Keep the affected areas clean and dry. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes, change out of sweaty clothes promptly and avoid sharing towels or clothing. Do not use steroid-containing creams. An antifungal cream applied regularly for 2-4 weeks is often effective but do consult a dermatologist.

Rough patches

This is usually harmless. They may be due to dry skin, friction, mild eczema or a build-up of dead skin cells. Apply coconut oil for 10 minutes before a bath. Put 30ml of coconut oil in the bath water. Use a glycerine-based soap or bodywash to bathe. Moisturise with liquid paraffin after bathing and again at night.

Hunchback

A gradually developing "hunchback" at age 57 may be due to age-related changes in the spine, poor posture, weakening of the back muscles or
osteoporosis, all of which may be aggravated by Vitamin D3 deficiency. Check for all these and correct them. In the meantime, try to maintain good posture by standing for 15 minutes against a wall, touching both shoulders to it, and also perform regular weight-bearing and back-strengthening exercises. You can learn these from a physiotherapist or from YouTube videos.

Weaning food

Milk biscuits are not a good weaning food. They are high in refined flour, sugar, saturated trans fats and salt. They contain very little protein, iron, vitamins or other essential nutrients. And they are also a choking risk if the pieces are large. After 180 days, feed the child soft, freshly-prepared foods such as mashed rice and ragi. Eventually, fruits and well-cooked vegetables
can be added.

Weights

Women do not develop the large muscles seen in bodybuilders simply by lifting weights. They naturally have lower testosterone levels. This makes it difficult for them to gain excessive muscle mass without specialised training, a very high-calorie diet and, sometimes, performance-enhancing drugs. Continue your strength training as it offers many benefits. It also enhances mental well-being.

Coffee creamer

There are many types of dairy creamers. They may be made from milk or vegetable oils. If it is made from milk, you cannot use it. Check the label and read the list of ingredients carefully to see if it is "lactose free". Though they contain little or no lactose, they may be high in sugar, unhealthy fats or additives. You can use soya, almond or oat milk instead.

Wrinkled neck

This is a condition called "tech neck". Position your computer screen at eye level, sit with good posture and take short breaks every 30-60 minutes to stretch your neck and shoulders.

The writer has a family practice at Vellore and is the author of Staying Healthy in Modern India. If you have questions on health issues, write to yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in