Ask our Doc
Don’t be shy – Chat’s Dr Martin Edwards is a family GP who’s seen it all before…
Easily bruised
Q I’m coming out in bruises – often from tiny knocks that I don’t even remember! Em, 37
ASome people are prone to bruising easily, and it’s common in older people as their skin is more fragile.
But if it appears out of the blue, it should be checked – it could be a drug side effect, or a fall in clot-forming platelets in your blood, due to infection or blood disease. See your GP.
Wonky nose
Q I broke my nose, but the hospital doctor said it didn’t need treatment. I don’t want it to be crooked! Shel, 32
AIf your nose is broken, but in place, it should heal straight without treatment.
If it’s bent, or one nostril is blocked, your doctor may suggest an op to rebreak it and set it straight, usually about 10 days after the break.
Patchy face
Q There’s a palebrown patch all across my forehead, cheeks, and chin, it looks like it’s been sprayed on!
What is it? Gabby, 32
ASounds like chloasma. Oestrogen hormone, usually from pregnancy or the Pill, triggers skin cells to produce brown pigment.
It usually clears after you stop taking the Pill or give birth, although sunscreen, or bleaching cream from a doctor can help.
‘Erm,it’s a bit... personal’ Frisky risk
Q My GP said my blood pressure’s a bit high and I’m afraid to have sex.
How dangerous would it be? Lilian, 48
ASex can bump blood pressure up by around 20 points, which is fine for a healthy person, and it should go back to normal within a few minutes.
Unless your GP says you have uncontrolled or very high pressure, sex should be no more dangerous than climbing stairs!
Breast concern
Q A patch of skin on my breast is swollen and has large pores – it looks like orange peel! Ginny, 60
AIt’s peau d’orange, French for orange skin. It happens when tiny lymphatic vessels that drain fluid from skin are blocked.
The most common cause for this is breast cancer, which is often curable in early stages. See your doctor.