HEALTH NOTES: Skin creams could lead to brittle bones

High doses of drugs used by millions of people to treat skin conditions such as eczema significantly increase the risk of the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis, new research shows.

Researchers found that when they looked at the medical records of 8,000 patients, those who used corticosteroids – creams and ointments that constrict blood vessels and dampen inflammation – were at increased risk of developing osteoporosis and sustaining a fracture over five years.

Those taking the highest dose of steroids had a 34 percent higher risk of the condition, but even those taking a low dose saw a 22 percent increase.

Women appeared to be more sensitive to problems than men. In the UK it is estimated that one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will suffer an osteoporotic fracture at some point in their lives.

Although highly effective and extremely safe, corticosteroids are designed for short-term use because they can cause serious side effects if administered incorrectly. The drugs can change the way the body uses calcium and vitamin D to build bones, which can lead to bone loss, osteoporosis and broken bones.

“The use of topical corticosteroids to treat inflammatory skin conditions should be done very carefully, and physicians should be aware of these potential side effects,” said study author Chia-Yu Chu of National Taiwan University Hospital.

Going on a pre-Christmas diet could contribute to stress and poor health over the holidays, doctors suggest.

A survey of more than 2,000 people carried out by private healthcare group Pall Mall Medical found that a third of Brits have tried to lose weight because they fear they will pack on the pounds during the holidays.

On average, we consume 6,000 calories on Christmas Day – three times the recommended limit.

Despite this, Dr Mariyam Hassan Malik, GP at Pall Mall Medical, says diet could simply be adding to Christmas stress: 'Finding a balance between festive activities and self-care is crucial. This includes sufficient sleep, exercise and a balanced diet.'

Going on a pre-Christmas diet could contribute to stress and poor health over the holidays, doctors suggest

Men who struggle with long-term pelvic pain may benefit from relaxation techniques and exercises.

The new research, which studied 77 men, found that the majority who stuck to the daily routine had a 25 percent reduction in symptoms after one year.

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a frequent urological diagnosis in men under 50 years of age, but the cause is usually unclear.

Symptoms include testicular pain and discomfort with ejaculation or urination. Experts say stress can cause men to unconsciously tighten the pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to the problems.

Many men in the trial took unnecessary antibiotics at first, but were able to cut back on them and found relief with exercise alone.

Drug can 'melt' fat in arteries

A drug that 'melts away' fat in the arteries could prevent heart attacks and strokes.

A 2017 study by the University of Aberdeen showed that the drug, trodusquemine, reversed the build-up of fat in the blood vessels of mice. Last week, scientists proved that it has the same effect in humans. It works by inhibiting the enzyme PTP1B, which contributes to the accumulation of fat in the artery walls.

Professor James Leiper, associate professor at the British Heart Foundation – which funded the research – said: 'These are potentially exciting results, but further research will be needed.'