Broken blood vessels seem a minor problem

Dear Dr. Gott: I am 41 years old, and recently two little broken blood vessels have appeared on my face. Is there any chance of nonsurgical removal?

Dear Reader: Without seeing these lesions, I won’t hazard a diagnosis. In general, there are several nonsurgical options, including laser therapy and topical application of various salves. Two broken capillaries are probably better left alone. However, if you are concerned, speak with your primary care physician or get a referral to a dermatologist. I don’t believe that you need surgical removal because your case (from your brief description) appears to be minor.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Medical Specialists.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: This is in response to your reader who advocated tossing water in the face of a tantrum-throwing child. I am sorry you think this is abuse. When my 2 1/2-year-old daughter started throwing tantrums, I tried this method. Your reader is right. You have to do it only once. It works wonders, and I cannot see where it had any adverse affect. This daughter grew into a wonderful 46-year-old teacher and mother of three.

While in a restaurant and the kids act up, you are not going to be able to send them to their room. We could take our children any place and never worry because they learned at an early age how not to act.

Dear Reader: About half the readers who responded to this practice were in favor of it; the other half agree with me. Whether the water punishment is abusive depends, I suppose, on how often it is used and to what degree. If used only once or twice, I may have to agree that it is an acceptable tool. However, if large amounts of hot or icy cold water are used or if it is done repeatedly, then it would constitute abuse.