Will diaper ointment protect horse’s muzzle?

Q. I’ve been advised to use diaper-rash ointment containing zinc oxide to keep my horse’s muzzle from getting sunburned while he’s grazing. I’ve been wondering if this would also work to keep me from developing a “horsewoman’s tan.” All of the sunscreens I have tried help me avoid sunburn, but I have brown arms from the edge of my gloves to the edge of the short-sleeved shirts.

A. For decades, lifeguards have used white zinc oxide to keep their noses from burning. It blocks both UVA and UVB rays and provides excellent protection.

You could try the diaper-rash ointment or get a sunscreen that contains both zinc and titanium. New formulations contain microfine particles that don’t leave a distinctive white color. Human sunscreens can also be used on horses to keep pale skin from burning.

Q. In the recent past, I took Alli for weight loss. To my amazement, my constant constipation disappeared. I now keep it on hand for constipation.

A. Alli is OTC orlistat. It has been prescribed under the name Xenical. Diarrhea and increased bowel movements are common side effects of orlistat, so it’s not surprising that it might combat constipation.

Q. You often write about toenail fungus, but I want to know how to get rid of fingernail fungus. I have it in both thumbnails.

A. There are many inexpensive home remedies that might help. None works for everyone, but readers have sent testimonials like this one:

“My doctor told me I had a bad case of toenail fungus. I got a bowl and a bottle of Listerine and soaked my toes in the Listerine every morning while doing my hair. (That took about five minutes.) My nails cleared up in three months.

“My husband also used it. He soaked his nails while watching TV. This has been a great cure and does not cost a lot.”

We discuss Listerine, vinegar, cornmeal, hydrogen peroxide and other home remedies for nail fungus in our brand-new Guide to Hair and Nail Care. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (59 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. H-31, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

If home remedies don’t work, your doctor can prescribe medications such as Lamisil, Sporanox or Penlac.

Q. I have diarrhea regularly. Your column has some great suggestions for more natural remedies.

What I have the most success with is Pepto-Bismol. Are there any ingredients in it that would make it harmful to take one or two tablets three or four times a week?

A. Pepto-Bismol has a long history dating back to the early 20th century. It was originally developed to treat severe diarrhea in babies.

The active ingredient is bismuth subsalicylate. It remedies a wide range of digestive problems including heartburn, diarrhea and nausea. Since the label says you can safely take up to 16 tablets in 24 hours, your dose is not unreasonable.

Despite its good safety record, Pepto-Bismol is not meant to treat a chronic condition. Too much bismuth can lead to loss of appetite, canker sores and poor absorption of nutrients. The salicylate component can cause ringing in the ears. You should check with your doctor about the cause of the diarrhea to see if that can be addressed.