I always feel lethargic and in no mind to do anything all day long. Should I see a doctor or is there something you can recommend? I am 38 years old and have a family and home to take care of and feel tense all the time. Trisha D, Kolkata

You could get a check-up by a doctor to see if there is something wrong. Otherwise, your problem could be that you do not do anything active. The best thing for you is to start doing exercises on a daily basis. This will give you more energy and you will be surprised at how much more you can do every day. It helps to improve your circulation, strengthens your muscles and makes you feel more energetic. By trial and error, or getting the proper advice, find a routine that suits your body and stick to it and see what a difference it makes to the way you feel.

My sister is getting married in a few months’ time and I, too, want to look my best on the big day. My only worry is that my face is dull and slightly dark. What can I use to make it look fairer and glowing? Bhavna P, Kolkata

Maybe the best thing you can do is to use a face pack on it three to four times a week. It will help you to some extent in the next few months. Here is a face pack recipe that will help you a lot: grind together a tablespoon each of poppy seeds and red masoor dal. To this add a teaspoon each of sandalwood paste, rosewater and curd. Cleanse your face and neck and then apply the pack on it. Let it dry well and then wash off. Dab on a skin tonic twice a day as this also helps to brighten the face.

I have tiny hard spots on the top of my legs and arms. They look like small pimples. I cannot wear sleeveless tops as it does not look good with this rash-like skin. How is this caused and what should I do to remove them? I apply creams and moisturizers, but these do not help. P Singh, Kolkata

These are usually the result of bad circulation. The best cure for them is a daily massage with a pumice stone, loofah or circulation brush. Use one of these when you are having a bath, giving the affected areas a good hard rub. This also helps to remove dead cells. After your bath, use a body lotion, rubbing it in till it is completely absorbed. Just applying creams and lotions will not be enough – these need to be rubbed or massaged in to improve the circulation.