Dr. Steve Info: Monday

Do you have a question for Dr. Steve, CLICK HERE

Today, Dr. Steve told us a little about MRSA & ADHD, but he also answered some questions about preventing razor burn...

WATCH THE VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP

7:00am MRSA & ADHD Info:

We've been hearing a lot lately about MRSA the methicillin resistant staph bacteria that has become more common in our community. Now researchers say they've figured out why this particular strain of staph is so difficult to treat. A report in the journal nature finds that MRSA secretes a compound that causes the body's immune cells to explode wiping out a main defense in the immune system. Imagine trying to fight a war without soldiers. MRSA is taking out the soldiers before they can strike.

Could this lead to new treatments?

Scientists are always looking for new treatments against resistant bacteria and this could help. Right now, MRSA is resistant to all penicillins & about 90,000 people in the US get it each year. Most people who get it get it in the hospital and the majority of people who get the community type strain of MRSA get better. Those most at risk are the elderly. the very young and people with weak immune systems.

In other news, there's a new report about ADHD.

You know the number of kids these days taking medications like ritalin for ADHD has skyrocketed in recent years. But now a new report finds that drugs may not be the answer for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the long term. The study has been monitoring 600 children across the US since 1990 and initially they thought that medication was better than behavioral therapy after one year. But now they say long term behavioral therapy may be better.

This is so confusing for parents, what should they do?

They should speak with their doctor. Many parents of children with ADHD say they notice a dramatic difference in their child's behavior and their ability to focus and learn when they start the medication with few or no side effects. Those parents should probably not be concerned. But for others who haven't noticed a difference or who have experienced negative side effects of the medication.. They should talk with their doctor and consider a stronger role for behavioral therapy. No child should be on this medication without having gone through extensive testing to identify and diagnose ADHD.

8:00am Ask The Doctor Info:

1. Is it true that sleeping with makeup on prematurely ages skin?
Sarah from Staten Island

Sarah sleeping in your makeup is never a good idea because it makes for an unhealthy condition for your skin. Makeup clogs pores and can lead to blemishes if you wear it all night it also doesn't allow your skin to breathe. Some experts say leaving your makeup on just one night ages your skin seven days, although i don't know if that has ever been proven. I recommend you take off your makeup at night, but if you don't be sure to make up for it the next day.

2. If a woman doesn't breast feed her baby, does the milk inside go away by itself or do you have to see a doctor to have it removed? How does this work? Gabriela from North Bergen, NJ

Gabriela, in order to produce breast milk your body needs to produce special hormones to promote lactation and it also needs the physical stimulus of the baby sucking. Studies show that breast is best but in some cases breastfeeding isn't possible. If that's the case the best way to handle that is to let the milk dry up on it's own. There is no need to have the milk removed. If you decide not to breastfeed you may need pain relievers a well fitting bra and even some ice packs to help manage the discomfort from breast engorgement. Speak to your doctor.

3. Do you recommend that all children get a flu vaccine this year?
Mary from Montclair, NJ

Mary, the CDC recommends that all children 6 months up to their 5th birthday get a flu vaccine every fall or winter because children are at increased risk of getting severely sick from the flu if you don't like the idea of giving your child another needle. The CDC recently approved the flu mist nasal spray vaccine for healthy children 2 to 5 years old. Children under 9 who are getting a flu vaccine for the first time will need two doses of the vaccine for the first year, so check with your doctor. Your child should have gotten the flu shot already, while you're at it. Get one for yourself.

4. I was wondering when you get those razor bumps when you shave... Is there anyway to treat those?
Matt from Queens

Matt, razor bumps come from hairs that curl back into the skin. The condition can be very difficult for African-Americans. The treatment is aimed at the underlying cause. You can use a clean needle to bring the hair to the surface. Laser treatments can help. But they're expensive. There are some over the counter skin prep products that can also help. To prevent razor bumps. try taking a hot shower before shaving and use a thick shaving gel. Don't stretch the skin and always shave in the direction of your beard. Rinse with cold water. Moisturizers after may also help.