Dear Dr. Jen,

I am allergic to sunblock but I need protection from the sun since I do a lot of field work.  Even unscented brands give me rashes.  Is there a particular brand that you can recommend for me?

Tracy

Dear Tracy,

Sunblock or sunscreen protect our skin from the harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and infrared light we get from the sun or technologies.  There are basically two kinds of sun protective agents:  the chemical absorbers and the physical blockers.

The chemical sunscreens absorb UV energy and reflect it back.  These are ingredients or chemicals that contain avobenzone, cinnamate, PABA or salicylates.  Most of them just protect from either UVA or UVB but not both kinds of radiation.  These are the ones likely to give you allergy.

The physical blockers such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are your best bet. These are the most hypoallergenic. The physical sunblocks reflect and scatter UVR before it reaches your skin. It protects against both UVA and UVB. The downside is that it provides an opaque/whitish color to your skin.  Some brands carry tinted sunblocks which can serve as your foundation too.

Check the ingredients at the back.  Titanium and zinc is what you should look for.  It would be better to go to your PDS derma to have your skin and the other products that you use checked.  It might even be your make-up or moisturizer that is causing the allergy!  Also, your PDS derma has access to unbranded products that contain pure titanium or zinc in sunblocks that are more affordable.   Hope this helps!

Dear Dr. Jen

My index finger got pinched from an accident a few years back.  There has been a brown streak that appears on the nail since then.  Is there a way to permanently get rid of it?  I have to keep on wearing nail polish all the time to cover it up.

Marga

Dear Marga,

Trauma to the nail area may cause the occasional vertical streaks on the nail. The part where the blood pooled can be drained or surgically removed.  However, if it has been years already, perhaps it is not trauma that caused the streaking.  There are other causes to be considered too, such as nevus (mole), medication (minocycline), lichen planus, heart valve problems or even melanoma.

Although melanoma is not common among Filipinos, it is still best to rule it out.  Go to your nearest PDS derma to have it checked.  A quick glance by an expert eye can eliminate the worse possibilities out there. And if in doubt, a biopsy can always be performed.

If you have any questions or concerns please text, email or call: 0932 857 7070 or <askskinrepublic @gmail.com> or (032) 233 8620 or 232 5929. Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.

Dr Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). She is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital.  For other information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/