Ask the doctor
Professor Kerryn Phelps answers readers’ questions on spider veins, eczema, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and more, plus she looks at diabetes’ “4Ts”.
My arthritis causes me a lot of pain, but I don’t like taking pain medication too often. Are there alternatives? D.E., Vic.
It is important to explore non-drug methods of managing your arthritis. Weight loss will unload painful joints. Activities such as Tai Chi and yoga will improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles supporting your joints. Supplements such as SAM-e, fish oil and glucosamine/chondroitin, and the herbs turmeric, boswellia and cat’s claw can help with pain management.
Last year, my friend got divorced from her husband of 25 years. She has seen a few men and admitted to having unprotected sex. I am worried about her health. What sexually transmitted infections (STIs) should she be aware of and how can I encourage her to be more careful?
The best you can do for your friend is to give her information and hope that she will make the right decisions for herself. There is a significant increase in sexually transmitted infections such as genital warts, herpes and chlamydia in older people. The safer sex message applies at all ages. Regular sexual health check-ups with her doctor are recommended.
I am only 30 years old, but
I’ve noticed that I am getting quite a few spider veins on my legs. What causes this and how can I get rid of them? S.R., SA.
Spider veins are tiny superficial varicose veins. They can run in families and there is often a hormonal element in women.
They are made worse by standing or sitting for long periods, being overweight and lack of exercise. The usual treatment is with tiny injections directly into the veins, a technique called microsclerotherapy.
My teenage daughter has been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Sometimes she has constipation and other times diarrhoea. Her diet is healthy, but she feels unwell constantly. Is there something to make her bowel habits more consistent? K.W, Vic.
You need to look for treatable causes for her symptoms, such as a food intolerance, a gut parasite, symbiosis (imbalance of gut flora) or coeliac disease. If no cause is found, a FODMAP diet can help medically diagnosed IBS. An experienced dietitian will guide you through that. You can read about it in my book
During the cooler months my eightyear-old son has eczema flare-ups on his back. I have been using a good moisturiser and barrier cream, but they help only slightly. What else should I try or should we see a dermatologist? M.T., NSW.
Chronic eczema in children often responds to a gluten-free diet. This is worth trying. Formal allergy testing may reveal other specific allergies that your son could have. Also ask his doctor to check the eczema diagnosis is correct.
My husband has white spots on his toenails. What causes this and what should he do to get rid of them? P.D, WA.
This is a condition called leukonychia. It is most likely a result of injury to the nail bed, for example, from poorly fitting shoes. It may be a sign of zinc, iron or calcium deficiency. Another possibility is a fungal infection. Your GP can assess and advise you.