From worrying rashes to fatigue and hair loss – Dr Zoe answers your health queries
THERE’S no denying the NHS has faced the hardest two years in its history.
And while Covid restrictions could be lifted completely in a matter of days, the damage is still being felt across the health service.
With record waiting lists to tackle, already exhausted staff are facing yet more challenging times. So we can all do our bit by trying to stay as healthy as possible.
And when it comes to seeking medical help we can all think about where best to turn. Could your local pharmacist help, instead of you calling your GP? Is phoning 111 better than turning up at A&E?
That’s where I hope my column can help. Each week I will answer readers’ questions, to help you get to the bottom of niggling worries. No subject is off limits, so ask away. Here are some of this week’s
Q: IS the only rash to worry about one that does not disappear with a glass pressed against it?
A: No, most definitely not. There are so many types of rashes, and some can be very dangerous while others are harmless.
The glass test is for a “non-blanching” petechial or purpuric rash, which can be a sign of meningitis.
So while that’s a very important rash to know about, there are lots of rashes which will warrant further investigation or treatment.
Psoriasis or eczema flare-ups are easier to treat if you see your GP early, before it gets too bad.
A rash could also be a sign of an allergy, and sometimes rashes can be a result of an underlying systemic disease such as lupus.
Rashes may come and go.
So if you have a rash that’s persistent or keeps coming back, with no explanation, take photographs when it is at its most florid and send those images, with an e-consult form, to your GP.
Ideally, stand in front of a window, in good daylight, to take the pictures.
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Q: ARE a feeling of fatigue and loss of hair in any way related?
A: In short, they could be but might not be. There are a lot of conditions which have both as a symptom, including iron or zinc deficiencies.
They can also present as symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as underactive thyroid or lupus, or it could be down to stress or a period of illness.
When the body experiences severe illness or a stressful event, it can sacrifice unnecessary biological processes like growing hair to channel that energy into facing whatever the stress cause is.
It’s worth having a look at your lifestyle and stress levels. If these are in check, monitor your symptoms and make an appointment with your GP.
Q: HOW can I help my eight-year-old overcome their Covid-related anxiety?
A: Children have suffered so much during the pandemic – and a quarter of your eight-year-old’s life has been spent in a pandemic, with lockdowns and mask-wearing.
Parents can worry that talking with a child about anxiety can just make it worse. But getting things out into the open is the definitely best thing you can do.
Ask your child what they are worried about, specifically. If it’s getting Covid, their risk of serious illness is very small.
If it is someone they love getting it, talk about the success of the brilliant vaccines programme.
So often, children’s worries can take on a life of their own because they don’t have the experience adults do and don’t always process things rationally like an adult might.
Take things step by step, talk through all their concerns and make sure you check in regularly with how they’re feeling.
Q: I’VE just had my smear test done and I’m HPV positive. Does that mean I’m dirty?
A: Absolutely not. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a very common virus that most of us are exposed to at some point.
It’s a virus that in most cases will clear itself but can sometimes cause changes to cells of the cervix which over years can progress to cervical cancer.
That’s why cervical screening involves a test for HPV – to determine who is at higher risk of developing cervical cancer so that appropriate further tests can be carried out.
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It is important people understand the HPV positive result is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about, as most of us will be exposed to the virus at some point.
Nor does it mean you have cervical cancer or will get it.
Get in touch
Email me your health questions to: [email protected]