People's Pharmacy: Meat tenderizer for stings

Q: I got stung by a red wasp recently, and it felt like someone jabbed me with a hot poker. I remember my child's pediatrician telling me to keep meat tenderizer in a first-aid kit for stings. I found some tenderizer and added water to make a paste. As soon as I daubed it on, it took away that intense pain almost instantly.

A: Meat tenderizer contains papain, an enzyme from the papaya that helps break down protein. Doctors have recommended applying it to stings for years so that the papain can break down the venom.

Q: My doctor prescribed Nexium to alleviate stomach symptoms. Shortly after starting this drug, I began having back pain and aching joints. I have gained 10 pounds even though I am not eating any more food. I feel so weary every day I can hardly continue my usual routine.

I have consulted a rheumatologist, who had nothing to suggest but a pain reliever to mask the aches. Could these problems be traced to the Nexium? What else can I do to ease my heartburn symptoms?

A: According to the prescribing information, drugs such as Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec and Protonix may infrequently cause back pain and fatigue as well as muscle and joint pain. Occasionally, people have experienced unexplained weight gain, just as you did.

Please talk to your doctor about these problems so that you can find a different approach for your stomach trouble.

Q: I read with some amusement about using a key to stop nosebleeds. It really does work!

I am from England, and my dad and I used to get severe nosebleeds. My mom used to use a key on the back of my neck. It always worked, but the key was about 8 inches long and very heavy. It was the original latchkey we used on our back door. The idea was that the shock of a heavy, cold key would stop the nosebleed.

A: Thank you for sharing your memories. When we first heard about this, a bunch of keys was suggested, but anything cold — like a butter knife kept in the freezer or a cold washcloth — seems to work.

Q: I am a 70-year-old Ph.D. who tried a bar of soap under the sheet in bed at night to prevent severe leg cramps that had not responded to a multitude of other treatment efforts. I was desperate.

I also was totally shocked when it worked. I didn't tell anyone for two weeks, for fear it was a psychological effect and sharing it would ruin the benefit. It has been six weeks now, and I've not had another calf cramp. Let's hear it once again for folk remedies!

A: We have not found any scientifically plausible explanation, but soap under the bottom sheet (between the sheet and the mattress pad) prevents leg cramps for a surprising number of people.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them c/o King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., 15th floor, New York, NY 10019, or via their website: www.peoplespharmacy.org