Q I'm 40 and was born with a cataract in my right eye. I'm virtually blind in it. Is there anything in modern surgery that could restore my sight in that eye?

A Having seen nothing in the eye since birth, it may be that the retina (the screen in the back of the eye that receives the light and converts it into what we perceive as sight in the brain) hasn't developed as it should. Taking the cataract away may allow light to get to the retina for the first time, but your retinal cells may not be able to convert it into the appropriate signals. So don't hold up your hopes. Nevertheless you should ask your ophthalmologist: there may be new research on the subject.

Q My three-month-old son has eczema, for which he needs steroid creams. However, he still scratches his forehead at night, so much that he makes himself bleed. What can I do to stop that?

A Cool creams on the skin help, but it's very difficult to get rid of the itch completely. So ask your nurse to provide some baby mittens' to cover his hands at night. They are designed for the job, and will stop the fingernails tearing the skin. He will still be able to touch his forehead and pressure of the hand against it will ease the itch.

Q I'm 39 and have had joint and muscle pains for several months. About four weeks before the symptoms started a cat scratched me. Could I have cat scratch fever? My blood tests show a slightly raised CRP and some liver changes. They are negative for rheumatoid diseases.

A It's possible that you have cat scratch fever. The timing and the symptoms are right, and so is the CRP result (a raised C-reactive protein suggests a chronic infection). If you haven't raised the issue of the cat scratch with your doctor, you should. You may need antibiotics, as well as your painkillers.

Q I'm 38 and have had a tender spot in my right breast for about ten years, always more painful around my period time. Now it's tender all the time. I can't feel a lump. Is it nothing to worry about?

A I can't tell you for sure. A breast that has been tender for years at period times is usually benign, and a sign of inflamed or engorged milk glands. However, the fact that it's tender all the time now might mean that it has changed. So ask to be seen at your local breast clinic. A professional examination is better than your own, and will put your mind at rest.

Q If I stand for more than five minutes my feet and shins become unbearably itchy. It is getting to me. I don't have athlete's foot. What can it be?

A Do you have varicose veins? Even small ones? They may be the cause - the itch coming from pressure of venous blood in your lower legs and feet. Do see your doctor, who will check the circulation in your legs. If you have varicose veins then support stockings may help, though you may have to undergo surgery.