NORTHERN Echo health writer Dr Zak Uddin answers your health questions

Q My baby girl has a large birth mark on her tummy. I was advised to leave it until she gets to two years old, and then something can be done about it

Angela

A What you are describing sounds like a strawberry naevus. This is a group or tangle of small blood vessels close to the surface of the skin, giving the classic red appearance. Although they seem very prominent at birth, many shrink with age and become much less noticeable, hence the advice to wait until your daughter is two. Treatment is usually done by specialists, but unless it is causing problems by bleeding, you may be advised that it is better to leave it alone, especially when it is in a less visible area.

Q I’m worried that my seven year old son will get diabetes. He is a very fussy eater and only eats chocolates and sweets. It’s a real fight to get him to eat a proper meal

Michaela

A Unfortunately what you are describing is very common and it can be difficult to encourage children to eat healthily. Many do grow out of this though. However, diabetes is not caused by too much sugar in the diet. Rather it is when the body cannot process sugar and store it in the liver and muscles, so too much is left in the bloodstream. Behaviours to look out for are if your child is always thirsty and seems to be forever needing to go for wee. A simple blood test is all that is needed to diagnose the disease.

  • If you have a question for Dr Zak, email him at askdoctorzak@gmail.com, see his website doctorzak.co.uk or find him on twitter @AskDoctorZak

Dr Uddin’s advice is provided in good faith and in accordance with currently accepted evidence. However, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the advice of a GP, or other qualified health provider, regarding a medical condition