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Can Sewer Gas And Smells Cause Skin Infections In The Household?

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Posted on Tue, 8 Nov 2016
Question: Can problems with my home's plumbing ( sewer gas smells coming from dishwasher and clothes washer, as well as poor drainage in bathtubs ) account for skin infections in my family and pet? I think maybe the dog has a skin infection caused by staph. Is this transferrable to humans? Are family members passing infection around? One has recently had a boil, one may have an infection of the urethra (symptoms of UTI, but no visible white cells), recent mysterious rash on face, an eye infection, possible cysts in addition to simple acne, cellulitis (this person is also diabetic and has received cancer treatments)....many unexplained stomach aches, fevers, fatigue, and aches and pains. Can all of these things be related? And back to the original question, can it be caused by poor plumbing or general filth? We also have a problem with mold.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vasudha (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The family ill health is related to the poor plumbing /general filth.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for the query under healthcare magic. I have read it & understand your concern.
A healthy living has basic needs of unpolluted air to breath in and personal cleanliness, healthy & clean surroundings along with good nutrition/ clean water to drink.
From information you have provided the very basic pillar of good health is shattered with the unfortunate plumbing & sewage disposal in you house... which affects all other factors.. you can not get clean, unpolluted air to breath in with possibility of contaminating your drinking water & food too .Also reducing resistance of the family members to fight the diseases.
I feel the basic cause of multiple ill health incidences lies in the poor plumbing & filth( as you have correctly guessed ).. more risk being to children/ old people & diabetic patients.
* In such scenario I would suggest -
1. - Urgently shift to a cleaner place to live in for few days.
- Each member of family should be encouraged to cultivate habit of - own physical hygiene as well as cleanliness of surrounding .
- Have fresh, nourishing diet/ regular exercises/ sound sleep & positive attitude
2. Side by side go for complete repairs & maintenance of drainage/ plumbing system of your old house... with an expert advise.
- Adopt good majors for disposal of garbage as well as sewage.
- Cultivate habit of cleaning/ maintenance of complete house along with drainage system too.
3. Get all the members of the family& dog, checked up & investigated as per need to find health issues if any followed by specific treatment. Consult a physician & a veterinary doctor.
I am sure this would bring a health & happiness to your house,

If you find the answer helpful,please grade the answer, before closing the query.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vasudha (14 hours later)
I really have no idea where to start. We don't really have the money to fix the plumbing, although I have been afraid for a long time that this was the root of many problems. There is no where else for the family to live for awhile. It is my favorite fantasy to empty out the house completely, clean it, and only return the items we truly need to get a fresh start. My husband is very resistant and I believe he may actually have a hoarding disorder. I am depressed,dispirited, and overwhelmed and struggle to keep up with the basics of housecleaning. Obviously this has caused problems for our children who are growing up in this way, and this is my deepest wound. It may not seem reasonable, but it is also difficult to justify spending money on a vet. If you could please advise me on where to make a practical start, or point me in a direction I might find help, I would so truly appreciate it. I do believe our situation is serious and I must do something to change it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vasudha (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
start with plumbing/ sewage drainage followed by rest of the house.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for the follow up query... at least you have started thinking in a proper direction.Any how you need to change the surroundings & get basic required for healthy rearing up of children & healthy atmosphere for your family.
* I can understand your problem, but I know where is will, there is way! though I don't have idea about social conditions/ monthly income of your family... I would try to suggest few possibilities & you can think of many more.. once you start thinking .
-One can always save some money by cutting off less needful expenditures.. No compromise on nutritious diet expenditure & hygiene please.
- starting extra part time work can help./each member of family can participate in earning.
- Approach govt.public health &hygiene department ...you may get some help from there.
- Some NGOs/ charitable trusts do have funds for helping out needy people.
- You can borrow some money from banks/ near contacts...& to repay it in an easy installments.
* I feel you should start from plumbing & leaking problem with proper advise ( for this you will need to spend a little/ get some help from XXXXXXX or government concerns... only need is to put up your problem effectively )
* If shifting temporarily to other place is not possible... the task can be taken over while staying in same premises.. one by one room being cleared , with co operation of complete family together.
* Medical check ups of family members / dog can be done at Government hospitals.
I hope I have answered your query. Any follow up you have, please ask.
Thanks.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Vasudha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1970

Answered : 10395 Questions

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Can Sewer Gas And Smells Cause Skin Infections In The Household?

Brief Answer: The family ill health is related to the poor plumbing /general filth. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for the query under healthcare magic. I have read it & understand your concern. A healthy living has basic needs of unpolluted air to breath in and personal cleanliness, healthy & clean surroundings along with good nutrition/ clean water to drink. From information you have provided the very basic pillar of good health is shattered with the unfortunate plumbing & sewage disposal in you house... which affects all other factors.. you can not get clean, unpolluted air to breath in with possibility of contaminating your drinking water & food too .Also reducing resistance of the family members to fight the diseases. I feel the basic cause of multiple ill health incidences lies in the poor plumbing & filth( as you have correctly guessed ).. more risk being to children/ old people & diabetic patients. * In such scenario I would suggest - 1. - Urgently shift to a cleaner place to live in for few days. - Each member of family should be encouraged to cultivate habit of - own physical hygiene as well as cleanliness of surrounding . - Have fresh, nourishing diet/ regular exercises/ sound sleep & positive attitude 2. Side by side go for complete repairs & maintenance of drainage/ plumbing system of your old house... with an expert advise. - Adopt good majors for disposal of garbage as well as sewage. - Cultivate habit of cleaning/ maintenance of complete house along with drainage system too. 3. Get all the members of the family& dog, checked up & investigated as per need to find health issues if any followed by specific treatment. Consult a physician & a veterinary doctor. I am sure this would bring a health & happiness to your house, If you find the answer helpful,please grade the answer, before closing the query. Thanks.