Q: I'm a 26 year-old receptionist. I have a balanced life, eat well, but every month I get ulcers on one side of my mouth which last a week. It is often so bad I can't even answer the phone. What's wrong?

A: Up to 30 percent of young folks suffer from these recurrent ulcers - called aphthous ulcers - to varying degrees. No one knows what causes them, although it's important to exclude a hisotry of bowel infections and allergies.

You could try using Bonjela (available from chemists),as it will anaesthetise the ulcer during the healing process. You could also visit your GP for an injection, or speak to him of her about using corticosteroid tablets and adhesive gels.

Make sure you see a dentist too, and take a multivitamin each day.