Question: How can you treat the top five embarrassing ailments? Part 2/2

Answer: Last week we took a look at some of the causes of everyday embarrassing conditions like bad breath and excessive sweating.  In many of the cases, the problem is something that is quite simple and easily avoided. This week then we’re going to see what kind of treatments are available to treat them if the problem is particularly bad or ongoing. 

Please note though that if initial over the counter treatments do not work, or if the problem is particularly acute, then it is always best to seek a consultation with a medical professional.

Bad Breath

As we saw, bad breath is usually caused by the breakdown of leftover food particles in the mouth by bacteria, which then releases gas. The most straightforward cure for bad breath is to overhaul your tooth brushing regimen. Remember to brush at least twice a day, particularly after meals. The key here, however, is not exactly the amount of times you brush, but rather how you do it. 

For starters, the teeth and mouth need to be brushed for two minutes at a time, minimum. Studies by various dental federations in the United States have found that well over half of all people questioned brush for less than half that time. Along with brushing the teeth, make sure to run the brush over your gums and the tongue. The tongue is one of the largest areas in the mouth for bacteria to collect, but most people forget to brush it properly. Remember to only brush with moderate force, as brushing too hard can result in receding gums, which is irreparable. Along with the brush, flossing and mouthwash will finish off any remaining bacteria and go a long way to making sure that your breath is fresh all day.

Excessive Sweating

The amount that we sweat has a lot to do with our genetics and family history, but there are some things we can do to lessen the problem. Taking up some kind of aerobic activity, whether it be walking, jogging, cycling (spinning), dance, or anything similar will go a long way to getting the heart rate up, improving your overall fitness, and so reducing your preponderance to sweat in everyday situations. 

Sweating can also be a sign of a potential or underlying condition like heart problems, so moderate exercise will have a double fold effect here in helping the sufferer perhaps more than they know.

Wind

In a lot of cases, flatulence is caused by swallowing air while we’re eating and so the simple solution here is to eat slightly slower and chew our food properly before we take it into the stomach. More chewing will also help with digesting the food once it’s in the stomach, thereby reducing the production of sulphur, which is the main component in the smell that comes with wind. 

Some foods, like garlic and onions, will increase the likelihood of both bad breath and wind, and so it is to be advised that they are avoided as much as possible if either or both of these conditions are becoming a problem.

Scabies 

Scabies can be contracted quite easily if you work in a job which necessitates close contact with others, and schoolchildren are particularly susceptible given the close nature of classrooms and games at break time. If they are contracted, it’s best to consult with your pharmacist for the best treatment. Most likely these will be either a cream containing permethrin or a lotion containing malathion. In some cases, an oral medication might be recommended. Those suffering from scabies should wash their hands often, both to prevent spreading the disease to different areas or even on to others.

Dandruff

Unlike scabies, dandruff cannot be contracted from other people, but it is still an embarrassing and distracting condition to have. It can be prevented to some measure by shampooing the hair regularly, as well as keeping your zinc and Vitamin B levels topped up, either with over the counter supplements if necessary, or with a rounded diet. Dandruff can also result from changing your regular hair treatments, so it might be well to bear that in mind. Ultimately, however, the best treatment by far is washing the hair and scalp thoroughly with a dedicated dandruff shampoo as directed. 

Previous week: What are the top five embarrassing everyday bodily problems?

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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy

Question: What Triggers Your Cold Sore and How to effectively treat it?

Having a cold sore is not a comfortable experience at all, as aside from the very real pain they cause, they also affect our self-confidence in a way that goes far beyond the superficial. Cold sores, or cankers, can be usually be defined as tiny, fluid filled contusions that are commonly visible around your lip area, but they can occur anywhere on the body. They usually form into groups and once they crack, stinging sores then emanate. 

The sad fact is that there is no catch all cure for cold sores. With that in mind then, it is best to be aware of what the causes of “cankers” are, since not everyone seems to agree on what the exact conditions that will generate cold sores are.
Trigger Points

Fatigue

Our immune system gets easily squeezed out by stress and illness, or just by fatigue in general. Once it hits us, we become more prone to a cold sore surge. In order to beat fatigue, learn to relax, make time for exercise, and try to get more sleep. Keep your immune system at its fighting form by consulting your doctor or pharmacist about the best immune system boosters.

Stress

The moment that stress hits our emotions, other ailments usually follow, and it is one of the canker’s best gateways to penetrating our system. Finding a relaxation method that works for you is key here, whether it be a moderate exercise like outdoor walking or breathing exercises.

Exposure to cold weather

The winter cold can cause the skin to harden and dry up, again creating a potentially perfect base for a cold sore. If you’re planning on travelling to a hot country, it can also be wise to bear in mind that over-amped air conditioning can have the same effect and even cause respiratory problems. Lip balm is a must in these situations.

Harmful UV rays

On the flip side, too much exposure to ultraviolet rays, or UV rays, will also lead to cankers and will damage the skin too. Protect your skin by applying sunscreen which you can purchase from a pharmacy, or invest in a cool beach umbrella.

Pay attention to hormonal cycles

This is very evident in women during the menstrual cycle. The change in hormones can trigger a cold sore surge, along with changes in mood. If you keep track of your cycle, you should be able to figure when an attack is most likely and keep a tube of preventive cold sore cream on hand, just in case.

Open or untreated wounds and cuts

Cold sore or cankers also develop when our lips suffer an injury or trauma. A good pharmaceutical antiseptic lotion or cream will ensure that the affected area is kept germ free and much less likely to suffer infection.

Being sickly

Being prone to fever or flu also has the added downside of leaving us open to other ailments while our immune system fights the virus. In the event that you feel like you are going to be hit with a fever or flu, consult your doctor to get the best and safest treatment, and take time to rest and double your fluid intake. 


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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy