What's That Rash?

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MEDICINE
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Get answers to the health questions everyone's asking. Our experts give you the information you need to feel good and make the best decisions for your brain and body.

6 DAYS AGO

Does magnesium work against muscle cramps?

Cramping muscles are common, whether they’re associated with exercise or not. Knowing what causes them can help people avoid them or treat them, but for many people it's not a simple story. Norman and Tegan talk through some of the theories behind this painful phenomenon, and why magnesium might not be the answer. References: Muscle cramps: A comparison of the two-leading hypothesis Influence of Hydration and Electrolyte Supplementation on Incidence and Time to Onset of Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps Magnesium for skeletal muscle cramps - Cochrane Review A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study assessing the efficacy of magnesium oxide monohydrate in the treatment of nocturnal leg cramps Pickle Juice Intervention for Cirrhotic Cramps Reduction: The PICCLES Randomized Controlled Trial Australian Institute of Sport's sports supplement framework: pickle juice

19 min
18 FEB

Which hair loss treatments actually work?

Hair loss is common, but there are many different causes and potentially many different treatments. From topical ointments to light therapy, to scalp massage routines. What works to slow, or even reverse, hair loss? Norman and Tegan comb through the evidence for approved treatments and too-good-to-be-true snake oil. References: Male pattern baldness - Healthdirect Male Androgenetic Alopecia with an overview of treatments - NIH Female pattern hair loss - Healthdirect What is minoxidil, the anti-balding hair growth treatment? Here's what the science says - ABC News Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy (LLLT) for Treatment of Hair Loss Autologous platelet-rich plasma therapy for pattern hair loss: A systematic review

18 min
17 FEB

We're answering your questions LIVE! March 30!

What's That Rash? is returning to the World Science Festival Brisbane for another year. Norman and Tegan will be answering the health questions everyone (at WSFB) is asking, 10am on March 30 at Queensland Museum Theatre. Check out the event here and send in your questions to thatrash@abc.net.au

1 min
11 FEB

Can functional mushrooms really help treat cancer?

The use of mushrooms in medicine goes back centuries, but there’s still a lot to learn about the bioactive compounds in fungi. There are many claims surrounding 'functional mushrooms' – types of mushrooms thought to have medicinal properties beyond simple nutrition. These include lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps, shiitake and turkey tail. Norman and Tegan forage through the evidence for using mushrooms against cancer, to boost the immune system and to amplify cognition. We're doing a live show! Catch What's That Rash? at the World Science Festival Brisbane on March 30th. References: Aboriginal use of fungi Medicinal Mushroom Supplements in Cancer: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies Fungal beta-glucans as adjuvants for treating cancer patients – A systematic review of clinical trials A review of the effects of mushrooms on mood and neurocognitive health across the lifespan Mushrooms magnify memory by boosting nerve growth - University of Queensland

20 min
4 FEB

Why are people taping their mouths?

Depending on your corner of the internet, you might have seen people swearing by this new sleep hack, mouth taping. People claim they’re better rested, have better breath and stronger jawlines – all because they force themselves to breathe through their noses overnight. Norman and Tegan tackle this taping trend with an N=1 experiment, and a look at the relevant research. References: Mouth taping: a little less conversation, a little more action, please! Effect of mouth taping at night on asthma control--a randomised single-blind crossover study The Impact of Mouth-Taping in Mouth-Breathers with Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Preliminary Study The Role of the Nose in Sleep-disordered Breathing Acute nasal breathing lowers diastolic blood pressure and increases parasympathetic contributions to heart rate variability in young adults Nocturnal mouth-taping and social media: A scoping review of the evidence

18 min
28 JAN

There's a lot of fog around brain fog

Unfortunately many more people have heard about brain fog because of the pandemic and long COVID. But the symptom was first mentioned centuries ago, and has been associated with dozens of conditions. Norman and Tegan try to define brain fog, and explain why it can be difficult to treat. References: What is brain fog? - BMJ neuropsychiatry Subjective brain fog: a four-dimensional characterization in 25,796 participants Comprehensive Clinical Characterisation of Brain Fog in Adults Reporting Long COVID Symptoms Understanding the Experience and Impacts of Brain Fog in Chronic Pain: A Scoping Review Low-dose naltrexone use for the management of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 ‘Brain fag’: a syndrome associated with ‘overstudy’ and mental exhaustion in 19th century Britain

15 min
21 JAN

Why is everyone suddenly talking about seed oils?

It can be hard to keep up with food fads and diet trends (and spoiler: you don’t need to). But an intriguing assumption that has gained traction recently is that seed oils – think canola, sunflower, grapeseed – are terrible for you. Norman and Tegan unpack how that assumption has spread, and whether there’s any solid evidence to back it up. References: Biomarkers of Dietary Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality Serum n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and risk of death: the Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study Omega-6 fats to prevent and treat heart and circulatory diseases Polyunsaturated fatty acids intake and risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, mental health, and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies Perspective on the health effects of unsaturated fatty acids and commonly consumed plant oils high in unsaturated fat If you’re worried about inflammation, stop stressing about seed oils and focus on the basics

19 min
14 JAN

Can you get away with skipping your daily shower?

January is an especially sweaty time in Australia, so maybe park this life change until the weather cools down… But is it necessary to bathe every day? As we learn more about the microbiome on our skin, more and more people are questioning their hygiene routine. Norman and Tegan sniff out the evidence for and against regular washing. References: A natural history of hygiene The Cutaneous Microbiome and Aspects of Skin Antimicrobial Defense System Resist Acute Treatment with Topical Skin Cleansers The Role of Every-Day Cosmetics in Altering the Skin Microbiome: A Study Using Biodiversity How Often People in Various Countries Shower - The Atlantic What Happens When You Don’t Shower For Five Years - Science Friday

17 min

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Get answers to the health questions everyone's asking. Our experts give you the information you need to feel good and make the best decisions for your brain and body.