Amongst my many ailments, I also suffer with facial Keratosis Pilaris, which I have had for about 16 years now that I believe is hereditary. My father has a different form of Keratosis.

I first noticed I had a problem many years ago, whenever I travelled abroad. As soon as the plane touched down my skin would turn, particularly around my mouth and chin area. After countless trips to various dermatologists, I was finally diagnosed with Keratosis.

I think many of us have Keratosis, it’s very common but we don't always know we have the condition. It normally presents itself on the outer sides of the upper arm, thighs and back and comprises of rough tiny spots in the affected areas that resemble ‘goose bumps or ‘chicken skin.’

If the skin around the follicles is irritated, it can make the condition sore and itchy, with a red rash appearance. It's completely harmless, but can be unsightly on my skin.

The humidity tends to dry out my skin, so when that happens my spots begin to itch. In the spring and summer months, I try my best every year to deal with this. I was told that as I age, the condition should become less and I do tend to agree. As the body changes, so too will the condition.

I was also told that if I ever moved abroad the condition would disappear, but because I live in colder climates my body isn’t exposed to the sun enough to get rid of the condition.

There is a cream called 'Elicina,' which I find useful based on snails’ excretion that takes away the soreness. I tend to have to scrub my face daily to take away the 'horny plugs' so that new skin has a chance to renew itself.

Not ideal, but I have no choice. I find myself having to work through this too.