Will the Pill really cure my acne?

Aug 26 2007 DR GARETH SMITH

Q I AM 16 and have really bad acne. My GP suggested that I start on the Pill. Will this help?

A ORAL contraceptive pills can be used to control bad acne. The Pill helps stabilise fluctuating hormones that can make the acne worse. It is well worth giving it a try.

Q MY five-year-old son broke his arm after falling while out playing. How long will it take to heal properly?

A BROKEN bones heal at different rates depending on the bone, the severity of the fracture and the age of the child.

Very young children can heal in as little as three weeks, whereas teenagers can take up to six weeks for the same break.

In your son's case, if it was a clean break the plaster should be off in around four weeks.

Q I AM six months pregnant. Is it OK for me to get my hair dyed or will it affect the baby?

A DOCTORS used to advise that you should not use hair dye during pregnancy but now they are a little more lenient.

There are very few studies that look at the effect of dye on the foetus but the evidence is that most dyes are probably safe as the amount of chemical absorbed by the skin is minimal. It's best to use non-permanent dyes. If in doubt, speak to your hairdresser.

Q I FOUND my toddler son eating out of the dog's bowl the other day. I was too embarrassed to take him to the doctor. Will it do him any harm?

A IT won't do him any harm but you may need to treat him for worms if your dog had been eating out of it before him.

Dog food is not usually made from the highest quality meat but it is cooked so that your dog doesn't get stomach upsets.

If your son gets bad diarrhoea that lasts for a couple of days you should have him checked out but in future I would feed the dog behind a closed door so your son doesn't get tempted by Pedigree Chum again.

Q MY mother died six months ago and I feel like I have sunk into depression. I cry every day and don't want to see anyone. Should I go to the doctor or is this normal grief?

A IT is normal to feel low and depressed after a loss but if you feel really down and you are avoiding people it may be that you have developed a depressive illness.

I would suggest that you speak to your doctor. He can give treatment and refer you for counselling if he feels you are depressed.