Lack of sleep is a nightmare

Nov 23 2008 Dr Gareth Smith

Q I USED to be a heavy drinker and nearly needed a liver transplant due to cirrhosis. Since I stopped I get terrible night sweats and bad dreams. I used to drink to help me sleep but I don't want to go down that road again.

A CIRRHOSIS causes scarring of the liver so it is more difficult for the body to get rid of waste products. Sometimes these build up in the bloodstream causing sweats, which in turn will give you bad dreams. Make sure you sleep in a cool room with a table fan beside the bed, have a light duvet but, above all, don't drink.

Q I HAD a reaction to a black henna tattoo done while on holiday. Now I've been told I should not colour my greying hair as I will probably be allergic to the dye. Is this true?

A HENNA is not black, more a dark red. If you get a "black henna" tattoo then it is most likely contaminated with PPD, a chemical derived from coal tar which can cause severe blistering. You will have antibodies in your blood that will react to small amounts of this chemical found in hair dye so I am afraid you will have to go grey gracefully.

Q I HAVE had private laser therapy for thread veins on my nose but one or two just won't go away. My doctor says there is nothing else to be done to get rid of them. Is he right?

A THERE is another treatment - sclerotherapy - where a chemical is injected into the vein through a tiny needle. This causes a reaction and closes up the vein. Ask your doctor about it.

Q I HAVE a terrible infection in my eyebrow that causes my eye to swell up at night to the point I can't see in the morning. I have had several courses of antibiotics but they haven't helped. What could be causing it?

A IT sounds like folliculitis - an infection at the root of the hair. If it isn't clearing, your GP should refer you to a dermatologist who will try stronger antibiotics.

Q I HAVE really sweaty palms. Is there anything I can do to stop it as it's embarrassing?

A THIS is a common problem. Try using an aluminium-based antiperspirant, such as Driclor, which works by blocking the sweat glands. A longer-lasting solution is to have Botox injections into the palms. This turns the sweat glands off and can last for three to four months.

Q I HAVE a bad catarrh and can't smell or taste anything.

A TRY lactose-free milk. Antihistamines from the chemist may help but you may need your GP for a steroid nasal spray.