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Monday 08:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 13:00 - 17:00 Thursday 08:00 - 17:00 Friday 08:00 - 17:00

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Dr. Jo-hanné Linde, Potchefstroom Town (2025)

01/08/2025

Today marks 1 year since we opened🎉

What an incredible journey it’s been so far. We are filled with gratitude as we look back on this first year of growth, learning and connecting.

To our wonderful patients, THANK YOU. Thank you for trusting us with your care, your kind words and support, and for being part of our practice. Every visit, referral and every smile has meant the world to us.

This milestone wouldn’t be possible without you.
I am honoured to serve our community and deeply communited to continuing to provide compassionate and personalised care.

Here’s to the first of many meaningful years ahead.

With heartfelt thanks
Dr. Jo-hannè Linde🤍

25/07/2025

Eczema:

Eczema ( also called atopic dermatitis) is a common skin condition that causes itchy, dry and inflamed skin, eczema often begins in infancy and can persist into adulthood.
Eczema is not contagious, but can be very uncomfortable and frustrating to manage.

What causes eczema?
1. Weakened skin barrier – the skin cells don’t” fit together properly and allows skin lose moisture and let allergens and irritants in.

2. Overactive immune response – your skin becomes more easily inflamed than others

3. Genetics- family history of asthma, eczema or allergic rhinitis “hay fever” increases your risk of eczema

4. Environmental- harsh soaps, colder weather, dust mites, stress can all worsen your symptoms

Symptoms:
1. Dry, sensitive skin
2. Itching – intense and often worse at night
3. Red, inflamed patches ( crusting or oozing in severe cases)
4. Thickened, scaly skin ( usually due to prolonged scratching)

Treatment:
1. Avoid triggers:

Identify your triggers – wool clothing, strong perfumes or cleaners, detergents, stress, etc.
Recommend cotton underwear, clothing and bed linen.
Chlorine in swimming pools may irritate and dry out the skin. Avoid prolonged swimming or moisturise immediately afterwards.
For washing of clothes, nonbiological washing powders should be used, and fabric softeners should be avoided completely.
Avoid long and hot baths/showers. If soaking in a bath, apply emollients within 3 minutes after patting the skin dry.
Bubble baths, household antiseptics and medicated soaps are best avoided or minimised.

2. Protect the skin barrier:

Moisturise frequently(MOST IMPORTANT TREATMENT)
o Creates an oily layer on top of the skin that prevents the skin from drying out.
o Emollients are safe; they don’t pe*****te the skin, but rather protect the skin.
o Can be applied 6-8 times per day
o Thick, fragrance-free ointments and creams

Baths should be lukewarm rather than too hot (minimise moisture loss)

Avoid harsh soaps – soaps dry out the skin, so gentle cleaners containing moisturiser are advised. Emollients can also be used as soap, e.g. Aquas cream

3. Reduce itching and inflammation:

Antihistamines: Tablets or syrups can help with itching, especially at night. Antihistamine ointments are usually not effective and can irritate the skin more.

Cool compresses: soothing the irritated skin

Topical cortisone: Steroids/cortisone help by reducing the inflammation; they are the most effective treatment for rapid relief and are usually used during flare-ups.Different strengths of topical cortisones can be used. During flares, stronger ointments can be used, and as the flare resolves, weaker cortisone ointments can be used and slowly reduced until it can be stopped, and only emollients are continued.
Important to use emollient and cortisone at the same time, first apply steroid directly to skin then emollient layer on top.
Please use cortisone creams as advised by a medical professional.

Do I need antibiotics?
If you suffer from eczema your skin is more prone to infections, these can be caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses such as herpes and the common wart.
If your eczema rash develops crusting, oozing and redness of the skin, this might be due to infection ( see photos below)
Antibiotic creams and occasionally oral antibiotics are then used to treat infected eczema.

Recommended emollients available in SA:
- Epi-max Cream / Epi-max Plus – cost-effective, fragrance-free, suitable for face & body.

- Cetaphil Restoraderm / Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream – good for sensitive skin, non-greasy.

- Aquaphor Healing Ointment (Eucerin) – very thick, great for extremely dry, cracked areas.

- SBR repair - restore skin barrier, good for dry,cracked skin, elbows, hand and feet.

Eczema is a chronic condition, but with the right care it can be controlled.

For more information please visit the Allergy Foundation of South Africa website : https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/allergy-information/atopic-eczema/

Greetings Dr. Jo-hannè Linde 🩺
Disclaimer The information provided in this post is for general information purposes only. It should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or a substitute for consultation with your designated healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition

25/04/2025

Radial head subluxation - also known as “Pulled elbow” or "nursemaid’s elbow”.

This is a common injury in young children, typically between 1-4years of age.
It occurs when the head of the radius (forearm bone) slips out of the ligament keeping it in place at the elbow, this usually occurs when there is a sudden pulling force on the extended or pronated arm.

Causes:
• Sudden pulling or lifting of a child by the hand or wrist - swinging, or yanking to prevent a fall
• Falls where the arm is extended

Signs and symptoms:
• No spontaneous movement of affected arm – child avoids moving arm, will not grab toys or eat food with affected arm
• Usually no swelling, bruising, or obvious deformity
• Pain is typically localized near the elbow
• History of a sudden pull often reported

Diagnosis
• Primarily clinical based on history and physical examination
• X-rays – usually to rule out any fracture. 🩻

Treatment
• Reduction maneuver can be done by your medical doctor
• After reduction arm sling needed for 7-10 days.

Tips:
• Educate caregivers , family and friends to avoid pulling or lifting children by the arms or hands
• Encourage lifting or swinging children by supporting under the arms.

Greetings Dr. Jo-hanné Linde 🩺

Disclaimer The information provided in this post is for general information purposes only. It should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or a substitute for consultation with your designated healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition

31/03/2025

Concussion " Harsingskudding"

Contact sports are in full swing again, and as a result, we are seeing more concussion cases in our rooms and casualties.
Here is a brief explanation of what a concussion is, how it occurs, warning signs and what to do if you suspect a concussion

What is a concussion:
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that occur when a direct blow or jolt to the head, neck or body that causes direct force being transmitted to the brain. These forces transmitted to the brain can cause injury either via inflammation of the brain, blood flow changes inside the brain or axonal injury (messengers in the brain). While often associated with contact sports, concussions can also result from falls, car accidents, or any impact to the head. Recognizing the signs, understanding recovery, and taking preventive measures are crucial to protecting brain health.

Signs and Symptoms of a Concussion

Concussion symptoms may appear immediately or develop hours or even days after the injury.
They commonly resolve within days, but in some cases may be prolonged.

Common symptoms include:
• Headache or pressure in the head
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Nausea or vomiting
• Confusion or difficulty concentrating
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Mood changes, such as irritability or sadness
• Memory problems or feeling “foggy”

Danger/” red flag “signs requiring immediate evaluation by a medical doctor:
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure or convulsion
- Double vision
- Vomiting
- Neck pain
- Weakness/ tingling sensation in more than 1 arm or leg
- Headache – increasing in severity
- Visible injury/deformity to head.

What to Do If You Suspect a Concussion

If you or someone else experiences a head injury and shows signs of a concussion, take the following steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention – with concussion the sooner you are evaluated the better, symptoms can resolve over time making diagnosis and your treatment plan difficult.

2. Rest and Recover – Physical and mental rest are essential. Avoid screens, reading, and strenuous activities in the early stages.
Your doctor will assist you with a plan on how to return to full activity.

3. Monitor Symptoms – Symptoms can worsen over time. If there is severe drowsiness, repeated vomiting, worsening headaches, or difficulty waking up, seek emergency care immediately.

4. Follow a Gradual Return to Activity – Resume daily activities slowly, learning and exercise need to gradually be re-introduced, your doctor will be able to help with a plan.

Medication:
Please avoid any of the following medication
- aspirin or NSAIDS ( ibuprofen, voltaren/ diclofenac, dispirin)
- blood thinners - please speak with your medical doctor with regards to the use of your blood thinners as just stopping it can also be high risk.
- sedatives /sleeping tablets
- opioids - anything containing codeine, morphine, oxycodone etc
- alcohol or recreational drugs

Safe to use:
- Paracetamol
- Ice packs
- Good hydration

May I sleep?

It is safe to sleep - the " do not let them sleep" is old advice and is aimed more at serious brain injuries where there is clear neurological abnormalities or danger signs as described above.
If any of the above mentioned signs or symptoms were noted please first seek medical attention.
If before sleeping you had no "red flags/ danger signs" , awake and alert and able to hold normal conversation it is safe to rest.

The Importance of Taking Concussions Seriously

A concussion is a brain injury that requires attention and care. Ignoring or rushing recovery can lead to prolonged symptoms and complications like second-impact syndrome, which can be severe or even fatal. The key is recognizing the signs, allowing proper healing, and taking steps to prevent future concussions.

If you or someone you know has suffered a head injury, don’t take chances—prioritize brain health and seek medical advice.

Greetings Dr. Jo-hanné Linde🩺

Disclaimer The information provided in this post is for general information purposes only. It should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or a substitute for consultation with your designated healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

20/12/2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs):🚽

UTIs are very common infection, UTI refers to an infection involving any part of the urinary tract system – lower urinary tract (bladder ( cystitis) and urethra (urethritis)and upper urinary tract ( ureters (ureteritis) and kidneys ( pyelonephritis)

These infections are usually caused by bacteria from surrounding areas that then enter the urethra and infect the urinary tract system.

UTIs are one of the most common infections affecting 3% of boys & 11% of girls
UTIs are more common in children under 5 years old

Symptoms:

1. Fever (>38’C) 🤒
2. Pain – stomach, lower abdomen or even sides ( flank pain)
3. Vomiting🤢
4. Frequent urination- need to go to the toilet multiple times per day and sometimes only p*eing small amounts.
5. Urgency – when you suddenly have to p*e and feel like you can’t hold it
6. Painful urination (dysuria)
7. Irritability or unusual fussiness (especially in babies)
8. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
9. Blood in the urine (hematuria)

Risk Factors

1. Anatomical abnormalities in the urinary tract- usually diagnosed in kids frequently struggling with UTIs
2. Uncircumcised boys
3. Constipation, which can prevent the bladder from fully emptying
4. Poor hygiene, especially wiping from back to front
5. Not drinking enough fluids
6. Incomplete voiding or holding urine too long – be careful during potty training times as kids often hold in/avoid going to the bathroom
7. Being female, due to a shorter urethra
8. Pregnancy
9. Being sexually active

Diagnosis
1. Urine dipstick - small urine sample needed and a dipstick, can be red in 60 sec after dipped in urine.
2. Urine culture: formal sample send to lab to test which specific bacteria is causing the infection, usually done in severe UTI or recurrent UTI
3. In frequent UTIs – sonar of kidney might be needed to rule out anatomical abnormality that can lead to frequent UTIs

Treatment

Depending on upper or lower urinary tract infection as well as age but all UTIs in children require antibiotics
• Antibiotics:
- Upper urinary tract and severity can sometimes require intravenous antibiotics
- Lower and milder UTIs can be managed by oral broad spectrum antibiotics
• Pain / fever relief – pain medication can be given – paracetamol, ibuprofen.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids
• In older kids and adults symptomatic relievers can also be added to help relieve bladder spasm
- Eg. Urispas

Tips:

• Ensure you or your child drinks enough water
• Encourage child to go to bathroom often.
• Teach proper hygiene habits, especially for girls (wiping from front to back).
• Avoid tight clothing or diapers that may irritate the urinary tract.
• Encourage emptying the bladder fully during each urination.

If a UTI is suspected, especially in younger children who may not be able to communicate symptoms clearly, it’s important to consult a doctor promptly to avoid complications.

Greetings Dr. Jo-hanné Linde🩺

Disclaimer The information provided in this post is for general information purposes only. It should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or a substitute for consultation with your designated healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

10/12/2024

Please note‼️‼️

If you have bought any panado syrup please check the batch numbers and return to the pharmacy if from this batch
If unsure ask your local pharmacist or contact us anytime 🤗

21/11/2024

Hand, voet en mond siekte - of soos ‘n pappa vandag noem sy kind het “ bek en klou siekte “

Potchefstroom het van laasweek weer ‘n uitbraak gehad, hier is ‘n paar basiese inligting en advies vir Hand, Voet en Mond siekte.

Hand, Foot and Mouth disease:

What is HFM disease:
Viral infections causing rash on hands, feet and inside mouth
Commonly caused by Coxsackievirus A type 16 but other viruses can also cause infection e.g. Coxsackie A5,B5 or Enterovirus 71

Who😷:
HFM disease occurs worldwide affecting adults and children but commonly occur in children younger than age 5

When and where:
HFM disease spread easily in daycares, summer camps and in families
Increase in cases during summer months and late autumn🍁( April&May)

Transmission:
Direct or indirect spread via
1.respiratory droplets – someone coughing or sneezing and you come in contat with droplets🤧
2. oral/nasal secretions- touching objects after blowing nose and not washing hands.
3. stools (faecal -oral route) – public and school changing tablets

Incubation period:
3-5 days after contamination symptoms usually start up

Symptoms:
Prodromal symptoms: (symptoms start before hallmark findings become visible)
Fever – 38-39 degrees 🤒(24-48hours before rash appears)
Soremouth or throat
Reduced appetite – usually due to painful mouth and throat
Tiredness and bodyache
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting – usually when enterovirus are the cause

Hallmark signs 1-2 days after fever
- Blister like sores on hands and feet
- Sores on back of throat, inside cheeks of mouth or hard palate
- Rash: Vesicles or pustules on erythematous base (red base with fluid filled or pus-filled blister)
- Rash can later spread to buttocks and genitalia
- Non-itchy rash

Complications:
Most of the times HFM only cause mild symptoms and kids usually recover completely.
Rarely HFM causes some serious compliations like
- Meningitis or encephalitis
- Myocarditis, pericarditis
- Cerebellar ataxia, GBS,

Diagnosis
HFM rash is very characteristic and usually clinical diagnoses is all that needed.
Other tests include
- viral swabs to distinguish between coxsackie and enterovirus

Management
- isolate for atleast 7 days or until blisters dried up.
- Self limiting disease and supportative management only if no complications
- Usually resolves within 7-10 days
- Avoid certain foods – spicy or hard foods (worsens sorethroat) give soft foods and lots of fluids
- Control pain and fever– panado, brufen
- Local analgesia for mouth sores- andolex spray or jel, teejel

Greetings Dr. Jo-hanné Linde🩺

Disclaimer The information provided in this post is for general information purposes only. It should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or a substitute for consultation with your designated healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

17/11/2024

Happy World Pematurity Day 💜

To all the families, doctors, nurses, dietician , sp*ech therapist and OTs thank you for all the hard work, it honestly takes a village to raise a preemie, it is a constant battle, everyday unpredictable, heartbreaking somedays and rewarding the next.

I will always cherish my days working in Neonatal ICU, I had the privilege to be apart of a few special premature babies journey, those long nights helping them fight when they were to tired to fight themselves,the many tears and prayers we shared with their parents, the happiness when they can finally breathe on their own or tolerate their first feed, how proud we were of them for every gram they gained and the pure joy when they could can be discharged.

Goodluck to those who might be busy with the difficult fight and thank you to the wonderful teams that help them.
Remember - Fight like a preemie 🥊💪🏻

14/11/2024

Happy World Diabetes Day 🍭💉💙
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
Insulin is a hormone produced by beta cells in your pancreas and is responsible for regulating blood glucose.

Over time if left uncontrolled diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves.

People with diabetes have a higher risk of health problems including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.
Diabetes can cause permanent vision loss by damaging blood vessels in the eyes.
Many people with diabetes develop problems with their feet from nerve damage and poor blood flow. This can cause foot ulcers and may lead to amputation.
Symptoms of diabetes can occur quickly but mostly in type 2 diabetes symptoms start slowly
Symptoms include:
• feeling very thirsty - polydipsia🧋
• needing to urinate more often than usual -polyuria 🚽
• blurred vision 👓
• feeling tired 😴
• losing weight unintentionally

TYPES:

Type 1 diabetes
Previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin, commonly diagnosed during childhood with peak ages of 4-6 and 10-14 years of age.
Type 1 can still be diagnosed at any age with 37% of diagnoses made in adulthood even as late as in your 90’s.

Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes affects how your body uses sugar “glucose” for energy. Usually, insulin will move glucose form your blood to your cells to be used for energy but now due to problems glucose build up in your blood and causes high levels of blood sugar.
Over time, type 2 diabetes can cause serious damage to the body, especially nerves and blood vessels.
Type 2 diabetes is often preventable.
Factors that contribute to developing type 2 diabetes include
- being overweight
- Lack of exercise
- Genetics

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be mild. They may take several years to be noticed, making type 2 more dangerous as the disease might have already started to form complications by the time it gets diagnosed.
Previous Type 2 Diabetes was called adult onset diabetes as more than 95% of diabetes diagnosed in adulthood was type 2, but due to changes type 2 is being seen more frequently in childhood asmwell
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes is hyperglycaemia with blood glucose values above normal but below those diagnostic of diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy.
Women with gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and at delivery. These women and possibly their children are also at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed through prenatal screening, rather than through reported symptoms.

Prevention
Lifestyle changes are the best way to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
To help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, people should:
• reach and keep a health body weight
• stay physically active with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️
• eat a healthy diet and avoid sugar and saturated fat
• not smoke tobacco🚭
* ⁠
Diagnosis and treatment
Early diagnosis can be accomplished through relatively inexpensive testing - finger prick blood glucose test:
• Random glucose test > 11.1
• Fasting glucose test (no calorie intake for atleast 8 hours)>7.0mmol/l

One of the most important ways to treat diabetes is to keep a healthy lifestyle.
Type 1 diabetes need insulin to survive
Type 2 diabetes - Some people with type 2 diabetes will need to take medicines to help manage their blood sugar levels. These can include insulin injections or other medicines. Some examples include:
• Metformin – glucophage, bigsens, diaphage
• Sulfonylureas – glimepiride, diaglim
• sodium-glucose co-transporters type 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors.-
Additional medical care may be needed to treat the effects of diabetes:
• foot care to treat ulcers
• screening and treatment for kidney disease
• eye exams to screen for retinopathy (which causes blindness).

10/10/2024

BREAST CANCER🩷:

Apart from non-melanoma skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with a lifetime risk of 1 in 26 in South Africa.

What is breast cancer:

Breast cancer occurs when healthy breast cells become abnormal due to a mutation instructing cells to grow out of control, in breast cancer this mutation targets cells in the breast. This out of control growth cause tumors to develop.

Risk factors:

1. Female
2. Age - increased risk with increase in age
3. Family history -first degree relative with breast cancer ( mom, sister, daughter) or first degree relative with prostate cancer ( dad, brother, son). Personal history of previous cancer.
4. Genetics - 5 -10% are thought to be hereditary caused by abnormal genes passed down to childre , BRCA1 and BRCA2
5. Race - more common in white women.
6. Being overweight, especially after menopause.
7. Pregnancy history - women who have not had a full term pregnancy or had their 1st baby after the age of 30.
8. Menstrual history- young 1st menstruation, before the age of 12 have increased risk.
9. Delayed menopause- after 55 years old
10. Currently on hormone replacement therapy.

Early detection is key:

Self - examination leads to early detection and can save your life, here are some tips for self- examination

At the same time every month:

LOOK:

Stand in front of a mirror and compare both breast for any changes in shape, size, symmetry, skin dumpling or puckering. Change in ni***es ( example turned in ni***es), lift your breast and see if ridges along the bottom are symmetrical

Do this with your arms next to your hips, hands on hips and then raise your arms above your head.

FEEL:

Lying down and then while standing

- see image for technique, it is important to follow a pattern to ensure you exam your entire breast.
-use the pads of your fingers
- use different pressure levels as you exam ( you want to feel the different depts of the breast)

Don't panic if you feel something

- some changes are typical.
- it is common for your breast to feel different in different areas.
- as your hormones change during your cycle your breast will also change.
- a firm ridge along the bottom of each breast is normal.

When to contact/visit your Healthcare Practioner?

- hard lump or knot near your underarm
- new changes in your ni**le - pushed in ni**le, any discharge or blood.
- change in color, warmth, swelling or pain
- change in the way your breast look or feel
- noticeable thickening or fullness that is different from surrounding tissue
- dimples, puckers, bulges or ridges on the skin of your breast.
- itching, scales, sores or rashes.

Each week this month I will be posting information and facts about breast cancer
For any enquiries please do not hesitate to contact us or book a visit for full examination.
018 175 0090/ drlinde.info@gmail.com

Lots of love
Dr. Jo-hanné 🩺

Disclaimer: Important Notice

The information provided in this post is for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis, or a substitute for consultation with your designated healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

15/08/2024

Very blessed to form part of this amazing team.

Tune in on Sunday to learn all about this new groundbreaking technique Dr. Jonker uses in knee replacement surgery.

11/05/2024

Pain and fever management in children🌡️:

Paracetamol, Ibuprofen and Mefenamic acid are some of the most common medications used to treat fever or pain in children.

Pain medication can be classified into 3 groups
- Paracetamol ( examples include: panado, calpol, napamol, Empaped)
- Ibuprofen ( examples include: neuroten, Ibugesic, brufen)
- Mefenamic acid ( examples include: Ponac, ponstel)

Unfortunately, the dosing estimates given on the packages aren’t always accurate and often we give toi little and thus struggle to bring down the fever or effectively manage the pain.

Below photos explain dose and how to convert dose to millilitres for each class of pain medications.

I always advice the parents of my patients to choose 2 classes of pain medications and alternate between those two every 3-4 hours. You can still give medications together but for best effect I advice to split them.

Example: if you choose to use panado and neurofen.
Give panado wait 3-4 hours and then give neurofen wait another3- 4hours then give panado again, continue to alternate between two medications 3- 4 hourly.

If you have trouble calculating dose, always ask someone to double- check your calculations or contact your GP.

Greetings Dr. Jo-hanné Linde🩺

Disclaimer
The information provided in this post is for general information purposes only. It should not be considered as medical advice, diagnosis or a substitute for consultation with your designated healthcare professional.
Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Dr. Jo-hanné Linde

01/08/2025

25/07/2025

25/04/2025

31/03/2025

20/12/2024

10/12/2024

21/11/2024

17/11/2024

14/11/2024

10/10/2024

15/08/2024

11/05/2024

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Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	13:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00