Pimples

Dear Dr. Jen,

I get pimples on my underarms a lot. Some of them have turned into dark scars. Is it the deodorant I am using?  Which is the better way to get rid of hair in the area, shaving or waxing?  Which one will cause more pimples?  Because I have tried both and I still get pimples in the armpits.

Geraldine

Dear Geraldine,

Folliculitis on the underarm area is due to a lot of things.  Inflammation can be caused by shaving, waxing, plucking and even wearing tight clothing.  Bacteria or yeast can then enter compromised skin leading to infection.  In most cases, applying antibacterial ointments can help bring down the pimples.  When the pimples develop into bigger boils, you may need oral antibiotics.

Applying any deodorant, especially scented, whitening and stronger solutions, after shaving or waxing can further irritate the skin. Hypoallergenic, mild and unscented antiperspirants are preferred.  If repeated folliculitis occurs, you are a good candidate for permanent hair removal using lasers. But be judicious over which lasers to choose since there are a lot of useless and painful lasers that don’t really work.

Dear Dr. Jen,

How long do allergies last?  I have been having food allergies for a while around my mouth.  It has been on-and-off for several months now.  It goes away with the medication but then comes back after a few weeks.  I have not been able to wear lip products for a long time now.  Please help!

Jeannie

Dear Jennie,

Allergies around the mouth can be triggered by lip products or food intake.  If you do not use any lip balms or lipstick, it might be related to food allergies.  Nuts, fresh fruits and some vegetables are often the culprit. You can see an allergologist to have it checked. You can also see your local PDS dermatologist to check which lip product gives you allergies.

While applying cortisone or anti-inflammatory agents will help, this will merely relieve you temporarily.  Once you eat the trigger food or use the same lip product, the allergies will come back again. Allergies of these kind are often life-long. Therefore, identification of what causes it and then permanently avoiding it will give you permanent relief.

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 [email protected]; or coursed thru The Freeman – (032) 2531276, or thru PSH – (032) 2338620 and 2325929. Inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.