Diplomate, Board Certification of Emergency Medicine
More questions from readers. It never ceases to impress me
how rumors in medicine spread among neighbors, but when a
yeshiva bochur told me this one, it raised my
eyebrows. Apparently, there are guys buying hair conditioner
since there is a rumor that it helps prevent dandruff.
Now the truth, fellows: It doesn't. We now know that dandruff
is caused by a pesky fungus that is quite happy on the moist
heads of people who sweat in this warm climate. "Head and
Shoulders" contains Zinc compounds which work for a while,
but soon the fungus adapts. Coal tar shampoos can also help,
as well as anti-fungals such as ketoconazole, but this can be
a losing game. I checked Dr. Fisher and did not find an
active ingredient against dandruff, but perhaps someone from
that company would like to inform me what is in it that
helps.
We have discussed depression extensively, but I will review
the warning signs as per the request of a reader: Sleep
disturbance, feelings of lack of value of life, sadness,
eating disturbance. Short periods of these feelings -- such
as in grief or after birth -- are normal and need no
therapy. The use of tranquilizers is discouraged as
dependence can occur. Seniors do get depressed, and actually
have a high suicide risk. They should be watched carefully,
especially those showing beginning signs of dementia who
become depressed as a result.
I am asked about a person who is immune to antidepressants.
The context of this column does not allow individual
questions to be answered. A lot more information is necessary
here. But there is usually a solution to this problem of
depression.
We are also asked again about lice, a subject I have dealt
with in the past. Natural remedies do not work. Best bets for
the Israeli monster louse: petroleum jelly, resprim,
Ivermectin from the USA and malathion. Don't panic. Electric
zappers are neat, but are no more effective. Malathion is
flammable. Do not use it with zappers.
Sinusitis is common and is overtreated. Most cases are viral
and do not need any treatment beyond decongestants -- that is
orally -- nose drops can be addictive. What I mean is that
when used for a long period of time, the nose than will start
running if they are discontinued. Warm soaks feel good, and
occasionally exploration with a special scope is done by the
ENT. X rays are worthless. They are often positive in people
without disease. Write me in care of the Yated.
A message from GlaxoSmithKline, sponsor of this
column. Zyban works for smoking, and Glaxo wants to
spread the word. Should you have a group that wants to
discuss smoking dangers in our community, then Glaxo will
assist you in development of strategies and advertising the
dangers of this horrible habit.
