HOMEPAGE | BBC NEWS | SPORT Contact Us | Help | Text Only
HEALTH FAMILY PROBLEMS RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION & CAREER Dear What's the Problem? My girlfriend left me when my skin started to change. The skin around my ears is quite different now while my face has become scarred and blackened. I think it's genetic. Could I be right? Should I consider cosmetic surgery? Rahul Devrakar, Madhya Pradesh, India. Advice: Dr Susie Morris It’s possible it could be genetically related. There are many common genetic skin disorders such eczema and psoriasis but there is also a possibility that you have an infectious condition such as Tuberculosis which can also affect the skin. Consult your doctor for a detailed diagnosis and if you are still seriously worried then ask for a skin biopsy. This involves a sample of your skin being taken and analysed under the microscope to determine the exact disease process going on in the skin cells. I wouldn’t recommend cosmetic surgery but if you do consider it then you should remember that surgery can have a dramatic effect on dark skin because it can leave unsightly and discolored scarring. Doctors are more likely to treat such skin with laser treatment or creams. A lot of caution should be taken with over the counter skin lightening creams as many contain chemicals such as Hydroquinones which can have marked side effects in dark-skinned people, such as, uneven pigmentation and some can even cause darkening of the skin. The best way to stay pale is to stay out of the sun. The What's the Problem? website is providing general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the What's the Problem? website. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.		FURTHER INFORMATION   What is skin? It's the biggest organ in the body, weighing up to 7% of the total body weight. The average adult has about 2 sq metres of skin. It protects us from water loss and dehydration, protects us from infection, ultra violet light, and from over heating. What can we do generally to look after our skin? *Protect it from ultra violet light - use sun block especially if you have pale skin *Wash and moisturise your skin - even men! *Drink plenty of water *Cut out smoking   The BBC is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites