I get an atopic eczema every time when the outside temperature decreases. Typically, I get it in the early December, but this year it has appeared in the mid of October. Can you advise me any medicines or home remedy that can help me?

Atopic dermatitis and all other types of eczemas always flare up during winters and dry seasons. This time it came early to you maybe because you were using hand sanitizers a lot. Always keep your skin moisturised, use a moisturising soap for bathing, always use lukewarm water for bathing, never use hot water for taking a shower as it tends to strip off your natural oils, thus, making skin drier. Limit your shower time to 10 minutes or less. Apply a moisturiser immediately after showering so that the hydration in the skin is retained for long. Wear breathable pure cotton clothing. I normally prescribe Physiogel moisturisers to my patients. For winters, their lipid balm can be used. If the symptoms persists, please see a dermatologist.

I am a former smoker looking to remove the tar from my lips. I’ve tried many home remedies and anything that I could find on the internet. Nothing seems to help. Please help me fix this.

Smoking causes reduced blood flow and exposure to tar and nicotine which causes darkening of lips and gums too, leading to uneven pigmentation. They may appear blotchy, purple, dark brown, or black. Not only that, it also tends to weaken collagen and elastic fibers giving you puckered and wrinkled lips. It’s good that you have stopped smoking, at least there won't be any further damage. Now, to counter the damage you must drink a lot of water to flush out toxins from your system. You can try exfoliating your lips with sugar scrubs followed by a moisturiser. Liplex is good for moisturising and also helps to improve your lip colour. We have state of the art equipments at The Skin Clin, you can get your laser treatment, it will surely help you with the pigmentation.

For as long as I can remember I have had a flat, not very dark, mole on my foot. A few months ago, I noticed it was getting darker and a bit red around it. Then, weeks later it looked like it was crusty and turning black and felt like a scab. It continued to change and recently fell off. Should I be concerned?

I think you need to see a dermatologist just to make sure if everything is fine or not.

This red spot right above the border of my lip has been there since two months ago and is not going away. It’s not bumpy or itchy like a pimple. There was no trauma or anything that might have caused it. The spot looks as if it is part of my lip now and it has been bothering me. Will it disappear

anytime soon with any medication or will I need cosmetic treatment to remove the spot?

Need to see you in person to see what it actually is. Meanwhile, avoid heat and sun exposure or use a sunblock whenever in sun. If its erythema, it might worsen and turn into a pigmented spot. •