I suffer from folliculitis, mainly on my neck and back. Prescribed medications haven't worked. I scrub with an antibacterial body wash and an exfoliating body wash, with limited benefits. I've heard differing views on how hard I should scrub. Any ideas?

Vigorous scrubbing may disturb the skin's protective acid mantle, and so do more harm than good. Try a gentle anti-bacterial soap or gel. One with tea tree is ideal because of its antibacterial properties; try Jurlique Anti-Bac wash (0870 770 0980). Calendula creams encourage skin healing and help to treat infections. You should take steps to improve your immune function, too. Zinc is an immune system nutrient that has an important role in skin healing; while echinacea, widely known as an immune tonic, has also been traditionally used as a blood cleanser for skin conditions. Adequate vitamin C (2g a day) is also important.

I've been unable to taste food, with the exception of fruit, for a few months. I had bronchitis a while ago and my GP says I may have catarrh. I am 84.

Taste and smell are closely linked, so if your nasal passages are blocked it will affect your ability to taste. We sometimes lose these senses as we age, because we run out of olfactory receptor cells - this is particularly evident in smokers - though mild zinc deficiency can also lead to a depressed sense of taste and smell. Take 15mg a day of zinc (zinc drops, by Biocare, say). To combat the catarrh, take vitamin C with bioflavonoids and echinacea with astragalus. N-acetyl cysteinethins mucus secretions and encourages healing of the lungs. Thyme and eucalyptus inhalations will thin the catarrh and clear nasal passages. You can get all these remedies from a good healthfood shop .

· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Before following Emma's recommendations, you should consult your GP about any medical problems or special health conditions.

Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com.