THE DOC REPLIES

MY doc thinks I should use a topical lotion once a day and Regaine once a day to treat alopecia, what are your thoughts?

You don’t tell me if you are male or female, or the kind of alopecia you have. Some people lose their hair completely and some people lose their hair in patches. This is notoriously difficult to treat. There is some suggestion that some steroid treatments used topically will help a little. There certainly isn’t a cure, I’m sorry to say. Of course, we all lose hair a little as get older, men more than ladies. There are some topical preparations and the medicine you describe which can reduce this hair loss and even thicken the hair a little bit. The medications are not universally available on the National Health Service, except in specialised cases. I think it is likely to be safe that you try Regaine, but I think that you should still have medical advice from somebody who knows your particular condition. If you have a severe form of alopecia which is not normal in relation to the aging process, then your doctor may refer you to a skin specialist for advice and treatment.

SHOULD my husband be having daytime naps? He likes them but I don’t think they’re healthy – and he often wakes up in a bad mood!

Without being certain of your husband’s age or if there are any other clinical conditions – many people nap during the day. It seems to come more easily to men, though. It is also obviously a bit more common as we get older. It is not in itself an indication of illness, however.

WHAT are the signs of liver and bowel cancer? My dad died from liver and bowel cancer due to alcohol.

My suspicion from your story is that your father may have had bowel cancer which then spread to the liver. This isn’t uncommon. Bowel cancer is suspected if there is a change in bowel pattern, vague abdominal pain, passing blood, unexplained weight loss or anaemia. It is more common if it is in the family, and there are certain conditions that are hereditary. I think you should have a chat with your own Doctor. Explain what happened with your dad and whether there is likely to be any hereditary implication for yourself, or whether a specialist geneticist should be involved. Obviously, as with everything, a healthy lifestyle, avoiding excess alcohol, smoking and being aware of worrying symptoms is the way forward – but without making your life miserable.

MY eight-year-old son has started to hyperventilate if he’s upset. It’s very hard to calm him down. What do you recommend?

This can be quite a common problem and it is probably best not to make too much fuss about it. Having a conversation with him at a time when he is calm and trying to distract him when you see it developing is a better idea.

I’VE recently switched to night shift due to changes at work. Is it worth buying a sun lamp?

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones. Our bodies get vitamin D from direct sunlight on our skin when we are outdoors. During spring and summer, there is usually plenty direct sunlight to provide us with enough vitamin D, even if we only spend small amounts of time out of doors. However, this is less likely during the winter months. I would not recommend buying a sun lamp to improve your vitamin D levels as these can be harmful. However, if you are concerned, take a vitamin D supplement – which you can buy over the counter.

I WENT for a hike last month. My shoes didn’t fit properly, and when I took them off my big toenails were black. A month later, they’re the same!

The blackness is blood and it can take many months to disappear. Sometimes the nail will come off. If, however, the nail requires to grow out it may take a year for the blackness to clear.

Unfortunately The Doc can’t directly reply to individual letters. When in doubt speak to your GP