Our 11-year-old daughter has been diagnosed with diabetes type one. What can you recommend to help minimise the damage being done to her skin at injection and blood test sites?

Injection sites with plenty of fatty tissue - such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks and backs of the upper arms - are more comfortable. Rotate these sites and inject into a different place within each site. Use small and fine needles, and use each needle only once. The injection site can be numbed by rubbing ice on the skin for 15-20 seconds, then inject quickly to minimise damage. When testing blood glucose levels, your daughter should first wash her hands in warm water; she shouldn't use the thumb or index finger, and she should use the side of the finger, not the pad. The test should be done with a lancet with a very fine, short needle. If the fingers become sore, she should use a device that allows testing from an alternative site, such as the back of the arm. Homeopathic arnica cream applied to injection and test sites will reduce trauma and bruising, and foods high in vitamins E, C and bioflavonoids aid skin healing.

Injections will be more painful if your daughter is tense or anxious - it may help to try calming techniques such as deep breathing or hypnosis, or flower therapies such as Bach Rescue Remedy or Australian Bush Calm & Clear. For information on diabetes, call the Diabetes UK Careline, 0845 120 2960.

I'm a 69-year-old woman and during the past year have developed itchy skin on my arms and body. There are no spots or rashes, though I have had many moles, skin tags and rough areas for years.

Speak to your doctor - this itchiness, with the skin tags, may be a sign of something. It sounds as if your skin is crying out for moisture - aim to drink 1.5 litres of water a day. A supplement of flaxseed oil and/or evening primrose oil should help reduce the itching. Cut down on sugar because excess amounts can aggravate the skin. Also try Blackmores celloid sodium phosphate tissue salt to help remove excess acid, which may be contributing to the itching (mail order on 020-8995 7531). Use DermaCal Herbal Cream, recommended for itchy skin (0800 587 2290, nutricentre.co.uk).

· 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.