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June 21, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have what my doctor calls a staph infection on my legs. It is now breaking out on my back. It seems as if the medication he gave me isn’t doing any good. Can you recommend treatment?

DEAR READER:
Staphylococcus (staph) is a type of bacteria that can lead tp infection of the skin. It can cause sores that may be swollen, painful and appear as a boils, furuncles and pus-filled lesions. There are over 30 different types of staph on the skin of up to 30% of all healthy adults. In the majority of cases the bacteria do not present a problem because of natural protective workings of the body. However, when skin is compromised because of a cut, scrape or other breakdown of the skin surface, bacteria can slip in and infection results.

Illness can range from very mild requiring no treatment to very severe which can be potentially fatal. Virtually anyone can develop an infection. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

May 17, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I would like to share my experience with Tea Tree Oil; maybe it will help someone else.

For over a year I suffered with sties and eye infections. My ophthalmologist could only tell me to wash my eye lashes with baby shampoo. He gave me antibiotic cream to apply at night but as soon as the infection was healed, it would break out on the other eyelid or in another spot on the same eye. There was never more than one week between outbreaks.

My sister then found a clipping from a Texas newspaper by an ophthalmologist who said he advised Tea Tree Oil shampoo for his patients. When I took the article to my doctor, he said he had never heard of this therapy. Because I live in a small town, there are no other eye doctors to consult so I went to a larger neighboring town. The physician I saw there said that the fluid in my eyes was too thick because of my age and advised me to wash with hot water and baby shampoo.

I looked for the Tea Tree Oil shampoo but couldn’t find any and then lost the article. I searched the internet but couldn’t find anything. I decided to purchase a small bottle of Tea Tree Oil and added a few drops to my baby shampoo. After just a few days, my eyes healed and I haven’t had a problem since. I continue to wash with the shampoo about once or twice a week as a preventive. That was three months ago! Since then I have found a shampoo that already contains Tea Tree Oil. It is made by Paul Mitchell and is only available in beauty shops/hair salons. It is a little expensive but is more convenient than making my own and, in my opinion, it worth its weight in gold.

DEAR READER:
I was not aware of this treatment for eye infections but if it works, stick with it.

Tea Tree Oil may have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which can explain its effectiveness in treating nail fungus and now eye infections. I have also heard of its use as a cleaner for freshly pierced ears. There have been few studies on Tea Tree Oil. One of the major problems, however, is that there are several varieties of “Tea Tree”. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the type you purchase is the true variety. To the best of my knowledge, the different varieties all have similar effects, but varying degrees strength and effectiveness. (Manufacturers of Tea Tree Oil, feel free to write me with information regarding this product and any studies on its effectiveness.)

Readers, please tell me about your experiences with this product. Perhaps there is something to it that warrants more studies and a future column.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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Daily Column

May 12, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
My daughter’s two sons, ages five and two are sick all the time. We have taken them to the doctor as many as four or five times in one month. Most of the time they’re diagnosed with upper respiratory infections and/or sinus infections.

They are of average weight for their ages and eat well, although like a lot of young families, they have a lot of fast food. Is there anything natural they can take to keep them well longer, or should they be taken to another doctor for a second opinion of why they seem to be ill all the time?

DEAR READER:
Your grandsons are sick far too often. Their pediatrician needs to find out why they are having repeated upper respiratory and sinus infections. A simple X-ray to determine the size of their adenoids (filters in the nose) may provide all the answers. A referral to an ear-nose-and-throat specialist may be in order. This type of specialist can order further tests and recommend treatment options, such as steroid nasal sprays or surgery.

As an aside, if your grandchildren are eating more than one meal per week from fast food restaurants, they are consuming too much. This type of food is loaded with fat, calories and salt. It also does not contain significant amounts of vegetables, fruit and other nutritious foods. An inappropriate diet can lead to a weakened immune system. Children are also especially susceptible to respiratory infections, asthma and other problems if there is a smoker in the family or mold/allergens in the home.

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Daily Column

April 2, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
For the past two and a half years I have had a fungus on one of my big toes. It appeared after a staph infection on the same toe. I have since been slathering it with Vicks VapoRub twice a day. I have not seen any improvement.

Would you recommend that I see a podiatrist? How safe are the drugs used to treat nail fungus? What are the side effects?

I am 77 years old and take a few medications for high blood pressure, arthritis and glaucoma.

DEAR READER:
Vicks VapoRub does not work for all types of fungus or people. In most cases, it will take several weeks to several months before improvement is seen (depending on how fast your nails grow). Since you have been applying the rub for more than a year now, I fear you are one of the unfortunate few for whom this treatment does not work.

I recommend you now see a podiatrist. He or she will most likely culture the fungus to determine what kind it is and what medicine it is sensitive to.

As far as medications, they are frightfully expensive and most need to be taken for extended periods (usually three to six months) before results can be seen. The most common side effect is liver damage. Be sure to tell your physician what medications you are taking to ensure that the fungal medication will not adversely interact with them. He or she may have other options, such as topical ointments that can be used. Make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and discussion. You do not need to make any medication decisions at that appointment. Remember, nail fungus will not cause any ill health; it is simply “ugly”.

If you do not wish to see a podiatrist, however, there are several more home remedy and over-the-counter options. Some of my readers have had success by soaking their affected foot or feet in a tub of pau d’arco tea. Simply steep the tea and then soak your feet in it twice a day until improvement is noticed at which point you can cut back to once a day. It can be found in most health food stores and online. Other readers have had success using white vinegar. This is simply applied with a cotton ball or swab to the affected nail and surrounding skin once or twice a day. A final option is a product called Miranel. It is an ointment brushed onto the nail twice a day. The product includes a nail file to thin the nail and the application brush as well. It is available at Wal-Mart and most pharmacies.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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Daily Column

March 23, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I am a 50-year-old female with allergies. I use sublingual drops to treat them.

About twice a year I get a sinus infection. My doctor prescribes a five day Z-Pac (azithromycin) because I am allergic to penicillin and it is the only antibiotic I can tolerate. However, most times I need two courses to clear the infection.

I try to avoid allergens the best I can, take numerous vitamins and herbs to help boost my immune system and try to keep my sinuses clear with Mucinex, plain saline spray and occasional Sudafed.

I was recently examined by an ear-nose-and-throat specialist. He diagnosed me with a deviated septum and enlarged turbinates. My septum is so deviated that my breathing is reduced to 15% on the right side. He advised surgery to straighten the septum and to also reduce the size of the turbinates (which I understand to be one of the nasal bones).

I have talked with some people who have had the surgery. Most say their breathing has improved but they still get sinus infections although they are now less severe and have shorter durations.

Since I have had this condition all my life, I am wondering if I should just leave well enough alone but also worry that if it worsens that the surgery will be more difficult at a later age.

My question is: would your advise me to have the surgery?

DEAR READER:
A deviated septum is a common cause of sinus infections because the involved tissues may block the sinuses from draining properly. In my experience, this problem can be successfully treated by septal surgery. I advise you to have it done.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “An Informed Approach to Surgery”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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Daily Column

March 8, 2008 By Dr. Gott

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Many months ago, my father developed pain in the prostate area after bike riding. Many doctors and diagnoses later, he is still having pain. It starts in the prostate area and radiates down his left thigh. He has discomfort when sitting and frequent urination. The last opinion we got was that it was caused by muscle damage which was causing the muscle the contract and put pressure on the prostate nerves. Do you have any suggestions?

DEAR READER:
As a former bike rider, I can assure you that, at times, this activity can cause problems that are troublesome.

If your father has not been examined by a urologist, he should be. The pain your dad has could well be secondary to traumatic muscle injury that may take several months to resolve — longer if he continues to ride.

His symptoms may also indicate a urinary tract or bladder infection. A simple culture and sensitivity urine test can shed light on this possibility.

If the urologist can find no cause within the prostate and bladder, I recommend your father see an orthopedic specialist. Perhaps while riding, he may have herniated, bulged or torn a disc, putting pressure on the nerves to his lower body. Sciatica, for example can cause the same symptoms your father is experiencing.

Let’s discover the cause of his pain while he is standing around looking gloomily at his bike.

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