Skinrepublic

I have an allergy to my perfume because I get rashes on my neck everytime I apply it.  However, I love to wear perfumes.  Is there a way to make me "immune" to perfume so I won't develop an allergy to it anymore?

Jude

Dear Jude,

Fragrance allergy is difficult to live with though not impossible.  Aside from using "fragrance-free" soap, lotion and other products, it also limits the use of colognes and perfumes.

I'm afraid you will never actually develop immunity to it and will most likely have that allergy for the rest of your life.  The good news is that there are ways to still use perfume.  You can start by spraying it on your pants or shirt before you wear it.  That way, it stays on the clothes and not on your skin.  Also, there are milder fragrances out there that are not so allergenic, so you can have plenty to choose from and your doctor can do a patch test before actually choosing a product.

You might also consider ruling out some dermatitis or eczemas that occur on the neck area.  Do you get the rashes on your wrists too if you spray perfume on them?  If it isn't an allergy to fragrance, then you might be able to use perfumes after all.

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Dear Dr. Jen,

I am approaching 70 years old and I've noticed that my eye area and my cheeks appear sunken.  My daughter has advised me to get botox but I'm very hesitant to do so.  What are the side effects of botox and will it solve my problem?

Maya

Dear Maya,

Loosing fat pads on the face, especially around the eyes, the cheeks and the forehead are the initial signs of aging.  Everybody goes through it eventually.  The best way to "plump" up the area is to inject fillers like hyaluronic acid (HA).  Depending on the brand of HA that will be used, it can last from one year to eighteen months.  However, filler use is very doctor-dependent.  You must extensively discuss with your PDS derma the results you want to achieve. While some patients do prefer the overly plump look,  most would NOT want to look like an artificially stuffed turkey nowadays.  The key is to achieve a face that still looks natural but is aging gracefully.

Botox would not answer your particular needs.  Botox is primarily used for crow's feet (wrinkles on the sides of the eyes) and for frown lines on the forehead.   There are a multitude of brands of botox out there so it's very important to inquire about the brand your derma is using.  There are some brands that don't last as long and are not even FDA approved (some questionable brands are those NOT manufactured in the US or Europe). 

If you are not yet ready to be treated by injectable substances (such as fillers or botox) then you might want to opt for the non-invasive radiofrequency (RF).  This kind of laser stimulates collagen remodeling.  Again, be wary.  Benefits of RF is also machine-dependent and technician-dependent.  Some brands of machine are very cheap but are not even FDA approved for skin tightening. Do some extensive research and get comfy with your PDS derma before deciding which procedure suits you better!

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Dear Dr. Jen,

Is there a nail cream that can treat the fungal infection on my nails?

Rhona

Dear Rhona,

Unfortunately, all the anti-fungal creams won't do you any good.  Medicated nail lacquer might have more hope for your onychomycosis (fungal nail infection).  This would entail applying it over affected nail/s once a week for an entire year!  Yes it really will take a whole year.  If you want quicker results, then oral antifungal is the way to go.  However, you'll need to discuss with your PDS derma if you can tolerate the oral meds and if it is really a nail infection.  Sometimes, tight shoes or a previous nail injury can be the cause of discolored or deformed nails.

Dr Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). She is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). For other information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/. If you have any questions or concerns please text, email or call (The Freeman or PSH): 0932 857 7070 or <[email protected]> or  (032) 233 8620 or 232 5929. Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.