MY teenage son has a problem with acne. What's the best cure?

There are several treatments available for acne.

Your son can help the condition from getting worse by avoiding frequent face washing, using a mild cleanser or soap and not squeezing blackheads, whiteheads and spots.

There is also gel and cream, such as Benzoyl peroxide, Vitamin A gel, Antibiotic gel, Azelaic acid gel.

These kinds of treatments help unblock pores and kill bacteria.

Antibiotic medicines taken by mouth kill bacteria and are usually used in combination with a gel or cream.

They're effective in treating mild to severe acne.

Isotretinoin, taken as capsules or tablets, is derived from vitamin A.

It works in the same way as retinoid gel or cream, but is more powerful.

Speak to your pharmacist in the first instance about different treatments and see www.nhsinform.scot

DOES cannabis oil cure chronic pain?

Studies around the use of cannabis in clinical trials should be interpreted with considerable caution. T

rials have not been able to prove that the drug reduces pain and any small improvement would have to be weighted against the increase in side effects from the drug.

The drug is also illegal in the UK.

Chronic pain can be difficult to manage, and you may need to try different treatment options.

Speak with your GP if you have chronic pain that isn't well controlled. Also see www.nhsinform.scot

WHAT is agoraphobia?

Many people understand agoraphobia as a fear of open spaces, however it can also include situations where escape to a place of safety may be difficult such as a fear of being in shops, fear of crowds and public places, or of travelling on trains, buses or planes.

Panic attacks are a common feature of agoraphobia. In extreme cases, people with agoraphobia may be unable to leave their home.

People with agoraphobia may experience some or all of the following symptoms, similar to having a panic attack; shaking, rapid heartbeat, intense sweating, chest pain, difficulty breathing, feelings of choking, nausea, dizziness, a feeling of loss of control and fear of fainting.

Some people with milder agoraphobia will feel marked anxiety or distress on leaving home but the symptoms do not develop into a panic attack.

A healthcare professional based on a description of the symptoms usually makes a diagnosis. For those unable to leave home an initial phone consultation with a GP can be arranged. It is important to describe symptoms fully to your GP even if this is difficult to do. They will then be able to arrange the best treatment

Treatment

Agoraphobia can be treated using drugs or by using 'talking treatments' like cognitive-behavioural therapy.