[archat68]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

That reminds me... I have never been able to find an antihistamine insect bite cream here. I use Anthisan, from UK, active ingredient mepyramine. One day I'll run out of my stash. I avoid taking internal antihistamine, except on the rare occasions when I have been bitten so much that I itch all over. Caught quickly, a tiny amount of the Anthisan stops the redness, inflammation and itch developing.

Easily available one is Caladryl lotion which contains an antihistamine Diphenhydramine (active ingredient of Benadryl).
But what I've found to be most effective for insect bites is Ammonia. It gives instant relief. If you have someone who works in a chemical lab you can try to procure some from him. Theoretically baking soda paste with water should also work. In older days lime used for "pan" was used for this.

[ksmrsm]

There used to be a liquid called "Sloan's Linament" available for insect bites. Does anybody know if it is still available locally at pharmacists and if yes where it could be procured. It used to be very effective.

I am only able to see a pain relief oil in Amazon and ebay.

[akhil_007]

I'm not a doctor but from personal experience of getting bitten by insect two days agi, I used tea tree oil. Just a dab from cotton on the affected place. Itchiness, redness, swelling and pain(kind of being poked by a needle) vanished in 15 mins.

[Thad E Ginathom]

I have Caladryl. It is basically Calamine lotion with just a touch of added active ingredient. It is not tough enough for the effect mosquitoes have on my immune system We also have Tea Tree oil in the house (Off-topic interest in herbal stuff!) but I hadn't tried that.

Sloan's Liniment (complete with retro snake-oil look ) is a new one on me. A quick google and... Guess what the active ingredient is? Capsaicin! Which was probably also the active ingredient of what many members ate for dinner today . And believe it or not, it is a known pain killer, but I think this one is more for sprains strains, aches and pains. I think this is accepted by alopathic medicine, so not too far out for this thread. Excuse if not

[bnzjon]

One of my friend had developed dark pigmentation around cheeks. His Dermatologist advised him to check his "Post Prandial Insulin Levels".

The report shows 260 Mu/l.
Does this indicate that he is a Diabetic ? His Doctor is available only after a couple of days and he is stressed.

[carboy]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Guess what the active ingredient is? Capsaicin! Which was probably also the active ingredient of what many members ate for dinner today . And believe it or not, it is a known pain killer, but I think this one is more for sprains strains, aches and pains. I think this is accepted by alopathic medicine, so not too far out for this thread.

I suffer from Meralgia Parasthatica. Chilly power (which has Capsaicin) has totally got rid of the pain, but not the numbness though. I suffered for a few months before I discovered this treatment. I was told that it was a temporary treatment. It was temporary in the beginning - I had to redo it every few days. then every few weeks. But after some months, the pain went away totally. It's been 8 years now. The chilly powder killed the susbstance p in the nerve which conveys the pain to the brain. It wasn't an easy treatment - it burned like crazy in the beginning.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by bnzjon

"Post Prandial Insulin Levels". The report shows 260 Mu/l.

He should see an endocrinologist, 260 would be concerning.

PS: I am not a doctor.

[stormy]

@bnzjon- Post prandial (1.5 to 2 hours after breakfast) blood sugar above 140 is indicative of diabetes. He requires to do a few more tests and will require antidiabetic meds.

[RJ555]

Originally Posted by nishantgandhi

Good initiative! I am a smoker too and have to go for the bi-annual scaling and polishing regime.

I had a root canal once and was to fly back to Dubai so could not get the crown fitted. Miraculosuly, the tooth has survived and its been functioning normally. This was about an year ago. However, going by my Dentist's advice, I think I should go for the crown now.

Could you suggest me which would be the best material for crown? Metal/Porcelain/Semi porcelain? Also, what are the expected costs for the same?

hi, Root Canal you have underwent has made you hang around for these many days without pain, as you have listed, there are many varieties of crowns. Metal Ceramic crowns look identical to real tooth, i have also heard of Zirconium crowns which have great aesthetics and pretty costly. Generally crowns come with some warranty, say for 5 plus years, you can have it verified with your local dentist.

[blorebuddy]

All, one of my friend's friend having a high fluctuation on uric acid level. Which is the specialist whom he should consult for this issue?

[drsingh]

Originally Posted by blorebuddy

All, one of my friend's friend having a high fluctuation on uric acid level. Which is the specialist whom he should consult for this issue?

Visit a rheumatologist or an Internal medicine specialist .

[acroback]

I have a strange problem.

I am in US right now and my kids went through a pre-screening Medical check up before being admitted to a Day Care.

They did a patch test for TB and it came positive (detected by the boil it forms on your skin).

Doctor said that your kids need to undergo medication after X-ray. After X-ray everything came clear.

Now doctor is insisting to give 9 month medication course to my kids to prevent any possible future TB case.

Please note both of them have been properly immunized in India in Fortis hospital, if it matters.

I was told by some Indians that it comes +ve for almost every Indian.

What are my options? Do I need to give this 9 month course of medicine?

Thanks,

[carboy]

I was told by a doctor in India that almost everyone in India comes out as mildly positive for a TB test (so did I) because each one of us has some exposure to TB. He told me to forget the test outcome and throw away the report. I did - it's been 10 years now. It was his opinion that this test should be done only if some symptoms are being shown and only a strong positive should be considered. But I am not a doctor, so better wait for some doc here to answer.

[mroptimist]

Originally Posted by acroback

I have a strange problem.

I am in US right now and my kids went through a pre-screening Medical check up before being admitted to a Day Care.

They did a patch test for TB and it came positive (detected by the boil it forms on your skin).

Doctor said that your kids need to undergo medication after X-ray. After X-ray everything came clear.

Now doctor is insisting to give 9 month medication course to my kids to prevent any possible future TB case.

Please note both of them have been properly immunized in India in Fortis hospital, if it matters.

I was told by some Indians that it comes +ve for almost every Indian.

What are my options? Do I need to give this 9 month course of medicine?

Thanks,

This test "PPD Skin Test" comes positive in anybody who received BCG Vaccine, which is given at Birth in India.

This vaccine is not administered in developed countries, hence no false positives.

No need to panic. Relax and enjoy. Absolutely no treatment required.

Regards.

[S_U_N]

What is the medical term for the following condition?
- during day time in direct sun, the pulse rate goes up, body becomes hot - more so due to dry skin and lack of perspiration. It takes an hour for body to cool down normally.

While body is hot, there is overall uneasiness and energy levels are low. A cold shower brings things back to normal quickly.