Dr Bernadette Carr is here to answer your questions

I had a cold two weeks ago and although it has gone, I have a runny, itchy nose. What should I do?

A runny, itchy nose can be a nuisance and certainly not something you want prolonged. It is possible that these symptoms are due to your recent cold and maybe due to an inflammation of the lining of the nose; rhinitis.

Symptoms of rhinitis include:

* Runny or blocked nose.

* Itchy nose.

* Sneezing.

* Post-nasal drip causing cough.

* Reduced sense of smell.

* Irritation around the outside of the nose.

* Headache.

There are two possible reasons for rhinitis, a cold or an allergy. With a cold, there is a build up of fluid in the tissues in the nose and the blood vessels in the nose become swollen.

The nasal passages become blocked by the swelling and this stimulates the mucus glands in the nose resulting in either a blocked or runny nose. Rhinitis as a result of an allergy is caused by exposure to irritants or environmental triggers and avoiding these may help in reducing the symptoms. These include:

* Smoke, strong fumes or chemicals.

* Perfume.

* Hot spicy foods, alcohol, food colourings or preservatives.

* Side-effect of medication.

* A drop in weather temperature.

* Dust mites.

* Pollen.

* Stress is also a potential cause of rhinitis.

If the runny and itchy nose is the result of a viral infection, such as your recent cold, rather than an allergy, it should resolve itself when the infection clears. However, if the symptoms continue then I would suggest you make an appointment with your GP.

My husband has developed a red/purple itchy rash on his arms. I have read about lichen planus and wonder if this could be the cause.

Lichen (small bumps) planus (flat) is an itchy skin rash; it is common and affects the wrists, scalps, trunk and thighs, mouth, arms and legs, nails and genitals.

Men and women are equally affected and people aged 30 to 60 years; it affects 1 to 2% of the world’s population.

Although it is not caused by an infection so is not passes from person to person, the exact cause is unknown.

It is possible that the immune system is triggered by a virus and attacks the skin cells. This leads to inflammation and then to a rash which is usually small reddish purple shiny, flat bumps.

The itch varies from person to person and from mild to severe, it can develop either over a few days or a few weeks with new bumps replacing faded bumps, each bump can last for a few months. The rash does clear and most people will recover within months.

Although it is possible that your husband has lichen planus, it is important that he has a diagnosis.

I would advise him to make an appointment to see his GP, who can examine him to rule out an underlying medical condition or allergy and make a diagnosis.

In the meantime, here is some are some general suggestions:

* Use unscented soap, shower and bath products use plain water and aqueous cream.

* Use an emollient to keep the skin moisturised.

* To take antihistamines to relieve the itch.

* I am sure that his GP will reassure your husband and advise on the most appropriate treatment to manage the symptoms.