Skin Republic

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have warts on my arms and on my legs.  They are tiny, flat warts.  I have tried having them removed but they still keep coming back. I want a permanent end to it.  What is the best way to go about it?

Marky

Dear Marky,

Verruca plana, or common flat warts, are barely noticeable at first.  You only pay attention to them when they become too many to count and become a sore sight.  Because this is viral in nature, they are contagious and have a tendency to proliferate in some areas of the body.

Some people, like those with skin asthma/eczema or allergies, because of the frequent scratch marks, are prone to warts.  Breaks on the skin compromises the barrier, hence, the tendency to easily get infected with warts. 

To get rid of warts, all areas of the body have to be inspected to ensure that areas for treatment are targeted.  Laser, cautery, or liquid nitrogen will be used to eradicate it.  This should be done in one session, and not area by area.  Complete removal will necessitate frequent follow-up in the first three months.  Some baby warts that may not have been visible may show itself at a later time and will need removal too.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I'm forever after flawless skin.  I recently purchased some products from Korea and noticed that my face started stinging a few days after I used them.  Should I be concerned?  Will I eventually be immune to the side effects of the products?

Sara

Dear Sara,

Flawless skin can be attained but should not be at the expense of further damaging your skin.  On the mild end of the spectrum, tingling and temporary stinging can be the dead skin layer starting to slough off.  But it can also be a sign that your skin is becoming irritated.  Maybe the product is too strong or maybe you just have sensitive skin.  Irritant contact dermatitis, may initially manifest as stinging, pink or red reaction, as well as itching and papule formation later on.

Gradually getting used to the product can be achieved by using it sparingly at first, and alternating days of using it.  Once your skin has adjusted to the product, then daily use can be accomplished.  However, observe caution because even after reducing the amount of product you use, as well as reducing frequency of application, there is still stinging or redness then it is time to stop what you are using.  If you are using a set of skin care products, it might be useful to patch test which among them is causing the reaction.  This can isolate which one you will have to stop.  If the ingredients are readable (meaning it is printed in English), then your PDS derma can easily identify the most likely cause of the stinging.

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). For information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/. For questions or concerns, please text to: 0932 857 7070; or email to: [email protected]; or call The Freeman: (032) 2531276, or PSH: (032) 233 8620 and 232 5929. Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.