Medical Q&A
Ask the doctor
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PROFESSOR KERRYN PHELPS
Q
I’ve heard that ibuprofen can cause meningitis. Is this true and what’s the risk? J.P., NSW. Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. Aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) is a rare but increasingly recognised side effect, mainly among people with an underlying autoimmune connective tissue disorder.
Q
I have black floating spots in my eyesight, but only in front of my left eye. They’ve been coming and going for a couple of months and seem to be more frequent now. Is this something I should see my GP or an optometrist for? D.A., Tas. The most likely cause for the floater is a posterior vitreous detachment. Any recent change in your vision should be assessed, either by an optometrist or your doctor, who will determine whether you need to see an ophthalmologist (medical eye specialist).
PROFESSOR PHELPS PHOTOGRAPHY BY YIANNI ASPRADAKIS.
Q
I’ve had a cyst on the back of my neck for four years; sometimes it is barely noticeable, at times it swells almost to ping-pong ball size. I’m in my late 40s. Should I have it removed? Anon. This is most likely a sebaceous cyst. Because of its history of intermittent inflammation, I would advise you to have it removed by a plastic surgeon before it increases in size again.
Q
My husband is in his mid-50s and sometimes – perhaps in times of heat or stress – comes out in a rash on his chest, which the doctor says is Grover’s disease. It usually subsides with a cortisone cream. Is there anything you’d recommend in terms of diet, soaps and creams? Anon. Grover’s disease, also called transient acantholytic dermatosis (TAD), most often occurs in men over 50. The itch can be worsened by heat, humidity, sweating and the sun. Use a soap substitute and a chemical-free moisturiser regularly. Antihistamines and mild cortisone creams can settle outbreaks.
DID YOU
KNOW?
Heatwaves are likely to worsen in the future due to climate change. Check weather reports and plan visits to air-conditioned venues during the hottest parts of the day. Drink plenty of water (a sign you are drinking enough is that your urine is a pale straw colour), avoid alcohol and hot drinks, find a cool place out of the sun. In the long term, encourage tree planting in your area. H AV E a
QUESTION? If you have a question for Professor Kerryn Phelps, write to: Ask The Doctor, GPO Box 4178, Sydney, NSW 2001 or email openline@bauer-media. com.au. Letters cannot be answered personally. See the Contents page in this issue for the location of Bauer Media Limited’s Privacy Notice.
Q
Occasionally I get a pinprick pain behind the inner corner of my right eyebrow. It usually lasts a few hours. Is this a headache or something else? B.M., Qld. There are several possibilities for your symptoms including trigeminal neuralgia or a cluster headache. Your GP will take a comprehensive history and arrange appropriate investigations or referral.
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