Q Medicine for circinate balanitis (reactive arthritis)

The cardinal symptoms of reactive arthritis are arthritis, urethritis and conjunctivitis. Balanitis is also a frequently noted symptom. It is advisable to get examined by a physician and then start the required medication. In the meanwhile, do not use any soaps, shower gels, condom, lubricant, etc on your penis; so as to avoid further irritation.

Q My nails are brittle and de-shaped especially toe how can I deal with it?

Most common causes for the condition are- hypothyroidism, iron and vitamin deficiencies, inadequate protein intake, dehydration, etc. Here are some of the tips for you- Take well balanced nutritious diet. Include protein rich foods like lean meats, eggs, chicken, fish, legumes, pulses, milk and milk products in your meals. Keep your nails short. Get your blood tested for thyroid function.

Q After what age children can drink coffee?

Children under 12 are generally recommended to avoid caffeine or to limit its intake. Because, Caffeine is absorbed very quickly into the body and then passes into the central nervous system. In low doses caffeine can affect the body causing decreased appetite, increased urination, hyperactive behaviour and difficulty sleeping. The harmful effects may occur when a child consumes more than 4.5 mg of caffeine per pound of body weight.

Q Do I need a tetanus jab (vaccine) after an accident or injury?

Yes. It is necessary to get an injection of TT after an accident or injury. Because the bacteria of tetanus are present in the soil which can infect you if not vaccinated.

Q What is the difference between being crazy and being eccentric?

The term crazy denotes madness or extreme enthusiasm. The term eccentric means unconventional , slightly strange or odd behaviour that deviates form accepted norms within a defined culture.

Q What can you tell me about Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a Mental Health disorder that generates significant emotional instability. This can lead to a variety of other stressful mental and behavioral problems. When you have borderline personality disorder, you often have an insecure sense of who you are. Your self-image, self-identity or sense of self often rapidly changes. You may view yourself as evil or bad, and sometimes you may feel as if you dont exist at all. An unstable self-image often leads to frequent changes in jobs, friendships, goals and values. This is because people with borderline personality disorder often have difficulty accepting gray areas; things seem to be either black or white. The common symptom of borderline personality disorder are overwhelming feelings of distress, anxiety, worthlessness or anger, difficulty managing such feelings without self-harming, for example by abusing drugs and alcohol or taking overdoses, difficulty maintaining stable and close relationships, sometimes, periods of loss of contact with reality, in some cases, threats of harm to others. Treatment may involve a range of individual and group psychological therapies (psychotherapy) carried out by trained professionals.

Q Is non-vegetarian food safe during pregnancy?

There is no harm in consuming non-vegetarian food during pregnancy. Infact eggs, chicken, fish etc are packed with nutrients which are beneficial for you as well as your baby. But care should be taken to maintain the highest standards of hygiene because non-vegetarian food is liable to become contaminated easily. Make sure you eat only well cooked non-veg food. Avoid anything that is raw or under cooked. Avoid fish which are high in mercury such as mackerel, swordfish, tuna, etc. As long as you follow these guidelines, you can safely consume non-vegetarian food.

Q What can cause orgasm problems in men?

Orgasm is release of sexual tension characterised by sense of sexual pleasure. The length of a mans orgasm is estimated to be in between 10-15 seconds on an average although they may last upto 30 seconds. In men it is denoted by ejaculaton of semen. However problems associated with ejaculation can affect a mans ability to achieve orgasm. They include : Anejaculation, premature ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, delayed ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.

Q How can I improve my chances of becoming a father?

You must follow a regular exercise and diet plan in order to be fit and fine, and to increase the chances of being a father. It is necessary to have the intercourse during the ovulation phase of the female. Normally, ovulation takes place at 14th day after the last menses counting from the starting of the bleeding as Day 1. In irregular cycle, one can use the ovulation kit to get the ovulation period. If you are quite young and unmarried, avoid excessive masturbation and other things which make you feel arousal. Because, it may lead to less erection and early ejaculation which will affect your sexual life and some other problems related with general physical and mental health. Avoid multi-partner sex which may gives you any sexually transmitted disease.

Q I have been suffering from hyper-acidity as a result of antibiotics. Please advice.

Hyper-acidity is a common side effect of most antibiotics. Most physicians will prescribe an antacid or a H2 blocker along with antibiotics to circumvent this side-effect. If your physician hasnt done so, please visit him and ask him to prescribe the same. If you are on long term antibiotics, a multivitamin will help. As a home measure, include plenty of cold milk and yogurt in your diet to counteract hyper-acidity.