What's That Rash?

ABC

4.7 (92)
MEDICINE
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

5 DAYS AGO

Should you opt for aluminium-free deodorant?

We haven’t always suppressed our sweat or our natural body odour, but in many cultures now it’s expected we’ll all try to smell our best. You might be seeing more ads for ‘natural’ deodorants that promise to keep you fresh without any harmful ingredients. Norman and Tegan talk through those ingredients, and whether they carry any risks. This episode first aired on March 19, 2025. References: The specific biochemistry of human axilla odour formation viewed in an evolutionary contextUse of Aluminium in Antiperspirants - Australian Department of HealthAntiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer - National Cancer InstituteAntiperspirants - National Kidney FoundationHow Advertisers Convinced Americans They Smelled Bad - Smithsonian Magazine

17 min
23/12/2025

Why do some people pee more often?

Do you find yourself complaining that you've got a small bladder, as you run to the toilet for the third time in an hour? There are many reasons a person might pee more than others, including some scary medical conditions. But as Norman and Tegan explain, in most cases your bladder is just deconditioned and you need to get your urinary tract into shape. This episode first aired on April 15, 2025. References: Bladder control: Lifestyle strategies ease problemsA randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing pumpkin seed extract and soy germ extract to improve overactive bladder-related voiding dysfunction and quality of lifePumpkin Seed Oil Extracted From Cucurbita maxima Improves Urinary Disorder in Human Overactive BladderProsta Fink Forte capsules in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multicentric surveillance study in 2245 patients

16 min
16/12/2025

Sunscreen spectacular: UV protection, SPF drama, endocrine disruptors

There have been many discussions this year about sunscreen, its effectiveness and its ingredients. While there are some unknowns, what we’re sure of is sunscreen’s ability to protect us from the sun’s ageing and cancer-causing rays. Norman and Tegan slip, slop, slap some questions about sunscreen: SPF scandal, endocrine disruptors and vitamin D concerns. References: How does sunscreen work? - Cancer Council Sunscreen: a brief walk through historyWe tested the SPF claims of 20 sunscreens. 16 failed - CHOICETGA statement on CHOICE SPF sunscreen findings Safety Review of Seven Active Sunscreen Ingredients – July 2025 Daily sunscreen application and betacarotene supplementation in prevention of basal-cell and squamous-cell carcinomas of the skin: a randomised controlled trialMineral vs chemical sunscreens Can your sunscreen expire? If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is there such thing as TOO much sun protection?We all need a daily dose of sunlight — but how much? Can you get away with skipping your daily shower?

21 min
09/12/2025

Do the benefits of creatine go beyond the gym?

Creatine is getting a lot of hype lately, at least according to our listeners. It’s being pushed for everything from menopause to dementia for its supposed energy-boosting, brain-boosting benefits. Norman and Tegan explore what is really going on with creatine outside of its muscle-building potential. References: Common questions and misconceptions about creatine supplementation: what does the scientific evidence really show? | Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition Metabolic Basis of Creatine in Health and Disease: A Bioinformatics-Assisted Review - Nutrients Creatine in Health and Disease Creatine supplementation for older adults: Focus on sarcopenia, osteoporosis, frailty and CachexiaSingle dose creatine improves cognitive performance and induces changes in cerebral high energy phosphates during sleep deprivationCreatine monohydrate pilot in Alzheimer's: Feasibility, brain creatine, and cognition The Effects of 8-Week Creatine Hydrochloride and Creatine Ethyl Ester Supplementation on Cognition, Clinical Outcomes, and Brain Creatine Levels in Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women (CONCRET-MENOPA): A Randomized Controlled Trial It Is Not Just About Storing Energy: The Multifaceted Role of Creatine Metabolism on Cancer Biology and ImmunologyCreatine Supplementation for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Scientific Rationale for a Clinical Trial International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: safety and efficacy of creatine supplementation in exercise, sport, and medicine If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is it safe to dose yourself with pre-workout?Do healthy people need lymphatic treatments?Is that glass of red wine over Christmas dinner good for you?

22 min
02/12/2025

Why do we dream?

Whether or not we remember our dreams, we all have them. But the answer to why we dream is complicated. There's a lot going on in our brains during sleep, especially during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase when most dreams go down. Norman and Tegan talk through the purpose of dreams, how time warps as we snooze and whether there are any downsides to these nightly hallucinations. References: Dreams: Why They Happen & What They Mean – Sleep Foundation Time for actions in lucid dreams: effects of task modality, length, and complexity High Dream Recall Frequency is Associated with Increased Creativity and Default Mode Network ConnectivityfMRI Evidence for Default Mode Network Deactivation Associated with Rapid Eye Movements in Sleep The relationships between insomnia, nightmares, and dreams: A systematic reviewNightmares affect the experience of sleep quality but not sleep architecture: an ambulatory polysomnographic study Gender differences in dreaming: Are they stable over time?Isotretinoin use and reports of sustained dreaming | British Journal of Dermatology | Oxford AcademicDreaming under antidepressants: A systematic review on evidence in depressive patients and healthy volunteersNightmare and Abnormal Dreams: Rare Side Effects of Metformin?If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What's the deal with night terrors?How risky is sharing a toothbrush?Should you go organic if you're worried about pesticides?

22 min
25/11/2025

What's the best time of day to exercise?

When you’ve got a busy schedule, it’s important to just exercise when you can. But if you have the luxury of choice, is there an optimal one? You might’ve even heard that exercising at certain times of day can lead to harm. Norman and Tegan run through the evidence around heart attacks, workouts and what happens when you’re a morning or a night person. References: Association of the time of day of peak physical activity with cardiovascular mortality: Findings from the UK Biobank StudySetting your clock: associations between timing of objective physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk in the general population Best Time of Day for Strength and Endurance Training to Improve Health and Performance? A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis Gold, silver or bronze: circadian variation strongly affects performance in Olympic athletesDiurnal variation in tennis serviceThe effects of exercise session timing on weight loss and components of energy balance: midwest exercise trial 2 If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Chronotypes: early birds vs night owlsDoes magnesium work against muscle cramps?Norman tried an ice bath so you don't have to

15 min
18/11/2025

Should you aim for an alkaline lifestyle?

Humans are slightly alkaline – your blood should be a pH between 7.35 to 7.45. Anything outside that range can be life-threatening. So why are you being told to follow an alkaline diet? Proponents of the diet claim it can tackle everything from osteoporosis to cancer. Norman and Tegan do a litmus test on the alkaline-acid balance and whether it’s a driver of chronic disease. References: Physiology, Acid Base BalanceThe effect of acid ash and alkaline ash foodstuffs on the acid-base equilibrium of manUrine pH is an indicator of dietary acid–base load, fruit and vegetables and meat intakes: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Norfolk population studyWhy is there so much on the internet about the alkaline diet and cancer? – MD Anderson Low-grade metabolic acidosis as a driver of chronic disease: a 21st century public health crisisDiet-Induced Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis and Clinical Outcomes: A ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean dietWhy is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol?MSG's messy myths and racist tropes

19 min
11/11/2025

Anything wrong with falling asleep in front of the TV?

You’re settling into the couch after a long day, ready to relax with your favourite show … next thing you know, you’re asleep. What is it about the TV that puts people to sleep, and what can you do to avoid dozing off? Norman and Tegan explore comfort watching, binge-watching and blue light exposure. References: Exploring the Bob Ross effect: A psychophysiological investigationBinge Viewing, Sleep, and the Role of Pre-Sleep Arousal | Journal of Clinical Sleep MedicineThe inner clock—Blue light sets the human rhythm Morning and Evening Blue-Enriched Light Exposure Alters Metabolic Function in Normal Weight AdultsMitigating the Effects of Blue Light - Sleep Foundation If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! What is the perfect nap duration?Why do you feel so tired after a big meal?Is your (artificial) sweet tooth killing you?

20 min

See All (569)

Norman Swan

Host
Tegan Taylor

Host

4.7

out of 5

92 Ratings

First podcast

03/03/2021

Coplelandklb

First time I have listened to a podcast and have so religiously since you started (maybe two weeks in but back listened!) I’m in New Zealand and it does keep me informed about relevant things regarding covid. With only a handful of cases here we don’t hear much so Australia is the next best thing we have for good information.
Carona

17/01/2021

Nora is the best

Carona
Excellent

22/12/2020

Cuts19

Excellent daily summary on everything Covid. Clear, precise and human. Much empathy shown from the presenters. A ray of intelligent communication shining through the cloud of rumour and misinformation. Thanks so much for keeping going through the holiday period too.
A great short recap of the pandemic

03/11/2020

Fjjfjfj

Filled with latest news, facts and the occasional poo joke

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.