DR JEFF FOSTER is The Sun on Sunday’s new resident doctor and is here to help YOU.
Dr Jeff, 43, splits his time between working as a GP in Leamington Spa, Warks, and running his clinic, H3 Health, which is the first of its kind in the UK to look at hormonal issues for both men and women.
Dr Jeff Foster is The Sun on Sunday’s new resident doctor and is here to help you
See h3health.co.uk and email at [email protected].
Q) I AM a 41-year-old woman and I caught herpes from a sexual partner when I was 24.
It was treated properly and cleared up. I’ve never had another flare-up until recently. It isn’t as bad as last time but it’s definitely there.
I have a husband now and don’t want to tell him as it’s embarrassing.
Why have I got this again? Can I treat it without anyone knowing?
Laura R, Aberdeen
A) Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease that can be passed on through either vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Symptoms include small blisters that can burst and leave small areas of open sores in any infected area.
Many sufferers also complain of a tingling or burning sensation as well as pain, often when passing urine.
The problem with herpes (much like chicken pox or shingles) is that once you have contracted the virus it stays with you for the rest of your life, usually in a dormant state.
If you get run down, your immune system becomes weakened or you have another medical problem that puts your body under stress then there is a chance this virus can become active again.
Treatment is with an antiviral drug that your doctor would have to prescribe.
When the virus is dormant it is very hard to pass on, but if you get a flare-up, this is the time it could be spread.
Q) THE backs of my ears have started itching and are covered in a rash that I can’t clear up.
I have developed an allergy to something but I don’t know what.
Jamie Smith, Manston, Kent
A) The skin behind our ears can be quite sensitive and is susceptible to conditions that affect our scalp and our skin in general.
This means that not all cases of rash and itch are necessarily allergy-related.
One of the most common conditions that affects the skin behind our ears is seborrheic dermatitis, the same condition that causes dandruff.
Ears can also be more prone to fungal infections such as ringworm.
A specific allergy is possible but it would have to be a contact allergy if nowhere else on your body is affected.
So you need to consider whether it is related to anything like wrap-around earphones or the tips of a pair of glasses.
Start by purchasing a mild emollient from a pharmacist and apply this several times a day.
Also ask your pharmacist if a topical steroid or antifungal would be appropriate to use in conjunction before seeing your doctor.
Discovered on: 2023-06-03 20:31:29
Source: From herpes flare-up to itchy ears – Dr Jeff answers your health questions
