Listerine fights Marine’s jock itch

Q. I was in Marine Corps boot camp early in 1970 and developed a bad case of jock itch. My drill instructor, although an extremely harsh and seemingly uncaring guy, had warned us all of this possibility and suggested using Listerine. It worked beautifully, and the rash cleared up in just two days. Old-fashioned amber Listerine does burn a bit going on, but it works well. It also is good for athlete’s foot.

A. Thanks for reminding us that the herbal extracts and alcohol in original-formula Listerine have antifungal activity. That may explain why readers of this column report that it helps fight dandruff, nail fungus, athlete’s foot and seborrheic dermatitis. Other remedies that have won readers’ praise for treating jock itch include vinegar, dandruff shampoo (selenium sulfide) and the cleanser Cetaphil.

Q. I play the cello in a chamber group. It is becoming increasing difficult to enjoy my passion since my finger joints have developed arthritis. I recently read an article about using topical gels to relieve pain. What do you think of them for my painfully arthritic fingers?

A. We are enthusiastic about topical NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Such products have been used around the world for decades to treat arthritis, bursitis, sprains, strains and muscle pains. They have not been widely available in the U.S. until recently. Pills such as ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac (prescription only) are taken to relieve pain and inflammation. Oral NSAIDs can cause diarrhea, heartburn, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, liver toxicity, kidney problems, anemia and heart trouble. Appropriate use of topical NSAIDs is much less likely to cause a systemic reaction.

Q. I have had horrendous leg cramps at night. My pain threshold is high, but these had me moaning, unable to find a position without having some other muscle cramp. Quinine tablets usually gave relief within 10 minutes. However, on one particularly bad night, with no relief coming, I took a second tablet within 30 minutes of the first. When I awoke in the morning, I was totally deaf . At first, it was actually a nice experience — my own world. But that wore off when I couldn’t hear the phone ring or listen to the radio. By mid-to-late afternoon, I had my hearing back. To prevent cramps, I drink water with half a lemon squeezed into it just before bed; sometimes I take the hottest shower I can stand; and occasionally I use a liniment like Heat or Icy Hot. Walking the cramp out still seems to be the best.

A. You experienced “cinchonism,” or quinine toxicity. In addition to temporary deafness, symptoms may include headache, ringing in the ears, nausea, dizziness, rash and confusion. The Food and Drug Administration banned quinine for treating leg cramps because it can cause life-threatening blood abnormalities.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. For more information, visit www.Peoples-Pharmacy.com.

2010 King Features Syndicate Inc.