ASK THE DOC
Trouble with your skin?
Dr. Neena Khanna, Consultant Dermatologist, AIIMS, New Delhi, replies to this week's questions.
I AM 25 years old. For 10 years, I have been suffering from a rash that appears just 10 minutes after I finish a hard run. It disappears about 20 minutes after it appears but while it is there is itching and a feeling of heat. I have checked with doctors but am not able to get a permanent cure. What is this problem? N. Basha
Answer: You are probably suffering from cholinergic urticaria. This problem usually develops after physical exercise and responds to anti-histamine (anti allergic medicine.
I AM 19 years old. All through my teenage life I have been suffering from a severe dandruff problem. At first my scalp starts itching. When I scratch it, the dead skin from my scalp starts peeling out and gets stuck in my hair. The dandruff is very much noticable and is very embarrasing. The itching keeps bothering me all the time. I have tried some of the best anti-dandruff shampoo brands, traditional remedies, but its effect is temporary and the dandruff keeps coming back. Please suggest some remedial measures/medicines to stop this. V.S Chandrashekar
Answer: The basis if treatment for dandruff is to stop oil application. Wash scalp daily and more importantly to massage the scalp with shampoo. Leave the shampoo on the scalp for a couple of minutes and comb with fine comb.
I AM 60 years old. I have been suffering from lichen planus for the last 10 years. I have tried different systems of treatment such as allopathy, ayurveda and homoeopathy without any lasting results. Now I am taking safecet tabs 1 daily and glyderm skin cream as per the advice of a dermatologist for the last one month. What worries me is that white patches are found on the tongue and cheek for the last four years. Though, it does not create any problem now, I am afraid that it may cause cancer . Please suggest suitable treatment for LP and especially for the mouth infection. Since I worked long hours, I could not eat at regular times. I also suffered from job-related stress. I am now retired. Barring high cholesterol I am in good health. K.A. Backer
Answer: I think your treatment is on the right track. The tongue/cheek lesions could well be part of lichen planus. So consult your doctor.
I HAVE been using Candid powder to avoid fungus problems in armpit and groin for a few years now. I am now using same more as a habit. I understand recently that Candiderma cream is found to be carcinogenic and has been banned in other countries. Please advise me as to the use of Candid Powder. Can I use Talcum Powder in place of candid Powder? Mohan Subramanian
Answer: It is important to keep the area dry! So pat areas dry and use talcum powder, which should be good enough.
Readers can send their medical queries to
Ask the Doc, Magazine,
The Hindu, Kasturi Buildings,
859-860, Anna Salai,
Chennai - 600 002. Or e-mail: askthedoc@thehindu.co.in
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