Ask the doctor:
Professor Kerryn Phelps answers readers’ questions on eczema, dandruff, bloodshot eyes, headaches and having a vegetarian child.
readers’ health questions answered
Q My husband has been getting a lot of dandruff lately. None of the antidandruff shampoos are working. What causes it and what else should he try? T.O.
He should see his GP so that the skin of his scalp can be closely examined. A gentle unscented non-soap scalp cleanser may be all that is needed. However, it may be seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis or a fungal skin infection needing specific medical treatment.
Q My job requires me to be at my computer all day. I have been experiencing very watery and bloodshot eyes recently. Can you suggest something to help them? I sometimes use saline drops, but that’s all. K.L.
Your red eyes may not be related to your computer use. Have your eyes checked by your GP or optometrist. Possibilities include conjunctivitis, allergy, scleritis and uveitis.
Q My 10-year-old daughter has become a vegetarian. Should I be giving her a multivitamin to ensure she isn’t missing out on essential nutrients? D.V.
It is possible to have a healthy vegetarian child, but it takes a lot of information and effort. See a dietitian for an eating plan to make sure she is not missing out on essential nutrients. The main risks for deficiency are iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and protein. Try to include eggs and tofu. A multivitamin and a protein supplement may help to plug the gaps.
Q I’m only 29 years old, but I keep getting severe tension headaches that last only a few minutes. Are these common? What can bring them on? A.S.
This is not the usual pattern for tension headaches. See a physiotherapist who specialises in spinal conditions to check your neck, and your GP can check you for other possible causes.
Q I’m 28 years old and have had eczema since I was five, but this year has been the worst. I have seen a dermatologist, but unfortunately, it has flared up again. How do I get my eczema under control? S.M.
You need a comprehensive approach. Acute flare-ups may need steroid creams, but they do have disadvantages when used long term and they do not treat the cause. There may be a food allergy (typically gluten, dairy, egg or nuts), which you can identify with an elimination diet. Environmental chemicals, such as cosmetics, may make it worse. Make sure you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Supplements which may help include zinc, vitamin E, fish oil, flaxseed oil, vitamin C and the probiotic lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG.