q I am dark, and I want to be fair. Many skin fairness creams are advertised by celebrities who are fair and attractive.

Bleaching and skin fairness creams are not a solution to being dark. Doctors may prescribe fairness creams to tackle a blemish or dark scar on your skin. They should be used for a limited duration only as prescribed. Skin-bleaching products that are purchased over the counter and used indiscriminately have a lot of side effects. Many of them contain mercury, and this can cause heavy metal poisoning and kidney failure. Sometimes, they can cause pimples, acne and allergic skin reactions. They can also react with the skin, inadvertently making it darker.

If you want to lighten your skin naturally, apply a paste of curd, chana powder and a few drops of lime juice. Keep it on for 10 minutes then wash off. Also, do not use talcum powder or any other cream on your face as these can react with sunlight and cause further darkening.

It is not true that only fair people are beautiful. It is better if we are happy with our skin colour.

Dandruff relief q I have severe dandruff. I have tried all kinds of remedies, but I need help to get rid of it.

With dandruff, the problem is that the rate of skin shedding is slower than the rate of skin growth. As a result, flakes of dandruff build up and produce itchy skin. Try washing your hair on alternate days, rotating between three different shampoos: Selsun, Head and Shoulders and the antifungal Nizral shampoo. If there is still no relief, what you are suffering from may not be dandruff at all but seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis. If there is no relief after 2-3 months of using this medley of shampoos, you need to consult a dermatologist to see if the diagnosis is different and if specific treatment is needed for that particular condition.

Ulcer cause q I have frequent attacks of bloating and abdominal pain. I was told that I had an ulcer. At that time, I was under a lot of stress. Could that have been the cause of the ulcer?

Many studies have shown that stress does not cause ulcers but, sometimes, the way people respond to stress can aggravate a preexisting ulcer, especially if it makes you increase your smoking or alcohol consumption or makes your food habits irregular.

Body odour q My elderly aunt has a strange, unpleasant odour. I don’t understand why some older adults smell different.

It may be caused by the soap and shampoo they use or by the need to change their clothes regularly. It may also be because their skin is dry and tends to flake off. It may be a typical odour due to certain diseases, such as diabetes or liver or renal disease.

Low back pain q I frequently develop lower back aches, especially after travel. I was advised bed rest and medication but, after a few months, the pain always returns.

New studies have shown that prolonged periods of bed rest weaken the core muscles, which are essential to support the spine. It is better to continue walking, as it is a very low-impact aerobic exercise. It helps strengthen the paraspinal muscles on either side of the spine and helps to keep spinal bones in place. In addition, try incorporating core strengthening exercises into a regular workout schedule. A physiotherapist can teach you appropriate exercises. Yoga also helps to strengthen the spine. With regular exercise, you are likely to go twice as long without developing back aches. Exercise works like medicine and is a magic pill.

The writer has a family practice at Vellore and is the author of Staying Healthy in Modern India. If you have any questions on health issues please write to yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in