Allergy

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have lately been experiencing itchy palms. While my aunties are quick to flatter that it means a sum of money coming my way, I am alarmed because it feels like it's a germ raid.  But sometimes it doesn't go away even if I wash my hands thoroughly.  It stops only after a while and I get red streaks.  Should I be alarmed about this?

Rowena

Dear Rowena,

Itchy palms can mean either two or three things:  allergy or eczema. A more thorough combing of your history will distinguish between the two conditions, as well as an examination of your palms by a PDS derma.  By germ raid, I am assuming you are considering a fungal infection.  This can also be possible but a laboratory test (KOH stain) is necessary to confirm it. However, there are measures that can relieve you of the itching temporarily.

Avoiding use of alcogel, antibacterial soaps, fragranced lotion, hot water, and detergent contact on your hands can go a long way.  Intake of antihistamines for a few days will keep the itching at bay.  Addressing the heart of the problem and preventing the factors that trigger your condition (if it is indeed allergy) may cause dramatic improvement of your palms.

Dear Dr. Jen,

Greetings!  My concern is on the various varicose veins sprouting on my legs.  The veins are clearly seen on top of my foot and near the Achilles heel.  People say that this came about from too much standing and washing the feet after strenuous activities.  Is there a remedy for this without having to undergo surgery?

Jun

Dear Jun,

Varicose veins are somewhat a hereditary problem. Some factors come into play that may also increase varicosities:  old age, pregnancy, obesity, being female and presence of blood clots in the legs.  The more common cause of varicose veins is the one that you mentioned - prolonged standing or sitting.  Washing the feet after exercise does not cause varicosities.  A duplex scan on the legs will determine where the weakened valves are.

With the advance of medicine, there are several options (aside from surgery) for treatment of varicose veins.  One of the gold standards of treatment is sclerotherapy.  This entails injecting an irritating substance into the dilated veins, causing thickening and scarring of the veins.  There are possible side effects like hyperpigmentation (darkening) after the procedure.  Laser treatment is effective for smaller varicose veins especially the superficial and spider veins.  This may take several sessions and again, darkening may temporarily be seen after.

Use of pressure stockings can prevent further damage but will not reverse the current size or appearance of your varicose veins.  This is helpful after treatment with any of the modalities mentioned above. I hope this answered your question and guide you to seeking proper treatment.