Q Our youngest child, aged six, has just come through chicken pox but, seven days after the event, there is no sign of marks on her siblings. Her two eldest siblings, however, (13 and 10) have had flu-like symptoms, and vomiting, intermittently for the last few days. Could they be fighting off chicken pox, or is it likely they have some other illness, like a prequel to flu? There is an outbreak of measles in the area, but they have all been vaccinated, and the eldest (13) had his booster last year. Also, is there any chance of them escaping from chicken pox, although none of them have had it as children? Two other siblings share the same bedroom as the youngest, although she is fully recovered now.

Q I broke my big toe while playing football three weeks ago. My GP taped it up to the toe next to it and said, with rest, it should get better within a couple of weeks. But the toe is still painful and is bruised.

Q. I had a car accident three years ago and have had back problems ever since. At the start of the year the pain was so intense I had to take a week off work. Gentle exercise gives me some relief but it only takes a sudden wrong move to put my back out. I’ve also been to a chiropractor but the results are only temporary. My doctor says I should consider key hole surgery but I am concerned it may cause more harm than good. What do you think?

Q My first baby was born three months ago. I am breastfeeding her and am in good health except for a dramatic loss of hair. Normally my hair is thick and curly but now it is fine and lacklustre. I know it’s normal to lose a certain amount of hair after birth but at the rate mine is falling out I’m worried I will end up with bald patches. What do you suggest?

Q. My nine-year-old suffers from dry skin on her arms and legs. Her siblings do not seem to suffer from this condition, and she is constantly looking for a good cream to alleviate the itch and irritation it causes. She no longer wears long-sleeved clothes as a result, and would wear shorts and T-shirts all year round if she could. The skin on her limbs is quite flaky, but not on her face or torso, where it seems quite normal. Her knuckles can also get very dry. Can you recommend a good moisturiser?

Q I’ve just turned 40 and am a reasonably fit male. Recently, I’ve noticed I seem to bemore tired all the time, no matter how much sleep I get. Last week, I went for a short jog and was shocked by how exhausted I felt afterwards. I’ve been a vegetarian for ten years and am wondering if something is missing from my diet.