THIS week, one reader with acne wonders whether chinese medicine can relieve her sypmptons, while our GP explains all about palpitations, and child behaviour expert Amanda Clarkson discusses 'middle child syndrome'.
THE ACUPUNCTURIST
Da Peng Zhang is director of Chinese medicine at the ShiZhen clinic in Old Trafford.
Q: I am 35 years old and have recently noticed more spots on my face and body. I feel like a teenager again and don't know why I should have this problem at my age. Can Chinese medicine help?
Da Peng says: Acne is a skin disorder which results in spots, whiteheads, blackheads and in more serious forms, cysts and abscesses, which can leave disfigured pitted scars when they heal. Acne is commonly seen on the face, back and chest.
Most adolescent boys and girls suffer acne at some point, but grow out of it. However, some people can suffer from acne into their late thirties, or even forties. In girls, acne can get worse before periods.
Acne is not dangerous, but it is unsightly and therefore distressing. At puberty, the raised levels of hormones increase glandular secretions of the oily substance sebum.
Also, excessive bacteria, high humidity and eating too much chocolate and greasy food are all causes of acne. Adult acne is strongly related with psychological disorder, stress and depression. Some women may suffer dysmenorrhoea and irregular periods.
In terms of traditional Chinese medicine, acne can sometimes be cured completely. There are two main treatments I recommend.
Acupuncture is the best - it helps rebalance energy in the body, detoxify the system and relieve emotional dysfunction. Some herbal medicine has been found to be helpful to treat acne, for example, Mu Dan Pi, Pi Pa Ye, Huang Qin, Yin Chen Hao and Ku Shen. All detoxify damp heat and purify the system. But before using them, you should consult with a qualified Chinese medical doctor.
THE CHILD BEHAVIOUR EXPERT
Amanda Clarkson works at The Cactus Clinic at the University of Teesside.
Q: What is middle child syndrome?
Amanda says: Many parents with three or more children are often told that it is likely that our second born may develop middle child syndrome – this is where the birth order (i.e. second) appears to effect the way a child acts or behaves.
This may be because middle or second born children often have the sense of not belonging. Due to their place within the family (not the oldest and not the youngest) they often fight for attention from parents and others as they often believe that they are being ignored or classed as being the same as another sibling.
Some people argue that being in the middle a child can feel insecure and often lacks drive and direction.
I would argue that it is just a matter of changing dynamics and that as parents you can try to ensure that when a third child comes along a big effort is made to ensure that the first and second born continue to receive plenty of love and attention and are involved and praised regularly. The traits of 'middle child syndrome' only appear when a child feels they are lacking in attention so try to ensure that this is not the case.
THE GP
Dr Jeremy Tankel has been a GP in Salford for 19 years. He is married with four children.
Q: I am 70 years old and I have just been prescribed a beta blocker for palpitations (100mg). The palpitations have stopped but now I get ectopic beats not multiple - is this natural or should I go back to the doctor?
Dr Tankel says: An awareness of the heart beating is known as palpitations. We all feel it sometimes, for example if we are anxious or if suddenly startled, hence the phrase, “my heart missed a beat”.
Palpitations may take very many forms. For example, it may be due to the feeling that you have missed a beat which makes the next beat stronger than usual or you may feel the extra beat.
The palpitations may be multiple but transient with many being felt in a minute or only every now and again over a much longer time. If the problem persists then making a routine appointment with your doctor would be best.
Sometimes they reflect a change in the underlying rhythm in the heart and may result in the palpitations feeling very fast. If very fast they can make you feel quite ill. It can last from a few moments to many hours. If it makes you feel ill you need to seek medical advice urgently.
One of the common treatments is a beta-blocker and this will often bring about a dramatic improvement but you can still get the occasional extra beat occurring. This is not usually a sign of a serious problem but it worth while discussing it with your doctor again in case he wants to arrange another ECG or change the treatment.
THE OPTICIAN
Martyn Allen is clinical director at Stuart Jones Styling Opticians in Manchester.
Q: I'm 65, and both my parents have Macular Degeneration. Will I develop it too and what could I expect to notice with my vision?
Martyn says: Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of visual loss in the over 50's, and its prevalence increases with age.
The macular is the part of the retina that has the most concentration of light sensitive cells, and is responsible for detailed vision such as reading, recognition and colour vision. Smoking and poor nutrition are risk factors in AMD.
It may take on two forms: Dry AMD is the most common, a slowly progression condition characterized by yellow-white cellular deposits at the macular. With age they increase in size and number, and depending on their proximity to the centre of the macular (the fovea), their effects on vision can vary.
Wet AMD is caused by abnormal fine vessel growth into the macular area from lower-lying tissues. As fluid begins to leak from these vessels, blurring to central vision will occur. The effect on vision will depend on the extent of depositing, haemorrhaging and scarring that occurs, and its proximity to the central fovea.
Early detection by the optician will allow for early treatment if possible. If print is becoming distorted (not out of focus), or faces appear unclear, you may be developing early stage AMD and I suggest you see your optician. A graph-like chart (Amsler grid) can be used to self-monitor these early changes.
Dry AMD is very difficult to treat, but wet AMD has been improved with the use of laser treatment to prevent leakage from the new vessels.
If you've got a question for one of our experts write to them c/o Carmel Thomason, Features, Manchester Evening News, 1 Scott Place, Manchester, M3 3RN.
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