Question: My girlfriend is very allergic to shrimp and crab and, I suspect, lobster as well. I love them but have avoided eating them since we have been together. This summer we shall have our vacation at the beach, where I always make a couple of meals with shrimp or crab. My question is, how can I avoid causing her distress? Do I have to wait awhile after eating to kiss her? How long? Can I speed the process by vigorous brushing and mouthwashing?
Answer: Your concern is justified. A report in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings (February 2003) describes a woman who experienced a life-threatening allergic reaction from shellfish after being kissed by her boyfriend.
He had eaten a few shrimp roughly an hour before the goodnight kiss. Within a minute her lips swelled, her throat began to close, she experienced hives, abdominal cramps and wheezing, and her blood pressure dropped to 80/50.
Since we cannot guarantee that brushing your teeth or using a mouthwash will protect your girlfriend, you might need to avoid either shellfish or kissing on your vacation to prevent a disastrous reaction.
Question: Tell your readers who are concerned about toenail fungus that many of us have had improvement from soaking our toes in a solution of vinegar and water. A nurse practitioner suggested one part vinegar to two parts water, 15 minutes per day. It takes time, so don't give up!
My physician has also recommended Vicks VapoRub around the nail. I'm pleased with the improvement I have seen.
Answer: Your health professionals might have learned about these remedies in this column. Many readers have shared similar success stories. Others report that topical applications of vitamin E oil or pau d'arco tea can be helpful. When all else fails, urea paste can dissolve the infected nail.
We discuss these approaches and others at greater length in our Guides to Nail Care and Unique Uses for Vicks. Anyone who would like copies, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. HV-376, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
Question: I recently read a story about a new drug called modafinil. It was developed to treat narcolepsy, a rare condition that makes people fall asleep unexpectedly and uncontrollably.
But the Air Force has been testing the drug to help pilots stay awake and alert for long periods of time. Is it true that modafinil does not have any side effects?
Answer: Modafinil (Provigil) is approved for treating daytime sleepiness due to narcolepsy. We would discourage the use of Provigil as a "go pill" by people who do not suffer from this sleep disorder.
In clinical trials, side effects such as headache, nervousness, nausea and depression troubled more patients on modafinil than on placebo. Insomnia, diarrhea, runny nose and sore throat are other possible reactions to this prescription drug.
Question: Is there anything you can apply to your skin before hiking to prevent poison ivy?
Answer: One FDA-approved pre-exposure preventive product is IvyBlock. Use it at least 15 minutes before starting.
In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 888 Seventh Ave., New York, NY 10019, or e-mail them at pharmacy@mindspring.com or via their Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.org. Their newest book is "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies" (St. Martin's Press). © King Features Syndicate, Inc.