Ask the doctor

Why is the infection in my left eye recurring?Dear Doctor;In December, I had eye pains and after treatment on eyedrops for a month, it was recommended I get on specs. However, by then, I had what the doctor said was an eye infection. In the mornings, I would wake up with some dry pus allover my left eye. Another eyedrop was prescribed and it seemed to help, but now that it is finished, the pain is back and the pus too. What could be such an infection and do I need to use eyedrops like forever now? Edwin, Remera. Dear Edwin, The relapse of eye infection suggests that either the infection has not been cleared suitably or there is some other predisposing condition for your infection. Hope there is no visual problem. Because in case of reduced vision, the individual tends to rub his eyes frequently predisposing to infection. Some sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia and gonococcal infections can infect the eyes as well due to autoinoculation by contaminated finger. Diabetes and HIV are conditions which reduce immunity and increase susceptibility to infections. Exclude diabetes by doing blood glucose. If any STD is present, take adequate treatment for it. A culture done of the eye discharge can reveal causative germs and suitable antibiotic which can help in cure. Some infections like trachoma caused by Chlamydia need longer duration of treatment. Laptop and impotenceDear Doctor;I have been using laptop regularly. I always keep my laptop on my lap. Will keeping the laptop on my lap have any adverse impact on my sexual health? These days, my sexual urge has been decreasing day by day. JM Niyitegeka.Dear JM Niyitegeka, I am sorry for your condition. Laptops are convenient and useful but are not entirely safe. Various studies have proven that the electromagnetic radiation from laptops reduces libido and sperm count in men. Risk increases with use of WiFi wireless connections and keeping laptop on the lap for long hours continuously. Regular alcohol consumption, diabetes, etc would add on to the problem. But if you are young, there is no other risk factor for impotence, then it can be corrected. Avoid keeping laptop on the lap. In fact it is not good to use computers for a long time continuously. After 1to two hours of use it is good to give a gap of minimum 15-20 minutes to give the eyes and fingers as well some rest. Get the serum testosterone levels tested. Based on the results, if needed you can take some injections of testosterone to increase the virility.What exercise can I do during pregnancy?Dear Doctor;I am a 35-year-old woman and pregnant a second time. During my last pregnancy, I had a severe problem of lax joints. What exercises can I do to avoid the pain this time? I also suffer from backache. Ann.Dear Ann,You need to give some more information. In between your last pregnancy and the current one, have you been alright or there were persistent joint problems? Did you suffer genital ulcerations after first delivery. Are there associated problems like laxity of skin and easy bruising. There are congenital connective tissue disorders like Ehlers danlos syndrome, connective tissue dysplasia, e.t.c. They manifest as laxity of joints and skin, easy bruising of akin, severe laceration after minor trauma, eye and heart problems. Symptoms vary as per the disorder and its severity. During pregnancy there is risk of uterine rupture, premature delivery, prolapse of uterus, e.t.c problems.During pregnancy and breast feeding demand for calcium is increased. At times laxity of joints can also set in due to severe calcium deficiency. Light exercises of the joints done as per the stamina of the body would help in strengthening and keeping the flexibility of joints. There are specific exercises for all the small as well as large joints of body. A physiotherapist can guide you. In case of severe pain, pain killers used for short while are beneficial. If the symptoms persist, you can consult an orthopedic surgeon. What cause ringworms?Dear Doctor;I am 43 but suffering from ringworms (candidiasis) for the last two years especially in the groin and buttocks. The doctor prescribed Grisovin and Candid-B ointment for five days. It was cured completely but keeps recurring every three months. I ride a lot on bike and the itching and rashes are seen now at the seating areas also. How can ringworms be treated permanently? Concerned Patient.Dear Concerned Patient, Your anxiety is understandable but there is nothing to worry. Moist damp conditions precipitate and augment fungal infections. Wearing damp clothes is such a situation. With five days’ treatment, ring worm of the superficial layer of the skin would have been cured. But under suitable conditions, spores present in deeper layers are likely to multiply and spread superficially. Presence of disorder like diabetes, HIV, among others, also makes one more prone to recurrent fungal infections.Get tests done to exclude these conditions. Use towels and clothes which are absolutely dry. Avoid nylon undergarments as they aggravate infections. To obtain a permanent cure, use a local antifungal like Candid-B for at least 12 weeks, so that spores in deeper layers are also cured. Dusting powder would be useful to take for long time. Be cautious never to scratch the itchy part with nails otherewise there is a risk of bacterial infection setting in resulting in abscesses.