Q My three-month-old baby has cradle cap. His head smells sour, is this normal? Does cradle cap have an odour?

It is very normal to have an odor to scalp of your baby. This is generally due to sweat glands and its secretions. This smell may become more intense due to use of cradle cap. There is nothing to worry about it.

Q My son fears animals a lot and continuously cries. What can I do?

The fear for large animals is obvious but if the child has got it for smaller pets you need to put some positive efforts. You can help your child to overcome the fear of animals by gradually introducing your child to small animals. Show your child pictures of animals in which they are playful. Take small steps at a time and do not rush things or it may back fire.

Q hi i having a white substance formation in my penis. my age is 26

You are probably referring to smegma- which are normal secretions of the penis, which when not cleaned accumulate as a white substance under the foreskin. The solution is very simple- everyday ehile bathing or otherwise, retract your foreskin and gently clean the penis underneath. It should disappear in a few days.

Q Are growing pains real?

Growing pains are seen in children of the age group 5 to 12 years. Thses always concentrate in the muscles, rather than the joints. Most kids have pains in the front of their thighs, in the calves, or behind the knees. The children with growing pains can be helped by massaging the area, stretching or by placing a heating pad on the area.

Q Dermatologist?? I think i m suffering from butterfly melasma

Melasma is hyper pigmentation seen most commonly over cheeks and bridge of nose. The hyper pigmentation is of brown to grey in color. Other common region are forehead, chin, back, etc. Without an examination it is not possible to say what you are suffering from. Hence it is necessary that you get yourself examined by a dermatologist.rnrn 

Q What is the true cause of trichotillomania aslo known as severe obsessive compulsive hair pulling?

The cause of trichotillomania is unclear. But like many complex disorders, trichotillomania probably results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Also, abnormalities in the natural brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine may play a role in trichotillomania. While the underlying biology is not clearly understood at this time, we do know that people with trichotillomania generally have a neurologically based predisposition to pull their hair as a self-soothing mechanism. The pulling behavior serves as a coping mechanism for anxiety and other difficult emotions. It does not hurt and they are not trying to damage themselves. While the average age of onset is 11, trich can be found in children as young as one year old. Onset of trich can be triggered by simple sensory events, such as itchy eyelashes, or by stressful life events, and it can occur quite suddenly. For example, it may be a tingling feeling that can only be relieved by pulling. ny relief that comes with hair pulling usually only lasts for a moment. The urge almost always returns. Thats because when the mind becomes used to giving in to the powerful urges that go with compulsive behaviors, the behavior is reinforced, and then becomes a habit. The mind gets trapped in a cycle of expecting to have the urge satisfied. The longer this goes on, the harder it can become to resist the urge.

Q How fast are calories absorbed?

The calories absorption depends on the physical and mental well being of the person. It also depends on the age, sex, occupation, environmental factors etc. It varies from person to person. Some one doing heavy physical work spend the calories early than other one who does relax work in the office.

Q What is Hyper Tension

Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the arteries have persistently elevated blood pressure. Every time the human heart beats, it pumps blood to the whole body through the arteries. Systolic pressure more than 140 and diastolic pressure more than 90 is usually considered as hypertension.

Q Body too thin...some diet tips

Weight gain depends upon your diet and exercise pattern. Include calorie and protein rich foods in your diet such as eggs, chicken, fish, milk and milk products, nuts, pulses etc. Every morning have a glass of milk with honey and 2 bananas. Consume handful of mixed nuts everyday. Weight gain should be healthy and hence you should limit your intake of junk food. Instead of 3 large meals have 5-7 small meals. Join a gym and practice weight training under supervision.

Q Hi, I sometimes get a "twinge" in my left chest, sort of in the crease of my breast. It doesnt happen after exertion but at any time, even at night in bed - Im scared theres something wrong with my heart.

Twinge or sudden sharp pain is very common presentation of chest pain and most of the times it is not related to heart. Very rarely this pain indicate coronary artery disease. Moreover since the pain is not related to exertion and comes anytime, it is less likely related to heart conditions. One probable cause for your pain could be indigestion. However it is advisable that you get yourself examined by your family physician once to rule out anything serious.