The sun dispatches its warm glow of yellow light rays everyday, beaming in health, vitality, light and warmth. Yet after hearing all the warnings about its harmful effects, we fend off the sun as it were the enemy and sunblock, sunglasses and wide-brim hats are our weapons. Can brother sun be so dangerous?

Q: My mother had a horrible case of varicose veins, and I'm starting to get them now too. Is there any way I can keep them from getting as bad as hers?

Q: I’ve been wondering if you have any advice that can help me get rid of canker sores. I seem to get them all the time, and it’s quite a nuisance! Thanks again.

––K.S., Roanoke, VA

Dear Pharmacist,

Sometimes I get itchy spots.  I’ve stopped wearing perfume, I use dye-free detergent and soap. I only take three medications and I’ve taken those for years, birth control, ibuprofen and Synthroid.  What are the best products for itchy skin? What else can I do? 

--B.V.  Gainesville, Florida

Kids in the 21st century - especially babies - face a set of challenges that are potentially just as deadly as the sickness that threatened the youth of earlier centuries.

Unfortunately, with progress comes complications, and today's children are exposed to many toxins that earlier generations never came in contact with. Here's a prime example: According to a study by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC), there are toxic chemicals in some of the most recognized and used brand-name baby products - including lotions and shampoos.

I can personally attest to the effectiveness of tea tree oil for keeping unruly skin under control. After I started using tea tree oil-based facial scrubbing pads, things started getting a lot clearer (pun intended).

Women who use make-up on a daily basis can absorb almost 5 pounds of chemicals into their bodies each year.

Some of the compounds present in make-up have been linked to side effects ranging from skin irritation to cancer.

Varicose veins are often considered an unavoidable part of getting older. Maybe they even run in your family. Most likely, they’re due to the lack of sufficient dietary fiber intake over the years. 

A good diet is the first place to turn when you want to make real improvements in your appearance. Beautiful eyes, skin, hair and nails need a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, and plenty of water. Beautiful skin, hair and eyes all depend on a healthy liver. Too much alcohol, caffeine and drugs put a heavy load on the liver and rob the body of B vitamins. All tissues need a rich, high oxygen blood supply, and plenty of mineral building blocks. Plants are the most absorbable way for the body to get them.

Dear Pharmacist,

Skin problems seem to run in my family. I have severe rosacea, my husband has a new scar on his face and my daughter has acne and warts! Help us; we look like the Munsters" from TV. What are some "Suzy secrets" to help clear the skin?

D.V., Tulsa, Oklahoma