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.

Key GBV Statistics in South Africa 1 in 3 women in South Africa have experienced physical violence from an intimate part...
14/11/2025

Key GBV Statistics in South Africa
1 in 3 women in South Africa have experienced physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime.

Femicide and Murder Rates
Between July and September 2024, 957 women were murdered (HSRC)

From April 2023 – March 2024, 5,578 women were killed.

The rate of femicide is alarming: reports suggest South Africa's female interpersonal violence death rate is several times above the global average.

Sexual Violence
The HSRC national study found that 9.9% of women have experienced s*xual violence in their lifetime – that’s approximately 2.15 million women.

In the 2023–2024 reporting year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded 42,569 r**e cases. (amnesty.org.za)

Importantly, Amnesty International notes that a large proportion of s*xual violence likely goes unreported. (amnesty.org.za)

Assault / Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH)
Between July and September 2024, according to the HSRC, 14,366 women experienced assaults resulting in grievous bodily harm. (HSRC)

Targeting by Intimate Partners
Over a four-year period (April 2020 to March 2024), 198,176 women were targeted in domestic violence incidents by intimate partners (TimesLIVE)

The breakdown of perpetrators is especially telling: in that timeframe, 114,722 women were targeted by boyfriends; tens of thousands more by ex-partners, husbands, or other intimate relations. (TimesLIVE)

Vulnerable Populations
Women with disabilities are at higher risk. The HSRC report found that 29.3% women with disabilities have experienced lifetime physical abuse, versus 21.7% for women without disabilities. (HSRC)

Sexual violence among women with disabilities is also higher: 14.6% (disability) vs. 7.2% (no disability). (HSRC)

Psychological, economic, and controlling behaviors are also more prevalent among women with disabilities. (HSRC)

These statistics emphasize how widespread GBV is in South Africa. It’s not a marginal issue—it affects millions of women, many of whom will require medical and psychosocial support.

12/11/2025

Some days are meant to be chill 👌🫠

🌿 Understanding Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)Peripheral Vascular Disease is a condition where the blood vessels, esp...
11/11/2025

🌿 Understanding Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Peripheral Vascular Disease is a condition where the blood vessels, especially those supplying the legs, become narrowed or blocked. This reduced blood flow can lead to pain, mobility issues and, if untreated, serious complications.

🔍 Common Symptoms
Leg/calf pain or cramping when walking (claudication)
Numbness, tingling or weakness in the legs
Coldness in the lower legs or feet
Slow-healing wounds on the legs or feet
Shiny skin, hair loss or colour changes in the legs
Weak or absent pulses in the feet

⚠️ Risk Factors
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking history
Obesity
Kidney disease
Increasing age (especially over 60)
Family history of vascular disease

🩺 Management & Prevention

Effective management focuses on improving blood flow and preventing complications:

Lifestyle changes: Stop smoking, exercise regularly (especially walking), and maintain a healthy diet.

Medical treatment: Control diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol; medications to improve circulation may be prescribed.

Foot care: Essential for those with diabetes or poor circulation to prevent ulcers.

Advanced therapies: In severe cases, angioplasty or surgical procedures may be needed to restore blood flow.

💡 Early detection is key. If you notice symptoms or have multiple risk factors, seek medical evaluation to protect your long-term vascular health.

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.

Stroke Awareness: Recognising the Signs and Acting Promptly 🧠⚡A stroke is a medical emergency resulting from an interrup...
29/10/2025

Stroke Awareness: Recognising the Signs and Acting Promptly 🧠⚡

A stroke is a medical emergency resulting from an interruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to brain tissue hypoxia and potential permanent neurological damage. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality.

🔹 Risk Factors

Stroke risk is increased by several modifiable and non-modifiable factors:

Modifiable risk factors:

Hypertension (most significant risk factor)

Diabetes mellitus

Dyslipidaemia

Atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Obesity and physical inactivity

Carotid artery disease

Non-modifiable risk factors:

Increasing age (particularly >55 years)

Male s*x

Family history of cerebrovascular disease

Previous transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke

🔹 Clinical Presentation

Symptoms depend on the vascular territory affected but typically have an abrupt onset.
Key features include:

Unilateral weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg

Facial asymmetry (facial droop)

Dysarthria or aphasia (slurred or impaired speech)

Sudden visual disturbance in one or both eyes

Sudden dizziness, loss of coordination, or gait disturbance

Sudden severe headache with no known cause (suggestive of haemorrhagic stroke)

The FAST mnemonic remains an effective screening tool in both clinical and community settings:

F – Face: Ask the patient to smile – look for facial droop.

A – Arm: Ask them to raise both arms – observe for weakness or drift.

S – Speech: Listen for slurred, incoherent, or absent speech.

T – Time: Urgent medical attention is essential – time is brain.

🔹 Immediate Steps When Stroke Is Suspected

Call emergency services immediately

Document the exact time of symptom onset — critical for determining eligibility for thrombolytic therapy.

Ensure airway patency, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).

Position the patient safely — ideally lying on their side if decreased level of consciousness or vomiting occurs.

Do not administer food, fluids, or medications until swallowing safety is assessed.

Monitor vital signs and prepare for urgent transfer to a facility capable of neuroimaging and stroke management.

Rapid recognition and referral are key to optimizing outcomes in acute stroke. Early intervention — including thrombolysis or thrombectomy where indicated — can significantly reduce disability and improve recovery potential.

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.

🌸 Understanding the Stages of Menopause 🌸Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life, marking the end of men...
07/10/2025

🌸 Understanding the Stages of Menopause 🌸
Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life, marking the end of menstrual cycles and fertility. It usually occurs between ages 45–55, but symptoms can start years earlier.

🩸 1️⃣ Perimenopause:
The transition phase leading up to menopause. Hormone levels (especially estrogen) start fluctuating.
Common symptoms: irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and weight changes.

🌙 2️⃣ Menopause:
Defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Ovaries stop releasing eggs and estrogen production drops significantly.
Symptoms: hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, decreased libido, joint aches, and vaginal dryness.

🌿 3️⃣ Postmenopause:
The years after menopause. While symptoms may ease, lower estrogen levels can increase risks of osteoporosis, heart disease, and urogenital changes.
Focus: bone health, heart health, and regular screening.

💬 Tip: Healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, and speaking to your doctor about hormonal or non-hormonal therapies can make this transition smoother.

🌸 Understanding the Stages of Menopause 🌸Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life, marking the end of men...
07/10/2025

🌸 Understanding the Stages of Menopause 🌸
Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life, marking the end of menstrual cycles and fertility. It usually occurs between ages 45–55, but symptoms can start years earlier.

🩸 1️⃣ Perimenopause:
The transition phase leading up to menopause. Hormone levels (especially estrogen) start fluctuating.
Common symptoms: irregular periods, hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and weight changes.

🌙 2️⃣ Menopause:
Defined as 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. Ovaries stop releasing eggs and estrogen production drops significantly.
Symptoms: hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, decreased libido, joint aches, and vaginal dryness.

🌿 3️⃣ Postmenopause:
The years after menopause. While symptoms may ease, lower estrogen levels can increase risks of osteoporosis, heart disease, and urogenital changes.
Focus: bone health, heart health, and regular screening.

💬 Tip: Healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, and speaking to your doctor about hormonal or non-hormonal therapies can make this transition smoother.

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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