I'm a consultant dermatologist — here's what parents need to know about common skin conditions 

Professor Caitriona Ryan is a consultant dermatologist and co-founder of the Institute of Dermatologists in Dublin

Professor Caitriona Ryan at the Institute of Dermatologists, Ballsbridge, Dublin. Picture: Gareth Chaney

I’m from Killester, in Dublin, and went to school in Holy Faith Clontarf. My mom was a teacher, my dad was an accountant. Both were from the country and very strict. Education was a huge focus in our house.

I did a stint in Temple Street, when I was in transition year, and didn’t love it, so decided I didn’t want to do medicine. I was going to do actuarial studies or maths. It was only on my way to the airport for my Leaving Cert holiday that I posted the change-of-mind form, with medicine on it. I got top marks in my Leaving, so I got a scholarship to UCD [and after my medical training] decided I wanted to go into dermatology.