How can I stop getting acne?

There are 6 main types of spot caused by acne:

• blackheads – small black or yellowish bumps that develop on the skin; they’re not filled with dirt, but are black because the inner lining of the hair follicle produces colour.

• whiteheads – have a similar appearance to blackheads, but may be firmer and will not empty when squeezed.

• papules – small red bumps that may feel tender or sore.

• pustules – similar to papules, but have a white tip in the centre, caused by a build-up of pus.

• nodules – large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful.

• cysts – the most severe type of spot caused by acne; they’re large pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils and carry the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring.

There are a number of things you can try if you have acne. These self-help techniques may be useful:

• Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.

• Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse.

• Do not try to “clean out” blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.

• Avoid using too much make-up and cosmetics. Use water-based products that are described as non-comedogenic. This means the product is less likely to block the pores in your skin.

• Completely remove make-up before going to bed.

• If dry skin is a problem, use a fragrance-free water-based emollient.

• Regular exercise cannot improve your acne, but it can boost your mood and improve your self-esteem. Shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising as sweat can irritate your acne.

• Wash your hair regularly and try to avoid letting your hair fall across your face.

I’ve got a pain in my ankle – please help me?

There are lots of causes of ankle pain. However, you can usually ease the pain yourself – and here are a few ideas that you should try to help relieve the pain.

These are things that your GP is likely to suggest, so try them yourself first and see if it helps.

First - rest and raise your ankle when you can. While this can be difficult as we lead such busy lives, it will help Put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on your ankle for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Try and wear wide comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole. Also use soft insoles or heel pads in your shoes.

Try wrapping a bandage around your ankle to support it – you can also buy support bandages or tubes to help provide support. If you can, try regular gentle stretching exercises. Do stop if it proves too painful though. You can take paracetamol to control the pain.

However there are a few things NOT to do as well.

Do not take ibuprofen for the first 48 hours after an injury. Try not to walk or stand for long periods of time. Definitely do not wear high heels or tight pointy shoes – they could make things worse.

If you need some further advice, go and see your local pharmacist. The pharmacist can advise you on the best painkiller to take, any insoles and pads for your shoes and any treatments that may be available for common skin problems