MY HUBBY’S VIOLENT – IN HIS SLEEP

Q

My husband has developed a violent sleep pattern. He kicks, punches, pulls my hair and knees me. He can’t keep still – sometimes I have to stop him jumping out of bed. By day, he is a loving partner and we’re very happy. Our GP blames stress but we’ve no money problems, own our home and have a lovely family. I am afraid he’ll injure me – what can I do?

A

He’s developed a form of somnambulism or sleepwalking. He is acting out dreams because he’s not quite reached the deepest kind of sleep, REM sleep, when his muscles are relaxed and still. If it’s only recent there might be a cause like anxiety or even drinking alcohol in the evening. A muscle relaxant sedative such as diazepam might break the pattern.

THROBBING EAR

Q

I’ve had severe pain in my left ear for a year. Nothing seems to trigger it but it lasts up to a day and happens every month. The entire ear becomes painful to touch and moving my jaw makes it worse. I’ve seen a consultant, who was baffled. My blood pressure is normal.

A

Ideally, you’d want your doctor to examine you at exactly the time your ear is inflamed. It’s puzzling, but it could be a recurrent infection caused by an ear piercing, an inflamed eardrum or ear canal, arthritis in the little point in front of your ear where your jaw moves up and down, or even a severe flitting nerve pain called trigeminal neuralgia. Get a dental check then try a small dose of amitriptyline or Tegretol if a nerve pain is suspected.

HEART OP PAIN

Q

I had a double heart valve replacement and was fitted with a pacemaker after my heart arrested. This was nine months ago but I’m still in pain and tire easily. Will I feel better soon and what limitations will I face? I am a 51-year-old woman.

A

You have had a major operation and it’s normal to take several months for the pain of having your ribcage opened up to settle down. The new artificial heart valves should work beautifully and help you feel a lot better soon, but the ill-health you suffered from previously will have left you very unfit, so it is understandable that you tire easily now. Do a little more each day without strain and your vitality will return.

BABY’S BLUE MARK

Q

A friend of mine has a three-month-old baby with a blue mark on his back like a bruise. She says it’s a ‘Mongolian blue spot.’ What is it and will it go away?

A

This is a congenital birthmark caused by a collection of enlarged blood vessels just below the surface of the skin. It isn’t as prominent and obvious as the much more common ‘strawberry’ birthmarks, but it will fade gradually with 
time and shouldn’t require any treatment.

SEXUAL HEALING

Q

My husband has gone off sex. He’s 25, I’m 24 and we don’t have any children. When we go to bed he goes straight to sleep and even if I dress up in something sexy he stays up all night playing a football game on his computer. How can I make him fancy me again?

A

You must confront him or you’ll feel angry, frustrated or rejected. This relationship isn’t healthy or happy right now. Maybe he’s stressed, depressed or even seeing someone else. Tell him how you feel and if he still loves you, he’ll do something about it.

I’m getting spots on my back

Q
I’m 33 and I’ve never had bad skin, but in the last six months I’ve been getting big red spots on my back and shoulders that come to a head, burst, then leave small scars. I haven’t changed my washing powder, diet or lifestyle, and evening primrose oil hasn’t worked. Please help me.
A
Your GP should test for hormone problems, but one skin boil can lead to more. When a pore is infected, the gland beneath gets inflamed, it becomes an abscess, and lots of germs are scattered on the skin, causing more boils. Lying on your back at night doesn’t help. Get a low-dose, long-term antibiotic from your GP and soak in hot baths using an antiseptic like Ster-Zac, from chemists, to break the cycle.

BEDTIME BRA
Q
I always wear a bra in bed at night under my pyjamas because I’ve been told it will keep my bust in good shape. But I’ve heard that when you’re older you’re at more risk of breast cancer if you wear your bra to bed. 
Is this true? I’m 20.
A
Bras certainly support the breast tissue during the day when gravity would otherwise lead to stretching and sagging over the years. But in bed at night this isn’t necessary and a bra could increase the risk of skin irritation or infection. Despite a bra raising the temperature of your breast tissue, there is no evidence that cancer is more likely as a result either. So why not just enjoy the freedom that not wearing a bra at night gives you anyway? It certainly has no medical function.

I NEED AN MOT
Q
I’m a woman in my 30s and I haven’t felt well for some time. I have severe aches in my kidney area 
and pains in my chest too. 
I remember reading that you can have a ‘body MOT’. Can 
I get one from my doctor, and what would I ask him for?
A
If your GP runs a Well Woman Clinic, you can have a basic NHS check-up consisting of a questionnaire about your health, a height and weight check, a urine test, blood pressure and cholesterol check. With your symptoms, a test for urinary infection and an ECG (electrical recording of your heartbeat) should be done too.

BEAT THE BLOTCH
Q
When my friend drinks alcohol she gets red blotches all over her chest and face. White wine affects her most, but all alcohol causes it. She is getting married next year and she’s worried this will happen on her big day. Is there anything she can do to stop it?
A
Alcohol has a direct effect on blood vessels in the skin, opening them up and making them wider. In some people, like your friend, this is more pronounced but it is also the reason why most people look redder and more flushed when they drink. The easiest solution is to disguise the rash with a camouflage make-up such as Covermark or Keromask.

SEXUAL HEALING
Q
Since a hysterectomy last year, I have had urine and yeast infections. After sex, I’m in so much pain, I can’t stand upright the next day, so when my partner wants to make love I get scared. Please advise me. I’m 36.
A
Something isn’t right. A hysterectomy where the ovaries are left in place should cause none of these problems and sex should be as good as before, if not better. Your gynaecologist should see you to check the top of the vagina has healed properly and the tissue there is moistened and softened with enough oestrogen.

Has drinking damaged my liver?

Q

Although I'm a very fit woman in my 20s and have run four marathons, I've enjoyed drinking wine for a few years and I'm worried about liver damage. I'm too embarrassed to ask my GP. Is there a private test, and what would it cost?

A

Liver function tests can be carried out on a sample of blood to measure enzymes made in the liver, such as gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), which is sensitive to excess alcohol. Drinking less than an average 21 units a week would cause no problems and since you lead an otherwise healthy lifestyle and have no symptoms, I doubt you need to worry. The first reliable home test, "LiverCheck", is now available, which uses a pin-prick sample of blood which you send off for analysis. Call 0800 130 0588 or see www.homeinonhealth.com.

POTASSIUM WORRY

Q

My doctor says my potassium levels are a bit low and I should eat more bananas and tomatoes. What is potassium and is it dangerous to have too little?

A

Potassium is an essential salt in the body, vital for processes such as muscle and nerve function. Too little can cause tiredness, exhaustion, low blood pressure, and in extreme cases, heartbeat irregularities. Taking "water tablets" (diuretics) for high blood pressure or heart failure can sometimes cause it, so extra tomatoes and bananas, and drinking lots of fresh orange juice, is good advice.

Dodgy diagnosis?

Q

I'm 35, healthy in every other way and not stressed. But nine years ago I got shingles when I was pregnant. Since then I have six bouts a year and it's ruining my life. My doctor told me this is something I have to live with. Is this right?

A

This is so unusual, I'd question the diagnosis. Shingles is a painful blistering rash caused by the chickenpox virus becoming active after lying dormant in nerve tissues for years. Normally, one flare-up results in a huge boost in antibody levels, making more bouts unlikely for years. Either you have a blood or immune disorder or your rash is not shingles. Ask your GP to send you to a skin specialist, or 
to prescribe Famciclovir antiviral tablets to keep 
further flare-ups at bay.

My child sweats

Q

My six-year-old daughter sweats a lot and can get very smelly. She has a wash every morning and a bath every night, but sometimes 
I have to give her armpits 
a wash after school and 
I change her tops twice a 
day. Is this normal? And is 
it safe to use a deodorant 
on her?

A

Young children's 
 armpits and feet can be surprisingly smelly. Provided her weight is normal and she is otherwise OK, I'd use a proven antiperspirant such as Dri Clor or Anhydrol Forte (available from chemists) on her, to cut the amount of sweating, together with a perfumed one to add fragrance.

SEXUAL HEALING

Q

My boyfriend can't 
get an erection, 
so we can't make love. What can we do to beat this problem?

A

One in 10 men suffer erectile dysfunction 
at some time or another. It can be caused by a physical problem like diabetes, nerve disorders or medication. Equally, it could be the result of psychological 
or relationship problems. The good news is that 
it's almost always treatable. Your GP can check him over and prescribe tablets to take an hour before 
sex that should make 
a difference.

I'm ashamed of my feet

Q

I'm too embarrassed to let my new boyfriend see my feet. They're covered in veins that stick out when I get hot or have been walking around all day. What can I do?

A

Veins look more prominent when you get hot, as it's your body's way of losing heat from the skin. Foot veins are more prone to swelling too, as that's where gravity creates most pressure. Steer clear of anything that restricts the blood flow around your ankles, calves, thighs or waist, and avoid tight-fitting shoes.

NECK PAIN

Q

Five years ago I suffered whiplash in a car accident. I'm still getting pains in my neck, which often shoot down into my left breast, lower back, and left leg. Recently 
the pain has become worse. What can I do?

A

Problems in the neck area can sometimes lead to a change in posture to compensate for mildly displaced joints or inflamed ligaments. In turn, this can lead to aches and pains lower down the spine. Ask your GP to recommend a good chiropractor or osteopath who can manipulate your spine and free it up. There is no reason you cannot overcome this with some remedial, spine-strengthening exercises.

NASTY TASTE

Q

I get a metallic taste in my mouth three or four times a day. I'm 32 and don't drink or smoke. I've been to my doctor, but he doesn't know what it is. Have you heard of this happening before?

A

This can occur due to dental or salivary problems. It can also be the result of nasal congestion, nutritional deficiency, or infected tonsils. A digestive disorder might also be to blame, or even stress – stress hormones like adrenaline can dry out the mouth, preventing saliva from dissolving food chemicals and taste buds detecting them properly. Ask your doctor for 
a thorough check-up, followed by a careful assessment and coping strategy if any stress-related problems are found.

MARK ON MY LIP

Q

I'm 19 and have suffered with strange yellow staining on my top lip for as long as I can remember. I've tried exfoliating creams and face washes but nothing works, and make-up seems to make it worse. What is this and how can I get rid of it?

A

Permanent discolouration like this one has to be deeper than the superficial layers of the skin, because these are naturally shed and replaced every few days. It sounds like a kind of birthmark. If so, see your doctor about removal options, such as laser treatment.

SEXUAL HEALING

Q

I went for an STD test when I started sleeping with my new boyfriend and found out 
I had chlamydia. I was told not to have unprotected sex during treatment, 
but stupidly I didn't listen. 
I'm now worried I still 
have chlamydia.

A

Mistakes happen and doctors are used to that. The important thing is that you're properly treated. It is possible you could have infected your boyfriend and in turn he could reinfect you, even though you've been treated. You both need to be rechecked, I'm afraid.

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Why does drink make me angry?

Q

I'm worried about the way I behave when I drink alcohol. According to my husband, I start crying and shouting after two glasses of wine. I even carry on doing it while I'm asleep. I don't remember a thing the next day, so I'm not sure how bad it really is. What shall I do?

A

Why not get your husband to video you, then you can witness for yourself how alcohol is affecting your behaviour and sleeping patterns? You might be shocked enough to stop drinking altogether, or at least drink earlier in the evening to allow the sleep-disrupting effects to wear off.

MISSING PERIODS

Q

I haven't had a period for three months. I've taken several pregnancy tests and had one done in hospital, but they were all negative. I'm now getting sharp pains down my right side and I'm worried there's a problem with my appendix. What do you think this is?

A

Has anyone examined you yet? With pain in this area and no periods, it would be really useful to know from an internal examination whether your ovary is enlarged, or if your Fallopian tube or appendix is inflamed. An ultrasound scan would also help. Your GP can arrange all of this.

PATCHY FACE

Q

I'm 46 years old and have dark pigmentation on my forehead and cheeks. Can you tell me what this is and how I can get rid of it? A beautician advised me to get laser treatment. Is this a solution?

A

Patchy pigmentation on the face is often the result of skin darkening in the summer months, or areas becoming paler in a condition known as vitiligo. Either way, you can disguise it with a specialist camouflage make-up such as Veil or Covermark, which would be much cheaper and quicker than extensive laser treatment.

BOIL MISERY

Q

I sometimes get boils on my neck, which my GP says are probably connected to my psoriasis. I've had a boil for around two weeks now, which is longer than usual. Should I be worried about this?

A

No. If a boil is deep-seated it can take several weeks to completely clear because its thick wall seals itself off from healing blood cells that neutralise germs. Psoriasis can cause thickening and cracking of the skin which lets infections in, so keep any patches of psoriasis well moisturised by using creams like Dovobet or Dermol.

Should I be eating orange peel?

Is my craving harmful?

Q Can you tell me if eating oranges with the peel on is bad for you? I had my gall bladder removed six months ago and since then I crave oranges ­ including the peel, which I love to eat. I get through two a day. Can you let me know if I am doing any harm to myself?

A Provided the orange peel is washed of all insecticides and germs, it will do you no harm. In fact, the fibre in the peel is arguably quite good for you and it¹s been suggested the pith may be a preventative against lung cancer. Try organic oranges ­ they haven¹t been sprayed with chemicals.

Double trouble?

Q My baby is six months old and has just started teething, but I¹ve noticed his bottom has also gone very red ­ are they connected?

A Health visitors and doctors specialising in babies know these two symptoms often appear to be related, although both are treated separately.

A teething ring or gel are useful for gum pain, while a good barrier cream for the nappy area, such as Sudocrem or Vaseline, should do the trick.

AND FOR AFTERS . . .

Q I am 39 years old and just recently, whenever I eat out, I end up getting a painful stomach ache, nausea and sometimes diarrhoea. I¹ve tried eating different foods and I vary my diet, but nothing makes it any better.

A The fact your symptoms don¹t happen at home means you are unlikely to have any major physical problem.

But some people feel subconsciously stressed when they eat out with friends, which can prevent normal digestion and cause problems similar to the ones you¹re suffering from. This is related to irritable bowel syndrome.

It would be worthwhile if you rule out any food intolerance by taking a Yorktest foodSCAN test and keep a diary of everything you eat. That way you may discover whether you are intolerant to anything that might be an ingredient in a restaurant meal.

Worrying lump

Q A month ago, I noticed a hard lump on the right side of my ribcage. Is it something serious?

A This could be a rib cartilage which has sprung outwards, or it might be a reaction to a rib injury you have sustained over the last six weeks. Very occasionally, it can be the first sign of something more serious, especially if it¹s getting bigger. If you are in doubt, get your GP to check it over.

Teen clinic

Bullies make my life hell

Q I'm a 14-year-old boy and I¹m being bullied by eight boys at school. It started with name-calling, but now they punch and push me. I¹m too scared to tell a teacher in case it makes things worse.

I don't know what to do. I'm so unhappy.

A Bullying is common so remember you are not alone and there is nothing wrong with you whatsoever. Talk to a teacher you trust and keep a record of each incident. Get your mum to ask about the school's anti-bullying policy.

Stick close to your good friends and walk home with them when you can. Avoid the people, places and times where bullying occurs, and never try to "buy off" the bullies with sweets or cash.

SEXUAL HEALING

Q My wife wants to start trying for a baby, but I'm having trouble maintaining an erection. Unfortunately, I only have one testicle. Is this the cause and will this affect her chances of getting pregnant?

A Usually, having just one testicle would not cause impotence or infertility, but a lot depends on why you only have one testicle. Sometimes problems can result from a low testosterone level, but hormone tests together with a sperm test will provide you with all the answers you need.

I hate my legs

Q

I have really big legs, even though the rest of me is skinny. I've tried exercising and dieting but nothing seems to work. I refuse to wear skirts any more because I'm so embarrassed. Are there any tablets I can take?

Q

I have really big legs, even though the rest of me is skinny. I've tried exercising and dieting but nothing seems to work. I refuse to wear skirts any more because I'm so embarrassed. Are there any tablets I can take?

A

Some people inherit wider legs from their parents, and if the rest of you is thin, this is the likeliest cause. If your bones and muscles are simply larger than average, there isn't much you can do about it. A condition called lymphodema may be responsible, where fluid fails to drain efficiently away from your legs. If so, compression stockings together with diuretic (water) tablets could help. See your GP first.

WARTS AND ALL

Q

I have some hard pimples on my face and I'm wondering if I could use the same cream that I use for warts. And does it work on moles too? I thought I would ask your advice first before 
I tried it.

A

Don't even think about it. Creams and other applications for warts contain corrosive chemicals which can easily damage and inflame normal skin – especially on the face. The pimples could well be a form of acne, where the spots go inwards rather than outwards, and these would need a different treatment altogether, such as antibiotics and Isotretinoin cream. Forget any DIY treatment and go and see someone properly qualified if you want to retain your looks.

TV BLACKOUTS

Q

I've just started suffering from blackouts. They usually start with a high-pitched tone in my ears, followed by impaired vision, then vomiting. It often happens while I'm watching a TV show with flashing lights. Do you think this is epilepsy-related? Please help as I'm really worried by it.

A

It doesn't sound like any common form of epilepsy. Your symptoms could be caused by low blood pressure leading up to a fainting attack. But blackouts should never be ignored and you should definitely have some tests to rule out any heart or nervous system problem. Your GP can arrange these for you.

NO EYELASHES

Q

My granddaughter is 12 years old, but she doesn't seem to have any eyelashes under her eyes. She also has very itchy eyes all the time. Is there any treatment she can be given to make her eyelashes grow?

A

If the itching is caused 
by an allergy, it's easy to treat using eye drops, such 
as Opticrom. But it's possible she has eyelashes that are turned inwards towards the eye, causing irritation. Her GP can easily check and arrange for this to be corrected if necessary.

How can I stop my ears ringing?

Q About 10 years ago I had a car crash and was close to death. Ever since I've suffered with tinnitus and ringing in my ears. This happens day and night and affects my balance. Can you give me some advice?

A Damage to the sensitive balance mechanism inside the inner ear can lead to tinnitus and giddiness but, although in your case a head injury is the most obvious cause, there are other possibilities. If the ear, nose and throat specialist has ruled these out, you might like to try a masking device – like a tiny hearing aid worn in the ear – which emits a background "white" noise to distract you from the ringing sound inside your head. If cinnarizine tablets don't help your balance, some special physiotherapy might.

CAN'T STOMACH IT

Q I'm a 27-year-old woman and I get painful stomach cramps. It gets so bad that

I scream and can't move for about 15 minutes. Can you tell me why this is happening and what I can do to stop it?

A This could be caused by acid reflux from your stomach spasms, twisting of the intestine or even wind. Get your doctor to see you when the pain is there, so you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment to stop it returning.

Is it cancer?

Q About five years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Over the past few weeks I've been having pains in my head and down my neck. Do you think it's connected to my cancer? My doctors said it was stress, but I don't feel stressed at all.

A Your head and neck pains could only be linked to your prostate if it was an unusual side effect of treatment (eg Zoladex) or if the cancer had spread far beyond the gland to other parts of your body. This would show on a bone scan. If your cancer was caught and treated early, it is more likely that common conditions such as arthritis in your neck or tension headaches are the cause. Get a second opinion if you want further reassurance.

SUCH AN EYE SORE

Q I'm a 54-year-old man and I have been diagnosed with arthritis in my left eye. The doctor told me to take paracetamol, but is this enough? Don't I need to do something else?

A You can't get ÒarthritisÓ in your eye because that can only affect your joints. But some forms of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are caused by antibodies circulating in the bloodstream that can attack the structures inside your eye. This is known as iritis or uveitis. Drops to open up the pupil and steroids can suppress the inflammation, while paracetamol can ease the pain.

Q I'm a 17-year-old girl with very light skin but very dark body hair. I have excessive hair everywhere Ð it's so embarrassing. In the last couple of months it has grown even more. Can you tell me what's happening and what I can do?

A Your GP can test you for certain hormone-related conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome, which can sometimes cause unwanted body hair. But usually the cause is genetic and the only permanent solution requires hair follicle removal using electrolysis or, better still, laser treatment. Dianette, an oral contraceptive pill, can also prevent further hair growth and so can Vaniqa cream, available on prescription, used on the upper lip.

She won't put her foot down

Q Please can you advise me on my three-year-old daughter. For some reason she'll only walk on her tiptoes, rather than using her whole foot. She's been doing this for the past six months now and I'm beginning to get worried. My doctor says she'll grow out of it. Is he right?

A Talipes is quite a common condition, where the Achilles tendon at the back of the foot is too short and tight. This means that the child cannot easily put their foot flat to the floor and that their calf muscle is drawn higher up. Special exercises and splinting are sometimes enough to sort out the problem, but surgery to lengthen the tendon is occasionally needed.

First of all though, it's important to check to see that your daughter's heels aren't painful underneath for any reason, such as verrucae. That might be a simpler reason why she isn't walking correctly.

Where's my hair?

Q I'm a 22-year-old man and have noticed I'm thinning on top. It seems to be slowing down, but I'm still worried that I'll wake up one day and not have any hair left. Is there anything that I can do to slow down the process?

A Sometimes, a lot of your hair follicles go through a shedding and resting phase all at once ­ especially after an infection or a period of stress.

This can temporarily make your head of hair look generally thinner. But it will grow back. Get a blood test to rule out iron-deficiency anaemia or an underactive thyroid, and consider using Nanogen microfibres to disguise the thinning or Regaine solution to prevent further hair loss.

LIP LUMP

Q I have had a light brown scab on my top lip for two years. Sometimes it's soft, but most the time it's hard and crusty. I haven't been able to get rid of it ­ despite using lots of Vaseline. I'm 24, fit and my lips aren't dry or chapped, so what's the problem?

A Lumps and bumps can develop anywhere on the skin ­ lips included.

Papillomas are fleshy, warty growths that are benign, but rodent ulcers are a localized form of skin cancer that behave very much like your scab is doing. It's rare at just 24, but easily curable if you catch it early. So make sure you see your GP soon.

Shingle life

Q Can you tell me whether shingles is contagious and what the main symptoms are? I think I might have it and am worried about passing it on to my kids.

A Shingles is not contagious. You cannot catch shingles from someone else.

But if you have never had chicken pox, which is caused by exactly the same virus, or had the vaccination against it, you can easily come down with chicken pox if you are in contact with someone with active shingles. Typical symptoms include an area of itching which rapidly turns into a crop of painful, fluid-filled blisters, which burst and then crust over.

This can occur in any area of the body and almost always just on one side.

Teen Clinic - Young problems sorted

Q I am a 16-year-old girl who showers twice a day and uses deodorant, but can't stop sweating ­ especially when I get nervous. It is really bad and it comes through my clothes. Can you tell me how to stop this? It is very embarrassing.

A Wear loose clothing and apply an aluminium chloride roll-on solution such as Anhydrol or Driclor on your hands, feet and armpits. If you still experience embarrassing perspiration, you could consider Botox injections into the skin under your arms, or even an operation called a transthoracic sympathectomy, which cuts the nerves in your neck responsible for sweating.

Body Part Of The Week

The spinal cord

It connects the 100 billion nerve cells in the brain to distant nerves in the body.

Scientists hope to repair spinal cords in future using stem cells.

SEXUAL HEALING

Q I am very worried about my husband's testicles. He has small blood spots all over them. They are like little blisters and pop without reason, and some of them can bleed quite heavily. He has been to our doctor, who told him that it is nothing to worry about. But I am not so sure. Please can you help, or do we need a second opinion from a different doctor?

A These purple spots are quite common on men's scrotums. They occur because the skin in that area is thin and delicate and the underlying blood vessels are easily traumatized. He shouldn't try to pop or squeeze them ­ but if they bleed heavily when left alone he could get them checked again just in case.

My boobs are ruining my life

Star Letter

Q I would like to know how I can get a breast reduction. Since having my children, my boobs are huge. I suffer from chronic back pain and I¹m sure it¹s to do with their size. Can you give me some advice?

A Back strain, bra straps cutting into the skin or constantly sore skin under breasts which are much larger than average are all reasons why a breast reduction procedure is appropriate. The psychological effect can also be a powerful and persuasive factor. You may be eligible for cosmetic surgery on the NHS, depending on your local hospital¹s policy. Your GP can refer you locally, or contact the British Association of Cosmetic Surgeons (www.b-a-c-s.co.uk) for a private consultation.

EYE TROUBLE

Q I¹m worried about a twitching in my left eye. It happens three or four times a day. I¹ve also started getting a tapping noise in my left ear while my left eye waters at the same time. What¹s going on?

A They could be related.

A blocked tear duct due to low-grade infection might be responsible and should be easy to treat. If the twitching continues ­ due to irritation of the tiny muscles in the eyelids ­ Botox would stop it. Get your GP to look at your eardrum too ­ catarrh fluid behind it is the likeliest cause of the tapping noise.

BLISTERING ISSUE

Q Over the last year I¹ve had blisters appearing on the lower parts of both legs. When they burst, water comes out, they become really sore and take ages to heal. How do I stop them?

A Blistering like this is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection or an allergy. The recurrence makes an allergy ­ possibly to fleas or medication ­ most likely. Once the cause is identified, it can be treated effectively.

AM I PREGNANT?

Q I¹m 54 and haven¹t had a period for six months. However, I recently had unprotected sex and took the morning-after pill. But I¹m not sure how this pill works. Should it bring on a period? It hasn¹t and now I¹m worried that I might be pregnant.

A At 54 and with no periods for six months, it¹s highly unlikely that you would be pregnant after one episode of unprotected sex. The morning-after pill, which must be taken within 72 hours of intercourse, prevents ovulation and fertilization and makes the womb lining unfavourable for an embryo. You probably aren¹t ovulating anyway and if your womb isn¹t being influenced by regular periods, it wouldn¹t cause the usual ³withdrawal² bleed. Relax, but do a pregnancy test for total peace of mind.

SEXUAL HEALING

Q Sex with my boyfriend was great at first, but one day he lost his erection. When it happened again, he confessed that his ex said he was rubbish in bed. It¹s really knocked his confidence and is ruining our relationship.

A Anxiety and self-consciousness can affect a man psychologically so that he loses an erection. But sex was fine to begin with so I suspect there may be other reasons. I¹d advise him to see his doctor to talk through any issues.

Viagra would certainly overcome the problem and boost his confidence in the future.

Teen clinic - Young problems sorted

Q I¹m 14 and have been depressed for the last year and half. Although I was on medication, I had to come off it because I started to faint a lot. Please help me. I can¹t tell my mum how I feel and I don¹t know what to do.

A Talk to a trusted friend, relative or teacher about how you feel because their help and support could really cheer you up. But you need to see your doctor again too because it sounds like you would really benefit from some medication and there are lots of different alternatives to the one you had.

Given some ongoing counselling and treatment, I¹m positive you would start to feel loads better in just a fortnight or so.