Q When is herpes contagious? I have not had an outbreak of genital herpes in years but i do take valtrex if i feel an outbreak may be coming on. If i take valtrex as needed and i do not have an outbreak, am i still contagious?

Genital herpes is the most contagious when the lesions are active and a few days before that. However, an infected person can potentially be shedding the virus all his life. Since, the virus is spread by direct skin to skin contact, it is very easy to spread it through intercourse or oral sex. Thus, protect your partner by always using a condom.

Q How does umbilical cord work?

During the prenatal life umbilical cord is the connection between the foetus and placenta. It consist of two umbilical arteries and one umbilical vein. The vein does the function of carrying oxygenated and nutrients rich blood form the placenta to the foetus. The two arteries do the work of carrying deoxygenated and nutrient depleted blood from the foetus back to the placenta.

Q My lips are very dry and occasionally bleeds what to do?

Lips have a thin coating of oil which prevents them from drying. However in some people this moisture is lost resulting in excessive drying. The main reasons behind this is defective hydration, excessive licking habit, in winters due to dry winds, side effect of medications. In most cases self care measures helps to resolve the issue. Self care measures include: Improving daily water intake because it is important to remain well hydrated to prevent drying of lips. Use a lip balm whenever you are outdoors. Rubbing a slice of cucumber or a milk cream on lips at night. Keep it for few minutes and then wash it of with plain water. This will help in healing of cracked lips. However a condition called as chelitis which is cracked skin at corner of lips needs medical care, as the cause is infection. In that case consultation with dermatologist is required.

Q What is dry patchy skin around eyes?

Dry patchy skin around eyes indicates that skin in that area is devoid of its water content or moisture. Several factors can cause dry patches around eyes such as extremes of temperature, strong facial cleansers, soap, acne products. Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can also cause dry patchy skin.

Q How to control thyroid in pregnency

Thyroid control will require intake of thyroid medication. Medication will depend upon the type of thyroid disorder such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Hence you should consult your family physician at the earliest as uncontrolled thyroid disease can affect the fetus.

Q Biotin and vitamin e for hair?

Both the biotin and vit E are helpful for the growth of hair.

Q If unwanted-72 is taken 12 days before the expected menses, will menses be regular and on time and it is taken within 72 hours of sex?

In some females the pill can cause menses to be delayed or early or it can even come on time. Some people might even get spotting which may even continue till next normal period.

Q What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects the way a person acts, thinks, and sees the world. People with schizophrenia have an altered perception of reality, often a significant loss of contact with reality. They may see or hear things that dont exist, speak in strange or confusing ways, believe that others are trying to harm them, or feel like theyre being constantly watched. With such a blurred line between the real and the imaginary, schizophrenia makes it difficult even frightening to negotiate the activities of daily life. In response, people with schizophrenia may withdraw from the outside world or act out in confusion and fear.

Q Why do babies spit up?

Spitting up tends to peak at age 4 months, and most babies stop spitting up by age 12 months.nThe reason for it is babies have esophageal valve still in developing phase that means its immature yet so it results in backward flow of food. Until this valve take time to mature, spitting up may be an issue — especially if your baby eats too much or too quickly. Having food too much or hurriedly cause air to get inside babys stomach along with food. While sucking milk from breast or bottle nipple, babies engulf much amount of air too. This is then come out along with some liquid in the form of spitting. Try these tips to help your baby keep his food down: 1. Hold your baby in a fairly upright position when you feed him. 2. Try smaller, more frequent feedings. 3. Frequent burps during and after each feeding can keep air from building up in your babys stomach. 4. Try to avoid distractions or noises while feeding him, which will reduce his air intake.

Q High lymphocytes means what.

An increase in lymphocyte concentration is usually a sign of a viral infection (in some rare case, leukemias are found through an abnormally raised lymphocyte count in an otherwise normal person).