Dear N, As we get older, our skin can get more dry and sensitive. However, you are describing redness and flaking despite regular moisturiser use and at specific sites, which can be suggestive of a skin problem known as seborrhoeic dermatitis (https://dermnetnz.org/topics/seborrhoeic-dermatitis). Th...

Acne can result in scarring in at least 20% of people who experience it. On the face, acne scarring could be indented while on the body some people experience raised scars which are either hypertrophic or keloid in nature. Raised scars are sometimes treated with topical steroids or steroid injection...

Dear Dave, Thank you for your post. It is a little bit tricky to advise on what this could be, as there is a wide differential diagnosis here. 2 of the 3 pictures show mainly excoriations (scratch marks), with one of them showing small red spots. This could be due to anything from simple itching and...

Dear Jane, Many thanks for your question. There can be a number of causes for a hot or burning sensation of the legs when in bed at night, for example some circulatory issues such as arterial stenosis can lead to calf pain and venous insufficiency can sometimes cause a hot and burning sensation. Som...

Good afternoon, First of all can I just say how sorry I am to hear how incredibly difficult things have been for you, your daughter and your family. Atopic dermatitis, especially when active, can cause a lot of physical discomfort but also affect mood and sleep, as you well know. If she is already o...

This often depends on what the problem seems to be with the scar. Central chest (sternotomy) scars can sometimes become hypertrophic or keloidal ie lumpy. Keloid scar appearance can be improved through various treatments, for example topical steroid application or steroid injections. These and other...

If your wound has healed then it should be safe to start massaging the scar with either bio oil or any emollient of your choice, for 2 minutes twice daily. This can encourage collagen production and allow the scar to heal nicely. The other thing to consider is whether a truly lumpy ie keloid scar is...

It is natural to be worried about any aspect of major surgery including the resulting scar, especially if your friend did not have a good result. However it is important to remember that final scar appearance rests on several factors including the body site, surgical skills, post operative complicat...

Dear Stephanie, Lumpiness in a scar could be down to a number of factors, including post operative complications such as infection, suture placement or really down to a genetic predisposition to lumpy (keloid) scars. However you have stated that the scar feels lumpy and therefore I am wondering whet...

Dear Sarah, Thank you for posting. The primary cause of eczema in this age group is a genetic predisposition, however certain factors such as the cold weather and other irritants can make it worse. I would avoid harsh or fragranced products in the bath or as leave on products, and fibres such as woo...