DR NICKI EXPLORES

Episode 4 - Understanding and treating Acne

Struggling with acne? Discover expert advice and personal stories in this episode of Doctor Nicki Explains.

Introduction to the Podcast:

• Hosted by Dr. Nicki, a GP with 24 years of experience, and Sarah, a mother of four.
• Aims to explain medical conditions in an accessible way.
• Reminder that this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Special Guest: Katie's Journey with Acne:

• Katie shares her personal experience with acne starting at age 14.
• Discusses emotional impacts like self-consciousness and low self-esteem during adolescence.

Understanding Acne Medically:

• Explained by Dr. Nicki as having four major features: excess grease, comedone formation (spots), bacterial infection, and inflammation.

Treatment Options Discussed:

• Importance of perseverance in finding effective treatments; it may take time but success is possible.
• Various treatments include topical retinoids (e.g., Epiduo), antibiotics like limocycline or doxycycline, hormonal treatments such as certain contraceptive pills including Dianet under specific circumstances.

Factors Influencing Acne:

• UV light can improve acne but requires careful exposure due to skin cancer risks.
• Hormonal factors can worsen acne around menstrual cycles for females; stress might also be a factor though evidence is anecdotal.

Gender Considerations in Treatment & Social Perceptions:

• Both men and women are equally affected by acne; societal perceptions sometimes make treatment harder for men.

Scarring from Acne:

• Half of scars may naturally improve over time. There are advanced treatment options available through dermatologists or plastic surgeons if needed.

1. British Skin Foundation
2. Acne Support run by the British Association of Dermatologists
3. Primary Care Dermatology Society website used by GPs
4. NICE Guidelines on treating acne

Katie emphasises persistence in trying different treatments until one works effectively since skincare needs vary individually over time—encourages listeners not to lose hope!

The podcast emphasises that it does not replace professional medical advice; if you have troubling symptoms consult your doctor immediately.

Thank you for tuning into Doctor Nicki Explains where we make medicine understandable! Stay informed about your health and always seek proper guidance when needed!

**Disclaimer:** This podcast may contains graphic descriptions which might not be suitable for younger audiences or those sensitive towards medical discussions.

To listen to more episodes from this show or to listen to any of our other podcasts, head over to im-listening.co.uk

DR NICKI EXPLAINS

Episode 3: Kidneys - How they work, Dialysis and Kidney Transplants

Dr. Nicki and Sarah delve into the fascinating world of kidneys, exploring their critical functions beyond just urine production. Joined by guest speaker Sarah, who shares her personal journey with kidney failure, listeners will gain insights into the complex roles kidneys play in maintaining overall health.

Key Takeaways:

- Discover the multifaceted roles kidneys perform, from filtering toxins to regulating blood pressure and producing red blood cells.

- Learn about common symptoms and risk factors associated with kidney disease.

- Hear firsthand about living with an autoimmune condition that attacks kidney function.

Resources for this episode include:

https://kidneyresearchuk.org

https://kidneycareuk.org

https://kidney.org.uk

https://ukkidney.org

https://kidneyfund.org.uk

https://transplantpatientstrust.org.uk

https://bts.org.uk

https://organdonation.nhs.uk

The podcast emphasises that it does not replace professional medical advice; if you have troubling symptoms consult your doctor immediately.

Thank you for tuning into Doctor Nicki Explains where we make medicine understandable! Stay informed about your health and always seek proper guidance when needed!

**Disclaimer:** This podcast may contains graphic descriptions which might not be suitable for younger audiences or those sensitive towards medical discussions.

To listen to more episodes from this show or to listen to any of our other podcasts, head over to im-listening.co.uk

DR NICKI EXPLAINS

Episode 2 - What is Sepsis?

Sarah and Nicki talk to Abi, the Fundraising and Communications Director of Sepsis Feat UK about the causes of sepsis, and how it might present. What is sepsis and why can’t you treat it with antibiotics? How can you recognise sepsis in the earliest stages and when to call an ambulance?

Resources for this episode include:

https://www.sepsisresearch.org.uk

https://www.sepsistrust.org

https://www.nice.org.uk

The podcast emphasises that it does not replace professional medical advice; if you have troubling symptoms consult your doctor immediately.

Thank you for tuning into Doctor Nicki Explains where we make medicine understandable! Stay informed about your health and always seek proper guidance when needed!

**Disclaimer:** This podcast may contains graphic descriptions which might not be suitable for younger audiences or those sensitive towards medical discussions.

To listen to more episodes from this show or to listen to any of our other podcasts, head over to im-listening.co.uk

DR NICKI EXPLAINS

EPISODE 1: Bowels and what to do if there is blood in your poo

In this episode of Dr Nicki Explains...

Key Points Discussed:

- Rectal Bleeding**: Its commonality in general practice and its potential link to serious conditions.

- Heamorrhoids (Piles)**: The most frequent cause of rectal bleeding.

Treatment includes sitting on ice rings, laxatives, rubber band ligation, injections, infrared coagulation or surgery as a last resort.

- Anal Fissures**: Tears in the anus due to constipation leading to sharp pain and bleeding.

Management involves avoiding straining during bowel movements and using GTN ointment to promote healing.

- Diverticulitis**: Inflammation from small pouches forming in the intestines often due to straining or low fibre diets.

Symptoms can include abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

- Intussusception**: A condition mostly affecting young children where part of the intestine telescopes into another causing obstruction.

Presents with colic-like abdominal pain; it's an emergency situation requiring prompt treatment.

- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)**: Includes Crohn’s disease & ulcerative colitis which can cause blood & mucus in stool among other symptoms.

Treatments range from dietary changes to medication like biologicals that target specific proteins involved in inflammation.

Personal Story: Ben's Experience

Ben discusses his journey from noticing increased frequency and looseness in his bowels to discovering fresh blood within his stools – eventually being diagnosed with rectal cancer following a colonoscopy prompted by positive results from home testing kits.

Takeaways:

1. Not all instances of rectal bleeding indicate cancer but should be taken seriously as they could signify underlying health issues.

2. Lifestyle factors such as diet play a crucial role in digestive health; high-fibre diets may prevent diverticula formation while reducing red meat intake is beneficial too.

3. Screening tests for colorectal cancer are becoming more accessible starting at age 50 rather than previously at age 60.

Resources for this episode include:

https://www.bowelresearchuk.org

https://www.macmillan.org.uk

https://www.gutscharity.org.uk

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org

The podcast emphasises that it does not replace professional medical advice; if you have troubling symptoms consult your doctor immediately.

Thank you for tuning into Doctor Nicki Explains where we make medicine understandable! Stay informed about your health and always seek proper guidance when needed!

**Disclaimer:** This podcast may contains graphic descriptions which might not be suitable for younger audiences or those sensitive towards medical discussions.

To listen to more episodes from this show or to listen to any of our other podcasts, head over to im-listening.co.uk