How can I get rid of the small red spots on the tops of my arms I've always had them and I can't get rid of them.

asks sporty:
A. Some areas of the body can be prone to rough, dry and pimply skin and these areas need some extra attention.

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You will need to exfoliate your shoulders every day. Use a muslin cloth and a gentle soap or facial wash. Then you should moisturise with a cream that is non-comegenic (non pore-blocking) cream. Look for one that contains vitamin E.

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Q. Is there anything else I can do
A. Yes. Your diet has a direct affect on your skin and there are some things you can do to help. To start with, your skin will benefit from a diet rich antioxidants, particularly vitamins A, C, E, as well as selenium and zinc.

• Vitamin A is needed for soft and healthy skin found in carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, mangoes and watercress.
• Vitamin C is needed for collagen production. Collagen is what keeps skin supple. Find it in red and green peppers, lemons, broccoli, kiwi fruit, berries.
• Vitamin E protects the skin, find it in sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, wheatgerm.
• Selenium works with vitamin E, find it in herrings, mushrooms, tuna, cottage cheese
• Zinc is vital for skin health and has been found to improve such skin conditions as acne, eczema and dermatitis. Find it in pecan nuts, ginger, brazil nuts. egg yolk, wholewheat.

NB Smoking, coffee, alcohol and fried foods rob your body of these vital nutrients.

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You should also eat the right kind of oils and cut out the bad ones. Avoid fried foods, crisps etc, and eat more oily fish, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.

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Drink a 1.5 litre bottle of still water a day (can be taken as herbal teas).

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Q. Will supplements help
A. You could try taking a daily antioxidant, and a combination vitamin C and zinc supplement. An Evening primrose or of borage oil supplement will also help.

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Q. How long before my shoulders clear up
A. It shouldn't take more than a few weeks.

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By Sheena Miller