Skin Republic

Dear Dr. Jen,

                I noticed that the skin on my neck and armpits has darkened.  No matter how much I scrub it, the color won't go back to normal. Is there a laser that can help me get back my fair skin?

                                                          Mikay

Dear Mikay,

                If you aren't pregnant or haven't just given birth, then you might have a condition called

acanthosisnigricans. It is a velvety darkening of the areas where skin folds are present.  The neck, underarms and groin areas are commonly affected.  The darkening develops slowly over a long period of time, like months or years.

                One of the causes of acanthosis is weight gain, leading to obesity.  Also, people with diabetes and insulin resistance can develop acanthosis.  Some malignant tumors (though rarely) can also manifest as skin darkening along the folds.

                Treatment of underlying condition (i.e. obesity or diabetes) can resolve skin darkening.  There is no laser that is approved for this skin condition.  No amount of scrubbing or bleaching will adequately get rid of the acanthosis if the obesity or diabetes isn't treated.   I hope this helps shed some light on your acanthosisnigricans. 

Dear Dr. Jen,

                I have warts on my nail that won't go away.  The manicurista has advised me to apply duofilm but it hasn't worked.  What is the best way to get rid of it?

                                                         Janis

Dear Janis,

                Periungual warts, or nail warts are the most stubborn warts to remove.  Duofilm, which contains salicylic acid, may help very small and superficial ones.  However, warts near the nails are notorious for going down deeper than usual and salicylic acid just won't cut it.

                Nail warts are best removed with the use of laser or injecting antiviral medicine into it.  Cautery or liquid nitrogen are also good options. The most important thing after you have the warts removed is to do a follow up visit with your PDS derma to make sure that there are no traces of it left. If there are small warts left, then they need to be taken out again.

                Lastly, you must throw away all your nail paraphernalia (nipper, nail cutter, etc) and buy new ones once the warts are removed.  Next time you have your nails done, always bring your own nail tools so you never get the nasty warts again!

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.