Weak hair
Q. I have very brittle hair. Could this be caused by bad diet?
A. Damage to the hair cuticle and fraying of the shaft or end (‘split ends’) can be a result of abnormal hair formation or, more commonly, external factors. There are some rare genetic factors that can cause structural abnormalities in the hair, but most often damage is caused by harmful practices, such as chemicals in harsh shampoos and hair dyes, heavy brushing, and curling or straightening with high heats. If you are otherwise relatively healthy, brittle hair is unlikely to be due to poor diet.
Solution: Try changing your haircare routine. Gentle brushing and avoiding potent chemicals should help. Conditioners can aid in strengthening hair. If you still have problems, a GP check-up, including evaluation of your thyroid function, could be useful.
Heat rash
Q. I get constant heat rash. How do I get rid of it?
A. Heat rash commonly comes on after a period of sweating or prolonged exposure to heat. It looks like a collection of small bubbles or pimples under the skin. Children get it more than adults and it usually occurs in places where skin rubs together, like the armpits and thighs.
Solution: To prevent heat rash, common sense solutions are most effective. Staying cool and dry with loose clothes and breathable fabrics is best. If skin begins to hurt, swell or starts to ooze or scab, this could be a sign of infection, so see your GP.
Burning problem
Q. It hurts when I pee. Help!
A It is never normal to experience burning or stinging when you pee. This can be a symptom of urethritis (inflammation of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder) or other parts of the urinary tract. In men, burning or stinging can also signal an infection of the prostate or epididymis (the coiled tube that carries sperm from the testis). A sexually transmitted infection could also be the culprit.
Solution: See your doctor. All the aforementioned conditions have solutions and often it’s as simple as a course of antibiotics. Not resolving this problem can lead to worsening infections, including it spreading to other organs, such as the kidneys. Untreated STIs can cause major problems and even infertility.
Itchy bottom
Q. I have an itchy bottom. How do I know if it’s worms?
A. Anal itching is most common in men from age 40 to 60 and there are many different causes. Pinworm infection is characterised by night-time itching. Occasionally the discomfort can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Eggs are laid around the anus, which can then be spread via contaminated hands. Consider worms if there is more than one person with this problem in the house, particularly children.
Solution: Doctors sometimes perform the ‘tape test’. This involves examination of cellophane tape for eggs after pressing it on the skin around the anus. The best time to do this is in the morning because the worms lay their eggs at night. This tape needs to be viewed under a microscope. If positive for pinworms, the whole family may need to be treated as it spreads easily. Before thinking of worms, consider other more common issues, such as hygiene and skin problems, like infections, dermatitis or haemorrhoids. Keep the area clean and try using talcum powder. Cleansing lotions can make itching worse. Try using zinc oxide skin ointment as a barrier.
Ingrown hairs
Q. I get ingrown hairs. How should I treat them?
A. Ingrown hairs are a common problem that occurs as a result of hair removal. The ends of the regrowing hairs sprout into skin and cause inflammation. This commonly manifests as papules and pustules (shaving bumps) and you may see loops of hair exiting and re-entering the skin.
Solution: Try changing your hair removal technique. Laser hair removal has been shown to reduce this problem but electrolysis is not recommended. Most cases improve without treatment but antibiotic creams and low potency corticosteroids can be useful. If bumps get larger with more pus or pain, or you develop a fever, you may need a course of antibiotics.
Skin mites
Q. How do I know if I have Scabies?
A. Scabies are small mites that burrow into thin skin, causing extreme itching. They are contagious and spread easily within households, even from just clothing contact. It can be three to four weeks before symptoms first appear after infection. The main feature is the itch, but you can also develop little red bumps or see small burrows in the skin. The best place to see these are in the web spaces of the fingers and the folds of skin around elbows, knees and armpits. The mite itself is nearly invisible to the human eye.
Solution: A doctor can prescribe a medicine called permethrin. It comes as a lotion that is applied to all areas of the skin. You may need to repeat this application after a week. Usually it is advised all household members are treated and all clothes, towels and sheets be hot-washed or sealed in bags for three days (scabies die without human skin contact after this period).
Persistent cough
Q. I have a constant cough but don’t feel sick. Should I visit the doctor?
A. It is normal to cough once in a while, as this is how your body removes and prevents particles and secretions from entering the lungs. A chronic cough is defined as one lasting more than eight weeks. Ninety per cent of chronic coughs are thought to be caused by dripping from the back of the nose, asthma and acid reflux. Other causes include smoking-related lung disease and persistent infection.
Solution: It is worthwhile seeing a doctor. If not immediately obvious, they will try to eliminate the most likely causes with trial treatments. If unsuccessful, further investigations – chest X-ray, breathing tests or other lab tests – may provide an answer.
This content is not a substitute for personal medical advice, a diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your GP regarding medical conditions.
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