Air purifiers not for all

Q

Do room air purifiers actually improve the air quality in the room or simply circulate the stale air? Please advise. — A.R. Devendra,

Room air purifiers are generally useful only to some patients like asthmatics who have air allergies, not for the general population. There are various types of air purifiers which differ in cost, power consumption and noise levels. Some require frequent filter changes and clearance for use. Some even release dangerous gases like ozone as by-products, which can further deteriorate the health of already sick patients. — Dr S. Mallikarjun Rao, senior consultant p;ulmonologist & chest specialist, Apollo Hospitals

Q

I am 16 years old and have been suffering from a fungal infection in the girdle region since last year. I consulted many doctors and many of them prescribed Surfaz ointment, Candid (plain), Candid-B and Candiforce 100. However, I have not found any relief. Will I ever be rid of this condition?. — S.S.

The fungal infection is due to the rampant use of steroid creams like Candid-B and Betnovate-C. Most people do not consult a dermatologist when they first contract the infection and end up using fungal steroid creams recommended by the pharmacist. The use of improper creams makes the fungus resistant, besides which anti-fungal medications have to be used for a longer time, for one to two months even after the infection is controlled. Fungal resistance is also growing because of the clothes people are wearing nowadays. Tight clothing helps the fungus to grow more. Clothes must be washed daily in very hot water and dried well. Avoid tight clothing. — Dr P.L. Chandravathi senior consultant dermatologist