Dr Fox news

News, information and articles on the health, pharmaceutical, medical and wellness industries.

Facial hair removal: can Vaniqa cream help?

Woman using Vaniqa creamIf you have it, you know how it makes you feel. Facial hair in women can be the source of shame, embarrassment and anxiety. A few stray hairs on your lip or chin are easy enough to pluck or wax, but if you have an excessive amount you may be looking for a more powerful solution.

Unwanted facial hair (also known as UFH or by its medical term, Hirsutism) can be caused by a number of factors. It may be due to hormonal imbalances such as those caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome, a medication you are taking, or just your genetics. Whatever the reason, if it’s there we want it to just go away.

Among the range of hair removal treatments available you will find Vaniqa; a cream that uses the active ingredient eflornithine to reduce the growth of facial hair in women. Read on to learn more about whether Vaniqa can help, how it works and how it should be used. Read in full

Getting rid of the runs: treating travellers’ diarrhoea

travellers diarrhoea preventionDiarrhoea is commonly caused by a bowel infection due to a virus, bacteria or parasite. Increased exposure to gastroenteritis-causing factors is why diarrhoea is so common amongst travellers; in fact up to five million Brits suffer from it every year.

It normally begins during the first week after arriving in a new place; trying new foods exposes us to new bacteria that our bodies are not used to. It also puts us at risk of dangerous bacteria such as salmonella and E. Coli, as well as parasites like Giardia and viruses like the norovirus. All of these are transmitted through hand to mouth contact, and eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Diarrhoea can also be caused by eating different foods with higher levels of spice or oil than our normal diet.

If all this has put you off eating or drinking anything in a new country (or even travelling at all!), try to keep in mind that there are things you can do to decrease the severity and length of a diarrhoea episode abroad. Read in full

Avoiding blame with erectile dysfunction

blaming partnerIt’s always “someone’s fault” when couples argue – perhaps that’s why arguments begin in the first place. One blames the other for something, the other disagrees and things escalate from there. Add a sex-related issue to the mix and it quickly becomes an emotional situation.

When a relationship is affected by erectile dysfunction it’s easy to wonder whose fault it is; who is to blame for an organ that simply won’t perform, or a sex life that isn’t satisfying?

Erectile dysfunction is thought to be the cause of break ups in around a significant proportion of relationships. Here we explore the concept of blame and how to overcome it. Read in full

Simple ways to prevent jet lag

prevent jet lagFrequent travelers are all too familiar with the feeling of jet lag; the extreme fatigue, insomnia at night, digestion problems and trouble concentrating on simple tasks. Whether you are a first time flyer, or about to embark on your first long haul flight, jet lag and its effects on your body can come as a bit of a shock.

With the introduction of cheaper flights and the newly increased popularity of travelling to areas of Eastern Asia, such as Thailand, more and more Brits are embarking on long distance holidays.

Whilst there is no way to fully prevent the effects of jet lag, there are many simple approaches to long distance travelling which can help relieve the symptoms and make your journey more pleasant. Read in full

Top tips for reducing healthcare costs

healthcare costsHave you ever wondered just how free healthcare got so expensive? Looking back at the end of a month or year, many people are shocked to find how health-related expenses have added up, despite the NHS. Never fear, here we’ll list some entitlements that you might pursue and other convenient secrets to keeping your health expenses low:

  1. Use the NHS minor ailments service available from some pharmacies. In some parts of the country and all of N. Ireland and Scotland pharmacies can provide some treatments for minor ailments at the cost of an NHS prescription, or free if a person is eligible for free prescriptions. Depending on where you live pharmacies can treat:
    • skin conditions, such as mild acne and mild eczema
    • coughs and colds, including nasal congestion and sore throat
    • minor cuts and bruises
    • constipation and haemorrhoids (piles)
    • hay fever and allergies
    • aches and pains, such as headaches, earache and back pain
    • indigestion, diarrhoea and threadworms
    • period pain and thrush
    • warts and verrucas, mouth ulcers and cold sores
    • athlete’s foot
    • nappy rash and teething
  2. Get a Season Ticket: If you’re prescribed more than a single medication per month (or 4 medicines in 3 months) in England, NHS prescription prepayment certificates or season tickets should prove worthwhile. Unlimited season tickets cover prescriptions for a 3-months period (for 30.25) or get 1-year certificates for £108.10 (February 2022). Call 0300 330 1341, or apply on the NHS Prescriptions website or request an application form at participant pharmacies. You can reclaim part of the cost of your season ticket if you become eligible for free prescriptions within the period. Read in full

Side effects of Norethisterone: is period delay safe?

period delay calenbar dateWhat should you do if your period is due during your holiday at the beach? You want to be frolicking in the waves without having to worry if your tampon string is showing! You may be looking forward to a romantic weekend with your long distance love or have a sports event coming up and there’s just no way you can do it with menstrual cramps; there are a number of reasons why women want to delay their periods.

Norethisterone is a way to delay your period for up to 17 days, but as with any medication that alters your body’s natural functions it should be used with care. Read on to learn more about possible side effects and whether period delay with norethisterone is right for you.

What is norethisterone?

Norethisterone is closely related to the naturally occurring female hormone progesterone. It belongs to the group of medicines called progestogens. Norethisterone tablets can be used to treat painful or every heavy periods, certain female cancers, symptoms of PMS, endometriosis and other conditions. They can also be used to delay periods on special occasions. Read in full

Online symptom checker or online consultation?

online symptoms checkWith the introduction of online symptom checkers, many people are using the web to diagnose anything from a cold to cancer, but nothing replaces a trip to your doctor. However, an online consultation can provide useful information and help self-diagnosis for minor issues or whilst waiting for an appointment.

If you have a small health issue you feel does not require professional attention, you may be able to get the advice you need, and even a prescription, without leaving the house.

Limitations of online symptom checkers

The amount of medical information available online is astonishing, but for every useful piece of information you will find a large number of inaccuracies. You may find quick answers to medical questions you have, but can you really rely on this information to treat your condition? Read in full

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

irritable bowel syndromeIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS for short) is a widespread condition in the United Kingdom. In fact, statistics show that up to 20% of the population will develop a form of IBS at some point in their lives.

Because it can be a chronic illness IBS can feel like a life sentence, even stopping people from carrying out their daily activities and living normal lives. The symptoms can be debilitating at times, however with proper care the condition can usually be managed effectively. Read in full

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