Ask the Doctor
Mar 07, 2006
<b>Dear Doctor,</b><br>I get sores on my private parts before my periods. Does this mean I am barren? Please help.
Dear Doctor,
I get sores on my private parts before my periods. Does this mean I am barren? Please help.
Diana
Dear Diana,
Two common conditions may cause wounds on the privates, which recur with periods.
Candida is one of them. It is a fungus found on the skin. Sometimes it overgrows, causing itching and a ‘bad milk-like’ discharge. Itching leads to scratching and wounds. Overgrowth may occur regularly at points in the menstrual cycle.
Another possibility is an infection called herpes. It is similar to the one that causes ‘fever sores’ of the mouth but this virus is sexually transmitted. Once infection occurs, it causes repeated outbreaks of small, painful and itchy pimples –– blisters, which become wounds and then heal. The episodes may be related to the menstrual cycle. Candida can be treated. It is not an STD. Drugs can be used to control herpes but there is no cure. As an STD, you can give it to your partner. It makes you more likely to get HIV if you have unprotected sex when you have open sores. If you deliver a child when you have open wounds, the child can get life-threatening illness. To get a diagnosis and treatment, visit a doctor when the sores are there. She will examine you and advise you on treatment. These conditions do not mean you are barren.
Dear Doctor,
I feel weak even when I have eaten food. what could this be? Is it as a result of worms?
Joseph
Dear Joseph,
General weakness is a common symptom for many conditions. Our body rests to replace energy levels, and if one rests and eats enough food, he or she should not feel weak. Common causes of weakness are, an illness that is coming on. A cold or flu and an attack of malaria, and a cough; all are infections which cause one to feel weak in their early stages. But when one recovers, one should regain one’s energy.
Chronic illness may make one feel down for a long time, for example; low haemoglobin (anaemia which may be caused by worms), uncontrolled diabetes or other illness. Stress and depression are very common causes of general weakness. Joseph, it is most likely that they are worms that are causing you to feel weak. Most times this feeling does not last long. If it continues for more than a week, see a doctor.
Dear Dr,
Whenever I take a shower, cold or hot, my skin itches for 30 minutes. I saw a skin specialist a year ago and he prescribed Capsicine ointment but there is no change. Is there an alternative medicine?
J
Dear Dr,
Whenever I bathe, my body itches for about 30 minutes. It does not matter whether the water is cold or warm. I have lived with this condition for 18 years. I have had several check-ups but the medicine prescribed has not been helpful. What could be wrong?
Ben
Dear J and Ben,
Itching of the skin after contact with hot or cold water may be a condition called Aquagenic Pruritus. It is a distressing condition, which does not respond well to drugs and may last years. It is common but not well recognised. It has to be distinguished from other conditions which can cause the skin to itch when it comes in contact with water.
Here are some tips to make the itching less:
Take a bath instead of a shower
Bathe at night instead of morning.
Do not stay long in the sun.
Limit your contact with water.
Dr Paul Semugoma
semugoma@hotmail.com
Write to Ask The Doctor,
Box 9815, Kampala
or health@newvision.co.ug
I get sores on my private parts before my periods. Does this mean I am barren? Please help.
Diana
Dear Diana,
Two common conditions may cause wounds on the privates, which recur with periods.
Candida is one of them. It is a fungus found on the skin. Sometimes it overgrows, causing itching and a ‘bad milk-like’ discharge. Itching leads to scratching and wounds. Overgrowth may occur regularly at points in the menstrual cycle.
Another possibility is an infection called herpes. It is similar to the one that causes ‘fever sores’ of the mouth but this virus is sexually transmitted. Once infection occurs, it causes repeated outbreaks of small, painful and itchy pimples –– blisters, which become wounds and then heal. The episodes may be related to the menstrual cycle. Candida can be treated. It is not an STD. Drugs can be used to control herpes but there is no cure. As an STD, you can give it to your partner. It makes you more likely to get HIV if you have unprotected sex when you have open sores. If you deliver a child when you have open wounds, the child can get life-threatening illness. To get a diagnosis and treatment, visit a doctor when the sores are there. She will examine you and advise you on treatment. These conditions do not mean you are barren.
Dear Doctor,
I feel weak even when I have eaten food. what could this be? Is it as a result of worms?
Joseph
Dear Joseph,
General weakness is a common symptom for many conditions. Our body rests to replace energy levels, and if one rests and eats enough food, he or she should not feel weak. Common causes of weakness are, an illness that is coming on. A cold or flu and an attack of malaria, and a cough; all are infections which cause one to feel weak in their early stages. But when one recovers, one should regain one’s energy.
Chronic illness may make one feel down for a long time, for example; low haemoglobin (anaemia which may be caused by worms), uncontrolled diabetes or other illness. Stress and depression are very common causes of general weakness. Joseph, it is most likely that they are worms that are causing you to feel weak. Most times this feeling does not last long. If it continues for more than a week, see a doctor.
Dear Dr,
Whenever I take a shower, cold or hot, my skin itches for 30 minutes. I saw a skin specialist a year ago and he prescribed Capsicine ointment but there is no change. Is there an alternative medicine?
J
Dear Dr,
Whenever I bathe, my body itches for about 30 minutes. It does not matter whether the water is cold or warm. I have lived with this condition for 18 years. I have had several check-ups but the medicine prescribed has not been helpful. What could be wrong?
Ben
Dear J and Ben,
Itching of the skin after contact with hot or cold water may be a condition called Aquagenic Pruritus. It is a distressing condition, which does not respond well to drugs and may last years. It is common but not well recognised. It has to be distinguished from other conditions which can cause the skin to itch when it comes in contact with water.
Here are some tips to make the itching less:
Dr Paul Semugoma
semugoma@hotmail.com
Write to Ask The Doctor,
Box 9815, Kampala
or health@newvision.co.ug