Skinrepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

What dose of glutathione do you generally recommend for someone who wants to whiten in a matter of one month?  Also, what is a good brand?

Joy

Dear Joy,

I have to be honest with you, at this point I truly do NOT prescribe glutathione to any of my patients. For one, glutathione is not FDA approved for whitening.  Secondly, I don’t think brown skin should be “fixed” by using glutathione.  Malay skin isn’t broken to begin with.

I am sorry if you feel the need to whiten your skin to look pretty. I do not see any reason why Filipino skin should be changed to achieve the mestiza or Caucasian look.  I will understand and treat uneven coloring on the face or dark scars and dark underarms (from using the wrong deodorant).  These are easily treated with some lightening creams. Best of luck!

* * *

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have yellow toenails.  How do I treat them?

Lalaine

Dear Lalaine,

If we are talking about all ten toenails, then it might be prolonged nail polish use that is making them yellow. The pigments used in some nail polish can cause yellowing over time. You can soak your feet in hydrogen peroxide or apply baking soda paste on them.  It is important to abstain from nail polish use for a few weeks. 

If only a few nails are yellowed, there might be an ongoing fungal infection.  Unfortunately, anti-fungal nail creams will not work for this kind of condition.  Medicated nail lacquer with some antifungals will have to be applied weekly.  For very severe conditions, oral treatment may be necessary.

There is a rare condition called yellow nail syndrome that may indicate a more serious problem with the lymphatic or respiratory system. This is usually accompanied by associated signs and symptoms of the ailing system. This will require a more thorough investigation from your doctor.

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.