Q. I've come home from a camping trip with the kids becuase they've broken out in really nasty rashes. Could you tell me what I did wrong so that I don't do it again?

I suspect you applied both sunscreen and mosquito repellent and then left them on over night. Combining the two often provokes a rash, and leaving them on over night can make the rash worse. It can be very difficult to wash kids at a camp site but next time I'd try to get the products off before you tuck the kids into bed.

Q. Does it matter if I take a bath in the morning or in the evening? My friend's telling me that I should wait until morning - is that right?

If you're using soap, or shampoo you should wait until morning. The skin goes inito it's most vulnerable period during the early part of the night. Soaps and shampoos increase that vulnerability and that means that anything that comes into contact with your skin will have a better chance of penetrating it.

Q. If I want to reduce my exposure to nitrosamines what should I look for?

The main chemicals to look for on ingredients labels are Bronopol, Triethanolamine (TEA), Diethaneolamine (DEA), Monethanolamine (MEA) and Formaldehyde. Nitrosamines in cosmetics tend to be higher when these chemicals are used. They also tend to be higher in products designed for use around the eyes or on babies. 

Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to replace the advice of a well chosen medical doctor.