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Monday, March 21, 2011 – Daily News – 5A FEATURES Lichen sclerosus an irritating condition DEAR DR. GOTT: Please pro- vide any informa- tion you have con- cerning lichen scle- rosus. I was diag- nosed eight years ago and have visit- ed three doctors, who all agree I have it, but I have not had much help from the medica- tions they have prescribed. Evidently not much is known about the cause of the problem or a cure. Mine is definitely getting worse, and I’m searching for help. I read your column and enjoy your helpful com- ments. Thank you for any assistance you can provide — even hints about where I could research further on my own would be wel- come. Dr. Peter Gott pear on their own. Other areas that require therapy may respond to corticosteroid oint- ments or creams typically used daily for several weeks with a reduction to a maintenance level of just once or twice in a like peri- od to prevent recurrence. It is important to have regular monitoring because pro- longed use of steroids can cause side effects. If this approach fails to DEAR READER: Lichen sclerosus is an uncommon skin condition. It primarily affects the skin of the genitals or anus, but it can occur anywhere on the body and in anyone of any age. It is most prevalent in postmenopausal women. Symptoms include itch- ing (sometimes severe), smooth white spots that may become blotchy and wrinkled, easy bruising or tearing, tenderness of the affected areas, discomfort, bleeding and, in severe cases, blistering or ulcerat- ed lesions. The cause of lichen scle- rosus is unknown, but it is thought to be related to either a lack of sex hor- mones or an overactive immune system. Areas of skin that had previous dam- age are more likely to be affected if you develop lichen sclerosus. The condi- tion is not contagious, and it cannot be spread to others through sexual contact. Per- sistent cases may carry an increased risk of skin can- cer, but this has not been definitively proved; howev- er, it is still important to have follow-up examinations at least every year. More severe cases may require an exam every six months. Untreated cases are at increased risk for complica- tions. In women with geni- tal involvement, scratching can lead to scarring, which may narrow the vaginal opening, thus affecting the ability and/or desire to have intercourse. In those with blistering, it may become so severe that any pressure on the area becomes unbearable. In men with foreskin involvement, it can lead to tightening and thin- ning of the area, causing problems urinating and during erections. Treatment depends on location. Many mild cases without involvement of the genitals or anus will disap- work, other options include prescription sex hormones, ultraviolet-light treatment (only for nongenital areas) and immune-modulating medications. Men with lichen sclerosus of the fore- skin may benefit from cir- cumcision. If you would like to read more about the condition, visit www.MayoClinic.com/hea lth/lichen- sclerosus/DS00725. The Mayo Clinic does an excel- lent job of providing easy- to-understand yet in-depth information about a vast array of medical condi- tions. Readers who are inter- ested in learning more about skin disorders can order my Health Report “Dermatitis, Eczema and Psoriasis” by sending a self-addressed stamped No. 10 envelope and a $2 check or money order made payable to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form off my website’s direct link at www.AskDr- GottMD.com/order_form.p df. DEAR DR. GOTT: I read a recent article about a disease. I think it was a four-letter acronym and an autoimmune disorder. I believe the symptoms included joint swelling and pain. It sounds similar to symptoms I have, but I lost the article. DEAR READER: I believe the article you are referring discussed MCTD, or mixed connec- tive tissue disease. You can reread the article on my website at www.AskDr- GottMD.com/childhood- joint-pain-and-fainting-in- the-elderly. Dr. Peter H. Gott is a retired physician and the author of several books, including “Live Longer, Live Better,” “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet” and “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook,” which are available at most bookstores or online. His website is www.AskDrGottMD.com. Sophomoric sweetheart shuns suitor’s source Dear Annie: I have been dating ‘‘Annette’’ for two years, and we are inseparable. I love and appreciate her. We both still live with our families and spend the majority of our time at her house. Annette often talks about moving in together and getting married, but after two years, she still refuses to meet my mother. She has met my father and a brother, but when it comes to my mother, her anxiety gets the better of her. Because of this, she never comes to my house. Annette says she won’t meet my mother until I propose. I have told her that I don’t feel comfortable taking things to the next level until she meets my mother. I am afraid this is going to end our relationship. Obviously, we will not be living with our parents when we get married. But my family is still important, and I feel if she wants to be a part of it, she ought to spend time with them. How should I approach this? — Sad and Con- fused. Dear Sad: Annette is too imma- ture to get married. Life is compli- cated, and if she lacks the courage to face these situations, it will only get more difficult. And meeting Mom is harder now because she has put it off for two years. Unless Mom has done something unforgiv- able, Annette is being both childish and stubborn. We know mothers can be intimidating for the faint of heart, but Annette should be willing to meet your entire family, not only because it is what committed couples do, but because she respects you. Dear Annie: My 94- Annie’s Mailbox by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar year-old mother and her 99- year-old sister have decided they only need to take a bath every three days. Getting in and out of the tub is not the problem. I realize that someone as sedentary as they are might not need to bathe daily, but surely every other day is a better solution. I told my mother she will smell like an old lady, but she is guided by her older sister. Please help. — Worried About Mom Dear Worried: Older adults do not need to shower daily, especially since the skin can become sensitive and dry. As long as your mother is washing those areas and folds of her body that require daily care, her bathing schedule is fine. Talk to her about basic hygiene and cleanliness to be sure she is using a washcloth or sanitary wipe (they now make baby wipes for adults) where neces- sary, and otherwise let her do what she wants. If you notice an odor, you can then bring it to her attention. Dear Annie: This is for ‘‘Grumpy Quitter,’’ who promised to stop smoking. I was a heavy smoker for 40 years. When I started as a teenager, cigarettes were 11 cents a pack. They now cost more than $5. In 1984, I got hit in the mouth with a pole and ended up losing all my teeth. One evening, due to my cigarette cough, my upper false teeth popped loose. That’s when I decided to quit. Much to my sur- prise, I did. My secret was not to quit at the end of the pack, carton or month, but to quit right now. If I don’t smoke that first cigarette, I won’t be able to smoke the second. This February marked the 23rd anniversary of my quitting. That partial pack of cigarettes is still in my kitchen. Unfortunately, I didn’t quit soon enough. I developed emphysema and C.O.P.D. (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). It’s no fun being hooked up to oxygen. I also have poor circulation in my lower legs, but surgeons won’t operate due to my damaged lungs. Two of my friends tried my method of not smoking that ‘‘next one’’ and managed to quit. There are better ways to spend your money than on hospitals and medi- cine, plus you’ll live longer and be healthier. — Proud Quitter Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Please e-mail your questions to anniesmailboxcomcast.net, or write to: Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045. File of Life campaign to hold kick off Northern Valley Catholic Social Services File of Life campaign will start at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, with a Launch Event at the Corning Family Resource Center, corner of West and South streets, in conjunction with Corning in the Evening. At Northern Valley Catholic Social Service our aim is "to reach out in care and love to those in need," by fighting poverty and strengthen- ing families with a broad spectrum of programs and services at our Fami- ly Resource Centers in Corning and Red Bluff. We provide referrals, help with food and cloth- ing, health workshops for seniors, parent educa- tion, life-skills classes such as time manage- ment, financial literacy, and computer instruc- tion. A full description of who we are and what we do can be found on our website http://web.me.com/cdel- sid/Site/Welcome.html . Thanks to the support of the Corning Health- care District, our Corn- ing Family Resource Center will be distribut- ing The File of Life at no cost to the senior resi- dents of south Tehama Literary society examines the South The Fitzhugh Literary Society met at the home of President Betty Stohler. The program theme for this year is “A Country of Its Own: The Literature and Experience of the South.” Helen Arbini presented on the life and writings of Zora Neale Hurston. Hurston was part of the Harlem Renaissance which took place from 1919 to 1941, when blacks migrated to New York from the South after WWII. This was a literary movement in which many books and magazines were published by African Americans. Hurston moved to Harlem in 1925. She was featured in other writer‚s works and wrote several books her- self. The most well-known is Their Eyes Were Watching God. She also wrote Mules and Men, Tell My Horse and an autobiography Dust Tracks on BOOK BARN Used Books Tues-Fri 10-5 Sat 10-2 Serving Tehama County since 1994 619 Oak St., Red Bluff (530) 528-2665 the Road. Her autobiography resulted in offers by the Saturday Evening Post and Readers Digest. Her extensive anthropologic research, on which her writings were based, helped preserve the culture of blacks in the South. She was often criticized by other black writers for her use of the vernacular dialect, which they perceived as demeaning. She was a woman, a bit flamboy- ant, and focused on African American culture at a time when many black writers were trying to forget it; all of these characteristics were obstacles to wide acceptance. She was relegated to obscurity after her death in 1960, until Alice Walker took interest in her work and caused greater recognition. The Fitzhugh Literary Society is over 100 years old and the oldest lit- erary group in California. A Clean, Reliable, Trustworthy, Chimney Company... Possible? ”Their tarps are always clean and my home is always clean afterward. What I like best is their reliability and quality.” “I can trust them!” Dr. Evan Reasor Flue Season 527 3331 THE Chimney Professionals COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR All makes and models. We perform dealer recommened 30K, 60K, 90K SERVICES AT LOWER PRICES Smog Check starting at $ (most cars and pick-ups) 2595 + cert. Pass or FREE retest 527-9841 • 195 S. Main St. County and are organiz- ing a Launch Event to inform the community. The File of Life is a red plastic refrigerator mag- net with a pocket that holds a card containing pertinent medical infor- mation for emergency responders. The File of Life contains a mini medical history, includ- ing the patient's name, existing conditions and health problems, medica- tions, dosages, allergies, recent surgeries, reli- gion, doctor's name and a health care proxy, emer- gency medical contacts, insurance policy and social security numbers. The File of Life bene- fits not only the holder but caregivers, emer- gency response person- nel and anyone who needs prompt access to important health infor- mation. It helps police officers provide faster help for citizens in emer- gencies and makes maxi- mum use of officer’s time; rescue teams can know in an instant the medical history of a patient and begin correc- tive treatment at once. It enables medics to obtain a quick medical history when the patient is unable to offer one and provides emergency medical teams respond- ing to critical, life-threat- ening situation with instant access to medical facts and data that can make the difference when every second counts. Essential medical details are available immediately to hospital emergency staff when a patient arrives and no time is wasted in trying to get information from a confused or unconscious patient. It can also be used by the holder or caregiver to furnish necessary infor- mation at the doctor’s office or to other health professionals – especial- ly important when patients visit multiple specialists who may pre- scribe drugs with con- traindications. With all their data on one conve- nient and readily accessi- ble list, File of Life hold- ers don’t have to try to remember a litany of medications, thus avoid- ing potentially harmful drug interactions. • Everyday Cheapskate •Savage Truth • Gleaners The Daily News - At your side when times are tough