Dear Fay,

Many thanks for your question. Dermatology is a visual and tactile specialty. I would recommend seeing your GP or a consultant dermatologist for an assessment to confirm the diagnosis.

Best wishes,

Dr D Phillips

Dear Nigel, Many thanks for your question. Loss of elastin and collagen on sun exposed skin can cause thinning with the passage of time. Use of steroid creams and ointments can also cause thinning of the skin. Regular application of sunscreen can slow down thinning on sun exposed sites. Ensuring tha...

Dear William, Many thanks for your question. I am sorry to hear that you have been experiencing painful splitting of the fingertips that has not responded to potent steroid ointments. Simple measures such as avoiding alcohol hand gels, avoiding detergent soaps and hand washing with warm and not hot ...

Whilst I am unable to give individual advice, there are good treatment options for papulopustular rosacea including azelaic acid, niacinamide and topical Ivermectin. Arrange an appointment with your GP to discuss the range of topical treatment options.

Actinic keratoses are a mild form of sun damage that manifest as red, scaly areas on sun exposed sites. They are caused by historical sun exposure. In many cases, actinic keratoses will resolve on their own however, as a general rule, we usually advocate treatment as there is a small chance of actin...

Dear Shirley, Many thanks for your question. It sounds like you are describing a hypertrophic scar, which is an elevated scar that remains within its margin. Massage with a moisturiser for two minutes twice a day can help to improve the appearance. There is also good evidence for the use of silicone...

Dear Caroline, Many thanks for your question. Scars can take more than 12 months to settle and keeping them occluded and hydrated during the remodelling period can lead to favourable wound healing. There is good clinical evidence for the use of silicone gels and sheets for this purpose. They can be ...

Many thanks for your question. I am sorry to hear that you have been troubled by an itchy skin condition. I would recommend seeing your GP for a skin assessment. They can arrange blood tests to look for any metabolic causes of itch (e.g. low iron). They can also prescribe treatment for the itchy sor...

Many thanks for your question. I would recommend encouraging your husband to see his doctor. They can examine the lesion and provide reassurance, or refer to a dermatologist if further investigation or treatment are required.

Many thanks for your question. I am sorry to hear that you have been troubled by spots on your nose since turning 50. There are a number of conditions that can cause this, but the most common in your age group is a condition called rosacea. Arrange to see your GP to review the rash and discuss treat...