Answers to Other Questions

This site is closed.  If your question is urgent and not already answered below, please contact your health care provider.

This site is primarily for the Rutgers University family. 

Questions about Hair & Skin
Questions about Death & Dying
Questions about Diabetes
Questions about Lumps
Questions about Piercings
Questions about Micellaneous

Click on a question to view its answer.

Questions about Hair & Skin

I have a lot of acne on my face and scars due to them. Is there a treatment for removing them, and if so, how much is the cost?

I have noticed over the past couple months these reddish brown spots on my chest, and I was wondering how I go about having them looked at to determine what they are. Could you refer me to a dermatologist to look at them? If I make an appointment at Hurtado, who do I ask to see?

Why does my hair feel tender and delicate? I do not have hair loss and it mostly happens when I need a relaxer. What could I use to stop my scalp from being tender?

Recently I bought a dandruff shampoo with zinc in it for a minor dandruff problem. My scalp burned badly after shampooing my hair and it has been falling out for the past three weeks. Could I have been allergic to an ingredient in the shampoo that inflamed and irritated my scalp? Are dandruff shampoos safe to use?

For the past year I have had a recurring rash around my genital area, primarily on the area where my thigh meets my hip. It has been going on for quite some time and is very bothersome. Are there any tests I can get to find out what the problem is? Is this jock itch or a larger concern?

Questions about Death & Dying

My mother is ill and has been hospitalized. She is saying things that make me wonder if she is dying. What are some signs that can tell me if the end is near? I know death is a part of life, but I want to prepare myself for the worst if that's what's coming.

My dad had one lung removed because of cancer about three years ago. Six weeks ago the doctors found two swollen lymph nodes. He is vomiting a tan-colored pus-like liquid with a very foul odor. His breath has it, too. He has advanced COPD [Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease]. and complains of dizziness at times, severe headache, and occasional chest pains. He is 63. We know he is dying. What are some signs to look for to know that the end of near?

Questions about Diabetes

Does Rutgers New Brunswick offer any diabetic care?

Is there a charge for BGL/diabetes testing? What does it entail?

Questions about Lumps

What would cause a lump in the armpit that is sore but gets a little larger during my menstrual cycle?

My mother told me she has been going to the doctor for two years watching a lump under her arm. It will go down then swell up; they have drained it and now it is swollen and sore. The doctor told her that her lymph node is swollen. She is scheduled for a biopsy. What could this mean? What is a biopsy?

My dad had surgery back in February for cancer under his arm. The doctors had to remove some his lymph nodes for the surgery. Should his underarm still be hurting after this long? If so, how long until the pain goes away? What exactly is the purpose of the lymph nodes? What do they do? Since his arm is still hurting, could there still be cancer in his arm? Should he go back to the hospital to have it checked out?

I am on the Rutgers ice hockey team. Last Thursday I was hit just below my right knee with a slap shot. A large bruise measuring three inches by three inches formed. I played Friday night and skated some on Saturday, and now the bruise has extended down my leg and measures seven inches top to bottom. It doesn't hurt too badly, but it burns and stings a little. Do I need to be worried about this, or is it just part of healing?

I have a dime-sized lump under my arm and it hurts when I bend or touch it. Do you know what this could be?

I recently noticed a small tender bump on the very top of my inner left thigh, where the leg connects to the body. There is also what looks like a tiny pimple on the skin on top of the bump. My friend told me that the bump is probably just a lymph node that became swollen due to the pimple on top of it. Is my friend right, or do I have something to worry about?

I recently got a bruise and forgot about it, but now there is a bump where the bruise is. It has been a week since I got the bruise. The bump is not sore and feels kind of curved. Could this be cancer?

I have a lump in my armpit. It is itchy and it oozes blood and pus. Is it cancer?

Questions about Piercings

How long should I take care of any infected piercings?

My navel was pierced over a year ago (about fourteen months) with a stainless steel ring. It still oozes and crusts up. How can I take better care of it so it heals properly? Is this even possible?

Questions about Micellaneous

Recently I've gotten a little sick and it seems to be getting worse. My throat is somewhat sore and I keep getting phlegm in my mouth to the point where I have to spit it out every three to five minutes. I have been taking Nyquil and Halls cough drops but they haven't really helped. Is there anything you can do to help me recover? Is it normal to get phlegm in your mouth?

I have been having chest pains the past couple of weeks and they seem to be increasing in severity and frequency. I was wondering what this could mean, and whether I should wait to go home and see a doctor or visit the health center?

I am interested in starting a disease/health awareness group; more specifically, a group that publishes a newspaper a few times a year, hosts speakers, and sponsors various activities. Would this be possible? Could I get university funding for it?

What should I do if I find what looks like a deer tick on myself? Should I take it somewhere to have it analyzed?

I was recently told that I have mono, and would like to know how long I should avoid any intimate contact with my boyfriend. It is possible that he has had mono before, but the results never came back completely positive. I know some people can have a recurrence of mono, but most people develop immunity to it for a period of time. How long should we wait before resuming any kind of physical contact like kissing? Should he go in for testing again?

I want to know where I can talk to someone about dyslexia. Can I just make an appointment with a doctor at health services?

Occasionally I get these bursts of pain up my rectum and anal passageway. Is this hemorrhoids or something serious?

I am having a strange recurring problem. About once a month, a small blister appears on my left palm, always in the same place. It itches profusely. Very large blisters soon begin to form on both my lips. This lasts for about a week, and as it progresses blisters and sores form inside my mouth. My jaws and gums become very sore and I can't eat. My teeth have loosened and gapped in the front. I thought it might be dental-related, but why the strange connection to the itching on my left palm? This has been going on for about eighteen months. I have seen five doctors, had tests, taken vitamins, and eliminated allergy possibility, without any luck. Could this be mercury poisoning, as I have a broken teeth with a silver filling?

I was wondering if you know any cures for sweaty palms. My hands seem to sweat for no reason and I am getting tired of always carrying around baby powder. Is there something I could do to avoid my embarrassment?

What is Kabuki's syndrome? What is the correct spelling? A family friend was diagnosed with Kabuki's syndrome and the doctor said this syndrome is very rare (only about one hundred cases in the US). I need information. Please help!

What is pyorrhea?

I have neck pain. It hurts during the day and worse when I'm stressed. Any advice for how to sleep/position my pillow, possible medications, topical lotions, or treatment for the pain?

I have tested positive for carpal tunnel syndrome, but whenever my right hand gets really sore it also gets puffy and becomes stiff (I cannot close my fist). It is usually aggravated the most by using the computer. Every time this happens my upper back gets extremely sore in a certain area on the right side. I've been told my back has nothing to do with my arm or hand, but this happens simultaneously every time. With serious rest of my hand and back I can recover in approximately two weeks. Are these problems related? What could the problem possibly be?

I have a prescription for my blood pressure pills, but I don't have the money to pay for it yet. Can I get just half of my prescription now and the rest later. My doctor gave me a 5 month prescription. Thank you.

Does Rutgers offer chiropractic care? Is there a chiropractor that you refer to around the New Brunswick area?

I have recently begun to wonder whether or not I have too much testosterone. I did research online (making sure that the sources were reliable, such as http://www.pcosupport.org/medical/whatis.php#symptoms) I have exhibited most (6 out of the symptoms listed) at one point if not frequently. Is there a way I can find out through making an appointment at one of the centers or something?

For a long time now I have thought that I have ADD. I was always embarrassed to admit it because some people say that it is not a real problem and that it is overdiagnosed. I have done several things to try to make my situation better. However I feel like i am at a dead end. I can barely do school work anymore, i can't sit down and read, i can't pay attention in class, i can't watch movies or tv shows because i cant pay attention for that long... etc... I was wondering if there is anything that can be done for me at the health center here on campus, or if i need to go see a specialist.

I recently was prescribed medicine for a UTI. I had to use my dad's insurance card to obtain my prescription. I was wondering if my parents will receive any notification that I needed to be prescribed medicine through his insurance company? If this is true, than how is my medical information being kept confidential?

I recently noticed a large, swollen bruise on the back of my forearm and have no idea how i got it. Should i see i doctor? What could this be?

Are there dental health services available for the students? If not, how find a good doctor for a dental emergency?