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Shellfish Allergy Leads to Hospitalization

Posting Date: 03/28/2005

Q. My husband's internist suggested glucosamine and chondroitin for mild arthritis. My husband?s medical records state that he is allergic to shellfish.

I guess his doctor did not know ground shellfish is a component of many glucosamine-chondroitin supplements. After several days on the supplement, my husband was rushed to the hospital with symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. After three days of testing, they couldn?t find a cause. Then I read the ingredients listed on the glucosamine label and discovered the shellfish.

He stopped taking the supplement and has not had another episode. Perhaps his story will help prevent a similar occurrence in others with shellfish allergy.

A. Glucosamine is often made from the shells of crab, shrimp and lobster. Most people who are allergic to shellfish are sensitive to a protein in the muscle rather than the shell. But rather than risk a potentially life-threatening reaction, people who are allergic to shellfish should avoid glucosamine or look for Kosher vegetarian glucosamine called Regenasure.

Q. I suffered for years from vaginal dryness and tried a lot of treatments for it. Then I read about using Corn Huskers lotion. The results have been incredible! The lotion is inexpensive and works better than a progesterone cream my doctor prescribed.

A. We?ve heard from others who have found this old-fashioned hand moisturizer can be helpful for vaginal dryness. Some of the ingredients are identical to those in pricier personal lubricants.

Q. I?ve had terrible trouble with my scalp for over a year. The dermatologist I saw diagnosed my condition as severe dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.

My scalp itches and flakes and I shed big hunks of white skin. It makes me miserable to look like I've been through a snow flurry. I have tried over-the-counter products, plus several expensive prescription treatments. Please help.