Dr Xand's Con or Cure 

Original version

The BBC East region started on 1st May 1959 as part of the BBC Television Service, before becoming BBC One East.

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Dr Xand's Con or Cure

Factual: Health & Wellbeing

The facts, not the fakes, about your health.

The facts, not the fakes, about your health with Dr Xand van Tulleken and Ashley John-Baptiste. From social media scams to health scares, they'll shine a light on bad medicine.

Series 2

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Alexander van Tulleken

Ashley John-Baptiste

Richard Collier

Brendan Hughes

Karen Donnelly

Tern Television Productions

Dr Xand's Con or Cure: Series 2: Episode 15

Episode 15

BBC One - Dr Xand's Con or Cure, Series 2, Episode 15

Tips on getting a good night’s sleep, and is castor oil a cure-all?

Tips on getting a good night’s sleep, and is castor oil a cure-all? Also, a look at the dangers of skin-lightening creams, and whether crossing your legs can cause varicose veins.

Skin-lightening creams are popular but can be dangerous. Many such products sold online have chemicals that are banned in the UK and can cause nerve and liver damage or cancer. Londoner Daniel’s prolonged use of one cream caused severe burning and his skin to peel off. Dermatologist Dr Ophelia Veraitch outlines the side effects and gives us advice. 

Castor oil is commonly used to help with skin ailments and constipation. However, on social media it is now being claimed as a remedy for all sorts of conditions, from cysts and fibroids to improving vision, reducing wrinkles and boosting hair growth. But do any of these claims stand up? 

Could nightmares be a sign of health problems, and is there any way to cure them that will bring a restful night’s sleep? Sleep psychologist Stephanie Romiszewski lifts the lid on how nightmares work and offers an easy tip to improve our ability to get a good night’s rest. 

BBC reporter Jonathan Gibson investigates the rise in online sales of drugs for sexual health issues like gonorrhoea and syphilis, and discovers just how dangerous things can get if you don’t speak to qualified medical practitioners about your condition. 

Can crossing your legs can give you varicose veins? We look at the truth behind varicose veins and what you can do if you have them.

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Dr Xand's Con or Cure

Series 2

Episode 15

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