Dear Dr. Jen,
There are white bumps on my skin and I think they are whiteheads. I tried to prick them myself but it seems too deep. Is there a cream that can help remove them or do I need to see a doctor to have them cauterized?
Cara
Dear Cara,
Whiteheads and milia, are basically oil, dead skin cells and dirt trapped under the skin. Milia can go a little deeper but it doesn’t transform into pimples like whiteheads do. Pricking them can be very tempting.
But if you prick them in the wrong way, scarring can result. Never ever pick them with your fingers. When you use your fingernails to prick a milia or a whitehead, the tendency is to scrape off too much normal skin surrounding it. This leads to removal of a wider part of the epidermis and may lead to a dark spot. Also, if you push the whitehead too deep, it can become a pimple.
The nearest PDS dermatologist can use the right tools to remove it the right way. No cauterization is necessary. However, if you are patient enough to use creams, there is a couple to choose from. Tretinoin or adapalene can help slough off the dead skin layer on top and push out the milia or whitehead eventually. This may take several weeks or months.
Dear Dr. Jen,
I see so many small, itchy rashes on my hands. It is mostly on the edges of my fingers. It comes and goes. My derma says it is from allergies to detergent but I do not wash dishes or clothes. Is it possible to be allergic to hand soap?
Brenda
Dear Brenda,
Yes, definitely! It is possible to be allergic to hand soap. This can be due to the antibacterial component in hand soap (found in Safeguard and the likes) or the strong scent. Both can bring about dryness and irritation to the skin.
Dyshidrotic eczema can also present like small “sago” fluid-filled vesicles on the hands. This can also be brought about by irritation or dry skin. Applying a cortisone cream and taking antihistamines will provide relief. Using a mild soap and hypoallergenic lotion can prevent recurrence of the rashes.
Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with the Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). Information on PDS is at www.pds.org.ph. Questions or concerns regarding the skin may be sent by text to 0932 857 7070 or emailed to askskinrepublic@gmail.com; or coursed thru The Freeman – (032) 2531276, or thru PSH – (032) 2338620 and 2325929. Inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.