Thank you mumsnetters!
I have been trying to get rid of this for nearly three years with curanail and something prescribed by the doctor which I think was effectively the same thing to no avail. In fact it seemed to be getting worse.
In frustration at the lack of progress after so much time I searched mumsnet and found the Vicks vapour rub suggestion and it has almost disappeared.
Thanks a million, my may now be unveiled to the public without too much horror!