DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a 95-year-old, fair-skinned woman in good health, except for rosacea on my nose in the past year. Sunshine is my worst enemy. Is there any advice you can give me before I see my dermatologist? I’m not too eager to use oral antibiotics. — H.B. ANSWER: Rosacea is an inflammatory […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: You published an article in April discussing the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. How does “degenerative arthritis” differ from the other two? — R.L. ANSWER: Degenerative arthritis is osteoarthritis; it’s an old term that dates from a time when arthritis was thought to be caused by normal aging processes and from […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: In 2008, I was treated for prostate cancer with radiation. A couple of months later, I started passing blood during bowel movements. I went to a gastroenterologist, who found that my colon was “burned” by the radiation. After several treatments I am still bleeding, though not as badly. I use Canasa suppositories […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My father, 79, used to play 18 holes of golf three times a week, but after a recent gallbladder removal, he started showing some unusual symptoms. He appeared to be a totally different person: helpless and unable to walk. The doctors diagnosed him as having dementia. I kept telling the doctors and […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: I have type II diabetes and high blood pressure, which I generally keep below 130/80 with medication. My doctor is concerned about my salt intake. When I pointed out that my sodium level from a recent blood test was in the middle of the normal range, my doctor stated that that was […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: A friend of mine has Parkinson’s disease. She is 90 years old and has been very active for her age, but recently she has not enjoyed life as much as she had. What do you know about Parkinson’s? Are there any cures or relief? — W.W. ANSWER: Parkinson’s disease is caused by […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My 18-year-old grandson sustained a concussion while skateboarding. He does not remember the event, which happened about a month ago. He is back in college and can manage his studies. However, he lost his senses of smell and taste. This is very depressing to him. His neurologist states he will not retrieve […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband, age 65, had a sleep apnea test done overnight in the hospital a year ago, and they said he does not have it. Lately, when I wake during the night, I listen to him breathe. He snores only some nights, not all. It sounds like he breathes five or six […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: This is a subject I am reluctant to discuss, but I am at my wits’ end and don’t know what to do. I am 61 years old. I had a vaginal hysterectomy two years ago because of prolapse. I also have had a bladder lift (about 15 years ago). Everything seemed to […]

DEAR DR. ROACH: My husband has bad toenail fungus. He is not diabetic. He cannot take prescription medicine by mouth (like terbinafine) because he is on too many other prescription medications. What about laser treatment? Does it work? Is it expensive? Is it contagious? — E.K. ANSWER: Toenail fungus is caused predominately by Trichophyton rubrum. […]