Ask the doctor

My skin develops big bumps despite using after-shaveDear Doctor;Whenever I shave, I develop irritation around the facial areas I shave. Facial bumps also come and they are usually big yet I use after-shave (Gillette). Could I be having acne? Mike, Kimironko.Dear Mike, Irritation of face can be for multiple reasons like dryness of skin, infections, allergy to the product being used. You say that bumps appear after shaving, is there any associated itching or discharge or redness. Are these painful or painless. Because bacterial infections can cause all these features. Fungal infections present in that area will cause only itching but mostly no pain. Whether it is acne or not, difficult to say without seeing. Acne are usually intermittent, fluctuating and painless but you can consult dermatologist for it.Why do I feel pain in the ribs during intercourse?Dear Doctor;Whenever I have sex with my wife I feel pain in between my ribs, what could be the cause of this pain? Peter.Dear Peter, It is unusual to have pain between ribs while having sex. The most likely reason could be muscular pain because of pressure on the chest wall. If a heavy meal is taken before sleeping, gases formed can also cause discomfort and pain. If you are around or more than 40 years, and the pain comes around left side, you need to get a ECG (electrocardiography)done to exclude ischemic heart disease, because that can be precipitated in individuals due to any excitement. Risk increases with factors such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, alcohol and cigarette smoking. Try controlling these factors if present, take light meal in evening, preferably two hours before sleeping, change position of intercourse and things should be fineDe-worming has not helped end my appetiteDear Doctor;I have a lot of appetite these days yet I de-worm myself every three months, am gaining a lot of weight and am worried, what is bringing this appetite? Malcolm.Dear Malcolm, Apart from worm infestation, diabetes can also lead to increased appetite. All the features of diabetes, such as increased thirst and urination may not be present and one may just have increased appetite. Apart from this derangement of thyroid function can lead to increase in appetite. Get tested for these disorders. Anxiety and depression can cause increased desire to eat in some individuals as eating gives a sense of well being to them. Try to keep yourself busy and relaxed. Avoid eating whenever you feel like, substitute fried snacks for light snacks or fruits. Start regular physical exercise to prevent further weight gain because weight gain by itself leads to many health related problems.My fingernails rot whenever I wash clothes even without detergentsDear Doctor;Whenever I wash clothes either with or without detergent my skin peels and my nails begin to rot, what could be causing these reactions? Rose.Dear Rose, The problem you have mentioned seems to be most likely a fungal infection occurring due to dampness. Allergy to detergents could also cause this, but like you say it happens even when not using a detergent. Nails also rot due to fungal infection Excess dryness of skin is yet another cause for peeling. Ideally use gloves while washing. Keep hands always dry, ie immediately after finishing any washing wipe them dry, Avoid dryness by using a lubricant like olive oil. Home remedies like applying mint or cucumber juice or aloe vera is also claimed to help in skin peeling. Consult a dermatologist and use any anti-fungal cream for three months without stopping for total cure.I always run out of blood in the bodyDear Doctor;I had a blood transfusion while giving birth, the doctors said my blood was not enough at that time. After a week, they told me that I have no blood again and they gave me more. What could be eating up my blood? Harriet.Dear Harriet, It is really an issue of concern to have severe lack of blood (anemia), during delivery. Usually demand for iron and calcium is increased during pregnancy. If this is not met by iron and folic acid-rich food and or supplements, women tend to develop anemia. Excess blood loss during delivery is another reason for anemia occurring after child birth. Malaria, worm infestations, etc also lead to anemia. As you have said that the lack of blood continued after transfusion, there could be an underlying haematological disorder, ie either the bone marrow is producing inadequate blood or the blood cells are being destroyed in excess, exceeding the production. To know the reason, you need to undergo series of haematological tests. Meanwhile, continue with iron rich foods like red meat, passion fruit, green vegetables, etc.My feet won’t stop smellingDear Doctor;My feet smells yet I don’t wear wet shoes. I tried using feet powder but the smell increased instead. What should I do? James. Dear James, The most common cause of bad smelly feet is sweating coupled with growth of bacteria. Fungal infection of the feet can also lead to bad odour. Nylon or polyester socks and shoes tend to aggravate the situation as they prevent adequate ventilation of the feet. Avoid having damp feet; wipe them dry immediately after washing. Whenever you can, use open footwear like sandals. Also, avoid going around bare-footed as the soles are exposed to dust and germs. Applying sodabicarbonate powder can also help. Anti-fungal dusting powders also can be used.