DR MARTIN SCURR: Try vitamin D cream to ease your itchy, flaking ears

Q: I have had itchy, scaly ears for more than a year. A: Itchy, scaly ear canals are not an uncommon problem – typically it's caused by a localised form of eczema. Itchy, scaly ear canals are not an uncommon problem – typically it's caused by a localised form of eczema. I wonder if the problem is psoriasis – an autoimmune condition triggered by a ­combination of genetic and environmental factors, causing an intense inflammatory ­reaction, an overproduction of skin cells and itchy, scaly patches. Yes, cycling is to be ­encouraged but perhaps we need to remind her and cyclists that in the Highway Code the list of penalties includes a fine of £500 for cycling on the ­pavement – and also that ­injuring a ­pedestrian on the pavement when cycling is a criminal offence, not a civil one.