From funny skin on my cheek to choosing the best insect repellent, Dr Jeff answers your health questions

DR Jeff Foster is The Sun on Sunday’s GP and is on hand to help.

dr Jeff, 43, divides his time between working as a GP in Leamington Spa, Warks, and running his H3 Health clinic, which is the first of its kind in the UK to deal with hormonal issues in both men and women.

Visit h3health.co.uk and email drjeff@the-sun.co.uk.

Q) I want to get mosquito repellent and mosquito bite creams for a family holiday in Spain but there are so many to choose from.

What should I buy and is DEET dangerous for children?

Deborah Morgan, Derby

a) As long as you are up to date with the essential NHS vaccinations (including measles, mumps and rubella) no specific additional vaccinations are required to travel to Spain.

Therefore, the risk of infection is about minimizing the effects of insect bites and irritation, rather than the risk of serious insect-borne diseases such as malaria.

The insect repellent diethyltoluamide (DEET) has been around since the 1940s and was originally invented for use in World War II.

Although the original usage and formula has changed over the years, it is still used by millions of people worldwide every year.

In general, DEET is considered safe for children over two months old, but it’s important to remember that while it is an insect repellent and not a bug killer, it can still cause skin rashes and irritation.

Overall, there is no one best insect repellent, only what works best for you and your family (e.g. children may not tolerate certain species or may like the smell of DEET). So it’s best to experiment with a few research brands before you go and see what works for you.

Q) I am a 69 year old female and I have a strange spot on my cheek.

I went to my GP and they gave me a spotting gel that I’ve been using for months that only burns the skin around it not the lesion itself.

What should I do?

Deborah Graham Margate, Kent

a) Actinic keratoses (also called solar keratoses) are the most common skin condition caused by sun damage.

These are usually rough, scaly, or irregular patches of skin that typically appear on the head and face. Although most are harmless, there is a small risk that they will eventually develop into cancer if left untreated.

Solar keratoses can sometimes go away on their own and we often advise patients to use moisturizers and high SPF sunscreen to protect the skin and prevent further damage.

In more severe cases, treatments may include liquid nitrogen to freeze the lesions, or the use of special gels or creams, which can also cause itching or a rash, and some can even cause local irritation.

It’s best to have the lesions evaluated by a dermatologist to determine if they are side effects of the drug and if an alternative might be better.