I was diagnosed with acne rosacea a year ago and have been using an antibiotic cream. It has reduced the spots but not the redness. I am 30, I don't smoke or take caffeine, hardly drink alcohol, am vegetarian and eat little dairy. What else can I do?

Rosacea is a common skin disorder in which blood vessels in the face (often cheeks, forehead and nose) become inflamed. It is hard to treat and the cause is unknown, but it has been linked to digestion. Some sufferers have low stomach acid, low production of digestive enzymes or are deficient in B vitamins - all are best corrected with advice from a nutritionist (the British Association for Nutritional Therapy, 0870 606 1284; bant.org.uk). Stress usually makes it worse, as do extremes of temperature and sunlight, spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine: try to identify your triggers. Use skin creams with at least SPF 15 and, in summer, wear a hat and sunblock. Find skin products that are mild, soothing and don't contain harsh ingredients or alcohol. Living Nature (naturisimo.com) has gentle cleansers, toners and camomile and lavender cream to moisturise, while Jane Iredale (janeiredale.com) has fragrance-, dye- and preservative-free bases and concealers. Supplement with cold-pressed essential fatty acids (evening primrose and flax oils), vitamins A and B complex, and drink lots of water. Helen Sher runs an excellent clinic specialising in rosacea - online or by appointment (sher.co.uk).

My son, who is nearly three, has a problem with smelly breath. He had thrush when he was born, which was treated with anti-fungals. We have been giving him Solgar children's acidophilus powder to build his gut flora. He has a very coated tongue.

A good balance of bacteria in the gut is thought by many natural health practitioners to be a mainstay of good health. Children are born with a sterile gut, which is populated by bacteria through breastfeeding. Thrush can cause, and indeed indicates, an imbalance of gut flora, which can lead to poor digestion, toxicity, bad breath and a coated tongue. The acidophilus would help, but check with a nutritionist: your son may need a specific probiotic to get the right balance of 'good' bacteria. Brush his tongue with Comvita Propolis & Tea Tree toothpaste (xynergy.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.