Q Can stress and anxiety cause rash?

Yes. Corelation between the mind and the skin has long been established. Stress and anxiety can cause skin rashes (urticaria/hives) in some people. Additionally, stress can also worsen certain skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Q I m having a problem of white discharge. It produces skin burns on my thighs please help me

Leucorrhoea is a term used in explaining the white discharge in females. Leucorrhoea in many is normal. The burns that you have is beacuse the white discharge is acrid in nature. Probably you have an infection in your genital area which is causing you this. You should consult a gyanecologist to prescribe you medicine for the same. Along with medication see to it that you wear loose clothes, use cotton undergarments, keep the area clean and dry.

Q Diagnosis of high cholesterol

The diagnosis of high cholesterol levels is based on a simple blood test. Usually a complete Lipid profile is advised to test the levels of different components of cholesterol and triglycerides. Total cholesterol levels should be less than 200 mg/dl. LDL levels less than 100 mg/dL ( 2.6 mmol/L) are considered optimal. An acceptable HDL range is between 40- 60 mg/dL (1.04-1.56 mmol/L). Triglyceride levels should be maintained less than 150 mg/dl. High levels of HDL have a protective effect against heart disease whereas high levels of LDL and triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Q how to do anal sex? does it creat any problem?

Anal sex is practiced by many heterosexuals, as well as homosexual couples. The anal area has many erotic nerve endings in both men and women. Because of this, many couples (heterosexual or homosexual) can derive pleasure from some form of bottom stimulation. Anal sex should be avoided by couples in which one of the partners has been diagnosed with an STI until the treatment has proven to be effective. In order to make anal sex safer, the couple must ensure that the anal area is clean and the bowel empty and the partner on whom anal penetration occurs should be able to relax. Regardless of whether anal penetration occurs by using a finger or the penis, the condom is the best barrier method to prevent transmission of STI. Since the rectum can be easily damaged, the use of lubricants is highly recommended even when penetration occurs by using the finger. Especially for beginners, using a condom on the finger is both a protection measure against STI and a lubricant source. Most condoms are lubricated and they allow less painful and easier penetration. Anal stimulation with a sex toy requires similar safety measures to anal penetration with a penis, in this case using a condom on the sex toy in a similar way. It is important that the man washes and cleans his penis after anal intercourse if he intends to penetrate the vagina. Bacteria from the rectum are easily transferred to the vagina, which may cause vaginal infections. When anal-oral cos ntact occurs, protection is required since this is a risky sexual behavior in which illnesses as Hepatitis A or STIs can be easily transmitted, as well as enteric infections. The dental dam or the plastic wrap[citation needed] are effective protection means whenever anilingus is performed. Anal sex has a number of health risks. Anal intercourse is the riskiest form of sexual activity for several reasons, including the following: The anus lacks the natural lubrication the vagina has. Penetration can tear the tissue inside the anus, allowing bacteria and viruses to enter the bloodstream. This can result in the spread of sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV) may also lead to the development of anal warts and anal cancer. Using lubricants can help some, but doesnt completely prevent tearing. The tissue inside the anus is not as well protected as the skin outside theanus. Our external tissue has layers of dead cells that serve as a protective barrier against infection. The tissue inside the anus does not have this natural protection, which leaves it vulnerable to tearing and the spread of infection. The anus was designed to hold in feces. Repetitive anal sex may lead to weakening of the anal sphincter, making it difficult to hold in feces until you can get to the toilet. The anus is full of bacteria. Even if both partners do not have a sexually-transmitted infection or disease, bacteria normally in the anus can potentially infect the giving partner. Practicing vaginal sex after anal sex can also lead to vaginal and urinary tract infections.

Q Is vitamin C a stimulant?

No vitamin C is not a stimulant. It is a water soluble vitamin and an antioxidant. Functions of vitamin C is to boost immunity, increase absorption of iron, helps in collagen formation and fight free radical attack.

Q Hi doctor, what is infertility? Is infertility just a womens problem?

Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant after at least one year of trying. Women who are able to get pregnant but then have repeat miscarriages are also said to be infertile. No, infertility is not always a Womens problem. In only about one-third of cases is infertility due to the woman. In another one third of cases, infertility is due to the man. The remaining cases are caused by a mixture of male and female factors or by unknown factors.

Q Can high SGOT and SGPT levels affect pregnancy?

Raised SGOT and SGPT levels indicate that there is some disorder associated with the liver. However whether it will have any effect on the pregnancy or not will be determined by the underlying cause for raised SGOT and SGPT levels. So it is necessary that your wife consult her gynecologist.

Q Pericarditis develops after what?

In most the cases the cause of pericarditis is unkown. In some cases it may develop due to viral infection or after a major heart attack. Other causes include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, trauma to heart region, side effect of medications such as blood thinning medicines, etc.

Q Can i catch HPV from oral sex or kissing?

Yes. Sexual contact including oral sex and deep kissing can cause transmission of HPV from one person to another.

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.