Whelehans Health Blog

Halitosis (Bad breath) Part 1   Causes The source of the bad odour is located within the oral cavity in approximately 90% of cases of halitosis meaning only a small percentage of cases are due to non-oral causes such as a serious underlying medical condition which warrants immediate referral to a doctor (eg.) Diabetes   The tongue is considered the biggest source of bad breath and is considered the main cause in up to 90% of cases by some experts; so other causes like gingivitis are considered a cause in only a fraction of causes compared to tongue hygiene.  ...

Flat Feet (Part 3) Treatment (Continued) Children with an abnormal foot that has not developed properly may require an operation to straighten the foot or to separate bones that have fused. Luckily operations are rarely needed as these are rare causes of flat feet in children. Most children with flat feet have a mobile form of flat feet which generally does not need treatment, or if treatment is needed due to pain or excessive wear of shoes, an insole is often sufficient to rectify the problem. Flat feet that develop due to a disorder of the nervous system may require...

Flat Feet (Part 2)   When is treatment needed? Most flat feet do not cause any problem, so no treatment is needed. Reasons to look for treatment include: Pain (not eased by any type of footwear). Flat feet do not usually cause pain but can put strain on muscles and ligaments (connect two bones together at a joint). This can use leg pain when walking. Pain from flat feet can occur in several areas including inside the ankle, at arch of the foot, the outer side of the foot, calf, knee, hip or back. Wearing out shoes quickly Feet appear...

Flat Feet (Part 1)   During childhood, usually between the ages of 3 and 10, we develop a space on the inner side of our feet where the bottom of the foot is off the ground. These are referred to as the "arches" of our foot. The height of this arch varies. People with a low arch or who have no arch are classified as having flat feet.   Causes Flat feet can run in families, and both feet are usually affected. A form of the problem is when the foot tends to roll inwards too much while standing or...

Acne Treatment Part 4   Severe Acne Characterised by the condition being widespread on the face and upper body, especially if nodules and cysts occur and scarring occurs. Can be considered if acne is causing severe psychological stress too. Referral to a dermatologist is advised for severe acne.   Treatment options Oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane®) should be trialed on its own, especially if other treatment options such as systemic antibiotics have failed and especially if scarring is occurring and it is having a major psychological on the patient. Oral isotretinoin works like topical retinoids but has a more potent effect.  ...