Ask the doctor

Dear Doctor I have very painful boils growing in my mouth and it hurts to eat and drink. What causes these and how do I treat them?

Sores or any abnormalities inside the mouth can arise from a number of causes. Bite injuries to the tongue or inside of the cheek are a common cause of mouth sores. People get them usually because of stress, infection, or changes in immune status. They can also be caused by deficiencies in some B vitamins, B1, B2, B6 and B12), iron, folic acid and zinc. First, get your diet in check to make sure you have all the nutrients, stop drinking alcohol and restrict your use of sugar. If there is no improvement, see your doctor for investigation and treatment.

Hi Doctor I went on a trip and had an allergic reaction. Now, I have small pimple-like bumps on my chest that are extremely itchy when I apply lotion or soap. How do I treat these?

I think you should consult a doctor for a thorough history and physical examination. Allergic reactions usually disappear after removing the trigger and treatment. Pimples on your chest may be something else. Please get it checked.

Dear Doctor I suffer from eyes that are swollen and puffy. This happens every day and I’ve tried using antihistamines and eye drops but they don’t seem to be working. What should I do?

Usually, puffy eyes resolve on their own, if they don’t they may then be symptoms of other eye conditions that may require examination by an eye care professional. They can be caused by fluid retention, stress, allergies, hormone changes and other factors. Please see your ophthalmologist to rule out any of the above.