Skin Republic

Dear Dr. Jen,

I’ve noticed my baby’s skin always has “bungag singot” along her neck and back.  What causes this?  I’ve been applying prickly heat powder but it is still there.  Are there any other medicines that I can give her?

Melvs

Dear Melvs,

Miliaria, colloquially called as “bungag singot” or heat rash, is caused by blockage of sweat glands.  This is caused by hot and humid weather.  Since we are starting to get hot summer weather, there will be a rise of prickly heat cases on the island. 

If your baby is constantly on her back, it would be good to have her sit (if she is old enough to sit up) now and then.  Airing her back and neck, washing with cool water and applying calamine lotion will help.  Prickly heat powder will not really relieve her of the itching so you can shelf the powder for now.  Hope this helps!

Dear Dr. Jen,

I get rashes on my face after a facial.  What causes this and what kind of facial should I avail of?

Genevieve

Dear Genevieve,

Contact dermatitis, whether from allergy or irritation, is common after facials.  This may stem from either the cleanser, the moisturizer, the toner, and irritation from the exfoliating scrub or the scrub brush. The safest thing, though an unnecessary component in the facial, is actually just the steamer.

To ensure that the ingredients used by the aesthetician are safe, you can ask for the brand of the products they are using.  You can proceed to research if these are actually “hypoallergenic” and “fragrance free”.  When they are labeled as such, the top 30 or so allergens are absent from these products.  Also, if you have any pimples on your face or any itching, it is advisable to stay away from facials for a week or two because you are causing further injury to your skin. 

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). For information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/. For questions or concerns, please text to: 0932 857 7070; or email to: [email protected]; or call The Freeman: (032) 2531276, or PSH: (032) 233 8620 and 232 5929. Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.