Have you ever had a health problem that you were too embarrassed to talk about? You are not alone. It is hard to bring up serious health concerns, especially the ones that make you blush just thinking about them. Some things are meant to be kept private, but that doesn't mean you can ignore your health issues. We are bringing these types of problems out in the open with our list of the top searched embarrassing health concerns.Though it can be intimidating to bring up your secret health problems to a relative stranger, your doctor should be the first person you turn to when facing an illness, no matter how embarrassed you are. Remember: they see tons of patients and probably have seen your same problem many times before. No matter how ashamed you are, it is important for the health of you and others to get symptoms of contagious illnesses, such as herpes symptoms, examined before it is spread to others. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, one out of five adults have been infected with genital herpes and there is no known herpes cure. It's not surprising then that it is number one on our list.
If you are still too embarrassed to see a doctor, look into over the counter medications. Some conditions can be treated with OTC medicine, but that doesn't always cure the problem and you might still have to see your doctor. Yeast Infections, number three on our list, has many different OTC treatments and cures.
You can treat other problems, such as hyperhidrosis, which is just a fancy word for excessive sweating, with more unconventional methods. If you have tried extra-strength antiperspirants, such as Drysol, and you are still having a problem, you may benefit from plastic surgery. Injections of Botox are used to disable the sweat glands in areas like your underarms.
Not all of the problems on the list are easily treated. If you are avoiding serious surgery for things such as incontinence, lifestyle changes may help make a difference. Try looking into adult incontinence supplies, such as adult diapers.
Do you have the courage to talk about your health problems? Leave us a comment. Search your health problem on AOL Search or AOL Health.
Top Searched Embarrassing Health Concerns on AOL Search:
1. Herpes
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
3. Yeast Infection
4. Psoriasis
5. Urinary Tract Infection
6. Genital Warts
7. Hemorrhoids
8. Impotence
9. Hyperhidrosis
10. Incontinence
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posted by Brittney
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COMMENTS
For the woman and her brother, that sounds like psoriasis.
Most people think that psoriasis only affects the elbows & knees, which is not true. You can get it in your scalp, hands feet, and yes, your ears.
I had it on my hands and feet, spent several hundreds of dollars on medication from my dermatologist. Went to a Chinese doc. and he suggested I soak my hands/feet in a small basin of water with one capful of household terpentine.
Amazing!!
In your case, I would use the mixture, and apply with a Q-tip and or a small soft washcloth.
Hope this may help
By subihoneybee on Jan 5th 2009 at 8:39PM
Haley, for relaxing after 5, try avoiding caffeine after 2 or 3 in the afternoon. Stims stay in the system of ages and can seriously impact sleep cycle. You might look into meditation or creative visualization and some soothing music never goes amiss.
I also find that strong chamomile tea mixed with equal parts milk has a nice sedative effect (avoid real tea as even the decaf has SOME caffeine -- make the chamomile tea stronger by allowing it to steep for an extra few minutes). The taste is fairly mellow, but you can always add honey or sugar if you prefer it that way.
For most people, OTC sleeping pills should be avoided as they're mostly antihistamine and those make some people hyper or nervous and can increase symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome. On the other hand, people who can't sleep because of PTSD may actually benefit from certain antihistamines (which, for some reason, have shown some efficacy precenting nightmares). But try to tea first. You'll be surprised. Its been in use for thousands of years for good reason (kfrkuhne@aol.com)
By Kate on Jan 7th 2009 at 11:53AM
I've had the inside ear itching for about 10 years now but no drainage with it. I've never mentioned it to my doctor. I think I know what it comes from. I can tell when I wear cheap earrings it will get much worse. I know I am allerigic to any medal mixed with nickle like most cheap earrings are. As long as I only wear gold or sterling earrings I can stop the itching with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. That usually stops the itching for 2 or 3 days. Now, since I have never talked to a doctor I can't be positive about this but.....it was about 10 years ago I had a couple teeth filled and the dentist drove a medal post down into my tooth to make the filling stay in so I am wondering if the post could have nickle in it causing me to itch in my ears.
By Diane on Jan 7th 2009 at 12:41PM
To the lady who has PMR. Call Dr. Hellen Greenblatt, Ph.D. It sounds like you have an autoimmune disease and since she's an immunologist, she should be able to help and get you off the steroids. You are correct, steroids are hard on your body and just in case you didn't know it, your diabetes is must likely an autoimmune disease.
Her toll free number is 800-746-0300. Please tell her Dr. Nancy referred you to her. Much appreciated.
By Nancy Denlinger on Jan 21st 2009 at 3:55PM
To the person who asked what helps prevent migraines- I have had them for over 30 years, and been to the hospital with them. What seems to help me, is -
1. Don't become dehyrated-your brain is made up of a good deal of water.
2. Take magnesium and a B-complex vitamin every day.
3. If you drink coffee or anything with caffeine, don't skip a day. That used to bring on some of my headaches.
4. Avoid bright lights flashing in your eyes-look away from bright lights from drivers at night, and avoid the ones from copy machines, etc.
5. Don't go too long without eating, no more than 4-5 hours. And try to eat balanced and healthy meals
6. Avoid red wine. I drink white wine.
7. When I have a migraine attack, muscle relaxers help me more than pain pills, and still allow me to function. Everybody is different, though.
8. Try not to sleep more than 10 hours on your off days. That brings on my headaches.
Good luck.
By katlg7 on Jan 7th 2009 at 2:17PM
Number 17 try cloderm cream o.1% I had this problem for years and this really helped, I have no problems really now,also do not sleep on your ears that is when it causes the drainage to get worse, this is very painfull, your the first person I have heard of with this besides me.
By Jon on Jan 7th 2009 at 4:31PM
HERPES? 9 out of 10 people have it! why be embarassed? a fact of life unfortunately! i don't like it but i have to live with it! when i found out i called the 3 men i had slept with in the last 10-12 years!! at least it isn't HIV!!
By judi on Jan 15th 2009 at 4:58PM
I too have itchy ears. my ENT said it is Dermititis. he prescribed Mometasone Cream. it works for me
By Pat Ross on Jan 15th 2009 at 5:41PM
I had a parathyroid tumor removed. It was discovered because my calcium was high on my blood work.
My question is can or should I take calcium pills anyway?
By Barbara on Jan 15th 2009 at 6:09PM
I am so tired of men commenting on women's
bodies. We have this hanging and that loose. They should turn around and look at their hanging balls and their fat bellies. Men are children at any age.
Women are so much smarter in every way
By Barbara on Jan 15th 2009 at 6:11PM
I don't like the description of hyperhidrosis. The disease itself is more disabling than most people realize and the implications it poses for an individual's life are expansive. For instance, the article describes underarm hyperhidrosis; however, hyperhidrosis can afflict an individual in his/her face, armpits, hands, and feet or a combination thereof. Also, Hyperhidrosis is a lot less manageable than believed by laymen. The treatments and "cure" are imperfect at best; and the disease, though not deadly or blatantly debilitating, shouldn't be treated with triviality, as is the risk run when describing it as thi article has. By the way, this is no soapbox tirade. I just believe that when described, no matter how seemingly insignificant, a disorder should be described in a way that respects the over- and underlying effects a disorder could have for the afflicted.
By ksb0 on Jan 15th 2009 at 7:31PM
BHT or butylated hydroxytoluene can cure herpes I and II, but the drug company making the therapy to treat herpes doesn't want you to know.
http://www.advance-health.com/bht.html
By HolisticDoc on Jan 15th 2009 at 8:48PM
I have suffered from migraines for many years and have found that the comments in #25 are very accurate for prevention. What I have found when I do get a migraine, is that I have to take medication within the first few minutes in order to cut it short. I usually get an aura first (flashing lights and partial vision) so that is my warning sign to take something quick. The aura usually doesn't go away immediately, but I will then only have a headache rather than a nightmarish migraine. As for medications, I have had success with migraleve (from the UK) and excedrin migraine (US), but only if I take them right away - otherwise the pain escalates over the next three to four days to the point of me feeling like I'm going to lose my mind.
A great alternative to standard medications is niacin or nicotinamide which you can buy from any pharmacy. Make sure not to take niacin on an empty stomach - it can cause pretty bad stomach cramp almost immediately, as well as a weird itchy red burning rash all over, but those symptoms go away after a few minutes and are worth it because the migraine disappears. Nicotinamide is, I believe, a milder form and doesn't have the same side effects.
Sorry for rambling!!! Good luck!
By judith on Jan 15th 2009 at 9:36PM
In answer to number 5's question - yes I suffered from severe migraines for 20 years but now see a neurologist who specializes in migraines. I take xanaflax at night (20mg), seroquel at night(25 mg) and botox in head, neck, and forehead every 6months. I take maxalt if I have a breakthrough during the day. I am now pain-free after 20 years of debilitating and disabling pain. Please see a neurologist or specialist so that you can stop suffering. Do not try to treat yourself without seeing a specialist. Hope this helps you.
By Yvonne on Jan 15th 2009 at 10:45PM
I am surprised memory loss wasn't on the list. Below please find a link to an excellent memory screening web site if you are concerned about your memory:
http://www.CogniCheck.com
By JaneCogni41 on Jan 15th 2009 at 11:53PM
I was surprized Chronic Fatigue wasn't on the list. Most people are sleep deprived which is a different thing, but still it means most people are at least tired a lot. I have a lot of symptoms of Chronic Fatigue and I don't want to talk to a doctor about it, most of them think it is just laziness or depression and it takes a lot for me to just get out of my house.
By Jae on Jan 16th 2009 at 12:19AM
The best cure for herpes L-lysine, look it up and then use it. Also highly absorbable zinc a couple of times a week. Besides that, look up trigger foods like too much acidic foods, nuts, and other foods and supplements high in L-arginine.
By Annomous on Jan 16th 2009 at 1:08AM
Why did this problem not appear on the list? FLATULENCE. My husband has it every single evening. Not just simple and passing ones but looooong and drawn out. Drives me nuts. Not to mention odorous. H E L P
By Stinky on Jan 16th 2009 at 4:51PM