Director, Emergency Services, Bikur Cholim Hospital
A recent article in an obscure journal echoed the feeling
that megadose Vitamin C does little to prevent the common
cold. I must say I am against all dietary changes that use
megadoses of anything — that includes high fat diets of
Atkins, vitamin supplementation in regular people and taking
large amounts of B complex.
I was asked about protecting your skin. We have myriads of
skin and hair products, which is a wonder since both skin and
hair are essentially lifeless. There is a little evidence
— very little — that Dead Sea mud is helpful for
some conditions, most specifically psoriasis.
In our Middle Eastern dry climate, the winter is tough on
hands, and a moisturizer is often necessary. In our hot
summers, we sweat copiously, and this is a perfect
environment for fungi to grow, as well as dandruff. Athlete's
foot, nail fungus and skin fungus — such as "ringworm"
— are very common. Bathing and drying off well are
imperative, as well as keeping an antifungal cream in the
house. 1 percent chlotriamzole is available without a
prescription in the USA, and some brands are also over the
counter in Israel (such as Baby Agisten).
Use gloves when house cleaning. Do not take chances. Many
things — such as St. Moritz — are very corrosive.
Many plants have irritating fluids so careful in the
garden.
Wool and polyester can be tough on the skin. Cotton is the
most comfortable and least allergenic. Use soaps and laundry
detergents that are hypoallergenic. Lose weight. Our climate
causes outbreaks of Shoshana — erysipelas — a
disease of the skin where the skin is hot, painful and
infected.
If you have diabetes, cut your toenails carefully and dry
your feet well — a fungus can start the pathway to
amputation, lo aleinu.
Chronic skin diseases such as eczema need to be treated.
Chronic sun exposure to light-skinned folks can lead to skin
cancer — an ulcerating lesion on the skin needs to be
biopsied. These skin tips should help.
Statins — miracle drugs that lower cholesterol —
have been shown to prevent heart attacks, and may be
important in treating them as well. They may have a role in
the treatment of stroke. Contrary to assertion, it doesn't
help in dementia yet — stay tuned. Write me in care of
the Yated.
A message from GlaxoSmithKline, sponsor of this
column. Serevent is important for keeping asthma in
check. It keeps the lung passages open for 10 hours —
much longer than acute treatments — so it is great for
when you may expect an attack coming. It can be safely
combined with an inhaled steroid for easier asthma
breathing
