I have been suffering from swollen, itchy lips for years when I go out in the sun. I have tried using factor 50 sunscreen but it doesn’t help. Do you think it could be an allergic reaction?
Dr. Ellie Cannon responds: Although uncommon, it is possible for people to be allergic to the sun. This condition, known as solar urticaria, can cause a rash, usually on any sun-exposed area of ​​the skin.
However, in some patients with mild solar urticaria, only the lips may be affected, as the skin there is more sensitive.
A daily allergy tablet called an antihistamine might be a low-risk option.
It is possible for people to be allergic to the sun, writes Dr. Ellie Cannon. This condition, known as solar urticaria, can cause a rash
These are generally very safe and available over the counter. There is also the added benefit that if you take the pill and the irritation goes away, you can conclude that the cause is an allergic reaction. A good one to try is fexofenadine.
Another reason lips can become irritated is a reaction to heat – which is why sunscreen doesn’t help. It’s even possible it’s a reaction to the sunscreen itself, which is known to cause the itchy skin condition dermatitis.
The best cream to soothe irritated lips is petroleum jelly – such as Vaseline – or a beeswax based lip balm. If these don’t work, a steroid cream may help. However, this must be prescribed by a GP.
During a check-up I gave a urine sample, which turned out to contain traces of blood. The GP asked questions about my bladder habits – I said I often have to – and made an appointment with a specialist for me in October. Should I be worried?
Dr. Ellie responds: Blood in the urine is something we always take seriously.
If blood is visible – the urine is pink, red or dark brown – this may indicate bladder cancer. In that case, you should be referred to a specialist within two weeks.
However, if only traces of blood are present – ​​which are not visible, but are detected in a urine test – the risk of cancer is lower.
Other causes of blood in the urine include a urinary tract infection. This is usually accompanied by a burning sensation during urination, a high temperature, cloudy urine or pain in the lower back.
Kidney stones can also cause blood in the urine. This too would likely have other symptoms, including pain in the sides, back or groin and nausea.
To determine the cause, a specialist may perform a more invasive examination, such as a cystoscopy. This involves inserting a thin, flexible camera into the bladder through the penis.
Another cause of blood in the urine is an enlarged prostate, a common condition in men over 50. This can make it difficult to urinate or cause a sudden and frequent urge to urinate.
If this is the cause, treatment consists of medications that shrink the prostate and, if necessary, surgery to remove excess tissue.
Whatever the cause, a urologist can help you with your overactive bladder.
There are medications that can reduce the urge to urinate. There are also nerve treatments that use electrical currents. These treatments have the same effect.
I was diagnosed with arthritis in my hands and was told to take 600mg of ibuprofen up to three times a day. My doctor also suggested rubbing ibuprofen gel into the joints. Do you think this is an unsafe amount of medication to take?
Dr. Ellie responds: The usual recommended dose of ibuprofen is 400 mg three times a day. Consuming more can be dangerous.
The anti-inflammatory drug is effective in reducing joint pain and stiffness. In some cases, such as toothache, menstrual cramps or arthritis, doctors may prescribe a dose of 600 mg that can be taken four times a day.
However, it is important that patients do not combine the maximum dose of tablets with ibuprofen gel, as this can increase the risk of side effects. Too much ibuprofen can irritate the stomach, causing nausea and vomiting. In large doses, it can also cause painful stomach ulcers.
Taking high doses for a long time may also increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.
If ibuprofen doesn’t help, there are other options. The painkiller paracetamol can be safely taken alongside it, while many people find that creams that warm or cool the hands – such as Deep Heat – have a positive effect.
Some patients also benefit from hand physiotherapy, which helps to reduce stiffness through exercises and stretching. Finally, there are prescription anti-inflammatory tablets, which are generally more effective than ibuprofen, such as etoricoxib and celecoxib. However, these should be discussed with a rheumatologist as they carry a number of risks, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Do you get five a day, or more like one a month?
It seems a shocking number of Britons aren’t eating enough fruit and vegetables.
Research from nutrition tracking company My Fitness Pal found that the average person can go three weeks without eating a green vegetable, while most people can go an entire month without a piece of fruit.
I know from my own patients that many people in this country have terrible diets, but even I was surprised by these findings.
It has long been said that everyone should eat five servings of fruit or vegetables a day.
What is a serving, you may ask? Most people consider it to be 80 grams – which is about a handful.
How often do you eat five handfuls of fruit or vegetables per day?
Please let me know via the email address at the bottom of the page and let me know what you think.
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- Do you have a question for Dr Ellie Cannon? Please email DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk
- Dr. Cannon cannot enter into personal correspondence and her responses must be read in a general context.
