Ask the doctor
Oct 03, 2006
<b>I have a mysterious rash on my hand, legs</b><br>Dear Doctor, Recently, after travelling, I started getting a rash on my hand and leg. I had protected sex with my girlfriend and afterwards I realised she had some tiny spots on her shoulder.
I have a mysterious rash on my hand, legs
Dear Doctor, Recently, after travelling, I started getting a rash on my hand and leg. I had protected sex with my girlfriend and afterwards I realised she had some tiny spots on her shoulder. When I began getting this rash, I thought I could have been infected with HIV. I took a test and it was negative. Are these genital warts? I feel I should go for a genital warts test though there is no problem with my private parts.
Mubiru
Dear Mubiru,
From your description of the rash, I have no reason to think that what you have are genital warts. The rash is not on your genitals. And genital warts are not small. I do not think you have any reason to worry. But it is best to see a doctor and you explain your concerns so that all your worries are put to rest.
Help, I get painful pimples twice a month
Dear Doctor,
I get pimples that turn to boils. They are very painful. I went for tests and was told that I was fine. But they return twice a month. What can I do?
Abu
Dear Abu,
Our skin has pits from which each hair grows. Sometimes harmful bacteria enter these hair pits. The infection causes the swelling that we call a pimple. If pus forms, then the pimple has become a boil.
It is advisable not to squeeze the pimple when it forms at first. Squeezing it will force the infection into the rest of the skin and make it worse. When the pus has formed and the boil has a point, squeezing it removes the pus easily and no scar will form.
To decrease the chances of pimples forming:
Bathe regularly.
If you get recurrent episodes, use an antiseptic soap like Dettol ® for a short time.
Your doctor may advise you to take a course of antibiotics.
The problem can usually be handled with attention to hygiene and not squeezing them when they are still small.
Do sperms smell?
Dear Doctor,
Are sperms supposed to smell? What causes smelly sperms?
Grace
Dear Grace,
Sperms or the fluid of ejaculation has its own odour. This will differ from person to person. Things like our diet also influence it, for example eating a lot of garlic may make the sweat and sperms smell of garlic! But this is not abnormal. However, if the ejaculate has some pus or smells like pus, then that is reason to see a doctor.
Write to
Dr Paul Semugoma
semugoma@hotmail.com
Write to Ask The Doctor,
Box 9815, Kampala
or health@newvision.co.ug
Dear Doctor, Recently, after travelling, I started getting a rash on my hand and leg. I had protected sex with my girlfriend and afterwards I realised she had some tiny spots on her shoulder. When I began getting this rash, I thought I could have been infected with HIV. I took a test and it was negative. Are these genital warts? I feel I should go for a genital warts test though there is no problem with my private parts.
Mubiru
Dear Mubiru,
From your description of the rash, I have no reason to think that what you have are genital warts. The rash is not on your genitals. And genital warts are not small. I do not think you have any reason to worry. But it is best to see a doctor and you explain your concerns so that all your worries are put to rest.
Help, I get painful pimples twice a month
Dear Doctor,
I get pimples that turn to boils. They are very painful. I went for tests and was told that I was fine. But they return twice a month. What can I do?
Abu
Dear Abu,
Our skin has pits from which each hair grows. Sometimes harmful bacteria enter these hair pits. The infection causes the swelling that we call a pimple. If pus forms, then the pimple has become a boil.
It is advisable not to squeeze the pimple when it forms at first. Squeezing it will force the infection into the rest of the skin and make it worse. When the pus has formed and the boil has a point, squeezing it removes the pus easily and no scar will form.
To decrease the chances of pimples forming:
The problem can usually be handled with attention to hygiene and not squeezing them when they are still small.
Do sperms smell?
Dear Doctor,
Are sperms supposed to smell? What causes smelly sperms?
Grace
Dear Grace,
Sperms or the fluid of ejaculation has its own odour. This will differ from person to person. Things like our diet also influence it, for example eating a lot of garlic may make the sweat and sperms smell of garlic! But this is not abnormal. However, if the ejaculate has some pus or smells like pus, then that is reason to see a doctor.
Write to
Dr Paul Semugoma
semugoma@hotmail.com
Write to Ask The Doctor,
Box 9815, Kampala
or health@newvision.co.ug