The People's Pharmacy

Is sunscreen safe for little ones?

Q: I have been using a baby sunscreen with an SPF of 30 for my 22-month-old. Whenever we go in the sun I slather it on and then slather on more during the day. Someone told me sunscreen can be absorbed through skin and get into the blood. Is it dangerous to use sunscreen daily on a toddler?

A: Researchers have found that some popular sunscreen ingredients are absorbed from the skin and can be measured in the urine (Journal of Investigative Dermatology, July 2004). Concern focuses on possible estrogenic activity. The research did not show a change in adults' hormone levels, but the authors caution that children may be more vulnerable.

You may want to try a physical sunblock such as zinc or titanium found in products like Blue Lizard Australian Suncream-Baby, Clinique Super City Block and Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock.

Medication music

Q: My doctor prescribed amitriptyline for my foot pain, and it's causing me to hear music all day, both classical and rap. When I stop the drug the music fades out.

A: Drug-induced hallucinations (visual or auditory) are uncommon but disturbing side effects. To be on the safe side, have a neurological work-up to rule out any other problem. If your doctor determines the antidepressant amitriptyline is the culprit, he may want to consider another approach for your nerve pain.

Thyroid treatment

Q: Almost 20 years ago, I was diagnosed as hypothyroid and given thyroid hormone. In the early 1990s, my doctor switched me over to Synthroid.

All my symptoms returned, and I felt miserable. The doctor insisted that my blood test was normal. After eight years, I switched doctors and was put on Armour thyroid. It worked well to relieve most of my symptoms.

I moved five years ago and have been struggling to convince doctors that I do better on Armour thyroid. What is the difference between synthetic and natural hormone treatments? Why do I feel better on Armour?

A: In a hypothyroid condition, your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone. The solution is to supply what is missing.

Many doctors prefer levothyroxine, a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone T4. It is sold under brand names Synthroid and Levoxyl and is also available generically.

Armour thyroid, an animal extract, contains two types of thyroid hormone (T3 in addition to T4). Although normal tissues convert T4 to T3, some hypothyroid people seem to have trouble with this conversion. That explains why they may feel better on Armour, or on a combination of T4 with a small amount of T3.

Cornmeal fix for toenail fungus?

Q: You have responded to many questions about curing toenail fungus with home remedies, but here's one you've never mentioned. Put about an inch of cornmeal in a plastic dishpan. Pour in hot water, stir it so the cornmeal gets dissolved, and when it is cool enough not to hurt, soak your feet for an hour.

If you do this regularly, it will get rid of the fungus. You can also sprinkle dry cornmeal on the dirt around roses to ward off black spot fungus infection.

A: Gardeners have also tried cornmeal to fight fungus (black spot disease) on roses. They sprinkle cornmeal on the soil around the plant in the early spring and then water it in.

Soaking feet in cornmeal glop is a low-tech, low-cost approach to nail fungus. We don't know how effective it is or how frequently you'd have to do it.

Q: I was fascinated to read about the 79-year-old person with arthritis who is tap dancing again after drinking Brownwood Acres tart cherry juice. I have been on Brownwood juice since December, when I was in the midst of a gout attack.

I have been drinking it ever since, in addition to watching my diet and cutting out shellfish. I have had no further attacks.

I've had my uric acid checked, and in mid-February it was normal. I got complacent and let up on the juice. Last week I felt a "twinge," so I went back to drinking cherry juice, and the pain disappeared.

A: We've received many anecdotal reports that tart cherries can help relieve gout. The brand you mention is available at www.brownwoodacres.com or 877-591-3101.

You are smart to watch your diet. An article in the New England Journal of Medicine (March 11, 2004) confirms that people who eat a lot of meat and seafood are more inclined to gout attacks. Dairy products seem to be protective.

Q: My father has had a terrible time with psoriasis on his scalp. We've heard the spice turmeric may help. Can you tell us more?

A: Don't put turmeric on the scalp or skin. It stains everything a bright yellow. This spice is in curry powder and mustard. A component, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory activity, and, preliminary studies suggest, some benefit for psoriasis.

One reader wrote: "I took about 1,200 mg of turmeric a day for a month, and the psoriasis cleared up. I then took 400 mg for another month and discontinued it. I have had no recurrence."

Powdered turmeric is available at grocery stores and capsules can be found at health-food stores. Digestive upset may be a side effect.

Ask a dermatologist to oversee your dad's treatment.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them c/o 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