Q: Some time ago, I read in your column about someone who had success removing skin tags with a liquid bandage. I would appreciate hearing about this remedy.

I have several of these growths around my neck where the chain of my necklace rests. I have been considering having them removed by a dermatologist, but would like to try this remedy first.

A: We have heard from many readers who tell us New-Skin Liquid Bandage works: "I used it twice a day for three days, and the skin tags came off!" Others tell us it may take a few weeks.

Another approach some readers have tried involves a wart remedy: "I found Compound W works just as well for getting rid of skin tags."

There is also an old-fashioned approach to skin-tag removal: "I had a rather large one on the side of my neck. My dermatologist said to just ignore it. Soon after, I mentioned to a friend (an orthopedic doctor) how much I hated it, and he promptly tied and knotted a piece of thread around it and cut the ends off real close. You couldn't even see it. He said that would shut off the blood supply to the tag and it would fall off very quickly. It was gone in three days."


Q: I have suffered with constipation for more than a year and have had little success finding relief. Someone suggested that I eat an entire red pepper daily. This certainly does not appeal to me, but I am feeling desperate and would try it if you say it would help. I take Bentyl, digoxin, Norpace, Tegretol, Coumadin and prochlorperazine. Is there any way to alleviate this problem?

A: Some of the medicines you are taking could be contributing to your constipation woes. Although your doctor might not be able to substitute alternatives, you should discuss this problem with her before trying to counteract this drug-induced complication.

It is unlikely that a red pepper would solve your constipation problems. Chewing sugarless gum might help. You might also try "Power Pudding." Mix 1 cup coarse bran, 1 cup applesauce and 3/4 cup prune juice. Take one or two tablespoons daily with plenty of water. Refrigerate the remainder. Do not take this within two hours of digoxin, however, since the extra fiber could interfere with proper absorption of your heart medicine.

For more details about this special remedy, our dynamite pumpkin bran muffin recipe, 10 tips to combat constipation and a list of drugs that can cause it, we are sending you our Guide to Constipation. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Graedons' People's Pharmacy, No. GG-30, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It can also be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: http://www.peoplespharmacy.com.


Q: I have had great trouble stopping the antidepressant Effexor. I tapered off this medicine as instructed, but I still have a feeling like electrical shocks going through my brain.

A: Getting off this drug has been a nightmare. If for some reason a person had to stop suddenly, he might go crazy with the withdrawal. Before stopping, I forgot to take my medicine with me on a short trip, and the symptoms were excruciating!

A Many readers report difficulty stopping antidepressants like Effexor or Paxil suddenly. The electric-shock sensation is a common symptom. Discontinuing such drugs requires medical supervision.