I have itching on the right side of my face that keeps me awake at night. I recently had Covid and also started taking statins. Could the itching be related to any of these changes?
One solution may be to try a sinus treatment, such as a saline rinse or nasal spray, to see if that improves things.
Dr. Ellie answers: An uncomfortable feeling in your face that gets worse at night may be due to nerve damage. When facial nerves are damaged, it can cause burning, itching, numbness, and tingling.
An infection can also affect the nerves in this way. One of the culprits is shingles, a painful condition that mainly affects older people, and a Covid infection could have a similar impact.
Statins are unlikely to have this effect, as there are very few reports of patients taking the pills and experiencing nerve problems.
The most common cause of itching is a skin condition, such as psoriasis or eczema. Typically, this would be associated with other skin changes, such as a rash or redness.
A pharmacist or GP might recommend mild steroid creams that may help relieve the itching of these conditions.
Even if there are no visible changes to your skin, it may be worth trying one of these creams to see if it helps.
Another possible cause may be sinus problems. The region from the eye to the lip is where the sinuses (small spaces that produce mucus) are located. These can become inflamed or infected, which could cause uncomfortable symptoms in that part of the face.
One solution may be to try a sinus treatment, such as a saline rinse or nasal spray, to see if that improves things.
Earlier this year, after two courses of antibiotics failed to treat a painful urinary tract infection, I was prescribed a powerful antibiotic called ciprofloxacin. Since completing the course, I have suffered agonizing pain in my bladder and rectum. Could antibiotics be to blame?
Dr. Ellie answers: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common and, in most cases, easy to treat. However, in some cases they keep coming back, which is called chronic UTI.
Anyone who suffers from a UTI and continues to have symptoms (such as bladder pain, a burning sensation when urinating, and a constant urge to urinate) should be examined by a doctor, as the infection may still be present.
These symptoms are also related to prostate problems, sexual infections and even cancer, so it is important to rule them out.
The NHS can arrange urine and blood tests, blood tests and scans to see what is happening in the bladder.
However, in some cases, antibiotics can cause uncomfortable symptoms.
This is particularly true for high-potency tablets, such as ciprofloxacin, which is used to treat serious urinary tract infections. Common side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, and loss of appetite.
These symptoms tend to go away over time, but in the meantime, a GP can prescribe painkillers to help manage the discomfort. Additionally, three courses of antibiotics in a row will reduce the number of “friendly” bacteria in the intestine, which can cause stomach problems. Patients taking long-term courses of antibiotics are often recommended to take a daily probiotic to stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
I have suffered from acid reflux for years and despite taking prescription medications, it is getting worse. I was also diagnosed with Schatzki’s ring, which means I have trouble eating food. What can I do?
Dr. Ellie answers: A Schatzki ring is an extra circle of muscle in the lower part of the esophagus, the esophagus that joins the throat and stomach. This means it is narrower and tighter, making it difficult to swallow and eat.
These rings are more common in people over 50 years of age. However, a Schatzki ring can be triggered by acid reflux, also known as heartburn. This is where the acid
from the stomach it rises to the esophagus, causing uncomfortable inflammation.
Over time, this can cause the lining of the esophagus to thicken, creating a Schatzki ring. Patients with these are often advised to eat soft foods with plenty of water.
Properly chewing food until it is crushed should also help.
However, the condition can be treated with surgery: a procedure called dilation stretches the esophagus open.
This is done under sedation and the GP will first need to refer the patient to a specialist. A GP can also provide a range of treatments to combat heartburn. The most common is a type of medication called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole. Other options include dietary changes.
- Write to Dr. Ellie. Do you have any questions for Dr. Ellie Cannon? Email DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk
- Dr. Cannon cannot engage in personal correspondence and her responses should be taken in a general context.
How wives are becoming unpaid psychotherapists
Experts say the phenomenon, called “mankeeping,” places an unfair emotional burden on women.
A fascinating study has been published on men’s mental health, which I’m sure will prove controversial.
According to American researchers, women are increasingly acting as unpaid psychotherapists for their husbands because of their refusal to talk to their friends (if they have any) about their feelings.
Experts say this phenomenon, called “mankeeping,” places an unfair emotional burden on women.
Since men are more prone to mental illness and suicide, I think this is a really important aspect that we may be overlooking. After all, what happens to men who don’t have women in their lives to trust?
Likewise, many might argue that women should not be forced into this role and that men should instead pay to see a therapist.
Does your husband depend on you for emotional support, but refuses to talk about his feelings with his friends? Do you think this is fair? Write to me and let me know your opinion.
