Dear Dr. Gott: In your opinion, is there any skin condition that a dermatologist would consider an emergency? When my 55-year-old sister developed a rash on her hand, she was treated at a walk-in clinic. The doctor called it a staph infection and used antibiotic creams, injections and medication. The condition spread and worsened. After three weeks, both hands and forearms were swollen, weeping and peeling. The doctor advised her to see a dermatologist ASAP. She attempted to make an appointment with three different skin doctors, but the best they could do is fit her in months from now. She found one who will see her in five weeks. By then, I’m afraid the condition will clear up or her arms will fall off! She has no idea what caused the condition in the first place or how to prevent it from recurring. Reply: I am concerned because the physician diagnosed staph infection without performing wound cultures to determine the cause of this resistant infection. Staph germs are common residents on human skin. As a consequence of minor trauma, they can enter the skin and cause unpleasant reactions that can be diagnosed easily and treated by a general doctor.

Apparently, this was not effective in your sister’s case. She needed a second opinion from a dermatologist. I agree.

If your sister were put off and could not be examined for weeks, the walk-in physician should have picked up the phone and exerted some pressure — politely, of course — on the dermatologist. Your sister’s rash may or may not be an emergency; however, were I in your shoes, I would have insisted she be seen ASAP.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my newly updated Health Report “Medical Specialists”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. Be sure to mention the title. Dear Dr. Gott: Two and a half years ago, my husband had prostate-reduction surgery. He has had heavy bleeding from his kidneys, bladder, prostate or some place that causes the water in the toilet to look like crushed strawberries. The urologist said that because he is 83 years old, there is no need for more treatment. What do you think? He has no pain, itching or burning.>

Reply: I don’t agree with your husband’s urologist. I am especially concerned that the source of your husband’s bleeding could be in his intestines. I recommend that your husband follow up with his primary-care physician, who can order appropriate testing and make referrals to specialists as indicated. As I have written many times before, bleeding from a body orifice is rarely normal and should be investigated. To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “The Prostate Gland”. Other readers who would like a copy should write to the address above. Be sure to mention the title.

Dr. Gott is a practising physician and the author of the new book “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet”. Contact him c/o United Media, 200 Madison Avenue, fourth floor, New York, New York 10016.