Now that it's the summer, most of us are wearing clothes that expose a little more skin. But what if your child has a birthmark or blemish that they want to keep covered up? If they're at a sensitive age even a freckle can make them feel self-conscious.

Skin camouflage expert Vanessa Jane Davies of Varama gives her top tips on ways in which parents can help their children if they feel self conscious or unhappy about a visible difference on their face or body.

1. Find out as much as you can about your child's condition, either from your GP, a specialist orsupport group. The more you understand about your child's condition, the easier it will be to explain it to them.

2. Talk about the condition with your child. Teach the child a simple sentence to describe and explain their condition, using words that describe a difference (like lumpy, red, bumpy, not sore). Be sure to use the medical name too so that your child is familiar with it. If they are old enough, involve your child in any decision-making about treatment
3. Reassuring explanations can also be helpful, e.g. it's just scars, they don't hurt anymore or it looks red and sore but it is not catching, its like a freckle

4. If you are comfortable talking about your child's difference and answering their questions, it will let your child know that it is OK to have a visible difference and help build their confidence in their appearance and self-image

5. It helps to let children express their feelings about their visible difference or medical condition which may include likes, dislikes, angry, "why me" etc. Children may dislike part of their appearance but still feel generally confident within themselves but it can help to have dislikes and feelings acknowledged

6. If using skin camouflage, mix slightly more than you need to cover the mark and give the rest of the pre-blended cream in a small pot for your child to take to school. A more practical method of application for children in schools, sports activities and overnight stays is to use your fingers rather than a brush. Children find this quicker and easier although it is not as accurate.

7. If you are worried that your child is being picked on, arrange an appointment to speak to their teacher where you can explain your concerns in full. It may help to explain about your child's condition to the teacher so that they can answer any questions that may be asked by other pupils.

8. Keep an eye out for signs that your child might be being teased as they may find it difficult to broach the subject with you themselves. Ask them how things are going at school and give them the opportunity to talk about any worries they may have.