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Regular-article-logo Friday, 18 July 2025

Glued to addiction

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Your Health DR GITA MATHAI Published 09.01.12, 12:00 AM

Q: My seven-year-old nephew sniffs adhesive glue. I recently caught him under the stairs sniffing an open tube. My sister is not concerned (she thinks it’s cute) but I think his behaviour is abnormal.

A: You are right. Glue sniffing is an addiction, a part of the spectrum of inhalant abuse. Other substances are whitener or correction fluid, felt tip markers, spray paint and even air fresheners. The chemicals in these compounds slow down the functioning of the body and can cause widespread damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, liver and bone marrow. They can even cause sudden death. Long term effects are personality changes, memory loss, hearing impairment, spastic limbs, loss of co-ordination and slurred speech.

Pregnancy at risk?

Q: I am two months pregnant. Each time I go to the bathroom, I see a few drops of blood. My mother thinks that I should not go to the doctor before five months are over.

A: The idea that you should see a doctor only after five months is outdated. A pregnancy test needs to be done as early as the seventh day to confirm your pregnancy. Also, a scan should be done to ensure that the foetus is correctly positioned. Bleeding during pregnancy is not normal. You need to consult a doctor immediately.

Core problem

Q: I am 69 years old and find it difficult to get up from bed. I need to practically haul myself up.

A: As we grow older, we tend to lose core strength. This is due to age-related weakness in the large muscles of the back, abdomen, shoulders and hip. This makes it difficult to get up, climb stairs and use an Indian style toilet. You need to do core strengthening exercises, like squats. A physiotherapist can teach you. If you do these regularly in addition to walking, you will see a vast improvement.

Cat bite

Q: A cat scratched my daughter. It was a deep scratch, but the cat appears to be fine. Does she need any treatment?

A: The wound should be washed immediately with soap and water, dried and an antiseptic solution like povidone iodine applied. Most people do not immunise cats against rabies so your daughter needs immunisation. It is probably better to give her post exposure prophylaxis against rabies. She also needs a tetanus toxoid booster, unless she has completed her immunisation schedule and had a booster in the last year. It is not enough just to observe the cat for illness as it may be a carrier of rabies without showing any symptoms of the disease.

Athlete’s foot

Q: I have a soggy wet area between my toes. It itches and looks raw.

A: You have probably developed athlete’s foot, a fungal infection. Soak the foot in one per cent solution of potassium permanganate. Then apply an antifungal cream once or twice a day. Do not use ointments which have steroids. Also, keep the area dry. Wear slippers and sandals. If you must wear shoes, change the socks daily. Check if you have diabetes, as this can aggravate the problem. Treatment should be continued for 45 days.

Dry skin

Q: My skin is very dry and itchy and it gets worse in winter.

A: There are some general treatments for dry skin but it is better to figure out what is causing dry skin and tackle that cause. Dry skin is usually caused by the weather, exposure to the sun or harsh detergents. It may also be because of psoriasis or hypothyroidism.

Scratching dry skin can cause secondary infection. In most cases dry skin will respond well to oil baths with equal quantities of coconut and sesame oil, followed by application of baby oil or a moisturiser. To prevent recurrence, avoid long hot baths and harsh soaps. Also, add a tablespoon of coconut oil to your bathwater.

Dr Gita Mathai is a paediatrician with a family practice at Vellore. Questions on health issues may be emailed to her at yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in

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