Q: I recently had an arranged marriage. I want to know if my wife is a virgin.

A: An intact hymen (membrane at the opening of the vagina) has been traditionally considered evidence of virginity in women. Hymens vary in structure and texture. In some women it is rudimentary or fragile. Physically active women may tear their hymens during sports without even being aware of it. Hence, the absence of a hymen is not proof of previous sexual activity.

Sex before marriage without a condom carries the danger of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some of these are treatable, others chronic and dangerous. That is the real danger of marrying a woman who has previously had sex with other men. But the knife cuts both ways. In today’s world, you cannot have different standards for men and women. Men do not have a hymen and thus there is no “proof” of their virginity. If you have had sex with other women without a condom before marriage then your wife is equally at risk.

Powder problem

Q: My face has become very dark. I use talcum powder, but the more I use it the darker my skin becomes.

A: Perhaps you should stop applying talcum powder. It may be causing an allergy. This can result in photosensitivity and increased pigmentation if you go out into the sun.

Hernia

Q: I underwent hysterectomy eight years ago. Now I have developed a painful bulge on the scar, which increases when I stand up. Please advise.

A: During surgery, the layers of the stomach are sutured, just as a tailor stitches cloth. If you have put on weight, or there was an infection after the surgery, the stitches can become stretched, loose or may even give away. The contents of the abdomen (intestine, peritoneum) can then force their way out through this weak area causing the bulge. This is called an incisional hernia. As long as the contents of the hernia move back and forth freely, you are in no danger. If at any time they become stuck (incarcerated), you will become very sick.

Have an evaluation by a surgeon. You may need a surgical incision hernia repair. Medications will not help.

Bald patches

Q: My hair is falling heavily, leaving circular bald patches. I am worried as I think I may turn completely bald. Is there any treatment for this?

A: This condition is called “alopecia areata”. It can confine itself to a few patches or may affect hair growth all over the body. The latter case is, of course, rare. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own hair follicles. Many treatments have been tried like topical steroids, injection of steroids into the bald patches, local applications of minoxidil (5 per cent) solution and oral supplements of zinc, vitamins and trace elements. Do not worry, it is not a serious or life-threatening disease. Moreover, the hair usually eventually grows back.

Stress fracture

Q: I have been running six kilometres a day regularly for the last five years. However, for the last three days, I cannot even walk fast because of pain on the outside of my foot below the fourth toe. What should I do?

A: Athletes, particularly runners and joggers, suffer repetitive stress injury, especially in the metatarsals of the foot. They are, therefore, prone to hairline fractures of these bones. Such a fracture is also called a “march fracture” as it commonly occurs in soldiers, because of long hours of marching. If the fracture is very minute or “hairline” it may not show up on X-ray, though it causes pain and makes you hobble. A high index of suspicion and an MRI scan may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. These stress fractures need adequate time and rest to heal. Some even need surgery.

Avoiding pox

Q: My son has developed chicken pox. My neighbour tells me that there is a preventive homeopathic medicine. Should I take it so that I, too, do not succumb to the ailment?

A: Chicken pox is a preventable disease. All it requires is a single injection of the vaccine after the age of one year. The immunisation provides life-long immunity. Once the characteristic rash develops, acyclovir tablets in the correct dose and duration can reduce the severity and length of the illness. There will be less itching, fever and discomfort.

You might already have had chicken pox as a child. Sometimes the attacks are so mild that they are not really noticed or remembered. This gives immunity against the infection.

It is too late now for you to take the immunisation as you have been exposed to the disease. In fact, the virus may even be in its incubation stage. You can, however, start the tablets at the first sign of a rash erupting.

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