Embarrassing Bodies

This week the doctors have set up shop at the airport. First patient Joanne, an air-hostess, feels that her psoriasis is alienating her passengers. Dr Pixie sees Donna, who has a patchy rash on her back that is diagnosed as shingles and Dr Christian deals with Arthur who has a disfigured fingernail due to an accident at work. The doctors also check random samples from passengers to test for bacteria and bugs that have travelled with them. Back at the clinic, 44-year-old Stuart thinks that his holiday is responsible for the constant burning at the end of his penis. Dr Pixie believes an inflammation of the prostate, caused by a possible bladder infection, may well be the reason for Stuart’s troubles. He’s sent for a visit to a specialist and a treatment involving a prostate massage… After the birth of her child a year ago, Kerry has begun to feel pain and bleeding with her bowel movements – and visits to the loo are few and far between. Dr Christian notes that Kerry has developed a skin tag due to a tear and sends her to a specialist. Further testing doesn’t reveal anything sinister in her bowels and the problem is pinpointed as a tense pelvic muscle. Next up is Lindsay who has had a scar on her chest since she was 7 years old. Lindsay has developed a keloid scar, possibly from a pimple or bug bite, and Dr Pixie recommends steroid injections followed with laser treatment to help flatten out the surface of the scar. In to meet Dr James is Jessica, who has suffered from bad breath for years. Jessica has been blaming her halitosis on her tongue, but Dr James reveals it has more to do with gum disease. Jessica’s inflamed gums have created pockets that help to house bacteria and plaque, a visit to the dental hygienist helps to clear up the blockage and reduce her bad breath. Back at the airport, Brendan has a spotty abdomen caused by “folliculitis”/conditions/folliculitis/ whilst a returning passenger has been bitten by bed bugs on his holiday. Dr Pixie also sees Helene who has some moles on her back that are hurting… This week’s body check sees our guinea pig group checking their moles for signs of changes and abnormalities. Doctors Christian and Priya explain what to look out for to avoid dangerous deadly moles. Caroline, 25, has hidden her hair loss problem for over 10 years. She’s been losing hair in patches that take up to a year to grow back. Caroline has a condition called Alopecia, and Dr Christian gives her the unfortunate news that there is no known cure for her problem. Possible treatments to control the hair loss are steroids or topical creams that stimulate hair growth. And finally this week, Dr Pixie and Dr Christian put their bodies on the line to show how easy it is to do body checks. This time around, they are checking their urine for any signs of abnormalities and ill health.