THE DOC REPLIES

What causes a stye? I’m often tenderness and swelling. troubled by them and However, this condition often wondered if there was an usually affects the feet as well underlying reason. as the hands. Raynaud’s

A stye is usually caused by a phenomenon can also cause bacterial infection in one of colour changes to hands the glands of the eyelid, or at including redness, and so can the base of an eyelash. These some nerve-related are usually self-limiting and conditions. resolve within one or two

I’m troubled by prickly heat in weeks. Styes can vary in their

warm weather. How can I size and discomfort,

avoid it? depending on which structure

Try to avoid excessive heat is affected. Simple over-theand humidity. If you do need counter painkillers or a warm to go out in extreme heat, use compress can help manage a small fan or spend time in the symptoms. the shade. Wearing loose Is there a case to legalise cotton clothing will help keep marijuana use for pain relief? you cool as well as taking a

Marijuana remains an illegal cool bath or shower. If you drug due to the potential are unfortunate enough to health implications and get prickly heat, addictive properties. Certain calomine lotion and compounds of this drug, antihistamine tablets called cannabinoids, may can help the itch. have use in the future for Avoiding managing pain, and there becoming are ongoing clinical trials. But dehydrated can the legalisation of marijuana also help – drinking in its pure form may not be plenty of water is the answer. essential in hot

weather. My hands go red, from the tips to the wrists, in the evening. I’m 78 and eat a relatively Any ideas? small amount – a bowl of

porridge and half a tin of The skin of the hands can

sardines a day. My BMI is change colour for a number

25.5. Is this normal? of different reasons and in a

This seems a rather small number of different

amount. Healthy eating conditions. This is primarily at

requires a varied and night. It could be related to a

balanced diet. Further advice very rare condition called

regular amounts of diary, erythromyalgia. In this protein, carbohydrate and condition patients usually fats can be found on the NHS notice burning associated Choices and NHS Inform with itch, initially, before it websites. becomes more progressive. As well as changes in colour I’m woken in the morning by and pain there is usually pain in what feels like my WHEN IN DOUBT CONTACT YOUR OWN GP