Category: ask-the-doctor

Is there a new, minimally invasive hip replacement procedure?

Before the start of a migraine attack, I see balls or circles of transparent light. Is this a common symptom?

My son has bright pink fingernails. It looks like he has bright nail polish on. Is this normal?

Can Sudafed increase blood pressure?

I have bone spurs on my hipbone and have been told I will need a total hip replacement. Are there any treatments for my condition (including alternative remedies) that may prevent the need for an operation?

Before her oral surgery, my daughter was put on antibiotics. The surgeon said this would cause her birth control pills to be ineffective. Once she is finished with the antibiotics, does she need to wait for a period of time to begin sexual activity?

I just had a spot removed on my leg by a dermatologist. It was a dermatofibroma. I have read that these can be hereditary. My daughter tans in a tanning bed quit often. Is she at higher risk of developing dermatofibromas? I was told not to use a tanning bed again and to be careful out in the sun. What happens if I do get to much sun? Am I at greater risk of developing more dermatofibromas or any type of cancer?

A person I work with has been diagnosed with shingles. Is shingles contagious? If so, for how long? I am a 64-year-old male with type II diabetes and chronic ulcerative colitis. Is it dangerous for me to be exposed to shingles?

If a woman finds a nodule on her breast, does it have to be removed immediately? Does it matter if it is cystic?

I am a 31-year-old male with IgA nephritis. My kidney function is less than 50%. I also have high blood pressure. Is Cozaar a safe drug to take to lower my blood pressure?