Ask our Doc Feeling stiff
Don’t be shy – Chat’s Dr Martin Edwards is a family GP who’s seen it all before… The side of my fingertip became red and swollen where it meets the nail. My GP gave me antibiotics but now there’s pus. Carol, 43
Pus on my finger Q A
Sounds like a paronychia, an infection between the skin and your nail. Antibiotics can nip it in the bud but, once pus forms, you’ll probably need it cut and drained in A&E – don’t try it yourself!
Q
I’m getting stiffer every morning, especially in my hips, knees, shoulders and back. It wears off during the day, is it just old age? Marilyn, 52
A
It could be mild wear and tear combined with lack of fitness, in which case exercise should help. But morning stiffness can also point to joint inflammation from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and you should see your GP.
White spots Q
I’ve noticed I have white spots on my fingernails. Does it mean something’s wrong? Tina, 40
A
These leukonychia, or so-called milk spots, usually result from minor nail damage. Sometimes the tendency is inherited, and they’ll eventually grow out and are safe to ignore. Rarely, they might occur in people with kidney or lung disease, or as a side effect of some cancer drugs.
‘Erm,it’s a bit... personal’ Uneven nipples Q
The brown areas around my nipples are oval and uneven. I hate them, how can I make them nice and round? Alana, 31
A
your areola, the brown or pink skin around the nipple, is usually roughly circular but an oval shape is quite common. Changing this would mean a private op to trim it to shape, which might leave a slight scar.
Painful boils Q
I keep coming out in boils on the lips of my vagina – they look hideous and make sex painful. How can I stop them? Ellie, 26
A
Boils in this area are usually the result of infected hair follicles or oilmaking glands in your skin. Wear loose, cotton undies and avoid shaving, as tiny nicks can lead to infection. your GP might suggest an antibacterial soap, a change of contraceptive pill or, if necessary, antibiotics.