Men's Health
Men Ask: When Do I actually Have to Go to the Doctor?
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May 20, 2009 - 12:27:36 PM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - When a woman has any type of medical concern she tends to quickly run to the doctor’s office to be treated. Men, however, characteristically pass up a doctor diagnosis unless under extreme circumstances. In fact, according to a poll conducted by Harris Interactive, although 85% of men claim they see a doctor when sick, 92% of men actually wait at least a few days before going to see if they feel better first.

But a man’s self-diagnosis may be dangerous. Due to an average guy’s un-trained eye, he probably does not know exactly what will harm him and what won’t. Three renowned physicians offer their tips on how a guy can avoid having a minor medical condition become a serious ailment.

Men ask: Do I Have to Go to the Doctor?

Athlete’s Foot

What it looks like: Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a very common infection caused by the Ringworm fungus. With the infection one’s foot may appear red or scaly, be itchy or burn, and can also crack and bleed. The rash is most often contained to the soles of the feet, but may spread to the fourth and fifth toes

How to cure it: According to NYC podiatrist, Dr. Oliver Zong, “Avoid the embarrassing spread of infection by wearing breathable shoes, such as leather, and absorbent socks to keep your feet dry. Avoid shoes made of synthetic materials, such as vinyl or rubber, which trap in moisture. Using foot powder can also help. Purchase any over the counter anti-fungal cream or wash and continue use for four weeks, even if the rash site begins to fade”

When it’s time to see the doctor: Dr. Zong recommends seeing a podiatrist if the rash does not heal after four weeks, or you experience intense itching and/or burning. Also, if you already have problems with nail fungus and/or are diabetic, he advises a doctor visit immediately

Teeth Grinding

What causes it: Although most people associate teeth grinding with anxiety or stress, it is the result of the mis-alignment of one’s jaw

Why is it dangerous: Los Angeles based dentist and sleep apnea expert, Dr. Daniel Smith, notes that “teeth grinding can not only lead to the loosening or fracturing of ones teeth, but may also be a sign of a more serious condition – sleep apnea.” According to Dr. Smith, “Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition in which the sleeper actually stops breathing. Since most men believe they don’t have the problem, it is one of the most commonly mis-diagnosed ailments. If left un-treated, however, sleep apnea can increase ones risk of other serious conditions such as heart attack and stroke”

When it’s time to see the doctor: If your sleeping partner often complains about the problem, or you experience a constant headache and/or dull jaw pain, you should alert your dentist

Hair Loss

What causes it: According to Bosley Hair Restoration, most men will experience some thinning or loss of hair in their lifetime. Dr. Ken Washenik, Medical Director of Bosley Hair Restoration, says that “A lot of men are usually in denial about their hair loss. Since it can be the result of a number of different ailments other than male pattern baldness such as the side effect of medicines, alopecia, thyroid disease and/or fungal infection it shouldn’t be left un-treated.”

What are the treatment options: According to Dr. Washenik, “many topical options claim to help hair grow, however none are scientifically proven to do so. Use of these products, such as Minoxidil (Rogaine) or Finasteride (Propecia) can, however, help to slow the hair loss process. The only proven way to restore hair is through hair transplant surgery”

When it’s time to see the doctor: If you begin losing hair rapidly, and/or are cosmetically concerned about baldness, consult your doctor about treatment options. You can receive a free hair loss consultation with a Bosley Senior Counselor at any regional Bosley office

About Dr. Oliver Zong

Dr. Oliver Zong is a podiatrist in Manhattan’s influential Financial District. As one of the premier cosmetic foot surgeons in the country, he serves as the Director of Surgery at NYC Foot Care and is on the Board of Directors at Gramercy Park Surgery Center . Besides traditional and cosmetic foot surgery, Dr. Zong is also an accomplished cryosurgeon and co-founder of the Podiatric Cryosurgery Center of New York. He is an attending physician at New York Hospital Downtown, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Cabrini Medical Center, and Gramercy Park Surgery Center. An accomplished foot surgeon, Dr. Zong is credited with coining the terms, “Foot Makeover”, “Foot Facelift”, “The Toe Tuck”, and “High Heel Feet”. For more information please visit www.NYCFOOTCARE.com.

About Dr. Daniel C. Smith, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.

Daniel Smith, D.D.S., F.A.G.D in 1981 graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry. Dr. Smith in 1988 established Focus Dental Group located in Agoura Hills, California where he practices today. Focus Dental Group is made up of three individual divisions: Focus Dentistry, Focus Institute for Implant Reconstruction, and Focus Center for Sleep Apnea and Snoring. Dr. Smith frequently lectures on implant dentistry and is the director of Focus Dental Institute for Implant Reconstruction as well as co-director of Focus Center of Sleep Apnea and Snoring. Please visit www.focussleepcenter.com to learn more.

About Dr. Ken Washenik

Ken Washenik, M.D., Ph.D., is the Medical Director of Bosley and the Executive Vice President of Scientific and Medical Development of the Aderans Research Institute, a biotechnology firm involved in researching tissue engineered hair follicle neogenesis and cellular based hair restoration. The former director of the Dermatopharmacology Unit at the New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Washenik continues to serve as a clinical investigator and faculty member in the Department of Dermatology. Dr. Washenik, a well known national and international lecturer, has presented many seminars on dermatopharmacology and dermatology-related issues. His Ph.D. is in Cell Biology and focused on hormone metabolism. He frequently lectures on the effects of hormones on the skin including their effects on hair loss and growth. Dr. Washenik is the Secretary- Treasurer of the North American Hair Research Society and on the Board of Trustees of the Hair Foundation. He is a Director of the Cicatricial Alopecia Research Foundation and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the National Alopecia Areata Foundation and the medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology and a member of the Dermatological Society of Greater New York and the Los Angeles Metropolitan Dermatological Society. Dr. Washenik has published numerous scientific and medical articles in peer review journals including Endocrinology, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Archives of Dermatology, The Lancet and The New England Journal of Medicine. Please visit www.bosleymedical.com to learn more.

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