VapoRub helped athlete's foot

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Apr 18, 2006

Dear Dr. Gott: After trying several unsatisfactory over-the- counter remedies for athlete's foot between the toes, I decided to try Vicks VapoRub. Relief from the itching and burning sensation was immediate upon application. Further, each morning, loose skin was removed and a thin smear of VapoRub applied. The problem was gone in about three days.

Dear Reader: This is a unique reaction to VapoRub but is consistent with the observation that the product is useful in treating toenail fungus since athlete's foot is also a fungal infection. Thank you for writing. I encourage readers to try this remedy because it is cheap and safe. Let me know of your successes or failures. I will do a follow-up column once I learn about more readers' experiences .

Dear Dr. Gott: Several months ago, I kept my appointment with a new, young female doctor. After a preliminary question-and-answer examination, she asked me if I had any other medical matters to discuss with her. I had a strange-looking mole on my shoulder, which I suspected might be cancerous.

She examined it, and when I asked her what it was, she said, "I think you are trying to grow a nipple."

I certainly enjoyed her medical analysis and have related that humorous story to many of my friends.

Dear Reader: Although there is unquestionably a need for humor in medical practice (and I am admittedly an enthusiastic supporter of such humor), there are times when medical humor may be inappropriate.

One such situation is in the realm of cancer, which is never amusing. I believe your new physician should have dealt more aggressively with your mole (by sending you to a specialist for, perhaps, a biopsy or at least a second opinion).

If the lesion is benign, there is plenty of time to kid about you growing a nipple .

Dr. Gott can be reached c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., 4th floor, New York, NY 10016.

Newspaper Enterprise Association