Cussons Care - August 26

* I have had eczema on both shins for nearly a year. It has got a bit better but I still have ugly red blotches. I was treated by a dermatologist when it started, but the treatment hasn't done much good. Can you suggest anything?
Samer, Al Ain

Dr David Russell: Eczema can be caused by either internal or external influences. If the problem is external such as allergy to metals or cosmetics on the skin, it is easily treated. More difficult to treat is the eczema caused by stress or to certain foods. In order to improve your condition you must try to ascertain the cause. A doctor can give you a patch test on your skin to find out if you have an allergy to something that you are applying topically. Also, look at your lifestyle – do you have a lot of stress and when is it at its worst? Once you have analysed the cause then you will be able to fight it.

* I am a 14-year-old girl with a fair complexion but every time I go out in the sun I get tanned. I tried using sun screen and it made me a lot fairer but every time I use it I get these boils on my hands and boils on the area on which I put the sun screen. My mom says I'm getting the boils because my body can't sweat properly because of the sun screen and every time I stop using the sun screen in two or three days all the boils go. What should I do? I want to stay fair but I don't want to get the boils anymore.
N.F.

Your mother is right – your condition is a result of your body not being able to sweat properly. It would appear that you have a condition called prickly heat or Miliaria Rubra. This skin disorder produces an irritating skin rash as the result of obstructed sweat glands. It is caused by hot humid weather and over activity during hot weather. Cool baths and showers will help as will anti-itch medicines such as Benadryl. To avoid a recurrence of this condition you should avoid exposure to strong sunlight and decrease your activity during hot weather. You can also use body powders that contain corn starch which will help to absorb perspiration.

* My brother has dandruff. I see him often scratching his head because of it. His hair also falls. I think it is because of the dandruff problem. Is there any way to get rid of the dandruff. Is it something to do with the diet also. I am not sure about it. If yes, then please advise. Some people say that medicated shampoos can help.
Sarah, Dubai

Dandruff is caused by a build up of dead skin cells on the scalp and is often associated with oily hair. A poor diet will not cause dandruff, but of course healthy eating for all round health of the skin and hair is essential. The best way for your brother to get rid of his dandruff is to use a dandruff shampoo such as Head and Shoulders at least two to three times per week. Regular and vigorous brushing will also loosen any scales that have built up on the scalp and will stimulate the blood supply to the hair.

* I am a 28-year-old female, white skin, 160cm height, 61 kg weight. I have a dark grey marks on my underarm, thighs, sensitive areas, knees and elbows. I have tried too many creams to remove these marks without any improvement ( there is no infection in these areas) (I lost 18 kg and my weight now is okay) Please advise.
H.B.

The dark grey marks that you describe probably occurred when you were overweight. The areas in which you have the problems are those which will rub together when people are overweight. You should find that now that you have lost weight that these marks will gradually fade. You could try to speed up the process by regularly using a body scrub which will remove any dead skin cells and therefore give a lighter appearance.

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