Skinrepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

My 7-year-old daughter has enormous insect bites on her legs from school.  The bad thing about it is that it becomes a very dark brown after the bites heal.  Is she too young to apply bleaching products?

Lydia

Dear Lydia,

To answer your question bluntly, yes it is too early to apply bleaching products on her.  At their age, the skin heals pretty fast.  There are three things that you can do though.  First, is to avoid getting insect bites by having her wear knee socks or mosquito repellant lotion when she goes to school.

Secondly, when she does get the insect bites, it is good to apply a cortisone or steroid-based cream twice a day.  This will lessen the redness and the swelling that comes with a bite reaction.  Also, this will minimize the itching and scratching.

Lastly, applying a moisturizer after every bathing or twice daily will hasten the healing and help lighten the scar faster.  Please, please, please do NOT apply any bleaching agents containing tretinoin or hydroquinone or papaya or whatever abrasive lightening creams you find.  An irritant contact dermatitis can ensue if you apply these products on a 7 year old.

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Dear Dr. Jen,

My face peels too much from the pimple medication that my derma gave me.   And it looks very flaky when I apply my make up. Is it really supposed to peel this much?  Should I stop applying the medicine? 

Mark

Dear Mark,

Acne or pimple medicines usually have drying chemicals in it to decrease oiliness.  Some peeling medication that contain hydroxyl acids (like salicylic acids) also help peel the layers of the skin that block pores and cause sebum to be trapped underneath. 

You can go back to your doctor and maybe she can prescribe something that isn’t as strong in concentration.  Another solution is to apply a good non-comedogenic moisturizer before applying make-up.  Good luck!

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Dear Dr. Jen,

My husband has huge warts on his neck and underarms.  Are the warts contagious? I’m scared I might get the same warts if he doesn’t have them removed. 

Neli

Dear Neli,

The term “warts” are often misused in pertaining to growths on the face and the neck.  The real warts, verruca vulgaris, are viral in nature and are definitely contagious.  They are usually rough on the surface and have a particular appearance. 

Skin tags, on the other hand are NOT infectious.  Skin tags grow over surfaces exposed to sun and friction, like collared shirts (neck) or rubbing skin (underarms).  This is likely what your husband has.  People develop skin tags as we age and over a period of time. 

To the trained eye, the difference between warts and skin tags is very apparent.  You can leave the skin tags alone and it will not infect anyone else.  The warts however, will multiply over time and must be removed. You can have it checked by your PDS derma just to be sure.

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