THE DOC REPLIES

I take nine tablets a day and because I find it difficult to take them I’ve started coating them in butter. My daughter says I’ll have to take more pills for my cholesterol soon as I’m now eating too much butter! Is it safe to use this method?

If you want to continue this method I am sure healthy margarine – such as olive spread – is equally good at coating pills as butter. You might want to talk to your GP or pharmacist to see if some of the pills could be combined or merged to reduce what is now known as the drug burden.

What causes dandruff? Is it something I’m eating? I’m 69 and get it regularly. It’s very embarrassing.

Dandruff is typically caused by mild fungal infection of the scalp, which then causes flaking. The usual treatment is with selenium sulphide shampoo (known as Selsun) which is available from pharmacies. If you keep being re-infected, change your hair brushes and thoroughly wash any headgear – like cycling helmets and so on – if you use it.

I’ve developed a dark red blood vessel on my lip. Is it safe to burst?

Blood blisters are very common on the lip. They usually go away without being burst but if you do burst it accidentally, cover it with some antiseptic to reduce the infection risk.

I’ve developed eczema on the back of my hands. My doctor said it’s nothing to do with my pet but I’m tempted to get rid of my dog to see if it will help improve matters. What do you think?

Most pet owners only get rid of their animal as a last resort if they develop a skin condition or an allergy. Perhaps lend your dog to a family member or friend for a week and see if your condition improves before you make a final decision. If the eczema is just on the back of the hands then bear in mind it could be the dog lead and not the dog.

When I awake, my hands are numb and sometimes I have quite tingly fingers. Should I get this checked out?

It can be very common to have slight numbness or pins and needles in either hand or arm on waking if you sleep in an awkward position. Try adjusting your pillow and how you sleep to see if it clears. If not, your GP should check it out.

I’m 70 and play golf twice a week. I’m quite fit but I’ve recently had to start getting up an hour after going to bed to rub my legs below the knee as they’re beginning to ache. Is this normal?

Aching of the legs and a bit of cramp is common in fit, elderly people. Professional golfers do a stretching routine before playing. Indeed Tiger Woods gets up at six in the morning to do this and then has a gentle warm down afterwards. Professionals also drink isotonic fluids during and after play to minimise muscle aches and stiffness.

I’ve been put on warfarin tablets but wondered how much it was safe to drink? I’m a 60-year-old male with no other health problems.

Warfarin levels monitored by the INR test is affected by changes in your alcohol consumption. Common sense advice would be to reduce your alcohol intake down to an acceptably safe limit and then keep it steady.

Is it safe to use sweetener tablets? I use six or seven in my tea but a friend said this might be harmful.

Some sweeteners contain aspartame or “E numbers”. Sometimes these chemicals can cause hyperactivity or irritable bladder or bowel. Anyway, what’s wrong with plain tea?

I’m a 65-year-old woman who has begun to thin on top. Would hormone replacement therapy help?

HRT has no effect on hair thinning in women. Check with your GP to see if there is any scalp condition causing a problem and see if you need any thyroid or other blood tests to look for medical causes.