Dear Doctor, I am 21. For the last three years, I have had a discharge that comes a week after my periods. It is brown and sometimes bloody. It wets my pants and stains my clothes. What does this mean? Mercy
Dear Mercy, It is normal for a woman to have some vaginal discharge. Characteristics of this normal discharge differ from woman to woman, so what is normal for one is not normal for another. Vaginal discharges change at around the time of ovulation, which is about a week from the periods. Again this is normal. The most important sign of an abnormal discharge may be a change in your usual discharge. Others include itching, changed smell and colour, and increase in quantity. A discharge with blood is not normal unless it is the periods. Mercy, you should see a doctor or gynaecologist. You will be examined, and if necessary a sample of the discharge will be tested and you can get treatment.
My feet pain
Dear Doctor, I'm 28 and my feet pain all the time, especially when put in shoes. It started two years ago. There was and there is no swelling or wound and I do not do exercises. What could be the cause? What can I do? Charles Jinja
Dear Charles, Painful feet are a common cause of discomfort, possibly because feet bear our full weight most of the time. Causes of persistent pain include blocking diseases of arteries when the feet do not get enough blood and oxygen, diseases like diabetes and bone diseases. A doctor can diagnose these conditions and start you on treatment. Unfortunately, no reason can be got for most kinds of foot pain. In this case you may have to depend on painkillers. Practitioners of alternative medicine called chiropodists may be of help. I suggest that you see a medical doctor for an examination, and ask him to recommend you to see a chiropodist if necessary.
I have infectious sores in my armpit
Dear Doctor, I get on and off sores around the armpits and arms. They itch when hot. I was told it could be allergy but my girlfriend has developed similar sores. I tested negative for STDs and HIV. What is the problem? Michael
Dear Michael, A skin allergy starts with contact with the allergen substance. There is itching and you may scratch, which injures the skin, causing wounds. These may be infected, causing sores with pus. Also certain bacteria on the skin may get into the hair-pits, causing boils and sores, especially in the armpit. Shaving may increase this. It is not an STD, but since the infection is on the skin, your partner can get it from you.
Dr Paul Semugoma semugoma@hotmail.com.
Write to Ask The Doctor, Box 9815 Kampala or health@newvision.co.ug
