Body Clinic: Sweaty Pits, Crabs and the Hangover From Hell

Feeling crook? FHM’s doctor will see you now.

Damp pits

I sweat profusely, even in the winter and I’ve heard that men can have surgery to stop their sweaty pits. Is there anything I can do?

Read FHM India in the digital libraryEvery issue, every shoot, on TCG Media.

Sushant, New Delhi

You’ll be pleased to know you do have options. Sweating is actually useful and necessary – it helps cool the body and get rid of toxins.

Your best first bet is to try regular use of an anti-perspirant. Sprays containing aluminium chloride are particularly effective.

If this doesn’t do the trick, you could consider either Botox injections or a special type of electric treatment called ‘Ionotophoresis’.

The best suggestion is to watch your weight, temper your drinking, and shower morning and night.

Ballache

I feel like I’ve been kicked in the nuts, all the time. What does this mean? Am I going to die?

Gautam, Chandigarh

You’re probably thinking the worst – testicular cancer or something.

The first thing you need to do is check your testicles carefully, feeling and looking out for any abnormal bumps. It’s rare that cancer in that area is painful, so I doubt it’s that.

It may well be to do with the epididymis – the nobbly bit at the top of the testicle where sperm is stored. It’s possible you have a low grade infection going on, causing your discomfort.

The best suggestion is to exercise caution here and get down to your doctor for a proper check.

Lice job

I think I’ve caught crabs. How do I tell and how can I treat it?

Crabs, or pubic lice are one of the few STIs that can’t be prevented by using a condom.

If you’re itchy, have flakes stuck to your pubic hair and dark spots in your boxers you may have crabs.

The best thing to do is get yourself down to your local GUM clinic. They will be able to tell you for sure if you have crabs and point you in the direction of medicated shampoos to get rid.

Crabs don’t cause any lasting damage but they can easily come back, so wash your bed sheets, towels and underwear.

Boozehound

My hangovers are REALLY bad – vomiting all day, dry heaving, massive headache. Is it possible that I’ve given myself alcohol poisoning? How do I tell and could I be allergic to alcohol?

Ritul, Kolkata

It’s time to face the terrible truth:

You need to cut down on your drinking. The fact that you think you may have alcohol poisoning suggests that you’ve really been going for it, and I suspect the reason your hangovers are so bad is because you’ve drunk so much.

It’s remarkably common to be allergic to alcohol, especially amongst Asians, and it comes from missing the enzyme needed to metabolise ethanol. But I doubt your problems are allergy-related – this usually comes out after a minimal amount, with a flushed face and an itchy feeling.

The big C

I’m 25 and there is a history of various cancers in my family. Is there a screening I can do for all of them? Should I tell my doctor about my family’s history to make sure he’s looking out for it?

Chandan, Bhubaneshwar

It’s great that you’re thinking proactively about your health, but you’ll be pleased to know that if you don’t have any symptoms you generally don’t need to worry until you’re approaching your forties.

Telling your doctor about it is definitely a good idea. They can then advise you if any of the cancers in your family affect younger people. There is no ‘one-stop’ solution to screen you for all the cancers – most tests, including the genetic ones, are targeted to look for specific conditions.

And don’t forget that even with a family history, lifestyle still makes a huge difference – so cigarettes are an absolute no-no, and keeping fit and healthy will only help.

All answers by Dr Sneh Khemka, Bupa International. maxbupa.com

From the February 2011 issue of FHM India.