Medical Hotline with Dr James Wright

fingernail
A fingernail caught in a door or something similar quickly swells, turns red and throbs. This means that broken blood vessels are bleeding, causing a haematoma. If severe, see a doctor, but for less acute injuries, paint with tea-tree oil and, using the corner of a razor blade or sterilised needle, gently bore a hole through the nail just beyond the skin. Blood will spurt out, giving instant relief. Occasionally antibiotics and a tetanus update may be required.

get fit; keep fit
Any exercise you enjoy will help get you fit. But if starting from scratch, you’ll need to persevere for up to six months. Increase the frequency of your sport or exercise. Walking is still the simplest and cheapest exercise, and it is still exercise when incorporated into your daily routine, such as getting to work. Specific exercises such as swimming, cycling, jogging and surfing are all fine. Group participation sports help motivation and commitment, and ball games exercise muscles and joints. Do it regularly. And drink plenty of water.

spring fever
Around this time of the year we often suffer fits of sneezes and wheezes, the result of pollens dispersed by flowers and grasses. With the wheezing comes coughing, itchy eyes, dry skin and watering eyes. In its simple form, this is called hay fever, but if it worsens, asthma can develop. Treat by drinking plenty of water, and non-sedating antihistamine tablets do help.

eye sores
Single-use bubble eye drops are preferred to those in a bottle. They are adequate for one day, and what is left over should be discarded. Bottled drops contain chemical preservatives, which when used long term isn’t good for your eyes. Many brands and variations are available, with the more watery forms preferable.

get the jab
Parents may be confused about infant immunisation scheduling, as it alters with the passing of the years. Talk to your GP or early-childhood health centre specialist for comprehensive information detailing the most current routine. It’s my view that all children should be immunised, starting at the age of two months. Those who reject it have never seen the terrible consequences of the diseases they prevent.

more than a kiss
Facial and genital herpes are two quite distinct conditions. The facial form is caused by the herpes HSV-1 virus, genital herpes by the HSV-2 virus, with each strictly confined to its respective domain. One virus doesn’t infect the other spot, despite what some people think. HSV-1 is most often transmitted by kissing, HSV-2 sexually.

natural slimmer
Fennel has long been advocated as a slimming agent. But it must be teamed in with a sensible, low-fat, high-fibre diet and exercise. Then it will certainly work! Fennel tea has been used for centuries to slim waists and improve vigour. It is also claimed to improve vision, although eye specialists remain sceptical.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT

Q: I’m a teenager, and although I can talk to my friends, if I have to speak in front of a crowd, I have a dry throat and my tongue won’t work. It’s embarrassing; I need advice.

A: This phenomenon is common, so don’t panic. Most teenagers have similar difficulties. In most cases, with age and maturity, it vanishes. Meantime, practise talking before groups, as you are able. Or stand on the back steps, imagine you have an audience, and begin your oratory.
Have small file cards with prompt words and phrases on them so you won’t be embarrassed by forgetting something. Many famous people, especially actors, had a hard beginning.

Extract from Signs of the Times, November 2004.

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