Question: About 30 years ago, I fell asleep on a beach in New Zealand and got badly sunburned on my left forearm. That area of my forearm gets tender from time to time, and the last 2 days I hve really been aware of the aching feeling in that area. Over the years, I've brought this up to doctors, who have been hesitant to x-ray it - maybe because that might make it feel worse or contribute to damage done. I am 58, heathy, Caucasian female and would like your opinion if I should seek another medical opinion in case something is happening underneath this area, which is probably 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. There are no moles or any indication on surface of skin - just the soreness to the touch.

Dear Dr. Tayal,

Thank you very much for your advise! My worry is that a larger problem like cancer could be growing under the skin, and I wonder how I could find out (except x-ray, which doctors have been hesitant to do (more radiation?) The top layers of skin are not red, not irratated, no rash - just a few brown spots from being 58 and not protecting my skin enough growing up. As I write this, that area is tender to the touch, and your explanation feels right. I am not the type of person who dwells on what could go wrong as a general rule - I'm just trying to be intelligent about it. I have spoken with doctors about this issue a few times over the years, and they have not been concerned. I realize I could see a specialist - just that it is very expensive & our insurance won't cover it (plus, we have two sons in college!) I am happy to send you a picture of the area - just have to wait for my husband/camera phone/mail it to you.THANK YOU AGAIN VERY MUCH - I am so glad to have "met" you - are you in India? My sister is a neo-natal RN up in Berkeley, California and has specialized in "Kangaroo Care" for many years, if you have ever heard of that practice.