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Scottish Sun
13 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
What your ‘embarrassing' symptoms ‘down there' are REALLY trying to tell you – and when it could be deadly
From 'harmless' itches to changes to your pee, we ask the experts to lift the lid on the symptoms many people just ignore - with grave consequences DOWN UNDER What your 'embarrassing' symptoms 'down there' are REALLY trying to tell you – and when it could be deadly Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WHEN you notice something out of the ordinary down below, it's only natural to worry. While some changes are normal, others can be a sign of something more serious - and even warrant pretty swift medical attention. But how can you tell one from the other? We've asked the experts, so you don't have to. 5 A team of leading medics share what could be causing those lumps, bumps, unusual smells and strange itches 'down there' Credit: Getty The overwhelming message is that keeping any unusual signs in and around your nether regions to yourself is the worst thing you can do. More often that not, your GP will tell you not to worry, but it's better to get checked than leave it too late. Here… a team of leading medics share what could be causing those lumps, bumps, unusual smells and strange itches… and reveal when you must seek help. Spotting between periods NOTICING blood when it's not your Time Of The Month can be worrying. After all, 'spotting' is a key symptom of cervical cancer. But Dr Hannah Burrage, lead GP at Livi says that up to 35 per cent of women will experience a 'blip in their usual bleeding patterns'. She tells Sun Health: 'It may be as simple as the type of contraception you are on, for example, the progesterone-only pill. 'Other causes that need further investigation include polyps or fibroids which are growths on the different layers of our womb.' If your spotting is consistent, check in with your GP. Spotting could be caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia. To get tested, visit for free STI testing. Symptoms, treatment and latest research on anal cancer 'Make sure you are up to date with your cervical smear test,' says Dr Burrage. 'The NHS offers screening every three years from age 25 to 49 and every five years from age 50 to 64.' Superdrug Online Doctor, Dr Babak Ashrafi adds: 'If the bleeding becomes heavier or is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or pelvic pain, consult a doctor urgently.' Peeing without realising THERE are different types of incontinence - that is when you pee without realising or wanting to. 'Stress incontinence may make us think twice before bouncing on a trampoline,' says Dr Burrage. 5 To urge symptoms of incontinence, cutting down on caffeine and reducing your fluid intake in the hours before bed can help Credit: Getty Urge incontinence is when you leak urine as you feel a sudden intense urge to go. 'Urge incontinence is the classic 'key in lock' scenario, where a leakage of urine happens with a sudden need to pass urine which is often hard to control,' says Dr Burrage. She adds that menopause, constipation, a chronic cough, hysterectomy, pelvic floor damage, often after a vaginal birth, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can make incontinence more likely. To help ease symptoms, Dr Burrage suggests cutting down on caffeine and reducing your fluid intake in the hours before bed. 'There are useful Apps to help with pelvic floor exercises such as Squeezy (£2.99, IOS and Android).' Medications may help overcome incontinence; book an appointment with your GP who will assess if these are right for you. There is also overflow incontinence, which is when you are unable to fully empty your bladder, causing leaking, or total incontinence. If it continues for a long period of time, your GP can refer you to see a urologist. Foamy urine FOAM in your pee can be alarming, but it isn't always a cause for concern, Superdrug's Dr Ashrafi tells Sun Health. 'Typically, foamy urine occurs due to a faster urine stream, which temporarily traps air bubbles or mild dehydration, which makes your urine more concentrated.' Persistently foamy urine could signal a condition called proteinuria, where protein leaks into the urine. Dr Ashrafi says: 'This often points to issues with kidney function. 'Your kidneys help filter out waste while retaining essential proteins in the blood. 'Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and even some medications may trigger it.' Both of these health conditions would require a trip to the GP - plus, high blood pressure doesn't typically cause any symptoms. Signs of type 2 diabetes are peeing more than usual, feeling more thirsty, tired and losing weight without trying to. A UTI could also lead to foamy urine. Dr Ashrafi says some people advise drinking cranberry juice can reduce the risk of UTIs. 'Immediate medical attention is necessary if you also experience swelling in your legs or around your eyes,' adds Dr Ashrafi. 'This can indicate a problem with the kidneys, such as proteinuria, where excess protein leaks into the urine.' Going to the loo: What's normal and what is NOT PEEING What's normal There are lot's of fluctuations between people. But peeing between six and seven times in a 24-hour period is normal for most. Four to 10 times a day can be normal for someone, too, according to Bladder and Bowel community. It's normal to wake up in the night to pee. And urine should be a champagne sort of colour. Pee should come out in a steady stream and you shouldn't need to force it. What's NOT normal You might consider that your peeing habits have become abnormal if you: are going more often than you used to keep going in the night experience pain it doesn't feel like you fully 'empty' the stream is not steady or is weak leak urine see blood in urine There are lots of things that can influence how much we pee. Urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and total incontinence all refer to disruptions in the way your bladder stores and gets rid of urine. You can read about them on the NHS website. The causes range from an enlarged prostate, constipation, not drinking enough water, caffeine and medications. Serious conditions such as prostate cancer can influence your peeing habits. So get any changes cheked out! POOING What's normal People tend to go for a poo once a day or three to four times a week. As long as the stool is easy to pass and is smooth and sausage or snake shaped (yes, medically, that is how scientists describe a healthy poo on the Bristol Stool Chart!). What's NOT normal Any changes to pooing habits should be seen to by a doctor because they could signal bowel cancer. The symptoms can include: Persistent constipation or diarrhoea Very dark stools, blood in stool or blood on the tissue paper Pencil-thin poos Pancreatic cancer can also cause stools that are described as being pale, oily, difficult to flush and bad-smelling. It's important not to brush off these symptoms - seeing a GP could be the difference between life and death. Other health conditions that may change your bowel habits include IBS. Stools that are hard, difficult to pass or pellet-like can signal constipation. Read how to 'go' easier here. READ MORE A GP reveals how normal is your poo Can you tell the healthy poos from the unhealthy ones? The 5 things your pee is telling you How getting up to pee in the night could be a sign of silent killer – when to see your doctor Anal mucus IT feels icky to talk about but it is a normal part of the body's functioning. Anal mucus, also known as rectal discharge, is produced to help lubricate the movement of your stools. 'Mucus is produced within your intestines to protect the lining and enable food to pass through smoothly,' Dr Todd Green, lead GP, also at Livi, tells Sun Health. It's not usually anything to worry about. 'However, large amounts of mucus or repeated episodes, particularly accompanied by blood in the poo, may indicate inflammation in the intestines,' he warns.. According to Dr Green, this can result from infections such as gastroenteritis or food poisoning, or less commonly, it may indicate an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis. 'If you think you have gastroenteritis and notice mucus or any blood in the poo, consult your GP urgently to check for a more serious bowel infection that may need treatment,' warns Dr Green. Sharp pain when going for a poo HAVING a poo should be painless, but episodes of constipation or diarrhoea can occasionally cause discomfort. 'Otherwise, the most common causes of pain when having a poo are haemorrhoids (piles) and anal fissures,' says Dr Green. 5 The most common cause of pain when having a poo are piles and anal fissures Credit: Getty 'Haemorrhoids occur when the soft 'cushions' lining the inside of the anus become inflamed and irritated, usually resulting from excessive pressure from straining on the toilet, chronic coughs or heavy lifting.' Anal fissures, on the other hand, are common tiny tears within the anus that can occur at any age and may similarly result from constipation. 'A healthy diet with plenty of fibre and fluids can help prevent and treat both haemorrhoids and anal fissures,' says Dr Ashrafi. 'Pharmacists can help with treatments for haemorrhoids to reduce itch and discomfort, while GPs can provide prescription treatments for anal fissures.' More seriously, pain when having a poo can indicate inflammatory bowel disease or bowel cancer. 'If you experience repeated pain on the toilet, with or without bleeding, then consult your GP,' says Dr Green. What are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer? IT'S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest - yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough. While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver. If you notice any of the signs, don't be embarrassed and don't ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems. The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include: Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo A change in your normal toilet habits - going more frequently for example Pain or a lump in your tummy Extreme tiredness Losing weight Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness. In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction. Other signs include: Gripping pains in the abdomen Feeling bloated Constipation and being unable to pass wind Being sick Feeling like you need to strain - like doing a number two - but after you've been to the loo While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools. But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease. Small lumps around the anus SMALL lumps around your bottom? You may feel something unusual around the anus when using the toilet, or experience associated symptoms. 'If they are painful lumps, especially when accompanied by constipation and/or bleeding, then they're more likely to be haemorrhoids,' says Dr Green. Less commonly, lumps around the anus can indicate a more serious problem, such as an abscess. An abscess would likely make you feel unwell, too, as it is an infection of an anal gland or other tissue in the area. A lump is also a symptom of cancer. The main symptoms of anal cancer are small lumps around and inside the bottom, itching, pain, or bleeding from the bottom, and discharge. Bowel cancer may cause a lump in the tummy. But look out for changes to your poo and bowel frequency such as blood in stool, abnormal diarrhoea or constipation and feeling like you need to go for a poo even if you've just been. If you notice a new lump around the anus, whether or not there are any other symptoms, book an appointment with your GP. You may also mistake anal warts for these small lumps. Anal warts may appear on their own or in clusters. These warts are a symptom of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is extremely common and passed during sexual/skin-to-skin contact. You should visit a sexual health clinic if these warts become painful, itch or bleed. Odours down there FOR women, vaginal discharge is normal. It fluctuates in consistency depending on the time of your cycle. 5 Unpleasant odours from the genitals may indicate poor hygiene, a bacterial or fungal infection or a STI Credit: Getty But it's important to look out for any changes in vaginal discharge that don't feel right to you. Dr Burrage says: 'Thrush can often cause an itch and a thick cottage cheese-like discharge whilst bacterial vaginosis (BV) is often a thinner grey discharge that has a fishy smell.' Medication can be used to treat both of these conditions - you can go to a pharmacy to ask for treatment initially. But if you have repeated episodes, you need to visit your GP or sexual health clinic for advice. 'Consider washing with just water and avoiding scented products,' says Dr Barrage. This will be best for your vaginal health and warding off infections. Men can get thrust too, although it's less common. Dr Ashrafi says: 'It typically appears as redness, itching and a white, sometimes thickened discharge on the head of the penis. 'It can be triggered by factors such as antibiotic use, a weakened immune system or unprotected sex with a partner who has thrush.' For both men and women, Dr Ashrafi says: 'If you're sexually active and notice any abnormal discharge, take an STI test.' For example, large amounts of discharge, discharge that is green, yellow, red or blood-stained. Dr Ashrafi adds: 'Men can also experience unpleasant odours from the genitals, which may indicate poor hygiene, a bacterial or fungal infection, or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). 'If the smell is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms like itching, redness or discharge, it's important to see a healthcare professional for assessment.' Itchy genitals and itchy anus WHETHER both areas are itchy, or just one, this can be incredibly uncomfortable. Both men and women can experience thrush, the key symptom of which is itching. 5 Women and men can both experience thrush - which can be extremely itchy Credit: Getty 'These occur more often in warm, moist conditions,' Dr Green says. 'Avoid tight-fitting underwear especially for prolonged periods and keep skin in these areas clean and dry. 'Avoid the use of soaps, fragranced wash products or wet wipes.' But Dr Ashrafi says that skin conditions like eczema, STIs, irritants such as strong soaps and anal warts can also be the cause. 'If the itching is severe or persists despite treatment, seek guidance from your GP.' Dr Green says less commonly, an itchy rash on the genitals - usually in middle-aged women but sometimes also in men - can be caused by a condition called lichen sclerosus. 'The itch tends to be worse at night and can also affect the skin around the anus, which gradually turns white over time,' says Dr Green. Symptoms can be controlled with prescription creams, however, lichen sclerosus carries a 'small increased risk of cancer of the anogenital skin'. 'If you notice a new and persistent itchy rash in the anogenital area, then you should consult a GP,' adds Dr Green.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
What your ‘embarrassing' symptoms ‘down there' are REALLY trying to tell you – and when it could be deadly
WHEN you notice something out of the ordinary down below, it's only natural to worry. While some changes are normal, others can be a sign of something more serious - and even warrant pretty swift medical attention. But how can you tell one from the other? We've asked the experts, so you don't have to. The overwhelming message is that keeping any unusual signs in and around your nether regions to yourself is the worst thing you can do. More often that not, your GP will tell you not to worry, but it's better to get checked than leave it too late. Here… a team of leading medics share what could be causing those lumps, bumps, unusual smells and strange itches… and reveal when you must seek help. Spotting between periods NOTICING blood when it's not your Time Of The Month can be worrying. After all, 'spotting' is a key symptom of cervical cancer. But Dr Hannah Burrage, lead GP at Livi says that up to 35 per cent of women will experience a 'blip in their usual bleeding patterns'. She tells Sun Health: 'It may be as simple as the type of contraception you are on, for example, the progesterone-only pill. 'Other causes that need further investigation include polyps or fibroids which are growths on the different layers of our womb.' If your spotting is consistent, check in with your GP. Spotting could be caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia. To get tested, visit for free STI testing. Symptoms, treatment and latest research on anal cancer 'Make sure you are up to date with your cervical smear test,' says Dr Burrage. 'The NHS offers screening every three years from age 25 to 49 and every five years from age 50 to 64.' Superdrug Online Doctor, Dr Babak Ashrafi adds: 'If the bleeding becomes heavier or is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or pelvic pain, consult a doctor urgently.' Peeing without realising THERE are different types of incontinence - that is when you pee without realising or wanting to. 'Stress incontinence may make us think twice before bouncing on a trampoline,' says Dr Burrage. Urge incontinence is when you leak urine as you feel a sudden intense urge to go. 'Urge incontinence is the classic 'key in lock' scenario, where a leakage of urine happens with a sudden need to pass urine which is often hard to control,' says Dr Burrage. She adds that menopause, constipation, a chronic cough, hysterectomy, pelvic floor damage, often after a vaginal birth, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can make incontinence more likely. To help ease symptoms, Dr Burrage suggests cutting down on caffeine and reducing your fluid intake in the hours before bed. 'There are useful Apps to help with pelvic floor exercises such as Squeezy (£2.99, IOS and Android).' Medications may help overcome incontinence; book an appointment with your GP who will assess if these are right for you. There is also overflow incontinence, which is when you are unable to fully empty your bladder, causing leaking, or total incontinence. If it continues for a long period of time, your GP can refer you to see a urologist. Foamy urine FOAM in your pee can be alarming, but it isn't always a cause for concern, Superdrug's Dr Ashrafi tells Sun Health. 'Typically, foamy urine occurs due to a faster urine stream, which temporarily traps air bubbles or mild dehydration, which makes your urine more concentrated.' Persistently foamy urine could signal a condition called proteinuria, where protein leaks into the urine. Dr Ashrafi says: 'This often points to issues with kidney function. 'Your kidneys help filter out waste while retaining essential proteins in the blood. 'Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and even some medications may trigger it.' Both of these health conditions would require a trip to the GP - plus, high blood pressure doesn't typically cause any symptoms. Signs of type 2 diabetes are peeing more than usual, feeling more thirsty, tired and losing weight without trying to. A UTI could also lead to foamy urine. Dr Ashrafi says some people advise drinking cranberry juice can reduce the risk of UTIs. 'Immediate medical attention is necessary if you also experience swelling in your legs or around your eyes,' adds Dr Ashrafi. 'This can indicate a problem with the kidneys, such as proteinuria, where excess protein leaks into the urine.' Going to the loo: What's normal and what is NOT PEEING What's normal There are lot's of fluctuations between people. But peeing between six and seven times in a 24-hour period is normal for most. Four to 10 times a day can be normal for someone, too, according to Bladder and Bowel community. It's normal to wake up in the night to pee. And urine should be a champagne sort of colour. Pee should come out in a steady stream and you shouldn't need to force it. What's NOT normal You might consider that your peeing habits have become abnormal if you: are going more often than you used to keep going in the night experience pain it doesn't feel like you fully 'empty' the stream is not steady or is weak leak urine see blood in urine There are lots of things that can influence how much we pee. Urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and total incontinence all refer to disruptions in the way your bladder stores and gets rid of urine. You can read about them on the NHS website. The causes range from an enlarged prostate, constipation, not drinking enough water, caffeine and medications. Serious conditions such as prostate cancer can influence your peeing habits. So get any changes cheked out! POOING What's normal People tend to go for a poo once a day or three to four times a week. As long as the stool is easy to pass and is smooth and sausage or snake shaped (yes, medically, that is how scientists describe a healthy poo on the Bristol Stool Chart!). What's NOT normal Any changes to pooing habits should be seen to by a doctor because they could signal bowel cancer. The symptoms can include: Persistent constipation or diarrhoea Very dark stools, blood in stool or blood on the tissue paper Pencil-thin poos Pancreatic cancer can also cause stools that are described as being pale, oily, difficult to flush and bad-smelling. It's important not to brush off these symptoms - seeing a GP could be the difference between life and death. Other health conditions that may change your bowel habits include IBS. Stools that are hard, difficult to pass or pellet-like can signal constipation. Read how to 'go' easier here. READ MORE A GP reveals how normal is your poo Can you tell the healthy poos from the unhealthy ones? The 5 things your pee is telling you How getting up to pee in the night could be a sign of silent killer – when to see your doctor Anal mucus IT feels icky to talk about but it is a normal part of the body's functioning. Anal mucus, also known as rectal discharge, is produced to help lubricate the movement of your stools. 'Mucus is produced within your intestines to protect the lining and enable food to pass through smoothly,' Dr Todd Green, lead GP, also at Livi, tells Sun Health. It's not usually anything to worry about. 'However, large amounts of mucus or repeated episodes, particularly accompanied by blood in the poo, may indicate inflammation in the intestines,' he warns.. According to Dr Green, this can result from infections such as gastroenteritis or food poisoning, or less commonly, it may indicate an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis. 'If you think you have gastroenteritis and notice mucus or any blood in the poo, consult your GP urgently to check for a more serious bowel infection that may need treatment,' warns Dr Green. Sharp pain when going for a poo HAVING a poo should be painless, but episodes of constipation or diarrhoea can occasionally cause discomfort. 'Otherwise, the most common causes of pain when having a poo are haemorrhoids (piles) and anal fissures,' says Dr Green. 'Haemorrhoids occur when the soft 'cushions' lining the inside of the anus become inflamed and irritated, usually resulting from excessive pressure from straining on the toilet, chronic coughs or heavy lifting.' Anal fissures, on the other hand, are common tiny tears within the anus that can occur at any age and may similarly result from constipation. 'A healthy diet with plenty of fibre and fluids can help prevent and treat both haemorrhoids and anal fissures,' says Dr Ashrafi. 'Pharmacists can help with treatments for haemorrhoids to reduce itch and discomfort, while GPs can provide prescription treatments for anal fissures.' More seriously, pain when having a poo can indicate inflammatory bowel disease or bowel cancer. 'If you experience repeated pain on the toilet, with or without bleeding, then consult your GP,' says Dr Green. What are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer? IT'S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest - yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough. While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver. If you notice any of the signs, don't be embarrassed and don't ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems. The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include: Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo A change in your normal toilet habits - going more frequently for example Pain or a lump in your tummy Extreme tiredness Losing weight Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness. In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction. Other signs include: Gripping pains in the abdomen Feeling bloated Constipation and being unable to pass wind Being sick Feeling like you need to strain - like doing a number two - but after you've been to the loo While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools. But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease. Small lumps around the anus SMALL lumps around your bottom? You may feel something unusual around the anus when using the toilet, or experience associated symptoms. 'If they are painful lumps, especially when accompanied by constipation and/or bleeding, then they're more likely to be haemorrhoids,' says Dr Green. Less commonly, lumps around the anus can indicate a more serious problem, such as an abscess. An abscess would likely make you feel unwell, too, as it is an infection of an anal gland or other tissue in the area. A lump is also a symptom of cancer. The main symptoms of anal cancer are small lumps around and inside the bottom, itching, pain, or bleeding from the bottom, and discharge. Bowel cancer may cause a lump in the tummy. But look out for changes to your poo and bowel frequency such as blood in stool, abnormal diarrhoea or constipation and feeling like you need to go for a poo even if you've just been. If you notice a new lump around the anus, whether or not there are any other symptoms, book an appointment with your GP. You may also mistake anal warts for these small lumps. Anal warts may appear on their own or in clusters. These warts are a symptom of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is extremely common and passed during sexual/skin-to-skin contact. You should visit a sexual health clinic if these warts become painful, itch or bleed. Odours down there FOR women, vaginal discharge is normal. It fluctuates in consistency depending on the time of your cycle. But it's important to look out for any changes in vaginal discharge that don't feel right to you. Dr Burrage says: 'Thrush can often cause an itch and a thick cottage cheese-like discharge whilst bacterial vaginosis (BV) is often a thinner grey discharge that has a fishy smell.' Medication can be used to treat both of these conditions - you can go to a pharmacy to ask for treatment initially. But if you have repeated episodes, you need to visit your GP or sexual health clinic for advice. 'Consider washing with just water and avoiding scented products,' says Dr Barrage. This will be best for your vaginal health and warding off infections. Men can get thrust too, although it's less common. Dr Ashrafi says: 'It typically appears as redness, itching and a white, sometimes thickened discharge on the head of the penis. 'It can be triggered by factors such as antibiotic use, a weakened immune system or unprotected sex with a partner who has thrush.' For both men and women, Dr Ashrafi says: 'If you're sexually active and notice any abnormal discharge, take an STI test.' For example, large amounts of discharge, discharge that is green, yellow, red or blood-stained. Dr Ashrafi adds: 'Men can also experience unpleasant odours from the genitals, which may indicate poor hygiene, a bacterial or fungal infection, or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). 'If the smell is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms like itching, redness or discharge, it's important to see a healthcare professional for assessment.' Itchy genitals and itchy anus WHETHER both areas are itchy, or just one, this can be incredibly uncomfortable. Both men and women can experience thrush, the key symptom of which is itching. 'These occur more often in warm, moist conditions,' Dr Green says. 'Avoid tight-fitting underwear especially for prolonged periods and keep skin in these areas clean and dry. 'Avoid the use of soaps, fragranced wash products or wet wipes.' But Dr Ashrafi says that skin conditions like eczema, STIs, irritants such as strong soaps and anal warts can also be the cause. 'If the itching is severe or persists despite treatment, seek guidance from your GP.' Dr Green says less commonly, an itchy rash on the genitals - usually in middle-aged women but sometimes also in men - can be caused by a condition called lichen sclerosus. 'The itch tends to be worse at night and can also affect the skin around the anus, which gradually turns white over time,' says Dr Green. Symptoms can be controlled with prescription creams, however, lichen sclerosus carries a 'small increased risk of cancer of the anogenital skin'.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Former Livi ace could face trial over allegation he deliberately got booked in Celtic match as part of betting scam
It allegedly took place during a Premiership match six years ago YELLOW PERIL Former Livi ace could face trial over allegation he deliberately got booked in Celtic match as part of betting scam Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FORMER Livingston star could face trial over an allegation he deliberately got a yellow card against Celtic to help a betting scam. Prosecutors claim Keaghan Jacobs, 35, aimed to 'assist others to cheat' while playing for Livingston against the Hoops in October 2019. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 2 The alleged incident took place during a Livingston match in 2019 Credit: The Sun 2 Keaghan Jacobs has been accused of deliberately picking up a yellow card Credit: Getty They allege Conan McDiarmid, 40, had placed bets, and arranged for others to place wagers, on the midfielder receiving a booking. Jacobs was cautioned by referee Willie Collum for a challenge on Bhoys winger Jonny Hayes in the 95th minute of the Premiership match, with Livi just seconds away from a famous 2-0 victory. Court papers state: 'It had been arranged that Jacobs would act in a manner whereby he would receive a yellow card.' Neither man attended a hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court. The case against South African-born Jacobs — now at Lowland League club Gala Fairydean Rovers — was continued without plea. Ex-Penicuik defender McDiarmid, from Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, pled not guilty via his lawyer. He faces trial later this year. Jacobs, of Edinburgh, previously made history in 2010 by turning out for Livi against Albion Rovers alongside his triplet brothers. He posted a message on X just last month wishing David Martindale's team good luck in the Premiership promotion playoffs. Jacobs was also a special hospitality guest of the club at their SPFL Trust Trophy final appearance against Queen's Park at Falkirk. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Brian Rice talks 'genius' Brian Clough, shutting up the Livingston snipers and his wife's scouting role
Lions coach is loving life at Livi - and reveals his secret comrade when it comes to midweek scouting sessions Brian Rice jets off to Italy on his honeymoon this afternoon having helped navigate Livingston back in among the high fliers of Scottish football. After a frenetic season culminated in a dramatic play-off win over Ross County it's chill out time with wife Kirsteen. A chance to indulge in the finer things in life, to relax on the Adriatic coast's beautiful white beaches and to marvel at Rimini's stunning scenery. Inevitably though, the conversation will still turn to football. It's what brought the couple together. A match made in heaven? Alloa to be exact. And, for Rice, it's perfect. 'We're away on Sunday,' he says with a broad smile. 'Rimini for 12 nights, it's chill out time. 'We've been together three years, got married a few months back in front of five people. Kenny Brannigan was my best man. 'Alloa brought us together. We met when I was managing there. Kirsteen was helping out with the food. 'She loves football. She's been at every single game this season. 'She goes to all the mid-week games with me as well. Scouting trips and everything. She loves it. She knows what she's talking about. 'So it's off to Italy now. I've been before .. but only to play football.' Of course it was to play football. It's the perfect link into the story of a man who left school to join Hibs as a YTS and could never have dreamed of where the journey would take him. The new Mrs Rice isn't the first great partnership he's made in the game. Right now he's part of a trio of footballing brains who have guided Livi back to the big time as well as lifting the SPFL Trust Trophy alongside David Martindale and Neil Hastings. His years as John Hughes' sidekick at Falkirk, Hibs and Inverness are legendary. And long before then he was the big slip of a playmaker known simply as 'Scotsman' to one of football's most charismatic and successful bosses. Brian Clough. One word to describe each of those managers? Rice thinks hard: 'Clough: Genius. Davie: Under-rated. Yogi…Perfectionist. 'But all three of them: passionate.' He's 61 now but Rice is as full of enthusiasm for the game as the youngster that left HIbs to sign for Forest in 1985 at just 21. Before packing for his honeymoon, he sat down with Mail Sport this week to reflect on it all. He said: 'That last trip to Italy was with Nottingham Forest when we went to play a summer tournament in Perugia. 'We played against Perugia, Cologne and Roma and some fantastic players. Rudi Voller, Junior, the Brazilian, Pierre Littbarski. 'But we won. The manager never liked to lose even in pre-season. 'As a person, Brian Clough shaped me. His discipline, the way he treated people, the respect he had for people. Massive family man. 'Wanted us to be big family men as well. He was big on that, big on being a team. 'He didn't like individual players.. apart from John Robertson. He could do anything he wanted he was so good. 'Coaching? There was no coaching! We did the same training every single day for six years. 'People don't believe me. We never played 11 v 11, no set plays or shape, no defensive drills, or attacking drills, we never used big goals. 'We just warmed up, into two teams, played seven and eight a side trying to score into hockey goals, everything below head height, kicking hell out of one another. 'Players like Stuart Pearce, Neil Webb, Garry Birtles, Johnny Method, John Robertson, Roy Keane, Steve Hodge! 'Clough's secret? Play your position and get good players. Him and Peter Taylor identified players, fitted into how they wanted to play, it was simple. 'You'd never get away with it now. I see so many robots now, coaches as robots: 'Do this and this'. Football is about using your brain and how quick is your decision compared to your opponent's. 'What we did was simple but effective. There were certain rules. Don't pass back if you don't have to - and cross to the front post. 'One Saturday I hit about three crosses to the back post in the first half. The gaffer never missed me at half time. 'Second half, my first cross was overhit to the back post again. The boards went up, 'Scotsman, off!' 'The next game he started me against Aston Villa as a striker. 'I'd never played there in my life. I was against Paul McGrath and Derek Mountfield, two giants who kicked the hell out of me. 'We won 1-0 but I never touched the ball 'We came off the pitch, went up the stairs into the dressing room. I walked through the door and he was lying in the bath already with a bottle of beer! 'He said: 'well Scotsman, did you learn anything tonight?' 'I went, 'aye, gaffer, f*****g cross to that front post!' 'He was brilliant. I grew up watching Brian Clough on a Wednesday night. Sports Night. Sitting with my gran. He was TV gold. 'A few years later I'm signing for him. Archie Gemmill picked me up in the morning. He took me into the office and said, 'I've got the Scotsman'. 'The gaffer was writing something so his head was down. My heart was pounding. 'In those days my red hair had a side shed. He just looked up and went 'f**k me it's Steve Davis'. 'We just had a brilliant relationship.' The best part of four decades later Rice is now that wise old head passing on his wisdom from a life spent in football. If there's one word to describe him, it's knowledgable. Rice reckons 'lazy' critics don't have a clue when they take aim at Livingston's brand of football. And the Lions coach insists David Martindale has rammed their jibes back down their throats after guiding the club back to the Premiership after a summer rethink. He said: 'It's lazy people. You get tarnished. 'But that's people that don't get off their backsides and go and watch. Don't do their research. 'We were very much under the radar this year. Falkirk had such a good season, such a good team, attacking team. 'Rightly so, they were getting all the positives. Everybody was raving about them. They won the league because they were the best team. 'But we were very, very close. 'I can't really remember three games that we just played long. We tried to play all the time. 'I've seen all the things on social media. I just sit and laugh. 'These people haven't got a clue. They don't go and watch the game. 'Go and ask any other manager in the Championship about Livingston's style of play.' Rice reckons Martindale will look back on this season with a huge sense of pride. He said: 'I'd think this season means more than anything else he's achieved with Livingston. 'He changed the full style because the Championship allows you to do that. 'We had a look at it and the gaffer decided that he wanted to play a possession-based game where we could dominate the ball. The Premiership doesn't allow you to do that every week. 'In the Championship, you can coach to win every single week. You know you've got a chance of winning every week. 'Davie will look back at this with great pride, his own work and the way the boys adapted to the system. 'Everything changed, the way we trained. And I think it needed that. 'He's good at identifying things and seeing what needs to be changed.' Livi roared back from 3-1 down on aggregate to beat Ross County 5-3 in Dingwall on Monday night. And Rice said: 'At first it was relief. Then it was enjoyment, coming back on the bus and waking up the next day and taking the dog out, people stopping me in the street.. it's a wee bit bigger than I thought.' While Rice and Martindale bask in the glow of a promotion and cup winning campaign, his former colleague Hughes remains out of the game. Yogi hasn't managed since leaving Dunfermline three years ago. And Rice reckons that's a massive waste of talent. He said: 'Taking Brendan Rodgers out the equation, tell me anyone else in Scotland with the CV Yogi has got. HIs CV stands up to anybody. 'He got Falkirk into the Premier League. Kept them there. Got to the 2009 Scottish Cup final and into Europe. 'He brought players through. Got players in from the Premier League on loan, Kasper Schmeichel, Tim Krul, Anthony Stokes. 'He then won the Scottish Cup with Inverness. 'Yogi's enthusiasm is incredible. People just look at him as this big centre half but they have not go an idea about his football knowledge. How he sees the game, how he wants it played. 'He took a lot of his ideas from Tommy Burns at Celtic. He'd written down sessions Tommy had put on. 'He demands perfection and doesn't accept short cuts. He knows the dangers of short cuts. 'I cannot understand how someone with his CV hasn't got a job.'
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Ex-Hamilton Accies ace played key role in Livingston promotion win
Lewis Smith scored the goal that sparked a Livi fightback to beat Ross County and regain their place in the top flight Play-off king Lewis Smith bagged the goal that breathed new life into Livingston's Premiership play-off final win at Ross County and said it's am unbelievable feeling. Smith, 25, has been in play-offs in each of the last three years, winning promotion at Livingston and Hamilton, but also being relegated to League One at Accies, and is delighted to have played such a big part in reclaiming Premiership football next season. The former Hamilton star said: 'I've been in the play-offs for three years in a row, now, so it's nice to get some time off. 'We'll be working hard, but it has been a while since I've been in the Premiership, so I'm excited to get back to it. 'It's unbelievable. It has been a long season, but to get promotion at the end of it makes it all worth it. 'When I signed for Livi, the gaffer was very clear in his aims to get straight back into the top flight, and that's part of the reason I joined. 'He has had full belief all season that we could do that, whether it was by winning the title or through the play-offs, and it was good to finally get it over the line.' On his goal, Smith said: 'When I got the ball I hurdled a couple of challenges, and it opened up for me, so I kept going. I knew I had to shoot low and hard across the face of the goalie, and thankfully it went in the bottom corner. 'I think we had to find a bit of a spark before half-time, because if you go in still 2-0 down, it becomes a really hard second half. "Thankfully I was able to provide something. The boys were unbelievable, the goals were brilliant, and it was great."
