They seem innocuous enough, but are demons in disguise. They can also become firebrands, causing terrible burning which may last for months, sometimes years. Yes, it is the lowly cold sore virus, known as “Herpes-virus’1 or HSV-1” and “Herpes-virus-2 or HSV-2”, simple enough. A bit of burning on the face, usually around the lips, and next day it appears. A tiny blister, which develops into a “sore”. It is just a nuisance. After a few days, maybe a week or ten days it vanishes, or seemingly so.
Treatment is application of crushed ice (“cryotherapy”), or Betadine dabbed on (which leaves a orange stain.) Minidine is the same but colourless. A variety of applications is used, many containing menthol and cooling ingredients.
ANTI-VIRAL CREAM HELPS
It is the one virus for which there is an antibiotic, and zovirax cream is available, supposed to kill it. Allergies, specially in warm weather, certain foods, perhaps citrus fruits, and social anxieties are believed to play a part in an outbreak. Fix these if possible.
However, its near relative called HSV-2 prefers the groin. Sores may develop around the vulva and on the penis in guys. It is highly contagious, and even bodies rubbing in a sexual happiness can transmit the virus even if no visible blisters are present. Treatment is similar.
However, as this is usually more devastating and painful, any of the anti-virals is given. Famvir, acyclovir and others are taken orally. They work if taken within 72 hours of the blisters appearing. Useless after that. But the wily virus hands around. It lives on usually in nerves just under the skin of the chest and abdomen. To re-emerge in the 60s 70s 80s of later. Skin blisters occur, causing extreme burning pain. They are hard to eliminate. Same treatment.
With the widespread use of the chicken pox vaccine (same family) in infancy, it is hoped it will lessen these horrible viral outbreaks. There is also a vaccine for adults, but very expensive.
CIRCUMCISION
Q:
We are young parents-to-be and ask what is the current attitude to circumcision for our expected son?
A:
Current world medical view is that circumcision is a simple, quick, safe, cheap procedure, best done in early infancy. It offers lifetime protection against urinary tract infections, phimosis (tight foreskin), paraphimosis (penile contraction) balanoposthitis, poor hygiene, also horrible diseases such as HIV, genital herpes, human papillomavirus, syphilis, chancriod, thrush, penile cancer, and prostate cancer. Sexual function is not diminished and sexual experience is enhanced. In the female partners, it reduces papillomavirus infection (“wart virus”) and cervical cancer, genital herpes, and Chlamydia, an important cause of pelvic inflammatory disease leading to infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
Removal of the ultra sexually sensitive “clitoris” and tissue over or around it is widely practised in many gulf countries. It totally destroys sexual sensation, and causes scarring, which can lead to horrific trauma with childbirth. It is illegal in all western cultures, but is carried out by untrained persons with razors, scissors and knives. The child (usually around 10-14 years) endures untold agony, but considers it important, for she is then an “adult”.
All cereals are nutritious, containing fibre (outer coating) and carbs (for energy). Wheat is the most widely used in western countries. Rice in the east. Brown rice (with the covering intact) is preferable to white or “polished” rice where the outer coasting has been removed. Oats is excellent. Barley is increasingly popular and highly nutritious. “Corn”, maize, millet and others are all good. The nearer to the original product (unprocessed) the better. Soy beans (as well as all the beans, ad chic peas) legumes are also big in protein and fibre.
Carrots contain carotene the precursor to vitamin A which is claimed to keep the “rods and cones” in the retina in good shape. This sharpens night vision. So yes, they are good value. Don’t over cook – steamed is best. Heat rapidly destroys many vitamins and other nutrients in fruit and veggies.
Mum finds it more difficult to remember or recall names and events these days. Is this normal, or is she heading for Alzheimers, her major fear?
A:
With age, neurones in the brain gradually die out. It is part of the ageing process, and does not necessarily means Alzheimers where memory loss is acute and often with sudden onset. It may start in the 60’s and quickly deteriorate. Dementia, with similar symptoms often starts in those 85 years.
Coughs, colds, aches and pains, feeling off colour, painful joints, sweaty and miserable? Whatever your symptom, or illness, Dr James Wright. may help you, and answer your questions.
Simply log onto docwright.com.au type in your symptom in the space, on the left hand column, click and up it comes. Simple easy-to-follow information Dr Wright has written over the past several years. Then click contact us if you have a special message.
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
You can subscribe (no cost) to Dr James Wright's Monthly Health Letter. Log onto Vimiera Retirement Village , click contact us or Newsletter, enter your email address which will then arrive each month. Again, chocful of up-to-date health tips.
Dr James Wright is associated with lovely Vimiera Retirement Village (“vimieravillage.com.au) in the leafy Sydney NSW suburb of Eastwood. It is operated by Mediaid Centre Foundation (mediaid.org.au), a non profit Public Benevolent Institution which provides housing for the elderly, as well as providing a large amount of health information.
