Pimple

Dear Dr. Jen,

I started breaking out into severe pimples last year. My doctor gave my six creams to use, which were fine initially but lately it hasn’t been working.  I sleep well.  I eat well.  I exercise. I don’t use makeup.  What could be the problem?  I am the only one in my family who has bad skin.

Monica

Dear Monica,

Since you have crossed out all the other possible causes of acne, like sleep deprivation, stress, wrong cosmetic use, and even genetics – that leaves us with one more possibility.  You may have a hormonal problem. This is fairly easy to find out.  Your doctor will simply have an ultrasound or some other lab tests done.  If it proves to be a hormonal imbalance, the treatment plan is straightforward.

You are already doing awesome by eating and sleeping well.  Hormonal supplements will probably be given for a couple of months to correct the problem.  This requires a little bit of time and patience.  In effect, correction of the hormonal problem automatically leads to nicer skin.  You won’t even have to apply six kinds of creams.

 Your next step after treating the pimples is to address the scarring that may have occurred. Dark and deep scars can be treated with lasers. Uneven pigmentation can be bleached safely with creams.

Dear Dr. Jen,

After I had my hair rebonded, I noticed that I seem to have a lot of falling hair.  I’m scared to comb my hair now.  I don’t want to see clumps of hair falling off. What do I do?

Clarisa

Dear Clarisa,

Daily hair fall that is considered normal is around 50 to 100 strands a day.  With more than that, further investigation is necessary.  Any illnesses or trauma encountered previously can impact the hair cycle.

The process of hair rebond might be too much for some heads to handle.  There are multiple factors to consider:  type of chemicals used, concentration of chemicals, amount of heat applied and length of time your hair was exposed to the chemicals.  Have your scalp and hair checked by your nearest PDS derma.

Your PDS derma will check for bald spots, excessive hair fall or other abnormalities. Chemical and physical trauma caused by hair rebonding will need not only hair but also scalp rehabilitation.  Use of minoxidil can increase blood circulation in the scalp.  Drinking keratin, biotin and other supplements for healthy hair can also be beneficial. Lastly, please consider not doing any chemical hair treatment for the next six months to give your hair a rest.

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.