Question:
I have had very noticeable dark circles under my eyes since my freshman year (I'm now a senior). As far as I know, I get plenty of sleep, but they still don't go away. They are quite unsightly and I would like to get rid of them as soon as possible. I have used creams, but they don't seem to work. What other methods are there for dealing with dark circles?

Answer:
The general recommendations for such problems include adequate sleep, good nutrition, etc. You say you get enough sleep but don't mention your nutrition. It sounds like after four years, adequate sleep is not working. At this point, you should consider seeing a dermatologist or your primary care provider.

Question:
Is it OK to use Nair or other depilatory creams to get rid of pubic hair on your genitals? It says not to on the bottle, but I've heard it's OK if you use it on just the outer areas (like the bikini line) and don't get it on the mucous membranes.

Answer:
What you heard is correct. It can be used on skin, but every effort should be made to keep it away from mucous membranes.

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This column is not intended to replace advice from your personal clinician. If conditions persist, see a clinician.