I have suffered with an itchy, irritated scalp for the past four years. I get pustules and red patches, which I scratch, making things worse. I have tried lotions, potions and antibiotics. I also suffer from rosacea, which seems to be aggravated at the same time. I have been on medication for thinning hair (propecia) for four years. I am after a shampoo or oral medication that will help to clear the problem and give my hair a good base to grow from. I am desperate.

To calm the rosacea and scalp irritation, reduce refined carbohydrates, meat, dairy products, spicy food, caffeine and alcohol. Vitamins B complex, C, E, zinc and iron supplements will reduce the scalp dryness and hair loss. Increase your intake of live enzymes by eating lots of fresh fruit and raw vegetables. Essential fatty acids will help: take fish, nut and seed oils internally and massage cold-pressed flax oil into your scalp twice a week, leaving it on overnight. Use mild, natural shampoo and conditioner such as Barefoot Botanicals' SOS Hair And Scalp Rescue range (0870 220 2273 to order). Green People's Rosemary And Lavender Shampoo (01444 401444) is also excellent. Aloe vera will calm the itching, too, and will deal with infection and inflammation. 'Aloe First' spray contains enzymes, amino acids, minerals and vitamins: spray on daily (Forever Living Products, 0870 755 5805).

I am 39 and have suffered with lower back pain/sciatica for around 20 years. I've tried chiropractor, acupuncture, physio and massage, all of which give short-term relief. But now I get excruciating muscle spasms in my back, usually in the early morning. Once I am up, they wear off. Any suggestions?

Ask your GP to investigate possibilities such as a prolapsed disc, scoliosis, osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. If there doesn't seem to be a specific problem, your backache is probably due to incorrect posture and usage. The Alexander Technique teaches you to sit, stand and move so as not to cause repetitive damage (Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, 020-7284 3338; stat.org.uk). You can also learn exercises to relieve the pain in the early hours. You need a firm mattress; not rock-hard, but not soft. Wear low-heeled shoes, bend your knees (not your back) when lifting, sit upright so your chair supports the small of your back, and stretch and walk about every half an hour when working.

I am 65, have sensitive skin and have had eczema in the past. I use a minimum of preparations, all of them hypoallergenic. Last year, I became sensitive to sunblock, even hypoallergenic ones (some contained perfume). What could protect me?

Nearly all commercial suntan products, including hypoallergenic ones, contain a multitude of chemical ingredients - preservatives, UV blocking agents, emulsifiers, etc - that can cause irritation. NHR Organic Oils has a range of chemical-free, organic suntan lotions with a plant extract that acts as a UV sunblock in factors 9 and 24. It is highly effective. The NHR lotions also contain organic apricot kernel, coconut and shea nut oil, and organic lavender, which repair skin cells exposed to UV damage. It can be ordered with organic lavender aroma or without - specify when ordering (0845 310 8066; nhr.kz).

· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Her recommendations are to be followed in conjunction with advice from your own healthcare provider. Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com.