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Dr Laurence Knott

Dr Laurence Knott

General Practitioner, Medical Author

BSc (Hons) Biochemistry, MBBS

Dr Laurence Knott qualified in 1973 and has had extensive experience as a General Practitioner.

He is also a medical author who has contributed to many lay and professional publications.

Dr Knott is particularly interested in converting medical terminology into information easily comprehensible to non-medical readers.

His previous lines of work include clinical complaints adviser to the Medical Defence Union, external professional adviser to the Health Service Ombudsman and extensive medicolegal practice specialising in clinical negligence. He is listed on the National Crime Database, advising police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service on medicolegal aspects of criminal cases.

Recently contributed to:

Sepsis
Info leaflet

Sepsis is a reaction to severe infection. It can involve many different parts of the body. The germs causing the infection are usually bacteria, but less often can be viruses or fungi.

Prostate problems
Info leaflet

Prostate and urethral problems can affect the smooth flow of urine in men. This leaflet will give you a brief explanation of the different prostate and urethral conditions and how the urine system can be affected.

Purpura
Info leaflet

Because there are so many causes for purpura, diagnosing the reason why you have developed a purpuric rash takes a bit of detective work.

Varicose eczema
Info leaflet

Varicose eczema is a tightened skin condition that affects the lower legs, mainly occurring in the elderly. It initially causes your skin on the lower legs to become pale red, and then darker red, often becoming stained brown. With varicose eczema the skin on your lower legs also gets slightly thicker and bumpy. It may be very painful but there may be no pain. Itchiness is also variable from mild to severe. Because your skin is red with varicose eczema, it is often mistaken for an infection. The treatment is to keep your legs up when you're sitting down, to stay active and to apply moisturisers. Occasionally steroid ointments are used, which are prescribed by a doctor.

Premature ejaculation
Info leaflet

Premature ejaculation (PE) is the term used when a man comes (ejaculates) more quickly than he and/or his partner would like. It means you ejaculate very soon after putting your penis inside (penetrating) your partner, or even before penetration. It is not really known what causes premature ejaculation. Men with premature ejaculation should not be embarrassed about discussing it with their doctor, as it can be helped by a variety of means. Many men do not seek help from their doctor for this problem so it is not known how common it is. Some studies suggest it can be as common as thirty in a hundred men. There are tablets which may be helpful, either taken regularly or as needed. Creams or sprays that numb the penis may also be used. Other treatments include certain techniques used during sex, and psychological treatments.