Letters

Itchy skin

Dear Dr Williams-Green,

I am a 21- year-old man. I have a problem with my skin. I don't know if I am allergic to something, or if it is related to something I ate. However, for a couple days now, every night when I come home, my skin starts to itch and bumps would come out, looking like ants bite. The strange thing is that it doesn't happen in the days, but there was one instance when my knee itched badly. Now I see two small bumps around the area of my penis, and I doubt it is a sexually transmitted disease because I am a virgin. I am usually worried about anything relating to my skin or my penis.

Dear Reader,

You have described a classic scabies infection. This usually occurs when you return from spending a night or two outside your home. You may have been infected with a tiny parasite which tends to come out at night and causes intense itching. If others in your household are also itching, this will clinch the diagnosis. You will need to visit a doctor for an examination. The treatment is a simple cream or lotion. Everyone in the household needs to be treated and you will need to eradicate the parasite by exposing the mattress, bedding and pyjamas to strong heat (e.g. sunning). Please see your health practitioner as soon as possible.

Dr Pauline Williams-Green

Pearly penile papules

Dear Dr Williams-Green,

I recently read your article about pearly penile papules in The Gleaner of June 16. I am an uncircumcised Jamaican man, who has these pearly penile papules on my penis. Although I am that they are harmless, I am not comfortable with these bumps. I am hoping you can give me some assistance in finding places here in Jamaica that offer CO2 laser treatments, surgical excision, or any other reliable treatment for these bumps. I appreciate you writing the column; it was very informative.

Dear Reader,

I am happy you found the information helpful. Please, remember this condition is harmless. However, a dermatologist will be able to assist you to properly remove the papules.

Best wishes

Dr Pauline Williams-Green

Send questions and comments to our health specialists at Your Health, c/o The Gleaner, 7 North Street, Kingston; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com. Unless otherwise indicated, letters and the specialists' responses are usually published.