Tetracycline is often given on a long-term basis for the treatment of acne. Recent studies indicate that people given this antibiotic — and their near relatives — may develop germs which are antibiotic resistant. If these germs get out of control it may be difficult to eradicate them because of their resistance to the antibiotic. (The Journal of Investigative Dermatology 85(1)35-37, 1985)
Copyright 1985 Phylis A Austin
A study from India reported the use of boiled potato peel in the treatment of mild burns. Potatoes are soaked, washed, and boiled for 20 minutes in clean water. Peels are removed without any adherent pulp. Peels may be stored in cotton gauze saturated in normal saline, placed in sterilized bottles and stored at 4 degrees C.
To use the peels the doctors washed them in sterile saline and placed the inner surface of the peel against the burn. Two layers of saline-treated gauze were applied over the potato peel, then a bandage was placed over that. If the burn appeared infected the dressings were changed daily; if no infection was present redressing was done every 4 – 8 days. If little discharge was present when the peels were removed, the surface of the burn and the surface of the potato peel were wiped off and reapplied. If much discharge was present the peels were discarded, the wound cleaned with normal saline, and fresh potato peel applied. (Burns Including Thermal Injury 11(3)220-4, February, 1985) The potato peel acts as artificial skin.
Infants whose parents smoke are at greater risk of developing ear infections and respiratory illness according to a Louisiana State University School of Medicine study. Almost 20 percent of the children of smoking parents were hospitalized for lower respiratory tract problems during the study, while only 4.9 percent of children of non-smoking parents required hospitalization. (Pediatric Research 23(4 pt 2)288A, April 1988)
Copyright 1988 Phylis A. Austin
Several recent studies have suggested that high voltage lines may be associated with various health problems. A study from Britain shows a relationship between overhead high voltage lines and headaches and depressive episodes. A seven-year study carried out by the New York State Power Line Project suggested that power lines may adversely affect adult learning, and several researchers are investigating a possible connection between power line exposure and cancer. (The Practitioner 232:435-436, April 22, 1988)
Copyright 1988 Phylis A. Austin
