Cussons Care - July 9

The skin around my eyebrows is very flaky and even falls into my eyes. It is very embarrassing. Can you suggest any answer to this horrible problem?
Hatem, Kuwait

Dr David Russell: This problem could be a form of eczema. I suggest you see your doctor so the cause can be accurately determined. In the meantime, you could use an aqueous cream, such as E45 cream, over the area. Also, avoid washing your face with soap as this could be aggravating the condition. Instead, use a non-perfumed face wash with warm water, rinse thoroughly and pat dry gently. Repeat morning and night. Apply the E45 cream as often as you can.

I have many spots on my face, especially on my chin. I try to use concealer but it always looks a different colour from the rest of my face. I put it on before foundation. Is this correct? I look forward to your reply.
Dina (26)

You must try to get a concealer which is as close to the colour of your foundation as possible. If your spots are red you could try using a green-coloured concealer first, which will neutralise the redness, then apply the skin toned concealer over that. If once you have applied your foundation you can still see the spots, mix a little concealer and foundation together and apply with a brush until the correct colour has been achieved. Then blot your foundation well with powder to set the make-up so it lasts.

Can you recommend a cheap and effective way of getting rid of warts. My friend used a medical treatment, but it was very expensive, and moreover it involved more than one trip.
Patrick, Sharjah

Warts are a type of infection caused by a virus. Some people are more naturally resistant to the virus and don't get warts as easily as other people. Sometimes warts will disappear on their own, although it may take many months or even years. Warts should be removed, as there is a risk they can spread to other areas of the body. If you don't wish to consult a doctor you could try an over-the-counter preparation which usually contains salicylic acid. However, the most successful methods include the application of liquid nitrogen, cutting out the wart or removing with laser, all of which require a trip to the doctor.

I apply a lot of lipstick in the morning, but after a couple of hours it just disappears and I have to reapply it. Is there a way of making the lipstick last?
Teresa (32)

Firstly, you should buy good quality lipsticks as these are formulated to last longer. When applying the lipstick use a lip brush and then use a tissue to "blot" the excess. Then apply another layer over the first and "blot" again. This will help your lipstick stay on longer, but you will need to reapply after eating or drinking. There are some products in the market which claim to "fix" the lipstick and can be applied either beneath or over the lipstick. Finding one that suits you is a matter of trial and error.

As I get older, I am getting more wrinkles and lines, especially around my eyes and mouth. Is there anything I can do to get my youthful complexion back, at least a little?
Caroline, 43

Firstly, to delay the onset of more wrinkles appearing, it is important you follow a good skin care routine, and this includes using good quality skin care products. An eye and neck cream should be applied each morning and night as these are the first areas to give away those tell tale signs of ageing. Smoking encourages vertical wrinkles around the mouth and is also bad for skin health not to mention the rest of the body.

Collagen injections are excellent for plumping out both fine and deep wrinkles. This procedure is now quite common and is carried out in a doctor's surgery. There is only a little discomfort with this procedure, but has to be repeated every six to nine months.

Write to Dr David Russell at Gulf News, Tabloid, P.O. Box 6519, Dubai or fax to 04-3429720, or email to tabloid@gulf-news.com