Itchy lips

Dear Dr. Jen,

I tried on this new lipstick and got very itchy lips.  My lips then started to peel and it has never gone back to its original texture.  This happened a week ago.  I am not usually allergic to anything and this is the first time some kind of makeup allergy has happened to me.  What is the best lip balm to use?

Sheila

Dear Sheila,

Allergies to lip products are more common than you think.  Nowadays, lipstick brands mix almost any ingredient from fruits, dyes, metals, preservatives to venoms.  It’s hard to pinpoint which of the ingredients may have caused the allergy.  However, if there is no more itchiness or stinging, maybe discontinuation of the offending lipstick has already helped the allergic reaction to subside.

Using mild, fragrance free, flavor-free, color-free and simple lip balms is your best bet for now.  You can even try regular white petroleum jelly just to help your lips hydrate.  It may take a few weeks for it to be back to normal.  When it does get its original smooth texture back, veer away from lip products that are new or exotic.

You can even try lip products on your inner arm first to see if you have any reaction to it.  If no itchiness or redness ensues in the following days, then you may safely try it on your lips.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I used to have bad back acne.  Now I am left with dark scars on my back.  What’s worse is that some of the scars are now very ugly keloids.  Is there still hope for my back?  What home measures can I use to help it look more presentable?

Aileen

Dear Aileen,

Scars from acne on the back are not impossible to treat.  While bleaching agents may seem like the only option, you can also explore other and faster methods for treating it.  This includes doing chemical peels and laser sessions for the back.  This may take a few weeks to accomplish but it will get you results.

Keloids on the other hand can be injected with an agent that will aid in flattening it and lightening the color.  Depending on your reaction to the injection, it may take anywhere from one to five sessions to get the flawless look you are going for. So stop any of the useless methods that you think may help (because it may even aggravate scars) like scrubbing or using lemon or baking soda.  Have a professional address this problem and proceed to your nearest PDS dermatologist.

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with the Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). Information on PDS is at www.pds.org.ph. Questions or concerns regarding the skin may be sent by text to 0932 857 7070 or emailed to [email protected]; or coursed thru The Freeman – (032) 2531276, or thru PSH – (032) 2338620 and 2325929. Inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.