Ask Dr Chris: Scars and PCOS

Average rating:

Every week we partner up with our sister magazine, Woman, to bring you expert health advice from This Morning's Dr Chris Steele MBE, health journalist of the year. This week he answers your questions about scars and PCOS.

The problem: 'I hate my scar'

I have a red, raised scar on my arm from a fall as a child. I'm very self-conscious about it, particularly in sleeveless summer tops. Can anything help?

The solution

Any red or raised scar, no matter how old, can be helped by treatments such as Cica-Care and Dermatix. These can be bought over the counter in pharmacies, and they use silicone to dramatically soften, flatten and fade scars. Cica-Care comes as a clear gel dressing, whereas Dermatix is a gel that you rub in.

The problem: 'Could these cysts be serious?'

When my sister was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) I was advised to have a scan too, and it showed I have cysts on my ovaries. Is this serious, and could they stop me becoming pregnant?

The solution

You need to be seen by an endocrinologist (hormone specialist) to find out if you have PCOS, which can cause irregular and missed periods, weight gain, excessive body and facial hair, acne and fertility problems. That's why any woman with acne should be tested for PCOS.