Skinrepublic Jennifer Toledo Tan

Dear Dr. Jen,

I am 15 years old.  My classmates told me to use sulfur soap as facial soap because of its antibacterial properties.  Also, I've been advised to use the gel of an Aloe vera as moisturizer.  Is this helpful for me?  I have pimple problems.  Thanks, God speed and more power.

                                                            Rute

Dear Rute,

I am very happy to be answering a question about sulfur soap, finally!  In my opinion, that is the harshest soap I have ever come across.  Every patient whom I've seen use it seems to have worsened case of eczema, fungal or acne problem.  While it is true that sulfur can "burn" off fungus or bacteria, it can also burn regular surrounding skin.  Needless to say, it is definitely NOT the best soap for a young person with pimple problems. 

Aloe vera has a lot of healing and moisturizing properties.  However, it cannot cure pimples.  While it may help along as an emollient making the skin softer and more supple, the vehicle it is carried in has to be "noncomedogenic" in nature.  Simply put, aloe vera should be in a base that will not worsen pimples.

You might need to invest in more specific anti-acne products such as benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, etc., depending on the severity of your pimple problem.I hope I have shed some light in the advice you have received from your well-meaning classmates. 

Dear Dr. Jen,

 I wanted to use a whitening product but I am unsure of the results because I have sensitive skin.  Can you give me some advice please?

                                                Pearl

Dear Pearl,

As you may already have experienced, with sensitive skin, not all products will work on you.If you are concerned about bleaching dark scars, your best bet is to stay away from tretinoin or hydroquinone based products.You will be better off with licorice or vitamin C based creams.These will work at a slower pace, but more importantly will not cause any irritation on your skin.If unsure, you can visit your PDS derma anytime to get a detailed low down on each bleaching cream that you may be wanting to try.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have a birthmark and it really reduces my confidence.What is the best treatment for it?

                                                            Leah

Dear Leah,

There are several kinds of birthmarks, but let me elucidate on the three most popular ones. The first kind presents as a flat brown patch, medically termed as "café au lait macule"(CALM).This will require several laser sessions and will gradually lighten over time.The laser machine that should be utilized for CALM is a Q-switched ND:yag laser, which is the best for this kind of birthmark.

As with the nevus of Ota which is a dark brown or graying patch around the eye area, the treatment is also with the same laser machine.It should be mentioned that there is some minimal down time after each laser session.Redness and discomfort are to be expected a few days after.This can be easily remedied by covering up with make-up or taking in pain relievers if your pain threshold is low.

 Another birthmark that is often seen are the pink-reddish marks.Hemangiomas usually resolve after five years of age.Capillary malformations, as opposed to hemangiomas, persist to adulthood.They can be reddish flat or raised lesions that easily bleed.Several treatment options for these will include steroids, some injectables and even laser.However, it is worthwhile to visit your board-certified dermatologist if you want the capillary malformation treated.Treatment is based on the location and size of the lesion.

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.