Skin fears after soaking up the Spanish sunshine

Sep 9 2007 DR GARETH SMITH

Q ON holiday in Spain I got a great tan but have noticed circular patches of skin on my arms and back that are almost white compared to the rest of me. Is there something wrong?

A WITHOUT seeing you it is difficult to be certain but you may have a fungal infection.

Micro-organisms live normally on our bodies but sometimes a little colony can form leading to infection, especially if the climate changes.

I would suggest that you try rubbing in athlete's foot cream to see if that helps.

Unfortunately it won't darken the affected areas but it will stop it spreading. If this does not help, go to your GP.

Q WHILE on holiday in Egypt I burnt my shoulders so badly they were bleeding. Will this cause me any permanent damage?

A THIS sounds like you have suffered second degree burns. This happens when the middle layers of the skin are burnt leading to bleeding and weeping.

Chances are you may be left with an area of skin that is less pigmented than the rest as scar tissue will form to heal it.

You will need to use total sun-block on your shoulders from now on when you are out in the sun as this area will be highly susceptible to further damage.