It could be a mild case. I've never seen black centers on my eczema outbreaks but everybodies different. If it doesn't itch it might be something else. My outbreaks always itch. My advice is to keep your hands cool/cold and dry. Heat is the enemy. Wash your hands in cold water and dry them immediately after washing. Dry & cold, thats the ticket.

@madhu Hi Anxiety is common during pregnancy. Pregnancy also can trigger obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Anxiety and OCD can occur alone or with other mental health conditions, including depression.

If you have anxiety and stress, tell your ob-gyn. Also tell them about any stressful life events. These may include losing a loved one, having a loved one who is ill, living far from your friends and family, or moving. Not having support and resources for your pregnancy also can be a major source of stress. Talk with your ob-gyn so you can get the help you need.

@sangeeta Hi There is limited available data, and no peer-reviewed evidence, on vaccine efficacy or effectiveness to date for Omicron but the currently available RT-PCR tests for COVID-19 has been validated and approved by Indian Council of Medical Research continue to detect the variant.

@vidit Hi It's a work in progress. It does appear that a lot of people are getting mild infections but hospitalisations are also rising very fast. Less people are reporting fever; more people have unusual symptoms like body ache, headache and fatigue. And Omicron doesn't really respect natural immunity. But vaccine immunity remains effective; at least it's likely to prevent severe disease.

@sania Hi This fear has been there for a long time. Many countries, including India, haven't been able to start vaccination for children. We hope it starts very soon, especially for those who have comorbidities. Good part is, the symptoms are mild.

@wajid Hi Definitely reassuring because the data shows the disease is mild, there's hardly any fever, respiratory symptoms are mild, and oxygen/ICU requirement is not there. But we will have to wait and watch because hospitalizations are increasing in South Africa. As for your second question, it seems Omicron doesn't cause loss of smell and taste so much.

@stuti Hi The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting babies on solid foods around 6 months old.

@garima Hi Watching for baby’s ability to make eye contact and checking for vision milestones can help in the detection of developmental delays.

@lisha hi Truth be told, there are some genetic factors in some mental health disorders. That being said, knowing that something exists in your family can also be a huge protective factor. For example, if you know that your parent or sibling has struggled with depression, you can start to keep tabs on where you are emotionally. If you feel like you are starting to show signs of depression, you can reach out to get support early on. If you have a parent or sibling who is an alcoholic, you could consider making the choice to never drink to numb an emotion, or to fully abstain from alcohol. If you know your parent or sibling is an addict, you should keep in mind that you may be more likely to develop an addiction, and decide not to even experiment with drugs. In these cases, knowledge can be power.

@leena Hi First, know that you’re a good friend, because they are comfortable telling you about their mental health and being themselves in front of you.

Second, be present. Let them know that you are totally there to listen and help in whatever way you can. Don’t change the subject if they start talking about their mental health or illness. Sometimes when somebody is struggling, they push the world away a bit. Maybe every time you text your friend to hang out, they say no. Be patient. Keep inviting them. Let them know you love them unconditionally. Keep being their friend, even when it’s hard.

@vidit Hi Different people will find that different treatments help to manage their mental health – whether this is medication, or alternatives such as talking therapies, exercise or a mixture.

While antidepressants can be effective for some, they are not the solution for everyone and are not generally recommended as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate depression. Anyone taking antidepressants should be made aware of the possible pros and cons for them, and they should have their treatment reviewed regularly.

Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and counselling are becoming more widely available as part of the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme. Giving people a choice of treatments is key, whether that’s drugs, talking therapies, or alternatives such as arts therapy or exercise.