Could the Covid jab be responsible for my arm burning?
I’VE been experiencing an itchy, burning rash since more than a year.
It runs from my armpit to the top my breasts, and it continues under my arm. It is possible that it was caused by the Covid jab I received on the same side.
Most doctors consider shingles when a rash develops on one side. It is caused by the same virus as chicken pox. It causes a painful, burning rash.
Shingles are usually easy to spot as the rash appears as a band on one side of the body, most often the chest or the back.
If the virus isn’t treated, blisters and pain can persist. Some patients feel a burning sensation even after the virus has passed.
A GP can diagnose shingles easily – usually only a photograph of the rash is needed.
A fungal infection is another common cause of a rash beneath the armpit.
The area is warm and moist – ideal conditions for fungal skin rashes. They can make the skin feel hot and dry.
To treat the infection, a pharmacist may be able to prescribe anti-fungal lotions. You may also be able to use Nappy Creams like Sudocrem.
A Covid jab may cause a rash. Rashes can be caused by many medications and preventive treatments, such as vaccines.
If the rash persists, it might be worth talking with your GP.
DR. ELLIE CANNON: It is possible for a Covid jab to cause a rash. Rashes can be caused by many medications and preventive treatments (file photo).
I am a healthy 74 year-old woman. Recent blood tests revealed that my cholesterol was 2.11 for “good” HDL and 3.70 (for “bad”) LDL.
The doctor suggested that I take 20mg of statin to lower my symptoms.
But is my total cholesterol high enough to require treatment? I feel numb and irritable from the statins.
High cholesterol is a leading cause of heart attack. It’s important that you treat it.
However, doctors have changed the way they do this. A statin was used to lower cholesterol for patients with high cholesterol around 15 years ago.
More from Dr Ellie Cannon in The Mail on Sunday…
As science advances, doctors are now more aware of the importance of being careful.
It is important to know the ratio of ‘good’ and “bad” cholesterol. It is not the only factor to be considered when treating patients with high cholesterol.
Other factors, such as your age and ethnicity, blood pressure, history with kidney disease, and even your postcode, may increase your chances of having a stroke or heart attack.
Patients are often surprised by the variety of factors that can increase your chances of suffering a heart attack.
A Qrisk3 equation is a method of calculating a percentage risk score. This means that statins may not be available to people with high cholesterol and few other risk factors.
They are also prescribed to those with higher cholesterol.
Side effects of statins can be reported by many people, but they aren’t as common as you might think. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure if you should take a statin.
I am 49 years old and have been unable to conceive for most of my adult lives. I cannot recall the last time I was intimate with my wife.
Viagra and Cialis do not work. Can you suggest any other remedies?
Erectile dysfunction is a common problem, especially for older men. It is estimated that approximately one fifth of men will experience it at one time in their lives.
Although men may be embarrassed to seek help, doctors and pharmacists are familiar with the issue.
If a patient has tried several treatments but none of them have worked, it could be an underlying cause.
High blood pressure, diabetes and smoking-related issues are some of the most common causes.
Sometimes malfunctioning nerves, or an imbalance in male sex hormones could be the problem. Doctors might recommend medication to increase testosterone levels in cases where it is low.
Psychological factors can be important. It can often be a case if performance anxiety, stress, or depression.
It is very common for erectile problems to occur as a side effect or side effect of many medications.
Men are more at risk if they drink excessive alcohol, use recreational drugs, smoke, or have too much weight.
Before deciding on the best treatment, a doctor would arrange for blood tests. Cialis and Viagra are the most well-known, and they are often offered first.
It is crucial to learn how to properly use them. They aren’t a quick cure and require stimulation for sexual function.
They are also more effective if you don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
A GP might increase the dose if they aren’t working. A specialist clinic might be referred to patients by the doctor.
For severe cases, there may be hospital-based treatment options such as injections or vacuum devices.
Most cases of erectile dysfunction are treatable. Unfortunately, the problem will not go away.
Why I support free vapes
It is a great decision to begin prescribing e-cigarettes for NHS patients who are trying to quit smoking.
The Government’s medicine authority invited manufacturers to submit devices for approval by the NHS.
It has already upset some feathers. Commentators claim it will attract chancers who want to try an e-cigarette for free at the expense the taxpayer.
DR ELLIE CANON: I think it’s a great decision to start prescribing ecigarettes for NHS patients who are trying quit smoking.
However, each patient would need to meet a strict criteria to be eligible for one. The treatment would only last three months after the patient has stopped using the real thing.
The NHS spends far more on smoking-related diseases than it does on free e-cigarettes.
It makes perfect sense. We know the devices are less harmful than smoking, and they can help people quit.
What happens when you combine the flu jabs with the Covid?
How many of your flu shots were you given at the same moment as your Covid booster shot?
Since last month’s research showed it safe and might even increase effectiveness, doctors have been encouraging patients to get both shots in one visit.
While it seems that very few are suffering from severe side effects of the double jabs so far, I have heard about a few who have experienced serious side effects.
Side effects are normal with vaccines. But I would like to know if you are more likely to get six if you do two.
Email me at DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk and let me know about your experience.
Why the flu vaccine isn’t effective in getting you flu
Ok, here is your annual reminder: The flu jab cannot give flu.
Every year around this time, I get letters from readers who claim they’ve had their flu vaccination and then have become unwell.
There are several things going on. First, colds are spreading like wildfire after more than a decade of not mixing with one another.
After getting vaccinated against influenza, it’s possible to get one or more of these infections.
The flu jab can make it feel a bit rough for several days. This is a side effect – your immune system reacting to the vaccine – not flu.
The flu vaccine is only 60% effective at best. This means that you could get flu from being jabbed. But it’s not from a jab. It contains modified flu viruses that are harmless.