Q. I've lost a lot of weight and now I have stretch marks that are a couple years old. I was just wondering if there's anything I could do other than laser surgery? Do you know if StriVectin is really effective?

Answer: For stretch marks that are that old, no topicals are really effective.

The only topical prescription drug with studies proving effectiveness is Retin A, but studies were done with relatively new stretch marks.

Q. Why is it dangerous to remove a mole yourself? I already removed it and do not see any problem yet.

Answer: Because of risk of bleeding, infection, scar - but mostly because often times there are molecules under the skin and a superficial removal will not get these cells.

The mole can regrow and if cancerous it can possibly spread to other parts of the body.

When a dermatologist removes a mole the tissue is sent for a biopsy to determine if the cells are cancerous or benign.

Q. Can you please help me? I am going crazy with this rash on my arm. I have had it for one year and a half. I have been to several gp's and a couple dermatologists and one naturopath. This is getting very expensive.

About my rash, it only stays on my left arm, it never travels anywhere else on my body, and it has a pattern. It's a thick line. It gets worse in the heat and with stress.

I don't want to spend any more money if these doctors cannot help me. I don't remember everything that was prescribed to me, but they did give me fluicinide, and has not helped.

Can it be parasites? Can they just stay in one place like this? I don't expect you to tell me exactly what it is, it's probably impossible, but if you can just throw me a bone. Thanks.

Answer: I would recommend that you go back to a dermatologist but be very insistent that he or she gives you a definite diagnosis.

If this is not possible clinically a skin biopsy can be done to make a definite diagnosis and give you the correct treatment.