We asked you to share your health concerns, questions and thoughts with us in NBCNewYork.com’s new “Ask the Doctor” column. Now our friends at ColumbiaDoctors Eastside give you the answers. Get previous answers on a range of questions on stress and allergies, general aches and pains, skin care, exercise, blood pressure, ear, nose and throat problems and more.
Got a health question? Go to our “Ask the Doctor” page and ask whatever’s on your mind. We may not be able to get to every question, but we'll answer as many as we can. Check back in the coming weeks for responses. If you have a serious concern, however, you should contact your doctor or go to an emergency room immediately.
See also:Help! I Can't Control My Stress I What's the Best Way to Work Out? I My Head Hurts Constantly and I Don't Know Why (Note: All columns include questions that address a range of health issues.
Here are some of our most recent Q&A’s:
Q: I'm 45, but still get occasional breakouts. I've tried many of the products on the market, but what is the best way to deal with this without drying out my skin?
A: Contrary to what most people believe, acne breakouts are common even well into adult life. Sometimes they can be a component of rosacea and not acne at all. Usually if there is rosacea, signs such as flushing that worsens with spicey foods and alcoholic beverages (red wine), will be present. I would recommend using a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil to wash your face twice a day. Some of the medicated acne washes can be very drying.
In addition, try not scrubbing. Scrubbing with abrasive washes or exfoliants can actually worsen acne. Also, make sure you are using an oil-free moisturizer and makeup. You can try spot treating the individual spots with an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide. If this does not solve the problem, you should see your dermatologist for stronger topical medication. Retin A works great for acne, but this is available by prescription. Your dermatologist can also do monthly chemical peels, which really help to smooth out skin, unclog pores and treat inflammatory lesions.
--Dr. Monica Halem, dermatologic surgeon, ColumbiaDoctors Eastside. She specializes in skin cancer surgery, laser and cosmetic surgery.
Q: I am 55 years old. I started feeling my legs weaken as I climb stairs a couple months ago and now my legs hurt a lot after walking two or three blocks. I am not able to walk faster and I have to rest frequently.
A: If it is confined to the legs, the pain may either be a result of nerve compression in the spine or a problem with blood flow to the legs. One can get a type of spinal compression called stenosis where the nerves from the spinal cord that travel to the legs and control strength and sensation are affected. The other possibility is that there may be some blockage of the blood flow to the legs as can happen when plaque builds up in the arteries going to the legs. Finally, these problems may occur in the face of worsening arthritis in either the hips or knees. Arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage in a joint wears out causing pain, muscle weakness, swelling or difficulty walking.
--Dr. Jeffrey Geller, hip and knee replacements, minimally invasive surgery, ColumbiaDoctors Eastside
Q: I have little "skin tags" around my neck and throat. What can be done about them that won't be too painful?
A: The best thing to do is to go to your dermatologist's office and have them remove them for you. It is a painless procedure if done right.
----Dr. Monica Halem, ColumbiaDoctors Eastside
