Diarrhea drug soothed skin

Q. I suffer periodically from eczema. Recently, a new shampoo set off a bad bout. The rash went down my neck, across my shoulders and onto my arms. The itching was driving me crazy!

I went to the Internet and saw your article about Maalox for diaper rash. I didn’t have Maalox, but I did have Pepto-Bismol. I dabbed it on my shoulders and neck, and the itching stopped immediately. Two days later, the rash has almost disappeared.

A. Thanks for sharing your innovation. We’ve never heard of putting Pepto-Bismol on the skin to relieve irritation or itching.

Eczema tends to be a recurrent problem for many people. We offer advice on supplements and dietary approaches as well as nonprescription creams that can soothe eczema in our Guide to Skin Care and Treatment. It can be downloaded for $2 from our website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

Q. As a child, every year I had eight or 10 sties. One day in the seventh grade, my English teacher told me that he used to have multiple sties at a time and had stopped the infections by eating cabbage. I began eating a daily chunk of cabbage, and within six weeks the sties stopped. I have never had another.

Twenty-five years later, my 8-year-old son said that his best friend had frequent sties. I recommended cabbage, and he followed the advice. He has not had another stye.

Today at 63, I continue to eat several servings of coleslaw and cooked cabbage every week. I know that cabbage is good for people generally, but have you ever heard of it being eaten to correct conditions leading to sties?

A. A stye is an inflamed spot at the edge of the eyelid. It is caused by infection (usually staph) around an eyelash.

Although most sties go away on their own in about a week, warm compresses three or four times a day may speed healing by improving circulation.

We don’t know why eating cabbage was so helpful for you. We would love to find out if anyone else benefits from your experience.

Q. Many years ago, I took St. John’s wort for mild anxiety for about six months with definite success. I don’t like to take any herb or medication longer than necessary, so I slowly stopped taking it. I was more anxious than before I started taking it. It was almost like I went into withdrawal. I tend to be an anxious person and would like to take it again. I worry that I would need to take it forever, though, or go through a downside after ceasing it.

Are there any recent studies on St. John’s wort and whether there are dangers with long-term use?

A. Evidence from controlled trials suggests that St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) can ease depression (Journal of Psychiatric Research online, Feb. 23, 2010). The main danger with St. John’s wort is its potential to interact with many drugs. You can learn more at www.peoplespharmacy.com in our free Guide to St. John’s Wort.

Long-term use of St. John’s wort may have negative effects on the eye.

For more information, visit www.Peoples-Pharmacy.com.

2010 King Features Syndicate Inc.