Wanted: Over-the-counter effective wart removers

Q. Hi, Bon! I’m a regular reader of your column in the Philippine STAR and I find it very interesting and very helpful especially to mothers like me. You see, I have warts on my neck and face and they are multiplying rapidly every day. My friends advise me to see a dermatologist but I have inquired already from a number of dermatologists and I can’t afford their fees. Are over-the-counter wart removers safe and effective? Can you recommend a wart remover or can you advise me on how to get rid of these warts? They are bothering me and sometimes they are itchy. Most of all they are not nice to look at. Hope you can help me. I’ll be waiting anxiously for your reply. Regards and more power! - Loi Isidro Dantes

A. Although I cannot give you any professional medical advice (this can only come from a licensed dermatologist), I know that the main ingredient of topical cream or liquid wart removers is salicylic acid, which is supposed to "burn" or cauterize the infected skin. There are over-the-counter concentrates you can apply with an eye drop applicator, which may cause a slightly burning sensation. The thing to take note of is the fact that warts just don’t go away; they spread and sometimes develop into more complicated infections like boils. I suggest you begin applying a medicated liquid to reduce the infection. Read the literature inside the package for instructions on proper use.

* * * Wanted: Herbal Hair Grower in California

Q. Hi, just read your column containing a letter regarding an herbal hair grower. I have the same problem as Jennifer and I would like very much to know what the name of the herbal hair grower is. Since I am here in California, I would appreciate it if you could give me the name and where it is available. I could ask some relatives of mine to get it for me over there and have them ship it out here. Please e-mail at Dalitac@email.msn.com or Lita_Curtis@dot.ca.gov. Thank you for your help. - Lita Curtis, California

A. I hope that our dear reader, Therese D. of White Plains, Quezon City, who wrote us a few months ago about the herbal hair grower that was recommended in turn by her friend, can contact you through the e-mail addresses you provided. Although no product names and sources were given, we published Therese’s telephone numbers so anyone who was interested could contact her. Here are her numbers again: (632) 438 7919 (Angie) and (632) 727 4472 (Cynthia). Good luck!

* * * Help for pollution-Weary skin

Q. Hi, Bon! This summer is really the hottest (literally speaking) I’ve ever experienced and I’m having problems maintaining my skin’s healthy glow. I’ve heard from friends that putting milk or egg whites on your skin restores the vitamins lost and also protects the skin from harmful elements of today’s polluted environment. I would like to ask you if this is true and if you could give me some advice on how to keep the skin clear and vibrant without going to a dermatologist. Another question: Does using a facial scrub help or destroy the skin? Keep up the good work! Your column really feeds women’s brains. Go Girl! – BVC

A. Milk masks and egg white facials are usually applied to help over-productive oil glands in our skin maintain a healthy balance of natural skin oils without stripping. You’ll notice that after these facials, your skin feels taut, but not too dry. Applying a generous amount of sun block on your face, especially if you are constantly exposed, is the only way to protect your skin from the harmful, ultraviolet rays of the sun. Wash and rinse your face twice a day (and again during the day, if you feel you have been exposed to a lot of dirt and dust!) and use toner that will help reduce your skin’s pores. An occasional facial scrub to exfoliate (remove the old, outer layer) your skin and give way to a fresh, new layer is recommended once a week. Use a plant- and water-based moisturizer or night cream that will keep your skin hydrated if you work or sleep in an air-conditioned room. Hope this helps!

* * * Tennis Balls, Not Gym shoes

Q. I read your column online on washing comforters and drying them in electric dryers with rubber shoes. Here in New York, I’ve seen people using tennis balls when drying comforters. It certainly is a much better choice than clean rubber shoes. It might be good trying it out. - Ea "Adele" Puris, New York

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