Ask our doc
Don’t be shy – Chat’s Dr Martin Edwards is a family GP who’s seen it all before…
No antibiotics
QMy whole hand was red and swollen after an insect bite, but my doctor didn’t give me antibiotics! Why? Emily, Sheffield
AInfection from insect bites is quite rare. This was probably an allergic reaction, not an infection, so antibiotics won’t help. Take antihistamines from the chemist; see your GP if there’s pus or you’re feverish.
I’m yellow!
QI felt ill and turned yellow after a holiday abroad and my GP diagnosed hepatitis. But will I have permanent damage? Tali, Milton Keynes
AAlmost certainly not. You probably had an infection with hepatitis A virus from contaminated food or water, which usually clears completely in a few weeks. Hepatitis B or C viruses can cause liver damage, but are caught from contaminated injections, blood transfusions or, rarely, sex.
Dry-mouth dilemma
QMy mouth has become so dry, it’s horrible and makes eating a chore. What’s wrong? Adrianne, Halifax
AA dry mouth in the morning could mean your nose is blocked. Constant dryness could be due to side-effects of drugs such as antidepressants, anxiety, dehydration or, rarely, diseases which affect your salivary glands. Treatment depends on the cause, so see your GP – but, meanwhile, try a mouth spray.