Dr Bernadette Carr answers your questions

Last month I had laryngitis which lasted about a week. Is there any way to avoid it and, if I do get another dose, what is the best way to treat it?

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx and the vocal cords (voice box), usually caused by a viral infection such as a cold. For most people it will normally resolve by itself within a week.

The vocal cords become inflamed and this causes a sore throat, slight fever and hoarseness, which is only temporary, and lasts for two to three days. It may also be due to inhaled irritants or reflux disease.

To help the vocal cords to heal I would suggest the following:

* If you smoke stop and avoid being in smoky atmospheres.

* Stop drinking alcohol.

* A sore throat may make it difficult to drink but it is important to drink plenty of fluids so that you do not become dehydrated.

* Take a painkiller such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

* Gargling with warm salt water or sucking throat lozenges may help soothe your throat.

The temptation with laryngitis is to whisper but this is actually more painful as it makes the larynx work harder, aim for a soft low voice instead.

If you have had frequent bouts of laryngitis, it would be a good idea to talk to your GP and get some advice.

As laryngitis is causes by a virus it is not possible to completely prevent getting it but practising good hygiene may help:

* Wash your hands frequently to prevent the virus entering through the eyes or nose.

* Be careful touching objects when away from home such as keyboards and door handles, carry an alcohol based hand gel.

* Use tissues to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough and throw them away immediately after use.

If you have laryngitis and experience difficulty in breathing or any other symptoms that cause concern you need to seek medical help urgently.

Also, if hoarseness or a change in voice persists for more than six weeks you should seek medical advice as this is unlikely to be simply laryngitis.

I am a woman in my 30s with very fair skin. I had some moles removed last year including one on my upper back. Recently the skin where I had this one excised has become slightly raised, red and itchy. Could this be another mole?

I am sure this must be uncomfortable for you. This is unlikely to be another mole but it may be related to the surgery for the excision last year and might be a keloid scar.

When the body has a wound, for example following acne, surgery, piercing or tattooing, it produces collagen around the wound to aid the healing process. This produces a scar which fades over time, however, some scars continue to grow.

The reason why is unclear and the scar is often larger than the initial wound. They tend to develop between three to 12 months after the initial damage or surgery.

Keloids are raised and have a rubbery feel, over time they can become itchy, painful and tender to touch. They occur in about 10-15% of all wounds and are five to 15 times more common in people with darker rather than fairer skins.

There is a higher risk of getting a keloid if you have had one previously. Anyone who had a keloid and needs to undergo surgery should make their surgeon aware of a tendency to keloid scaring.

There are a number of treatment options for keloid scars. I would advise you to make an appointment with your GP who can examine the scar and the new symptoms.

Your doctor can make a diagnosis and advise on the best treatment option for you and if a referral to a consultant is appropriate.

While you are waiting for the appointment and to soothe the itchiness, you could gently apply vitamin E cream twice a day which may help.