Monica Murfitt, Hampshire

A. There is a chance that your son is reacting badly to the sunscreen ingredient para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). This has been known to cause irritation, itching and allergic reactions. I suggest he tries switching to Parasol 20+, a PABA-free waterproof sun lotion that was developed in Ireland for the country’s fair-skinned population. To help reduce allergies caused by UV rays, it contains five cold-pressed herbal extracts with anti-inflammatory qualities, including Calendula officinalis (marigold) and cnidium seeds to reduce itchiness, along with organic sunscreens and a protective film (silica) to maintain lipid moisture levels and make application easy. Apply 20 minutes before exposure to the sun. Parasol 20+ is available from chemists and health shops (£12.90 for 100ml; 020 7208 4380).

As your son will be exposed to more sun, he should increase his intake of antioxidants by eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, which will help fend off the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. It would also be worth him taking VitaCell, a new blend of antioxidants. It contains limonene and beta 1,3 glucans, noted for their immunosupportive properties; vitamin C, which we need in greater quantities when exposed to the sun; as well as natural vitamin E, green tea, lycopene, selenium, betacarotene and zinc. Take a capsule a day for two weeks before departure and during the trip (£14.95 for 30 veggie capsules; 0121 433 3727).

Q. I am a massage therapist, training to become an aromatherapist. I get digestive problems such as bloating and flatulence, and have heard essential oils may help reduce my symptoms. Can you tell me which ones would be good to try?

Sophie Crown, Dorset

A. The external application of essential oils, through massage or inhalation, is highly beneficial to the digestive system and should help alleviate your bloating and flatulence. Make a simple aromatherapy blend by adding 3 drops of fennel essential oil, 3 drops of lemon essential oil and 3 drops of ginger oil to 30ml almond base oil. Fennel oil is excellent for reducing abdominal pain and trapped gas. The lemon oil is thought to be beneficial because yellow is the colour of the earth element in Chinese medicine, which is connected to digestion. The stimulating ginger oil strengthens the digestive system overall.

Massage the blend in a clockwise direction over the lower abdomen, following the natural direction of your colon, and store the remainder in a dark glass bottle. These essential oils can be obtained from Neal’s Yard (from £4.75; 01747 834634).

I would also suggest that you try drinking fresh ginger tea 30 minutes before eating, and remember to chew your food well.

Q. I suffer from back pain and have tried conventional medicine. I see a chiropractor every few weeks and a nutritionist, who has helped with diet and supplements. However, nothing seems to work. The pain is particularly bad in the morning and even affects my quality of sleep. Is there a natural alternative?

Sarah Jones, Middlesex

A. Back pain — indeed, any body pain — is sheer misery, especially when it is persistent. There are numerous complementary therapies designed to aid the treatment of back pain, including spinal manipulation, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, cranial work, McTimoney chiropractics, Bowen therapy, yoga, Pilates, the Alexander technique and naturopathy, to name but a few.

You could try acupressure, a system that involves applying pressure from the fingers and thumbs to the same trigger points as used in acupuncture.

The British Medical Journal has reported on its success at treating chronic back pain and increasing mobility and flexibility. To find a practitioner near you, visit www.the-cma.org.uk or www.i-c-m.org.uk.

Reflexology is also quite amazing — you will no doubt find that the spinal reflex point on your feet is agony, because this reflects blockages in the spine. Visit www.aor.org.uk for more details.

You say the pain is worse on getting up, so consider changing your mattress. I would not have survived my pain from a long-standing problem during my pregnancy without my Tempur mattress (08000 111081; www.tempur.com). It is made from a unique pressure-relieving material, which moulds to the exact shape and position of the body. You have the assurance of a six-month guarantee, too, so if it doesn’t help, it can be returned.

Jennifer Harper-Deacon is a registered naturopathic physician. For more information visit www.jenniferharper-deacon.com

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Before following any recommendation in this column, it is important to consult your GP if you suffer from any health problems or special conditions, or are in doubt as to its suitability