Skin Republic

Dear Dr. Jen,

I am 22 years old and have just started on my new job.  I am attracted to a cute guy in the office.  My co-workers always tease me that I am a tomboy because I never wear dresses or skirts.  I am always in my pants to cover up a keloidal scar on my leg.  Is there a way to make it disappear without surgery?

Rinalyn

Dear Rinalyn,

Keloids are overgrown scars.  It can develop from boils, surgical wounds, lacerations, burns, and body piercings. It may be genetically transmitted, but mostly the cause is unknown. Hormones or immune system abnormalities play a role in some cases. The scar can grow beyond the borders of the original wound.  It may become painful, itchy or even have a burning sensation.

Surgery is never the solution in treating keloidal scars.  In fact, more surgery can worsen it.  The usual form of treatment easily used is steroid injection.  This entails injecting the scar with steroid to flatten it.  In most keloids, more than one session is needed.  Silicone gels or dressings, cryotherapy and pulse dye laser are other options.  However, with most keloids, even after treatment a little sheen from the scar will remain.  The achievable goals are having the color back to normal and getting the bump to flatten like the normal skin surrounding it. Good luck with finding your PDS dermatology to have your keloid treated!

Dear Dr. Jen

I am in my 50s and for the first time I have allergies. I have red dots on one thigh that later turned into painful blisters. It is very itchy and looks very ugly.  It’s been there for a week already. I was given anti-allergy meds by my doctor but it hasn’t helped any.  What else can I use to make it better? 

Nima

Dear Nima,

You might want to rethink the diagnosis of allergy.  Perhaps when your doctor saw it, the blisters weren’t present yet.  Shingles (herpes zoster) typically present as rashes on one side of the body that later develop into blisters.  They may burn, itch, tingle or even become very sensitive to clothes or light touch.  Shingles can appear on the thigh, or the trunk or face.  However, they never cross the midline of the body.  The rashes last for about two weeks.  When the blisters have healed, pain and itching may still linger for weeks to months after.

It is important to have it treated at the beginning while fresh blisters are still present.  This is the time when antiviral medications work best.  Antihistamines and pain relievers are sometimes prescribed to make you more comfortable.  Your doctor will teach you how to take care of the blisters, by washing with mild soap and water and applying an antibiotic cream after. Get plenty of rest and make sure to drink your vitamin B supplements!

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. Dr. Jennifer Toledo Tan, MD, FPDS(FREEMAN)