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Ask Dr. Gott 6/15
'Infection' needs further study
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    DEAR DR. GOTT: I enjoy reading your column. I get more answers from you than I get from my doctors. I have had two urinary-tract infections in three months. I pass bright red blood, which is really scary. I am 75 years old and have never had this before. I have been off the antibiotic prescription for a week and hope the bleeding doesn't come back. I would like to know what it comes from. My doctors don't know. Maybe your information will help me.
    DEAR READER: Although urinary-tract infections can cause blood in the urine, I encourage you to follow up on your supposed infection and have a urine culture and urinalysis performed, because, as I have emphasized several times, bleeding from any bodily orifice can reflect a serious condition. For example, bladder cancer can mimic a urinary-tract infection but is treated in an entirely different manner.
    If your tests show infection, the situation can be monitored. On the other hand, if no infection is present, you will need a consultation with a urologist. Let me know the outcome.
    To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report "Bladder and Urinary Tract Infections."

    DEAR DR. GOTT: I do use the soap for my leg cramps. My mother turned 80 last June. She uses it now and she is a happier lady.
    I would like to tell you something I tried, and I have the proof it works.
    I had a liver spot on the side of my face at my temple. It was about the size of a quarter, brown and ugly. About a month ago, I put clear fingernail polish on it. I put a waterproof bandage on top of that. You're right, it's gone.
    My two best friends are still in awe. I don't know if it will come back, but if it does, I'll redo it and leave it on until it heals.
    I also have skin cancer. I am trying it out on them now. I have had some burned off and some cut out. I hope this wonderful, inexpensive cure works on them, too.
    DEAR READER: Clear nail polish will cause some benign skin lesions to shrink and even disappear. But I cannot approve this therapy for skin cancer. Ask your dermatologist for his or her recommendation.
    To give you related information, I am sending you a copy my Health Report "What You Should Know: Skin Cancer."
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