Dr Bernadette Carr answers your questions on rosacea and bunions

Dr Bernadette Carr says that as many as one in 10 people may have rosacea.

Q. I am a woman in my 40s and I wonder if I have rosacea.

I have noticed that the skin on my face gets very red at times, particularly in the cold weather and after having a hot drink.

A. Rosacea is a condition which causes the face to flush or become red on fair-skinned people affecting the forehead, cheeks, nose and often the chin.

It can also cause spots, thickening of the skin and dry eyes. Symptoms are usually mild and not everyone will experience all of the symptoms.

It is more common in women, but it tends to be more severe in men and as many as one in 10 people may have the condition.

It occurs in the second half of life and is associated with facial flushing.

It is known as a relapsing condition as there are periods when it will be severe and other periods when it will be mild.

Although there have been many suggestions, the cause of rosacea is unknown.

A number of triggers have been identified and these include:

* Exposure to sunlight

* Weather — either hot or cold

* Stress

* Hot drinks

* Alcohol and caffeine

* Hot or spicy foods

* Hot baths

* Skin products and cosmetics, particularly incorrect use of topical steroids

* Exercise

* Indoor heating.

I would advise you to make an appointment to visit your GP who can examine your skin and make a diagnosis.

In the meantime, here are some general suggestions:

* Try to reduce your exposure to triggers

* Reduce stress

* Use a gentle non-abrasive cleanser on your face twice a day

* Avoid alcohol based products on your face and scented soaps

* Avoid toners as they may irritate the skin

* Reduce your consumption of alcohol and caffeine based drinks

* When out in the cold, wear a hat and cover your lower face with a scarf.

I am sure your GP will be able to advise on the most appropriate management.

Q. I’m in my 30s and have bunions which get quite painful from time to time.

Is there anything I can do other than surgery to improve them and reduce some of the pain they cause?

A. Bunions, as you have found, can be very painful and cause a lot of discomfort.

A bunion or hallux valgus is a deformity of the joint at the base of the big toe.

In adolescents or young adults, there is often a family history.

It is more common in females and occurs most frequently in the sixth decade of life.

It is unclear why the deformity occurs but wearing tight or badly fitting shoes tends to exacerbate the problem.

The big toe is angled towards the second toe and this causes a bump on the side of the base of the big toe.

The skin and tissue next to the joint can become swollen and painful when it rubs against the inside of your shoe.

Sometimes changes to your footwear can ease the symptoms, particularly reducing the discomfort, but will not delay the progression of the condition.

It is possible that surgery might be advised.

I would advise you to make an appointment with your GP who can examine your feet and advise on the most appropriate treatment.

In the meantime, here are some general suggestions to consider:

* Wear shoes that fit well and have room around the toe. If you are buying new shoes ask to have your feet measured

* Try to avoid wearing high heeled shoes or shoes with pointed toes

* You can buy small pads to place over the bunion. Your pharmacist can advise you

* Foot exercises

* Paracetamol or ibuprofen may help to ease the pain.

Your GP will be able to assess the bunions and offer advice and referral onwards if needed.