Ask Dr. Lisa

Q: Sometimes I see floating spots after looking at my computer for too long. Should I have my eyes checked?
— Amie House, Silver Spring, Maryland

A: Yes, just in case. Chances are, what you're seeing is completely harmless. The spots are probably pieces of protein that are part of your eyeball's vitreous fluid. They're called floaters, and people usually don't notice them unless they've been staring at a light background. It's important to go for an eye exam, though, because certain conditions such as a detached retina can produce similar symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to have your ophthalmologist check you out. If nothing is wrong, take breaks from the computer screen for a few minutes every hour, and your vision should stay crystal clear.

Q: Is it true you can put superglue on cuts?
— Courtney Hannon, Long Beach, California

A: That's a big no. Although there is some anecdotal evidence the adhesive can help small heel cracks close, I don't recommend using it on cuts; it can irritate the skin and slow the healing process. What's worse, applying the glue can trap bacteria (bonds in seconds!), which can lead to an infection. If you'd like to go Band-Aid—free, try a liquid bandage, available at most drugstores.

Q: Can I suddenly become allergic to a medication I've taken before?
— Gretchen Gonzalez, Boston

A: Absolutely. In fact, you can develop an allergy to any drug, food or environmental substance (pollen, dust mites, mold and the like) at any time. A true allergic reaction, which can be as minor as a rash or as dangerous as a swollen airway, almost always occurs after the body has been exposed to the culprit at least a few times. And certain medications, including penicillin and aspirin, are common allergy inducers.

Regardless of the suspected cause, the first time you experience an allergy, particularly to a drug or food, check in with your doctor. Whatever you do, don't take the drug or food again. You could have an even more serious reaction, including trouble breathing. (If that happens, call 911.) For minor problems like hives, though, an antihistamine such as Benadryl should provide quick relief.

Your November checklist

• Get a professional mole check.. Your skin is paler now, providing greater contrast to help your M.D. spot suspicious growths. (Bonus: no lectures about tan lines.)
• Take a shot.. Against the flu, that is. It's not too late in the season to get vaccinated; you'll have some protection in only two weeks and maximum protection after a month.
• Go on a spending spree.. Use your flexible-spending account money before December 31, or your employer will get to keep it. Buy some snazzy new eyeglass frames, try acupuncture, stock up on over-the-counter meds—whatever! For a list of approved expenses, contact your human resources administrator.