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Can using rid lice treatment longer than the time allowed harm you?
Rid contains natural extracts from the chrysanthemum flower. Though safe and effective, these extracts only kill crawling lice, not unhatched nits. A second treatment is recommended in 7 to 10 days to kill any newly hatched lice. Treatment failures are common.

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

For more information on Rid, go to www.ridlice.com.

I have been on my period for more than a week, which in itself is unusual for me, but the entire time I have had huge clots.  Is this normal?
According to the National Institutes of Health, most periods last from three to five days.  You should consult your health care provider if:

       You haven't started menstruating by age 16

       Your period suddenly stops

       You bleed excessively, or for more days than usual

       You suddenly feel sick after using tampons

       You bleed between periods

       You have severe pain during your period

If you can’t get in to see your doctor right away, keep a diary of your periods, noting the dates, length of period, number of pads or tampons used, description of flow, and any pain or other symptoms you might be experiencing.  This will help your doctor in determining what treatment if any if needed.

There is a decision tree for menstrual problems in the site below that you may find useful.   

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/538.printerview.html

Can I lay in the tanning bed if I'm taking antibiotics?
According to specialists in radiation safety at the Health Physics Society, "Some drugs can increase your reaction to ultraviolet radiation. These drugs may not make you noticeably sensitive to sunlight, but they may make you very sensitive to the intense ultraviolet radiation in a tanning booth. FDA has published a list of medications that increased sensitivity to light (HHS Publication FDA 91-8280). These drugs include, but are not limited to":

Some antibiotics, especially those used to treat acne Some high blood pressure medications Some tranquilizers Diuretics Some birth control pills Some oral diabetes medications

Drugs that cause photosensitivity have a special warning label on them, stating that they may cause an unusual response to the sun and other sources of ultraviolet light.

Please check with your doctor or pharmacist to determine if your medication is on this list.

I have a blister on my lower eyelid close to the inside corner. I went to the eye Dr. he gave me Tobradex Ointment but it's not helping.
You do not indicate how long you have been using the medication the doctor prescribed for you, so it may be you have not given it enough time to work. If you have been taking the medication for some time, I would recommend that you make a follow-up appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. It is important for your eye doctor to know that the treatment prescribed is not working so that your "blister" can be reevaluated.

Can you catch poison ivy from another person?
According to the National Institutes of Health, the rash or oozing from blisters cannot be passed between persons, unless urushiol, an oily ingredient of the poison ivy plant that causes the rash, is still present on the skin of the affected individual. Urushiol is not present in the blister fluid. Urushiol may be present on clothing, tools, or pets and can remain active for up to a year. All exposed objects, including your skin should be thoroughly washed after any exposure.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?
There are a variety of symptoms with strep throat. In general, most adults may have a sore throat which is red and swollen and sometimes white patches may be present. There may be difficulty in swallowing, swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck, fever, headache, nausea and or loss of appetite. Rash, stomachache, and vomiting may also occur, especially in children. Please be aware that strep cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone. If you suspect you have strep throat, you need to see a physician and have a throat swab done. If the strep test is positive, then antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent any serious complications from this bacterial infection.

How could I find out how many people in Piqua have been diagnosed with Lupus?
The CDC reports that there is a lack of epidemiological information on lupus, so no one knows the exact number of people with this disorder in the U.S. It is doubtful that there are any statistics available locally, but you could try contacting the following:
Piqua City Health department Miami County Public Health Department Lupus support groups (www.lupusohio.org) Good luck with your search.
  
My hair is suddenly falling out not in chunks just all over.. could it be from the heat?
Sudden hair loss may have several causes. The most common causes include improper hair styling, inadequate diet/nutrition, hormonal imbalances, and minor or major illnesses. Please use the following link to learn more about sudden hair loss and what you should do for it.
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/men/general/081.html
 
Can I use calamine lotion on my face if I have chicken pox?
Since I do not know your age or gender, I am assuming you are an adult asking this question. If you develop chicken pox as an adult, you should consult with your doctor. Chicken pox may be more severe with a higher rate of complications in adults, especially if you are a pregnant woman. My advice would be to call your doctor before attempting any home treatment. I have provided a link to a chicken pox fact sheet for adults from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

I have little white bumps on my right eyelid corner. I wash my face every night and they wont go away. what can I do? and what are there?
Most skin conditions are very difficult to diagnose without a physical exam. Bumps around the eyelids can be related to various disorders such as warts, cysts, or viral infections. The best course of action would be to have these bumps examined by a medical or eye care professional.

I have always been prone to cold sores but am now suffering from the worst I have ever had. I have a row of cold sores on my upper lip and it will scab over but when the scab comes off there are more cold sores, or they seem worse. I have had this for over 2 weeks now and my doctor keeps telling me there is nothing he can do. This is affecting my job and my personal life. What should I do?
You do not mention if you are using any medications to treat your cold sores. I would recommend that you learn as much as you can about cold sore treatment and prevention. Armed with this information, talk with your physician about treatment options or make an appointment with a dermatologist. A good place to start your education is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_sores.

Our house has been infested with drain flies. We have it sprayed several times professionally and taking all the precautions so no re-infestation occurs. However we are itching like crazy. No one knows what do do. Can you please help us? We have been to the dermatolagist, the medicine seemed to work at first, but all the symptoms have returned. I am going crazy please please help us!!
If you believe the itching is related to the pesticide used to eliminate the fly problem, get more information from The National Pesticide Telecommunications Network at www.npic.orst.edu or call 1-800-858-7378. Please keep your doctor informed of your response to treatment.

After I fly my ears do not want to pop. Is there anything I can do to relieve the feeling of being plugged up and not hearing?
There is an educational website from Case Western Reserve that may have the answer to your problem. Please go to www.cwru-ent.org/brochure/flying.html

I have vitilgo, are there any cures or treatments that can help?
Please check the website of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) for information on your condition.

www.niams.nih.gov

There is a link on this site for the National Vitiligo Foundation

What procedure and medication is used to remove lice from the eyelid?
A visit to your eye doctor may be in order to confirm that your problem is caused by lice and not some other condition. If you know for sure that the problem is lice, try coating your eyelashes with petroleum ointment. Frequently cleanse the eyelids with a warm, wet washcloth.
 
What are some safety concerns associated with rubbing alcohol?
According to the EPA, rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, has a couple safety concerns.  1) It is highly flammable, and 2) poisoning can occur through skin absorption, oral ingestion, or inhalation.  It should be stored properly, away from heat sources, only used in well ventilated areas, and kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Can calamine lotion be used  when your face itches? Do you know why your face itches?  Is it dry skin or some type of allergic reaction?  Before using calamine lotion on your face, you should try to determine what is causing the itch.  Calamine lotion is used to relieve the itching, pain, and discomfort of minor skin irritations, such as those caused by poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.  

How do I stop burning the sides of my elbows when I lay in the tanning bed. My arms are skinny and when I lay down the boney part of my elbow always scorches, but the rest of my body is fine. How do I fix this?
My best advice: Stop tanning. If you decide to continue, cover the areas so they are not exposed. You may also want to discuss this with the tanning professionals where you tan. Perhaps they have a better suggestion that would help you.
   
Is it true that Selsun Blue shampoo can be used on the skin to clear up white patches from a fungal infection on the skin due to using a tanning bed?
Selsun Blue contains selenium sulfide which is used to treat dandruff, seborrhea, and minor fungus infections of the scalp and skin. You should contact your physician regarding the use of this medication, especially if you have inflamed areas of the skin, any allergic reactions to other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives, and are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, or breast-feeding. It would be wise to have your skin condition evaluated and appropriately diagnosed before using over the counter remedies that may make the condition worse.
 
I get white blotches all over my body that only show up after I tan. I have been using an indoor tanning salon for years and this year is the 1st that I have seen the blotches. Any ideas?
There could be a number of reasons for your white blotches, the most common being a fungal skin infection. Other causes include pressure points on skin coming in contact with acrylic beds or use of certain medications that cause the skin to react unfavorably to UV rays. Since this is the first time you have noticed this problem, you should see a physician to determine if you need any specific treatment. Any treatment will take several months and the white areas should be protected from further UV exposure.

My eight year old daughter drew on her eyebrows with a sharpie permanent marker about three months ago. At first, her eyebrow hair fell out where she had drawn on them, but then they eventually almost all fell out. (She scrubbed the area pretty hard to get the ink off). They have not totally grown back in yet. She has some growth, but not what I would expect after three months. I can feel some stubbly hairs, and see some really light ones there, but nothing major. We're concerned that they won't come back. Any suggestions?
You need to contact Sanford, the company that makes the marker and give them more information. The number for health and safety concerns is 1-888-786-0972.
 
When I tan in a tanning bed and get burnt I get blisters on my lips, can tanning beds cause this?
The most common cause of blisters around the mouth is Herpes Simplex virus Type I. The virus can develop into fever blisters or cold sores when exposed to ultraviolet light. The use of a lip block when tanning may help.

What is the best medicine to stop hair loss and regrow hair?
There are many medications available for treating hair loss. Unfortunately, these medications are expensive and may not work for everyone. Therefore it is difficult to recommend any one as the "best". A physician should be consulted to determine if your hair loss is caused by disease, genetics, injury, or aging. Your medical history will be assessed and any dietary or hairstyling habits that may be affecting your hair or scalp will be considered. Tests may be done to rule out any diseases or infections that may be contributing to your hair loss. Treatment will then be based on these medical findings, and may or may not include use of prescription or OTC medications.

What does it mean when eyebrow hair falls out?
Here is a list of the most common conditions that may cause loss of eyebrow hair.

1. Infections that cause inflammation of the skin or hair follicles.
2. Endocrine disorders or hormonal disorders such as thyroid disease or pregnancy. The use of birth control pills may also cause temporary hair loss.
3. Autoimmune disorders such as lupus erythematosus or alopecia areata.
4. Common skin conditions such as seborrhea, eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis.
5. Medications taken for other conditions, such as high blood pressure, antidepressants,anti-inflammatories, or drugs used to control seizures.
6. Overdose of vitamins or minerals, especially vitamin A.
7. Exposure to heavy metals.
8. Over plucking of eyebrows.

There are several other conditions that may cause hair loss. Only a medical exam by your physician can determine the exact cause. If the hair loss persists, a visit to the dermatologist is advised.
 
What can I use to stop itching from laying in a tanning bed?

A number of skin irritations may occur with indoor tanning. The causes and treatment are as follows: 1. Dry skin. Use a good moisturizer. 2. Sensitivity to UV rays or prone to heat rash. Tan for shorter sessions and avoid tanning during busy times when beds are warm. 3. Chemicals, lotions. or cleaners used on tanning beds may cause itching. Discontinue use of any suspected product. If itching persists, avoid UV exposure until itching stops, moisturize well, drink plenty of water, and consult a physician.

Are tanning beds safer that tanning in the sun?
Indoor tanning parlors should be avoided, since they expose people to the same kinds of ultraviolet radiation as sunlight.

Most tanning devices give off as much as 10 times more ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation than is received from the sun.

Skin tanning is an injury response to ultraviolet damage.

UVA radiation in high doses, whether from tanning devices or sun exposure, may increase the risks of skin cancer and premature skin aging.

What is the best treatment for sunburn?
Treatment of a sunburn varies according to the severity of the burn.  A mild to moderately sever burn is treated with cool tap water of saline compresses for 15 to 20 minutes, three to four times a day.  Because the involved skin is often very dry, a moisturizing lotion may be applied.  Acetaminophen is recommended to relieve the discomfort of the burn for several days.  Call your doctor if the burn is severe (blisters), or if there is a fever. Drink plenty of fluids.

What causes blisters or bumps on eyelids?
Blisters or bumps on the eyelids may arise from a number of causes. These may include infections, allergies, viruses, or autoimmune disorders. An ophthalmologist or dermatologist should be consulted if the condition persists. It is important to use good hygiene on your eyelids. Clean eyelids carefully every morning. Some physicians recommend using baby shampoo. Remember to remove all mascara before going to bed.

What's the best way to lose weight?
If you want to lose weight, you have to consume fewer calories than you need, exercise more, or both. Most people, depending on activity levels, only need 12 calories per pound of body weight per day. If you reduce your caloric intake or increase your caloric expenditure by 500 calories per day, you can lose 1 pound per week. (3500 calories = 1 pound of fat.) Stick to a diet based on fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and nonfat or low fat dairy products. Make exercise a part of your daily routine. Create opportunities to move. Some activities that burn about 150 calories if done in 15-30 minute increments include: walking, bicycling, dancing, swimming. climbing stairs, and shoveling snow.

Can I get lice by sitting next to someone who has them?
Head lice are transmitted through close personal contact with another infested individual. Occasionally, transmission occurs by:

• sharing combs, brushes, towels, and other grooming aids 
• sharing hats, caps, wigs, or coats 
• Laying on a bed, couch, pillow, or carpet that has recently been in contact with an infested person.
  Pubic lice or “crabs” are usually spread through sexual contact. A common misbelief is that infestation can be spread by sitting on a toilet seat. This isn’t likely, since lice cannot live long away from a warm human body.
  Lice are about this ( ) long and are grayish white. Lice do not jump, fly, or stay alive for long periods off the human body. They do move very quickly and are difficult to find. Infestation is only diagnosed by finding nits. A nit is a louse egg. Nits are teardrop shaped, about the size of a typewritten 
  ( , ). Nits cannot be washed out or brushed out of the hair due to a cement like substance that adheres each nit to a hair shaft.

The following treatment procedure should be carried out:

• Obtain louse shampoo from your pharmacy
• Apply shampoo according to manufacturer’s instructions. Do not over treat! 
• Nit (head lice egg) combs, often found in lice medicine packages should be used to remove nits and lice from the hair shaft. Many flea combs made for cats and dogs are also effective. 
• After treatment, check, comb, and remove nits and lice from hair every 2 to 3 days. 
• Re-treat in 7 to 10 days. 
• To kill lice and nits, machine-wash all washable clothing and bed linens that the infested person touched during the 2 days before treatment. Use the hot water cycle (130° F) to wash clothes. Dry laundry using the hot cycle for at least 20 minutes 
• Dry clean clothing that is not washable, (coats, hats, scarves, etc.) OR 
• Store all clothing, stuffed animals, comforters, etc., that cannot be washed or dry cleaned into a plastic bag and seal for 2 weeks. 
• Soak combs and brushes for 1 hour in rubbing alcohol, Lysol, or wash with soap and hot (130° F) water. 
• Vacuum the floor and furniture. Do not use fumigant sprays; they can be toxic if inhaled. 
  

What is a sty?
A sty is a small lump in the eyelid caused by obstruction of an oil producing gland near the root of an eyelash. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain in a localized area of the eye.
  
Treatment consists of repeated use of warm, wet compresses applied to the eye for 15-20 minutes, 4 times a day, for 3-4 days. Do not attempt to squeeze or drain the sty yourself.
  
If the sty does not diminish or recurs, medical attention is necessary.  Your health care provider may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications.

Can I catch poison ivy from someone who has a rash?
Contrary to popular belief, the rash cannot pass from person to person through the oozing of the blisters; it can only be spread by contact with the resin of the plant. Poison ivy, oak, and sumac contain an active oily ingredient known as urushiol. Very small amounts of the chemical can provoke a serious reaction in some people. According to The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of The National Institutes of Health, urushiol can be transferred from one object to another. Clothing or tools that touch the plants, or pets that rub against them, can pick up the plant oil and pass it directly to a person. Prompt washing of the skin after contact may prevent spread of the oil. The rash cannot be spread from the oozing blisters, as the fluid within the blisters does not contain urushiol. Calomine lotion can be used to help relieve itching and inflammation. Cool showers or soaking in a lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda will help dry blisters and provide comfort. A person should see a physician if the rash is severe, is on the face or genitals, or covers more than 20% of the body.