ASK DR ELLIE: Myla Dalbesio is not a plus size model By Dr Ellie Cannon Looking at the line-up for the Victoria's Secret Perfect Body campaign, I have to say the visible bones and hollow abdomens of the models are like those I see in patients who are underweight to the extent they're in danger of being ill. Being extremely thin is typically the result of extremely low calorie intake, and eventually I would expect to see the results of malnutrition: osteoporosis and fertility problems. Yes, some girls are skinny despite eating well, but usually it can only be achieved by extreme dieting. Dr Ellie says she applauds the new Calvin Klein underwear advert, which features the beautiful American model Myla Dalbesio, above In contrast, I applaud the new Calvin Klein underwear advert, which features the beautiful American model Myla Dalbesio. Myla is a size 14 (weirdly, considered plus-size by the fashion industry) but you don't need to use a tape measure to judge that she looks healthy and fit. She is what women need to see and aspire to be like. Ebola scaremongering... by NHS staff I saw a patient last week who had just returned from a luxurious resort hotel in North Africa. A week after coming home, her daughter had started coughing, so the mother rang 111, the NHS's non-emergency helpline. She felt her child wasn't desperately ill and didn't really need to see the GP but she just wanted some reassurance from the NHS hotline. So can you imagine my patient's surprise when the 111 telephone operator told her she should visit her GP surgery, since as she had been to Africa, doctors may need to consider ebola. The NHS emergency hotline must avoid scaremongering people at no risk of the virus as it serves no purpose The Department of Health is going to great lengths to ensure we all receive accurate information on this virus, so it was very disappointing to hear this anecdote. The current ebola outbreak in West Africa is frightening, but scaremongering people at no risk of the virus serves no purpose at all. And suggesting that a suspected case goes to sit in the waiting room of their local GP surgery... what on earth was the 111 operator thinking? Readers' questions: The perils of seeking a 'magic cure' abroad My wife, who is 64, has been diagnosed with eosinophilic fasciitis. It's apparently very rare, and there is no cure. To keep it under control, she's had chemotherapy and other drugs. But it seems as if doctors don't know how to treat her. Her legs are so weak that she finds it difficult to walk, and her skin swells then shrinks. She has difficulty sleeping and is often in pain. Is there anything you can suggest? Perhaps if we found a specialist in America they might be able to help? Anyone with a very rare condition has to be realistic in their expectations, both in terms of treatment and available specialists. Eosinophilic fasciitis is the inflammation of the fascia - connective, supportive tissues that run throughout the body. It is a very distressing condition. Sadly, similar situations occur with any rare disease. There may be only one specialist centre in the country for treatment - you included the name of your hospital in your letter, and this is it in your case. If treating a skin condition with dressing and creams fails then GPs should refer the patient to a local specialist nurse While I completely understand the desire for an answer, searching for a magic cure might lead to huge financial outlay and, ultimately, disappointment. Consult the specialist here first as they will be realistic in what is and isn't available worldwide. What underpins the good care of anyone with a rare diagnosis is the help of a GP: we are specialists in pain control, symptom relief and medication management. We can make referrals for physiotherapy, occupational therapy for improving functional capability, and even psychological support. These are the specialisms needed to improve quality of life. Coming to terms with any lifelong diagnosis can be traumatic but more so in the face of a rare condition. Support groups can be of huge value too - the guidance of other sufferers can be a tremendous boost. I was diagnosed by my GP with cellulitis a year ago and warned it might take a long time to clear up. My chief complaint is a burning sensation, and the skin on both legs from knee to ankle is discoloured, purple and red. Recently blisters have formed. I use E45 cream and wash my legs regularly. My GP says unless my condition shows changes I need not visit him again, and in time it will resolve itself. I'm 73 and have diabetes which is well controlled. I have the usual aches and pains but I feel otherwise well. Skin conditions do get a raw deal in medicine as both lay people and healthcare professionals underestimate the pain and depression they can cause. They are not simply just a cosmetic issue and are often painful. Cellulitis is an infection of the lower layers of skin that causes a patch of redness, heat and burning pain. This often spreads quickly, and the lower half of the leg is a common site. Email DrEllie@mailonsunday.co.uk or write to Health, The Mail on Sunday, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT. Dr Ellie can only answer in a general context and cannot respond to individual cases, or give personal replies. If you have a health concern, always consult your own GP. It occurs in anyone but diabetics are particularly at risk. It is usually an acute condition for which patients require immediate treatment, and sometimes even a hospital stay with antibiotics. The more chronic condition of red, blistering skin on both legs described may not be cellulitis but in fact skin changes from poor vein circulation or even a skin manifestation of diabetes. In conditions that show no signs of improvement, seeking a second opinion would be wise. Whatever the cause, chronic skin conditions such as this may require specialist management by a nurse. Most practice nurses should be able to advise on dressings and the appropriate creams to protect the skin, particularly for a diabetic. If this is not possible, the GP should make a referral to a local specialist nurse who can assess the skin and the treatment. The blistering you describe is a worry as it can leave the body vulnerable to infection. Burning pain is difficult to treat with creams but medications such as amitriptyline, normally used for the burning pain of shingles, may help.