didn’t choose to become doctors for a reason. Because not everyone enjoys staring at organs in jars, or flipping through coroners’ reports.
Medicine, after all, deals with the real human body. And the real human body isn’t always pretty. Some injuries, conditions, and treatments can look like they come straight out of a horror movie — except they’re very real.
However, if you belong to the group that is drawn toward medical images for some reason, then dare to scroll till the end.
One Instagram page, called Creepy Medical, has nearly 170,000 followers who show up for exactly this kind of content.
We’ve rounded up some of the most unsettling pics from their account. And perhaps, we don’t need to repeat it, but we will — the pics below may be disturbing to some viewers.
#21
Can you imagine having no fingernails?
Anonychia, also known as congenital anonychia or congenital nail absence, is a rare condition characterized by the absence of nails at birth or a severe reduction in nail size. While it affects a small percentage of the population, its impact on physical appearance and function can be significant.
Anonychia, also known as congenital anonychia or congenital nail absence, is a rare condition characterized by the absence of nails at birth or a severe reduction in nail size. While it affects a small percentage of the population, its impact on physical appearance and function can be significant.
Causes:
Anonychia can be inherited as a genetic trait or occur sporadically. It may result from mutations in various genes involved in nail development during embryogenesis. Additionally, certain environmental factors or underlying medical conditions, such as ectodermal dysplasias, may contribute to its development.
Anonychia can be inherited as a genetic trait or occur sporadically. It may result from mutations in various genes involved in nail development during embryogenesis. Additionally, certain environmental factors or underlying medical conditions, such as ectodermal dysplasias, may contribute to its development.
Symptoms:
The primary symptom of anonychia is the absence of one or more nails on the fingers or toes. In some cases, the nails may be present but severely underdeveloped, thin, or misshapen. Other associated features may include abnormalities in the skin, hair, and teeth, depending on the underlying cause.
The primary symptom of anonychia is the absence of one or more nails on the fingers or toes. In some cases, the nails may be present but severely underdeveloped, thin, or misshapen. Other associated features may include abnormalities in the skin, hair, and teeth, depending on the underlying cause.
Management:
Treatment for anonychia focuses on addressing cosmetic concerns and optimizing nail function, if possible. While there is no cure for the condition, individuals may explore various options such as prosthetic nails, nail wraps, or cosmetic tattooing to improve the appearance of affected nails. Additionally, regular care of the remaining nails and surrounding skin can help prevent complications such as infections or ingrown nails.
Treatment for anonychia focuses on addressing cosmetic concerns and optimizing nail function, if possible. While there is no cure for the condition, individuals may explore various options such as prosthetic nails, nail wraps, or cosmetic tattooing to improve the appearance of affected nails. Additionally, regular care of the remaining nails and surrounding skin can help prevent complications such as infections or ingrown nails.
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30points
This fascination with the human body doesn’t stop at medical procedures though.
Early apothecaries and medical shops used to display unusual specimens like bones, or organs to attract curious visitors.
In medieval and early modern Europe, public executions drew thousands of people.
For example, in London, people would gather at places like Tyburn or outside Newgate Prison to watch criminals being executed.
Estimates say crowds could reach up to 50,000, with vendors selling food and people even paying for better viewing spots.
In some cases, the bodies of criminals were also displayed in public places, or their heads were mounted on city gates and bridges so passers-by could see them.
#22
Severe hyperplastic oral candidiasis in a patient with HIV.Oral candidiasis, commonly known as thrush, poses a significant challenge for individuals living with HIV. This condition, caused by the Candida fungus, often manifests in the mouth, leading to uncomfortable symptoms and affecting overall oral health.In HIV patients, oral candidiasis is prevalent due to the weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to fungal infections. The decrease in CD4 cell count, a key marker of immune health, provides an opportunity for Candida to thrive and cause an overgrowth in the oral cavity.The symptoms of oral candidiasis can vary but typically include white, creamy patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of the mouth. These patches may be accompanied by pain, difficulty swallowing, and a cotton-like sensation in the mouth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the throat, causing further discomfort and complications.Managing oral candidiasis in HIV patients requires a multi-faceted approach. Antifungal medications, such as oral or topical antifungal agents, are commonly prescribed to combat the fungal overgrowth. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, can help control the infection and prevent its recurrence.It is essential for HIV patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to address oral candidiasis effectively. Monitoring the patient’s CD4 cell count and viral load is crucial in managing the infection and evaluating the overall immune system response.Furthermore, proper education and awareness play a vital role in preventing and managing oral candidiasis in HIV patients. Understanding the importance of consistent antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and the impact of a Let’s work together to combat HIV/AIDS! #HIVAwareness #GlobalHealth#hiv #aidsCredit: Mahajan VK, Gupta M, Sharma R, Shiny T N, Gupta S, Rashpa RS. Clinico-epidemiologic attributes of 515 persons living with human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome on antiretroviral therapy
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30points
#23
Table football can be a dangerous game! This young patient stepped on a football table pole, the pole penetrated the sole of his foot going through the shoe and sock. Surprisingly, the plastic player was the one stopping the pole from impaling further.
The patient was quickly taken to the emergency room and underwent surgery while under general anesthesia to remove the impaled rod. Although their foot healed completely, their Nike Jordan shoes did not survive. It is possible that the patient was enraged due to one of their football players receiving a red card, but this is only speculative.
The patient was quickly taken to the emergency room and underwent surgery while under general anesthesia to remove the impaled rod. Although their foot healed completely, their Nike Jordan shoes did not survive. It is possible that the patient was enraged due to one of their football players receiving a red card, but this is only speculative.
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28points
In the end, this strange curiosity isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s simply part of being human.
These medical images remind us how complex, and sometimes fragile, the human body can be.
And who knows… seeing a rare condition or unusual symptom here might even help you catch a serious health issue around you.
#26
Plicae fimbriate- ever heard of this condition?
Plica fimbriata refers to the small folds in the membrane on the underside of your tongue. The folds tend to run parallel to, and on either side of your frenulum. The frenulum is the web of tissue that connects your tongue to the bottom of your mouth. These growths are harmless. They are normal residual tissue not completely reabsorbed by the body during the development and growth of the tongue.
Sometimes they can get caught in your teeth. If one of these bumps comes off, it can leave an open sore that’s vulnerable to infection. For most infections you may just need to use an antieptic mouthwash for a few days to keep the area clean.
Sometimes they can get caught in your teeth. If one of these bumps comes off, it can leave an open sore that’s vulnerable to infection. For most infections you may just need to use an antieptic mouthwash for a few days to keep the area clean.
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25points
#28
Lateral view skull radiograph of a patient with multiple myeloma
The classic radiographic appearance of multiple myeloma is that of multiple, small, well-circumscribed, lytic, punched-out, round lesions within the skull, spine, and pelvis. The pattern of lytic or punched-out radiolucent lesions on the skull have been described as resembling raindrops hitting a surface and splashing
The classic radiographic appearance of multiple myeloma is that of multiple, small, well-circumscribed, lytic, punched-out, round lesions within the skull, spine, and pelvis. The pattern of lytic or punched-out radiolucent lesions on the skull have been described as resembling raindrops hitting a surface and splashing
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24points
#29
Severe case of a condition called pitted keratolysis! Pitted keratolysis is a superficial bacterial skin
infection that affects the soles of the feet, and less often, the palms of the hands. It is one of the causes of smelly feet. It is characterised by whitish skin and clusters of punched-out pits.
infection that affects the soles of the feet, and less often, the palms of the hands. It is one of the causes of smelly feet. It is characterised by whitish skin and clusters of punched-out pits.
Pitted keratolysis is caused by several bacterial species, including corynebacteria, Dermatophilus congolensis, Kytococcus sedentarius, actinomyces and streptomyces.
The bacteria proliferate in moist conditions. The pitting is due to destruction of the corny cells (stratum corneum) by protease enzymes produced by the bacteria. The bad smell is due to sulfur compounds produced by the bacteria: thiols, sulfides and thioesters.
The bacteria proliferate in moist conditions. The pitting is due to destruction of the corny cells (stratum corneum) by protease enzymes produced by the bacteria. The bad smell is due to sulfur compounds produced by the bacteria: thiols, sulfides and thioesters.
Treatment of pitted keratolysis requires the application of antibiotics to the skin such as benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, erythromycin, fusidic acid, or mupirocin. Prevention efforts aim to keep the feet dry by using moisture-wicking shoes and socks as well as antiperspirants.
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23points
#31
Is there something strange about this picture? You’re right, the hand shouldn’t normally bend this way!
Often referred to as „double jointed“ people who can move their joints beyond its normal range have what are called hypermobility. What the gentleman’s have in this picture is called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, the hyper-mobility form, an inherited connective tissue disorder that is caused by defects in a protein called collagen. Symptoms include varying degrees of hyperextensive skin, joint hypermobility, and tissue fragility (including that of vasculature - leading to risk of aortic dilation, aneurysms, or dissection in the severe form).
Most babies and children are naturally very flexible. Many people become less flexible as they grow, but hypermobility continues into adulthood for some, up to about 20% of people. Being „flexible,“ „bendy,“ or „double-jointed“ is not usually a problem, and for some, like dancers or gymnasts, it is an advantage. Hypermobility that does not cause pain or other symptoms is referred to as „asymptomatic joint hypermobility“ and does not need to be treated. The problem occurs when joints are not just hypermobile but are also unstable. Joint instability occurs when the bones of a joint aren’t held in place securely. This can lead to joint subluxations, dislocations, sprains, and other injuries. Joint instability can cause both acute and chronic pain and interfere with daily life.
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23points
#37
This is called internal decapitation. This person most likely received an impact to the lower jaw resulting in separation of the spine to the skull or was hung by the neck from a height. Internal decapitation is instantaneous death
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19points
#39
Super Pruney Fingers From Swimming!
The skin on the fingers can become wrinkly or “pruney” when in water for too long. Wrinkly fingers can also be a sign of a medical problem, such as dehydration, Raynaud’s disease, or diabetes.
The skin on the fingers can become wrinkly or “pruney” when in water for too long. Wrinkly fingers can also be a sign of a medical problem, such as dehydration, Raynaud’s disease, or diabetes.
The skin on human fingers and toes is known as glabrous, meaning it is smooth and hairless. When it has been in contact with water for a long time, the glabrous skin on the fingers can look like a prune.
This change serves an evolutionary role, helping people grip wet objects or objects in water.
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18points
