FLAKY SCALP AND EYEBROWS
This dandruffy condition (seborrheic dermatitis) of the scalp and eyebrows occurs because there is a build-up of too much sebum or oil. Overdoing it on the booze, extra stress and not enough sleep can exacerbate the condition.

'If the simple things don't work, then there are many other causes that need to be excluded, so visit your family doctor,' warns Professor of Dermatology Alan Cooper at the Royal North Shore Hospital.

Also, ask your chemist about tarbased shampoos on your scalp (also used carefully on your eyebrows), and ask your doctor about steroid creams or antifungals to settle redness.

THINNING HAIR

Can be due to an underactive thyroid gland, especially if you are overweight.

May be linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome if there's acne, delayed puberty and weight around the tummy.

NAILING YOUR HEALTH

Got white spots on your nail? Don't freak out. It probably means you just knocked your nails on the keyboard.

Because the nail takes three months to grow from its cuticle to the end of a finger, the white spot that appears at the time of injury will travel with it. It's not due to a lack of zinc or some weird disorder but simply a sign you got hurt.

PUFFY ANKLES

Many women find as their period is approaching, they retain water in their body due to hormonal changes.

This is often associated with a bad mood, and both symptoms pass once the period begins. A low-salt diet helps control this and sometimes a diuretic medication is needed to relieve the water retention.

Persistent puffy ankles may be a sign of something more serious, so see your doctor.

HOARSE WHISPERER

Sometimes hoarseness is merely caused by a cold or flu, a bout of 'the allergies' or maybe you've been yelling at your naughty six-year-old. However, if your voice sounds breathy, raspy or strained with changes to its loudness or pitch and this has been the case for a few weeks, a check-up is in order.

Vocal nodules are often the reason and can be removed through simple surgery. Acute laryngitis, infection or even gastric reflux, where acid from the tummy can irritate the throat, can also be culprits.

'Nicotine bathes the vocal cords with over 4000 chemicals, all of which cause harm and result in hoarseness,' warns Associate Professor Thomas Havas at the University of NSW. Remember that hoarseness can also be a telltale sign of cancer, so see your doctor if symptoms persist.

Other helpful advice? Butt out, avoid dehydrating agents such as alcohol and coffee, turn the air conditioner down in the car and avoid spicy foods.