I constantly get red spots on my nose, which are very tender. No sooner do they calm down than they return in the same area. My doctor prescribed Rozex gel but it hardly makes any difference. I’m 75 and otherwise healthy. Patricia Harris, via email. This is most likely to be a form of rosacea, … Read more
Watching a white-tailed eagle soar above the glistening pewter waters of the Inner Hebrides from the deck of a cruise ship — freshly-brewed coffee in hand — is one of those moments only holidays on the sea can deliver. Being out on the waves, feeling the gentle roll of the water, is like no other … Read more
I have itchy, red eyes and small red bumps on the edges of my eyelid and inside. The optometrist diagnosed blepharitis and a chalazion and gave me antibiotic ointment. There are still some flakes. Could Manuka honey help? Janet Nichols, via email. Blepharitis is a common condition characterised by inflammation of the eyelid edges and … Read more
A personal trainer has answered the most common questions she is asked by clients, including what is the best way to lose weight and how can you develop a healthy relationship with food. Sophie Allen, 31, from Sydney, looks after hundreds of clients under her Train With Soph program, and has learned a lot about … Read more
I woke up one morning a week ago with one bright red eye. It’s not sore but looks quite startling. A few days beforehand, I’d had a migraine. Are the two things linked, or could it be that I am staring at screens too much? Most people will get slightly bloodshot eyes from time to … Read more
The Holiday Guru is always on hand to answer your questions. This week he helps a reader claim a refund from Brittany Ferries, provides advice on post-Brexit travel – and more. Q. Last year we booked a holiday to Spain, sailing with Brittany Ferries so we could take our caravan. But due to lockdown, we … Read more
My 66-year-old father has developed insomnia. He has no serious underlying medical problems, but takes ramipril. Could it be stress-related or linked to the ‘manopause’? S. Smith, North London. We all have a strong biological drive to sleep, peaking in childhood and young adulthood. The sleep pattern tends to go off the rails later in … Read more
I have hypnic headaches (the ‘alarm clock’ headache). None of my medications has eliminated these, and last year an MRI scan was clear. Could an optical nerve block help? Name and address supplied. Hypnic headaches have a unique characteristic — they only occur during sleep, causing those affected to wake up (hence the name ‘alarm … Read more
Disgraced fund manager Neil Woodford is still under investigation by the City watchdog – but that hasn’t stopped him setting up an investment firm in a bid to revive his career. Woodford’s original investment empire collapsed in 2019 and since then, savers who entrusted him with their money have lost at least £1billion. That is … Read more
I’ve had shingles for six weeks. It’s no longer contagious but is very painful. My doctor has prescribed medications but they all make me sick. Is there anything that can reduce the nerve pain? Jenny Johnson, Chesterfield, Derbyshire How miserable for you to be suffering still with nerve pain. But fortunately, it is treatable. Long-term … Read more