Dear Dr. Gott: I've been a medical assistant all my life and am tired of all the "medications" being given to patients, so I really enjoy reading about alternatives. I have moles and would like to try a home remedy, since my insurance doesn't cover removal. Thank you in advance for your help.

Reply: I know of a couple of home remedies for moles, but before going into them, I should mentioned that moles can be cancerous and should be examined by a dermatologist, who can determine whether they are benign growths or something else. The first and most effective method is tying the skin tag or mole off with dental floss or thread. Another simple remedy is painting on a nail hardener. This may work for some of your smaller lesions.

To provide related information, including still more remedies, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports "Compelling Home Remedies" and my latest "More Compelling Home Remedies". Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed stamped number 10 envelope and a cheque or money order for $2 for each report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, Ohio 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

Dear Dr. Gott: I am a 34-year-old female and was wondering whether lutein would help with night blindness. I have a hard time driving a car at night when there is oncoming traffic, whether the lights are on dim or bright. Please let me know if the product will actually help or if I've been misdirected.

Reply: There are a great number of conditions that cause night blindness, the inability to see well at night or when the environment is poorly lit. Determining the cause of the night blindness will lead to the appropriate treatment. It is a usually a symptom of an underlying condition such as myopia (nearsightedness), cataracts, retinal degeneration, vitamin A deficiency, prescription glaucoma medications and more.

There are three types of the condition – congenital that is present at birth and likely inherited, the result of surgery for obesity and the progressive form that may be what you have.

Two of the more common causes for the condition are a vitamin A deficiency resulting from malnutrition and intestinal abnormalities. If either of these rings a bell, perhaps you have your answer. Vitamin A is commonly found in carrots, spinach, eggs and whole-milk products. While your diet may be adequate, some people have an inability to absorb vitamin A because of an intestinal condition, liver disorder or surgery on the liver or pancreas. Intestinal abnormalities would likely be handled by a gastroenterologist.

Should you have a cataract, question the timeliness of removal with your ophthalmologist. Beyond that, I recommend you return to your primary-care physician to determine if the problem is from a vitamin deficiency, since over-the-counter supplements such as lutein are available. Lutein is purported to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration. I suggest you speak with your physician before beginning the product, since the amount you take will depend on the strength and the underlying cause for which you are using it. Also, advise him or her if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If an office visit isn't likely, be sure to follow the packaging insert closely.

Dr. Peter Gott is a retired physician and the author of 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Diet' and 'Dr. Gott's No Flour, No Sugar Cookbook'.