'CAN I AVOID SURGERY ON MY TOES?'
Q I've got bunions on both of my feet and really want them removed, but I've heard the operation is awful. What does it involve and would I have both bunions taken off at the same time? Louisa, 26
A Bunions are painful enlargements of bone that develop at the base of the big toe and protrude out. The toe itself gets pushed towards the outside of the foot and the joint is then exposed to rubbing against footwear. They can only be removed through surgery, and while it certainly used to be painful with a long recovery time, these days the procedures used are much more comfortable. Part of the protruding bone has to be shaved off and the toe straightened with internal pins. This can now be done under sedation with a local anaesthetic. You'll be out of hospital the same day with recovery at home afterwards. You won't be able to walk on the foot immediately - it will take about two to four weeks - so having one foot done at a time is sensible. The results are excellent and, once completed, you won't regret it. Ask your GP for a referral.
Q I get really bad eczema behind my ears and hate using creams, because they get in my hair and make it really greasy. Are there any oral alternatives I can take? Marianne, 33
A Sore, dry and flaky skin behind the ears could well be caused by eczema, but it's a very common site for seborrhoeic dermatitis - a similar skin condition, which particularly affects the hairline, scalp and backs of the ears. And, ironically, contact with your hair can make the skin worse. A good treatment would be a watery solution that won't make your hair greasy, such as Betnovate Scalp Application, which is available on prescription from your doctor. The only oral remedy worth trying would be Chinese herbal tea - but be warned, it doesn't taste that great and it comes with no guarantee.
ASPIRIN OR A&E?SYMPTON: NUMB FINGERS
You worry
it's: A stroke.
Don't panic: If you're under
60 and healthy, this is unlikely. If both hands are numb, especially after
being in the cold, chances are it's the harmless circulatory condition
Raynaud's disease. If it's just in one hand, you might have repetitive
strain injury or a trapped nerve in your wrist, elbow or neck, so speak to
your GP.
Hit the hospital if: The numbness starts suddenly
and extends down one side of your body. Also, if you experience muscle
weakness and have difficulty speaking. For further advice, visit
Stroke.org.uk.
EAT TO BEAT: MIGRAINES
Berries They're a low-GI food, which means they help balance out
blood-sugar levels. And as migraines are linked to low blood sugar, it's
essential to keep levels stable.
Low-fat yoghurt Low-fat
dairy products are rich in calcium, which relaxes muscles and eases tension.
Water
Many migraines can occur because of dehydration, so make sure you drink
1.5 litres of water a day.
Nuts and seeds They're packed
with magnesium, which prevents blood vessels constricting and headaches
forming.
Email your health questions to drhilary@fabulousmag.co.uk
COMPILED BY: SARAH-JANE CORFIELD SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY: FOLIO-ID.COM, ALAMY THANKS TO: JULIETTE KELLOW *ACCORDING TO MIGRAINE ACTION (MIGRAINE.ORG.UK) THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR A MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS. DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN IF YOU ARE UNDER 16
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